Looking for some photographic inspiration? Look no further then the current members of the APC. Each month a different APC member will be featured and we will provide a glimpse into their photographic life.
This month, our featured photographer is APC member, James Linton.
Bio:
Like many photographers my interest in photography started with family photos. I don’t remember a time when there was not a camera in my life. Even as a small child I remember my maternal grandmothers having a “Brownie”camera to take photos of special family occasions such as Christmas and birthdays. I still have some of those printed photos and they are a marvelous piece of our family history. My dad always had a camera with him when we traveled. My Aunt had a dark room where she processed her photos. As technology evolved to slides – the slide show became a family event – come into the living room and bring the popcorn! So I have been strongly influenced throughout my entire life.
Growing up I received cameras as gifts from my parents for birthdays and I loved to take photos of my friends – this was our life.
As my kids got older and I had some time available, my interest in photography was rekindled. I took courses at Ryerson and when cameras started to go digital it opened up a whole new world and I could see endless possibilities. My on-going challenge is to try to tap into my creative side so I can take advantage of photo opportunities.
- How would you describe your photography style?
Eclectic. I enjoy the challenge of taking photographs and getting it right regardless of the subject. That challenge can be a landscape near home or abroad, the thrill that comes from street photography or doing something that is truly different such as abstract photos. I have also photographed many fun events and have enjoyed all of them. I have always believed that we as photographers should strive to show something different that hasn’t been covered in exactly the same way. - Which photographer is your biggest inspiration?
When I was taking photography at school there were the classic artists such as Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson that I admired. In today’s world I follow many on Instagram that I use to inspire my own photographic efforts. This includes Canadian photographers such as Richard Martin, David DuChemin, and Michelle Valberg. I will always remember a line by David DuChemin on a course I took from him once. He said “If you remember anything from this course remember this – always look for light, lines and moments.”I often use these words as my inspiration.. - How long have you been interested in photography?
Since I was a child. I remember the thrill of looking at family pictures from my parents and grandparents. I wanted to be able to create photos as well. The kids today love looking at their images on the back of a DSLR – as a kid I remember doing exactly the same thing. The difference is that back then it was after 10 days and it came in the mail from a Kodak processing plant. It wasn’t immediate like it is today but the excitement of seeing a photo that I have created is always fun. - What was your first camera?
My first camera, I think, was a hand me down from one of my grandmothers and was a “Brownie”. Since then, I have progressed though many different film models such as a Minolta and Canon and a few digital cameras as well. Today I shoot with Nikon gear. - What is your dream photo trip?
My dream photo trip is always the next one. I have been fortunate to travel a lot and I would include all my destinations as dream trips. One place that I have been thinking a lot about lately is The Galapagos – so maybe it’s in my future. But whether it’s the backyard or half way around the world there are so many photo opportunities as long as you have a camera in your hand. You never know where the camera will take you.
You can view some of James’ work on Twitter: @jamesWRLinton and Instagram: jameswrlinton