Photographer Tony Sprackett has been around the neighbourhood for a very long time
›› Jillian Player
In the early 80s, he worked at the Prancing Pony Restaurant before becoming part-owner, turning it into the Soho Village Bistro. Additionally, he is a long-time resident at Spring Ridge Housing Co-op, the president of the Fernwood Community Association (a position he’s held for 10 years), the financial and official agent of the NDP, and is even an advocate for the Together Against Poverty Society. To say Tony is active in the community is an understatement. You will see him walking our streets, camera in hand, seeking compelling subjects for photography.
Since retiring, Tony has immersed himself in his passion for photography. Documenting Fernwood’s street parties, celebrations, festivals, protests, and nature are amongst his varied portfolio. He is the event photographer for the Victoria Labour Council, documenting their rallies and events. You will find his photos in Robin Stevenson’s book Pride – Celebrating Diversity in Community and Vic High School has a large piece of his covering an entire wall. He also has done promotional photos for the Belfry Theatre.
On the topic of photography, Tony expresses that, “I look at the world with different eyes since getting serious with it, and I now look for beauty in the mundane. I try to bring that beauty out for others through photography.” He likes to give himself a challenge, like capturing a water droplet in a particular light or focusing on night photography. Visual art is an interesting art form for Tony because he has a type of colour-blindness in which he sees the world in muted colour tones. His photos have a high light intensity which give them an acute glow and contrast.
A socially minded person, he feels responsible to give back to the world. Even though he continues to do that through his social activism, he is also giving back to our community through his photographs; documenting our Fernwood community in all its flavours. You can see Tony’s work on his public Facebook site: Tony Sprackett Photos, through email at tonyphotos@shaw.ca, or on Twitter at @tsprackett. I also encourage you to check out his cards, which can be found at The Trounce Alley Gallery.
