Michael G. O'Brien Email and Phone Number

Gallery 44 is a artist run, non-profit organization. It offers members full production facilities, such as analogue darkrooms, high end scanning equipment, Mac work stations and more.G44 also is host to regular exhibitions, talks, and workshops. Membership offers access to all this and more.

As official photographer for Soul of the Mother I am responsible for documenting ceremonies, gatherings and events that S.O.M. organizes or takes part in. To do this I've also traveled to places like Ireland, Sioux country South Dakota, Four Corners, California, Nevada and within Ontario to record the activities of the group.

Since 2002 I’ve worked as an independent photographer specializing fine art, portrait and special event photography. I began to teach photography at Ontario College of Art and Design (now OCAD University) in 2001 and George Brown College in 2004. In addition to my own private workshops and coaching I’ve designed five courses and taught six in the Digital Photography program at a downtown College; each with a detailed syllabus involving: lectures, power point presentations, digital and print materials for students, demonstrations, hands on exercises and high impact field trips.I work primarily with adults; many who are very accomplished in their fields; they keep me on my toes while continuously challenging me to clarify photographic concept and technique for them. This is perfect for me since most of my work life's been devoted to explaining things to people - I like to break down complex processes and concepts into bite size pieces that people can understand. I see myself as an interpreter and a storyteller; whether it’s by translating someone’s camera menu for them or by conveying the beauty of a scene (or person) through a strongly composed photograph, I’m constantly observing and interpreting.I’m passionate about photography and sharing it with others. I love the challenge of teaching photography and the creative process in depth, and patiently, with individuals and groups of photographers who are at various places on the skill spectrum. According to my students, one of my key strengths as a teacher is being able to connect with and inspire them to create their best work.

Since starting with GBC I've designed and taught five different courses listed below:Travel Photography - Spirit of PlaceThe Power of Light IThe Power of Light IIVision and TechniqueThe Art of Night and Low Light PhotographyDigital Photography Basics is another course I've taught at GBC. I'm currently teaching 'The Power of Light' and 'The Art of Night and Low Light Photography'.

Restoring the Circle is a group of people from aboriginal and non aboriginal communities that came together to focus learning about and healing from the long-term effects of the residential school system in Canada.

I developed and taught the course 'Travel Photography: The Spirit of Place' at OCAD, before the big reconstruction……it inspired me so much that I quit my $100,000 a year job and embarked on a photographic trip to Latin America where i lived and worked for six months. Being away from my familiar routines enabled me to gain the kind of perspective that I needed to start working full time as a photographer.