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The Go To Baby Shower Gift (plus enter for a chance to WIN your own!)

Do you know someone who is expecting and will be attending a baby shower for them soon? Since becoming a Mom I have started putting together a running list of things that for my go to baby shower gift items. One of them, is a baby thermometer.

Before my oldest daughter arrived, friends of mine hosted a beautiful baby shower for me inviting family and friends of mine to attend. The party was filled with “dirty diapers” that we had to guess the contents of, wearing safety pins and not saying the word “mom” and several other typical shower activities. Beyond the activities that night there were several gifts that really stood out and have continued to be used to this day.

I was given a Braun Baby ThermoScan as one of my gifts. Little did I know how often that gift would be put to use. It’s had a permanent place within our daughter’s bedroom so that we know where it is and can grab it whenever needed. It’s seen us through first colds, teething, pneumonia and so much more. Not just with our first daughter, but both of our girls. It’s been helping us for 5 years!

Braun has great options for thermometers. There’s the Braun ThermoScan ear thermometer. It measures the infrared heat generated by the eardrum and surrounding tissue. The ear provides a location that will accurately show the core body temperature on a thermometer. It’s very easy to check a child’s temperature within seconds using the small, soft tip of this thermometer.

The other option is the Braun No Touch + Forehead thermometer. With two modes; no touch and touch, you can easily get your child’s temperature. Imagine checking your child’s temperature in the night without waking them thanks to No touch mode, plus you can also put it on silent so there will be no beep sound when the temperature is taken.

As a parent, I appreciate how easy Braun has made taking a child’s temperature. Gone are the days of having to get a help when checking. Braun has helped give me peace of mind when checking my child’s temperature. I am that parent who will go into my kid’s room at night and check on them when they are sleeping. Now, I don’t have to worry about them waking up. Even better, is the fact that there is a colour coded display letting you know for certain that a temperature is normal, above average or high.

This is why I’ve added Braun thermometers to my baby gift list. I can pick one up easily from my local baby store. I know how much I appreciated being given peace of mind when it comes to fevers and taking my child’s temperature. I want the same for those I know with children. Temperature readings should be easy and not add to the stress when a child is not feeling well.

This blog post was brought to you by Discovering Parenthood

Did a Braun Thermometer help you get through your child’s first fever?

You can find Braun thermometers available at: London Drugs

Together with Braun, we’re excited to be giving away one Braun Thermoscan 5 Ear Thermometer! See below for full Terms & Conditions and how to enter.

Braun Facebook Contest Terms & Conditions

To enter: Comment with your favourite baby health product on the Braun giveaway Facebook post.

Contest is open to all residents of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba who, as of the date the prize draw is made: (i) have not won a London Drugs contest since May 30^th, 2017; (ii) have reached the age of majority in the province in which they reside as of May 30^th, 2018; (iii) are not employees of London Drugs, their respective advertising and promotional agencies, the independent judging organization (if any), or any family member living with any such employee.

No purchase necessary. Limit one (1) entry per person per social network per contest. Entries must be received no later than 11:59 PM Pacific Time on June 15th, 2018. London Drugs is not responsible for entries that become lost or misdirected. All entries become the property of London Drugs Limited and will not be returned.

One (1) winner will be randomly chosen on the day the contest ends (see dates below) in Vancouver, British Columbia, from all eligible entries received per contest. To win, selected entrants must correctly answer a skill-testing mathematical question and must sign London Drugs’ declaration and release confirming compliance with the contest rules and acceptance of the prize(s) as awarded, releasing London Drugs from liability in association with the contest and prize and consenting to the use of their name, photograph, voice and statements for promotional and publicity purposes.

There will be three (3) prizes of

One (1) Braun Thermoscan 5 Ear Thermometer – IRT6510CA ($89.99)
One (1) Braun No Touch or Forehead Thermometer – NFT3000CA ($89.99)
One (1) Braun Age Precision Thermometer – PRT2000CA ($27.99)

See details and contest date below. Prizes must be accepted as awarded, are non-transferable and no substitutions are permitted. Prizes will be awarded at the closest London Drugs location to contest winners.

Contest date – Wednesday, May 30^th, 2018 – Friday, June 15^th, 2018, 11:59 PM Pacific Time

Draw date – Monday, June 18^th, 2018

Only one prize may be won by any one person and household. In the event that any selected entrant incorrectly answers the skill-testing question or is otherwise unwilling or unable to comply in full with these rules, a new entry will be drawn.

Selected winners will be contacted by email or on the social network they were drawn from. No correspondence will be entered into except with selected entrants. If the winners do not respond then they will be notified for the second time, 3 (three) days after the first notification. If the winners still do not respond within 3 days of the second notification, a new winner will be chosen in the same manner until a winner is successfully contacted.

The chances of winning a prize will depend on the number of eligible entries received. Decisions of the judges in respect of all aspects of this contest including, but not limited to, eligibility of entries and correctness of answers given to the skill-testing question, are final.

London Drugs and their respective advertising and promotional agencies, the independent judging organization, and their respective agents are not liable to an entrant in any manner relating to the contest or the awarding and use of the prize(s).

This contest is subject to all federal, provincial, and municipal laws and regulations. By entering the entrant consents to the collection of all personal information included on their entry and agrees to the use and disclosure of such information by and between London Drugs, an independent judging organization, and their agents. The winner(s) also agrees to the collection, use, and disclosure of their name, entry, photographs, voice, and statements for London Drugs’ publicity purposes without further compensation. All personal information collected from entrants will be used only for the purposes of administering the contest and for marketing and promotional purposes as contemplated by these rules; under no circumstances will any personal information be sold or rented to third parties. All personal information collected by London Drugs will be kept in accordance with the privacy policy of London Drugs, which can be viewed at www.londondrugs.com, and in accordance with all applicable privacy laws.

The right is reserved by London Drugs to terminate this contest, in whole or in part, and/or modify, amend or suspend the contest, and/or these rules in any way, should any cause beyond the reasonable control of London Drugs or its agents affect the proper administration thereof.

8 Cool and Quirky Products You Need for Summer

Sun’s out, fun’s out! It’s finally time for us to shed our winter coats and seek out good times in the great outdoors. We have some fun and unexpected outdoor products that will get you out of the house and into the great, wide open.

Tabletop Fireplace

Also known as the “Umbrella Hole Fire Bowl,” the Bond Tabletop Firebowl will illuminate your outdoor dining area, and fits on any patio table. It is easily secured into the pre-existing umbrella hole in just minutes and connects to a 1 lb. propane tank. Simply light with a match, adjust the flame to your liking and enjoy hours of ambiance amidst a smokeless dancing flame.

Portable Waterproof Speaker

The Boompods Aquapod Bluetooth Speaker may be small in size, but it still packs a 70db punch. With crystal quality sound and tough construction, you can take it anywhere the summer leads you: mount on your bike, stick to the shower wall or hang off your backpack for summer tunes on the go.

Rustic Cooler

Get rid of that big hunk of plastic in your backyard and keep your beverages cool in this spiffy wood cooler instead. You’ll really class up the joint!

Kitchy Birdhouse

Your backyard birds will be the envy of the neighbourhood with this hip and nostalgic hanging birdhouse.

Light-Up Garden Crane

If you need to shed a little light on your backyard but aren’t satisfied with a boring old lamp, try this eye-catching solar powered light-up metal crane.

Telescopic Flyswatter

Bugs getting you down, but too comfy in your lounge chair to chase them around? Whip out this telescopic flyswatter, and strike fear into the hearts of all the 6-to-8-legged critters in your yard.

Bug Catcher

If you and your kids would rather check out the bugs instead of crush them, this Adventure Lazer Bug Sucker captures bugs harmlessly to get you up close and personal with nature.

Giant Unicorn Pool Float

Who doesn’t want to ride a unicorn? This magical friend is over 1m wide, so it’s big enough for the biggest kid (aka grown up) at the pool or lake.

Tips for Cleaning Your Kitchen Like An Expert

You clean regularly, but spring is a good time to roll up your sleeves and really dive into the grime that builds up in the kitchen. We’ve found some surprising tips and hacks to get your kitchen shining like a diamond.

1. Clean your oven easily without all the chemicals

You’ll need:

2 cups baking soda
2 tbsp dish soap
Water
Scour Pad
Damp rag
Dry microfiber cloth

Mix the baking soda and dish soap together, then stir in water slowly until you get a runny paste. Wearing rubber gloves, rub paste onto inside of oven and door. Leave oven door open and let sit for 15 minutes. Go have a coffee.

After letting it sit, wet the scour pad and scrub your little heart out, concentrating on trouble spots (it won’t take as long as you think, we promise). Once you’re done scrubbing, collect as much of the paste as you can and wash it down the sink, then use the damp rag to get the rest. This last step might take a few rinses of the cloth before it all comes off. Polish the baking soda film off with the dry cloth.

2. Take your oven racks to the spa

You can’t have a clean oven with dirty racks, so to get them up to snuff, soak them in the tub overnight with 1/2 cup of dish soap and 6 dryer sheets (yes, we said dryer sheets). Once they’re done soaking, rub off the dirt with the dryer sheets, then rinse them well under warm water.

3. Don’t forget that other oven

The microwave can quickly get covered with caked-on crud. Instead of the tedious spray-and-scrub-spray-and-scrub routine, put a handful of wet paper towels inside and run it on high for 3-5 minutes. The steam from the towels will soften the grime and save you a lot of elbow grease. Wait for the paper towels to cool down then use them to wipe down the interior (or put on your rubber gloves if you don’t have time to wait).

4. Clear up that coffee pot

Nothing like that brown film inside your coffeemaker to put you off your morning cup of joe. For a quick and natural clean, fill the empty jug a quarter full of ice, add the juice from half a lemon and 2 tbsp of salt. Swirl the mixture in the jug for 2 minutes, then rinse out with warm water. Voila! No scrubbing required.

5. Blast the grime off of your range hood

Ever tried to wipe off that layer of greasy fudge on top of your stove’s hood with a damp cloth? Doesn’t work too well, does it? That’s because it’s mostly made of cooled oil, which doesn’t mix with water. (Hello, elementary school science class!) The best way to loosen it up is with heat. Grab your hair dryer from the bathroom, put it on the hottest setting and give it a Brazilian blow out for about 30 seconds. Then wipe it down right away with a warm, soapy cloth. Lustrous!

6. Treat your wood cabinets right

Photo by wu yi on Unsplash

Wood cabinets add warmth to your kitchen decor, but wooden surfaces can lock in bacteria that is tough to get out, and harsh chemical cleaners can damage their finish. Baking soda is a great alternative for cleaning wood: mix 1/2 cup baking soda with a litre of warm water and use a clean sponge to rub it on the wood surface. Rinse with damp cloth, blot with a clean towel and allow to air dry completely.

If the finish is looking dull, use boiled linseed or vegetable oil with fine steel wool to rub it in. To seal it, add another coat of oil 24 hours later, wiping off the excess between each application.

7. Ugh. The fridge.

Cleaning out the fridge is a big job, but it’s worth it. Obviously, the first thing you need to do to tackle the fridge is to clear out any old food. But wait! Just because it’s past the “best before” date doesn’t mean that it’s not still good. The best before date isn’t the same as the expiration date–it’s just the date recommended by the manufacturer when the product should be consumed for the best quality. There are other food safety guidelines to keep in mind (read more here), but as long as it smells, looks and tastes normal, eating food that’s a little past the best before date might only affect the taste and quality and likely won’t hurt you.

Now that your fridge is cleared out, you might as well roll up your sleeves and really get in there. Unplug it, clear out the rest of your food and take out the shelves and bins. Fill a bathtub with six to eight inches of water and add a small box of baking soda. Soak the shelves and bins for about 15 minutes; rinse and dry.

Use a non-toxic cleaner or natural solution of 2 tbsp of baking soda in 1 litre of warm water and wipe out interior. Clean small crevices in the door seals with a pointed-tip cotton swab dampened with warm soapy water. Dry with a towel.

Phew. *wipes brow* Before you put away your food, check out this comprehensive guide on how to best store all of your groceries.

Do you have any surprising kitchen cleaning tricks? Share with us in the comments!

The Ultimate Father’s Day Brunch Recipes

This Father’s Day, head to the kitchen and treat Dad to a homemade brunch! Sweet or savoury, here are two delicious recipes you can make together as a family.

On May 30th, join London Drugs and Chef Miki Arambulo as they prepare the ultimate family friendly Father’s Day brunch! During the event we’ll prepare two delicious recipes for Dad using Cuisinart’s Precision Master Stand Mixer, Vertical Waffle Maker, and Air Fryer Oven.

Join the conversation and learn tips and tricks for the ultimate Father’s Day brunch! Have a questions about one of the appliances or recipes? Visit the Facebook event and comment with your questions—we will do our best to answer all questions during the event!

Chocolate Waffles with Whipped Cream

Kids will love having chocolate for breakfast, but these waffles also make a delicious dessert when topped with whipped cream or ice cream and berries.

Makes 6 waffles

2 cups (500 ml) unbleached, all-purpose flour

½ cup (125 ml) granulated sugar

2/3 cup (150 ml) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted

2 teaspoons (10 ml) baking powder

½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) baking soda

½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) kosher salt

½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground cinnamon

2 ½ cups (625 ml) buttermilk

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract

1/3 cup (75 ml) vegetable oil

½ cup (125 ml) semisweet mini chocolate morsels

Combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl; whisk to blend. In either a large measuring cup or separate mixing bowl, combine the liquid ingredients and whisk to combine. Add to the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. Fold in the morsels.

Preheat the waffle maker to desired setting (a tone will sound when preheated).

Pour a scant cup of batter through the top of the spout. When tone sounds, the waffle is ready. Carefully open the waffle maker and remove baked waffle. Close waffle maker and repeat with remaining batter. For best results, serve immediately.

Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle Mayonnaise

A more nutritious alternative to regular French fries.

Makes 2 to 3 servings

Chipotle Mayonnaise:

½ cup (125 ml) mayonnaise

1 chipotle chile in adobo, finely chopped

¼ teaspoon (1 ml) fresh lemon juice

Sweet Potato Fries:

1 pound (454 g) sweet potatoes (about 2 medium), cut into

¼-inch (0.6 cm) thick pieces, about 4 inches (10 cm) long

Olive oil, for spraying

½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) kosher salt

Prepare Chipotle Mayonnaise: Put mayonnaise, chipotle and lemon juice in the work bowl of a mini food processor. Process on High until completely puréed and homogenous. Transfer to a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Make Sweet Potato Fries: Place the AirFryer Basket onto the Baking Pan. Put the cut sweet potatoes into the basket. Spray liberally with oil. Sprinkle with salt and toss. Spread into a single layer.

Put the assembled pan into the oven in rack Position 2. Set to AirFry at 400˚F (200˚C) for 15 minutes. Cook until golden brown and crispy.

When sweet potatoes are ready, transfer to a serving bowl. Serve immediately with reserved Chipotle Mayonnaise on the side.

Don’t forget to join our Facebook Live event on Wednesday, May 30th at 12pm PST!

Cooking for Dad on Facebook Live: Father’s Day Brunch

Join London Drugs and Chef Miki Arambulo as we make the ultimate family friendly Father’s Day brunch! During the event we’ll prepare two delicious recipes for Dad using Cuisinart’s Precision Master Stand Mixer, Vertical Waffle Maker, and Air Fryer Oven (featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things 2017).

Join the conversation on Wednesday May 30th at 12pm and learn tips and tricks for the ultimate Father’s Day brunch. Subscribe to live notifications and tune in to have your questions answered live. Have a question about one of the appliances or recipes? Visit the Facebook event and comment with your questions and we will do our best to answer all questions during the event!

Our event co-host Chef Miki

Chef Miki has worked at many of Vancouver’s well know restaurant groups such as Earls, Brown’s and Cactus Club. A graduate of the Art Institute Dubrulle Culinary Arts School and a Red Seal Certified Chef, Miki is now a culinary instructor at Vancouver Community College.

Try these two family-friendly recipes

Enter for a chance to WIN a Cuisinart appliance!

To enter: Log on to Facebook.com and either sign in if you are already a registered user or create an account. Then comment during the Facebook Live on the London Drugs Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LondonDrugs in the form of posting a question or comment on the live event. You will be automatically entered into the Contest. Only one entry per Facebook account is permitted during the Contest Period.

Contest is open to all residents of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba who, as of the date the prize draw is made: (i) have not won a London Drugs contest since May 30^th 2017; (ii) have reached the age of majority in the province in which they reside as of May 30^th 2018; (iii) are not employees of London Drugs, their respective advertising and promotional agencies, the independent judging organization (if any), or any family member living with any such employee.

No purchase necessary. Limit one (1) entry per person per social network per contest. Entries must be received no later than 1 PM Pacific Time on May 30^th 2018. London Drugs is not responsible for entries that become lost or misdirected. All entries become the property of London Drugs Limited and will not be returned.

One (1) winner will be randomly chosen on the day the contest ends (see dates below) in Vancouver, British Columbia, from all eligible entries received per contest. To win, selected entrants must correctly answer a skill-testing mathematical question and must sign London Drugs’ declaration and release confirming compliance with the contest rules and acceptance of the prize(s) as awarded, releasing London Drugs from liability in association with the contest and prize and consenting to the use of their name, photograph, voice and statements for promotional and publicity purposes.

There will be three (3) prizes:

One (1) Cuisinart 5-1/2 Qtr. Stand Mixer (Retail value of $399.99)
One (1) Cuisinart Vertical Waffle Maker (Retail value of $99.99)
One (1) Cuisinart Air Fryer (Retail value of $299.99)

See details and contest date below. Prizes must be accepted as awarded, are non-transferable and no substitutions are permitted. Prizes will be awarded at the closest London Drugs location to contest winners.

Contest date – Wednesday May 30^th 2018 from 12 PM PST –1 PM PST

Draw date – Friday June 1^st, 2018

Only one prize may be won by any one person and household. In the event that any selected entrant incorrectly answers the skill-testing question or is otherwise unwilling or unable to comply in full with these rules, a new entry will be drawn.

Selected winners will be contacted by email or on the social network they were drawn from. No correspondence will be entered into except with selected entrants. If the winners do not respond then they will be notified for the second time, 3 (three) days after the first notification. If the winners still do not respond within 3 days of the second notification, a new winner will be chosen in the same manner until a winner is successfully contacted.

The chances of winning a prize will depend on the number of eligible entries received. Decisions of the judges in respect of all aspects of this contest including, but not limited to, eligibility of entries and correctness of answers given to the skill-testing question, are final.

London Drugs and their respective advertising and promotional agencies, the independent judging organization, and their respective agents are not liable to an entrant in any manner relating to the contest or the awarding and use of the prize(s).

This contest is subject to all federal, provincial, and municipal laws and regulations. By entering the entrant consents to the collection of all personal information included on their entry and agrees to the use and disclosure of such information by and between London Drugs, an independent judging organization, and their agents. The winner(s) also agrees to the collection, use, and disclosure of their name, entry, photographs, voice, and statements for London Drugs’ publicity purposes without further compensation. All personal information collected from entrants will be used only for the purposes of administering the contest and for marketing and promotional purposes as contemplated by these rules; under no circumstances will any personal information be sold or rented to third parties. All personal information collected by London Drugs will be kept in accordance with the privacy policy of London Drugs, which can be viewed at www.londondrugs.com, and in accordance with all applicable privacy laws.

The right is reserved by London Drugs to terminate this contest, in whole or in part, and/or modify, amend or suspend the contest, and/or these rules in any way, should any cause beyond the reasonable control of London Drugs or its agents affect the proper administration thereof.

Ultimate Shopping List for Canadian Camping

With the Victoria Day long weekend just around the corner, many Canadians are hearing the call of the great outdoors. Maybe you made your camping or RV reservations months ago. Or perhaps you’re headed to a family cabin or that perfect, last-minute spot. Regardless, you’ll need to bring plenty of supplies with you. That includes camping essentials, food, and probably a few luxuries and toys. [If luxury camping is really your thing, also check out our Ultimate Glamping Guide]

For all your camping stock-up needs, London Drugs is here to help with this Ultimate Canadian Camping Shopping List.

Camping Shopping List: The Essentials

Skin Care

What could be more essential than protecting your skin from outdoor dangers? During the day, that means the sun’s harmful UV rays. Start with limiting exposure and wearing a hat. Of course, you should also apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Just in case that’s not enough to prevent a sunburn, pack some after-sun salve with aloe vera.

In the evening and at night, you’ll want to be on guard to prevent insect bites. Keep them at bay with insect repellant, (we have a wide selection of lotions and sprays with varying active ingredients; find the one that’s right for you and your family). There are also nets and candles that offer additional protection.

Camping Basics

There’s nothing worse than arriving at a campsite without a key piece of gear. Chances are you won’t forget your tent, but it’s worth checking to ensure you have enough sleeping bags, pillows, and blankets. It never hurts to pack one or two extras, just in case. Nothing ruins a camping trip faster than a very cold night in a tent.

Another essential category of gear for your Canadian Camping Shopping List is cookware. This starts with sturdy pots and pans, but also includes plates, utensils, and drinkware. The best cookware for camping is light, durable, and easy to clean. Also, make sure you have enough coolers to keep all your supplies the right temperature in the woods. Finally, don’t get caught in the dark: be sure to bring enough lanterns and flashlights for everyone.

Advanced Equipment

One way to help make the outdoors cozier and more like home is to bring your own generator. Sure, skeptics might say this goes against the main benefit of camping–escaping civilization. But sometimes it’s nice to take a brief break from roughing it to blow dry your hair or watch a movie with the family. Another must-have for many is a small camping stove or grill. Yes, you can cook over an open fire. But it’s not always convenient, particularly for making coffee or toast. Fire bans should also be strictly adhered to, so a camp stove might be your best option. Also be sure to bring enough propane to run your stove during your trip. Pro tip: don’t be afraid to go big. There’s nothing worse than running out of fuel on day 3 of 5.

Camping Shopping List: The Extras

Nice-to-Haves

Even when roughing it, it’s okay to bring more than the bare essentials. For example, you’ll need enough camping chairs (since no one wants to stand around a campfire for hours). Another way to elevate your campsite is with a hand pump for a standard water cooler jug. That way, you won’t need to run to a tap or river for water, or worry about what might be in it. Fill-ups for these bottles are cheaper and more environmentally friendly than single-use bottled water. too. Finally, whether for appreciating wildlife and nature views, or keeping an eye on the little ones, a good pair of binoculars is a great camping extra to have around.

Just for Fun

The most important thing to do when camping is staying comfy and well-fed. The second is to have fun. Okay, the order here might be debatable. The point is, having a few extra toys around is nice, especially in the water. One incredibly popular activity on local lakes is stand-up paddle boarding. But if you prefer inflatables designed to be pulled around the lake by a boat (the old fashioned way) we’re with you too! There are also lounge and group floaties for those who prefer to just hang out. They even come in some pretty entertaining designs. If you have any inflatables, consider also grabbing an automatic inflator. Trust us, your lungs will thank you. For times when you’re not in the water, be sure to stock up on other classic camping games like badminton, bocce, or ladder toss.

Camping Shopping List: The Food

The most important part of your Canadian Camping Shopping List should include lots of great food. Really, it’s one of the best parts about camping. Doing some basic meal prepping in advance, and shopping for fresh local produce, will help make sure you don’t end up eating only hot dogs. Plan accordingly! The real draw of camping food is the snacks, and the main event is always the s’mores. At London Drugs we carry the three basic ingredients of the perfect s’more, including a hearty selection of the keystone ingredient: chocolate. Raise your snacking game to a pro level with anything from dried fruit, nuts and meat snacks to chips, crackers, cookies, and candy. Honestly, we have so many perfect camping snacks, we couldn’t begin to list them all here. You’ll just have to come look for yourself in-store or online.

No matter what you bring along, the most important part of camping is who you share it with. London Drugs wishes you, your friends, and family the best camping season ever. Keep safe, and have a blast.

London Drugs Photolab Prints the Best in Canadian Photojournalism for Capture Photography Festival Exhibit

We’re used to seeing photos accompanying online news articles and newspapers, but you may be surprised by the talent and skill that goes into capturing those incredibly candid moments. The annual National Pictures of the Year Awards, presented by the News Photographers Association of Canada (NPAC), celebrates the very best in Canadian photojournalism, and for the 4^th year, our London Drugs Photolab has had the pleasure of printing their entire exhibit as part of the Capture Photography Festival.

To prepare all of the finalists’ images for the gallery exhibit, our Photolab Technicians worked one-on-one with NPAC’s coordinators Ric Ernst and Ali Ledgerwood. We were careful to take into account each photographer’s specifications, ensuring their colours printed exactly as they should. Using our state of the art Epson P9000 large format printer, we printed each of the photos in gallery quality, on our Epson Lustre paper. The quality Epson inks used in printing will ensure the prints have an archival stability of 200 years.

Ric and Ali visited the lab to see a test print of one of the composite multi-picture category finalists, and had the opportunity to watch the full process, from sizing and checking the image’s colouring on the computer, to seeing the image printed on the Epson P9000, to cutting and inspecting the final print. They also looked over each of the single prints for several other categories in the exhibit.

Left print: International Finalist Jim Young (Agence France-Presse) 2017 Picture Story. Right print: Social Issues Category Finalist Photo by Ben Nelms (Independent)

“I was overjoyed when I viewed the prints for our exhibition for the first time. I knew our featured photographers would truly appreciated seeing their original files accurately reproduced in both tone and colour and on such high quality paper,” said Ric.

Along with Ric, Ali has coordinated the printing of the National Pictures of the Year Awards exhibit with our Photolab for the past 3 years, working directly with Photolab Manager John Goldsmith. “Working with John at the London Drugs Photolab is always a pleasure. The professionalism and understanding of our needs, particularly for such a large project, keeps our minds at ease knowing that the work is going to be completed quickly, but without compromising quality,” she said.

After being framed and installed at the Pendulum Gallery in Vancouver, the National Pictures of the Year Awards exhibit was opened to the public. For the many photojournalists featured, it’s a special experience for them to see their work displayed in a gallery setting.

“Most of our photographers only see their work on computer screens or reproduced in newspapers and magazines so when they see them printed professionally, it’s an eye-popping experience for them,” Ric explains.

Fourteen categories of photojournalism are represented in the exhibit, including news, sports and social issues. Of the nominees featured, a winner in each category will be chosen, along with a 2017 Student Photographer of the Year, 2017 Student Multimedia of the Year, 2017 Photojournalist of the Year and a 2017 Photograph of the Year. Considering over 2,000 photographs along with 25 multimedia productions from across Canada were entered in this year’s competition, being selected as a National Pictures of the Year winner, and even as a nominee, is certainly an honour.

Left print: Sports Feature Category Finalist Photo by Tijana Martin (Lethbridge Herald). Right print: Social Issues Category Finalist Photo by Ben Nelms (Independent)

Photographer Ben Nelms was chosen as a Pictorial Category Finalist, for his photo of salmon trimmings. Taken at St. Jean’s Cannery in Nanaimo BC, the photo highlights the family-run operation which was founded by Armand St. Jean in 1961, but who recently sold a majority stake of the company to a group from Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nation.

Ben shared his appreciation for the quality work and effort that went into printing his photo for the gallery exhibit.

“Having your images shown in a gallery show is a great feeling for a photojournalist. Not only because it’s great to see the caliber of Canadian photojournalism but because the high quality prints draw an audience to them which ultimately brings a spotlight to the story you are trying to tell,” he explains. “It is always great to see your photos printed, especially when it’s professionally. As a news photographer, I am use to seeing my photos printed on lower quality paper so when I get a chance to see high quality prints it’s a real treat. The support from London Drugs is fantastic, their photolab is one of a kind and the professional products they produce is second to none.”

While the images for the National Pictures of the Year Awards exhibit were printed for professional photographers like Ben, our Photolab uses the same innovative photofinishing equipment to print gallery quality images to hang on your walls at home, too! Head over to the London Drugs Photolab to see our full selection of fine art print surfaces.