15 Minutes of Fame

If you go anywhere in Vancouver right now there’s a good chance you’ll see me. In a bus stop ad at least. They popped up several weeks ago and they are literally all over the city.

I felt a bit silly taking this photograph… it is of myself after all… on a bus stop shelter… but I know my folks in Australia will appreciate it.

Creative Dreams

Wait, what? There’s a chance to see Chase Jarvis live?? Yes! Yes! A million times, Yes!!

This was first time they were having a live in-studio audience for an episode of chasejarvisLIVE. And I got to go!!

It didn’t matter that I wasn’t familiar with the three guests. Or that I had to take the day off work. Or even that I had to get up at 5am to drive to Seattle. It was an amazing opportunity I was not going to miss!

To say that I am a fan of Chase is an understatement. I’ve been following him for years and love both his work and philosophy.

The line-up for the show included French director + producer Christophe ‘Chryde’ Abric (La Blogotheque), Seattle hip-hop artist Macklemore, and musician + photographer Ryan Lewis. They all had fantastic stories to share and were so inspiring, real and humble.

The show was capped off with a live performance by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis – This. Was. INCREDIBLE!! If you’re even a little into hip-hop I strongly encourage you to check him out (here and here).

After the show we all got to hang out, chat, and take some more photos. I was truly in awe being in a room with so many creatives! The experience left me with a full head, a full heart, and feeling like my dreams truly are within reach.

Lots of us came in from out-of-town. Everywhere from Florida, Oklahoma, DC, New York, Portland, Salt Lake City, and Vancouver.

The hot seat:

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis:

Hip-hop + Horns = Awesome!!

Macklemore and band:

And, of course, Chase Jarvis:

Daytripping

There’s something about a good daytrip that I really love. Maybe it’s the early morning start, or a good coffee and pastry for the road, or perhaps just the idea of spending the day somewhere different. And so when I noticed the Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk was coming up I immediately looked into doing a trip to Seattle to take part in it.

Pike Place Market on a Saturday afternoon was the subject and there’s certainly no shortage of interesting things to photograph.

While strolling around the market area I came across a scene of a dad and son in front of a chocolate shop. I simply couldn’t resist and immediately turned back to ask if I could take a few photos. Eric (the dad) posted one of the images here.

 

Trail Karma

One hundred. That’s probably how many buckets of dirt a team would fill and move on an average trail maintenance day. It’s dirty, tough work but also some of the most rewarding.

The Trail Adoption Plan is a new initiative for 2011 where groups are assigned a trail to work on for the year. Seven teams are working on 8 different trails on Vancouver’s North Shore. There’s lots of improvement being done to rejuvenate these trails – fixing erosion, water drainage (where needed), removing decaying structures and fallen trees, eliminating braided trail sections, sustainable re-routing of some trail sections, and replanting ferns and shrubs.

All of the woodwork and structures are built using wood from nearby fallen trees. Wedges are used to split the logs.

Sometimes you need a whole lotta muscle!

I think the results speak for themselves.

Happy trails everyone!!

See more photos here.

Wheels are Spinning

Been getting out on the bike a lot this year. And I’ve been taking my camera with me. It’s a bit of added weight and bulk having it strapped to my chest but if it means that I’ll take it out and photograph more then it’s a small price to pay.

Here’s a couple of photographs from a recent trip over to the Sunshine Coast.

Studio Time

Working in the studio with models is always a treat. I love shooting in this kind of controlled environment. Being a shy and introverted person it’s a great opportunity for me to work on communication skills. Talking with and directing models is one of the more difficult things to master. It takes practice. And a lot of it.

By no means am I a master. But I’m working on it. And I’m having fun!

The Tale of a Photograph

A man kicked a ball down the sidewalk for a giant German Shepherd to fetch, while another man sat on a folding lawn chair periodically digging through the toolbox at his feet and working on some intricate task. We exchange “Good mornings” and smiles, I shot a quick photo, then disappear around the corner.

Fast forward several months and I find myself on the same corner knocking on a door. There was no sign of life so I waited. A few minutes passed and a tall man emerged from the next door – the same man playing with the dog all those months back. I show him the photograph in my hand and ask if he knew where the fellow in the image was. “Probably having supper” he says and leads me to the café around the corner.

His name is Gisli, the subject of my photograph. He’s surprised I tracked him down. I tell him about the photograph. And the book. We share some stories over a coffee. I leave him with the print (but dang it, I should have framed it!).

The book is called This Is East Van, A Community Photography Project. It’s a collection of images of East Vancouver, from anyone, in any photographic medium. And it’s a great looking book and I encourage everyone to buy one! Check out the site for more information on where you can pick up your copy.

Winter. Still?!

It’s balmy in the city and I’m dreaming of long trail runs high up in the mountains. But the mountains are still being hammered with snow! This makes for excellent April skiing, but does nothing for my runners’ high desires.

Oh well, guess I’ll grab my camera and head out in the snow again!

Here are some great tips for taking photographs in winter (including my small contribution)…

Expert Tips on Taking Winter Photos | MEC Blog

Baby Grady

I was lucky enough to squeeze in a quick photo shoot of baby Grady before dashing off to Australia last month.

It was my first time doing baby photographs and I had a ton of fun. He’s a super sweet little guy with quite the appetite! Hope I get another opportunity to photograph him soon!

On the Beach

Salt Spring Island is one of the most beautiful locations in the Southern Gulf Islands, just a quick(ish) ferry ride from Vancouver. And it’s there that I found myself last weekend photographing the wedding of a very good friend of mine.

P & S exchanged vows on Beddis Beach and although it was a chilly February day, they both looked beautiful in their linen dresses and flip flops (brr!).

I feel very fortunate to have been able to share in such a special day and I wish them both love and happiness and a long life together.