Just one of the many photo ops in downtown Winnipeg.
To all the shutterbugs looking to meet other photographers and learn a little history along the way, feel free to discover and explore the colours of downtown Winnipeg on a guided journey through the heart of the SHED (sports-hospitality-entertainment district) during this year’s Don’s Photo Annual Downtown Photo Walk, originally scheduled for August 24th but due to heavy rains that day, is now rescheduled to Sunday Sept 7th.
The one hour 1.6 km tour, now in its third year, starts and ends at Don’s Photo, 410 Portage Avenue, running from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.
In collaboration with the Winnipeg Downtown Biz, who helped plan the route, Mallory Pledger of Don’s photo is heading the first time guided tour.
Pledger describes how this experience allows fellow photographers of all skill levels to gather together and share their photographic tips and tricks, while learning new and exciting tidbits of information about some of Winnipeg’s newest landmarks and art pieces in the downtown community.
Don’s Photo staff will be on hand to offer advice to anyone with questions.
The sports-hospitality-entertainment district (or SHED) offers good photographic subjects.
Some well-known places in the SHED that you will see along the way include: The MTS Centre – home of the Winnipeg Jets, the RBC Convention Centre, the Metropolitan, the Hydro Plaza-Hydro Place, The Millennium Park, the Burton Cummings Theatre, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and many other businesses and attractions in the area.
From a photographer’s perspective, the route offers many great opportunities to get some great shots. Hydro Plaza for example, reveals the beauty of the award winning architecture of Hydro Place.
Circulating fresh air at every moment, this is one of the most energy-efficient office towers in the world, offering a great photo opportunity at any angle.
At Millennium Park, you will discover Bill Pechet’s “Emptyful” creation, amongst the peaceful public park in the midst of the rushing city. Aerated by windmills, this artificial wetland filled with plants and flowers, bordered with a wooden walkway, is often seen with a few ducks floating around. Who knows what nook and cranny you will find to capture that award winning photo.
The energy efficient Hydro Tower offers many good photo angles.
Do you see a theme here? Winnipeg is creating places with environments that are good for people’s health. There have been health conscious activities at Millennium Park, and the Hydro Building is offering fresh air. The MTS Centre is the home of the Winnipeg Jets. With ballet, concerts, theatre and much more, a walk around downtown, with someone who knows photography, offers a unique opportunity to really see what Winnipeg has to offer.
After the Photo Walk, you have the chance to ask questions at Don’s Photo and submit your best photo from the walk for a chance to win a $150 Collagewall prize package and a $100 Don’s Photo gift card. You can upload your photo to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #donsphotowalkcontest2014. Contest categories include DSLR and point-and-shoot/Camera Phone.
It is recommended to pre-register on the Don’s Photo Facebook event page, however, it is not required.
There are many great opportunities for some great shots throughout the Photo Walk. You will gain a new perspective on the beauty of the treasures hidden in plain sight that you pass by every day. It’s sure to be fun, whether you come alone or bring along a friend or two and meet some people with similar interests.
“Emptyful” artwork at Millennium Park.
All photos by Marie LeBlanc
