La Moulin Rouge ~ Paris
As photographers in general, we all possess technical skills in camera operation and photography techniques, proficiency in post-processing, and specialized knowledge in specific photography genres; in essence, the ability to embrace whichever forms of photography we choose. For instance, in my fewer than 3 years with the Professional Photographers of Canada, I've submitted portfolios for review by panels of Accreditation Judges to earn Accreditations in Pictorial/Scenic Photography, Architectural Photography, and Aerial Photography. But if you asked me in an elevator "What kind of photographer are you?", I've got the same answer every time: I am a fine art urban landscape travel photographer. This is a mouthful, I realize, but let me break it down...
"Dream River Lanterns of Hue" ~ Vietnam
Fine Art: I stress the "fine art" designation as I'm fundamentally an artist and enjoy editing my photos for wall art or other display purposes as opposed to editorial or journalistic "what you see is what you get" style. I'm not knocking any form of representational photography like these and respect those photographers highly, but for me, I like capturing places you may have seen before but in a way you haven't seen portrayed.
"Manhattan Twilight" ~ New York
"Louvre Before Dawn" ~ Paris
Urban Landscape: I live, love and work in Toronto, Ontario: the largest city in Canada. So, "urban" is everywhere here with an incredible mix of standing architecture from Victorian to Revolutionary Futuristic. If you've read my previous blog about the Gooderham Flatiron Building in downtown Toronto, you'll know how much I enjoy the juxtaposition of Old Toronto with New Toronto. Urban scenes have become a form of landscape photography for me where I can capture an eclectic skyline the same as I would a mountain range or a forest. Thus the "urban landscape" portion of my moniker.
"Sunset on Mu Cang Chai" ~ Vietnam
"Quebec City" ~ Canada
Travel Photographer: But even though Toronto is my muse, I would be extremely short-sighted not to venture out to the incredible cities, landscapes and cultures well beyond our tiny pocket of Canada. The rest of Canada is teeming with magnificent mountains, vistas, skylines and shores all waiting to be captured. Not to mention the photographic and experiential treasures well outside our borders. I can't help but want to share these distant magical places to inspire others to do the same. Don't we all actively seek "the finest locations" while travelling? I feel this is an important role photographers can play in capturing the best spots, from the best angles and in the best light, to showcase these places for the benefit of travellers looking for an exciting destination to visit, as well as the locals who need our support to maintain them. As travel photographers, we bridge the gap between "here" and "there"!
"Welcome the Day" ~ Toronto
And even though I've had the term "travel photographer" firmly in my job description for a few years now, I've finally submitted a portfolio of my travel photos to the PPOC Judges this year just before leaving for Antarctica in February, and I'm pleased to announce as of the live judging in Victoria, BC during the Canadian Imaging Conference, I'm officially Accredited in Travel Illustration with the images you see on this page.
"Le Consulat" ~ Montmartre
So not only can I say I'm a "fine art urban landscape travel photographer", I'm now an Accredited fine art urban landscape travel photographer! :D
"Vietnam Joy Ride" ~ Hanoi
"Sunset in Paris" ~ France
Press Release 2024/04/05
The Professional Photographers of Canada is pleased to announce that:
Dee Potter,
has just earned an accreditation in Travel Illustration, at our most recent Accreditation judging.
Accreditation is the first elevation above the general membership level and is achieved by submitting samples of the applicant’s photography to a PPOC Board of Examiners. Accreditation demonstrates that the photographer is capable of delivering professional quality photography in a chosen category. In assessing Accreditation Submissions, the judges will consider the following criteria: Vision, Impact, Composition, and Technical Merit.
Along with other requirements for service, image, and education merits, a minimum of one Accreditation is required to qualify for a Craftsman of Photographic Arts (CPA) and two Accreditations are needed for a Masters of Photographic Arts (MPA).
For more information, please contact:
PPOC Accreditation Chair
Jay Terry MPA
London, ON
519-619-3237
Email: [email protected]
The Professional Photographers of Canada is a diversified group of creative artists dedicated to the highest standards in professional imaging. We welcome photographers of all genres to join our community of dedicated professionals.
Our Vision: To be Canada’s leader in developing and maintaining the highest level of photographic excellence.
Our Mission: To qualify and support photographers to become industry leaders and to inform the public of the value of hiring an Accredited Professional Photographer.