The Speaking Lens Project is a London ON based derivative of the photovoice projects. This project is taking place at the Glen Cairn Community Resource Centre in London ON and involves the youth that are a part of the centre.

The focus of the project is to get youth to actively participate in creating change in their community and giving them skills and a sense of empowerment through photography. Through documenting and discussing the issues in their environment, the youth have created a photographic exhibit that depicts life through their own personal points of views.

These photographs will provide first hand observations and examples that will be valuable in determining ways for the community to progress and change for the better. This will then be presented to the City of London, in hopes that some form of social change can occur from this project.

To check out the images that the Speaking Lens Project youth have taken and their commentary on the community they live in please check out their Flickr page.

This past Sunday was the 5th installment of the London Photo Walk with events being held at Westminister Ponds in South London.  Someone smart (sarcasm) decided to plan a start time of 7am¹, which at the time seemed really really early, however it turned out well in the end.  The early start time allowed for most of the walk to take place during cool temperatures, helped to keep some of the bugs away and best of all allowed for some amazing shots due to The Fog.

1. Sadly I have to admit this was me [↩]

London Ontario Local Arts Festival or LOLAfest for short is a celebration of art, music, and so much more. LOLAfest is filled with amazing light installations, great music, and more. LOLAfest offers us a great opportunity to photography some great art, colours, and light. This is why we choose to do our next walk at night during LOLAfest! So here are the details:

LOLAfest Walk – LOPW#6 (Newsletter Registration )

Date: September 19th, 2009
Time: 7pm-9pm

Meeting Location: Victoria Park Gates (Central Ave. & Richmond St.)
Route: Google Map (See Sidebar –>) -SUBJECT TO CHANGE WHEN INSTALLATIONS LOCATIONS COME AVAILABLE

Ending Location: Victoria Park Gates (Central Ave. & Richmond St.)
After Event: This information is still to be announced. We are working with the LOLA organizers to try and get tickets for some of the later night festivities for you to enjoy.

Photo Tip

Photography in the evening hours can often be trickier than photography during daylight hours.  The need for longer shutter speed and a steady hand can often make the different between a good shot and a “not so good shot”.

Although some of the best photos out there are blurry ones, many are not. In order to prevent images from turning out blurry (when wanted to be tack sharp) a tripod is almost a must.

If you do not own a tri-pod and do not want to spend the money on one (anywhere from $10-$500) there is the opportunity to purchase a low budget mini tri-pod from your local dollar store. At $1-$2 a cheap tri-pod (such as this one) can help to improve your shots. You can also ask someone around you at the walk or someone you know to borrow theirs for a quick shot.

We hope to you see you there, and don’t forget to SIGN UP for the LOPW newsletter. This will keep you up to date on all events and other news.

As the early morning of the last walk got to many of us, it got to me especially, arriving late with eyes half shut. We were honoured when LensLenders a local business of London Ontario, decided to sponsor us again, and offer a One Week Rental for the very low cost of $1!

I forgot to draw for the prize at the breakfast meet up after wards, but remembered to do so shortly after when I got home. Everyone was eligible this time, and we have all of your names and email on record to do the draw. Even added in the names of those who did not get registered. I drew for the prize and the winner is……

Dana Dobbie!! Congratulations! You are the winner of the $1 One Week Rental from Len Lenders!

Don’t forget to check out http://lenslenders.ca for their amazing prices and rental selection for Nikon and Canon users!

We hope to see you all out at our next walk!

This is just a last minute reminder that for tomorrow’s Photo Walk at Westminister Ponds you should be wearing appropriate foot gear.

By appropriate I mean something that you can navigate natural dirt/rocky trails in and something that will project your feet from branches, bushes etc.

Wear something that you aren’t afraid to get dirty either.

See you all tomorrow.

This isn’t a ‘formal’ London Photo Walk by any means but I thought I would post about it for anyone looking for something to do today.

A few people mentioned on Twitter that they are looking for something to do today and some have decided (me included) on heading out to shoot some more of the Downtown Core.  This is what we have decided upon.

Date: Sunday August 9, 2009 (TODAY!!!)
Time: 12:30 pm
Meeting Place: Coffee Culture – Richmond Street (back of the coffee shop)
Ending Place: not defined
Route: Some where Downtown London.  We will make this up before we head out.