Staff

Fred - Photo Lab Manager

Because he loves "seeing how creative you can get (with old/damaged photos) in photoshop," Fred has enjoyed a long career, having worked in photography since 1985. Doing restorations is one of his favourite aspects of the job.

Fred also exercises his creativity in doing special projects for CameraCanada's customers. "I like putting things together for people on canvas or with prints. I like the creative aspects."

After work, Fred takes long walks with his dog Tucker, a Labrador retriever/Alaskan cross.

Jeff - Web Development Manager

"Jeff is a computer maestro", comments owner Antony Chodas, adding, "He's been a key part of the success of the CameraCanada website since 2004".

Having started his own internet company in Grade 10 and opening a computer store with a friend in his teens, Jeff has a history of success in all things digital that he's brought to the team at CameraCanada.

When he's not busy building the store's online presence, Jeff spends time with his daughter. He also enjoys cooking and reading about technology.

Aaron - Web Developer

Aaron is a graduate of Fanshawe College with an Advanced Co-op Endorsed Diploma in Computer Programming, thrives on creativity and exploration in his work. “I love diving into new projects and tackling unique challenges,” he says.

To stay sharp in the ever-evolving tech landscape, Aaron immerses himself in the latest programming trends and tools. “There's always something new to learn, and that's what keeps me excited,” he adds.

Outside of programming, Aaron is a passionate hobbyist who frequently explores different interests, from music to video games and even some casual golf. This diverse range of pursuits fuels his curiosity and creativity, allowing him to bring fresh perspectives to his work.

Tracey - Office Manager

Combining her organizational abilities, people skills and love of photography, Tracey has moved from working in CameraCanada's photo lab to overseeing the operation's administrative side.

She graduated from Fanshawe College's photography program in 1988. She's worked in the photography business on and off since graduating.

Tracey is an animal person, so she loves taking pictures of family pets, along with nature and wild animals. "I have about 3,000 dog pictures on my phone," she laughs, adding that shooting in beautiful settings, like Algonquin Park, inspires her.

Kim - Comptroller

"I love the challenges I get at CameraCanada and problem-solving, but I really love all the people here. Each has their own piece of the pie but is willing to help with something you're struggling with", she says.

Kim has been balancing the books at CameraCanada since 2007. When she's not busy there, she teaches accounting courses at her alma mater, Fanshawe College's Lawrence Kinlin School of Business. She graduated with a diploma in accounting and business administration, as well as her PCP designation (Payroll Compliance Practitioner).

Sylvia - Part-time Office Administration

Sylvia is a retired elementary school music teacher, having taught for 26 years after receiving her Bachelor of Music degree and teaching certificate from Western University.

She's worked in the business off and on since 1998 and "loves the camaraderie among the staff."

When not at work, Sylvia plays the piano and tennis. She's also a fan of heritage buildings and conducts walking tours around London.

Antony - President

It may seem a leap to go from a background and education as an engineer - with a BASc from the University of Waterloo (Systems Design Engineer), an MBA from Laurier University and a MEng (Master of Engineering) from Western University - to becoming a passionate photographer and successful business owner, but Antony has embraced all of these and considers them building blocks. "I look at photography from both the technical and creative sides; it's a real marriage of technology and art."

Antony founded CameraCanada in 1988 by purchasing a brick-and-mortar store in downtown London, Ontario, known at the time as Forest City Image Centre. Since then, he and the dedicated staff have turned it into a viable national entity and internationally recognized online business.

Guiding the business is only one of Antony's passions; he still loves taking pictures. "I value the left brain/right brain thinking it requires. I love travel photography most of all." Having knowledgeable, experienced, reliable staff who excel at their jobs helps liberate him to explore the world. "People (staff members) have gravitated to what they're good at ... and they want to be here. We get buy-in from employees and they are able to state their opinion without fear. We have some pretty interesting debates."

What's next for this intrepid explorer? "I'll go anywhere to take photographs. I've been to a lot of places and right now places I've never been to interest me more than places I've been. Travel is the thing that keeps me going."

Joe - Vice-President and General Manager

Describing himself as a "bean counter," Joe has been the GM at CameraCanada since 1995, having worked his way up from lab tech when he started in 1988. That was the same year he graduated from Fanshawe College's photography program. (He and Tracey [office admin] met when they were both in school and have been together since.) Owner Antony Chodas describes him as "a machine with numbers and forecasting, and a genius at networking and dealing with suppliers and customers."

Besides running marathons (including the Boston Marathon, twice), Joe's main outside-of-work fixation is travel photography. He balances the creative and business sides of his job with excellent people management skills. "Everyone here is great at what they do, so we empower them to do their jobs. They make my job so much easier" he says.

After finding out he could get out of some of his onerous high school classes by taking photography courses, Joe stumbled into it and "fell in love," a feeling that has lasted. "I love helping people to create memories and freeze moments in time that have resonance for years."

Joe's favourite place to photograph is India, because "it's such a colourful environment, with diversity and history. It's a land of golden light and a rainbow of saris; there's great colour and contrast."