It’s often interesting the way a PhotoSensitive project comes together.
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
