Ken Solilo
I first learned about photography from my Dad when I was about 8 years old. Growing up in Regina Saskatchewan when it was too cold in the bitter prairie winters to go on the outdoor rink or on the street for some pickup hockey I would take over the laundry room and convert it into a darkroom. There I learned to develop negatives and make photographic prints. The hobby inspired me to go to Ryerson University in Toronto to take the Photo Arts course. I majored in Cinematography turning a hobby into a career that spanned over 40 years. I started at CFTO in Toronto in 1972 as a film editor. Later I moved into the position of a cinematographer which was the direction I wanted. In 1976 a position opened up with the CBC in Calgary and I spent the next 8 years working there. About this time the technology was changing and film was being replaced by video tape and a cinematographer became a videographer. In 1984 the CBC was increasing its coverage in Southern Saskatchewan and I moved back to Regina for the next 7 years. In the early 90’s the CBC experienced budget shifts which resulted in station closures and in 1991 I moved to Toronto, working for the CBC for the next 20 years. I worked on many CBC shows including ‘The National News’, local news programs, ‘Living In Toronto’, ‘Sports Journal’, ‘Hot Type’, ‘ On the Arts’ and many features which were included in other programming. Even though the body of the camera has changed there are still lenses to use and a viewfinder to look through to compose the shot. Retiring from the CBC at the end of 2011 and still with a keen interest in the art of Photography I started my own business based in Port Hope, Ontario. For a sample of my work visit kensolilophotography.com.
Over those 40 years I had the opportunity to work with some excellent people who had the same passion as me. It was always a learning experience and every day seemed to be different. Following is a list of awards won by shows I worked on.
Awards
- 1999 – New York Film & Television Festival – Bronze World Medal – ‘Best Documentary Special’ – “NORTHERN SERIES”
- 1995 – Gemini Award – CBC Evening News – “BEST LOCAL NEWS PROGRAM”
- 1994 – WorldFest Houston – Certificate of Merit – Finalist “ALMOST CANADIAN” CBC Evening News
- 1994 – Charleston International Film Festival – Gold Award – Investigative Journalism – “BREAKING THE SILENCE” – CBC Evening News
- 1994 – Charleston International Film Festival – Gold Award – Single Breaking News Story “THE FUNERAL” – CBC Evening News
Career Summary
2011 – Present: Ken Solilo Photography, Owner – Port Hope, Ontario
1991 – 2011: ENG/EFP Videographer CBC Toronto, Ontario
1984 – 1991: ENG/EFP Videographer CBCRegina, Saskatchewan
1976 – 1984: Cinematographer CBC Calgary, Alberta
1972 – 1976: Film Editor/ Cinematographer CFTO Toronto, Ontario
Volunteer
2015 – 2018: Board of Directors, Art Gallery of Northumberland
2020 – 2024: Board of Directors, Art Gallery of Northumberland
2018 – 2019: Co-Chair, AGN Spotlight
2019: Founding Member, Northumberland Arts Gallery and Shop, Port Hope
2021 – Present: Board of Directors – Chair (2024), Northumberland Arts Gallery and Shop
2021-2024: Committee Member, Northumberland Hills Studio Tour
2022 – Present: Board of Directors, Spirit of the Hills
2022 – Present: Member, Colborne Art Gallery
Exhibits
2014 – Edward Jones Exhibit Space – Cobourg
2019 – Snapshots – Campbellford
2019 – Northumberland Arts Gallery and Shops
2019 – Parrot Gallery Juried Show
2020 – Native Renaissance Gallery – Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory – ongoing
2022 – Colborne Art Gallery – member artist collective
Ongoing Displays
Hear Right Canada – Cobourg
Native Renaissance Gallery