The Call of the Loon By Mark Lachovsky
When call of the Loon breaks my early morning sleep I know it is time to pop out of bed, grab a snack, some water and my camera. The kayak is waiting for me on the dock as I slowly slip it into the water and head off in search of the sound makers.
I am fortunate to have a house on a lake that welcomes Loons every summer. For the past 7 years I have had the opportunity to spend dozens of hours and captured many thousands of frames of these stunning creatures.
Sliding silently through the water allowed me to observe and capture Loons in various acts of natural behavior. A rare opportunity to live through my own personal nature show.
I have observed a pair of adults nesting and caring for their kids; fighting among rival unwelcome visitors; one day old babies taking their first swim, being fed by their parents and losing their fuzz on the way to adulthood. I’ve also shared sad moments like when an adult had a fishing hook embedded in its beak and when the couple lost a baby and were crying as they desperately searched everywhere for it.
More importantly I am grateful that they invited me into the family to observe, share and capture some amazing moments with them.
These images included include a variety of the scenes I captured over the years, I hope you enjoy them.
About Mark
Mark Lachovsky is a self-taught photographer. Born in Montreal, where he has lived all his life, Mark’s first experience with photography was in high school working on the year book. Moving through university, he gained further experience working in various areas including freelance work with music magazines and University newspapers, writing and taking pictures.
Over the years Mark’s interest focused more on the beauty that nature has to offer. After, waiting for digital technology to improve to a level closer to that of slide film, Mark finally jumped into the digital world. Though there are positives and negatives to digital technology, the positives now outweigh the negatives particularly in terms of speed and flexibility.
Within the scope of nature, areas of interest include African wildlife, birds and the world beneath the oceans. Multiple visits to Africa provided opportunities to view a stunning variety of wildlife up close in their natural habitat. Mark has had the opportunity to photograph in other locations while traveling but spends a lot of time shooting wildlife in the Montreal area. In summers Mark is often out in his kayak in the early mornings looks for the many local or migratory species to capture.
Other areas of interest include portraits of people (particularly in Africa), underwater and landscapes.
“The key in making images that stand out is capturing the essence of the subject. Ideally with warm light on the subject, eye contact, an unusual angle or expression and freezing that special moment in time allows for the viewer to be part of the experience.”
To view more of Mark’s work please visit: www.marklachovsky.com
Bad Water – The loss of flamingos in Lake Natron by Jeffery Wu
The alkaline water in Lake Natron and Lake Magadi can reach pH levels as high as 12 and is so caustic it can burn the skin and eyes of animals that are not adapted to the extreme environment. Read More >>
From ‘Ahhh’ to ‘Oh!’ with Monica Reekie
In 2013 and 2014, life-changing opportunities with Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic found my heart and soul completely captivated by a group of islands 950 kilometers west of Ecuador along the equator – the Galapagos. Read More >>
Interview with Canadian Nature Photographer Missy Mandel
Missy Mandel is a nature photographer from Toronto, Canada. Nature somehow connected with something deep inside of Missy. This has greatly influenced how she sees and photographs the world.
Why nature photography?
The more I photograph and observe wildlife the more I am convinced both birds and animals have emotions and feelings. I strive to capture these moments by taking people closer to see better the detail, colour and spirit of a wild creature.
According to Missy, what are some basic attributes a nature photographer should have?
Knowledge of the species, Respect and patience are crucial to becoming a wildlife photographer.
What is your homework before you go out to shoot these wonderful creatures?
I observe for hours or days before attempting to photograph. I try and find a pattern to their behaviour and something fascinating about the species.
How does your style stay unique when compared to other nature photographers out there?
I am a mother of two girls, and capturing tender moments between parents and offspring is what I love most.
Could you reveal something you have learned over the years in this genre?
I have learned that the longer you spend in the field just being with a subject the better the outcome will be. I can gauge the safe distance between me and my subject, and once I am at that distance, I can photograph without impacting the subject or the behaviour.
What drives you for the constant passion for photography?
I love to share what I am so privileged to see and photograph. My bucket list of places to go is incredibly long, but it gives me great excitement to have the means and drive to tackle it.
A necessary ingredient for success as a photographer?
Passion and dedication
How do you plan a day out for photography?
Mother Nature plays a huge part in wildlife photography. It is difficult to plan. Most days I will come home with an empty CF card. Nature photography has the same excitement to me as playing the lottery, Every day you think that is your pay day 🙂
Your gear?
I use Canon gear. 1DxII body, 500mm prime, 200-400mm zoom, 100-400mm, Gitzo tripod, Really right stuff gimbal head.
Your inspiration?
There are so many brilliant nature photographers. I follow people with many with hundreds of thousands of followers, and many with very few followers. I am inspired by images that tell a nature story.
Your favorite location?
I have been feeding my backyard birds for years. Being at home and watching the birds around me is my favourite space.
Any final word of advice or thought for aspirants in this field?
Connect with people who appreciate nature and love to photograph. There is so much information to share.
You can find Missy Mandel on the Web:
Reprinted with permission from http://121clicks.com/
Editor’s Note
Missy has recently won many CAPA awards, including Gold Medals in the Open, Wildlife, Print and Nature competitions. Her image of Peyto Lake was the basis for one of the Canada 150th silver collectors coins.
124th Toronto Photography Salon
The Toronto Camera Club presents The124th Toronto International Salon of Photography
Submission Closing date is November 04, 2017 @Midnight,(Gmt-5)
For more information please visit:Salon.Torontocameraclub.Com
Photograph the BC Lions with CAPA
Photograph the BC Lions
Come early for your chance to photograph the BC Lions during the pregame session. Special arrangements have been made for photographers to bring lenses up to 200mm. Must be prepaid by October 4. For more information, email CAPA Pacific Zone Director Dennis Ducklow.
Pioneer in Photography
George Brybycin Receives CAPA Excellence in Photography Medal
George Brybycin was a Canadian photographer and mountaineer whose pioneering contribution to the visual heritage and ecology of the Canadian Rockies is worthy of national recognition. George had been nicknamed the ‘Ansel Adams of the Canadian Rockies.’
George devoted his life to photographing mountains, resulting in a prolific historical record of everything from the majestic valleys to the heavenly peaks of the Canadian Rockies. George’s determination, mental and physical stamina – at times taking great personal risk sleeping on mountaintops in sub-zero temperatures to capture sunrise and sunset shots, will likely never be surpassed!
George was a humble man who has self-published fifty-six books. He was not driven by riches but by the pursuit of his love of photography, and mountaineering; and his passion for nature, wildlife, and the ecology. His books are how he shares this love with others.
George Brybycin (left) was awarded CAPA’s Excellence in Photography medal by Michael Squance (Club President) at the Calgary Camera Club’s annual general meeting on May 24. Sadly George passed away in June. You can read more about George is this tribute to him .
How to Log In
You have been hearing about the new CAPA website and now it’s here. Log in now to enjoy all the great content and beautiful photographs.
Here’s how:
- Click on Login
- If you are an individual member, your username will be your usual CAPA Membership email address
- If you are a member Club, your username will be your exact Club Name, eg. The Ottawa Camera Club
- Your password will be the 5-digit CAPA Member Number from the Karelo Membership System
- If your membership is current, you will be taken to your membership account page, with access to members-only website content.
- If your membership has expired, you will be taken to a page where you can select your membership to rejoin CAPA.
Forgotten your old Membership Number? Click on Login, then click on ‘Lost Password’.
- Enter your usual CAPA Membership email address, then click on ‘Get New Password’.
- An email will be sent to your email address with instructions on how to set a new password.
- We encourage you to select a secure password at least 8 digits long, using numbers, letters and special characters.
Once you are logged in to your Member Account, click on ‘Edit Profile’ to update your member information. In the Province field, please enter the two-digit province abbreviation.
If you are having difficulties with the website please email the web manager.
Questions about your membership? Send an email to the Membership Administrator Kayla Stevenson.
Moonrise Between Iceberg Pillar by Michael Winsor
Michael Winsor is a professional photographer from the small outport community of Pools Island, Newfoundland. Through his passion in landscape photography, Michael has built a reputation in producing stunning low light landscape images. With his love of exploring the natural world, he is known as a leader in fine art landscape images of Newfoundland & Labrador.
Continue reading “Moonrise Between Iceberg Pillar by Michael Winsor”
Competition Winners – 2017 Photo Challenge – Individual
Competition Winners & Awards
- Gold Medal – Jim Hatch
- Silver Medal – Frederic Hore
- Bronze Medal – Ted Akune
Honourable Mention:
- Donna Thompson – “East To West Celebration 2017”
- Michael Winsor – “Ferryland Iceberg”
- Jacinthe Leblanc – “New Brunswick”
- Jean Wang – “Celebrate Canada National Day”
- Angeline Haslett – “Following Cultural Paths”
- Jana Malinek – “The Dancer”
- Lorna Scott – “Lunenberg, Nova Scotia”
- Christina Varro – “Capturing Moraine Lake”
- Ted Akune – “Keeping Watch”
- Betty Johnston – “Waiting For The Eulachon Bella Coola BC”
Congratulations to all the winners.
Competition Winners – 2018 Black & White – Individual
Competition Winners & Awards
- Gold Medal – David Laronde
- Silver Medal – Norman Dougan
- Bronze Medal – Missy Mandel
Honourable Mention:
- He Zhao
- Zhiwen Li
- Yung Niem
- Judy Griffin
- Lorna Scott
- Robert Parker
- Wei Tian
- Bruce Carmody
- Janet Slater
- Harvey Rogers
- Yun Wang
- Isabel Da Silva Kelly
Merit Awards:
- 1st Place Merit Award – Judy Griffin – “Pride And Joy”
- 2nd Place Merit Award – Isabel Da Silva Kelly – “The Wings Of An Eagle”
- 3rd Place Merit Award – Zhiewen Li – “Heavy Hit”
Congratulations to all the winners and a special thanks to the Victoria Camera Club for hosting this extremely popular competition.
Competition Winners – 2019 Canada: My Country – Individual
Competition Winners & Awards
- Gold Medal – Heather Loewenhardt
- Silver Medal – Steve Donnelly
- Bronze Medal – Glenn Springer
Honourable Mention:
- Tony Roberts
- Bruce Carmody
- Michael Winsor
- Missy Mandel
- Jocelyne Feizo
- William Bickle
- Norman Dougan
- Arjuna Somaskandan
- Suzanne Huot
- Hans Arnold
- Neal Weisenberg
- Michel Broadfoot
- Sandra Hawkins
- Earl Hirtz
- IIana Block
- Rachel Schneiderman
Merit Awards:
Congratulations to all the winners. This competition was hosted by CAPA and the Competition Coordinator was the CAPA Director of Competitions.
Competition Winners – 2019 Monochrome – Individual
Competition Winners & Awards
- Gold Medal – Ann Alimi
- Silver Medal – Missy Mandel
- Bronze Medal – Rhonda Starr
Honourable Mention:
- Jocelyne Feizo
- Yun Wang
- Norman Dougan
- Fern Gitter
- Francine Raymond
- Leah Gray
- Virginia Stranaghan
- Benoit Larochelle
- Yves Keroack
- Lance Gitter
- Kathryn McGarvey
- Lorraine Deslauriers
- Anita Hubbard
- Arjuna Somaskandan
- Craig Lauder
- Kelly Pape
- Ron Gesser
Merit Awards:
Animal/Bird
- 1st Merit – Animal – Norm Dougan’s image “Great Grey Owl”
- 2nd Merit – Animal – Jocelyne Feizo’s image “Snow Birds Performance”
- 3rd Merit – Animal – Ann Alimi’s image “Portrait of a King”
Architecture
- 1st Merit – Architecture – Ying Shi’s State Theater”
- 2nd Merit – Architecture – Margaret Foley’s image “Out Of Step”
- 3rd Merit – Architecture – Dandan Liu’s image “The Maze”
Landscape
- 1st Merit – Landscape – Yves Keroack’s image “The Shining Path”
- 2nd Merit – Landscape – Rita Vilis’s image “Lost And Alone”
- 3rd Merit – Landscape –
People
- 1st Merit – People – Lorna Scott’s image “Ready For Snow”
- 2nd Merit – People – Yun Wang’s image “Grandma”
- 3rd Merit – People – Ann Alimi’s image “Africa’s Child”
Plant
- 1st Merit – Plant – Virginia Stranaghan’s image “Day Lily”
- 2nd Merit – Plant – Lance Gitter’s image “Peace Lily”
- 3rd Merit – Plant – theresa Bryson’s image “Graceful”
Congratulations to all the winners. This competition was hosted by CAPA and the Competition Coordinator was the CAPA Director of Competitions.
Competition Winners – 2019 Altered Reality – Rèalitè Altèrèe – Individual
Competition Winners & Awards
- Gold Medal – Rick McKenzie
- Silver Medal – Yves Keroack
- Bronze Medal – Ann Alimi
Honourable Mention:
- Rhonda Starr
- Randall Epp
- Theresa Bryson
- Francine Raymond
- Jim Hatch
- Lance Gitter
Merit Awards:
- 1st Place Merit Award – Rick McKenzie – “What A Ride”
- 2nd Place Merit Award – Yves Keroack – “Time Frame”
- 3rd Place Merit Award – Francine Raymond – “Game Over”
Congratulations to all the winners and a special thanks to the Richmond Hill Camera Club for hosting this extremely popular competition.
Competition Winners – 2020 Creative – Créativité- Individual/Individuel
Competition Winners & Awards
- Gold Medal – Rick McKenzie
- Silver Medal – Luba Critrin
- Bronze Medal – Oliver Dolinsky
Merit Awards:
1st Merit – Abstract Award – Gareth Jones
2nd Merit – Abstract Award – Patricia Mary Rankin
3rd Merit – Abstract Award – Vincent Morban
1st Merit – Altered Reality Award – Rick McKenzie
2nd Merit – Altered Reality Award – Rick McKenzie
3rd Merit – Altered Reality Award – Luba Citrin
1st Merit – Creative Award – Colleen Sayer
2nd Merit – Creative Award – Oliver Dolinsky
3rd Merit – Creative Award – Cristian Fritschi
Honourable Mention:
- Gareth Jones
- Colleen Sayer
- Francis Lachaine
- Marilene Luca
- Randall Epp
- Ann Alimi
- Cathy Aalders-Taylor
- Vincent Morban
- Lorna Scott
- Kathy Heykoop
Congratulations to all the winners.
Competition Winners – 2018 Altered Reality – Rèalitè Altèrèe – Individual
Competition Winners & Awards
- Gold Medal – Harvey Rogers
- Silver Medal – Roger Correia
- Bronze Medal – Francine Raymond
Honourable Mention:
- Jim Hatch
- Isabel Kelly
- Angeline Haslett
- Anita Hubbard
- Wendi Donaldson Laird
- Gordon Cornwall
Merit Awards:
- 1st Place Merit Award – Harvey Rogers – “Tableau: A Mistry Morning In Fantasia”
- 2nd Place Merit Award – Isabel Kelly – “Coming To An End”
- 3rd Place Merit Award – Francine Raymond – “The Square Root Of 3”
Congratulations to all the winners and a special thanks to the Victoria Camera Club for hosting this extremely popular competition.
Francine Raymond, du Club photo Évasion, reçois de Alain Dubeau la médaille de bronze de l’ACAP pour ses résultats pour la compétition individuelle de la Réalité altérée.
Competition Winners – Macro – Individual
Competition Winners & Awards
- Gold Medal – He (Henry) Zhao
- Silver Medal – Lydia Dagg
- Bronze Medal – Harvey Ash
Honourable Mention:
- Bruce Shapka
- Lynda McKay
- Lance Gitter
- Linda Treleaven
- Man-kay Koon
Merit Awards:
- Bruce Shapka – “Bumble Bee”
- Harvey Ash – “Red Day Lily”
- Bob Noble – “Fruit Fly And Dew”
Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to CAPA members Sheena Wilkie and Kasandra Sproson for hosting this competition.
Competition Winners – Macro – Club
Competition Winners & Awards
- Gold Medal – Richmond Hill Camera Club
- Silver Medal – Victoria Camera Club
- Bronze Medal – Images Alberta Camera Club
Honourable Mention:
Merit Awards:
- Joe Leduc (Richmond Hill Camera Club) – “Flower Drops”
- Viki Gaul – (Photographic Guild of Nova Scotia) – “Buttons And Pins Macro”
- Janet Slater (Richmond Hill Camera Club) – “Seed Head Details”
Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to CAPA members Sheena Wilkie and Kasandra Sproson for hosting this competition.
2019 Photo Challenge – Défi photo annuel 2019
cliquez ici pour le français
Scope of Competition
This year marks the 15th anniversary of our annual CAPA member Photo Challenge. Theme: Reflections.
Competition Details (click for more)
Competition Processes
- Competition Coordinator: Canadian Association for Photographic Art, CAPA Director of Competitions – competitions@capacanada.ca
- Closing Date of Competition – May 31, 2019 at midnight Eastern Standard Time.
- Open To ONLY Individual CAPA members, CAPA Life Members and CAPA Family Members. This competition is only open to CAPA individual and family members who are permanent Canadian residents. The residency stipulation for this competition has been requested by several sponsors. For this competition, you can ONLY enter two (2) images.
- How To Enter Competition – check out our How To Upload Images To CAPA Competition here.
Special Note
Questions about the scope of the competition and/or the editing criteria should be directed to the Competition Coordinator prior to the closing day of the competition.
The top 50 scored images from this competition will be included in the selection process for CAPA’s submission to the international Four Nations competition.
Portée du concours
Cette année marque le 15e anniversaire de notre défi photo annuel pour les membres de l’ACAP. Thème: Réflexions.
Détails du Concours (plus de détails)
Les processus de compétition
- Coordonnateur du concours: L’Association canadienne D’art photographique, Coordinateur du concours – CAPA Director of Competitions – competitions@capacanada.ca
- Date de clôture du concours– 31 mai 2019 minuit, Heure Normale de l’Est.
- Ouvert à Aux membres individuels, les membres à vie et membres familles de l’ACAP seulement. Ce concours n’est ouvert qu’aux membres individuels et de la famille de l’ACAP qui sont des résidents canadiens permanents. Le critère de résidence pour ce concours a été demandée par plusieurs commanditaires. Pour ce concours, vous ne pouvez entrer que deux (2) images.
- Comment entrer dans le concours Les instructions pour télécharger vos images sont ci-jointes.
Note Spéciale
Questions quant à la portée du concours et/ou les critères de post-traitement doivent être adressées au coordonnateur de la compétition avant le jour de clôture du concours.
Si vous le souhaitez, vous pouvez adresser vos questions en Français, veuillez envoyer un courriel à Alain Dubeau à Quebec@capacanada.ca
Les 50 images de ce concours qui auront reçu le plus haut pointage seront incluses dans le dans le processus de sélection pour la soumission de l’ACAP au concours internationale Four Nations Competition.
Corporate Prizes
– Gold Medal Winner – 1 year Adobe Creative Cloud
– Silver Medal Winner – 1 year Adobe Creative Cloud
– Bronze Medal Winner – 1 year Adobe Creative Cloud
– Gold Medal Winner – 1 year On1 Photo Raw Plus Membership
– Silver Medal Winner – 1 year On1 Photo Raw Plus Membership
– Bronze Medal Winner – 1 year On1 Photo Raw Plus Membership
– Gold Medal Winner – SureColor P800
– Silver Medal Winner – SureColor P600
– Bronze Medal Winner – SureColor P400
– Gold Medal Winner – Canon PowerShot Camera G3-X
– Silver Medal Winner – Canon PowerShot Camera G5-X
– Bronze Medal Winner – Canon PowerShot Camera G9-X
