Art instructor Denis Gadbois wins photography awards

Denis Gadbois, senior instructor in the Department of Art, is the runner-up in the Built Environment category of the Open competition of the EPSON International Pano Awards, dedicated to panoramic photography. The winners were announced this week in Australia.

Gadbois submitted a 360-degree image of Macau, China. “These photos were taken on an overcast and chilly day in Macau, China,” explains Gadbois. “I was drawn to use a pole for aerial photography to elevate the point of view in the corner of the park, providing me with an angle that shows the lower path, the interesting buildings and the cultural presence. In my design I mixed all elements together. I strive to sculpt them into meaningful, innovative, technically challenging and compelling visual narratives.”

The art instructor is honoured to be an award recipient in what he calls “the Olympics of panorama competition.” Gadbois also won two other special awards as the Highest Scoring Spherical/360 Image and Highest Scoring IAPP Member in the Open Competition, as well as four bronze awards in the VR / 360 category.

Gadbois’ research at the University of Calgary focuses entirely on panorama and 360 degree photography. “360 degree photography is a unique way to capture the whole world around us,” says Gadbois. “Location, height, drops, colour and culture are key elements used to raise a 360-degree photograph to the level of art.”

In June 2015, Gadbois will be taking his 360-degree photography to Hawaii’s Big Island, where he will lead a study abroad course in collaboration with the International Centre at the University of Calgary and at the University of Hawaii.

The Epson International Pano Awards showcases the work of panoramic photographers worldwide and is the largest competition for panoramic photography. The 2014 competition was open to all professional and amateur photographers with a combined pool of cash and prizes worth over $40,000. The judging panel included some of the world's top panoramic photographers and industry professionals, including members of the IAPP and IVRPA.