Things I get to do with my camera ...

December 22, 2015
|In Blog
|By Dennis Ducklow

My good friend Matt taught me years ago about the difference between saying I have to  …  when we have a chore to do and  I get to … . But when it has to do with photography, for me there’s no such thing as I have to.  Every time I pick up my camera, it’s a get to moment. And of course, when you’re retired from a regular job, you don’t have to do anything!

Since we returned from our epic five-week road trip to Toronto this fall, I’ve been getting to do a wide variety of things with my camera. Well, ok, pretty much everything is with my camera! Here’s a taste of a few of those things.

Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue
The Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue put on a huge party as a fundraiser in White Rock. The band, Cease and Desist, was hot and everyone had a great time, including the photographer.
meeting with representatives of Okanagan camera clubs
At the end of October, I met with representatives of several Okanagan camera clubs, in my new role as Director of CAPA for the Pacific Zone. What a privilege it was to work with these dedicated club members.
family photography
The autumn weather was beautiful and perfect for a number of family photo shoots.
industrial worker
While working with a local industrial operation to create headshots for each of their 80 employees, I got to wander with my camera between shifts. The company works around the clock manufacturing drilling equipment for mines.

 

101st Christmas! 

 

Langley Christmas Bureau directors.
The Langley Christmas Bureau does an incredible job each year under the very capable direction of Jim McGregor and Leigh Castron. My wife, who volunteers in support of their efforts every year, signed me up to photograph each of the volunteers. My privilege to do so.

 

family christmas cards
It’s always a privilege to create photos for a family Christmas card but this was extra special. Donna and Gerald were good friends 25 years ago and then, with the busyness of raising kids, we lost contact. A chance encounter in a coffee shop this fall led to a family photo session and a great visit with them and their wonderfully grown children afterward. Looking forward to many more Christmases with this family!
Family in a box
Even though they try, my family does not escape the camera. Byron, Kristina and Ella are eagerly awaiting a new baby in March.

 

boys in a car
Playtime with the grandsons is always full of fun!

 

houseboats on the Fraser
While photographing on Westham Island in Delta, I saw this boat heading home as the sun went down. The houseboats in the background remind me a little of Venice.
The pattern of the waves in the fading light caught my attention.
The pattern of the waves in the fading light caught my attention.
Trumpeter swans
After visiting with a good friend in Ladner, I did a little exploring with my camera. On the edge of the mainland with Vancouver Island in the distance, these swans came by at just the right moment.
learning to photograph people
Nearing the end of their 8-week introductory photography course, my students begin to enjoy each other as much as the photography challenges. Here, we were learning about photographing people and one of the students was serving as our model.
As Christmas was getting close, our photography class visited West Coast Gardens in Surrey to take advantage of the greenhouses filled with beautiful colour. A great place to practice photography and shop!
As Christmas was getting close, our photography class visited West Coast Gardens in Surrey to take advantage of the greenhouses filled with beautiful colour. A great place to practice photography … and shop!

 

After signing up for a portraiture class this fall, I was on the hunt for subjects. Tayler kindly let me photograph her at her school. And Sven, good friend and mentor for some 40 years, was also willing to let me click away. Thanks so much to both of you. I passed the course!
After signing up for an available light portraiture class this fall, I was on the hunt for subjects. Tayler kindly let me photograph her at her school. And Sven, good friend and mentor for some 40 years, was also willing to let me try a few things. Thanks so much to both of you. I passed the course!
lights at Williams Park
I got to photograph the set up of lights for this year’s amazing display in Langley’s Williams Park. There was a buzz of activity for several days as the lights and decorations got put up with the greatest of care.
And then I got to visit again once the lights were up. The displays were beautiful and the look on the faces of the appreciative families made all the set up worthwhile.
And then I got to visit again once the lights were up. The displays were beautiful and the look on the faces of the appreciative families made all the set up worthwhile.
Thankful for so much ... the chance to experience so much with my camera, for good friends and family. A blessed Christmas to each of you.
I am thankful for so much … getting to experience life through my camera, for good friends, good health and for family. And especially for my wife, who gets to put up with my photographic obsession and more than a few other things. And for the Gift that we celebrate at this time of year. A blessed Christmas to each of you.
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