Capturing life as it is

Visit to the Estonian National Archive with photography class students

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Few weeks ago I visited Estonian National Archive with my photography class students from Tamme Gymnasium in Tartu. We were taken on a really informative and thorough tour through many floors of the newly opened building called Noora by Birgit Kibal, who is putting lots of her energy into making archive fun and active place to! I was very inspired by her!

We were able to take photos of whatever we wanted, and while we did so, she provided us with very valuable information about what we were taking photos of. She did a lovely post with the help of her colleague, who helped to choose the photos from all the photos we took there, which you can see HERE. Unfortunately it is in Estonian.

Translation of the photo below goes something like this:

Paper poetry

Written memory of Estonia through the photographic lens of Tamme Gymnasium students.

To learn the nuances of photography, you do not have to travel far to nature and do not dive into a city hall, but you can come to the archives. To make paper and ink, leather and cardboard, metal and concrete come alive.

Thank you to the teacher, Kerly Ilves and everyone who took the pictures.

Photos for “Vegan” magazine

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Not long ago I was contacted by an Estonian vegan magazine Vegan and they asked me to take photos of a vegan cake made by Elisabeth Emily Rosenberg. She is about to open her vegan cake business and it was a great way for her to get the foot between the door.

The location wasn’t the best and the light either, as I decided to use noon natural sunlight, which was really harsh, hence the shadows, but I think they add a lot to the photo itself. She was so kind to give me half of the cake, as she has made lots of those tester cakes and she can’t eat so much cake with her partner alone! Yipiii, I was so glad – perfect bonus on top of they pay I got from the magazine.

I am telling you, the cake is bomb – so-so good, definitely a must be for any birthday, wedding, gathering etc. And the best thing, is that you can find the recipe from the last issue or check their website for it!

Vegan beer cake

“Leaf” black and white photography exhibition

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After a very short preparation time, we organized a very quick photography exhibition in my photography class. It took only a week and a half to make the exhibition from the thought to putting it up in Tasku Center’s II floor.

We had October as a black and white month and one homework was called “Leaf/Sheet” and after going through so many wonderful photos it was clear what the theme for this year’s exhibition was going to be. I was honored to work with such good material, so it was a joy to organize this lightning fast exhibition. I had lots of fun, while taking photo of different leaves I found from my mother’s amazing garden. The lack of light and black and white, what you can possibly ask more. Go please and check my students and my photos to see if we did good.

Exhibition is opened every day from 9AM to 9 PM during weekdays in Tasku Center, Turu 2 in Tartu until 3rd of December. Please visit and enjoy some good photography!

“Canadian Estonians – in light and shadow” photography exhibition

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My long-time photography project has finally become a reality, as I can proudly present my high quality black and white portraits taken in Toronto of the thirteen local Estonian community members. It was a great joy to meet all these people, to hear their life stories, see the passion, when they spoke about Estonia. Due to funding problems, it took five years to get this exhibition to happen. I am very thankful for The Museum of Estonians Abroad (VEMU), who gave their helping hand to acquire the frames and print the photos. Helle-Mari Märtson helped to edit the texts and Arp Karm helped to install the exhibition. I am very thankful for all your contributions to this exhibition.

“Canadian Estonians – in light and shadow” is opened in the great-looking Tartu train station, which is located in Vaksali street 6 and is opened every day from 6 AM to 8 PM. Please go and have a look, unfortunately the texts are in Estonian, but I am willing to translate anything if there is a need. Exhibition will be up until 8th of January, 2017. Your visit to the train station is appreciated and I would love to hear your feedback.

Check the opening gallery HERE.

Published article in Eestielu.ca.

“H2O” photography exhibition in Tartu Public Library

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I have my H20 exhibition opened again, but this time in Tartu Public Library, also at the same time the new exhibition has been presented by my students called “Known/Unknown”. I also have two photos up in that exhibition, which is opened at the same place, at the library, but on 2nd floor, while mine can be visited on 3rd floor.

My friends in Estonia may find this exhibition already familiar, which is true, as I presented the exhibition as a part of five photographers photo sale and show “Vaba Teema” in the end of 2014. Recently a large Estonian community in Toronto saw the exhibition dedicated to an important part of our lives – water. We take it for granted, but when it is gone even for an hour, it is greatly missed! I have been showing this exhibition a lot, as I want more people to see it and be more aware of water.

Exhibition consists of seven framed and matted color photographs, which portray water in its different forms. Each photo is carrying a specific color of a rainbow.

All photos exhibited can be purchased as simple photo prints or framed and matted.

NB! The exhibition is opened until 15th of October, during the opening hours of Public Library: Monday to Friday at 9 AM to 8 PM and Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM.

H2O exhibition poster

Toronto Pride 2016

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I had a great pleasure to shoot Toronto Pride 2016.

I really loved to see all these people marching for what they believe in.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was there too and had lots of fun. Pictured here is my favorite shot, but there are many other good ones, which you can see at the following gallery while clicking on the photo.

Toronto Pride 2016

“H2O” photography exhibition opened in Toronto Estonian House

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I opened in June my photography exhibition “H2O”. I wasn’t planning an opening at all, but it sort of happened organically. I am glad that there were people to share a special moment with me.

My friends in Estonia may find this exhibition already familiar, which is true, as I presented the exhibition as a part of five photographers photo sale and show “Vaba Teema” in the end of 2014.

Now a large Estonian community in Toronto can also visit this exhibition dedicated to an important part of our lives – water. We take it for granted, but when it is gone even for an hour, it is greatly missed! I will present the exhibition again in fall, in Estonia in Tartu Public Library, as I want more people to see it and be more aware of water.

Exhibition consists of seven framed and matted color photographs, which portray water in its different forms. Each photo is carrying a specific color of a rainbow. I find this an amusing fact, so the photos can help to celebrate June as a Pride month, here in Toronto!

I am busy currently taking photos of Estonian House, which in few years will loose its original shape and will be transformed into something new. Back at home 13 portraits and interviews of people I photographed in Estonian community here in Toronto, are waiting to become and exhibition. I am looking at the moment for donor/donors who would support with prints and getting the frames.

I am thankful for Piret Noorhani and Ülle Veltmann, whose help made the exhibition possible!

All photos exhibited can be purchased as simple photo prints or framed and matted.

NB! The exhibition is opened until 20th of August, during the opening hours of Estonian House Cafe: Tuesday to Friday at 11 AM to 3 PM.

You can find new photos daily from my blog Imagine this, Instagram kerlyilvesphotography. and weekly photos of my Canadian adventures at Toronto.Canada.Estonia. and news about my photography life monthly from this homepage, which I have been trying to change with a help of a volunteer web designer for months. Unfortunately the work is not really successful! Yet!

Opening of H20

Communal work in Kotkajärve

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In the end of May I had a chance to travel to Muskoka to do some communal work and take photos in the nature. Being together with interesting people, while enjoying the warm weather and swimming, not so much the black flies to whom I am very allergic! I was asked to take photos of the workers and I put together a tiny gallery, click on the photo to see the photos!

Guys working

Kati Karu performance in Toronto Estonian House

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Recently I have been quite slow at doing photography for others. I have been just enjoying the nature walks and working on my personal projects more. I really love to cruise around the city with the bike and find shots for my future project-exhibition.

From the work side, the most exciting event was when I did some photography for Katrin Somermaa, who presented her play “Kati karu” at Estonian School kindergarten. It was very exciting and took place in very low-light situation.

Have a look at the whole gallery of the play here: Kati karu play.

Kati Karu in action