The exhibition contains over 100 beautiful and thought-provoking photos with themes including energy consumption, conservation, innovation and production, taken by some of Canada’s greatest photographers.

Currently, the show is at 130 Adelaide West and will remain there until Sunday May 27th. If you’re working downtown, take a stroll over during your lunch break and let us know what you think!

The Fuel of Life, currently at 130 Adelaide Street

The Fuel Of Life, currently at 130 Adelaide Street

The Fuel of Life at 2 Bloor Street West

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

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

–Peter Olsen, Photographer

TIEd Together, a black-and-white multimedia exhibit, tells the stories of Canadian men with prostate cancer. The show launched in Toronto in January, 2012, and is currently traveling across the country.

“It’s strange, the twists and turns life takes, and at times, with a cruel sense of irony,” says Peter Olsen, PhotoSensitive photographer.  After being selected by PhotoSensitive to cover the Prostate Cancer Walk in Kamloops B.C., on June 19^th 2011, Peter Olsen, local photographer, was enthusiastic and eager to help out.  Despite the rainy weather, Peter managed to take some beautiful photos of prostate cancer survivors and their loved ones.  Taking it one step further, Peter decided to set up an on-site studio, and photographed portraits of a handful of prostate cancer survivors.

George Miles, diagnosed in 1999, underwent a prostatectomy the following year. After a relatively normal recovery, he became involved with the local Kamloops, B.C. prostate cancer support group. George loves sports, and still participates in his favorites - skiing, golf, biking, and hiking. "Things are going well to date," he says. Photo by Peter Olsen

Only months after Peter photographed the run for Prostate Cancer Canada, he started to experience some urological symptoms himself.  After numerous tests and biopsies, Peter was told, to his disbelief, that he had prostate cancer.

This past January, Peter underwent a prostatectomy and is presently off work, recovering.

“It’s been a tough journey for my entire family,” says Olsen. “Some anxiety, fear…and the myriad of emotions.  It has been a life changer for me and has forced me to re-evaluate many things in my life. I’m hoping I come through this in one piece and become a stronger person.”

Peter has reaffirmed his commitment to raising awareness of prostate cancer.

“As of this point, I’m still healing physically.  As for the emotional scar, that one may stay with me forever.  It’s true what they say: cancer changes you.  It changes your view of life, its priorities, and its fragility.  It also reminds you to enjoy every day as it comes. Here’s hoping I have many of those days left to enjoy with my loving and supportive family. My real journey is just beginning.” -Peter Olsen

TIEd Together is currently on its national tour.  Peter’s photos from the Kamloops run are included. Please take the time to check out the exhibit:

The Core, Calgary, AB.  April 15-29

Park Royal, North Vancouver, BC. May 3-13

Many thanks to Peter for sharing his story and photos with us.

Photo by Peter Olsen

Photo by Peter Olsen

Photo by Peter Olsen

Photo by Peter Olsen

Photo by Peter Olsen

Photo by Peter Olsen

Photo by Peter Olsen

Photo by Peter Olsen

Photo by Andrew Stawicki

Kids Who Can, a multimedia exhibition showcasing Easter Seals camps across Canada, sponsored by Canon, will open at Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street, Toronto on Tuesday March 6. The show will be on display until March 16.
As well as containing around 60 large-format photos, a touch screen unit will also be showing 12 short films of camps from across the country. The space is open 24/7 and is free to the public.
If you would like to get a taste of the exhibition, click here to view our gallery.  All images and videos will be live for the day of the launch. Alternatively, the Toronto Star has posted three of the short films on their site (click here) as well as a selection of photos.

Photo by Michele Taras

TIEd Together, our exhibition of portraits of prostate cancer survivors, produced in partnership with Prostate Cancer Canada, is beginning the Edmonton leg of its national tour this Thursday March 1st.
The exhibition, which features over 100 photos of prostate cancer survivors and their loved ones, will show at the West Edmonton Mall from March 1 – 15, is free to the public and available to view during mall opening hours. The exhibition will be displayed in the west side of level one, outside the Chapters store.
You can see the photos at http://www.photosensitive.com/pc/prostate-cancer-gallery.php
If you live close to either exhibition, I hope you are able to get to see it.

At the end of 2010, a casual conversation between PhotoSensitive’s founding photographer, Andrew Stawicki, and Canon Canada’s Senior Manager of Corporate Communications, Wayne Doyle, raised the possibility of a new PhotoSensitive exhibition.

Photo by Andrew Stawicki, Camp Woodeden, ON

Wayne and Andrew have known each other for years and Wayne had wanted to partner with PhotoSensitive for a long time. Canon were key sponsors of Easter Seals Ontario and Wayne asked Andrew if PhotoSensitive would consider producing an exhibition showcasing the charity’s work. Coincidentally, Andrew had wanted to produce an Easter Seals show for years, but the necessary funding had never been forthcoming. Canon offered to provide that missing link – the sponsorship money to help make it happen.

After a very positive meeting with Jennifer Kroezen, Easter Seals Ontario’s Senior Manager, the project was given the green light and work on finding a team of photographers and filmmakers began in earnest.

Photo by David Stobbe, Camp Easter Seal, SK

This became the first PhotoSensitive project with an equal emphasis on photography and film and the two media compliment one another beautifully. Viewed together, the still images and short films provide glimpses of private moments as well as the joy and discovery in the faces of Canadian children with disabilities; the result is an exhibition of kids who truly can.

Finding the right photographers and videographers in eight provinces across Canada was quite the challenge, but once they were chosen, we noticed an overwhelming degree of willingness and excitement to come on board. For those shooting video footage, there was an even bigger commitment of editing the final film, creating a narrative structure and adding music. Such was the task that some of the videographers brought along a second pair of hands.

Photo by Fred Chartrand, Camp Merrywood, ON

Damien Kent, a videographer from Saskatchewan, was thrilled to join the project, as he spent many of his younger years working as a counsellor at the very same camp where he was sent to shoot. Presented with a chance to travel back in time to the memories of his childhood, he grabbed it instantly. “I would love an opportunity for my work to have a positive influence on people, and to give back to the camp and organization.” says Damien. Working mostly in news production, Damien admits that freelance work and projects like these provide him with much needed artistic fulfillment.

Once our team of 25 was chosen, we coordinated shooting dates, locations, subjects, and delivery times. While some wanted direction for their assignments, others preferred none at all. When summer came to and end, we began the process of contacting campers, families, and Easter Seals staff members to gather the stories that would accompany the images.

Photo by Kyle Cunjak, Camp Rotary, NL

The end result is a wide array of individual styles coming together brilliantly, showcasing Canada’s photographic and filmmaking talent. By giving our photographers and videographers complete artistic freedom, each film and set of photos is distinct from the others. The show is a testament to why PhotoSensitive projects are so powerful; the body of work makes for a compelling and attention-grabbing exhibition. We hope that the images and films will show how Easter Seals camps help kids with disabilities to become kids who can.

Kids Who Can will launch in Toronto at 6:30pm on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at Brookfield Place and will run until March 16. Photos and videos from the show will be on our website from the day of the launch at http://eastersealskids.com/easter-seals-gallery.php

Photo by David Stobbe, Camp Easter Seal, SK

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

A great crowd of over 150 people gathered in the Allen Lambert Galleria to check out the exhibition’s 100+ photos and dozen short films displayed on a large touch screen unit.

PhotoSensitive’s coordinator, James Burns, acted as MC for the evening and OSEA’s Executive Director Kristopher Stevens kicked the night off with a speech explaining OSEA’s activities and how The Fuel of Life was such a good fit for them.

Next up was Tyler Hamilton, author, Toronto Star writer and member of The Fuel of Life‘s advisory committee, a group put together to ensure that we covered every conceivable aspect of the huge topic of energy. Tyler also edited and contributed to The Fuel of Life book and spoke about how his collaboration with PhotoSensitive fitted so well with his passion for renewable energy.

PhotoSensitive founding photographers, Peter Bregg and V. Tony Hauser then explained how The Fuel of Life had been planned for many years, since the launch of The Life of Water. It was only a matter of time before we tackled this important topic and once we received a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, it was full speed ahead.

James ended the evening by thanking the many, many people who helped to put the exhibition together, including photographers, videographers, writers, designers, partners and sponsors.

Many of the students involved in The Fuel of Life: Through a Young Lens attended the opening, along with a good number of their teachers. Over 600 submissions were received from students from over 30 schools, colleges and universities across Canada. Of those 600+ submissions, 44 photos were selected for inclusion in The Fuel Of Life exhibition.

Copies of The Fuel of Life were selling like hot cakes, along with other PhotoSensitive books, Field of Vision and Cancer Connections. The Fuel of Life book is available to buy directly from PhotoSensitive for $30 plus shipping.

Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate our latest project – the exhibition is available throughout 2012 and we are hoping to have it show at many other venues in the new year.

The impressive Allen Lambert Galleria in Brookfield Place, resplendent with festive lights, played host to the Fuel of Life exhibition. A good crowd gathered to peruse the photos well before the opening ceremony. Photo by Jennifer Gillespie.

The exhibition's information panel. Photo by Jennifer Gillespie.

People gathered to view the photos and to check out the short films on the touchscreen unit (centre). Photo by Adam Rysyk.

Photo by Phil Norton.

A young PhotoSensitive fan reads about nuclear energy. Photo by Phil Norton.

PhotoSensitive photographer Jennifer Gillespie picks up her copy of the Fuel of Life book. Photo by Chris Bumstead.

OSEA's Executive Director, Kristopher Stevens, explains why OSEA partnered with PhotoSensitive to create the show. Photo by Adam Rysyk.

MC for the evening and PhotoSensitive coordinator, James Burns, with Halifax-based PhotoSensitive photographer, Shari Tucker. Photo by Jamie Pothier.

The touchscreen unit, which displays 12 short films on a variety of aspects of energy, including cow poo power, BIXI Bikes, the energy of yoga, a grass roots solar panel project and a house that creates more energy than it uses. Photo by Adam Rysyk.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by three young finalists from So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Photo by Jennifer Gillespie.

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

To find out more please email Marni Wolf at marni@photosensitive.com

Prostate cancer survivor Ian Smith stands by the Irish Sea at the beginning of his Coast to Coast walk for prostate cancer awareness. In his interview, Ian talks about the physical difficulties he overcame to conquer the challenging trek. Photo by Gene Carignan

Emilio, seen here, lost his father to prostate cancer. Emilio's son, photographer Giordano was deeply affected. The father and son duo talk about the importance of family history in their up close and personal interview. Photo by Giordano Ciampini

Derek Lawrence is no longer afraid of prostate cancer - when the cancer metastasized, he underwent a 12-hour spinal surgery. Derek speaks about how prostate cancer changed his marriage and what keeps him and wife, Margaret, smiling. Photo by Laura Bombier

Ron Telpner, CEO of The Brainstorm Group, won't let his diagnosis bring him down. Ron speaks about how eating healthy, staying fit, and meditating has helped in his fight against prostate cancer. Photo by Michele Taras

Included in the show is the work of 44 students from across Canada who submitted their images to Energy: Through a Young Lens.

Please come to see our newest exhibition and enjoy the informative short films on our interactive 32-inch touch screen.

Allen Lambert Galleria, Brookfield Place

181 Bay Street, Toronto

November 28 – December 10, 2011

The Fuel of Life exhibition is available to be shown at galleries, events, conferences and corporate headquarters. Contact james@photosensitive.com for more details.

Viewers read about solar panel installation at the Henry's Exposure Show.

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