Hey everyone! Hope you all had a great meeting this week. As we wrap up February, we've got something special lined up for our first March gathering, and trust me: you won't want to miss this one.
Mark Your Calendars: March 3rd
Next Tuesday, March 3rd at 7:00 PM, we're meeting at our usual spot: Mayfair United Church. This isn't just another regular meeting. We're hosting someone who's spent over a decade documenting one of Southeast Asia's most fascinating transformations, and he's bringing those stories straight to us here in Saskatoon.
Meet Our Guest: Dustin Main
We're thrilled to welcome Dustin Main, an adventure photographer and documentary storyteller who's made Myanmar his second home. And when I say he knows Myanmar, I mean he really knows it: he's visited more than a dozen times and spent over a year living in the country.
Dustin isn't your typical tourist photographer. He's been documenting Myanmar during one of its most pivotal periods in modern history: the country's transformation following decades of military rule and economic sanctions. His work goes beyond pretty landscapes and temple shots (though Myanmar has plenty of those). He's captured the real stories of everyday people navigating massive political, cultural, economic, and social changes.
What to Expect: "This Myanmar Life"
Dustin's presentation, "This Myanmar Life – Stories and Lessons from 10 Years of Documentary Photography in Myanmar," promises to be both visually stunning and deeply insightful. This isn't just a slideshow: it's a decade of experience distilled into stories that will challenge how you think about documentary photography.
Here's what makes this presentation special:
The Stories Behind the Images
Documentary photography is about more than technical skills. It's about connection, trust, and understanding. Dustin will share how he built relationships with his subjects over years, not days. You'll hear stories about the people he's photographed: their hopes, their struggles, their victories.
Lessons from the Field
What does it take to photograph in a country undergoing massive transformation? How do you approach sensitive subjects? When do you put the camera down and just be present? Dustin has learned these lessons the hard way, and he's generous with his insights.
The Photographer's Journey
Beyond the technical and ethical considerations, Dustin's presentation explores what it means to commit to a place and a project over time. In our age of quick trips and Instagram moments, there's something powerful about a photographer who returns again and again, building a body of work that actually means something.
If you're part of our photography group here in Saskatoon and looking to push beyond the basics, this kind of real-world experience is invaluable. It's not about fancy gear or the latest editing tricks: it's about vision, dedication, and storytelling.
Why This Matters for Your Photography
Whether you shoot landscapes, portraits, or street photography, Dustin's approach to his craft offers lessons we can all apply:
• Patience pays off – The best images often come from returning to the same subject or location multiple times
• Stories matter – Technical perfection means nothing without emotional connection
• Context is everything – Understanding your subject's world makes you a better photographer
• Commitment counts – Long-term projects develop your skills in ways that quick shots never will
Plus, if you're involved in photography workshops in Saskatoon or looking to expand your skills, hearing from working professionals like Dustin is one of the best ways to learn. He's done what many of us dream about: turned his passion into meaningful work that documents important moments in history.
Important Deadlines Coming Up
While we're excited about Dustin's presentation, we've also got some critical dates approaching that you need to know about. Don't let these slip by!
CAPA "Prairie Zone" Competition – March 15th
The CAPA "Prairie Zone" competition deadline is March 15th. That's less than two weeks away! If you've been thinking about entering, now's the time to finalize your selections and get them submitted.
This is a fantastic opportunity to get your work seen beyond our club and receive feedback from judges across the prairie provinces. Whether you're submitting nature shots, creative compositions, or documentary work (maybe inspired by Dustin's presentation?), we'd love to see strong representation from our Saskatoon photography group.
Photo Presentation Competition Titles – March 17th
Right on the heels of the CAPA deadline, we have title registration for the Photo Presentation Competition due on March 17th. If you're planning to participate, make sure you've registered your presentation title by this date.
Photo presentations are a unique challenge: they're not just about individual images, but about crafting a narrative and building a cohesive story. Sound familiar? That's exactly what documentary photographers like Dustin do. His presentation might just give you some ideas for your own!
Don't Forget: Ukrainian Museum Live Shoot
Here's another exciting opportunity coming up soon. On March 10th, we're heading to the Ukrainian Museum for a live shoot. This is one of those hands-on experiences that really helps you grow as a photographer.
Live shoots are different from solo photography adventures. You're working in a structured environment, often with limited time and specific challenges. It's great practice for:
• Working under pressure
• Adapting to available light
• Finding unique angles in familiar spaces
• Collaborating with other photographers
• Trying new techniques with immediate feedback
Plus, the Ukrainian Museum offers incredible subject matter: from intricate textiles to historical artifacts. It's a perfect opportunity to practice detail work, explore macro photography, or experiment with cultural documentation.
Mark this date down now, and we'll share more details at next week's meeting.
Why You Should Be There March 3rd
Look, we have great meetings every month. But some are truly special, and this is one of them. Here's why you should make this a priority:
1. Real-world experience – Dustin has been in the field doing the work. This isn't theory; it's practical knowledge earned through years of experience.
2. Inspiration for your projects – Whether you're working on competitions, personal projects, or just trying to improve your photography, hearing from someone who's committed to long-term storytelling can reignite your creative fire.
3. Community connection – Our photography workshops in Saskatoon are strongest when we learn together. These presentations spark conversations that continue long after the meeting ends.
4. Perfect timing – With deadlines approaching and the Ukrainian Museum shoot coming up, Dustin's insights on documentary photography and storytelling are perfectly timed to enhance your work.
See You Tuesday!
So there you have it: next Tuesday, March 3rd at 7:00 PM at Mayfair United Church. Come ready to be inspired, to ask questions, and to think differently about your photography.
Bring your curiosity, bring a friend (first meetings are free for guests!), and bring your questions for Dustin. This is the kind of presentation that can shift your perspective and push your work in new directions.
Got questions before the meeting? Reach out to any of the executive members. And if you're planning to submit to CAPA or register for the Photo Presentation Competition, don't wait until the last minute!
See you all next week. It's going to be a great evening.
Meeting Details:
• Date: Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Location: Mayfair United Church
• Guest Speaker: Dustin Main
• Topic: "This Myanmar Life – Stories and Lessons from 10 Years of Documentary Photography in Myanmar"
We can't wait to see you there!