Manitoulin Island and the North Shore.
Remarkable images of the flora, fauna and landscapes of Manitoulin Island and the North Shore abound in the portfolio of photographer Bob Blaney. While traversing the bush, hiking trails and roads on foot or on motorcycle, he has been able to capture a wide variety of subject matter.
Residing in Lively with a camp at Birch Island, he is never far from the Island and is a regular at the Mindemoya Farmers’ Market from May to October.
The photographer has been taking pictures for many years. “I bought my first camera with my first paycheque in 1968,” he explained, adding that his roommate in mining school had a manual 35 milometre that he coveted until he purchased his own.
Following the years of raising his children he returned to photography in 1989 and now uses a digital camera, which accompanies him everywhere.
“You never know when you will see something you want to shoot. It’s not just about luck; it’s about being there with the camera,” he remarked.
“One of my top sellers is a shot I took on a day when I was just out and about without an agenda. Two fawns and a doe came walking towards me and I took a photo of one of the little guys walking down the middle of the road.”
Nature photography is Mr. Blaney’s preference although he also shoots small weddings and enjoys taking photos of family and friends. “These days I like to drive around and go into the bush, way off the beaten path,” he said. He is often accompanied by a fellow artist on these trips. “I also love to jump in the kayak with my camera encased in weatherproof housing. I eventually put the paddle away and just glide along to get great pictures of loons.”
Other memorable images include shots of the Cup and Saucer, High Falls, Ketchankookem Road in the fall and boats at Providence Bay. New work in 2014 includes a stunning image of the Bridal Veil Falls in winter and the swing bridge in Little Current shot in a blue cast.
In recent years Mr. Blaney has won awards at the LaCloche Art Show including ‘Best Photograph’ for his image of a fox entitled ‘Mysterious’ in 2013 and an Honourable Mention for ‘Misty Lake Panorama’ in 2010.
While at the Farmers’ Market he carries over a hundred photos in matt frames and has many more to choose from in his photo books.
As a member of the Manitoulin Fine Arts Association he sits on the board of directors as the secretary and also manages the organization’s website, doing his part to promote the arts on Manitoulin and the North Shore.
To view further images or purchase photographs visit the photographer’s website at boblaney.com
by Nancy McDermid
