Campus photo contest rolls on
There’s still plenty of time to submit your best shot for the "Slice of Campus Life" Photo Contest, which runs until October 1.
This week NOW speaks with four Concordia students to find out how they went about taking the picture they chose as their entry, and what inspires their photography.
William Imboua-Niava
Can you describe how this photograph happened?
Hingston Hall had a rave. Everyone was wearing these little coloured lights, and there was a lot of artificial coloured light all over the place. These guys in the picture looked like they were having the time of their lives. They just had to be captured in their moment of awesomeness.
Why did you select this photograph for the contest?
I did not initially choose to be in this contest. It was only after showing all my pictures to a couple of my friends on campus that they told me to enter this contest, and I’m glad I did!
What equipment/techniques did you use to take the shot?
I did not use any flash for this picture and I am so glad I didn’t, because the result was astonishing. I love the Canon T2i!
How would you describe your approach to photography?
Photography is something I do usually in my moments of inspiration. Being a fine arts student, I see things with a different perspective than others do. You can always catch me with a camera at different events on campus.
Katherine Sehl
Can you describe how this photograph happened?
This photograph happened during an event at Concordia called Summer Literary Seminars. The couple pictured are both extremely talented writers who came to Montreal and to Concordia to work with more established writers such as Christian Bök. We were all early for the next panel to begin and I caught the two writers sharing words with each other. I figured since I stole their moment, or captured it hopefully, I’d ask the two if I could share the photo with the contest. They were both very happy to allow it. Beautiful people, inside and out.
Why did you select this photograph for the contest?
When I was looking for schools to apply to, I came to Concordia to see how I felt about it. I immediately felt a positive and collaborative energy on campus.
Since coming here I have formed so many lasting bonds and met so many brilliant, talented and beautiful people. So much of what makes learning meaningful are the people who you learn with and from. I really get a strong sense of that at this school and I feel like this photograph epitomizes that sentiment. I really hope it translates!
What equipment/techniques did you use to take the shot?
I shot this photo with my trusty SLR named Marie. I don’t really think equipment matters very much. An expensive camera can’t help you take good pictures, and I don’t think you can edit a bad photo into a good one. I care a lot about framing my photos. That is the primary technique I used here.
What is your background in photography?
When I experienced my first truly sad moment in life I went to my room, sat down on the floor and cried. I didn’t care about anything external to me. I was completely consumed by my sadness. Without thinking, I picked up my camera and took a self-portrait. That’s when I knew that I was a photographer, and not a happy-family paparazzo. I have taken a couple of classes and have used different cameras, but everything I have really learned about photography has been outside of that.
How would you describe your approach to photography?
I try to capture something exactly as I see it — maybe even exactly as I feel it. If something seems magical to me, I want that to translate through the medium. If something seems terrifying — I want that to translate, too.
Doga Col
Can you describe how this photograph happened?
My friend Omar was trying to figure out his settings to get a shot of the bike. We go out to take photos quite often.
Why did you select this photograph for the contest?
It’s a very flexible and reflective photo, which mirrors my experiences at the time.
What equipment/techniques did you use to take the shot?
I used a Nikon D3100 with a 1970s Nikon 50-millimetre Series E lens.
What is your background in photography?
I started very young. I was taught by my father. Photography has been a hobby ever since. I recently got into using a digital SLR, before that I used to take photos with my old Canon A-1, which uses 35-millimetre film. I still use it from time to time.
How would you describe your approach to photography?
I would say my mindset is somewhere between photojournalism and art: more telling stories than admiring the aesthetics, and at times balancing the two concepts.
Dina Bakalova Milanova
Can you describe how this photograph happened?
One sunny morning, I can’t remember the date, I was on my way to the academic adviser; everything looked different. It wasn’t just a walk; it was looking at my future through the lens of my camera.
Why did you select this photograph for the contest?
I picked this photograph because I like the composition, the light (even though a little overexposed) and the mood it brings; a little mysterious, full of tension provoked by the beginning of the term and the sense of expectation for one bright future.
What equipment/techniques did you use to take the shot?
I used the most simple gadget ever: an Olympus AF 3x optical zoom lens, 5.8 to 17.4 millimetres — nothing special but with the perfect scene and light everything is possible.
What is your background in photography?
I’m just a big fan, no professional training, unless you count enthusiasm! I have lots of albums from my trips en plein air and different events. After all, I have a big muse: my uncle is a professional photographer and journalist.
How would you describe your approach to photography?
I love art, every kind, type, shape and form. I adore music, I breathe design, and I’m expressing it through drawings and paintings. Making photos is just another way to show your point of view, to make everybody see the world through your eyes, revealing every shade and every angle possible, through which you can observe an object or a scene.
Related link:
• Slice of Campus Life photo contest
• "Send us your best shot" - Now, September 14, 2011