Do you love taking pictures as a hobby or do you do photography as part of your work? Do you want to learn about how to use your digital camera and/or how to get better pictures?
Why not join the Ottawa Photo Safari!
My name is Ray Pilon. I am a seasoned professional photographer and photography instructor with over 30 years experience.
I provide photography workshops using the historic sites of Ottawa Canada.
I am available to take individuals and small groups on photographic tours and field trips in the city of Ottawa (and the surroundings), while giving you tips on equipment and techniques, such as camera functions, lighting, and composition!
All of the photographic excursions are created to suit any skill level with any camera.
My experience as a professional photographer includes:
in all lines of business (commercial, political, cultural, and historical).
My portfolio can be viewed online at RayPilon.com
You will learn how to:
- use your camera's many modes and functions
- improve your photographic techniques using different lenses in portrait, landmark, sport, event, product and magazine, as well as close-up photography
- use professional lighting techniques (studio lighting, flash, and available light)
- correct exposures in a variety of lighting situations (e.g. flash vs. available light)
- pose people creatively and compose effective images
- download your pictures from your camera, as well as edit, select, prepare, size, and enhance your photographic images using a variety of the latest photographic applications and techniques using Adobe, Nikon and Canon software.
Registration
Registration for all Safaris require reservations in advance.
You may register online.
Choose your Ottawa Photo Safari, and
select the link to the registration form.
Phone: 1-613-851-7770
contact us for further information
Cancellations
and Refunds
Cancellations
must be made by email at least 15 days prior to safari date:
contact us for further information
Phone: 1-613-851-7770
Cancellations
received 15 or more days in advance of safari date receive a refund of 75% of
amount paid. No refund is made for cancellations received less than 15 days before
safari date.
Rain
or Shine Policy
Ottawa
Photo Safari operate rain or shine.
A different itinerary will be
followed on rain days, utilizing the weather to display the landmarks of the city
along with demonstrating photographic techniques used in such weather.
Address
and Phone Numbers:
Ottawa Photo Safari
c/o Ray Pilon,
6071 Malakoff
RD.,
Richmond Ontario Canada K0A2Z0
Phone: 1-613-851-7770
contact us for further information
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Monuments and Memorials of Ottawa
July 5, 2009 |
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Learn to take great pictures of the "Monuments and Memorials of Ottawa" as you join an exciting 2-hour photographic tour of downtown Ottawa:
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Parliament Buildings
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Confederation Building
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Langevin Block
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Chateau Laurier
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Supreme Court of Canada
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National War Memorial
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Peace Monument
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Parliamentary Library
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Museum of Civilization
You will be given hands-on tips in basic architectural photography and outdoor portraiture and, while you are taking pictures, I will provide brief historical information on the various historical sights of Ottawa.
Safari groups are generally limited to 6-8 people and are open to any photographer of any skill level with any camera, film or digital. No tripod needed.
Meet at World Exchange Plaza at Metcalfe Street Entrance at 10:00 AM.
This Safari lasts 2 hours.
Fee:$59/person CDN.
contact us for further information
Go to Registration
"I really enjoyed it. I always walk away learning something new." |
Canadian Aviation Museum in Ottawa
July 25, 2009 |
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Come visit and photograph one of the "World's Finest Collections of Vintage Aircraft"!
The display includes many aircraft from the:
- Pioneer Era, i.e.: Silver Dart, Curtis JN-4
- First World War, i.e.: R.A.F. B.E.2c, Sopwith 7F.1 Snipe,
- Bush Flying, i.e.: Curtiss Seagull, Fairchild FC-2W-2,
- Second World War, i.e.: Messerschmitt Bf 109-4, Hawker Hurricane, Helicopters, Jet Age, Vertical Flight,
- and more!
During this 2-hour photographic tour, I will show you how to get strong and well-composed photographs of the various displays inside the museum. As well, you will learn all about the history of aviation of the world as you walk through the museum!
Safari groups are 6-8 people only.
This is an intermediate level small group photographic learning experience in low light conditions.
Faster lenses and a tripod are recommended in the museum!
Meet at Museum entrance, off Aviation Parkway, at 1:30 pm.
This Safari lasts 2 hours.
Fee:$59/person CDN.
An admission fee to the museum of $6 is required by participants.
contact us for further information
Go to Registration
"I just wanted to drop you a quick line to thank you for a very enjoyable Photo Safari at Commissionaires Park on 9 May. I don’t’ know how you did it but your ability to control the weather and keep the rain away was nothing short of phenomenal! " |
Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa, Canada
August 9, 2009 |
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Join a Photo Safari through the nicest flower garden displays of the city at the Central Experimental Farm!
In this 2-hour Photo Safari, you will have the opportunity to photograph a multitude of ornamental garden flowers and arrangements, while improving your photography skills using your digital camera equipment.
You will learn a variety of techniques used to do flower, landscape, and macro photography. You will learn how to use some of the functions on your camera creatively, as well as some photographic techniques, including lighting and exposure tips, depth of field, composition, macro photography, etc.
A macro lens is especially recommended along with a STURDY tripod for this Photo Safari.
Meet at the front of the Agriculture Museum at 7:30AM for 2 hours on how to photograph these magnificent gardens!
Fee:$59 CDN/person.
contact us for further information
Go to Registration
"First of all, thanks for the safari last night. It was very enjoyable and very informative. I learned a lot and plan to put it all into practise soon. " |
Central Canada Exhibition - Super EX
August 22, 2009 |
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The Central Canada Exhibition, otherwise known as the Ottawa Super Ex (or "The Ex"), has been in Ottawa for over 100 years.
Join this exciting evening Photo Safari to learn all about taking pictures of the colorful night lights of the EX!
Meet at main entrance of the Cattle Castle at 7 PM for an exciting 2-hour learning experience. Safari groups are generally to 6 - 8 people and are open to any photographer of any skill level with any camera, film or digital. A tripod is required!
Each participant also requires an admission fee to the Exhibition grounds of $12.
This Safari lasts 2 hours.
Fee:$59/person CDN.
contact us for further information
Go to Registration
"I wanted to thank you for your informative and encouraging comments. Thanks to you I can now change my ISO, use the manual setting on my camera and manage my tripod." |
Ottawa By Night - NCC Christmas Lights
December 5 - 12 , 2009 |
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Come and savor the lights of Ottawa by night while Improving your understanding of using your camera equipment as you join an exciting evening photographic tour of the National Capital Commission Holiday Light display in downtown Ottawa and on Parliament Hill.
In this Safari (offered on 2 different evenings in December), you will learn to use your camera creatively so you will get classic well-exposed and well-composed photographs of the SPECTACULAR NCC Lights!
Instruction on composition, night time photography exposure issues and proper white balance will be provided.
Bring your camera equipment, all your lenses, a small AA flashlight, and a STURDY tripod for this adventure into night time photography.
Offered Saturdays, December 5 - 12, 2009.
Meet at World Exchange Plaza at 6:00PM at Metcalfe Street entrance.
This Safari lasts 2 hours.
Fee:$59/person CDN.
contact us for further information
Go
to Registration
"I think the Ottawa Photo Safari is a great idea and I hope you will receive a positive response to them." |
Winterlude Ottawa Photo Safari By Night - Ice and Snow
February 12, 2010 |
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Every February, Ottawa is host to Winterlude, one of North America's greatest winter celebrations. Spectacular Ice Carvings and amazing Sculptures made of snow provide great subjects for Photography!
In this 2-hour Photo Safari (offered during the NCC Winterlude Festival), you will have the opportunity to photograph the Ice and Snow Sculptures when they are the most beautiful: at night time!
Improve your understanding of how to properly use your digital photography equipment at night.
You will receive instruction on composition, exposure issues in night time photography, and proper white balance.
Bring your camera equipment, all your lenses, a small AA flashlight, and a STURDY tripod for an adventure in night time photography at one of the most popular winter festivals in North America.
Don't forget to bring spare batteries and make sure you dress warm!
Meet at World Exchange Plaza at 7:00PM at the Metcalfe Street Entrance.
These Safaris last 2 hours.
Fee:$59/person CDN.
contact us for further information
Go to Registration
"I enjoyed the learning session with a smaller group. The one-on-one sessions were a great learning tool for me, too, especially."
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Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa Commissioners Park
May 8, 2010 |
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Join an exciting Photo Safari through the world-renowned tulip beds in Commissioners Park in Ottawa.
In this 2-hour Photo Safari, offered during the Canadian Tulip Festival, you will have the opportunity to photograph some of the 300,000 spectacular tulip blooms at their peak that grace in Commissioners Park. These spring flowers that grace in lush abundance are begging to be photographed.
You will receive instruction on the techniques of flower photography: composition, exposure issues, depth of field, macro photography, and proper white balance so that you will have some classic tulip photographs to display.
Bring all your lenses (a macro lens is especially handy) and a STURDY tripod for this adventure into travel photography in one of the most beautiful cities in North America.
Meet at Dow's Lake Pavilion across from Commissioners Park at 7:30AM for an exciting and informative 2 hour session on photographing the Dutch Tulips of Ottawa!
This Safari lasts 2 hours.
Fee:$59 CDN/person.
contact us for further information
Go to Registration
"We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and we very much appreciated your experience and expert advice in making the evening a success!" |
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