The Journey

The journey has begun. Actually, it began two days ago when I flew from Vancouver BC to Moncton New Brunswick. The goal being to drive across Canada, taking photographs along the way - from a moving vehicle.



House outside of Moncton


Spent the first night in Moncton. Lots of snow there. The next day we drove to Quebec city. Spent the night in an amazing 200 year old hotel and Feasted On one of the best beef tenderloins I have ever experienced while my road trip buddy Joel enjoyed an outstanding rack of Lamb. I must return here when I can spend a week and truly enjoy all that this historic city has to offer.


The weather was very odd yesterday. We left Moncton in a snow storm. Near Quebec it started to rain. No problems driving until we got to our hotel. The parking lot was a sheet of ice and the the sidewalks were treacherous. It stared snowing again overnight and it is still snowing as we make our way to Kingston, no not Jamaica, Ontario.

Just looked up from my IPad to see the run off from the windshield is freezing on my passenger window. Oh, and there is a truck in the ditch.

This is so cool!





Snow drifts in park in Quebec





200 year old hotel we stayed at. Very cool.



Car went off roading



Ice forming on passanger window



New Studio Space

I have recently come across a wonderful studio space for shooting in.  It is called the Anne MacDonald hall and it is part of the Presentation House theatre in North Vancouver.  Originally a church, it was moved to its current location, yes, the entire building was moved, and set up as a rehearsal space.  The original Church of the building is in tact - large stain glass window, hardwood floors, wood wainscoting.  Very charming inside and out.

Primarily I am a location photographer. I have very few times when I actually "need" a studio.  For the times that I do, this is the place.  I can use it for a few hours and have none of the worries of ownership.  Rental is very reasonable.  For more info go to www.phtheatre.org .

Here is a sample of images that I did the on the weekend.


Inside building using natural light coming in through the large window





Outside using natural light





Outside using natural light





Inside building using natural light



Visiting Mr. Green

The Presentation House in North Vancouver has long been known for giving excellent theatrical entertainment at an outstanding value. There current production, Visiting Mr. Green, is no exception.  I have uploaded some images of the play so you can see can a taste for it but I am not going to be a spoiler.  To find out what the show is about you will have go see the show.  You only have until February 27th so you need to do it soon.  Check out the dinner and play special The Presentation House has arranged with Chez Michel.  Tried it myself on the weekend and it was great.

Like I said, you won't be disappointed.

January.  A time for planning.  A time to look forward and decide where you want to be this time next year.  This year, I want to do more teaching. 

Last year I started teaching at Focal Point.  I designed and taught a course on commercial portraiture.  I also developed as one day workshop on using hand held strobes. I am looking forward to continuing both of these courses.

New programs that I will be developing this year will be on lighting and posing, and another on using window light to create outstanding portraits.  This blog will continue to have posts on composition and lighting, as well as information on how you can attend my seminars.

Last year I also had growth my photography business.  In a flat economy, this is a huge win. I am continuing with my current business plan over the next year.

Looking forward to a big year.

christmas cards

It's always fun to go searching through your old images.  I was looking for an image to put on a Christmas card last night and I came across this one.  I took it 2 years ago on my way to work.  It was one of the colder December that vancouver has ad in a while and lost lagoon was frozen over.  A beautiful mist was rising from the ice that created this surreal affect.

Enjoy.

Canon XSi  10-22mm lens at 22mm,  f8 @ ISO 400

First Snow Fall

After completing a series of Corporate head shots, I left the building and was presented with this beautiful scene.  It was the first snowfall here in Vancouver and I could not resist taking this image.

Camera 7D, Lens 70 - 200mm F2.8 at 95mm  iso 800

where did the time go

I can't believe how long it has been since my last post.  After my last post I had to head out of town to photograph a wedding  I was gone for a week and when I got back the plane did not even get a chance to touch down before I was running around.  Being busy is great, unfortunately my blog suffered. 

Next week I start teaching my courses at Focal Point.  I will be doing one course on commercial portraiture and another on wedding photography.  There is a lot of prep involved but it's going to be a lot of fun.  Hope some of you can attend.

As for my series on composition.  Sorry for the delay on the next posting but it will be coming soon.