Kingston to Sudbury

The leg from Kingston to Sudbury was beautiful. The poor weather went away and the sun shone all day. Originally, our plan was to stop in North Bay but it was such a nice day that we decided to travel a little longer and made it to Sudbury.

About an hour into the ride, the GPS took us off the main highway and took us north west on a secondary highway. We passed by many beautiful farms which I had to stop and photograph. Saw the usual, cow staring over the fence as you drive by, horses huddled under a leafless tree trying to stay warm. What I wasn't expecting to see was a herd of Buffalo and a pen filled with Llama.

Farther down the road we stopped in a small town called Eganville. Had a wonderful Schnitzel sandwich. Could go for one of those right now - so good.

Beginning to think that we are in the bible belt of Canada. No matter how small the town, we just went through one with a population of 600, there is always a church, usually very nice. In Eganville, we lost count, but there was lots of them. And they where all very beautiful. After lunch we took some time to photograph them.

Eventually we got back to a main highway and made our way to North Bay. Sudbury was calling so we continued drive. Researching hotels from the van with the IPad, we found one with a gym, pool and Italian restaurant.

Perfect.

Quebec to Kingston

Yesterday we made our way to Kingston.  Wonderful place.  The drive there was off and on snow but we made it without incident.  I'm getting really good at framing quickly as we drive by at 100km/hr.  You have to think way ahead and forget about using live view.  Essentially, if you see the shot in your viewfinder, you have missed it.

Lone tree in blizzard outside of Quebec

Government building in Kingston



Ice breaking ferry in Kingston Harbour

Oh yeh, Last night we went and saw comedian Norm MacDonald.  Great show.

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