Yellowknife Online

On Saturday, May 22, 2010, I attended a workshop put on by local photographer Dave Brosha. The workshop was based on scenes around Yellowknife, so the workshop was appropriately titled Yellowknife Scenes – A Field Workshop.

I had taken one of Dave’s workshops before and was very excited about taking this one. Reading what he had planned for this workshop, on his website, told me this was exactly what I needed. It was a full day workshop design for all skill levels, covering many photographic techniques and styles. The workshop would take us all over the city and cover many questions and pre-defined topics, such as low-light techniques, using flash, portraits, landscape photography, abstract/detailed images and so much more.

Arriving at Tim Hortons at 7:30am we all had the chance to introduce ourselves and bring to light any pressing questions we would like answered throughout out the day. It was great to see such a variety of skill levels throughout all the participants. Some who wanted to apply photography to their jobs, some who were beginners and others like Lee Sacrey and Geoff Fandrick, who want to pursue photography as a profession.

The first place Dave took us was the Frame Lake Trail, just behind the hospital. At this location we worked on taking landscape photos. Dave being an excellent instructor had no problems teaching us the basics about taking a good landscape photo and what to look for when doing it. Although everyone ideas of a good photo various, he explained that you should look for lines, and flow in your shot. He also said that by adding a person, or some sort of item in the photo, can add another level to it.

After an hour and a half we went off to our next location. The location being the hill behind the old Johnson’s Hardware Building, the one with all the hand prints. At this location we focused on Portraits. This was one of the topics I was excited about. As we were gathered at the bottom of the hill, Dave spoke about Aperture and the F-Stop, what contributes to a good portrait and some suggestion about where to stand, kneel, or lie when taking the photo. He mentioned that you shouldn’t be afraid to get down on the ground to take the photo and that more often than not, interesting photos are from angles we don’t often see. Some of my favorite portrait photos are one with a blurred person in the background.

After a hardy lunch we all reconvened at the Giant Mine Docks. There the Mine Historical Society has a great display of old equipment used when the mine was in production. Here we focused on getting the detail in our photos. Getting up close and showing what is really there.

Our final destination for the day was the underpass in front of Co-op. This was and is an excellent location to learn how to use flash and long exposures. We all got right in to it, literally, all 11 of us in the underpass at once with cameras and flashes going. By adjusting setting like, exposure, aperture, and ISO we were able to get detailed photos of the graffiti art. Of course by doing this we are making our cameras stay open for multiple seconds. You can also see in some of my photos on flickr, that by adding a person and bouncing the light from the flash can give an amazing look. This was also one of my favorite techniques and I hope I can remember how to get back to it.

At the end of the day I felt enthused and confident about my newly developed photography skills. I only hope I remember all the information Dave taught us throughout the day. I can’t think of anything I would change or critique about the workshop. Dave is, again, an amazing instructors and does a fantastic job are making sure everyone understand what he is teaching. He makes sure that everyone understands him and gives everyone the chance to ask any questions they have. Along with Dave, it was an honour to take this workshop with everyone attended. It is great to be able to just talk and discuss photography with others who also have an interest in it.

I can tell you now that I plan on attending another one of Dave’s workshop and I definitely think they are worth checking out whether you are a pro or beginner. To find out when his next workshop will be, Like his Facebook page Dave Brosha Photography.

Over the weekend Yellowknife experienced some of the best displays of aurora many photographers have seen in a while. Apparently this year hasn’t been a very good one but nonetheless they were out and many photogs took advantage of that fact. Even those of us who are not photographers appreciate the beauty of the Aurora. For some reason it is something special about that aurora. It is one of those attractions that so many in the south talk about but hardly ever see, so whenever we have the opportunity we’re going to tell you about them.

Anyways back to why I started writing about the aurora in the first place. After last weekend’s light show many photos popped up online. For example both Lee Sacrey and Dave Brosha were out on Vee Lake and managed to capture some unbelievable photos. Jason Simpson was also out on the Ingraham Trail, except was out at Prelude Lake. He managed to capture an awesome video of the aurora dancing in the night sky.

Do you get any good shots of the aurora? Share the link in the comments, we’d love to see them.

I made a point to find the time Saturday afternoon between Caribou Carnival events to head down to the Snow Castle to see Karl Johnston. Karl is a young photographer from Fort Smith who specializes in photographing the Aurora Borealis. This was the first time I’d met Karl in person, although we have talked on occasion through Twitter and Facebook. At the age of only 21 he has exploded in to the norther photography scene.

The reason for his weekend visit to Yellowknife was to display his photographs at the Snowking’s Snow Castle, which is where I caught up with him. He said the day was going well and he had already sold one of his prints. Although at the time of my visit the castle wasn’t to busy, it was expected to pick up as other events took place.

Karl’s photographs are also on display in the Northern Images Art Gallery and have been for a couple months now. So if you missed him down at the Castle, be sure to check them out there.

He also told me he is planning on launching a new website in the near future to better suit his customer. Be sure to watch for the new site at www.KarlJohnston.com.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Caribou Carnival, it starts at noon on a Friday which means most businesses shut down early for the celebration. This year was no different. After working the morning I quickly went home to gear up, once I came back downtown, I found myself a prime parking spot (which was free courtesy of the City of Yellowknife) along 53rd st close to where 49th Ave was closed off for the carnival.

Once in the grounds there were tents spread out everywhere. In the empty parking lot was where your carnival food could be found. Like, cotton candy, hot dogs, syrup on a stick and much more. On the blocked off part of 49th Ave was the Kidz Alley where there were games for kids. Games like rope ladder climbing, giant snakes and ladders, ball toss, curling and more. This was all so close to the Caribou Carnival Jail, where those who were caught without a carnival button went, which was being constantly guarded by the carnivals finest Caribou Cops. In front of the City Hall building were two more tents with button making and sewing happening inside throughout the day. You could make your own button with your face on it, so years down the road you can look back and support yourself. Finally was the Big Tent where housed all the live music and entertainment. Many bands both from town and out played the stage throughout the day as well as Neal Bacon and The Checkerboard Guy.

The first day was a success in my mind, a few bumps here and there, but none the less a good day with lots to do. Then to conclude with an amazing fireworks show in the evening was perfect. Here is a recap video of the day and pictures. Let us know what you think of day one and our video/photos.

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The Frozen Eyes Photographic Society wishes to announce an exhibition of Northern student photographic  work from youth in the communities of the Northwest Territories. Represented are Fort Liard, Deline, Fort Smith, Fort Simpson, Yellowknife and work from the Arctic Winter Games of 2008.

During the Arctic Winter Games of 2008 held in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, four young people were selected from submissions of work by students in the Territory as part of the cultural component of the Games. Based on the success of this event, the Frozen Eyes Photographic Society was formed to bring photography to the remote communities of the Territory. Many of these communities are accessible by prohibitively costly air travel and winter or ice road.

The majority of the photographs displayed are taken by aboriginal Dene youth. It is the mandate of the Society to visit these remote communities not simply to mentor youth in photography, but in the hopes that the acquisition of new skills, not readily available to them, it will give the confidence to tackle other skills they may not have considered.

It is also a program of discovery. While experienced photographers are on hand to offer technical and aesthetic instruction, it has been found that a program of self directed learning is the most effective. The photographs in this exhibition truly reflect the vision of the students to their environment rather than work accomplished with a mentor standing over their shoulder.

The Frozen Eyes Photographic Society wishes to acknowledge the generous support of BHP Billiton and the Northwest Territories Arts Council without whom this, and future work, would not be possible.

Please contact David Prichard daianto@gmail.com for further information.

The Lens Factory is located in the heart of West Queen West, Toronto’s Art + Design district, gallery central with some of the city’s most cutting-edge galleries.

If you are a photo artist interested in having an exhibition of your work, please contact us for more details and information.

1040 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON. M6J 1H7
Phone: ( 416) 988-0929

Hours of Operation
Wed-Sun 11AM to 6PM

This past weekend (Nov. 21-22) was the 2nd annual Art Expo put on by the Aurora Arts Society. There were many local faces at the event presenting there master pieces. Everything from glass sculptures to painting and photographs to basket weaving. Something that always interests me is photography of Yellowknife, so when I saw some of Fran Hurcomb’s work I was in awe. Some of the other artists that were in attendance were: Ann Timmins, Jennifer Walden, Monique Roberts and Caitlin J. Lacey. There were also jewelry by Naimo Lewsaw, Glass work by the Yellowknife Glass Recyclers and sculptures by Monique Roberts.

To view all of my photos you can check out that Flickr Set. Be sure to also check out photos taken by a fellow local blogger on his blog Life in the Knife. Did you go? What did you think?

The second annual Artists Exposition or Art Expo will be happening on November 21 and 22 from 11am to 5pm both days. The Expo will be taking place in the DND Gym in the Multiplex.

The Expo is being sponsored again for the second time by the Aurora Arts Society. Exhibits will include paintings, sculptures/carvings, photography, textiles, jewelry, ceramics/pottery, glass, print making and more. Guests to the show will be able to meet the artists in person and get a first hand look at such great local talent. Definitely something worth checking out.

Details

• What: 2nd annual Art Expo
• When: November 21,22 2009 – 11am to 5pm
• Where: DND Gym, Multiplex

For more information call Astrid at 920-7497 or email astrid(at)theedge(dot)ca.

If you are interested in volunteering email Lynda at lyndaco(at)theedge(dot)ca

Yesterday afternoon I had the pleasure of dropping by Dave Brosha’s Studio Open House. I have been a big fan of Dave’s photography for sometime, and was excited to hear a couple of months ago he was planning on opening a studio/gallery. Well that time has come, he is now working out of the studio.

Unfortunately because I myself am no photographer, I was not able to capture any photos of his new studio. Although I can safely say it is an awesome one. As I also did not take any video like I had originally intended, I shall reenact my experience via words.

To the untrained eye you may not notice the sign to Dave Brosha’s studio, so that is why I want to explain it to you. If you know where the Taste of Saigon and Fuego’s restaurants are, then you are more than likely going to be able to find the studio. The door leading up to the studio is situated right in between the two. Upon entering the door you immediately go up a flight of stairs and find yourself in a magnificent hallway. This hallway like the rest of the studio has just been renovated, with hardwood flooring and wall mounted light fixtures. One of the first things you will notice while going down this hallway, which I assume doubles as part of the gallery, is all the photographs that have been framed and are just waiting for someone to take home. There are several doorways off this hallway that lead to the rest of the flat. One door to another gallery area, another to an office and even a waiting room for clients. There is a large open area at the end of the hallway where the magic must happen. If you are ever in the area you should definitely check it out.

It was a pleasure seeing Dave and his studio again. Dave is a magnificent photographer and if you are at all interested in getting some photographs done I would encourage you to give him a call. Everyone that I have spoken to that has ever work with him has nothing but good things to say. You should also check out his website, he has one of the most active photo blogs of the north.

All photos associated with this post from DaveBrosha.com

Photo by: Dave Brosha

Most of us loving taking pictures. Whether it is of ourselves, family, friends, nature, landscapes or well whatever happens to be in front of the lens. And most of us can appreciate beautiful photography and that is exactly what Dave Brosha delivers.

Over the last couple month Dave Brosha, a local photographer here in Yellowknife, has been working on an new studio. Well it is finally done and he is ready to go. That is why he is opening up his Studio/Gallery for a public open house. Even if you don’t actually know Dave, chances are you have seen his work.

If you want to check out his new studio and see some of his amazing work on display, consider going to the open house. Here is what you need to know.

Where: 4913 50th Street, 2nd Floor (above Taste of Siagon)

When: Saturday, October 24, 2009. 11am – 4pm

You can also RSVP on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=150274033588&index=1

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Saturday was not only a beautiful day it was also full of events happening around town. I was able to head over to City hall where the Art Gallery and International Food Fair were in full gear. Here are some photos I managed to get.

The Fireweed Studio was one of our stops and a popular one at that. The Studio is always a hit for local art. They also had a demonstration just outside of a weaving tool. If you missed them this past weekend they will be open Saturdays for the remaining of the summer.

Inside the large tent the art show was in full swing. There were many different types of art there, from photography to homemade necklaces, glass figures to basket weaving and painting. One of my highlights was meeting an old friend who does the basket weaving. Back some 13 years ago when my family had first moved to Yellowknife she taught me to weave a basket and to this day is one of my first memories of Yellowknife.

A neat marketing trick that I really liked was what the Yk Guild of Arts & Crafts was doing. They had tons of unique handcrafted bowls and was selling them for $10 each, which already seemed like a good deal. But to top it off they were offering a sundae in the bowl you purchased for free. So you would buy a bowl, get a sundae, and get to keep the bowl. Talk about a good way to convince people to reuse.

My wondering then took me to the International Food Fair where there were many different types of food being cooked right in front of you.

I picked up some homemade Ukrainian Perogies and Sausages and boy were they good.

After we had picked up our food we walked down to the shoreline to enjoy our meals with a beautiful view. The day couldn’t have been any better. The food was greet, the weather was nice and the people cheery.

To see all the photos click here

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