Photo Walkabout – Friday, February 23

Posted on February 13, 2024 by Laurie MacBride, Eye on Environment

Gabriola Photography Club members and friends are planning a Nanaimo Waterfront / Marina Photo Walkabout on Friday, Feb. 23. All are welcome!

We’ll meet at the Gabriola ferry terminal at 8:20am, to catch the 8:40am sailing to Nanaimo as walk-on passengers.

We will walk around the Promenade from the Nanaimo ferry dock to the marina ramp. The goal is to walk every marina dock/pier (other than the few with gated access of course), and finish up at the Newcastle Island ferry pier.

The photo scope is wide open and whatever inspires you. We encourage photographers to look for the smaller view and try some detail photography. Some subjects might be reflections, dock cleats, colourful boat fenders, etc.

For more photo opportunities, we might consider returning to the Gabriola ferry by cutting through Maffeo Sutton Park. There will be an option to meet at the Pantry at Port Place at 11ish for coffee and lunch.

This will be a weather permitting event. Let us know if you plan to attend, so that we can keep you informed of any last-minute changes.

Spring is in the Air – February Field Trip

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Laurie MacBride, Eye on Environment

Barring another snow event or atmospheric river, Gabriola Photography Club’s first field trip opportunity of 2024 will be on Monday, February 12, when we’ll head to Sandwell Provincial Park on Gabriola Island.

We will meet at 1:00 pm, in the parking lot at the end of The Strand, and walk the trail to the salt marsh and beach, looking out for signs of spring life and bird activity.

The final hill to the beach and marsh is steep, so appropriate footwear is recommended. For those who wish to warm up after our excursion, we can gather for a post-field trip beverage and snack at the Surf Lodge.

Club members and other friends are welcome to participate. Please email ahead of time (“attn Sally”) if you are planning to join in, so that we can keep you apprised of any last-minute changes.

Click on any image below to expand and run the series as a slide show.

Pebble beach with view across the Strait of Georgia, and a drift log with two upthrust branches in the foreground.

Two Canada geese closed together in the intertidal zone.

Two geese in flight over the water, viewed from behind.

Two male red-breasted mergansers swimming in the sea.

Male and female harlequin ducks lifting off from the water.

Nature Calls Us – on now, until March 7, 2024

Posted on January 22, 2024 by Laurie MacBride, Eye on Environment

As an ongoing project, Gabriola Photography Club curates the art display space downstairs at the Gabriola Medical Clinic on Church Street, Gabriola Island. Club members take turns having solo exhibitions or taking part in group exhibitions.

When nature calls us, we strap on our cameras and step outside. The results can be seen in the exhibit that is currently showing downstairs at the Gabriola Medical Clinic: an array of beautiful images of our planet’s diverse plant, animal and fungi kingdoms, along with the raw beauty of its natural landscapes.

Seven members of the Gabriola Photography Club have come together to present this nature inspired collection.

From the tiniest mushrooms to birds soaring overhead, from visual treats found in our own backyards and forests to the majesty of the most rugged coastlines – we hope our exhibit will help you experience the beauty of nature as seen by our seven participating photographers.

Remembering Sharron

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Gabriola Photography Club

It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our dear friend, beloved Club President and extraordinary wildlife photographer, Sharron Palmer-Hunt.

She has left behind a legacy of stunning imagery that has captured the beauty of the natural world and inspired countless individuals.

Her departure leaves a void in our hearts, and we mourn the loss of a passionate leader and a cherished member of our Club. Sharron dedicated so much time, energy, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of our club. Her legacy will continue to inspire us all.

Sharron was not just an accomplished photographer; she was a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation, using her lens to tell stories that touched our hearts and opened our eyes to the wonders of the animal kingdom. Her dedication and talent played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving our planet’s biodiversity. She was an avid member of Gabriola’s Eagle Monitoring committee and served on the board of GROWLS (Gabriola Rescue of Wildlife Society) for many years.

Sharron was also our first webmaster – she undertook the task of developing our club’s website, and tended it with love and dedication until health challenges prevented her from carrying on. You’ll find many of Sharron’s beautiful wildlife images on this site.

As per Sharron’s wishes, there will be no memorial or celebration of life. Let us remember her not with sadness, but with gratitude for the joy and inspiration she brought into our lives.

May Sharron rest in peace, surrounded by the beauty she so passionately documented.

Fall Photo Show Roundup

Posted on December 5, 2023 by Gabriola Photography Club

Gabriola Photography Club’s Fall 2023 Photo Show was a great success, with good participation from Club members, a steady stream of people attending throughout the afternoon, and plenty of positive feedback. Thanks to everyone who showed prints, cards etc., contributed auction items and other donations, helped on show day or in any other way to make this an excellent Club event – and a big thank you to all of the Gabriola public who attended. Watch for news of our Spring 2024 show!

(You can click on an image to expand it and view the photos as a slide show.)