Group photo exhibit looks at photographers’ relationships with nature

The Steinbach Arts Council Photo Club opened their exhibit Elements and Encounters on Oct. 17 in the Hall Gallery at the Steinbach Arts Centre.

Moderator and club leader Jeremy Dueck said the nine members of the club will be showcasing landscapes and wildlife in their images.

“That it is about having the ability as photographers, the skill of learning to see, how to see the world around you, and how to show that beauty. Like, you don’t necessarily need to go to the Grand Canyon to get a fabulous photo,” he said.

The club is relatively new as it’s only been around for three years. It was created by Dan Hewson as a way for photographers to get together and share their knowledge and work with one another.

“And it’s not always that we critique, you know, but sometimes what could we have done to make it better? Maybe if you cropped it like this, or maybe if you did this or that. And then we do have some instructional stuff (such as) how we might use software to implement a particular look or something like that,” said Dueck.

The club chose the name Elements and Encounters because it “explores the intersection of the seen and the felt — the delicate and powerful forces that shape both our world and the way we experience it,” according to Dueck.

There are 45 pieces of artwork in the show selling between $150 and $600.

“Whether you are drawn to the movement captured in a single frame or the stillness that breathes life into a landscape, we hope you will find something here that stirs a memory, a feeling, or an insight,” said Dueck during his speech on opening night.

Dueck told The Carillon it’s not about what gear you have that makes a good photo, rather it’s about being able to translate onto paper the vision the photographer had in his mind when taking the photo.

“So a fabulous photo is something, it’s a photo that first grabs your attention, makes you feel something, and makes you emote and connect to it,” he said. “Do we do it every time? Maybe not…But hopefully in this Elements and Encounters, you’ll see some of that.”

Dueck said getting a good photo takes experience, luck, and opportunity.

“Because it’s a lifelong experience that gets you to this place where you can repeatedly do beautiful images that evoke some kind of emotion. And the average person can definitely do it…Opportunity happens with those that desire it and put themselves in the right place to happen.”

“There’s beauty all around us, but it’s got to be interpreted by somebody that has care and a vision for what you want to show people,” he added.

Elements and Encounters will run until Nov. 21.