Always behind the camera – A One Woman Photographic Exhibition
BY KIM LANGEN
Jackie Mitchell, A One Woman Photographic Exhibition, opened this month with a lively reception at the Heritage Home for the Arts.
It was Mitchell’s first time to present her work in a gallery show, after spending more than a decade as a professional photographer.
“I was thrilled, and honoured, to have been asked to display my photos at the gallery,” said Mitchell, who favours a Nikon D800 as her camera of choice. “It’s my first show. I have been working as a photographer for the past 12 years, but it seems I have been taking photos all my life.”
Mitchell said she has some 40,000 photos banked up on her hard drive. But the ones she chose for the exhibit were selected from a narrowed number of 5,000.
They have been mounted professionally in Winnipeg using super lightweight aluminium frames, and foam backing. A number of the photos in the show are for sale.
“My business is people pictures, and my goal is to capture who that person is in a photograph,” she said. “People have asked me if I was on a vacation with my family, because I am never in the pictures. I am always the one behind the camera.”
The exhibition features many images from her travels throughout the world: shots of Paris, Vermont, the Hawaiian Islands, Florida, Arizona, and of course Killarney.
“My favourite pastime is driving around, just to see what I can see,” said Mitchell. “I love to look for the different – different angles, different perspectives – along with the beauty that we see all around us. I love the light, and what it can do. These photos in the gallery are not my commercial work. They are taken from my trips, and from what is spotted outside of my window. I always try to have my camera with me because you just never know when that great shot is going to be right in front of you.”
Mitchell, who runs Jackie’s Photo at 543 Broadway, Killarney, said that back when she turned 45 she realized that it was time to make a significant turn in her life.
“I thought, if I don’t do it now, I will never do it, and so I opened a studio,” she said. “My specialty is outdoor shots, portraits, family photos, and pets. I’ve participated in several online photography courses, many workshops, and classes. I believe the best learning is by doing.”
Organizers were happy with the launch event, which coincided with very cold temperatures outside.
“The opening went very well,” said arts administrator Jane Ireland. “Despite the inclement weather, we had around 40 people attend. We had light refreshments, and wine and beer available for a very reasonable price. People were fascinated with the photographs, and Jackie was kept busy answering questions and explaining techniques. There were photographs sold, and we look forward to the weather improving so folks can come out to see the exhibit if they missed the opening.”
Jackie Mitchell, A One Woman Photographic Exhibition, runs until Thursday, February 28 at the Heritage Home for the Arts, at 44 Water Avenue, Killarney (next to the Ag Grounds campsite). Hours are Tuesday to Friday, 12 noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
CAPTURING THE GREAT SHOT – Local photographer Jackie Mitchell is being featured this month at the Heritage Home for the Arts, with a first-time gallery show of some of her finest work. Below are some photos of her pictures during the setup of the exhibition, along with a couple of shots from opening night.
KIM LANGEN/KILLARNEY GUIDE
KIM LANGEN/KILLARNEY GUIDE PHOTOS
OPENING NIGHT AT THE GALLERY – Around 40 souls braved the weather on Friday, February 1, to enjoy the opening reception for Jackie Mitchell: A One Woman Photographic Exhibition. The vibrant display of images captured by local professional photographer Jackie Mitchell runs at the Heritage Home for the Arts until February 28.
JANE IRELAND/PHOTOS