André Gallant Photography Workshop, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

The second of André Gallant’s workshops in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia has just wrapped up. I had heard about it at a relatively late date but still managed to grab a spot due to a cancellation. I actually live in Lunenburg County, so you might ask why I would plunk down hard earned $$$ to attend (instead of travelling somewhere a bit more exotic). There are good reasons. Most importantly, André is an excellent teacher. I found this out several years ago during a workshop he and Freeman Patterson hosted at Shamper’s Bluff, in New Brunswick. I also wanted to wake up (or reawaken) to the photographic possibilities in my own back yard. The added bonus was having a block of protected time to talk and do photography 24/7 (ok, maybe it only seemed like we didn’t sleep). I wasn’t disappointed on any of these fronts.

Church Pigeon, Lunenburg (photograph copyright Arthur Marshall)

Church Pigeon, Lunenburg

The course was based at the Bluenose Lodge, within easy walking distance of the Lunenburg waterfront and the many colourful, historic buildings in this UNESCO Heritage town. The Lodge is a grand old building (built ca. 1863), with requisite creaky floorboards that made sneaking out for sunrise shoots a challenge. This didn’t cause much trouble, since we had taken over the whole building. Unlike other heritage inns and B&Bs I’ve been in, the mattress and pillows were actually comfortable, and there was plenty of hot water. The number of electrical outlets in my room (third floor) was limited. This also wasn’t a big deal, since all of the serious computer work took place in the dining hall, with plenty of power for all.

Historic Grounds Coffee Shop catered lunches and dinners. The workshop literature had boasted gourmet meals, something I hadn’t paid too much attention to (I wasn’t signing up for the food). It’s become a cliché to say this but – OMG! Wonderful dinners of salmon, halibut, pork, shrimp, chicken; with delectable veggies and yummy salads and soups. Even the lunchtime sandwiches were no ordinary sandwiches. Desserts included cheesecake, chocolate mousse, apple crisp, and BIG blueberry tarts. ’nuff said.

Back Harbour Trail Trees #1 (exercise in panning)(photograph copyright Arthur Marshall)

Back Harbour Trail Trees #1 (exercise in panning)

Photography took place in the town of Lunenburg and surrounding areas including Mahone Bay, Blue Rocks and Hirtle Beach. We also took a day trip to Peggy’s Cove. Every day brought presentations from André on a number of topics ranging from composition to many expressive techniques (for example Orton images), originally performed with “slide sandwiches” and now mimicked with photoshop. Participants presented 4-6 images to the group for discussion each day. Towards the end of the week, everyone (including André) received an assignment, to be shot as 20 to 25 images over 24 hours. Assignments were presented on Saturday morning. Late Saturday afternoon, each participant presented 12 favorite images from the week, to an audience that included guests from the surrounding communities.

Sacred Light (photograph and texture montage, copyright Arthur Marshall)

Sacred Light (photo & texture montage)

The week was a huge success. André promotes a fun, supportive environment that lets creativity flow. The group really clicked. The weather co-operated. André has been photographing on the south shore of Nova Scotia for many years and knows the good spots. I got a chance to photograph places I hadn’t made time for before and found some new ones I want to go back to.

I can’t recommend this experience enough. If the timing isn’t quite right, you might consider an alternative course in New Brunswick with André Gallant and Freeman Patterson.

Amazing Grace (photograph copyright Arthur Marshall)

Amazing Grace

If you have time, check out my collection of photos from the week, or run the slideshow.

2 thoughts on “André Gallant Photography Workshop, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

  1. Arthur I love the “Amazing Grace” photo! I would think you could sell this image if you were so inclined! Any way a lovely image and I think the dreamscape treatment works.

  2. Thanks, Sandy. I guess my next step will be to try to get a nice print out of it. That always seems to be so much harder!

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