This is a land like no other. It was almost 20 years ago when Canada accepted me, a European immigrant, to become its son. Since then I have fallen in love with this country of freedom, equality, kindness, generosity and opportunity.
Today, to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, I would like to share with you the best of Canada – the people! There is no better occasion to present you with some fellow Canadian photographers, some of whom I know personally, others from social media but I think we all share the same love of photography and this remarkable land.
Don Craig – a royal photographer and I am not kidding. Many of you don’t know but Don works in the Legislature and does incredible photographic and design work for the government of British Columbia. Recently we had a chance to visit him and see the scope of his work. Yes, he was one of the photographers covering the Royal Family visit! I consider him a friend and our discussions about photography are one of the most intriguing I have ever had with anyone.
David DuChemin – who doesn’t know David DuChemin, a true master of travel and humanitarian photography? His latest book “The Soul of the Camera” is a must-read!
Nathan Elson – you always wanted to shoot these gorgeous portraits of beautiful models in the studio but you didn’t know how. He is the guy to learn from. His portraits are jaw-dropping. And don’t forget to grab some of his presets!
Robert Falconer – I’ve had a few exchanges on social media with Robert but don’t know him personally. Let me put it this way – he is a Hollywood photographer superstar. If there is a super-production shooting in Vancouver, Robert is probably covering it.
Ian MacDonald – who doesn’t know Ian!? I am scared to open my Facebook or Instagram because Ian is probably already there. From time to time we sit down together and have a great chat about photography, life and I am pretty sure … soon about our dogs 🙂
https://ianmacdonaldphotography.com
Dyanne Wilson – I never met Dyanne in person but I feel I know her. She is so friendly and kind – what a joy to interact with her on social media. Her coverage of the Canadian Far North is honest and unique. Yes, I am heading there soon.
Spencer Wynn – I met Spencer on his cross-Canada trip with the GFX. What a great guy! Have you seen his imagery from his Canada150 trip? You will be floored. What imagery! What light! You should check his latest portrait work and book a session right away.
Patrick LaRoque – what can I say, he’s in a class of his own. Patrick’s unique way of seeing, his compositional skills and writing are so captivating that each time he posts something I feel I’m going to a photographic exhibition of a master of photography. His commercial work is in its own class. Looking for a commercial photographer? Don’t have to anymore. This guy will make it happen for your brand!
BigHeadTaco (Take) – you’d better grab his autograph now because this guy is heading for stardom! If you want to know all the latest about photo gear and photography in general, then you must visit, listen and watch BigHeadTaco. Take streams live videos on Instagram almost daily. Make sure to tune in – lots of fascinating stuff. On a personal level, I met Take on numerous occasions and his brand matches a man with a strong character and great heart.
https://www.youtube.com/user/bigheadtaco
Sally Jennings – few of you know her but she is my editor, media advisor, consultant, psychologist, therapist and everything in between. Sally’s dedication to the art of communication, English language and keeping Olaf in check is unmatched. If you need someone to edit your work make sure to send it her way – you won’t believe the difference! She is the best English editor out there, bar none!
Sid and Mac – Sid and Mac are hosts of ShutterTimewithSidandMac podcast. Not only are they great personalities but the topics they take upon themselves are often fascinating – stuff you won’t hear anywhere else. I know Mac personally and his love of film and classic cameras is something to admire.
http://shuttertimewithsidandmac.com
Fujifilm Canada – the team at Fujifilm Canada are the nicest and most professional people I have ever had the chance to work with. Helen, Florence, Aling, Gord, FujiGuys, and others are such a joy to interact with. And imagine – they have to work with so many annoying, grumpy, demanding photographers and media. Come on, send them some love, Canada!
http://www.fujifilm.ca/index.html
There are so many other great photographers in Canada which I haven’t mentioned here so please forgive me and drop me a line – I will correct it immediately and buy you a cup of coffee.
After all, Canada is a great land of truly remarkable people, eh?
2017 © Olafphoto. All rights reserved.
Beautiful photos from the one and only Olaf artistic photographer! I loved reading your blog and as usual you are so positive! You are meeting some amazing people on your life journey and I am so deeply happy for you! Happy Canada Day to you and your family! See you very soon at a coffee place near you!
Thank you so much for your kind and uplifting note. Happy Canada Day to You and Your family as well.
Coffee? Always!!!!
Cheers,
Olaf
Thanks for the nice collection of links that help celebrate an important day. If anyone’s interested in some photographic nostalgia from Centennial Year in 1967, try to get hold of a copy of Call them Canadians, produced by the National Film Board, and which well reflects the documentary photography of 50 years ago. Forty-four photographers contributed and some of the b&w images in the 250 pages could teach us things today! Although printed in 1968, it was very much a Centennial Year project.
Thank you so much for this info. I will definitely check this out.
Olaf
Wow! Olaf thank you so much for including me. I’m feeling honoured to be included in your list of remarkable Canadian photographers. Truly proud of our country and pleased that you chose Canada for your home. I would love to have you up north in the near future! Looking forward to meeting you someday.
Dyanne,
My pleasure. Looking forward to visiting you up north.
Regards,
Olaf
I agree with every word, Olaf; thanks for posting this. Thirty-six years in Canada for me and would not want to live anywhere else.
Cheers, Chris Bone
Thanks Chris! Indeed, we are very lucky to live in such an amazing place!
All the best,
Olaf
Olaf, Wow. I’m honoured to be included in this list. And, like you, I am honoured and happy to be a Canadian. I became a citizen six years ago. One of the best things that has happened to me.
Looking forward to our next conversation, which are always better in person.
Don
You welcome my friend. Looking forward to our future conversations!
Olaf