Happy Thanks Giving

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Over the past 10 years I was fortunate to have worked and met with an amazing number of photographers from Manitoba, across Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Inuvik), the USA (California, Oregon, Colorado, Minnesota, Florida, South Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Arkansas, North Dakota), Great Britain (Scotland, Whales), Australia, France, South Africa and even Iceland. It was a joy to have met so many of you who had one common joy and spoke in a common language, that being photography. I’ve seen a vast array of different styles or genres from street, macro, micro, abstract, astrological, portrait, wedding, journalistic, event, travel, entomology, wildlife and of course scenic the most popular of them all. Thank you to everyone of you for sharing your wonder images and amazing stories.

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Of course to have interacted with so many different camera clubs and associations has been an outstanding experience. To see at the grass roots level all the enthusiasts that really form the foundation of this art and industry. Each and every club has members who help and share their knowledge from beginner to the highest level of international award winners all of whom champion their clubs and communities.

I would be amiss if I didn’t also give thanks to the many journalists that I’ve spoken with from newspapers columnists, magazine publishers and television hosts. The community of gallery owners, curators and publishers who all shared their expertise openly and willingly my heartfelt thanks and gratitude.

To have had the opportunity to meet and talk with each one of you, to share your input and enthusiasm for the art of photography was a true blessing for me. I know I can’t give back nearly as much as I received but I can certainly pay homage and say thank you for all you’ve done to grow the art of photography.

Happy Thanks Giving Everyone…

Joe Kerr

Ian Tamblyn Concert Wpg., Feb 24 2012

Fall is Upon Us.

Plan for a Fall Harvest.

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We are very lucky to be living in the heart of Canada and specifically Manitoba. The diversity of photo opportunities here is amazing if you just look around you. I’ll bet if you talk to some of your photographic friends there are spots you’ve never heard of, share them and enjoy the bounty we have here.

Ian Tamblyn Concert Wpg., Feb 24 2012

The prairie harvest is one event that takes place all around us. I’ve seen some amazing images in fact there are photographers that dedicate their entire portfolios to farming. Fall is prime time so don’t miss out and maybe even take in a fall supper while your out and about.auto remote camera

I’ve enjoyed shooting the harvest for a number of years now and they’re not difficult to do. There are some things that you want to be aware of. When you see an opportunity don’t just jump in and start shooting, survey the area. Which direction is the wind coming from. Watch the patterns they are using to work the field and pick your spots, whats the back drop etc. Make sure you only bring out the gear your using the rest stays in the car away from the dust, trust me sometimes its a cloud. There’s a good side to this because the dust creates great sunsets or sunrises. Hey and wave to the farmers, they’re out there 12 or more hours mostly by themselves, so be neighborly, cautionary note sometimes they’re not so receptive.

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Enjoy the harvest and maybe have a great meal to boot.

 

I tried some thing new and reprocessed these images to show a soft silky sky. When shooting a very dusty field you’ll notice a haze and that’s what I wanted to replicate, most people will try to get rid of it with clarity or contrast adjustments but I say keep the dreamy hazy look.

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Happy Thanksgiving

Stop and take a moment, it’s worth it….

On the autumnal equinox that just passed, day and night are of equal length and it marks the arrival of the season of fall, traditionally seen as a period of changes leading to the darkness of winter. Far too often, we fear the dark and adore only the light. To some autumn is actually the beginning of the annual cycle. Poets and writers reflect on this time of year with prose of literary splendour and at times despair. This is all a matter of how each individual perceives this beautiful time of year.

As we watch leaves fluttering to the ground in the fall, we are reminded that nature’s cycles are mirrored in our lives.

Autumn is a time for letting go and releasing things that have been a burden.
Autumn reminds us of the impermanence of all living things.

We have experienced the budding of life in spring and the flowerings and profusions of summer. Now the leaves fall and bare branches remind us of the fleeting nature of all things. I suggest as we contemplate fall’s changes, we grow more appreciative of all the beauty that surround us, and autumn is beautiful.

Enjoy this season and celebrate its treasures by spending time walking in a meadow, climbing a hill side or sit beside a majestic tree feeling the warmth of the sun on a coolish afternoon…. and just…. breath….

Happy Thanksgiving…