NAIT Photographic Technology

Thesis Night - February 16, 2012 at 7 pm in the Shaw Theatre

2012-01-17T20:55:00.005-07:00

Good evening!

In just under one month our second year students will be putting on a spectacular show exhibiting their awesome talent and their fabulous images. On February 16th at 7 pm in the Shaw Theater on the NAIT campus our students will showcase their thesis projects for the visual enjoyment of the viewing public. There is no charge for this night of awe-inspiring display. Just bring two hands that can clap and an appreciation for the photographic talents of this next generation of elite photographers.

You are more than welcome to bring a friend and share this evening with family and people you would like to introduce to a high art form. Although casual dress is the norm, the images are all done up to the nines. See you at thesis night and prepare to be both amazed and inspired!

Here is a short sample of what you will see in our show!

Low key, middle key or high key - what is key?

2011-12-02T12:01:00.002-07:00

So my second years are learning all about "key" when it comes to portraiture. They have been learning what it is and how to manipulate it with shutter speed and light control. Their first "key" assignment is that of "Low-Key" portraiture. This is a favoured area of many photographers when it comes to shooting. It allows us to create mood, drama and tension in our images and we even may consider converting them to "black and white"! Black and white with digital you say? You bet! Have a look and see for yourself.

Natural light really works

2011-11-29T10:15:00.001-07:00

Our second students have been busy this term learning the fundamentals of portraiture. Most of the assignments have required that they use portable or studio flash equipment to provide the lighting necessary to create a pleasing portrait that fits with the theme. But sometimes nature over rules. There are many times we know that as professionals we have only natural light to work with. This latest assignment is no exception. The students were asked to create a natural light portrait of a couple. It was left wide open as to subject choice, location and concept. The results as expected varied in concept, execution and final result. Below is a sampling of their interpretation of "Couples Portrait" under natural light conditions. Enjoy!

McBain's Photo Expo

2011-10-31T15:08:00.005-06:00

This past Sunday, October 30th, NAIT participated in a Photographic Tradeshow hosted by McBain's camera. The event was very successful and all people, from presenters to exhibitors to the general public seemed to have a great time. This was a gathering of likeminded people who love photography. Some came to listen to speakers, while others came to see cool new gear. Other's came to speak with great schools of photography like NAIT.

A large number of people came by the booth to talk about their passion for photography and their desire to enrol in our programming. We encouraged them to complete their entrance packages and ensure that they have the prerequisites. Here is one guest speaking to the program chair, Randy Zutter, about the tremendous programming that NAIT has to offer.

2nd Year Portable Flash Assignment

2011-10-21T15:24:00.001-06:00

Our second years are well on their way in learning portrait lighting basics and how to apply them. With fall almost over they have explored the use of portable flash and how to apply it in an ambient environment. They are beginning to understand how they can control any situation and mold it to fit their own interpretive style with use of shutter speed and aperture. This assignment called for the use of two portable flashes to be used as they saw fit either on-location, outdoors or in the studio. One half of the class (Group A) has handed their assignments in and been marked. Watch for an updated posting with Group B's interpretation.

Outdoor portrait season all done

2011-10-21T15:05:00.000-06:00

Our second year students have been busy taking advantage of the warm, sunny fall weather taking outdoor portraits for their 3rd portrait assignment. The assignment was based on interpreting natural light and how it can be supplemented with reflectors in an additive or subtractive way or with portable flash. As we all know this can be a testy situation with the sun peaking in and out of clouds, weather changing etc. I am proud to say they all survived the ordeal and are now seasoned pros at shooting outdoor portraits. Below please find (4) students varied interpretation of "Outdoor Portrait". Enjoy!

Big Shoot 2011/12

2011-10-14T01:51:00.006-06:00

Well, our year one and year two photography students pulled it off again! The Big Shoot has been a tremendous success! From concept to shooting, and editing to printing this image exudes the Archie Andrews theme we were going for. Way to go students.

Let's take a close look at this image. We can see that Archie Andrews is up to his old tricks. On one arm he has the lovely and wholesome Betty while that vixen, Veronica, is certainly catching his eye! What will Archie do? That is the question for the ages. Archie cannot get advice from Jughead as we can also see, he is oblivious to anything outside of food. Less competition, Archie but no love life help! Good luck with that decision....maybe you can remember who Archie ended up marrying?

Our Open House is starting today and we welcome all visitors and prospective students to this great event. Our students have put on quite the display of prints from their work over the past two years. There is a great deal of talent in our midst and we are always willing to share our talents with the public.

Please stop by our Big Shoot room to see the set-up and maybe get a chance to chat with an Archie character or two. You can also come and see our display in the NAIT gym. Chat with current students and staff about your passion for photography. There might be a place for you in our program. We will be around from 9-3 on Friday and from 10-3 on Saturday, on October 14th and 15th.

For those of you who enjoy the processes found within the editing of an image. This video is for you. Enjoy watching this image evolve from beginning to end.

Building a Community

2011-10-07T09:11:00.007-06:00

Here we are at Fort Edmonton on a cool October day. What a great looking group! The book-ends on this photo really ties the group together, don't you think?

All of our first and second year Photographic Technology students spent the afternoon exploring the park and exploring their photographic talents. This was a tremendous day and a great bonding experience for us all!

Here is a little video of our some of our shots. Enjoy and hope to see you all out at our Open House on October 14th and 15th of this month. If you are interested in photography and looking for a terrific program that will enhance your understanding of the art and science of photography then please stop by our booth and visit our classrooms! Now for the video.....

First 2nd Year Portrait Assignment for Fall 2011

2011-09-29T09:47:00.000-06:00

Now that we are well into our first month of classes the student's are busy shooting and handing in the variety of assignments that are due. PHT 350_Portraiture I is no exception. Their first assignment "4 Light Review" is a chance to revisit the fundamentals of a 4 light setup and apply it in a portrait session. They are required to use 4 lights (Main, Fill, Separation and Background) to create a pleasing portrait of their subject. In order for a student's images to appear on our NAIT Photo Blog we have set the minimum mark to be 80% or higher. I am pleased to present our first set of images for your viewing pleasure - enjoy!

Photographic Technology's Annual "Thesis Night"

2011-02-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

It's time for our Annual Thesis Night event, happening Wednesday, Feb. 2nd, beginning at 7:00 pm in the Shaw Theatre on NAIT's Main Campus. Come join us and view the results of our students' third semester project. Each student chooses a theme and illustrates their topic through the creation of 15 - 20 images on the theme. You can expect to see a wide variety of themes, and some amazing imagery. Please join us for this celebration.

2nd Years are treated to an afternoon at Lighttools

2010-12-10T08:47:00.001-07:00

Our second year class was treated to an afternoon of product information and demonstration at Lighttools this past Wednesday. Both Stephen and Monty were great hosts showing us their lineup of product including; Soft Egg Crates, their line up of LR flash units and their newest Soft Egg Crate product called "CU Focus". Monty also took a few moments to demonstrate the use of Soft Egg Crates and how they enhance conventional softboxes. Dwayne was kind enough to stand in as our model so that we could see the effects of these lighting options.

All those who attended came away with some new insight into Lighttools lighting options and their extensive lineup of LR flash units. Thanks Stephen and Monty for taking the time to meet with our second years.

PHT 350 Couple's Portrait Assignment

2010-11-02T09:25:00.001-06:00

Continuing with the theme based assignments for PHT 350 the second year students have successfully handed in their “Couple’s Portrait” assignment. Interpretations for this assignment were left in the hands of the students however, the image captured had to be taken under available light conditions with no use of flash to supplement. The results, as expected, were varied but a couple of them came away with a very nice “Couples” portrait. Enjoy.

Diane Herron

Patrick Zubiri

Amanda Luethi

PHT 350 Portrait Class_Outdoor Portrait

2010-11-02T09:21:00.002-06:00

Our second year students are presently taking a class titled PHT 350 –Portraiture. This class is designed to introduce them to the fundamentals of portrait photography and the various lighting techniques used. The class starts with the basics of lighting and progresses to include outdoor, couples, portable flash, low key and high key techniques. Their second assignment titled “Outdoor Portrait” resulted in some very strong imagery being handed in. Three of the students work is below for your viewing pleasure.

Leah Bignell

Dwayne Martineau

Desiree Abt

Annual NAIT Print Display & Sale

2010-10-19T14:59:00.003-06:00

The students and staff of the Photographic Technology Program would like to invite everyone to our annual Print Display & Sale. Each year the first and second year students print and display their favourite photographs and offer them for sale to the public. This years event is a one day sale slated for November 30th starting at 9:00 AM. A portion of the sales proceeds are to be donated to the "Edmonton Food Bank". Hope to see you there.

Open House 2010 - - NAIT Photo Goes Back to the 80's

2010-10-14T15:50:00.000-06:00

NAIT's Open House 2010 runs from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm on Friday, October 15 and from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm on Saturday, October 16th.

For the traditional "big shoot" theme this year, the Photographic Technology students took a trip back to the 80's and a visit to a high school dance. So if you can remember the big hair, leg warmers and high school cliques of the 80's (or want to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past . . . ) come and check out their display in the basement of H-wing photo studios. There will also be lots of images on display from recent times!

Prospective students will want to attend one of the "Info Sessions" planned for 11:00 am - Noon on each day in H005.

Congratulations to our graduating students!

2010-05-13T10:32:00.000-06:00

NAIT Photographic Technology Graduate Showcase

2010-04-21T12:53:00.000-06:00

Friday, April 23rd, 2010 / 2:30 – 5:00 pm

The graduating students of the Photographic Technology program will be showcasing their portfolios and photographic imagery at a Graduate Showcase event planned for Friday, April 23rd, from 2:30 – 5:00 pm in Room H005 of the NAIT Main Campus. We invite you to come and view the talent and work of our students.

CAPIC Assistant Workshop in NAIT Studios

2010-04-09T16:39:00.004-06:00

Here Michele Ramberg (second from left) oversees the assembly of a lighting soft-box as she recruits students to participate in her demostration.

Darren Jacknisky of Bluefish Studios along with assistant Celena (centre) demonstrate how they go about setting up their equipment and getting the money shot. Michele Ramberg serves as the model.

This is a bit of a late entry but we'll go with it. On Saturday March 20th the Edmonton Chapter of CAPIC (The Canadian Association of Photographers and Illustrators in Communications) held their first Assistant Workshop. The venue was the Photographic Technology studios.

Among the presenters were a panel of six prominent local professional photographers including Curtis Trent, Curtis Comeau, Michele Ramberg, Chris Stambaugh, Nathanael Sapara and Darren Jacknisky. The panel members answered a number of student questions on assisting. Lunch was included and provided a good opportunity for students to mingle with the professionals.

After lunch came individual demonstrations by Michele, Chris and Darren along with his assistant, Celina. Chris talked to the students about wedding photography assisting and gave a good breakdown of what would be expected. Darren then presented with his full-time assistant Celina and they discussed and demonstrated how they would set up a shot. Michele was last but not least and recruited students to help her set up a shot for a magazine cover.

According to main organizer (and recent grad), Dorothy Carter, "It was a great turn out with 18 attendees!! I organized it for Edmonton with lots of help from Michele Ramberg, Brett Gilmour and Darren Jacknisky. For the Edmonton workshop we followed Calgary's outline for how the day would go. I'm just really pleased to see that CAPIC is growing and that we can offer a variety of events to the commercial community."

PHT 450 "One Light Portrait"

2010-03-19T14:12:00.001-06:00

Students recently completed a “One Light” portrait assignment following the style of portrait photographer, Darton Drake, out of Chicago. They were to create a series of 5 or 6 portraits from a single session and present them in a collage form. The results were intriguing, with each student showing their own interpretation of the assignment. I hope that you enjoy viewing the ones presented below.

Nikita Gushue

Melissa Carriere

Zach Ayotte

Miriam Den Oudsten

Karmen Meyer

Jessica Loughlin

Jeanetter Janzen

NAIT Photo Student Wins Edmonton Journal Photo Contest

2010-03-18T09:53:00.001-06:00

We were pleased to hear that 2nd Year Photo Student Karmen Meyer was the 1st Place winner in the recent Edmonton Journal photo contest for post-secondary students. Karmen won the contest with one of the images from her third semester photo thesis. The Journal ran an excellent story about Karmen on the front page of the Saturday, March 13 edition. To read the story, click here.

Congratulations Karmen! Here's the winning image . . .

Major Photo Conference at NAIT

2010-03-05T10:16:00.001-07:00

California photographer Dane Sanders addresses the symposium.

The Photographic Technology program was pleased to host the recent Exposure Photography Symposium at NAIT. This four day event was organized by the Alberta and Saskatchewan chapters of the Professional Photographers of Canada and featured four speakers, an image competition with 260 photographs, national PPOC accreditation judging, national PPOC executive meetings, a Gala Awards evening, and social events. The event was a major success thanks to the concerted efforts of the organizing committee, led by Chairperson Ian Grant.

Tyler Meade from Kamloops demonstrates his commercial location photography technique.

All twenty 2nd Year students entered images in the image competition. Their submissions were judged amongst the entries from the professional photographers and did very well with 3 Merit Awards and 29 Acceptance Awards. The three major student awards for the competition went to: Brendan Klem (NAIT) for the General category; Trevor Burns (NAIT) for the Portrait category; and Arete Edmunds for the Commercial category. The Commercial Photographer of the Year Award went to Corey Hochachka of St. Alberta (a NAIT graduate), and the Portrait Photographer of the Year Award went to Kathy Walker of Red Cliff, Alberta. Congratulations to these individuals, and to all of the category winners.

Photo History Students Tour Archives

2010-03-04T15:12:00.002-07:00

On Feb. 12, the students in PHT210 Evolution of Photography, a second semester course, were treated to a field trip tour of the Provincial Archives of Alberta. Here the students got to see first hand some of the historical photographic materials and products they learn about in class. The tour was very interesting and informative. Many thanks to our gracious and knowledgable hosts for the tour, Terry O'Riordan (right), Audiovisual Conservator and Katie Roth (2nd from right), Reprographic Technician.

PHT 450 Executive Portrait

2010-02-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

Our second years are back and continuing their lighting fundamentals education in their last lighting class called "PHT450 Portrait Lighting II". The class is taught by Ian Grant and highlights the fundamentals of executive, glamour, group and child portraiture. Their first assignment was based on the Executive Portrait theme and gave them the opportunity to capture an "executive" in their work environment. Some of the samples of their work appears below for you to enjoy.

Jeanette Janzen

Jessica Loughlin

Kari Knapp

Miriam Den Oudsten

Yesan Ham

Zach Ayotte

NAIT Photo Grad, Dale MacMillan, featured in Techlife Magazine

2010-02-05T14:25:00.001-07:00

We're always proud to see our graduates get recognition for their talents and their accomplishments. The just-released issue of NAIT's techlife magazine has an article on sports photography tips and features Dale MacMillan, a 1994 graduate of our program. Dale is an accomplished photographer in many areas and is especially well known for the quality of his sports imagery. Have a look at the techlife article and Dale's website.

NAIT Students Winners - - Bridgestone Photo Contest

2010-02-05T14:14:00.001-07:00

Bridgestone Canada has announced the winners of their eighth annual Bridgestone Photo contest. This contest has photographic students from across the country, representing 11 colleges, competing for prizes and cash awards totalling nearly $40,000.

Each of the participating photographic programs receives a First, Second, and Third prize amongst their entries and an overall Grand Prize winner and Honourable Mentions are selected from the entries. Students from both first and second year classes of NAIT's Photographic Technology program entered the competition. While we didn't win the national awards, we are still proud of the entries and our three winners. The first second and third place awards from NAIT are represented below. All of the winning photos from across the country can be viewed at http://www.bridgestonephoto.com/eng/index.asp?id=2009winners .

Congratulations to our winners!

First Place for NAIT . . . First Year student Amanda Matskiw

Second Place for NAIT . . . Second Year Student Miriam Den Oudsten

Third Place for NAIT . . . First Year Student Patrick Zubiri

A Photo Contest for Junior High and High School Students in the Edmonton Area

2010-02-05T13:39:00.000-07:00

You've probably heard about Canadian astronaut Dr. Roberta Bondar, but did you know that she is also a physician, scientist, environmental educator, author and celebrated professional photographer? Dr. Bondar is coming to NAIT as this year's "Women in Technology" guest speaker. Along with Dr. Bondar's visit, NAIT is sponsoring a photo contest for Edmononton area Junior and Senior High School students.

The theme of the photo contest is "Inspiration" and details on the contest can be found at http://www.nait.ca/59100.htm .

Sources of inspiration are different for everyone. For one it could be outer space, for another it could be inner strength. Take a picture of whatever gets YOU going – a person, a place, an experience, a challenge, an adventure – and post it on NAIT’s Facebook page to show the world. You could win some inspirational prizes!

Thesis Night "Teaser"

2010-01-28T10:48:00.001-07:00

Reminder - - Our "Annual Thesis Night" event occurs on Monday, Feb. 1st / 7:00 pm in the Shaw Theatre on the NAIT main campus. Check the earlier (Jan. 18th) post for the poster & details.

The Photographic Thesis course / project has the students exploring a chosen topic through the production of 15 - 20 images on their theme. The following are just a few samples of the varied themes and imagery that you can expect to see as the students present their images "on the big screen". Twenty students will be presenting their results . . . come and see what they have created.

Yesan Hem - - designed original movie posters for fictitious movies of varied genres.

Nikita Gushue - - chose to create tributes to people in the entertainment world.

Jeanette Janzen - - photographed fifteen individuals who live on the streets of Edmonton, chosen to illustrate specific characteristics such as persistence, humour, gentlenesss, strength, and more.

Gord Heatley - - focused his camera and his attention to the theme of "Marking Time".

Karmen Meyer - - took her joy of reading as the impetus to create photographs that reflect stories she has read, with the depictions being led by a scene, or an emotion, or a motif from the story.

Bobbi Ryan - - went with a theme of "umbrellas".

Kristen Bass - - chose the theme of "Timeless Vanity" which was her homage to the work of fashion photographers from the 1920's through to the 1960's.

Kevin Stachniak - - photographed "Alberta Wild", landscapes from around the province.

The preceding images give some sense of the variety, and the quality of the photographic imagery that you can expect at the Annual Thesis Night. Join us if you can.

Annual Thesis Night - February 1st, 2010

2010-01-18T13:27:00.001-07:00

The Photographic Technology program is once again pleased to present the outstanding results of the third semester Photographic Thesis project. The event this year is scheduled for Monday, February 1st beginning at 7:00 pm in the Shaw Theatre (X123) on the NAIT Main Campus. The show will run approximately 1.5 hours and there will be a chance to visit and interact with the students after the showing. We invite you to join us.

Vue Weekly Article on the Photographic Technology Program

2010-01-08T11:20:00.001-07:00

The current issue of Vue Weekly, "Edmonton's 100% Independent News & Entertainment Weekly", features an article on the NAIT Photographic Technology program in the Education section. Have a look at the article.

Computer Tech Editorial Portrait

2010-01-04T14:12:00.000-07:00

As part of the PHT 350 Portrait course I demonstrate the principals for each of the portrait concepts taught in class. The last concept "Editorial Portrait" I decided to use one of our staff members who has been on an exercise mission since late June. Henry, our Computer Tech, has been riding to work and swimming each day as part of his exercise regime. To celebrate his success I asked if he would mind being a subject for my "Editorial" demonstration. Below is the final result and my interpretation of his success - enjoy

PHT 350 Editorial Portrait

2010-01-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year everyone. The second year students have completed there third semester portrait couse. The last assignment was an "Editorial"assignment that was left to each student to interpret in their own way. As you will see from the images shown below the interpretation was very individual. Thanks for viewing our portrait assignments from last fall. We look forward to presenting new submissions this next semester.

Bobbi Ryan

Jeanette Janzen

Tami Paul

Karmen Meyer

CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC ASSIGNMENT

2009-12-17T12:38:00.001-07:00

The crystallographic assignment is one assignment in PHT110 Image Communications, a course intended to teach two-dimensional design to photography students. One of the goals of the course is to help students realize how articulate space itself can be. So this assignment has a triple-pronged intent:

 to train the eye to see subject matter where it might not have looked for it in the past

 to allow the students to use their photographic skills

 to design a larger space that will allow their photography it’s maximum potential.

 (There’s also a subversive intent; to intimidate the student with polysyllabic words! But we don’t admit that up front.)

The outline of the assignment has the student choose an object. They then must photograph at least nine different examples of that object and arrange the nine photographs in a grid. Some leeway is granted in the interpretation of the assignment as the examples will attest. After all, design has a way of taking charge.

The following examples show the diversity and range of the human imagination even when tethered to a set of conditions. They are imaginative, creative and humourous.

Fletcher O'Grady
Instructor, Photographic Technology

Desiree Abt

Leah Bignell

Shawn Gilhespy

Dwayne Martineau

Delain Witzaney

Alberta Milk Shoot

2009-12-15T08:09:00.001-07:00

Alberta Milk teamed up with NAIT Culinary Arts and Photographic Technology students to produce their next set of recipe cards. There are six recipes featured with three of them shot on Monday, December 14th. Ian Grant, Jeanette Janzen, Gord Heatley, Yesam Ham, Karmen Meyer, Brendan Klem and Miriam Den Oudsten all played a part in creating the three recipes photographed on Monday. The remaining three recipes are being photographed in Nisku at Fabulous Foods facility with food stylist Lovoni Walker on Wednesday, December 16th. Watch for a posting of the final results.

PHT 370 Still Life

2009-12-11T07:59:00.003-07:00

Our second year students have just completed their Commercial/Industrial course and submitted the last assignment titled "Still Life". The interpretation and execution of a "Still-Life" image was left to their own creativity. I am pleased to show some of their work below for you to admire.

Jeanette Janzen

Karmen Meyer

Bobbi Ryan

PHT 350 High Key Portraits

2009-12-10T14:08:00.001-07:00

One of the last assignments in our Portrait I class is the "High Key" portrait. It can be a challenge to create what is classified as high key portraits. I think that you will agree with me that the following are all a very strong representation of the "High Key" portrait created by some of our second year students. Enjoy.

Tami Paul

Yesan Ham

Karmen Meyer

Jeanette Janzen

Jessica Loughlin

Trevor Burns

Brendan Klem

Follow-Up To the Annual Print Sale and Display

2009-12-09T13:58:00.001-07:00

The students' Annual Print Sale and Display was held on Nov. 26 & 27 and was a good success, once again. Numerous positive comments on the display and the overall quality of the photographs were shared and appreciated by the students. Over 40 photographs were purchased and after expenses this generated a donation of ~$750 to The Rainbow Society Of Alberta, a non-profit, registered charity dedicated to fulfilling wishes of Alberta children with chronic or life threatening illnesses.

As a component of the show, visitors were asked to vote on their favourite Colour and B&W images. The People's Choice awards for this year went to to 1st Year student Dwayne Martineau for best colour photograph and to 2nd Year student Jeanette Janzen for best B&W photograph. These choices are illustrated below.

People's Choice Awards

Best Colour Photo - Dwayne Martineau

Best B&W Photo - Jeanette Janzen

Food Photography Assignment - - PHT370 Commercial / Industrial Photography Class

2009-12-09T11:48:00.002-07:00

In the Commercial / Industrial Photography course, instructor Fletcher O'Grady has the students do an assignment to experience food photography. The objective is to produce a photograph that illustrates a particular recipe and specifies that "The accent is to be on the food with the intent of making the food as delectable, sensuous and appetizing as your photographic abilities can make it."

Besides the classroom instruction, the students also went on a field trip to view the food photography expertise of Edmonton photographer Stephe Tate as he produces images for the cookbooks of "Company's Coming".

The images below are two samples of the student results, with photos provided by Jeanette Janzen and Jessica Loughlin. The recipe for Jeanette's Crepe Parcels is also available by clicking on the recipe image below.

Jeanette Janzen

Jessica Loughlin

Recipe for Crepe Parcels

PHT125 Critique Course - - "Chinatown" Theme

2009-12-07T12:36:00.001-07:00

One of the advantages of attending a photography course with other students is that you learn from your peers as well as your instructors. The "Critique" course is a prime example of this. All of the first year students photograph on the same theme and the results are viewed and discussed in front of the class. In the process of this, the student sees 20-some interpretations of the same theme, and also hears a variety of reactions / interpretations / comments on all of the images submitted.

A recent theme was the single word, "Chinatown". For this theme the students were allowed to use digital imaging for the first time in the course, and also use colour for the first time (or B&W - - their choice).

Here are some of the results submitted . . .
Adam Corcoran

Kat Hawn

Dwayne Martineau

Dusty Warholik

PHT 125 - Critique Student Assignments

2009-12-02T08:53:00.001-07:00

PHT 125 Critique is a first year weekly class that the students participate in by submitting images to be judged by each their instructors. Each week students capture and submit images that are their individual interpretation of the weekly themes assigned. It is not only a chance for them to make use of fundamentals taught but also to start developing their own creative style and interpretation. One of the recent themes assigned was "When I Grow Up". It is my pleasure to display some of these students interpretations of this theme.

Desiree Abt

Jamie Anderson-Reid

Leah Bignell

Claro Cagulada

PHT 350 Portrait I Student Assignment – Low-Key Portrait

2009-11-23T08:45:00.004-07:00

Congratulations to all the second year students with their Low-Key portrait assignment submissions. I was very happy with their efforts – the portraits overall were the strongest that they have submitted to date. Here is a sampling of some of them for you to enjoy.

Elyse Fiore

Karmen Hughes

Trevor Burns

Jeanette Janzen

Gord Heatley

Bobbi Ryan

Nikita Gushue

2009-11-20T14:33:00.003-07:00

Once again, Photographic Technology students and staff are gearing up for our annual Print Display and Sale, Thursday and Friday, November 26th and 27th. The main campus south lobby will be transformed into a gallery-like setting with many fine works on display for exhibition and sale. Teams of student volunteers are busy getting the word out and doing the considerable leg work involved in preparing for this much-anticipated yearly event.

Prints are mounted and matted, ready for 16 x 20 framing and waiting for a good home on some lucky person's wall. You will find a variety of subject matter and photographic styles in this exhibition ... something to suit the tastes of any discriminating picture lover ... and at a very reasonable price for original art.

Each year the event supports a charity chosen by the students. This year the students have elected to support The Rainbow Society of Alberta, a charity dedicated to fulfilling wishes for Alberta children with a chronic or life-threatening illness. Please come visit us during our event. You may find the perfect Christmas gift for yourself or others.

This Week at NAIT / Nov. 16 - 20

2009-11-18T12:33:00.004-07:00

The Photographic Technology program has a full week of "extra" activities this week:

Monday, Nov. 16th - - Neil Stephenson, Professional Market Executive with Canon Canada came by and gave a presentation on some new Canon equipment / "goodies". Neil is out west to do a Canon 7D intro event at Vistek in Calgary and made a special stop-off in Edmonton to visit with our program.

Tuesday, Nov. 17th - - Steve Smith of Wacom, makers of tablets and touch screen computers used extensively by photographic and graphic arts professionals, came from Portland to demonstrate the Wacom products and show ways of using the tablets effectively. His presentation was attended by both Photographic Technology and Graphic Communications students and staff, as well as a number of other NAIT people. Our Photographic Technology computer labs have 18 tablets available for student use.

Wednesday, Nov. 18th - - two events today:

a second year field trip to ION Printing Solutions, a large printing operation, in Nisku, AB;
"NAIT Night" with the Professional Photographers of Canada-Alberta. This annual event / meeting of the Northern Branch of the association invites the students to attend a meeting to mingle with the pros and see what the association is all about. The format this year is a "businesss blender" and fun print competitition with the meeting at "The Nest" on the NAIT campus.

Thursday, Nov. 19th - - another of the professional photographic organizations, CAPIC, is holding an evening event and have invited the program students / staff to come to their mixer, with a "Clip Up" photo on the theme of "The End" being a part of the event.

Watch for an announcement of our upcoming Annual Print Sale and Display, Nov. 26 & 27!

PHT 350 Portrait I Student Assignment – Couple Portrait

2009-11-09T13:47:00.002-07:00

The latest theme for the second years portrait assignment was “Couples Portrait”. Interpretation to “Couples Portrait” was left open to each student and could be shot in studio or on location. I have displayed several of students with the highest grades images below for your enjoyment.

Gord Heatley

Kristen Bass

Miriam Dan Oudsten

Bobbi Ryan

Jeanette Janzen

Second Year PHT 350 Portrait I Assignments

2009-11-05T09:26:00.009-07:00

The second year students are enrolled in a portrait class that teaches them the fundamental basics of portraiture that include studio lighting, posing, environment, available light and combining flash with available light. Core areas of portraiture that are highlighted throughout the term include: Studio 4 light review, outdoor, couple, low, high key and editorial portraiture. To measure whether or not the fundamentals being taught are being understood bi-weekly assignments are assigned and marked. It is my intent to display some of the top submissions for each category that is taught. The most recent category - outdoor portrait is displayed below for your viewing. Congratulations to each of the students whose image is shown below:

Jessica Loughlin

Karmen Meyer

Ashley Urban

Miriam Den Oudsten

Oct 26th – 30th – Second Year Students participate in one week Work Experience

2009-11-04T11:25:00.004-07:00

Our second year students had a break from regular classes last week to participate in a one-week work experience exercise. They each had the choice of discipline and locale for the studio they wanted to visit for the week. Although many of them stayed in Edmonton some travelled to Calgary, Saskatoon, Vancouver and even Las Vegas to participate. It was a great opportunity for them to get a taste of the real world of studio photography. The staff would like to thank all those individual studios that sponsored our students, your involvement is greatly appreciated. A list of website links for the participating studios is listed below:

www.kimberleyfrench.com/
www.3tenphoto.com/
www.burchphoto.com/
www.cwhillphoto.com/
www.laughingdog.ca/
www.edmontonjournal.com/
www.fredkatzphotography.com/
www.curtistrent.com/
www.dgphotographics.com/
www.helgaphotography.com/
www.klyment.com/
www.kevinclarkphotography.com/
www.knphoto.ca/
www.emmalovephotography.com/
www.waynewallacephotography.com/
www.trogphoto.com/
www.scadephotography.com/
www.purephoto.ca/
www.bluefishstudios.ca/

October 5th - NAIT Students and Staff treated to a Phase One training session

2009-11-04T08:35:00.003-07:00

On Monday, October 5th all of the Photographic Technology staff and second year students were treated to an educational Phase One and Capture One Pro session presented by Walter Borchenko of B3K Digital (www.B3KDigital.com) out of Toronto. Walter is a Canadian Partner of the Phase One organization and he flew in to educate us on the new P21+ Phase One back, cameras and lenses that our department purchased from him. Students and staff were amazed with the quality of the Phase One RAW files and the ease of use of Phase Capture One software and digital camera platform. We look forward to continuing to work with Walter as we educate our second year students on the benefits of capturing images with a medium format system using the Phase One camera system.

The image below was taken during the session and demonstrates a B&W conversion through the Capture One software. One of our second year students, Jessica, posed for the demonstration.

NAIT Open House "Big Shoot" - Oct. 1, 2009

2009-10-27T10:02:00.003-06:00

Every year at our Open House the students produce a "big shoot" which requires a group effort to plan and design a set, gather the necessary props and models, light & photograph the result, and produce "teaser" directional signs to entice guests to come and visit our department.

This year the chosen theme was modelled on the Hasbro / Parker Brothers board game "Clue". All of the models are students within the program. Instructors Fletcher O'Grady and Ian Grant provided assistance and the photo shoot took place in a very brief (due to time constraints) flurry of activity. The photo session also gave the students a first experience with one of the program's new Phase One P21+ cameras, using it tethered to a MacBook Pro for the session.

Here's an example of the result . . .

Directional signs were produced using individual images of the characters, such as Mrs. White, Mr. Green and the other well known Clue characters.