Tattoo Thursday...

... or as I like to pronounce it "Tattoo T'ursday." A couple of Thursdays ago the Continuing Photo Class was all about tattoos. The group pooled their resources and invited several tattooed friends to come in and model for the class. The students and models alike had a wonderful experience.

Trina focused her teaching on how to create dramatic and expressive lighting, how to direct and connect with the people who are modeling, and to create story elements to your images. Here are a bunch of photos from Thursday's class.










Our Continuing Photo class is an intimate group of 8 students who have been learning together for a little over a year. Every two weeks we meet and Trina leads the class with a new technique, leads in-class assignments and field-trips, and feedback discussions on each person's work involving the whole class. Students work independently outside of class too, creating their own projects and bringing them to the class for sharing, help, and feedback. This is an excellent way to learn and grow yourself as an artist because of the balance of independence and individual guidance. It's a mastermind group of photography.

It's not easy to get into the class because it's rare that people drop out. The small group dynamic is supportive and fun. Members really miss it when they can't make it to class for some reason.

But guess what! Trina is preparing to put another Continuing Photo group together! Remember, the second class is limited to eight people too and once that one's filled it'll be inaccessible until someone leaves the group. So if you're the slightest bit interested give us a call (519-767-2948), or send us an email (info[at]trinakoster[dot]com ... sorry 'bout the spamproof spelling) and let us know. We're available to answer questions and concerns and provide more information if you like.

This class comes highly recommended.

PhotoCuba! '08 Class Show and opening Reception, Friday May 9

Hey! We took a group of our Canadian students to Cuba again this year for another PhotoCuba! Workshop and now we're having a show at the studio! Scroll down a few of posts here to see a wee photo essay about the trip. And come to the reception on Friday for a fun photo event!

PhotoCuba! '08 presents photographers:

Nicola Acker, Arisdan Balado Rodriguez, Margaret Bell, Gerry Chaundler, Renee Fleming, John Fleming, Patricia Funston, Ruth Howard, Trina Koster, Alan Madras, Shane Norup, Judy Osman, Jessica Palmer, German Portuondo, Mary Roberts, Ken Roberts, Laura Taylor, Joyce Tentor, Doug Tyson, Sandra Tyson.

Opening Fiesta... Friday May 9th
Doors Open at 7:30 pm, Slideshow and Photo Talk to follow.
Salsa Dance Lesson with Flying Dance Company at 8:00 pm

Exhibit duration... May 9th - July 1st, 2008
260 Waterloo Ave. Guelph, ON 519.767.2948

For more info see events at
www.photoworkshopsinguelph.com

Fred Dahms Photo-Book Launch, May 5.

Trina met Fred recently and was really excited about his newly launched project, which is a photo book about Wellington County. He's having an event at 7pm, Monday May 5th at the Bookshelf's eBar here in downtown Guelph. Slideshow, book signing, fun social photography event. Click the invite below for a larger view.


Cheers!
Scott

Camera Toss Photography

Do you ever feel like just throwing your camera? Well, turns out you can get some incredibly cool photos that way! Check it out! This is an image by photographer known on flikr as davespilbrow... you can see his site here; http://fiveprime.org/hivemind/User/davespilbrow.


Rule #1: use a camera you won't mind breaking, because if you do this enough, eventually it will. To extend your tossing camera's lifetime you should devise some very soft landings for it. I've seen some handy camera catchers on these links; boxes of Styrofoam peanuts; pillows and comforters; professional jugglers. You be the judge.

Check out these links for more Photo Toss art and How-To instructions. If you try it and get some images you like please feel free to submit them to us and we'll put 'em up on the blog here! (Submission Guidelines: please submit digital images or scans only. Constrain sizes within 360x360 pixels).


http://cameratoss.blogspot.com/2005/10/camera-toss-mini-howto.html
http://www.flickr.com/groups/cameratoss/pool
http://www.cameratossing.de/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinetic_photography
http://www.jpgmag.com/stories/215
http://www.shaneenglish.com/blog/2006/02/my-camera-tossing-technique.html

Cheers!
Scott

Oxanna Adams Photo Show Newspaper Writeup

Oxanna Adams' show, hanging now here in our workshop space (aka Flo), got written up in the Guelph Mercury! Click here to check it out!

PhotoCuba! 2008 Was Sooo Good!

We had a really fun time with the PhotoCuba workshop again this year. 16 participants joined us for the photo workshop plus a few other spouses and friends came as travel companions. Once again the cultural exchange has been rich and exciting. (I'm working on getting images together from the students to share with you soon.) Everyone had a great time and made some fantastic photos, on May 9th we will be slide show of the student's work at the PhotoCuba '08 group exhibit.

Our fearless leaders! This is our team of Teachers. From left to right: Laura Taylor has been involved with our studio here in Guelph for about a decade. She's been a student, a teacher, and one of our team of wedding photographers. German (second from left) is a surrealist painter and the director of the local art gallery. He's also a professor of fine art. He did several talks about Cuban art, principals of art in general, as well as sharing his unique perspective on composition and concept during student critiques. The next guy there is Arisdan, our technical assistant, translator for German, and organizer of the Cuban side of the exchange. And then there's Trina, head teacher, organizer, visionary and CEO of the PhotoCuba! Workshop.

As a part of the workshop experience we take the participants into Santiago de Cuba for a photo excursion. This year, we visited Centro Provincal de las Artes Plasticas, a public art gallery, where the work from our PhotoCuba! workshops from 2006 and 2007 was hanging! What an honour! German (pronounced “Her-man” with a rolled ‘r’), our Cuban art teacher arranged it. We had no idea just how much the local art community valued the project.

The following week, Trina, German, Arisdan (our Cuban co-ordinator, translator, and technical assistant) and myself returned back to this gallery for Trina to give an artist's talk about her own personal work. She showed a slideshow of her “Searching for Sensuality” photo project, which includes her “Special Waters” images. During the Q&A one of the Cuban artist asked Trina if she would teach a workshop for Cubans. We are now in the planning stages of trying to make that happen. However, our classic PhotoCuba! 2009 for the Canadian and international students is a go for February 3-10th.

The Gallery; Centro Provincal de las Artes Plasticas

Trina's Talk

German, two artists involved in curating the gallery show, Trina and Arisdan.

In the interest of keeping this workshop a true exchange the students bring donations of clothing and art supplies for the community. This year there was a large duffel bag full of art supplies for the grade schools in and around Chiverico.

Some of the Donated Art Supplies

Trina and Arisdan did a class talk for a grade two class at a local school to explain how photography is an art form and why it's so wonderful to photograph in their community.

This guy is the School Principal...

... And this, of course, is the class.

We received some beautiful drawings from the kids at the school expressing their gratitude for the art supplies that was brought to their school. So, thanks again to all of you who generously packed their bags with donations.

All in all this has been another very positive cultural experience for us and we're really looking forward to returning back next year. We hope you can join us! PhotoCuba! 2009 is scheduled for Feb 3rd-10th and people are already asking to be in it!

We are accepting deposits to hold your place so if you’re interested please let us know. We will only be accepting a maximum of 20 students into the class itself… but of course you are welcome to bring travel buddies. The hotel has only has 32 rooms and is often filled with regulars, so it is a good idea to book in advance.

Check out the website for details (www.photoworkshopsinguelph.com). Call us at 519-767-2948, or click here to email us about holding your place in the workshop.

Cheers!
Scott Mooney

Private Paparazzi

Here's a cool photography service... It's like hiring your own paparazzi! Secret portraits of you. And there are some pretty cool shots. Click here to check it out!

http://methodizaz.com/

Cheers!
Scott

Reminder...Urban Revelations, Rediscovering Paris - official opening April 4th!!

Just a reminder of Oxanna's Photo show and opening reception coming up! Here's a message direct from her below...

Urban Revelations, Rediscovering Paris - official opening April 4th!!

After months of hard work and what seemed like endless hours in the darkroom, I am having my first ever exhibit of black and white, silver gelatin prints. Silver gelatin means true black and white film enlarged, manipulated and printed (i.e. no digital technology) in the darkroom. My show runs from March 19 to May 1 at Trina Koster Photography, 260 Waterloo Ave. More importantly, my official opening is Friday, April 4 7 - 9 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., I will be speaking about fine art photography and its role in my creative journey. This evening is an opportunity to see a selection of my images of Paris (France that is) and to mingle with old friends and hopefully new ones.

See http://tkpworkshopconnection.com/ for Scott Mooney's "way cool" comments on my work. Me thinks Scott was still on a post Cuba high when he wrote this one!

If you can't make my opening but would still like to see my photos, Trina Koster Photography is open Tuesday to Friday, noon to 6 and limited hours on Saturday. Please phone 519-767-2948 in advance to ensure that the Flo Creative Studio is open and available for viewing.

Cheers,
Oxanna

Photo Show: Oxanna Adams

Two things about this.

One:
The times have changed from the original launch date. Now Oxanna's having her opening on April 4th from 7 till 9pm. She's giving an artist's talk at 7:30 (which is a great way to learn about someone's creative process... which may give you some tips and insights into your own creative process). And the show is hanging from March 19th till May 1. And the location is still at Trina Koster Photography at 260 Waterloo Ave. here in Guelph Ontario.

Two:
I didn't say anything at all about Oxanna in the previous post, or about her show because I made the post in a big hurry... a terrible oversight because...
... Oxanna is an excellent photographer! I can't wait to see this new body of work she's putting together. Her promo photo in the poster here is gorgeous (click the image for a larger view) and I know the other photos will be too.

Oxanna still shoots incomparable film and prints on good ol' fashioned silver gelatin resin coated photo paper in a wet darkroom. This process makes a quality of print still unmatched by digital printing.

Why? Because digital printing has digital increments of tonal range, whereas photo sensitive paper has a virtually infinite tonal range. Also with digital the image is printed on the surface of the paper, whereas old fashioned photo paper the pigmentation exists inside the paper, suspended in a layer of transparent resin. This gives wet darkroom prints a depth, like the image is inside a translucent skin.

That being said, you gotta have an eye if you want to make great images, digitally or analog. Oxanna has this great eye... an eye for ephemeral mystery, for finding and creating slices of new worlds, parallel universes of beauty.

So come see her show, come hear her talk about the work. Come get inspired and hang with some like minded appreciators of the art of photography.

April 4th from 7 till 9pm.
Trina Koster Photography
260 Waterloo Ave, Guelph

Cheers!
Scott

Urban Revelations

Double click the poster below for a larger view.

Digital Camera Hacks

Listening to an old podcast of CBC radio's technology show "Spark" today I heard an article about Hacking your digital camera to get different effects... like shaking your camera vigourously while snapping the shot, using a door peep hole to create a fisheye lens, and other stuff. Check it our on Spark's blog at http://www.cbc.ca/spark/blog/2007/09/tell_us_your_hacks.html.

If you come up with other ways to do cool effects by hacking your digital camera you can go on this post and share your hacks!

Cheers!
Scott

Win $500

Hello!

We have news from a workshop instructor, Josh Crozier. He has placed second in a national amateur photo contest with his photo In the zone which was taken in the Flo space with a Women’s National Boxing champion.

Josh’s photo is now one of nine eligible to win the grand prize. The grand prize is determined by online voting. Ever vote also earns you a chance at $500 worth of photo gear from a Foto Source store such as Ponds here in Guelph.

Please go to The Foto Source contest and cast your vote for Josh’s photo which is located in the bottom row.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Events and Workshops

Hello everyone!

Check out our upcoming events and last workshop of the season!

1. Josh Crozier, one of our Photoshop instructors will be teaching a 5 week Intermediate Photoshop on Tuesdays starting November 27th and going to December 18th. Good news is there are a couple of spots still left…if you are interested in participating in this great workshop, please let us know as soon as possible. Join us to learn to refine your digital images into works of art! Please visit our website http://www.trinakoster.com/ and click on workshops to find out more information.

2. Fine Art Sale! Sunday December 2nd, 12 noon – 5pm. Do you need a unique and inspiring Christmas gift idea? Don’t go to the mall…visit us instead! Purchase creative and affordable photographic work from a variety of photographers showcasing their artistic vision, style and subject matter. Check out the ad below:

3. An Alternative Craft Show is also taking place in our Flo Space this Sunday the 25th of November. Here is a little more info about it!

Hope to see you all there ;)
Please note that we are working on creating many fantastic workshops for the winter of 2008 and we will be posting them on our website soon!!

Martine Lauzon
Studio Manager
Trina Koster Photography
260 Waterloo Avenue
Guelph, Ontario
N1H 3J5
(519) 767-2948 phone
(519) 767-2708 fax
http://www.trinakoster.com/

See the latest news on our blog!tkpworkshops.blogspot.com/.

November Photo Shows and PhotoCuba!

Hey Everyone!

Trina Koster Photography’s own Jen Little and Karen Rowe are having a show together here in TKP’s Flo space. The show is called “Dramatic Light” featuring prints created on metallic paper. Please join us for opening night on Friday November 16. Doors open at 7:30pm. The photo Talk starts at 8pm. Hors d’eovres and refreshments will be served.

PhotoCuba! 2008 workshop is almost full so if you’ve been wanting to join us and haven’t booked your spot yet give us a call right away. There are only 4 seats left on the plane and they’re not reserved by us so asap is of the essence! Call now! Hurry! ;-)

Fine Art Photographer Walter Sawka is one of Trina’s greatest mentors. He’s having a show with two other artists in Cookstown, just north of Toronto (for a map, click this link… http://tinyurl.com/23cx35). The other artists are photographer Diana Harding Tucker and sculptor Ann Clifford. The opening is Friday Nov. 23, 2007, from 7-9pm. The address is 10 Queen St., Cookstown, ON. 705-458-0881. www.galleryonqueen.com.

We hope to see you there!

Cheers!
Scott

Scott Mooney
Trina Koster Photography
260 Waterloo Avenue
Guelph, Ontario
N1H 3J5
(519) 767-2948 phone
(519) 767-2708 fax
www.trinakoster.com

Another Cuba Photo Show!

Alan Madras and Ruth Howard attended our first PhotoCuba! workshop. They fell in love with Cuba. They returned again and again (including attending our second PhotoCuba! workshop the following year) building relationships there and making beautiful photographs. Now they're having an exhibition all about it. It runs October 5 to 25 at Artistic Grounds, 167 Bathurst Street, Toronto. For more info on this photographic couple, their website is www.ConnaughtPlaceStudio.ca.

Here are some of those beautiful photos for you to see!

Trina Koster's Photo Italiano Show!

Trina Koster recently attended a Photography workshop in Italy instructed by one of her all time favorite photographers, Keith Carter.


Not only did she have an amazing time but she also learned a lot and made some beautiful art images!

She'll be showing a selection of her work from the Italy trip here in the Flo space at her studio (260 Waterloo Ave. Guelph Ontario). The evening will open with a talk about her experience, and there will be wine and pizza and art and music and people. Remember to gesture with your hands a lot... this is an Italian themed party after all!;-) The reception is Friday Sept 21 from 8pm on. Check out some images and details at our website. Click here for details.

Upcoming Photo Workshops

We've just released the new Fall 2007 roster of inspiring photo workshops you can take here at the studio. They are listed below, and you can click the links below each listing to visit it's own special web page for details.

* Intermediate Portrait Photography: instructed by Laura Taylor and Sophie Hogan, Tuesdays Sept. 11-Oct. 16, 7-9:30pm.
Click here for details

* Learn Photography: instructed by Doug Tyson, Wednesdays, Sept. 12-Oct. 17, 7-9:30pm.
Click here for details

* Digital Basics 1: instructed by Jack Kesselman, Mondays, Sept. 17-Oct. 15, 7-9:30pm.
Click here for details.

* Beginners Photoshop: instructed by Josh Crozier, Tuesdays Sept. 18-Oct. 16, 7-9pm.
Click here for details.

* Intermediate Photoshop: instructed by Josh Crozier, Tuesdays Oct. 30-Nov. 27, 2007, 7-9pm.
Click here for details.

* Crash Course, Beginner's Photoshop: instructed by Josh Crozier, Saturdays Nov. 17 & Sunday Nov. 18, 9:30am-2:30pm.
Click here for details.

*PhotoCuba! 2008: instructed by Trina Koster, February 12-19 2008.
Click here for details

Tango!

As you know we have other mind/body workshops in our workshop space, Flo. One of those is Tango lessons, organized by Pamela Fielding. This Autumn she is featuring some guest instructors:

Argentine Tango Lessons in Guelph this Fall
Amira Campora Sept. 20 - Oct. 18
Lisandro & Tatiana Oct. 25 - Dec. 20 (no class Dec. 13)

Amira Campora
Sept. 20 - Oct. 18


Teacher: Amira Campora - visiting from Argentina
Her website: http://www.amira-tango.com.ar/
Dates: September 20 - October 18
Time: Thursday evenings
7pm Beginner
8pm Practica
9pm Intermediate
Please arrive 10 minutes early - lessons will start on time
Price: $80 per person for 5 weeks, includes practica
Place: Flo Studio 260 Waterloo Ave. Guelph
Registration: Contact Pamela at pamelaf@sentex.ca or 519 827 0877
Singles welcome - single partner rotation


Lisandro & Tatiana
Oct. 25 - Dec. 20 (no class Dec. 13)


Teacher: Lisandro & Tatiana from Sur Theatre, Toronto
Their website: http://www.tangosur.ca/ http://www.surtheatre.com/
Dates: October 25 - December 20 (no class December 13)
Time: Thursday evenings
7:30pm Beginner
8:30pm Practica
9:30pm Intermediate
Please arrive 10 minutes early - lessons will start on time
Price: $130 per person for 8 weeks, includes practica
Place: Flo Studio 260 Waterloo Ave. Guelph

Registration:
Contact Pamela at pamelaf@sentex.ca or 519 827 0877
Singles welcome - single partner rotation