The photographic theme of Silhouette is all about storytelling through shape, contrast, and mystery. By placing your subject against a bright background—sometimes during sunrise or sunset, but also when midday light is at its strongest, creating those extremely high contrast scenes. This technique reduces the scene to pure outlines and forms, and the deliberate loss of detail invites viewers to imagine what lies within the shadows, turning a simple shape into a powerful emotional statement. Composition, timing, and the balance between light and dark are key. When done well, a silhouette transforms minimalism into visual poetry.

The photographic theme of Fantasy invites you to step beyond reality and create worlds born of imagination. It’s about transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary—where lighting, colour, and composition work together to blur the line between dream and reality. Props, costumes, digital manipulation, or even clever in-camera techniques can all be tools to tell a story that feels otherworldly. Whether it’s whimsical, surreal, or darkly magical, a successful fantasy image always has a strong narrative at its core—one that draws viewers into a world that exists only through your creative vision.

Negative space in photography is the intentional use of empty or open areas around a subject to create balance, focus, and emotion in an image. Rather than filling the frame, negative space allows the eye to rest and naturally draws attention to the main subject, often evoking a sense of simplicity, calm, or even isolation. It can be achieved with skies, walls, water, or any uncluttered background — but the key is using composition and light thoughtfully so the “empty” space becomes just as powerful as the subject itself.

Anthropomorphism in photography is the art of attributing human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human subjects — whether animals, objects, or even landscapes. A photo of a dog with a knowing grin, a tree that seems to bow, or a teapot posed like it’s whispering a secret can all invite viewers to connect on a deeply personal level. The key is not only in spotting these human-like qualities but also in using composition, lighting, and perspective to emphasize them. By doing so, photographers create images that are playful, thought-provoking, and rich with story — transforming the ordinary into something surprisingly relatable.

Water is one of the most versatile subjects in photography, offering endless creative possibilities. It can be calm and reflective, capturing mirror-like surfaces and serenity; dynamic and powerful, freezing crashing waves in motion; or abstract, transforming into patterns, textures, and light play. Whether used as a subject or a backdrop, water invites photographers to experiment with shutter speed, composition, and perspective to convey mood and story — from tranquility to drama.

Still Life photography is one of the oldest and most versatile genres in the medium. At its heart, it’s about taking everyday objects — whether simple or elaborate — and arranging them with purpose to create something visually striking and emotionally resonant. Composition plays a central role, guiding the viewer’s eye and giving balance to the frame, while lighting sets the mood, from soft and contemplative to bold and dramatic. Colors add harmony or tension, shaping the overall atmosphere of the image. But perhaps most importantly, a strong still life goes beyond aesthetics — it tells a story. Whether it’s a reflection on beauty, time, memory, or culture, still life photography invites us to look closer and discover meaning in the details.

A few things worth noting:
Positive vs. Negative Space. What items/subjects are chosen to be part of your story?
Background (texture, colour etc.), Lighting (mood)

Invite to see your story through Still Life!

Fashion in photography goes far beyond clothing — it can be an expression of beauty, a bold personal or cultural statement, or even an environmental commentary on consumerism and sustainability. However you choose to approach it, remember that a compelling fashion image must always tell a story. Don’t let the garments or the concept stand alone; weave them into a narrative that resonates. And as always, pay close attention to the fundamentals — thoughtful composition, intentional use of light, and a clear point of view are what transform a fashion photograph into something truly memorable.

Photographic Impressionism invites us to move beyond sharp detail and focus instead on mood, atmosphere, and emotion. Inspired by the Impressionist painters, this style uses soft focus, movement, light, and color to capture the feeling of a moment rather than its literal appearance. Yet, unlike abstraction, Impressionism is still rooted in the real world—the subject remains recognizable. The artistry lies in suggesting rather than describing, allowing the viewer to sense the shimmer of light, the fleeting motion, or the quiet glow that makes the moment unforgettable.

Black and white photography strips away color, allowing the viewer to focus on form, shape, and texture. The success of an image relies heavily on tonal range and contrast, which can be exaggerated to heighten drama or create mood. Because we don’t naturally see the world in black and white, not every color image will translate effectively; colors that differ in hue may render as the same tone of gray, causing important elements to blend together. This is why intentional use of light, shadow, and contrast is crucial — B&W photography transforms reality into abstraction, emphasizing structure and emotion over color.

With the help of Photoshop, we can refine a black and white image so it truly matches the vision we had when capturing it. By selectively adjusting contrast, brightness, and tonal separation, we can emphasize the distinctions we noticed in color but that may have flattened once converted to grayscale. This post-processing step lets us recreate the depth, drama, and balance we envisioned in the moment, ensuring the final black and white photograph reflects the image as we saw it in our mind’s eye.

Join us to see how it’s done!

Bokeh lighting uses the technique of intentionally defocusing the lens to transform points of light into soft, dreamy shapes, creating a magical visual atmosphere. Beyond its beauty, bokeh is a powerful tool for separating two distinct planes—foreground and background—helping to draw the viewer’s attention to your subject while adding depth and dimension to the scene.

While it’s often seen in city skylines or architectural shots, bokeh can tell compelling stories across a wide range of subject matter—from intimate portraits to nature scenes—adding mood, focus, and a touch of artistry.

Experiment with different subjects, light sources, and compositions to craft images where the blurred lights enhance, rather than distract from, the narrative you want to convey.

The photographic theme of wildlife is all about telling the silent, powerful stories of the natural world. It's not just about documenting an animal in its habitat, but about capturing the essence of its behavior, energy, and place within its environment. A great wildlife image goes beyond a simple sighting—it reveals emotion, tension, or beauty, drawing the viewer into a moment that feels both intimate and untamed. Through patience and instinct, the photographer becomes a quiet observer, translating the soul of the scene into a visual narrative.

In our next Talk and Learn session, we’ll be dedicating time to celebrate and reflect on the incredible work created by participants of the Series Development Course. This session will focus on observing the submitted photographic series. We will see what elevates a series from a collection of images to a powerful, cohesive body of work. We’ll also explore elements like thematic consistency, visual style, narrative flow, and emotional resonance—key ingredients that make a series truly stand out.

Equally important is the vision statement that accompanies each series. This short piece of writing acts as a guiding light, offering insight into the photographer’s intent, thought process, and creative journey. A well-crafted vision statement not only frames the viewer’s understanding but also amplifies the overall impact of the work.

Whether you're presenting or simply observing, this will be an inspiring session filled with learning, insight, and a celebration of creative growth.

ICM, or Intentional Camera Movement, is a creative technique where the camera is deliberately moved while the shutter is open, resulting in images with motion blur that can feel abstract, painterly, or dreamlike. The final effect depends entirely on how you move the camera—vertical sweeps, horizontal pans, circular motions, or even jittery shakes can all produce dramatically different results.
However, ICM is more than just making a blurry image. For it to be effective, the principles of composition, balance, and storytelling must still be present. The technique should serve a purpose—conveying emotion, simplifying a scene, or emphasizing movement—rather than being used as a visual gimmick.
In short, ICM works best when it’s a means to an expressive end, not the end itself.

The photographic theme of Two Colours challenges you to create compelling images using only two distinct colours as the dominant visual elements. Keep in mind that black and white are not considered colours in this context and should be used sparingly. A blue sky, however, does count as a colour and may serve as one of the two. If a third colour appears in the frame, it must be minimal and not distract from the main palette. Focus on originality in subject matter, and as always, never compromise on story or composition—colour alone can’t carry an image without meaning and thoughtful structure.

The photographic theme of Floral Abstract invites you to explore flowers beyond their literal form, using softness, color, and creative composition to evoke emotion and mood. This theme celebrates the delicate textures, flowing lines, and vibrant hues found in petals, stems, and natural patterns—but reimagined through abstraction. Think close-ups, motion blur, unusual angles, or layered perspectives that highlight the essence rather than the identity of the flower. To qualify, submitted images must clearly relate to florals while embracing an abstract approach in style and execution.

The photographic theme of Architectural Abstract transforms buildings and structures into compositions of shape, line, texture, and light. By isolating details, emphasizing geometry, or playing with perspective, photographers strip away the functional context of architecture to transform it into the visual expression of the artist. This approach is rooted in removing context—eliminating the recognizable identity or purpose of a structure so that form takes precedence over function.
A visual exploration of rhythm, contrast, balance, and aesthetics remains, encouraging viewers to engage with architecture as pure design rather than as a place or space.

Sorry, there won’t be a Talk-&-Learn session this week. Canadians are celebrating Canada Day.

The photographic theme of Geometry focuses on capturing shapes, lines, patterns, and symmetry found in both natural and man-made environments.
It draws attention to the structure and form within a scene—whether it’s the sharp angles of modern architecture, the repetitive patterns in tiled floors, or the organic curves of a leaf.
Through thoughtful composition and framing, geometry in photography transforms ordinary subjects into striking visual statements that highlight balance, contrast, and rhythm.

Shadows in photography are more than just the absence of light—they are powerful storytelling tools that add depth, mystery, and contrast.

Shadows can sculpt a subject, define form, and create tension or intimacy depending on their placement and intensity.

Shadows invite the viewer to look beyond what's visible, offering a sense of mood, time, and atmosphere. Whether cast sharply in midday sun or softened in low light, shadows can transform an ordinary scene into something evocative and emotionally resonant.

This theme is a great opportunity to break the rules and go out shooting in the harsh midday light!

"Nature in the City" invites you to explore the quiet coexistence—and sometimes contrast—between the natural world and urban environments. From weeds growing through cracks in the pavement to trees framed by concrete buildings, this theme challenges you to find and highlight moments where nature reclaims space or softens the hard edges of city life. It’s a chance to capture beauty in the unexpected and tell visual stories about resilience, harmony, and contrast.

Please note that for this session, we will address ‘Nature’ as vegetation and NOT animals.

The photographic theme "Use a Tripod" challenges you to create an image that clearly couldn’t have been captured without one. Think long exposures that blur motion, ultra-sharp details in low light, or perfectly aligned composites—images where the tripod is essential. But beyond the technique, the final image must also hold artistic merit. Composition, mood, and intention should come together to create a photograph that’s not only technically reliant on a tripod, but also visually compelling and meaningful.

Remember, a theme is merely a tool for storytelling in your image—it should enhance the narrative, not be the sole focus. The theme itself is never the final goal; rather, it serves as a guide to help convey meaning and emotion.

The photographic theme "Choose a Color" invites you to build a compelling image around a single dominant hue, which should make up 80–90% of the composition.
This exercise challenges you to see the world through a more focused, creative lens—spotting color in unexpected places and avoiding cliché subjects like blue skies and oceans. Instead, explore texture, pattern, and form through your chosen color to create bold, striking visuals that speak with a unified voice.

Remember, a theme is merely a tool for storytelling in your image—it should enhance the narrative, not be the sole focus. The theme itself is never the final goal; rather, it serves as a guide to help convey meaning and emotion.

High-key photography is a style characterized by bright, evenly lit images with minimal shadows and a predominance of white or light tones. Often used to convey a sense of purity, simplicity, or optimism, this technique reduces contrast to create a soft, airy atmosphere.

High key works especially well when wanting to display subtle detail that would normally get lost in a wide tonal range image.

Remember, a theme is merely a tool for storytelling in your image—it should enhance the narrative, not be the sole focus. The theme itself is never the final goal; rather, it serves as a guide to help convey meaning and emotion.

Bridges are a captivating subject in photography, offering both visual impact and symbolic depth. Architecturally, they present strong lines, repeating patterns, and dynamic angles that lend themselves beautifully to creative compositions—especially in long exposure and black-and-white photography.
Whether suspended over rivers, nestled in urban environments, or stretching across vast natural landscapes, bridges naturally draw the eye and can become powerful focal points. Beyond their structural beauty, bridges also symbolize connection, transition, and journey—making them rich in narrative potential.
Photographers can explore a range of styles when capturing bridges, from wide-angle cityscapes that emphasize scale and setting, to close-up details that highlight texture, form, and craftsmanship.

Remember, a theme is merely a tool for storytelling in your image—it should enhance the narrative, not be the sole focus. The theme itself is never the final goal; rather, it serves as a guide to help convey meaning and emotion.

Close-up photography invites viewers into the intricate details of the world around us, revealing textures, patterns, and forms that often go unnoticed. By focusing tightly on a subject—whether it’s a flower petal, an insect, or an abstract surface—photographers can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.

Exploring different subjects and techniques with originality and creativity is key to making your work stand out. By pushing boundaries and experimenting with perspective, lighting, and composition, you can develop a unique visual voice that brings fresh life to this intimate and powerful genre.

Seascape photography captures the ever-changing beauty and drama of the ocean, offering endless opportunities for creative expression. From long exposures that smooth out waves into misty dreamscapes, to fast shutter speeds that freeze the raw power of crashing surf, seascape photography invites a wide range of techniques. Shooting at golden hour or blue hour enhances mood and color, while using filters like ND or polarizers can dramatically transform the scene. Whether focusing on sweeping vistas, abstract reflections, or the subtle textures of water meeting land, seascape photography is a powerful way to connect with nature and tell its story through your lens.

Food photography is more than just capturing a meal—it’s about storytelling, culture, and emotion. From vibrant street food to elegant fine dining, every dish tells a story through color, texture, and composition.
Lighting plays a crucial role, highlighting the richness of ingredients and the artistry of presentation. Whether it’s the steam rising from a fresh-baked pie or the glisten of syrup on pancakes, food photography evokes taste and nostalgia, making viewers crave the experience beyond the image.

Food photography is more than just capturing a meal—it’s about storytelling, culture, and emotion. From vibrant street food to elegant fine dining, every dish tells a story through color, texture, and composition.
Lighting plays a crucial role, highlighting the richness of ingredients and the artistry of presentation. Whether it’s the steam rising from a fresh-baked pie or the glisten of syrup on pancakes, food photography evokes taste and nostalgia, making viewers crave the experience beyond the image.

Sorry, there won’t be a Talk-&-Learn session this week. Sharon is in Las Vegas teaching a workshop.

Action Photography captures movement, energy, and dynamism, freezing moments that the eye might otherwise miss. Whether it’s a speeding athlete, a bird in flight, or waves crashing against the shore, this theme requires quick reflexes, fast shutter speeds, and precise timing. The goal is to convey motion and intensity, drawing the viewer into the scene and making them feel as if they are experiencing the action firsthand.

Alternatively to freezing a moment with a fast shutter, using a slow shutter speed can create a sense of motion blur, emphasizing the fluidity and direction of movement, adding a more artistic and immersive feel to the image. It is up to you the artist, to find the best shutter speed to depict the Action Story you wish to tell!