Of Self Portraits and Patience

The other night I decided to update a my profile picture for a number of online sites. This, obviously, required a self-portrait. Now, I suppose I could have asked one of my photog buddies to take the picture but that would require planning ahead. This was a spontaneous decision. And, I would rather do it myself anyhow.

This is what I came up with.



That shot took about two and a half hours. Phew! Self portraits certainly test the patience and can be quite time consuming. If you want to know more how I developed the shot, read on.

Life 2.0

Below is a shot of my cubicle as I left work today for the last time, ending a 20 year career in IT.



I caught the photography bug just over a couple years ago and it has been a driving passion in my life since. It is a fastastic time to be a photographer because there is so much innovation and inspiration all around us. And through the Internet so many have selflessly shared their passion for their craft and in turn inspired countless others to explore and share. Names such as Scott Kelby, Joe McNally, David Hobby, Jeremy Cowart, Chase Jarvis, Scott Bourne and so many others.

I end one chapter and begin a new chapter of exploration and creativity. Through my camera, I get to live life like a child once more, discovering the beauty and wonder in the ordinary and capturing a fleeting moment forever. I am fortunate and I am so very excited.

Keep shooting.

Give Up The Fight

My friend Amy Thiessen had her CD release event tonight to promote her "Give up the Fight" album and I was fortunate enough to be there. Amy had also asked me to display my work as part of the "artist collective" accompanying her night. It was a privilege to be invited so naturally I accepted.



To hear Amy sing live is an absolute treat! Her voice stirs up emotions of all sorts, from goosebumps to tears. Her passion pours through in every song and I am was so thrilled to be a part of her amazing night.

Of course I had my camera in tow and grabbed a bunch of frames of her performance. Everything was done with available light, which meant shooting wide open with high ISO. My 5D Mark II did an admirable job. I rarely do this type of photography so it was a good chance to get some extra practice.



Next to Amy, the guy playing the upright bass had to be my favourite. The raw cool factor of that instrument combined with the fact that he was dressed like Pee Wee Herman (only "biggie" size) made the perfect combination.

Anyhow, it was an absolute privilege to share the night with such a talent and, as always, it was nice to make a few pictures.

Keep shooting.

When the Universe Calls... Part Two

Yesterday I wrote about an interesting encounter I had while taking pictures at lunch. That was part one of the story, which you can read about here. This is part two.

When the Universe Calls...

You answer.

I was out shooting pictures at lunch today, head down, focused on the task at hand and ignoring all the background chatter. Jen was with me but I could sense that someone else was hovering near.

I tend to ignore the curious observers for the most part, especially the "hey buddy, what are yah shooting?!?" calls from across the street. It's not that I mean to be rude but I am out there concentrating on the task and usually with limited time. If there's a break in the action I am usually happy to engage in friendly chatter.

Making Lemonade...

How does that old saying go? I think it's something like, when life gives you lemons make lemonade. Tonight I made some "lemonade".

Feeling Blue

I just returned from a one week visit to New York City, which included a one day workshop with Joe McNally in Dobbs Ferry, NY. Both the vacation and the workshop were amazing. But now I'm back in my home base of Calgary and I am truly missing the vibrance and excitement of the big city. I'm feeling a little blue.

Last night was my first 365 shot outside of NY in over a week. I didn't have a lot in the tank but I knew it had to be flash and I knew I needed some colour. This is what I ended up with.