Photography Program Takes Part in The Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival
The Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival took place this past May and showcased over 180 exhibitions, installations, and projects from artists and photographers at specific sites around Toronto. For students in our Photography program, this opportunity allowed them to show off their work to the public, which Joseph Marranca, Program Coordinator and Instructor in the program, explains is a valuable opportunity. He shares that people who do not know the students and do not have any bias can view their work, which creates a space for honest feedback. "Throughout the program, we expose them to the same type of critiques but from a safer zone, so this is great to let them see how the public reacts," he adds.
1,2,3,4,5 Human Senses was the exhibit students put together this year, and it was on display at Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport from May 24-31 and then at Sherway Gardens from June 8-15. The collection of photographs in this exhibit explored what we, as humans sense. Joseph explains, "By trying to think of the human senses as more than the obvious, we tried to show images that can lead someone to think about a sense from a different angle." He adds. "I hope all viewers take away an idea of what they themselves may sense or how they use their senses individually. It is a success if it just gets them thinking about that."
Once the theme of their exhibition was selected, Sara Delves, a student in the Photography program, shared that students had an open guideline to express their own creativity and interpretation. Sara and her fellow classmates were able to submit as many images as they wanted as long as they were related to or represented eyesight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. “Personally, I decided to submit one image for each of the five senses, with three of them being on display. I quickly had ideas for hearing, eyesight, and touch, so I began my project with those photoshoots before brainstorming ideas for smell and taste,” she says.
Prepping for the festival first included organizing all of the elements for photoshoots. Sara explains each required pre-production planning, finding a model, creating a set/environment, working on location and in-studio, editing, and adhering to photo specs. As a result, Sara says that she learned a bit more about the process of submitting work to be judged and potentially selected. "This more real-world-like project taught me a variety of lessons and gave me a number of skills that I can now carry with me while I continue my photography journey."
Participating in the festival was both an exciting and challenging experience for Sara. She explains, “Taking part was a great balance of technical practice and being able to express my creativity in my own way. Being able to showcase my work in not one, but two public spaces so early in my career has been such an amazing opportunity that I am so grateful to be a part of.”
Ana Silva Gasca, also a student in the program, shares that it was enjoyable and rewarding to see her own images and colleagues at the festival. “Personally, it was my first time participating in an exhibition, and I am happy to have had the opportunity to represent Centennial College,” she shares. “Undoubtedly, the most challenging part of the process was developing the concept and translating it into images. It was quite a formidable task, from comprehending the requirements to brainstorming ideas and entering the studio to bring them to life.” She adds, “This has been a valuable experience that will undoubtedly benefit us in the future and in upcoming exhibitions.”
The Photography program is a two-year, hands-on program that Joseph describes as a creative commercial program that adds “fine art-free thinking” whenever possible. He explains, “I feel this is the best way to explore, go beyond, maybe too far, then pull it back to hone a better story. After all, it is about the story, especially at the Story Arts Centre, isn’t it? I think so.” He adds, “The best commercial images really make you think a little, even if it takes you a little longer to get it. We all need to dream a little more.”
As Sara reflects on her first year in the program, she says she is glad she decided to return to school and give her passion for photography a chance. “My first year alone has been filled with so many amazing opportunities that would have never happened had I chosen not to enroll. With the help of my peers and my instructors, I have already learned and accomplished so much. I will always be grateful for the experiences I have here and look forward to completing the program and life after graduation,” she says.
Similarly, Ana shares that there were many lessons throughout the program's first year, with one being that she has learned key information and instruction about handling light and "painting with it" in various environments. This type of real-world material flows throughout the program and allows students to pick up the skills they need to succeed, especially as they pursue their careers after graduation.
If you would like to see the photographs that filled the exhibit, click here for the virtual gallery.
Article by: Alexandra Few
Photographs included in this article were taken by: Dawson Conway, Naime Sekmen Cavus, and Soraya Mohammadi.