Connie Tabbert
Editor
WESTMEATH — Phil Cottrell’s photos can be seen in various stores, at a few craft shows and at many art shows.
His photos almost look like paintings. He calls it artistic photography.
And that’s because he has developed a way of using computer programs and his photos to create unique photos.
While it is something developed over the years, Mr. Cottrell admits it’s only within the last few years he has developed the necessary skills to create these unique creations.
Mr. Cottrell has always enjoyed taking photos. But, life became busy once he married and had children. For many parents, and Mr. Cottrell is no different, raising his family and working took precedence and the hobby of taking photos fell to the side.
“While I was furthering my career and taking care of the family, you don’t take the time for your hobbies,” he said.
When he retired, and his children were gone from the nest, Mr. Cottrell decided it was time to get back to photography. However, he added the element of what can be done to a photo with various computer programs.
Without giving away any secrets, Mr. Cottrell said he focuses only on old vehicles and buildings. Using a tripod and remote control, he takes multiple photos of the same building, from the same position, and then using his computer, blends them together, uses special effects, and voila, a unique photo is created, he explained.
But, it’s important to compose the photo and see what the background is, as well as the colours and foreground, Mr. Cottrell said. Then, when creating the unique photo, a variety of effects can be done to it, such as adding lightening, brightening colours, or even just enhancing what’s already in the photo, he said.
Mr. Cottrell credits the photography courses at Algonquin College for turning him in a new direction with his photography. The course he learned to create the unique photos was Photoshop, he said.
“I credit Algonquin College for teaching me quite a bit,” he said.
It was three years ago he began creating the unique photos.
However, it wasn’t until he was awarded Best in Show at the 2012 Beachburg Fair that he truly knew it was time to take his photography in the new direction. The photo that won was an enhanced photo of an old truck with an old gas tank beside it. He also won a Fine Arts Award at Art in the Park in Deep River.
Since then, he has created numerous photos and photo all-purpose cards for sale. It’s a hobby that’s gone business, but not to the point where it’s more work than fun.
He currently has four poster-sized creations at 25 West in Pembroke and sells his cards in various stores, including Kenny’s Store in Westmeath, the LaPasse General Store, Joanne Gucci’s in Beachburg, Annie’s in Foresters Falls, Janna’s Café in Pembroke, Wilno Art Gallery and most recently at the Whitewater Brewing Company.
Mr. Cottrell said people see his work and then have told him about old vehicles and buildings he might be interested in photographing. His fascination with the old buildings and vehicles is two-fold. The vehicles he is taking photos of are what he grew up driving, which are now primitive to today, he explained. And the older buildings, he’s fascinated in the stories behind them – people from years ago played games, made meals – ate them, spent time with loved ones – Who were these people, where did they come from, where did they go?
“I’m fascinated in looking back,” he said. “What they can tell you conjures up my imagination.”
He said beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder when it comes to his creations. Some people like them, others don’t, he added.
“It’s an artistic expression beyond the simple shot,” Mr. Cottrell said. “The end result is a direct reflection of the time you put into it.”
Mr. Cottrell will do custom work, but only on inanimate objects. If you want to reach Mr. Cottrell, email [email protected] or call 613-587-4856.
Mr. Cottrell said while he does enjoy creating the photos, he has a well-rounded life, which is why it will never become a full-time business. He also enjoys fishing, hunting, playing the piano and writing a soccer column.
