Earlier this week our ProProgram organized a social to meet, shoot and socialize. This bonus of the program is designed to get Programmers out together to exchange ideas and meet others pursuing photography in a serious way.

Pro Photography Program - Ottawa

We meet as a group every 2-3 months and in May we met in the wilds of Gatineau Park to photograph on the escarpment overlooking the Ottawa Valley. It’s a magical time for two reasons:

• young leaves are beginning to green the desolation left by winter’s freeze

• the ravenous, carnivorous bugs are still relatively dormant.

Pro Photography Program - © Erica McKay

We hiked into the location, spent some time shooting, made it back to the start point as it was getting dark and promptly reconvened for more discussion at the Old Chelsea Pub.

ProProgram - © Erica McKay

Thanks to the ProProgrammers for keeping this part of my work fun!

ProProgram - © Sue Fisher

Last week we finished our longest running photography class (Creative Fundamentals has run since 2001) at our Ottawa studio.

Ottawa Photography Course - Creative Fundamentals - © June C

Creative Fundamentals continues to be popular because it helps beginners and intermediate photographers either learn or solidify the basic building blocks of photography – elements many people never learn. The class was eager and fun – with laughter mixed in with lessons.

Creative Fun Photography Class - Ottawa - © Victoria

The class did well with improvements made all round.

The next opportunity to learn the magic of fundamentals is either through a condensed Custom Course – available throughout the year – or in our September group session of Creative Fundamentals on September 19th (eve), 22nd (day), 26th (eve), 2012.

You can register on the Creative Fundamentals web page or contact a real human by email.

Creative Fundamentals Photo Class - Ottawa - © Ginny B

Last summer’s Bike Race Photo Safari pulled many photographers out to test the limites of their skills.

It’s fast. It’s fun!

But what makes this safari so amazing for photographers is the constant action – cyclists pass the photographers at high speed… every minute. “Oops, I missed the shot… Oh, here they come, again!”

It’s so popular we feel obligated to bring the Bike Race Photo Safari back this year!

Bike race photo safari

The scoop:

We meet as a group and cover the ideas of shooting fast paced action as athletes warm up. We select 3-4 locations over the event while handing out challenges to push your limits. Cyclists race around a closed loop ensuring photographers get to shoot action every minute or so.

The event flies by.

Photos shine.

Smiles glow.

“It was the perfect race for a safari and I picked up some good tips …  You have an excellent teaching style.”

“Harry, you are constantly coming up with innovative workshops.  This Safari was brilliant!  It gives us seasoned photographers opportunities to shoot something different and brush up on our skills.

Thanks so much for being Harry. You are always so consistent with making sure everyone understands the concept and getting it in our cameras.”

Bike Race Photo Safari

Date: June 26th, 2012; 6-8:30pm (approx.) Rain date: July 10th; 6-8:30 pm (approx.)

Cost: $65 + HST

Location: 15 minutes from downtown Ottawa.

Details and registration.

Bike Race Photo Safari - Ottawa