Kamloops born photographer Valerie Rampone spent her childhood playing along the banks of the South Thompson River absorbing a graphic awareness of the arid, volcanic hills framing the valley. After many years in the flatness of Ontario and some ocean-side on Saltspring Island, Valerie returned to her Kamloops roots in 2001.

She is self-taught in the art of photography and still finds the shift from 35mm to DSLR a very steep learning curve. Her photographic heroes are Karsh and Freeman Patterson.

Catching the dramatic moment in her photo images has become second nature. This comes in part from her extensive work in Community TV and newspaper journalism. Currently she is serving KPAC as their past president.

I have always liked the idea of taking an image from out there and capturing it, being able to store it and then able to view it at any time. The cameras that I use are, Pentax Optio WG-2, Pentax K-5 and a Pentax K-3ii. I enjoy taking pictures of anything that is kind of out of the ordinary, be it old, new, alive, stationary, mineral, vegetable, animal hell I'll take a picture of just about anything now that it cost nothing to view them. I am hoping that KPAC members will help me attain a higher level of photographic skills by sharing their experiences with me. As always keep your eye on the subject before you click.

In preparation for retirement, I took up photography in the 90's and joined the Regina Camera Club. My photographic interests at that time was primarily wildflowers.

I moved to Kamloops in '03 and joined KPAC. I resisted the move from film to digital, however, have now succumbed to it.

I currently use both a Sony and a Nikon system. The Sony is an A700 with a 50 mm macro, a 28-105 kit lens and a 50-500 Sigma lens. The Nikon is a D300s with a Sigma 120-300 f2.8 lens My current interests are anything in nature.

Since 2005 I have been an active digital photographer. Living with limited vision since birth, electronic technology has allowed me to express myself artistically as never before. I shoot with both Nikon and Fuji equipment. My scope includes primarily landscape and travel pursuits, but I dabble in most forms. Recently I have enjoyed working with Chris Harris and Dennis Ducklow in creative expressionism. Postprocessing is done in Lightroom and Photoshop and I do basic graphic design in InDesign. Given my inability to drive I welcome folks to shoot with. I presently serve as secretary to the KPAC executive.

I purchased a used DSLR, with kit lens, in the fall of 2016. After 3 months of watching YouTube videos on photography, I felt confidant to purchase a quality lens for bird photography. Over time, my interest in photography expanded and I started using the kit lens to take pictures of subjects other than birds and to enjoy the creativity of post processing.

Photography has always been a form of meditation and relaxation for me. I've been doing it since the early-70s and continue to enjoy it as a way to get away while keeping my focus. I use both Nikon full-frame gear, Olympus M43 equipment, and a compact Sony that stays in my pocket for those interested in that kind of stuff. In the end it's about the images we create. If you find anything here that makes you smile, well, that's extra great! Enjoy.

Photography has been a passion for more than 50 years, first with film now with Digital. Experience does not create understanding, always be open to revist or learn new processes, photography should be fun so enjoy.

Allan “semi-retired” in 2005 from his professional photography business. Since 1968 he has covered assignments ranging from aerial photos to weddings and included operating a commercial colour and B&W lab service. Allan holds a PPOC accreditation in Aerial Photography and a Private Pilots license. Interests such as Photography, KPAC, Skiing, Flying and travelling are now keeping him busy.

Frank is a past club president. He is a long time amateur/enthusiast photographer, who believes that photography should be an avenue for personal expression and for fun. Frank believes that photography should make us pause and think. Not all fine photographs are beautiful or dramatic – some are surprising. He is making the transition from DX to solely full frame –Nikon d700 – and three-fourths, Olympus em-1 and fuji x100. He uses Photo Ninja, silver Efex and Photoshop 7.

I was given my first 35 mm camera in 1972 and was immediately in love. Over the years, I took all the photos I had the money and time for.
My interest in photography really bloomed, however, when I went digital. Each time I shoot and process my images, I learn. It's all just so much fun.

David Snider is a photographer living in Kamloops, B.C. He specializes in Scenery and Floral photography. Dave has lived in B.C. almost all of his life. Born in Vancouver and relocated to Prince George in the early 70's and then relocated again to Kamloops in 1999. Throughout that time Dave has had an ongoing love of the outdoors.

Now Dave is sharing his passion for photography by offering workshops through the City of Kamloops Parks, Recreation and Cultural Activities Department and Kamloops Photo Arts Club. Dave is currently the KPAC president.

After buying my first camera years ago I soon noticed that I began to see differently. A simple drive in the car became so much more interesting as I scanned the landscapes looking for the perfect scene, the perfect photo. I have learned a lot with the club and there is so much more to learn.

For me photography is as much the act, as the end result. I still search for that perfect photo, but mostly I am happy just being out there, seeing.

Became interested in photography about 1958 when given a Brownie camera. Within a couple of years, was “helping” my dad develop B & Ws in a downstairs darkroom. By 1972 owned a Pentax with 3 interchangeable lenses, which I lugged around Europe. Since then I’ve used Epson and Panasonic. “Graduated” to Canon in about 2004. Currently have a T2i with 2 interchangeable lenses and an SX50. For this first gallery, I’m testing images, resolution and colour from old photos - about 2006

The photography bug bit me after using my mother's Kodak Brownie in the early 1960's. I purchased my first 35mm SLR camera, with a couple of lenses in 1972 and learned the basics of photography This knowledge, gleaned from several books, is still relevant in today's world of automatic cameras. In 2001, I bought a Canon Digital Rebel and ceased to worry about the cost of processing. Today, my camera is a Canon EOS 7D with a good assortment of lenses. Now that the work-a-day world is a thing of the past, I have time to play with my camera and improve my photography skills. I enjoy photographing nature and flowers most of all but will grab my camera when any interesting opportunity arises.

I came to the club to learn and share, each day is an adventure with technology. I had a great time on the weekend away, learning and sharing.

I am an eager snapshooter. I enjoy trying to capture the beauty and learning to see it around me. I am still learning to use my new D80, LR2 and a tripod. My aim is to develop a more creative eye with interesting compositions and more awareness of the qualities of light.

There are many fine photographers in the club to inspire me. I look forward to continuing learning and having fun!