John is a committed volunteer who has generously given his time and served in various capacities at Father Lacombe and Providence Care Centre. These days, he comes to take beautiful pictures of our residents. John has a sense of humor and I am sure the residents enjoy his visits.
He coordinates sessions at Father Lacombe and Providence Care Centres. At both Care Centres, John has the help of our talented hairdressers, do a fantastic job of styling the residents’ hair and even apply makeup, ensuring they look their best for their portraits. I hope this article gives you a glimpse into the wonderful personalities that make our community special —whether among our staff, volunteers, or our valued residents. T
Father Lacombe Care Foundation (FLCF): Why Did You Start Taking Resident Pictures?
John: I am not a professional photographer. I am a hobbyist, or an amateur, who stumbled into the world of resident portraits because I had a really nice camera that I didn’t know how to use. The residents were a readily available source of modeling talent. Despite my enthusiasm, I still struggle with adjusting the camera settings on the fly. Many of my photographs end up focused on the trees or walls behind the residents instead of their eyes, and my workflow procedures are often slow and inefficient. Introducing me as an “Amateur Photographer” accurately reflects my knowledge and experience level. While I can take beautiful pictures, I can’t always guarantee that every shot will be perfect.
FLCF: How Long Have You Been Doing This?
John: I have finished with my third year of photographing residents and in total, I have photographed 130 residents between the two Care Centres. In my first year, I would show up with a camera around my neck and my iPhone in my pocket. I always took pictures of the residents with my iPhone because I was sure to get a good picture with it, providing the insurance I needed when using a great little camera that I didn’t fully understand. After my first year, I received advice from a nephew in the business and moved up to more advanced editing procedures. The following year, I invested in a studio light, portable backdrops, another camera with a remote control, and other gadgets of the trade. Each year, I like to introduce something new, though I’m not sure what it will be for next year.
FLCF: Why Do You Continue to Give Your Time?
John: When I started three years ago, my main motivation was the act of photography itself. I expected to enjoy meeting the residents, which I did, but I thought the bulk of my enjoyment would come from learning new things about photography. However, it didn’t take long before I found myself looking forward more to meeting the next set of residents or sitting down and showing them the pictures I had taken, rather than the act of taking the pictures. I’ve discovered that what I bring to the table is something most residents (and their families) really appreciate. I’m usually readily accepted as a “nice guy” who provides them with pictures they will likely treasure for the rest of their lives. I also find that I need to budget extra time to stop and visit friends I’ve made over the years.
I’ve developed close friendships with several individuals at the centers, not all of whom are residents. It’s no surprise that there are some residents you like immediately, while others not so much. Generally speaking, the residents I’ve photographed have been interesting people with lives very different from mine.
FLCF: What are some of your memorable moments?
John: Kathleen is probably the person I’m closest to. I’ve had the pleasure of getting her into FaceTimes with her sister and brother in England and “going for a drive through Derbyshire on the computer” with Google Earth.
There are many photographs and situations that I remember clearly. Watching the ladies ready for their pictures, taking pictures of residents in front of FLCC as they wandered through antique cars, getting Dot and Gordon together for a chat 85 years after she babysat him in Victoria Park, playing three games of crib with Ken O. before he would let me take his picture, and giving Anna’s daughter the photos I took of Anna so she could show them to her mother. These are just a few of the many individual moments that are meaningful to me.
FLCF: Is there a moment that is particularly gratifying for you?
John: My most gratifying experience was a photo session I had with a female resident. She is non-verbal, bound to her wheelchair, and communicates through sight, expressive looks, and grimaces. Early in my second year (2023), I was asked to photograph her but initially struggled to establish rapport. I didn’t know how to interpret her sudden grimaces or the tensing of her body. Cassandra, FLCC Pastoral Care Coordinator, explained that these reactions were common for her and didn’t necessarily mean she wanted me to leave.
I decided to postpone the session until we were both more comfortable. In the meantime, I would stop by on my scheduled days at Father Lacombe and play her three or four songs on a Bluetooth speaker. Over time, these consistent visits seemed to build trust. By the end of the summer, I felt ready to try again.
When Olga, FLCC Hairdresser, brought her out of the salon that day, she looked calm, composed, and quite elegant. The session went smoothly, and the photos turned out beautifully. Her sister was happy to receive the pictures, and for me, that session stands out as the most rewarding in my three years of photography.
John: In conclusion, while I may be an amateur photographer, the experiences and connections I’ve made through photographing residents have been incredibly rewarding. Each year brings new challenges and opportunities for growth, and I look forward to continuing this journey and hope to capture moments that residents and their families will cherish.
FLCF: We hope this story gives you a peek into our photography program and the meaningful bonds that form between our volunteers and residents. It also highlights the wonderful personalities we have here—whether among our staff, volunteers, or our valued residents. These connections are at the heart of what makes our community so special.
Written by Pamila Fonseka, Philanthropy Leader
