I am fortunate to live in downtown Almonte where it often takes me fifteen to twenty minutes to walk from my condo to the post office and back. Depending on what is happening, people (whether friends or not) often stop to chat. When this almost eighty-year-old (apparently crazy) lady says hello to their dogs and babies, they pause and smile without judgement or anxiety, and I am caught by the way their everyday beauty shines through. Would I like to record what I see on my camera? Yes, but in some ways it doesn’t really matter. My internal lens picks up an image to return to on a rainy day.
Sometimes there are tourists on the street as well, quickly snapping “drive by” photos on their cell phones of the Old Town Hall and selfies with James Naismith. This is great advertising. They take home visual trophies to show friends the neat place they visited. And yet, as I watch them wander down the street, I am left wondering whether they are just looking or do they really see?
There is a difference between looking for photo ops and actually seeing what has attracted you. In some sense the former is exploitive. Note the language: capture, take, shoot. Photography begins with a contemplative attitude. It begins with learning to see. It becomes a conversation between the photographer and the subject. It is listening without your answer running, and then using the camera to express what you have experienced. Some would say it is painting with light. Happily, it is an inexpensive art form that allows for lots of creativity and experimentation.
The Centre for Creative Living (CFCL) has a photography group that meets Friday afternoons in the hall at St. Paul’s Anglican Church from 1:30–3:30pm We are very fortunate to have a mentor, Rod Trider, who volunteers to help us with our photographic skills. Rod is a past president of the Canadian Association of Photographic Arts. His passion is creating unique photographic and multi-media art works. He exhibits frequently in art galleries, art shows and public spaces. His works are in collections in over 12 countries. He also has curated or co-curated over 25 art exhibits and is a national and international photographic competition judge.
While Rod’s professional experience is impressive, he is a very down-to-earth encouraging mentor. He comes once a month and teaches some very simple principles; for example, what is the main subject? Is there anything superfluous that takes away from the subject? He says: “my hope is to be able to inspire others to realize their artistic potential, to elevate their skills and maybe encourage them to push their boundaries.” He provides a challenge each month which members may pursue if they wish. The following month he gives feedback on whatever photographs people want to show.
In between Rod’s visits, members of the photography group work cooperatively, sharing their photos and learning from one another about such things as composition, camera settings and post-processing. Anyone who is interested in moving beyond taking pictures to exploring photography as an art form is welcome to join the group. We have lots of patience for beginners. To get connected, email cfclstpauls@gmail.com to learn more about the Centre for Creative Living and the photography group.