CHANGE ISLANDS – Photographers are learning and applying their techniques throughout Change Islands this summer during the second year of unique photo workshops hosted by Change Islands Centre For The Arts (CICA) director Andrew Danson.
Andrew Danson is a Canadian photographer and artist who has had over 60 exhibitions during the past 30 years.
His next exhibition is in Athens, Greece this coming spring. Mr. Danson has also received a grant from the Nova Scotia government to work on a Titanic Project to the exhibited for the 100th anniversary of the sinking in April 2012.
Being in its second year, participants from all over the country have taken part in the photo workshops hosted by Mr. Danson on Change Islands.
During the Aug. 16-20 workshop five people took part, including Sherri Greig and Paul Hazell – both from Ontario.
“I did an Artic presentation and Paul actually introduced me to Andrew and he talked about coming to Change Islands for the workshop and I was interested right away,” said Ms. Greig.
Ms. Greig began photography four years ago and has traveled the country, including the Artic, photographing distinct locations throughout Canada.
“I look for unique ways to see Canada,” she said. “I have travelled most of the country, but Change Islands is definitely a unique part of Newfoundland and Newfoundland is a unique part of Canada.”
Mr. Hazell has had 14 years experience and has photographed in the Amazon and still learns something new everyday.
“We arrived on Sunday (Aug. 15) and we have been taught plenty from Andrew,” he said. “At least we don’t have to contend with anacondas here, just nippers.”
The group of five, during the Aug, 16-20 workshop, travelled together to different locations each day to photograph their surroundings and capture the beauty of Change Islands.
“You would think that when we travel as a group we would have the same photos, but that’s not the case at all,” said Mr. Hazell.
Ms. Greig added, “We all see the small island in very different ways.”
The workshop
“The workshop takes place between Monday-Friday, incorporating five-days,” said Mr. Danson. “The program involves a combination of photographing throughout Change Islands and it also involves computer-lab time, instruction, constructive critique and instructor and group feedback.
“We generally begin early in the morning, followed by computer-lab and then take a break in the day, which has the less interesting light. Then in the evening we photograph together when the light creates more shadows and it’s warmer and interesting.”
With the on-going success of the workshops, Mr. Danson said he is looking forward to hosting a winter workshop.
“We are going to schedule a winter workshop for Valentine’s Day next year,” he said. “Change Islands during the winter, with the snow, is very different from the Change Islands we see in the summer.”
The workshops are limited to 10 photographers, from beginning to advanced, and cover areas of camera operation (lenses, zooming, aperture, shutter speeds), reading light, portraits, landscapes, composition, editing, printing and exhibiting.
“Our September Photo Workshop (Sept. 13-18) has space for other students,” said Mr. Danson. “We welcome anyone interested in taking part to contact us for more information.”
Lasting impressions
When asked about their experience on Change Islands, Mr. Hazell and Ms. Greig couldn’t say enough good things about their stay.
“It’s quiet, peaceful and friendly; not to mention breathtaking very time you turn a corner,” said Ms. Greig. “The pace of the workshop is perfect too. You’re up early, but in the afternoon you can go pick blueberries.”
“There’s a good energy here,” said Mr. Hazell. “Who wants to leave?”
For more information on Photo Workshops on Change Islands go to http://cicaworkshops.com.
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