The Al Gilbert Photography Award of $500 each year will go to a Canadian professional or amateur photographer who shows excellence and creativity in environmental portraiture. The winning entry will show excellence in control of natural or added lighting, and creative placement of the subject within an existing environment related to their work or their art and craft.
Al Gilbert (1922-2019) C.M., M.P.A., F.R.P.S, F.l.l.P, M. Photo. Cr., was the older brother of Club member Jack Gilbert. Born in Toronto, Al began learning photography from his father, Nathan Gittelmacher, in his father’s studio on Queen St. West. Al went on to make a career in photography, with his own studio and photographing many key figures in the arts and politics. He received the Photographer of the Year Award from the Professional Photographers of Canada on three separate occasions and, in 1989, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada in recognition for being “a master portrait photographer”.
This new award was sponsored by a generous donation from Jack Gilbert.
The Al Gilbert Award will be awarded for the first time in 2021.
