From classrooms to playing fields, from long-serving legends to our freshest faces, Western News presents the best photographs of 2015.
PAUL MAYNE
Picking my favourite photo of the year is like picking a favourite child – you like them all, but deep down inside, let’s be honest, you are more partial to one over the others. (I only have one daughter, Abigail. So I cannot get in trouble for that comment).
It was another fun year behind the lenses at Western News. Snapping off more than 7,200 photos, I saw firsthand the wonderful research, sports, staff, faculty and students Western has to offer. I may not know a lot about one thing, but I know a little about many things thanks to the opportunities afforded me through my job.
The following are a quick sample of some of images that remind me of the fun I had this past year.
Hope you enjoy.
My Favourite Photo of 2015 –Paul Mayne
It was so hot out last August (“How hot was it?”) that I saw a dog chasing a cat – and they were both walking. It was a sweltering August afternoon as the Mustangs football team took to the field at TD Stadium for summer workouts. With temperatures well into the 30s, and a humidex into the 40s, it was hot for even me taking the photos. I could just imagine what the players felt like. Thankfully, a couple of misting fans were at the ready when needed – and, trust me, they were needed.
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ADELA TALBOT
I have had the privilege to take photos of beautiful faces and beautiful places at Western for more than four years now. Let me take this opportunity to thank those of you who stood on the other side of my camera lens, patiently smiling as I asked you to turn, tilt, move office furniture or otherwise accommodate my sometimes-strange requests for photos.
It’s because of you – and my talented colleague, Paul Mayne – I’ve been able to grow as a photographer and get comfortable behind my camera. I never knew how much fun I could have with it.
Here is a small sampling of some of my photos over the past year. (And yes, it is almost a given; if there is a dog somewhere on campus, I am there shooting its photo.)
My Favourite Photo of 2015 – Adela Talbot
I had a great time at The Walrus Talks Creativity event back in the early spring. I loved every speaker, but was particularly thrilled to see David Usher’s name on the list when the event was announced. Growing up, I loved listening to Moist and had a big crush – as teenage girls tend to have on lead singers – on David. I approached him after the event; he was gracious and insightful and even asked if I wanted a photo with him. Guess I wasn’t very subtle. He said to me, chuckling, “Your face is kinda red.” I said something along the lines of it being too hot in the room. I’m not sharing that photo here as I didn’t take it, but here’s one of David when he ‘broke down the fourth wall’ and sang for the audience.
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FRANK NEUFELD
Being primarily a graphic designer, I don’t get to pick up my camera as much as I would like. Any assignments that get me away from my desk and allow me to interact with the amazing people on campus, I always consider a treat.
This past year has offered many: shooting the brilliant Undergraduate Award winners, travelling to Windsor to profile a successful independent bookstore and publisher, Biblioasis, and even rubbing shoulders with the world beer mile champion (4:47…wow).
Where I really get excited, is when I can combine my photography with creative concepts and advanced post-processing, as in these miniatures of the Western News photography team. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed creating them.
My Favourite Photo of 2015 – Frank Neufeld
One of my favourite projects in recent years was the Western News special edition celebrating the anniversary of Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity. From tapping into my love of illustration, to staging Einstein puppets and studio photography, it quickly turned into the issue I’m proud of the most. This photo of Christopher Smeenk, the Director of the Rotman Institute of Philosophy, is a good representation of the fun I had.
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Our Favourite Social Media Photos of 2015