Videos

Kids Who Can launches in Toronto

April 4, 2012 By Marni Leave a Comment

On March 6th, 2012, Kids Who Can officially launched at Brookfield Place, in downtown Toronto. PhotoSensitive’s latest black-and-white multimedia exhibition explores Easter Seals camps, capturing the energy and enthusiasm of Canadian youth with physical and mental disabilities. Over the summer of 2011, 25 photographers and videographers were sent to 12 camps across eight provinces. The result is a compelling and thought provoking show.

With well over 150 guests, the evening began with some heart-warming speeches, including The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario; Kevin Ogawa, President and CEO of Canon Canada; Brandon McAuley, Easter Seals Ontario Ambassador; Maayan Ziv, PhotoSensitive photographer; and Andrew Stawicki, PhotoSensitive founder. While some of the contributing photographers perused the exhibit, many were introduced for the first time. PhotoSensitive photographers Kyle Cunjak and Scott Munn from as far as Halifax, NS were chatting about the experience of shooting for Kids Who Can with Sean White, PhotoSensitive videographer from Tofino, BC.

Concurrently, Easter Seals children mingled with the crowd and admired the photos. Many campers who were featured in the exhibit had an opportunity to enjoy their photos with family and friends.

The 32-inch touchscreen was a huge hit. Kids, parents, photographers and staff members couldn’t get enough of the short films. To view them online, please visit the gallery, http://www.eastersealskids.com/easter-seals-gallery.php

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the making of Kids Who Can. Your beautiful work and constant devotion to PhotoSensitive is deeply appreciated. To all of you who couldn’t make it to the launch – you were missed! Thanks to Chloe Ellingson, Janek Lowe, Giordanno Ciampini and Melissa Tait for their photos and video of the event.

Enjoy!

Photo by Melissa Tait

Guests peruse the exhibit. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, begins with an inspirational speech about the importance of Easter Seals camps. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Kevin Ogawa, President and CEO of Canon Canada, discusses Canon's commitment to Easter Seals. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Brandon McAuley, Easter Seals Ontario Ambassador, shares with the audience what it is about camp he loves so much. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Easter Seals campers have a laugh over a joke from Brandon's speech. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Maayan Ziv, PhotoSensitive photographer, tells the audience about her experience shooting for Kids Who Can at Camp Woodeden. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Andrew Stawicki, PhotoSensitive founding photographer, talks about how the project came together so magically. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Cutting of the ribbon ceremony. From left to right: Ms. Ruth Anne Onley, The Honourable David C. Onley - Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Andrew Stawicki - Founder of PhotoSensitive, Kevin Ogawa - President and CEO Canon Canada, Brandon McAuley - Easter Seals Ontario Ambassador, Maayan Ziv - PhotoSensitive photographer. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

From left to right, back row: Andrew Stawicki, Cheol Joon Baek, Marni Wolf, Sean F. White, Ms. Ruth Anne Onley, the Lieutenant Governor's Aide de Camp, Kevin Ogawa, Kyle Cunjak, James Burns, Scott Munn. Front row: David Stobbe, The Honourable David C. Onley, Brandon McAuley, Maayan Ziv, Tanya Workman. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario enjoys some time with Easter Seals campers. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario with Maayan Ziv, PhotoSensitive photographer. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

David Stobbe, PhotoSensitive photographer, has a chat with Russell Mark from Easter Seals Ontario. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Colleen Ryan, Sr. Director, Corporate Communications and General &Environmental Affairs with Wayne Doyle, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications at Canon Canada. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Proud grandmother, Anne-Marie, and her husband Robin, stand beside a photo of Noah Folz playing hockey at Camp Rotary, New Brunswick. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

PhotoSensitive photographer Kyle Cunjak and Project Coordinator Marni Wolf.

Easter Seals campers mingle. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Andrea Mackay, Coordinator, Donations & Events at Canon Canada, has a laugh with James Burns, PhotoSensitive coordinator. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Photo by Ken Faught

Filed Under: News, Openings, Projects, Videos

TIEd Together launches in Toronto

January 16, 2012 By Marni 3 Comments

TIEd Together, a black-and-white multimedia exhibition documenting Canadians’ experiences with prostate cancer, launched in Toronto on Tuesday January 10th. Produced in partnership with Prostate Cancer Canada, 100+ images were on display along with ten video interviews. PhotoSensitive’s first launch of 2012 drew over 100 guests, who came to view the images and hear the stories of prostate cancer survivors and their loved ones.

PhotoSensitive’s coordinator James Burns acted as MC for the evening, speaking about the partnership between PhotoSensitive and Prostate Cancer Canada, and the dedication of survivors and photographers who helped to make the show a success.

Next up was Steve Jones, President and CEO of Prostate Cancer Canada, who spoke of how TIEd Together sheds light on the faces of prostate cancer. With over 25,000 Canadian men who will be diagnosed in 2012, Steve stressed the importance of raising awareness of the disease.

Laura Bombier, PhotoSensitive photographer, spoke with Derek Lawrence, prostate cancer survivor, about their beautiful photo of Derek and his wife. Derek shared some touching and personal stories with the audience about his recovery process, and the emotions that followed. Laura expressed her love of photography and the PhotoSensitive projects, which never fail to inspire her.

Lastly, Simon Samuel discussed his work with The Walnut Foundation, and the importance of raising awareness of prostate cancer among black communities. His photo is featured in the show.

As a final surprise, Telus handed off a generous donation to Prostate Cancer Canada to help them in their national fight against prostate cancer.

Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate TIEd Together – the show is available to the public at Brookfield Place, up to and including Saturday, January 21st. TIEd Together will then travel westward, stopping first in Winnipeg at the beginning of February at the St. Vital Centre. For more information about the national tour, please contact marni@photosensitive.com

PhotoSensitive's 32-inch touchscreen, the centerpiece of TIEd Together, displayed ten video interviews of prostate cancer survivors and their loved ones.

Guests peruse the exhibit before the launch. Over 100 images are on display, telling the stories of Canadians affected by the disease.

Simon Samuel, prostate cancer survivor and advocate for The Walnut Foundation, with his wife Cheryl, in front of their photo, taken by V. Tony Hauser.

Emilio Ciampini watches his interview on the touch screen unit. His father, a Holocaust survivor, died from prostate cancer over 20 years ago. In the poignant interview, Emilio and his son, Giordano, talk about their father/grandfather and how much he is missed.

James Burns, Project Coordinator and M.C for the night, speaks about PhotoSensitive's partnership with Prostate Cancer Canada.

Guests get involved, taking photos of their own.

Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Simon Samuel speaks about his experience with prostate cancer and the importance of raising awareness among the black community.

Steve Jones, President and CEO of Prostate Cancer Canada, accepts a generous donation from Telus

Photographer Ruby Agoncillo

Photographer Laura Bombier, right, listens attentively while she waits to speak about her work with PhotoSensitive and prostate cancer survivor Derek Lawrence.

Derek Lawrence and his wife Margaret stand in front of their photo with Helene Vassos, COO and National Director, PCC and Steve Jones, CEO, PCC.

Helene Vassos and Steve Jones, PCC, preview the films.

Wayne Harris, prostate cancer survivor, enjoys a moment with his family in front of their photos taken by Michele Taras.

Sean Dennis, prostate cancer survivor, stands with wife and photographer, Geraldine. Sean lost his mother to breast cancer, seen together in their photo, just before his own diagnosis.

Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Filed Under: Openings, Projects, Videos

Kids Who Can videos pour in

November 30, 2011 By Marni Leave a Comment

With March 2012 quickly approaching, PhotoSensitive is getting excited to present the long-awaited videos that will be featured in Kids Who Can. Twelve videographers across the country filmed a day in the life of an Easter Seals camper. The result is an astonishing array of inspirational and creative videos. The films bring a very unique component to the Kids Who Can show – the campers come to life. Laughter, hugs, and tears are just some of the moments captured.

In CJ Baek’s film from Camp Woodeden, we hear firsthand from the campers what it is about camp that makes it such a wonderful place.

Sean White’s film from Victoria, B.C employs a different style– we are pulled into a dream-like memory of camp. White says, “I wanted to capture and convey the pure and simple essence of the project: beautiful kids having a great time at camp.”

Grant Baldwin’s film highlights the breathtaking scenery at Camp Squamish, near Vancouver, B.C. Watch kids as they fall from great heights on the ropes course, sing happily at the talent show, and plunge boldly into the swimming pool.

Damien Kent of Saskatchewan blends songs recorded from the campfire with an energetic montage of activities.

Stay tuned for more updates and a sneak peak at some of the photos.

Sean White is surprised by a camper as he shoots at Camp Shawnigan, near Victoria B.C. Photo by Deddeda Stemler

Filed Under: News, Projects, Videos

Field of Vision Opening Video

April 9, 2011 By admin 1 Comment

For the release of Field of Vision: PhotoSensitive and Social Change, a huge retrospective exhibition of stunning photos from 20 years of PhotoSensitive projects ran from September 14 to September 27 at the Allen Lambert Galleria, Brookfield Place, Toronto. Selected photos from the show were put on display at Henry’s Photographic, Video and Digital Imaging Show at the International Centre, Mississauga from October 15 to October 17.

The book is showcases over 300 images from 17 projects produced in partnership with 19 charitable organizations, including United Way, CNIB, CARE Canada, Hospital for Sick Children and Daily Bread Food Bank.

The projects cover a wide variety of subjects, from the very first – homelessness, to the most recent – cancer. In between, PhotoSensitive also turned its collective lens towards AIDS, diversity, poverty, water and the effects of the Indian Ocean tsunami, to name but a few. Photos have been drawn from 10 countries, spanning three continents.

The collective started out as a handful of Toronto-based photographers. This number steadily grew over the years, to the point where there have been close to 900 photographers from across Canada contributing to our projects.

PhotoSensitive held a panel discussion in the Verizon Grand Hall at the Hockey Hall of Fame as part of the exhibition on September 16.

The discussion featured a dozen PhotoSensitive photographers – Andrew Stawicki, Andy Clark, Benjamin Rondel, Bernard Weil, Kevin Van Paassen, Patti Gower, Peter Bregg, Stan Behal, Steve Simon, Tobi Asmoucha, V. Tony Hauser and Yuri Dojc.

During the discussion, the panel brought up how photography can be used to raise awareness about social issues. They spoke about what is behind a PhotoSensitive exhibition, how the photos get taken in the field, how subjects are chosen and shot and how photos are edited and displayed. They discussed how PhotoSensitive works with partner agencies to put together a show; how to raise awareness of the agency’s work, how we gain access to subjects and ensure we capture the best possible photos.

During the exhibition opening and panel discussion, the Field of Vision book was available for a suggested donation of $25. The 190-page, black-and-white coffee-table book is a beautiful visual history of PhotoSensitive, containing hundreds of stunning images.

Filed Under: Openings, Videos

PhotoSensitive 20th Anniversary Documentary Film

April 9, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Videos