To everything there is a season

To everything there is a season. And although they say “all good things must come to an end,” I haven’t quite got to that point yet. However…

The time has come to turn the shingle around. Effective immediately I am no longer accepting commissions for new work. I have a few projects in progress that I will finish over the next one to two months. Unfortunately, (depending on your point of view) that doesn’t mean you’re getting rid of me. I have been very fortunate in having a long career doing something I love. I have met some fabulous people and been fortunate in being a part of both happy celebratory times in their lives, and shared in some very difficult times. Who knew that joining the camera club at Preston High School and spending many evenings in the darkroom would lead to a fifty-four year career. The last forty as a full time professional photographer. I have to give credit where credit is due; this would not have been possible without the support of my wife Jan. 

It all began with a wedding.

I still remember that first wedding, when a man named Wilf approached me at church with a story of how his daughter was getting married next Saturday and he thought she had looked after hiring a photographer while she thought her parents had looked after that detail. Could I take the pictures? I think I turned him down three times before he said “if you don’t do it we are not going to have any pictures.” I laugh now at the fee of twenty-five dollars that I charged for that first wedding. Over the years I have created wedding memories for many couples and am thrilled when even today couples tell me they still love their wedding album. 

There have been many highlights.

I loved my eight year stint as a photographer on the Waterloo Regional Police Force. Yes, there were days when I was required to photograph scenes or items that I hope most people will never see. Yet, there was a great deal of pride in knowing we were working to uncover and preserve the truth.  

I remember going to my first national convention for the Professional Photographers of Canada in Toronto. It was in the early 80’s and as a naive newby I entered my first national print competition. I was so proud when I found one of my images among those accepted into the gallery of accepted images. I still remember the portrait of a local family I had photographed in Riverside Park in Cambridge. Two days later I sat in the ballroom for the awards banquet. I watched in awe as gentlemen in tuxedos and ladies in ball gowns were introduced and escorted by their sponsor to receive the prestigious awards of Craftsman of Photographic Arts or Master of Photogaphic Arts. I was overwhelmed, thinking “I hope some day I will be that good.” In 1992 I received my Craftsman of Photographic Arts award and in 1995 Jan escorted me to the podium to receive my Master of Photographc award. I no longer lay claim to those titles as that honour is limited to current and active members of the association. But, they can’t take away the memory of those presentations.

There have been many great memories over the years which I will cherish my entire life. 

The children I photographed, particularly those of families of my portrait club. It was funny how they all thought my nane was one word JohnMitchell. There was the little boy who became a big brother to his sister, and when it came time for her first portrait he told his mother JohnMitchell is my photographer, she can get her own.

I photographed weddings of family, friends and many that became friends. I had the honour of photographing the weddings of my nephew and his wife and my niece and her husband. I’ll admit to feeling old the first time I asked an inquiring bride if she was familiar with my work and she responded “Yes, you photographed my parents wedding.”  I will never forget the time I walked into “Bridal Village” in Preston with a bride and she announced “This is my photographer, he’s picking the dress.” She had liked my clothing recommendations for the engagement session and after an unsuccessful shopping experience for her weddiong gown she sent me an e-mail “Will you go dress shopping?” Several people told me I was crazy and that I was putting my neck on the chopping block, but it all worked out just fine. 

There were portraits celebrating special times. I felt a sense of pride and nervousness when a subject would tell me “This is for my casket.” They were trusting me to help preserve their legacy.

I will never forget the day we took Boris “the Siberian Tiger” for a walk in the back 40 and Boris decided I was something to play with. You can read about that experience here

Returning to my roots

Photography started as a hobby and I became an avid amateur well before I ever became a professional. It is now time for me to return to my roots and once again become an avid amateur. I am keeping my website active and will use it to display what I am creating. In future months I hope you will see images you like including still life photographs, urban lifestyle, and scenic images. And yes, hopefully some portraits because they have always been my favourite images to create, only now they will be images I am creating as self expression. When I see a face I want to photograph or have an idea for an image that requires a human subject I will reach out for a sitter. So keep an eye on my website and social media pages because you never know when I might be looking for a sitter just like you. 

Changes are in the works

The name of the website has changed to “John Mitchell – Fine Art Photographer.” Similar changes to social media pages are being made. Galleries are coming downand new ones will be built. Type is being rewritten. Even a new on line store is being designed. If you see an image that speaks to you and you would like to own a print, you can look to purchase it through the new store. 

I’m looking forward to using my knowledge of lighting to create still life imagery. 

Photography of land and city scapes will continue to be a source of relaxation and cretive expression for me… so stay tuned. 

To all my past clients, thank you. Stay well and stay in touch.

John E. Mitchell

Fine Art Photographer