I have dabbled in photography for as long as I can remember. My father was in the Army and I enjoyed the wonderful opportunity of living in Germany and travelling throughout Europe. I also experienced the wonderful diversity of this country of ours... Canada!
Both of my parents were avid photographers. My mother shot countless slides and my dad was never without his movie camera filming our travels, his escapades in the Forces, and of course documenting the growth and experiences of our family. The eldest of four, I was a very imaginative child, and interested in science, art and history. I would often retreat into my vivid imagination and get lost in thought which balanced my many responsibilities at a young age. Unknowingly, these events became the stepping stones of life’s journey. Exposure to different cultures, their languages and history, and a variety of visual vistas laid the groundwork for my passion in the visual arts.
Although, often accused of day dreaming my parents encouraged my creativity and fed my imagination with lessons in art, music and dance. As the eldest, it was not unusual for my parents to hand me the still, or movie camera on various occasions. I remember fondly, at nine years old, my Dad showing me how to use the movie projector. At thirteen, he gave me an old Brownie and some outdated 120 black and white film and told me to "go for it". I still have those faded photographs that depict my siblings goofing around.
While in College in Montreal, I enrolled in a basic photography course and discovered the magic of the darkroom. I lived on my own by then, and took scores of images during my late teens and early twenties of everything from car and motorcycle racing, to the architecture of Montreal, scenic adventures in rural Quebec and of course, images of friends.
At 22, I ventured west and for the next sixteen years or so, lived in the remote area of Northern Vancouver Island. The area is a Nature photographer’s paradise and offered endless possibilities for the creative mind. Although photography enthusiasts were few and far between, as were educational opportunities and mentors, I continued through trial and error to develop my skills and improve my photographic eye.
We moved to Langley in 1994, and in January of 2000, I joined the Langley Camera Club. It was the best thing that I had done to date, to advance and improve my photographic skills! I discovered the beauty of Velvia Film, the advantage of tripods, and learned how to manage various lighting conditions. Looking through the lens and seeing a potentially great image never failed to produce an adrenaline rush! I also learned, with difficulty, the many technical terms, specs and equipment names that would explain photographic skills, and the tools to accomplish them. Always a challenge, entering evaluations and competitions opened up an endless array of learning opportunities. Viewing other members’ work, was a constant buffet of visual pleasure and entertainment that nourished my imaginative mind. In addition to film, the growth and development of digital photography has given me yet another avenue to tempt my creative soul.
As a proud member of the Langley Camera Club, I look forward to many more years of photographic pleasures and creative discoveries in this wonderful world of the visual arts!
Click here to view Anita's image gallery