June 21 Photo Walkabout: Protection Island

Posted on May 29, 2024 by gabephotoclub

Here’s a great way for Gabriola photographers to celebrate the summer solstice! Meet at the Gabriola ferry terminal at 8:30 am, to catch the 8:45 am sailing to Nanaimo. From there, we’ll walk around the seawall (giving those who missed our earlier Nanaimo Walkabouts a chance to catch some Harbour photos), then ride the Dinghy Dock ferry to Protection Island, where we’ll have plenty of time to explore.

Plan for many diverse photo opportunities, along the seawall, during the ferry ride and during our time on Protection Island – whatever each of us finds of interest is worth photographing!

We’ll head back to the Dinghy Dock Pub at 1 pm for lunch (optional), then catch the ferry back to Nanaimo.

Note that you’ll need $14 for the Protection Island ferry (cash only). For the schedule and info about the ferry: https://www.dinghydockpub.com/protection-island-ferry-schedule/

As always, this is a weather-dependent event (though we have proven to be a hardy bunch, as witness our May Walkabout). Though you’re welcome to simply show up, we suggest you let us know ahead of time if you plan to attend, in case of any last-minute changes.

View of Protection Island from the water, with red spar buoy in foreground, white beacon on shore and houses along the shoreline. — Protection Island © Laurie MacBride

May 16 Photo Walkabout: Sunset at the Galleries

Posted on May 5, 2024 by gabephotoclub

This month we’ll walk the beach from Taylor Bay to Malaspina Galleries, in time for sunset.

Meet at 7 pm at the parking area at Gabriola Sands Provincial Park (AKA “Twin Beaches”).

It will be low tide, so we’ll walk along the sandstone shoreline to Malaspina Galleries, where the view – and the photo opportunities – can be amazing.

We’ll return to our starting point via the roads. Be sure to bring a flashlight for the return walk!

Though you’re welcome to simply show up, we suggest you let us know if you plan to attend, in case of any last-minute changes.

Sunset viewed through an opening in the sandstone shoreline overhang at Gabriola Island's Malaspina Galleries — Photo © Corinne Flaws

Planning in Nature Photography – May 15

Posted on April 22, 2024 by gabephotoclub

With special guest presenter, Liron Gertsman

From the Rocky Mountains to the rugged coastline, the Pacific Northwest’s wild spaces are home to an incredible diversity of life. At our club’s meeting on May 15, Liron Gertsman will be taking us on a virtual journey through our incredible region and beyond, with a focus on the techniques that go into planning a successful photoshoot in nature.

An award-winning nature photographer and photojournalist, Liron aims to educate and shed light on environmental issues and the importance of conservation. His work has been exhibited in some of the largest museums in the world, including the Natural History Museum in London and the Smithsonian in Washington DC. You may have seen him on CBC’s “The National”, heard him on Radio One, or seen his work in Canadian Geographic, Audubon Magazine, The Guardian, GEO and other publications.

His work has been widely recognized, sweeping the professional category of the 2022 Audubon Photography Awards, winning the grand prize of the 2023 Audubon Photography Awards, and earning a highly commended designation in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Liron has a biology degree from UBC, which he uses to enhance his passion for art and visual storytelling, providing a scientific background to inform his understanding of the natural world.

You can find more info about Liron along with the workshops and tours he offers, and see some of his beautiful wildlife and nature images on his website.

The meeting will be held via Zoom. The link will be sent by email to all Gabriola Photography Club members a few days beforehand. Make sure your membership is up to date (paid for 2024) so that you receive this info.

A note to non-members of our Club: you are welcome to attend this event as well, for a $5 fee: contact us by May 12 to sign up.

“Gear & Gadgets Galore” Fundraising Sale, May 4

Posted on April 16, 2024 by gabephotoclub

On Saturday, May 4 a huge variety of lightly-used photographic equipment will be on sale in exchange for a donation to Gabriola Photography Club.

Among the items are multiple types of:

tripods, monopods & heads
camera bags
cameras & lenses
(many!) filters, including a very large LensBaby collection
graphic tablets, storage drives, Epson photo printer & other peripherals
multiple frames including float frames
multiple Renaissance & other professional display albums
supplies for various photo products
a wide variety of other camera accessories

Paid-up members of Gabriola Photography Club will have the opportunity to attend a members-only portion of the sale between 10 am and noon.

For everyone else, the sale will open at noon and run to 2 pm.

It will take place at 3290 South Road, Gabriola (near Silva Bay).

Click on the “Download” button below for the complete inventory of items. Due to the volume we received from the generous donors, some of the smaller items are being bundled as collections (as noted in the item descriptions).

Gear inventory for web Download

April 26 Photo Walkabout: Decourcy Loop (Gabriola)

Posted on April 12, 2024 by gabephotoclub

This month our Photo Walkabout will be on Gabriola Island, taking in the Decourcy Loop (approximately 2 km).

The Loop offers many interesting photo opportunities, including big trees, sandy beaches, eroded sandstone formations, views of the Salish Sea, shorebirds and possibly other wildlife – not to mention some interesting signpost decorations along the way. (See the photos below for some examples.)

We’ll start at Pilot Bay, then head up the hill, taking a right on Decourcy Drive, walking the trails to all five viewpoints – with each participant photographing whatever catches their eye.

The first viewpoint is a scenic outlook, while #2 to #4 have public access paths leading down to sandstone beaches which we’ll no doubt want to explore. Viewpoint #5 leads to another sandstone beach, this one with a view of picturesque Turtle Rock. If time permits, we’ll also visit Taylor Bay. The tide will be dropping all morning, so all of the beaches we visit should be accessible.

To join, meet at 10 am at the parking area of Gabriola Sands Provincial Park (AKA “Twin Beaches”). If you’re interested, we’ll plan on an optional 12:30 pm lunch at the Surf afterwards.

Like all our Photo Walkabouts, the event is weather dependent. Though you’re welcome to simply show up, we suggest you let us know if you plan to attend, in case of any last-minute changes.

Click on an image to enlarge it and run them in carousel format.