Jim Babbage

Photographer

Submitted by Roxanne Carter

Jim Babbage initially wanted to be a writer but his father gave him a camera for high school graduation and his goals changed because he fell in love with photography.  Jim is primarily self-taught but did receive some training in photography when he was at college for journalism.  Photography is a core part of who he is.  He has always been a professional photographer but also taught at the college level for 21 years.  Jim ran his own web design and photography firm during that time as well.  Photography is now his passion rather than how he makes his living.

Jim is primarily a nature landscape photographer and tries to find images that inspire him wherever he goes.  He has recently switched to a smaller camera that is easier to carry and this has opened up new opportunities for him.  He has bought a lens suitable for wildlife and has begun capturing birds at Rice Lake and on the shoreline of Lake Ontario.  He has adapted his style to do the kind of photography he has never done before.  Photographing birds requires a great deal of patience and you have to be ready to capture the perfect shot.

COVID had an impact on his photography.  Unable to travel he only took photos at his home and documented his photographic experiences by journaling.  When things began to open up he went on his own to places where he wouldn’t encounter many people.  He finds he is still hesitant to engage with people.

Jim currently has an exhibit at the Elmhirst Resort in Keene near his cottage on Rice Lake.  His photos at this exhibit are  based on his experiences around Rice Lake and the Kawarthas.  Jim is also an exhibiting member of the SPARKS photo festival.  Favourite travel destinations for photographing have been Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland, Lake Superior Provincial Park, and California.

Jim really appreciates how KLAC has been highlighting a variety of artists on social media in order to generate awareness of the talent in our local area.  He was excited to hear at the recent AGM of upcoming workshop opportunities.  Jim believes that generating awareness of the digital side of art and how artists can use it to promote their work is very important.