The public is being asked to look through the lenses of local photography students with a new exhibition, and coinciding workshop, at Vernon’s Gallery Vertigo.
Behind the Lens features the work of third-year fine art photography students from UBC Okanagan.
The show, sponsored by the B.C. Spirit Festival fund, has been organized by UBCO creative studies faculty member Fern Helfand.
“This is an exceptional time for photography,” said Helfand. “Not only has it taken its rightful place amongst the upper echelons of the art world, but also, as accessible digital photography has grown in popularity with lighting speed, it has filled our lives with more images than ever before.”
Photography is one part of UBCO’s interdisciplinary visual arts program.
Students don’t focus on a specific major, but are able to dabble in all visual art: media, performance, creative writing, as well as art history and general electives.
That way they get to choose the subjects which best reflect the individual’s personal interests.
“All of these experiences influence and inform our photography,” said third year student Hanss Lujan, a photographer from Cuzco, Peru who is studying surrealism as well as personality issues surrounding identity.
“The faculty is constantly growing and providing us with the new, up-to-date equipment to explore: lights, digital cameras, tripods, computers and software to create professional work.
“The 24-hour access to the building provides us with unlimited time to spend editing in the Macintosh computer laboratories or countless nights developing film in the darkroom.”
As part of the exhibition, Lujan along with fellow student Emily Geen, are giving a workshop on the art of portraiture using a digital camera.
Open to any and all budding photographers, the workshop will provide an overview of the art of portraiture, a lesson in studio portraits and some techniques for self portraiture.
Quick tips for taking photos will be discussed and lighting techniques with both artificial and natural lighting will be demonstrated, said Geen who hails from Lake Country and deals with identity of youth and notions within contemporary ideas of family through her work.
“Some flattering cheat moves for posing for the camera will also be shared.”
All equipment will be supplied, however, participants are encouraged to bring their own digital camera.
Donations will be gratefully received for the event which takes place Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Call 250-503-2297 for more info.
A closing reception for the Behind the Lens exhibition will be held Thursday, March 3 at Gallery Vertigo starting at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Admission is by donation.
