Archive for the ‘Personal’ Category
Fill in the blank
Yesterday my Mum called me and told me that the house behind theirs had been “invaded.” Their neighbour had been shot (he’s okay) and that the men that had done it had fled into the conservation land in between the two houses. Apparently the police were at my parents’ house running between my bedroom and theirs looking out the windows into (my) meadow. They managed to catch one of the assailants at the edge of our backyard - but not the other.
I’m usually mild-mannered about things - but not so much about this. I know, I know we live in the real world but is nothing sacred?! The plain old child in me is thinking that the meadow is not a villain hideout - and criminals… leave my neighbours in Bramps alone!
So in an effort to restore some idealism (and a throwback to childhood) here’s a shot that I took of Ali in the meadow a couple weekends ago. If you’d fill in the blank and post it in the comments (or email it to me) I’d be grateful.
Dear Emily,
My cousin Emily who I adore (more than she knows) She looks exactly like my Mum, wants to be a writer and sends me messages that inspire and encourage. I shot these at Easter and I was saving them for a reason I can’t even remember.
in the grass, in the trees
For my friend Melissa who came out to Mississauga with me on my latest shoot for Childview magazine. This one is better viewed larger.
Making History
I am a photographer is because I like story - plain and simple. Overseas I collect stories about the fascinating people I meet. At home I collect stories about the fascinating people I know. As a kid I relished in imagining the history of the people in my life. What was my dad like when he was my age? How did my parents interact when they first met?
In the weeks before two of my closest friends John and Emily get married - I’ve been thinking about their story. The last couple of years of amazing adventures, crazy trials and even the mundane everyday. The story they have created is rich and I feel great about being there to capture little pieces of a growing mosaic.
So call me sentimental, but I am really going to enjoy showing these photos to John and Em’s kids and telling them the story of Victoria Day 2010. When we rented a car and drove all around the suburbs hanging out with dogs and Moms and baseball players.
How their Mom got her wedding dress fitted by a Thai lady who told us that when her husband proposed to her - she was carrying a military rifle. About how their Dad carried their Mom through raspberry patches and thorns. And best of all, how their Aunt (yeah that’s me) hit a clutch double in a dress!
In that meadow (encore!)
I like this photo though I think it is a bit odd. Emily thinks it’s dark. Dar thinks it’s cool.
Before the waters rise.
Do you have a place that you never tire of? In recent years it’s been the meadow behind my parents house for me. Even though today was hectic Dar and I still managed a little jaunt to snap some photos. Soon the water will rise and we won’t be able to go back there - but for now it’s home. More photos to come (with Dar actually in them!)
Make Fun.
The whole concept behind Little City was to encourage a community of artists to create just for the fun of it. It keeps the creative mind healthy - builds imagination and just makes us better professionals. So in following my own advice I shoot as much personal work as possible. My bud Marco and I have a running deal that he’ll pose as often as I ask (which is pretty awesome.) I am working on a series of nostalgic photos and the pool was an amazing find. I was really stoked when I saw the wood panelling and the fish (the fish!) mounted to the walls (plus it’s always fun to go swimming in winter!) I thought a dimly lit scene a pretty interesting challenge. So this is what I came up with. It’s different than my usual so I’d love to hear what you think.
