Postcards From the Heart: A Journey in West Africa – on now until Aug. 1

Posted on June 14, 2024 by gabephotoclub

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.

An array of brightly coloured cloth shoes, all with the toes pointing towards the viewer, fill the frame. — © Steve Struthers

Gabriola Photos Club member Steve Struthers’ fascinating new chapter in his “Postcards from the Heart” series is now on, this time with the focus on West Africa. In Steve’s own words:

“The photographs in this show offer a glimpse of a part of Africa that provides astounding scenery and a kaleidoscope of peoples, with crowded markets and almost empty deserts, bad roads and great rewards at the end of long, bumpy rides.

Join me on a trip from the Sahara of southern Morocco, through Western Sahara (administered by Morocco but yearning to be independent), the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Senegal, and seldom-visited Guinea Bissau and its offshore islands known as the Bijagos Archipelago. I hope these images allow you to feel some of the excitement and wonder I experienced during my visit to these places.

Enjoy the photos, enjoy the journey.“

The show will run until August 1, 2024.

“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.

Sandstone shoreline in foreground with stairs leading down to beach on right and bright sky with clouds in background. — © Corinne Flaws

Closeup of eroded sandstone shore — © Corinne Flaws

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

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.