Spring is just around the corner, and March is shaping up to be one of our most exciting months yet! Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just getting started with your camera, we've packed the calendar with presentations, hands-on shooting opportunities, and competitions that'll challenge and inspire you. From the vibrant streets of Myanmar to the rich cultural heritage right here in Saskatoon, plus some friendly competition to keep those creative juices flowing – there's something for everyone.
Let's dive into what's happening this month at your favorite photography club in Saskatoon!
March 3: Journey Through Myanmar with Dustin Main
We're kicking off the month with an incredible presentation that'll transport you halfway around the world. On Tuesday, March 3rd at 7:00 PM, join us at Mayfair United Church as Dustin Main shares his captivating photo essay, "This Myanmar Life."
Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a country that's been relatively closed off to the world for decades, making it a photographer's dream – vibrant markets, ancient temples, and a culture that's remained remarkably unchanged. Dustin's presentation promises to take you on a visual journey through the daily lives of Myanmar's people, capturing those authentic moments that tell real stories.
What can you expect from this presentation?
• Stunning imagery from one of Southeast Asia's most photogenic countries
• Insights into travel photography – how to capture authentic cultural moments
• Tips on working with natural light in challenging environments
• Stories behind the photos that'll inspire your own photographic adventures
Whether you're planning your own travel photography expedition or simply love seeing the world through another photographer's lens, this is one presentation you won't want to miss. Plus, it's a great opportunity to connect with fellow members of our photography group and share your own travel stories.
When: Tuesday, March 3rd, 7:00 PM
Where: Mayfair United Church
Cost: Free for members, and guests are always welcome!
March 10: Get Your Cameras Ready – Live Shoot at the Ukrainian Museum
Here's where things get hands-on! On Tuesday, March 10th at 7:00 PM, we're heading to the Ukrainian Museum of Canada (910 Spadina Cres E) for a live shooting session. This isn't just a tour – it's your chance to practice your photography skills in a unique cultural setting filled with colorful textiles, historical artifacts, and architectural details that beg to be photographed.
The Ukrainian Museum is a treasure trove for photographers. Think vibrant embroidered costumes, intricate pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs), historical photographs, and cultural artifacts that span generations. Whether you're into macro photography, still life, or documentary-style shooting, you'll find plenty of subjects to work with.
What to bring:
• Your camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or even your smartphone – all are welcome!)
• A lens suitable for indoor shooting – we recommend something in the 24-70mm range
• Extra batteries and memory cards
• A tripod if you have one (though the museum may have restrictions, so be prepared to shoot handheld)
• Your curiosity and creativity!
This is a fantastic opportunity to:
✔ Practice your indoor/low-light photography skills in a real-world setting
✔ Experiment with composition among beautifully curated displays
✔ Learn from fellow photographers – we'll all be shooting together, sharing tips and techniques
✔ Challenge yourself to see familiar subjects in new ways
✔ Build your portfolio with unique cultural images
Don't worry if you're new to this – that's exactly why we do these live shoots! There's no better way to improve your photography than by actually getting out there and shooting, surrounded by supportive club members who are happy to help.
When: Tuesday, March 10th, 7:00 PM
Where: Ukrainian Museum of Canada, 910 Spadina Cres E
What to bring: Your camera and enthusiasm!
Competition Season is Here!
March isn't just about learning and shooting – it's also about putting your work out there and seeing how it stacks up! We've got two major competition deadlines this month, so mark your calendars and start polishing those images.
March 15: Prairie Zone CAPA Competition Deadline
The "Prairie Zone" Canadian Association for Photographic Art (CAPA) Competition deadline is Sunday, March 15th at 7:00 PM. This is your chance to compete against talented photographers from across the prairie provinces and get your work judged by respected names in the photography community.
Important details:
• Submissions must be made online – check the club website for the submission portal
• Review the competition rules and categories carefully before submitting
• You can typically submit multiple images across different categories
• This is a great opportunity to get professional-level feedback on your work
Not sure if your images are competition-ready? Reach out to fellow club members for a friendly critique before you submit. We're all here to help each other grow!
March 17: Photo Presentation Competition – Register Your Titles
Got a story to tell through a series of images? The Photo Presentation Competition is calling your name! The deadline to register your titles is Tuesday, March 17th at 7:00 PM.
Photo presentations (sometimes called photo essays or visual stories) are all about creating a cohesive narrative through multiple images. Unlike single-image competitions, presentations allow you to:
• Tell a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end
• Explore a theme or subject in depth
• Show off your editing and sequencing skills
• Combine images in creative ways
Think of it as creating a visual journey for your audience. Maybe it's a day in the life of your neighborhood, a seasonal transformation, a cultural event, or an abstract exploration of color and form. The possibilities are endless!
Key points:
• You need to register your title by March 17th
• Your actual presentation will be judged on March 24th
• Check the competition guidelines for technical requirements (file formats, length, etc.)
• Start thinking about your story NOW – two weeks goes by fast!
Even if you've never done a photo presentation before, we encourage you to give it a try. It's a different way of thinking about photography, and you might discover a new passion for visual storytelling.
March 24: Judging Night – Let's Celebrate Our Work!
All that hard work culminates on Tuesday, March 24th at 6:00 PM (note the earlier start time!) with our Photo Presentation Competition Judging Night at Mayfair United Church.
This is always one of our most exciting evenings! There's something special about seeing everyone's presentations come together, witnessing the creativity and skill of our members, and celebrating our shared passion for photography.
What to expect:
• Presentations from your fellow club members
• Expert judging with constructive feedback
• A supportive, encouraging atmosphere
• Inspiration for your own future projects
• Awards and recognition for outstanding work
Even if you're not entering the competition, please come and support your fellow photographers! Your presence matters, and you'll learn so much from seeing how others approached their presentations. Plus, it's just plain fun to spend an evening immersed in great photography with people who get why you spent three hours trying to capture the perfect golden hour shot.
When: Tuesday, March 24th, 6:00 PM (note the earlier time!)
Where: Mayfair United Church
Who should come: Everyone!
Why March Matters
You might be wondering why we pack so much into a single month. Here's the thing – photography isn't just about individual achievement. It's about community, growth, and shared experiences.
When you attend Dustin's Myanmar presentation, you're not just looking at pretty pictures – you're learning how to see the world differently. When you join us at the Ukrainian Museum, you're not just taking photos – you're building skills alongside friends who share your passion. And when you participate in competitions, you're not just seeking recognition – you're pushing yourself to create your best work.
This is what makes a photography club in Saskatoon so valuable. We're not just a group of people who own cameras. We're a community of artists, storytellers, and visual explorers who support each other's growth.
Don't Miss Out!
March is going to fly by, so make sure you've got these dates locked in:
• March 3, 7:00 PM – Dustin Main: "This Myanmar Life"
• March 10, 7:00 PM – Live Shoot at Ukrainian Museum
• March 15, 7:00 PM – CAPA Competition deadline (online submission)
• March 17, 7:00 PM – Photo Presentation title registration deadline
• March 24, 6:00 PM – Photo Presentation Judging Night
Whether you make it to one event or all five, we'd love to see you there. New members and guests are always welcome – we're a friendly bunch who love talking cameras, critiquing images, and helping each other become better photographers.
Check out our full calendar and more details about each event at saskatoonphotographyclub.com, and don't forget to follow our Club News for the latest updates.
Grab your camera, mark your calendar, and let's make March our most creative month yet! See you at the club!