 | Al Gilbert's Great Graduation Photos Toronto-based Olympus Visionary photographer Al Gilbert (a.k.a. "Ambassador of Canadian Photography") shares his tips and tricks about graduation just in time for that time of year. Article rating: 6.26 |
As his lecture title "Glass Plates to Digital" suggests, Al Gilbert is one of a handful of photographers with first-hand experience using glass plates, digital technology, and everything in between. Gilbert was a pioneer in the field of photography and was once labeled a rebel for his championing of outdoor lighting. But Gilbert knew from an early age how beautiful sunlit photographs could be. His father, Nathan Gilbert who opened the studio that his son now owns, used light from their windows to photograph his family.
Despite a genetic predisposition toward photography, Gilbert had a brief flirtation with commercial art, which he studied in Toronto. Thankfully he made the switch back to photography in time to enjoy a long list of accolades including a Kodak Gallery Award of Excellence, a Confederate Medal of Canada, and a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Photographic Industry of America. His list of portrait subjects is equally impressive and includes Frank Sinatra, all the Israeli Prime Ministers since 1950, Olympic sprinter Bobbie Rosenfeld, and a number of families that immigrated to Canada at the turn of the twentieth century.
The moniker he often receives, "Ambassador of Canadian Photography," couldn't be more apt. Gilbert's book of illustrated essays is currently being translated into Chinese. He also lectures throughout the world, influencing and inspiring a host of students and professionals who wouldn't dream of questioning his lighting techniques. Between speaking engagements, Gilbert continues to build interest in his niche market, graduation photography.
Gilbert recognizes the importance of graduation photographs in a young person's life and is delighted to exceed their expectations by paying attention to details and, most importantly, to what students and parents want. (See his "Ten Tips for Graduation Photographs" in our Master Photographers Tell You How section.) A business doesn't celebrate its 75th anniversary without building a reputation for quality, and Gilbert takes understandable pride in his studio's current reputation. Despite the obstacles that digital photography has brought to studio photographers through do-it-yourself print making, Gilbert has managed to keep his business on track by cornering a market and offering his clients what they want. It is no wonder than his book of illustrated essays is entitled Success Is No Accident.
Al's Equipment:
Cameras:
Olympus E-Series
Olympus E1 in studio
Memory card:
Lexar 2GB
Software:
Photoshop CS
Olympus Studio
Camera Bag:
Lowepro
Printer:
Epson 4800
Scanner:
Nikon
Epson
Color Management:
GretagMacBeth
Huey
Point & Shoot:
Olympus EVolt 330
Monitor:
LaCie
Lighting:
Cameron Digital Images with 4-way barn dooors
Computer:
Apple Mac Laptop
PC
Paper:
Epson
Ink:
Epson Ultrchrome K3
Mitsubishi
Meters:
Minolta
Click here to read our interview with Al Gilbert...
Click here to read Al Gilbert's Ten Tips on graduation photography...