For photographers, the camera points both ways

Story and photos by Phil Norton
Photographers often see the world differently than others and their personal style is evident.

Loyalist College photography professor Robert Bailey spoke people who are interested in photography at an educational evening hosted by the CLIC Photo Show in Picton.

Bailey discussed what  judges look for in determining photography awards and shared 39 points ranging from good composition and sharpness to emotion and personal style.

“The camera points both ways,” he said, meaning the photos taken say as much about the person taking them. “You see the world differently than others. Photographers develop their own recognizable style.”

As he shared an evocative example of style, he had to pause to gather his own emotions.

One of his students was turning her assignments in only in black and white  -pictures that were so sad “you could wring tears out of her prints”.

Concerned, he called her at home and asked if she was alright. She told him she was thinking of killing herself. “Your class is the only thing keeping me alive,” she told him.

With more than 40 years experience, Bailey speaks easily on all aspects of photography and for the past two years has helped make Picton’s annual exhibition a marked success.

Photos by Phil Norton www.countyoutings.com

129 framed prints were hung this year in three categories out of 400 entries submitted from throughout Eastern Ontario.

Alan Jenner was one of several local photographers. His three-dimensional framing enhanced his photograph.

These two immense prints by Northumberland’s Bob Perks. At right, printed directly on metal, Perks’ photo “Lips” won the show’s grand prize and sold for $2,000

Photographs courtesy County Photograher Phil Norton. Click here to learn more about his regular photography outings and workshops for photographers of all levels and nature lovers. The format is informal and interactive. Retreats and trips are also offered.