My interest in photography started when I was quite young. My grandparents would go on long trips, to far away places around the world, and on their return would give the whole family a slide show of places I had never heard of. I always thought it would be fun to be able to do that too.
My first camera was a Kodak point and shoot I bought when I was 18 and living in Alert Bay. The scenery was beautiful, and I wanted to share it with my family when I returned home. Later, in 1978, I bought a used Zeiss Ikon in Whitehorse, and took some nice scenery shots, but really didn't know what made a "good" picture. From then until 1999 I took occasional shots using the Zeiss Ikon and my wife's Canon point and shoot. I then purchased a Canon Elan II but only took family and travel pictures for a few years. I had always wanted to improve my photography, but didn't really know the best way. One day when talking to one of my clients, he advised my he had been a long time member of the Langley Camera Club, and that I should come out to a couple of meetings on a "no obligation to join" basis. So in 2003 I showed up for a meeting. The only meetings I've missed since then are when I'm out of town. It's a fantastic place to learn about photography and have fun at the same time. There are numerous excellent shooters in the club who have been very patient with myself and the other rookies, especially on field trips, always taking time to show and share their wisdom and experience, and for that, a big thank you to them. The hands on learning is invaluable. Even the indoor meetings are a great place to gain valuable skills, especially in the once a month judging night where you hear constructive criticism of each slide and picture entered. Like anything else, you learn from your mistakes. (and others)
Since joining the club I have upgraded my Canon system with two new lenses, a Tamron 28-300 XR and a Tamron 90mm Macro. Both of these take excellent quality pictures. My primary photographic interest is scenery, but I would like to expand into more macro work.
Click here to view Ken's image gallery