Exhibit showcases local photo community

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This article was published 15/08/2012 (5111 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A current exhibition is showcasing the strength of some of Winnipeg’s keenest photographers.

Wayne Arthur Gallery, located at 186 Provencher Blvd., is hosting Best of the WPC — a collection of selected work by 27 members of the Winnipeg Photo Community.

The exhibit will run until Wed., Aug 29. The gallery’s hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

WPC was founded by photographer and St. Boniface resident Dan Harper in 2004. Its mandate is to enhance the photography smarts of members of all ages and skill levels, Harper said, noting only 5% of the members are full-time shooters.

Harper founded the group — which holds daily discussion forums on its website and regular events — after a chance encounter with two photographers in Assiniboine Park.

“I stumbled across them near the Flower Garden. They were both shooting with DSLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras, which wasn’t common then. It was like coming across two guys with the same brand new model of Ferrari,” he said.

Recalling this experience, Harper said that while technology has taken a big leap in a short time, an expensive camera doesn’t necessarily mean a better end product for the masses.

“It’s interesting because back in the day, when 35mm film took over from the previous format, people said ‘It will be the death of us.’ At every advent of a new era, people tend to grumble,” Harper said.

“But at the end of the day, good photography will always be good photography. You don’t need a degree to be a good photographer; you just need to be good.”

Harper, who selected the photos for exhibit, said one of the main criteria is they have to sellable: “Some people submitted great photos of their kids or grandmothers, but they won’t sell.”

Bev Morton, the gallery’s owner and manager, said it’s the first time the gallery has exhibited a juried photography show.

“This is a tremendous show well worth seeing for the diversity it shows,” said Morton, who lives in St. Boniface. “There are many different subject matters and different ways to print the photos, such as canvas, metal, metallic papers and plain photographic paper.”

For more information about the gallery, visit www.waynearthurgallery.com. To learn more about the group, visit www.wpgphoto.com.

 

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com