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Photography
Say cheese! According the to the Guardian, we take an average of 450 selfies each year. It makes sense since these days cellphones make photography easy, and we’re capturing slices of life in every moment. Taking photos has never been easier, but are you taking quality photos? According to Forbes, photos have lost their value. This month, we’re highlighting materials that teach you about photography and how to take a shot that you’ll want to look back on again and again. We’ll guide you through portraiture, still life photography and the nitty gritty technical details.
Want to take your learning to the next level? Capture some information from the galleries below, then join us Tuesday September 28 for Stay Savvy: Cell Phone Photography. You’ll learn how to use your smart phone to take great photos and capture daily moments and special occasions. We’ll teach you about light, composition, focus and more. Register today!
Strike a Pose
Walking down the runway vibes. This playlist is inspired by moments of confidence and fashion, where you can hear the snapshots of cameras as you strut. Take it in darling, all eyes are drinking in the fabulousness that is you.
Photos That Tell Stories
In today’s world where nearly everyone has a camera in their pocket, we can sometimes forget the importance photography has had in its near 200 year history. Photos have captured integral moments in our lifetimes that function as self-reflection and artistic endeavor. For this gallery, we have gathered articles, e-books and films that illustrate how photos have been used to tell our collective stories, and showcase our human sense of self.
Places and Things
Oh, The Places You’ll Go! And the photos you’ll take! Travel with us as we explore photography with lessons and stories from the experts around the world and those close to home. We’ve featured wildlife photography, stunning locations, and even the art of street photography.
Technical Tips
What is your go to for shooting photos these days? Many people use their Smartphone for photography, editing and sharing options as well as ability to store and organize their photos. If these articles pique your interest in photography then check out the LinkedIn Database for tutorials on photography.
Photos, Photos, Photos!
Heffner Studio
Looking to edit your photos or work with audiovisual equipment? The team at Heffner Studio (at Central Library) can help you out. Sign up for a program or reserve a project workstation and get going! View more details at kpl.org/heffnerstudio
Youth Video Competition
KPL has teamed up with the City of Kitchener and the Grand River Film Festival for a youth video competition. Young people between the ages of 12 and 25 are invited to share their short films and animations to win a $300 prize. Submit your video by September 17th!
KPL Photo Contest
Each year, the library hosts an amateur photography contest, with submissions usually due January 31. There are four categories to enter: animals, architecture, landscape an people. Check out our website for more details kpl.org/photocontest
Grace Schmidt Room of Local History at KPL
In partnership with the Waterloo Historical Society and the Waterloo Region Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society, the library has developed a collection of books, newspapers and other materials documenting the area's history and families housed in the Grace Schmidt Room. Friendly staff can help find what you're looking for at kpl.org/localhistory
Making History
Love old photographs? Searching for details about your family’s roots? Curious about the history of your neighbourhood? Interested in learning about the courageous local men and women who served our country? Check out makinghistory.kpl.org and get instant access to digitized historic photographs, postcards, soldier cards, recorded interviews and more.
Scanning and Digital Conversion
You can create high quality digital copies of documents, photographs, negatives, slides and VHS using the scanning and conversion tools in the Grace Schmidt Room. New to the GSR is a conversion machine for 8mm and Super8 film, the Wolverine. Appointments can be made by calling 519-743-0271, ext. 212 or emailing gsr@kpl.org.
About the Digital Living Page
The Digital Living page is updated each month. The galleries on this page have been curated by staff and link to free, digital content. You may be asked to login using your name, library card and PIN. After logging in, you will be taken directly to the linked article. Your browser will usually remember logging in for the next time.
P.S. Need a Library Card? Signing up for a library card is free for residents of the Region of Waterloo. You can start with a digital card to gain immediate access to online collections (like the ones featured here).