Friday, March 11, 2011

Winnipeg here we come

Cell tower access as been unavailable for the most recent leg of our journey so I have not been able to make my blog entries. Here is the catch up.


The drive to Thunder Bay was very scenic. We drove up the shore of Lake Superior from Sault St. Marie enjoying some very nice weather and some beautiful scenery. I was surprised at how little there was in terms of towns and rest stops along the way.  Everything we came across was closed for the season - "see you in May".  Did find this 2 story with basement fixer upper though.

The shoreline of Lake Superior reminded me very much of the drive down the pacific coast.  Very rocky with a few small beaches, at least I assume them to be beaches and not just piles of ice and snow.  There are also many small islands rock outcrops  just a little ways of shore.

We were excited to get to Thunder Bay because a friend of Joel's was in a play at the Magnus Theater.  The play was called Hanna's Suitcase and is an interesting story about a Japanese historical Museum tracing the story of a 13 year old girl who was killed in the Holocaust. The show was very well written and performed excellently, receiving a standing ovation at the end of the performance.  After the show we went out with the cast to the Mad House and visited - a very nice evening.

Tim Horton's are everywhere in Ontario.  Which is good because I enjoy their coffee and who can resist their donuts.  However, at the recommendation of the cast members we checked out this restaurant located in the basement of the Finish community hall (Thunder Bay has a very large Finish community) called the Hoito Restaurant. Nothing fancy here. Basically a room with tables and chairs, fluorescent light, and a kitchen. But the food was amazing, and very, very reasonable.  If this place franchises, look out Tim's, McDonald's, Robins Doughnuts, and anyplace else that wants to compete for the breakfast market.

We left Thunder Bay in the morning and headed for Winnipeg.  It was another long travel day because there is really no place to stay in between.  The weather was still good but there had been a storm chasing us for the last couple of days.  We have been lucky enough to stay in front of it but the long term weather forecast is not in our favour.  I have found it interesting that during the stretch from Sault St. Marie and Winnipeg, cell reception  has been poor.

The road to Winnipeg was fairly uneventful.  We listened to podcasts and played guitar while we made our way along the highway.  The damage from this winter is evident in the number of collapsed buildings we saw. They collapsed from the weight of the snow on their roofs.  We have also been tracking a storm that is supposed to happen on Friday.  Winnipeg as warmed up to 0 degrees.  The expectation is that starting Friday afternoon it will start to snow - up to 30cm.  If it warms up a little more, the snow will turn to rain. On Saturday the temperature is expected to drop to -12 degrees which will make this place a giant skating rink, and most likely covered in snow.  This means that the Trans Canada Highway will be closed so we have decided to play it safe a stay in Winnipeg for at least one day while the storm passes.

Well that's it for today.



Tuesday, March 8, 2011

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.

Monday, March 7, 2011

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.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

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


Saturday, February 26, 2011

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


Monday, February 21, 2011

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.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

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.