Welcome to Hopman Portraits
Photography by Walwyn Hopman ABIPP, ARPS
Much of Walwyn Hopman’s formal work life of more than two and a half decades has been associated with photography and its processes and the two dominant global brands, Fujifilm and Kodak. Unlike many who are attracted to the profession by the allure of being behind the lens, he began his career in the near invisible back office of photography -- the finishing lab -- in the days when Silver Halide negative film and printed photographs were state-of-the-art.
This explains his unrelenting focus, almost an obsession, with the quality of the end product, the lion’s share of credit for which, in those times, went unfairly to the photographer. Clicking purely for pleasure at that stage of his career positioned him on both sides of the process, giving him a unique and complete perspective.
In the later years of the digital mini-lab, he traveled the world on behalf of Fujifilm, the world’s leading manufacturer of these devices, taking digital processing to remote towns in central and eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, and earned himself the moniker of ‘Fujifilm missionary’ from close friends and family.
The responsibilities of fatherhood saw him settling down in Vancouver and later in Toronto with Fujifilm Canada, with whom he rose to the position of Vice President before leaving corporate life to pursue, on his own, his lifelong interest in the captured image.
While on this journey Walwyn Hopman acquired Associate level membership of both the British Institute of Professional Photography and the Royal Photographic Society, establishing his credentials and his enduring interest in working behind the lens.
A competent artist and sculptor from childhood whose early work reflected an interest in faces, he has made portraiture his first love in photography, and it was portraiture that gained him his first professional qualification. He particularly enjoys making images of people doing the things they love. An interest in still life led to product photography, and when not shooting people or products he is drawn to landscapes and architecture.
Moving from the big city to his new home in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, he has set up his own photography business and now works in the Niagara region but accepts commissions anywhere. Some of his work is available for sale, either in print form or as licensed images.
– Kendall Hopman, Sri Lanka Correspondent for TIME
(1988 – 1997)
CEO, VYA Public Relations – Sri Lanka
Phuc and Colin Cunningham
on July 25, 2012Our wedding photos turned out so BEAUTIFUL. We just got our wedding and we were so lucky to have Walwyn take pictures for us. Not only professional on the job, he is also full of work ethics, he came early to observe the location, choosing perfect corners for good pictures. We can see his passion on what he is doing. All my friends looked at our pictures and had to say WOW, and kept asking who took pictures for us on our wedding and how much it costs because it is really artistic and naturally beautiful. Thank you so much Walwyn. We appreciate it. Phuc and Colin Cunningham
Elizabeth Skronski
on January 3, 2011I just finished a photo shoot with Walwyn. These new pictures are to be used to promote my public speaking presentations and my coaching practice so it was very important to me that they have this "professional" look to them. I am SO pleased with the results. Walwyn was able to make this photo shoot so much fun while still being professional. His directives were easy to follow and his " relax" technique was something I could relate to: "Just take a deep breath and let the nervousness go". Thank you Walwyn for your professionalism and ethical attitude. E
Debbie Eke
on August 14, 2010Walwyn - You are DEFINITELY a rating of Five (5) Stars!!
Debbie Eke
on August 14, 2010Meeting Walwyn Hopman was a pleasure in itself. He was punctual and pleasant and it did not take long for my husband and I to realize that he saw the 'details' that make our garden what it is. His professionalism was apparent during the shoot and when we saw the end results we were very pleased. Walwyn captured the natural beauty of our garden from every angle and the saying "a picture is worth a thousand words" can truly be used here. Thank you Walwyn for sharing your amazing talent and providing us with a beautiful photograph to remember the 11th Annual Niagara-on-the-Lake Hort. Society Garden Tour. Sincerely, Dave & Debbie Eke
Roch Cheng
on June 6, 2010Your photos are amazing! Your life stories seem even more captivating. I very much look forward to reading your yet-to-be-written book :)
Roch Cheng [Scarborough, Ont., Canada]
Laura
on May 21, 2010I LOVE the pictures of the horse show on May 16th! You have captured the concentration on the girls faces remarkably! You have successfully demonstrated the speed of the horses going over the jumps with crisp, clear lines. You should do more work with horses! Follow the horse show circuit. There may be many people interested in these quality photos of the jumps! Congratulations on a job well done!
A Surprise For You Inc.
on November 30, 2009Just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your professional approach to managing the photo shoot of our gift box product line. You are amazing! The photos are amazing and look fabulous on the website - thank you!
Your attention to detail is truly reflected in the final photos.
We will definitely refer your photography services to our family, friends and clients.
Denis & Lida
James London
on November 22, 2009This is such a crisp and classy website. The portraits are striking! A lot of talent and skills of keen observation demonstrated here. Thanks for the pleasure of viewing!
Gehan Blok
on November 3, 2009I was very impressed by the wonderful range of pictures and the website structure,design and functionality used.
Great work!!!! All the very best for the future!
Loretta
on October 26, 2009I was one with nature and amazement as I gazed at your entire line of photography.
Superb composition, and fabulous images with natural lighting.
Congratulations and all the very best!