Barry Thoms

Barry was born in Ottawa in 1944. Growing up, he poured much of his energy and passion into his hobbies, primarily car racing and photography. He taught himself the skills necessary to build a racing machine from a rusted shell of a car, and to take photographic images in both colour and black & white. He processed his B & W film and prints in his various home darkrooms.

Although he lost the passion for car racing, his interest in photography continues today. He joined the RA Photo Club 25 years ago and for 15 years managed the club Studio and taught studio photography techniques. In 1995, before "internet" was a household word, he created the club web site. In recognition of his efforts, the club presented him with a Lifetime Membership Award, one of six awarded by the club since its inception.

With the arrival of digital photography, he is able to combine his many years of computer experience (he worked in the computer systems field for 35 years until he retired in 2002) with his beloved art of photography. He converted to digital Cameras in 2003 and occasionally dabbles with manipulation techniques on his photos in his "digital darkroom". Sometimes to enrich, sometimes to be playful. By experimenting in this way, he hopes to show the viewer something a little different about the scenes he has captured.

His images have been displayed in newspapers and used on web sites for promotional purposes. His most recent show was at the National Press Club.