Picture perfect

Exchange District

As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Until Dec. 4, Red River College Polytechnic is hosting the Canadian World Photographic Exhibition, featuring work from shutterbugs across the country. Illuminated by overhead sunlight in the college’s Manitou a bi Bii daziigae campus building (319 Elgin Ave.) in the Exchange District, the exhibit is a showcase of Team Canada’s entries in the 2025 World Photographic Cup, where it placed sixth overall.

The only entry from the flatland provinces, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, was Should I Stay or Should I Go, by RRC Polytech professional photography instructor, Jocelyne Hebert. Hebert has been teaching at the college for four years and graduated from the photography program herself in 2001.

The exhibition opened Nov. 20, and Hebert described the recognition as nothing short of “insane.”

“I have never felt such community support,” she said. “There were photographers there who were my mentors, my past students, friends, my husband, my parents … all these people. I felt very loved.”

Hebert said she initially felt odd bringing up her role as part of Team Canada to her colleagues, but eventually broached the subject because she was the only prairies-based professional in the mix. Her bosses took the idea of staging an exhibition and “ran with it.”

Hebert’s husband, Travis, was involved in the development of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae with Akman Construction, which provided a “full circle” moment for her as she addressed the crowd.

“Growing up, I was always known as the girl with the camera … to stand there while still being the girl with the camera, that was overwhelming,” she said. “It’s been an exciting journey.”

Being on Team Canada has been an “amazing” experience, she said.

“You know the saying, ‘If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room’? I felt like I was in the right room. These people are so talented… but the whole process has been so inspiring.”

Hebert, who lives in Oakbank, took the shot that qualified her for Team Canada in July 2023. It depicts her eldest daughter in a pond (replicated in a kiddie pool), half-submerged in murky waters. It was inspired by Hebert’s brother-in-law, who had committed suicide.

“I had never experienced something like that before,” she said, adding that, as someone who grew up in a generally stress-free environment, it was as though the “blinders (were) off.”

Because it’s been a few years since the photo was taken, she said she feels as though the healing has begun.

“It wasn’t because of him (initially), but inside I knew it was,” she said.

Hebert said that as she heals, she has aimed to become a better listener and she’s begun to notice how common mental illness is but how few people are open to speaking about it — much like her brother-in-law.

“I hope this experience allows other people to be inspired,” she said. “I’m excited for where youth and photography is going.”

For more information on Hebert’s work, visit reflectionsbyjocelyne.com