JoAnne Drumm Alexander is the daughter of Joe Drumm, who served on Whitby Council for an impressive 41 years serving as East Ward Councillor and then as a Regional Councillor. JoAnne is the current Centre Ward councillor serving her first term after a long career working in Library Services and also as an Early Childhood Educator.

JoAnne is the Mayor’s designate on the board of the Whitby Yatch Club, who graciously let us create images for JoAnne on site at the club. We used water as a the background for this portrait of JoAnne Drumm Alexander on a warm summer’s evening.

(above) Also shot at the Whitby Yatch Club we used the stairs to the upper deck adjacent the large room often used for parties and weddings. The mixture of glass, metal and wood textures creates a unique background for her professional image.

We have such a beautiful waterfront, it was something that drew me to the town when we ourselves moved her 8+ year ago. JoAnne and I walked the whole facility looking to the harbour, along the boats and closer to the clubhouse. She shares with me the time on the board here and growing up in Durham Region.

(above) On the yatch club side we tried all sorts of options to find the perfect shot, this one was one of our favourites. The sun in the back hitting the boats does not overwhelm but enhances the warmth of the portrait. Warmth and approachability is essential for JoAnne’s story as an educator and now councillor on Whitby Council.

Serving the public takes a special kind of person and JoAnne is the first to admit she is not your typical politician. She listens and shares openly the experiences that have shaped her life. I think we talked for over one and a half hours during this session without pause. Her story needed to reflect her ability to quietly listen, her friendly sharing of her life story and her approach to her work on council.

(above) The last shot – also our cover shot – of the evening was taken just after the sun set. We call this time the blue hour. The sun still lights the sky and the earth’s shadow in seen in the sky casting a blue tone to the golden sunlight. JoAnne takes in the view on the Port Whitby side, another spot we used with permission from the Marina Supervisor.

Kirsten McGoey | Visual Storyteller | Trinity Design Photography