Celebrate May Is Photo Month
Events In Edmonton For May!
Good Afternoon,
Welcome to the month of May where here in Alberta, Winter is shoved out the door as we greet Spring with open arms. Yes Spring has been here since March but we have had snow for still a good portion of April, but May is special. The whole month of May is dedicated to Photography and Photographers. So many events locally at your local camera stores and Photo Labs. The question is do you know what May Is Photo Month is?
Title: Peace Behind The Camera
May Is Photo Month
May is Photo Month, a celebration dedicated to the art of photography and the significance it holds in capturing life's moments. This month encourages everyone, from amateurs to seasoned professionals, to pick up their cameras and engage with their surroundings, whether in bustling cities or serene landscapes.
It's a wonderful opportunity to explore various photography genres, such as portrait, wildlife, and landscape photography, showcasing the rich diversity found in Alberta's natural beauty and vibrant communities. Many photographers participate in challenges or projects, aiming to capture and share a photo every day of the month, highlighting their creativity and unique perspectives.
Title: The Lone Bison
Now I have not posted every day of the month so far about the photos that I have taken but I have gone out each day to photograph the wildlife and landscape in my area. I do plan to have some new photos from the last few days posted by the end of Sunday evening, May 4th (May the fourth be with you)!
I do agree that it is a month that offers many opportunities to try out different genre types for photography. Want to learn and get into Wildlife Photography? Then join a wildlife photo walk, see your local camera stores, see what wildlife photographers are offering as workshops. Same goes for landscape photography. Want to get into portraiture? Great! Check out your local portrait studios to see what workshops and classes they have to offer. Join a workshop at your local camera and electronics stores to see what workshops they are offering for flash and lens photography. There is so much you can learn in the month of May and have fun doing it to.
Title: As Far As The Hay Can See!
In addition, May is Photo Month promotes the appreciation of photography as a medium for storytelling. It recognizes the power of images to evoke emotions, preserve memories, and document history. Whether you're photographing a beloved pet, a picturesque farm scene, or the magnificence of nature, each photo serves as a testament to the beauty of life and the world around us.
So, grab your camera, step outside, and join the celebration this May! Capture those fleeting moments and create lasting memories that you can cherish for years to come.
Photo Walks
I check out photo walks with my local camera stores and photo clubs. Camera stores and clubs offer photo walks are a great way for me to learn new genres, get to know about new camera gear in the photography world, and even get to learn some new tips and tricks that can help me grow my photography. As someone who is chasing being a wildlife photographer, I have learned some great apps from these walks that can help identify a birds call, locate a popular area where a bird I been trying to see may be visiting frequently, and getting to know the different types of wildlife that is just out my door. These apps I learned are from Cornell Labs and they are eBird and Merlin Bird ID. I use these frequently and they are so helpful when going to edit my bird photos so I have the species labelled right in the picture.
Photo walks provide a unique opportunity to enhance your photography skills while enjoying the great outdoors. Here are some valuable lessons you can learn from engaging in a photo walk:
Title: Morning Pecking
1. Observation Skills
Photo walks encourage you to slow down and observe your surroundings. You begin to notice details you may have previously overlooked — the play of light and shadow, interesting textures, and unique moments in nature or urban settings.
2. Composition Techniques
As you wander, you have the chance to experiment with different composition techniques. From the rule of thirds to leading lines, you can practice framing your shots in real-time, which helps reinforce these concepts.
3. Understanding Light
One of the most critical aspects of photography is understanding how light affects your images. By being out in different environments at various times of day, you can observe how natural light changes and influences your photography.
4. Developing a Personal Style
Frequent exploration of varying locations allows you to identify what resonates with you personally—whether it’s capturing vibrant cityscapes or serene landscapes. This experience contributes significantly to developing your unique photographic style.
Title: Off I Go
5. Gear Familiarity
Photo walks provide a great opportunity to get comfortable with your gear. Whether you're trying out a new camera or lens, spending time shooting in different conditions can help build your confidence and proficiency with your equipment.
6. Networking and Community
Joining a photo walk can connect you with fellow photography enthusiasts. Sharing experiences, techniques, and feedback fosters a sense of community and can lead to lasting friendships, along with opportunities for collaboration.
7. Creativity Boost
Stepping out of your usual routine can spark creativity. The fresh environment and spontaneous moments that arise during a photo walk can lead to unexpected and innovative compositions.
8. Post-Processing Skills
Analyzing your shots after the walk is an excellent exercise in post-processing. You can reflect on what worked well, what didn’t, and practice editing techniques that can enhance your final images.
9. Mindfulness and Enjoyment
Finally, photo walks promote a sense of mindfulness. Immersing yourself in nature or the hustle and bustle of urban life can be a restorative break, allowing you to appreciate beauty in the world around you.
In summary, engaging in photo walks not only improves technical skills but also enriches your creative journey, making it a worthwhile experience for photographers of all levels.
In Edmonton, several organizations and individuals host photo walks, providing opportunities for photographers of all skill levels to explore the city while honing their skills. Here are some notable hosts:
Edmonton Photography Group - This community group organizes regular photo walks around various locations in Edmonton, often focusing on different themes or photography techniques.
Local Photographers - Individual photographers and enthusiasts occasionally host their own photo walks, sharing their expertise and favourite spots. It's common to find announcements on social media platforms or photography forums.
Art Gallery of Alberta - They sometimes coordinate photo walks in conjunction with exhibitions or special events, incorporating educational elements about art and photography.
Meetup.com Groups - You can find several photography-focused groups on this platform that arrange photo walks, allowing participants to connect with fellow photographers.
Edmonton Parks and Recreation - This city department occasionally hosts guided walks that focus on nature photography in the city's numerous parks and river valleys.
University and College Photography Programs - Institutions such as the University of Alberta or MacEwan University may offer organized photo walks as part of their curriculum or community outreach.
For the most current events or to connect with other photographers, it’s a good idea to check local photography clubs, online forums, or social media groups dedicated to Edmonton's photography scene.
Title: Gliding Geese
Other Photo Walks
So are you joining some photo walks in your area? You will learn lots of tricks of the trade, get to meet more friends in photography, and you may get informed on some new equipment coming from manufactures such as Sigma, Tamron, Nikon, Canon, Sony.
Now I will say farewell for the night and hope to see you at the Beaumaris Lake Photo Walk May 24th, 2025.
