My Books
Port Perry Past and Present
The picturesque town of Port Perry, Canada is celebrating its 150th birthday. Author, photographer and television host, Jonathan van Bilsen, in partnership with the Scugog Chamber of Commerce, has created a beautiful coffee table book, featuring how things are and how they used to be.
Picture Port Perry:
A Photographic Journey
Port Perry is one of Canada’s most picturesque towns. Many fine restaurants, art galleries, quaint and unique shops, all nestled in a beautiful Victorian-era downtown, rest invitingly on the shores of one of Southern Ontario’s most
popular lakes.
Portraits in Black and White
Black and white portraiture is a timeless art. Since the first likeness of a person was captured in the 1830s, people have craved images of themselves. Even with the introduction of colour, in the 1930s, black and white portraiture has survived and indeed excelled. Mainly because it captures the image using light as a differentiator.
A Catalogue of Images: A Collection of Photographs by Jonathan van Bilsen
The 2022 photographic catalogue features close to 500 photographs taken around the world by award winning photographer, Jonathan van Bilsen.
Easter Island, the Truth Behind the Statues
Easter Island is one of the most primitive, yet unique locales on earth. The Moai (statues) are located all over the island and have an interesting history. Through beautiful photographs, Jonathan van Bilsen explains, the truth behind then statues.
The Galapagos
Islands Lost
Located near the centre of the Pacific Ocean, directly on the equator, the Galapagos Islands have been forgotten by time. Unique in every way, covered in strange flora and inhabited by creatures that have adapted to the environment, the Galapagos are a true representation of evolution in the making.
A World of Paradox
Jonathan van Bilsen has written hundreds of travel articles for well-known magazines both domestic and international. The editors decided to publish some of his best, along with dozens of beautiful photographs, into a soft cover coffee table book.
In 'A World of Paradox' Jonathan van Bilsen displays some of the finest photographs he has taken, along with dozens of adventures, and sometimes calamities, from his travels.
Factual points of interest, mixed with a humourous slant, make this a must-have book for anyone who enjoys travelling.
The award-winning photographs will give you the experience of actually being there.
Aspects of Portrait Lighting and Posing
Photographing people brings with it one of the greatest challenges photographers face. Elements, such as light, composition, posing, expression and patience are key factors in creating high-quality portraits. Decisions such as black and white or colour, indoor or outdoor shoots, type of backdrop to use and what equipment to have, all play an integral part in the production of the final portrait.
There are many aspects of portrait photography and, in this book, Jonathan van Bilsen endeavours to touch on the basics, giving you a fundamental knowledge of how to shoot excellent portraits. Always remember, during every portrait session in which you are involved, the emphasis should be on creativity and fun.
My Novels
The Crimson Mask
Quentin Wright, rapidly becoming a veteran agent with ISIS, is sent to East Africa where an ancient artifact has been discovered. At the time of the discovery, a similar treasure was stolen from the British Museum, and the United Nations has been summoned to confirm a connection between the theft and the find. From the moment he arrives in Nairobi, Quentin is deceived by people around him who seem to be involved in various cover-ups of their true motives. Through his adventures, he finds intrigue, unexpected romance and murder!
A Past With No Future
War is Raging in the Falklands, and Britain has sanctioned a few, clandestine operations in an attempt to secure Victory. Suddenly, one of these ‘black’ operations goes awry and swift, corrective action must be taken. Philip Wright, a UN agent is dispatched to South America to locate a saboteur who, along with his family, has eluded authorities. As Phillip’s quest nears completion, a new challenge arises, forcing him into a desperate race, halfway around the world to Egypt, and the forbidden tombs of ancient Pharaohs.
Iberian Betrayal
At a time when peace prevails and the world is beginning to put major conflicts in the past, a group of of Iraqi terrorists plot to kidnap a retired British army officer for his betrayal as a spy during the Gulf War.
In a world, which would prefer to forget the past, one man emerges. He breaks the international barriers of peace and pursues the terrorists to Spain and Portugal with one objective: to return the captive to England and free him from the hands of his enslavers and their twisted leader, referred to as 'The Butcher of Baghdad'
Children of the Sultan
Terrorism! An evil which cannot be crushed. A menace fueled by beliefs and convictions. A force so threatening that it reaches into our very souls. One man, a Turkish reel, manipulates people around him and lashes out at an unsuspecting world. His target -- a group of innocent tourists on board TWA flight 800 from New York. His purpose -- to show the world that America is not exempt from justice. His accomplishment -- an angered world seeking revenge. The UN has been selected to channel that anger and seek out the parasites responsible for this ruthless crime on society. Quentin Wright is ordered to Istanbul with only one objective -- to find the beast responsible and bring him to justice, and in so doing, eliminate the terrorist group who call themselves, 'The Children of the Sultan'.
Past Publications
Port Perry Then & Now
