News Above the Fold

DR NORMAN BALL - Niagara Falls: A Story of Crazies, Improbabilities and Photographers
Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

Dr Ball is a member of the Photographic Historical Society of Canada. He once thought he wanted to be a chemist, but found the history of technology and engineering much more to his liking and made it the subject of his PhD studies. His varied career has included work as an archivist, museum curator, and magazine columnist, as well as 21 years as an engineering professor at the University of Waterloo – where he did not teach engineering. His portrait is by Robert Lansdale.

Niagara Falls is a major tourist destination and one of the world's great scenic wonders, home to an Ontario park that stretches from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. This talk will try to answer several questions. What makes Niagara Falls such a peculiar place? And what did photography do to help create the images and reputation of the Falls? While the presentation will be illustrated primarily by photographs, it will also draw on other material.

You may recognize Dr Ball who often attends our Toronto meetings. He has written six books, most recently a history of power generation at Niagara. The book "The Canadian Niagara Power Company Story" deals with the history of the company that built and operated the first large-scale hydroelectric power generating company on the Canadian side of the Niagara River. This book marked the beginning of nearly a decade of continuing research work by the author on Niagara Falls.

RICHARD BELL: Adventures in Photography Wednesday, May 19th, 2010 Since 1969, photographer Rick Bell's innovative approach to Commercial-Industrial photography has enabled his Toronto studio to produce images which are viewed both nationally and internationally. His reputation has grown on the ability to produce inspiring images under the tightest schedules and adverse conditions. In this presentation, he will discuss problem solving, marketing, advertising, copyright, etc. As Executive-Director of the Niagara School of Imaging (Brock University) Rick will also discuss the aims in assembling innovative instructors to teach new technologies and creative techniques. Rick’s clients include: Warner Bros (Los Angeles), Ontario Power Generation, Guggenheim Museum (NY), Canada’s Walk of Fame, People Magazine (NY), Toronto International Film Festival, Royal Ontario Museum, McCain Foods, etc.

CARL MILLS - 100th Anniversary of Flight over Montreal & Toronto
Wednesday, September 15th, 2010

Mr Mills is a Canadian aviation historian who will be speaking on the first flights over Montreal and Toronto on July 2 and July 13, 1910. From London, Ontario Mr Mills has had a life long interest in aviation. He joined the RCAF Auxiliary in 1955, attended the University of Waterloo (graduating in 1965 as an electrical engineer) then rejoined the Air Force Reserves in Toronto, retiring after 24 years service in 1983 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Since retiring, he became involved in Canadian aviation historical research and published his first book, "Banshees in the Royal Canadian Navy" in 1991. His current book project is about the Canadian Airmen and Airwomen in the Korean War.

He is an Associate Historian with the Air Force Air Division, a member of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society, and the Air Force Association, and an Honorary Member of the Korea Veterans Association and an Honorary Life Member of the Canadian Naval Air Group.

 

PAUL PASQUARELLO - Panorama Stereo - with a pair of Hasselblad XPan Cameras
Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

Paul was our guest speaker back in June, 2008 when he presented an amazing selection of wide-screen stereo views made with Cinemascope anamorphic lenses. This time this talented Buffalo photographer brings stereo scenes taken with a pair of Hasselblad XPan cameras (shown below his portrait at left). These 35mm cameras can be set to record a panoramic image the width of two 35mm negatives.

Paul will be using a linked pair of Cabin 6x7 projectors to show his work. If you saw his stereo views last time, you won't want to miss this sequel. If you missed Paul in 2008, do yourself a favour and see his amazing wide-screen stereo views.

 

 

 

JULIENNE PASCOE - The Samuel Bourne Albums
Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

Julienne Pascoe focussed on the research of the Bourne albums as well as highlighting important aspects of Bourne's photographic practice.

Ms Pascoe holds an MA in Photographic Preservation and Collections Management from Ryerson University (2009). She created a digital image database for the Baroness Elsa Image Archive, at the MLC Research Center under the supervision of Dr. Irene Gammel. She was subsequently involved in organizing the Klinsky Archive, a collection of 9,500 press photographs from the 1930s, at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) where she recently became Assistant, Collections and Information Resources. Jules launched her own consulting company in Toronto in August 2009: Consulting Services for Preservation and Management of Photographic Collections.  

SHOW & TELL- Members night to present interesting items
Wednesday, December 15th, 2010

Show and Tell in December is a tradition with the PHSC. At this popular event, members bring a wide variety of items from their collection to share with others. Sometimes the story is one of acquisition, othertimes it is of the historical importance of an item, or a request for help from the audience. Each year there are been interesting surprises and discussions about a small selection of the wealth of artifacts, images and books the photographic industry has created in its progress from the Daguerreotype of 1839 to modern day digital technology.

And we will have a Christmas tree and exchange of gifts once again - bring a gift valued at $15 - $20 that would be appreciated by one of our members and receive one in exchange.

There will also be a silent auction once again so bring some loose change :-)

MARK CRUZ - Nikon Video and DSLRs
Wednesday, January 19th, 2011

We start the new year off with a bang. Nikon's popular technical representative will chat with us on the suddenly popular video on DSLR cameras, and of course the latest cameras coming out from Nikon. You may wonder at this topic for an historical society, but keep in mind the rapid pace of innovation and change in the camera industry at the moment. A digital camera just a few years old is very much an obsolete instrument. One fifteen years old is a veritable museum piece!

Mark is one of the very modern generation - he has a Facebook presence and a listing on Linkedin. You can see some of Mark's videos and interviews by browsing Youtube or visiting Perpetual Radio (perpetualradio.com). Have a look and come on out on the 19th to welcome Mark and learn about the trends in cameras from a Nikon perspective.

Bob Carter