“BEHIND EVERY STRONG PHOTOGRAPH IS A NARRATIVE AND BEHIND THAT THE APPLICATION OF THE ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN”
Education
B.Ed. University of Western Ontario, London, ON 2010
Faculty of Education
Intermediate-Senior Division Art, English
B.F.A. Ontario College of Art and Design, Toronto, ON 2008
Faculty of Art
Drawing and Painting
O.S.S.D. Centennial Collegiate Vocational Institute, Guelph, ON 2004
Me
Hi, I'm Mike, a Guelph based photographer, visual artist, teacher and part time reservist. From childhood I have been drawn to the visual arts, always looking for more ways to express myself creatively and capture the fleeting moments of life. Through my artistic practice I have become attuned to paying attention to the small everyday things in life. I notice the moments that we take for granted and capturing them is what drives my photography practice.
Background
My interest in the visual arts, specifically painting, led me to pursue a career in the arts. Between 2004-2008 I attended the Ontario College of Art Design where I majored in drawing and painting with a minor in english. Throughout this time I also completed over six studio courses in digital printmaking and photography. It was also during this time that I decided I didn't want to be one of those starving artists. I came to the realization that the best career path was for me was to become a teacher. So, In 2010 I attended teachers college at the University of Western Ontario where I learned about the theory, knowledge and strategies for teaching visual arts. Out of teachers college I was able to get a job teaching visual and media arts at the Guelph C.V.I. During my time at the Guelph C.V.I. I was given the opportunity to develop curriculum, relationships, and perform hands on demonstrations in connection with formal lecture based lesson plans. While teaching I became aware that my interest in photography had taken a turn. Photography went from being a hobby and something I loved to a passion/obsession which has take me to where I am today. Over the last year I have had several photography jobs working for the Canadian Forces Public Affairs and covering high profile events. Although I have taken several courses in digital photography and printmaking anything of value I have learned about photography has been self taught from reading books, magazines, YouTube tutorials, and experience.
What You Can Expect From Me
I am extremely professional, hard working, dedicated, and flexible individual who thrives under pressure. I bring to you a unique set of artistic skills developed from intensive studio and experience based learning experiences. I am knowledgable and creative (I have an extremely broad depth of knowledge within the art and design field specifically with the elements and principles of design and photoshop). Throughout our developing relationship we will work together to capture any photographic ambitions you may have. My promise is to deliver quality work within a professional and fun atmosphere, making sure that you have a fantastic experience capturing the fleeting moments of your life.
“The thing is each one of us, is the sum total of every moment that we ever experience, with all the people we’ve ever known.
And it’s these moments that become our history. Like our own personal of greatest hits of memories. We play and replay in our minds, over and over again.”
Experience/Jobs
Exercise Arrowhead Lightning '12, Camp Atterbury, Indiana, USA Hired by the Canadian Forces Public Affairs
2012 Region of Waterloo Air Show, Waterloo Regional Airport, Ontario, CAN Hired by the Canadian Forces Public Affairs
Exercise Arrowhead Storm '12, CFB Borden and LFCATC Meaford, Ontario, CAN Hired by the Canadian Forces Public Affairs
Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal Ceremony, Waterloo Town Square, Ontario, CAN Hired by the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada
Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal Ceremony Hired by the Honourable Peter Braid Minister of Parliament, Waterloo
