Royal Ontario Museum Blog
Monthly Archive: December
Ten Tips to Get Started in Wildlife Photography
![A garter snake - the photo he took that hooked Rob into becoming interested in wildlife photography A garter snake sticks its tongue out to sense the air - the photo that got Rob interested in wildlife photography](https://www.rom.on.ca/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/blog_post/thumbnail/photo1_1_of_1-2.jpg?itok=wbXnzKBq)
Guest Blog written by Environmental Visual Communication student Robert Elliot
After visiting the incredible Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibit, did you get the urge to try your hand at becoming a wildlife photographer yourself? Need some help honing your skills to enter our photo contest? Here are ten tips from Environmental Visual Communications student Robert Elliot.
The Japanese Art Collection of the ROM: A Look at Edo Period Tsuba
![Tsuba with Ajiro (wickerwork) and Nunome zogan; metal; Japan; Edo period; 927.100.55](https://www.rom.on.ca/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/blog_post/thumbnail/927.100.55_1.jpg?itok=MrcDw7Pw)
Women in Wildlife Photography
![Britta Jaschinski, the only female photographer amongst the winners of the 2015 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Photo by Mark Hamblin Britta Jaschinski, the only female photographer amongst the winners of the 2015 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Photo by Mark Hamblin](https://www.rom.on.ca/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/blog_post/thumbnail/brittabw.jpg?itok=iTdF2ysu)
Guest Blog written by Environmental Visual Communication student Krystal Seedial
Only eleven finalists and one winner of the 2015 Wildlife Photographer of the Year Contest are women. Why are there so few female photographers involved in WPY? Environmental Visual Communication student Krystal Seedial explores this question further.
WPY - The Proof is in the Picture
![“Tundra Buggy and Sun Dog” Don Gutoski’s snowy view on a photography adventure in Cape Churchill, Manitoba. “Tundra Buggy and Sun Dog” Don Gutoski’s snowy view on a photography adventure in Cape Churchill, Manitoba.](https://www.rom.on.ca/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/blog_post/thumbnail/153665194.ldxedivv.capechurchill20137372-2.jpg?itok=zpZ0Vxnf)
Guest Blog written by Environmental Visual Communication student Kendra Marjerrison
For some wildlife photographers, a kill shot is the ultimate goal. It creates compelling photographs that highlight moments people don’t often get to see. For others, it’s a difficult scene to witness from behind the lens. Don, the 2015 Wildlife Photographer of the Year, had no idea that the predatory behaviour captured in the photograph he took on the last day of his northern adventure would be more than just an interesting shot. It’s a powerful story about what can happen when the Earth becomes warmer and two competing predators, the red fox and the Arctic fox, are driven to cross paths...
Nature Stories through Photography: Insights from Connor Stefanison
![Connor Stefanison at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition at Natural History Museum, UK Connor Stefanison at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition at Natural History Museum, UK](https://www.rom.on.ca/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/blog_post/thumbnail/connor_stefanison_wpy-2.jpg?itok=K61LH9XD)
Guest Blog written by Environmental Visual Communication student Sean de Francia
Connor Stefanison is this year’s recipient of the Rising Star Portfolio Award, given to outstanding photographers 18-25 for images that will be featured at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibit. He was also awarded the Eric Hosking Portfolio Award in 2013. Here he shares his insights into producing powerful narratives through nature and wildlife photography.
New to ROM: Tiger Claw Necklace
On the one hand, it is an example of delicate Victorian jewelry. On the other, it is a reminder of a past when the conservation of wildlife species was far from the minds of people. Written by Deepali Dewan.
ROM wins Ontario’s Accessible Tourism Award
![Cheryl Blackman, ROM Assistant Vice President, Audience, and Heather Hiscox, CBC News anchor and Awards Gala emcee Cheryl Blackman, ROM Assistant Vice President, Audience, and Heather Hiscox, CBC News anchor and Awards Gala emcee](https://www.rom.on.ca/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/blog_post/thumbnail/cheryl_and_heather_at_ontario_tourism_summit_2015_0.jpg?itok=To5zUuvQ)
The ROM is proud to announce that we have been honoured with Ontario’s Accessible Tourism Award at the 2015 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence. Creating access at the ROM is a journey which our Museum has embraced, and this recognition is a great testament to our direction.
Good Over Evil: Diwali, Festival of Lights
![Diya, drawing on ipad. Source: Deepali Dewan, ROM. Illustration of a lantern.](https://www.rom.on.ca/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/blog_post/thumbnail/diwali01.jpg?itok=OTZQI_TD)
Diwali is celebrated by over one billion Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains (and their friends!) in South Asia and among the South Asian Diaspora; it is an official holiday in: Fiji, Guyana, India, Mauritius, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Suriname, Sri Lanka, and Trinidad and Tobago! Popularly and affectionately known as the ‘festival of lights,’ at Diwali it is customary to light diyas--small lamps--before the darkness of night approaches. Brass or other beautiful lamps will be lit inside the home and placed in each room. The outside of the home is lit aglow with humble clay lamps numbering in the dozens if not hundreds to form beautiful and often elaborate patterns.
#emptyROM - Katherine Ridgley, KMR Photography
![Photo courtesy of KMR Photography. Image of a visitor taking a photo on a smartphone](https://www.rom.on.ca/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/blog_post/thumbnail/kmr_4983.jpg?itok=PXOdFZSz)
/Photos from our second #emptyROM tour on October 28th, 2015
Troy, Magnus, and the ROM: The Road to Independence
Did you know that an estimated 1 in 68 children are on the autism spectrum? Individuals with autism experience the world differently, and bustling cultural attractions like the ROM can be overwhelming for some of them. We want to improve that experience, and provide the tools necessary to help ensure that a visit to our museum inspires wonder and nurtures discovery, regardless of how you experience the world.