Legacy – Honouring the Work of John Poirier

On until June 5, 2026

John was an inspirational photographer, skilled in film, digital, black & white and colour. His primary subjects ranged from the natural environment and human culture of northern Canada, where he lived and worked for many years, to the energy and beauty of Gabriola’s forests and sandstone shores.

John shared his photographic knowledge with generosity and humility. He took part in most of our shows and club meetings, right up until a week before his death a year ago. More often than not, we learned something valuable from the little gems of wisdom he quietly shared with us. We remember him with great fondness, and this show is our attempt to honour his memory. (Photo by Bill Pope.)

Our thanks to John’s wife MJ and daughter Anne for lending some of John’s wonderful work to this show and for keeping his website accessible. It’s definitely worth a visit.

From some of our Club members who are participating in the show:

John’s eye for subtlety and meaning were gifts which he freely and humbly shared with all of us. His insights were much appreciated.
–Laurence Lee

John saw the world with amazing perception and expressed what he saw in the art of photography. Walking the trails of Gabriola, you could bump into him, his tripod and camera slung over his shoulder, and if you were lucky there would be a brief chat. Under the sometimes gruff exterior he was curious and kind, sharing his knowledge with thought and care. We are better for his discerning eye.
–Sally Bullas

John inspired me with his vast collection of work, and I appreciated how knowledgeable and happy to help he was. I loved to hear his comments, always kind and encouraging.
–Linda Blokhuizen

John shared his knowledge with a gentle, humble approach. I learned a lot from him, both at club meetings and in our personal conversations. He was highly skilled, inspiring and encouraging the rest of us to love and practice photography in whatever way best suited us.
–Laurie MacBride

“Wildlife Called Her” – on now, until April 17

Sharron Palmer-Hunt outdoors in the sunshine, smiling and wearing sunglasses, with her camera in her hand.

This exhibit features a collection of beautiful canvas prints by the late Sharron Palmer-Hunt, Past President of Gabriola Photography Club and avid wildlife photographer.

As a leader and a cherished friend, Sharron dedicated much of her time, energy and commitment to the betterment of our Club, and her legacy will continue to inspire us all.

Sharron 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 and the importance of preserving biodiversity. She was also a member of Gabriola’s Eagle Monitoring committee and served on the board of GROWLS (Gabriola Rescue of Wildlife Society) for many years.

Sharron was our first Club webmaster, developing our website and tending it faithfully until health challenges intervened. You’ll find many of her beautiful wildlife images on this site.

Let us remember her with gratitude for the joy and inspiration she brought into our lives. We sincerely thank her husband, Peter Palmer-Hunt, for collaborating with us to produce this exhibit and for providing this collection of Sharron’s canvas prints.

25% of proceeds from sales from this exhibition will be donated to GROWLS, and another 25% will be donated to Gabriola Photography Club.

Silhouette of Sharron standing by her tripod with her camera mounted on it, with sunlit hills in the backgroundl
Sharron preparing to photograph nesting eagles ©️ Linda Blokhuizen

Remembering Sharron

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.

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.