Catch Up

The past few weeks have been an interesting time for myself and my photography. I know I have fallen behind in the blogging department but hey its a good sign I it maybe coming together for me. It's interesting one how many projects I am taking on and managing my "real" job, family and daily life. I guess that is the fun part of being with and doing the things you love the most.

So to recap the last month and a half, I have continued on with my Old and New project. I have been interviewed by the Downtown BRZ and Shaw Cable TV. I have lots of interest from the local businesses downtown in Lethbridge. The Mocha Cabana have graciously given me a space on their wall for have 6 prints rom this project. From this project I have grown my interests further with history and joined / became a member and part of the board of directors with the Lethbridge Historical Society. I am really excited venture down this road. With my love of this project it's a great way to spread the joy of the project we well as work on the general awareness of our local history.

Matt Gillin told me a should be on Twitter and Instagram so I hopped on those two trains. I tell you what a blast learning those two programs. At the time I could not think of a cool name and though "man I can't believe I am on Twitter, how the heck do you work this" So name name on Twitter is @BlackLameWood and on Instagram and I @myworldphoto. So as I was connecting to all these apps, and had a heck of a time going from one to the other and then I I wanted to post on one I had to post on another. I left like when I had a cell phone and a separate iPod and then another device. So I searched and found an app called Hootsuite. It's an all in one app which syncs everything and you can post on both Facebook and Twitter at the same time. But hey that is enough about that.

I ventured into the realm of fashion photography, with a local company called Candie Co. It was such an amazing opportunity to be accepted and given the chance to be able to photograph with Candie Co. I am so excited for the work Matt Gillin, owner of Candie Co, has given me. It's was also a great way for me to learn the aspects of studio photography and actually edit to the clients specifications. I was surprised how many times I had to resend an image as I was working with someone else's vision of the shot. Already Candie Co, has opened my eyes to endless creative possibilities.

To close off the month and into December I was taking a breather from my "real" job and was able to spend a time with my son and family as well as schedule another Candie Co photo shoot, before heading to the Dominican Republic. While down there I was max relax and ended up photographing everything in site. Since photographing for Candie Co, I was able to borrow some product and bring it with me down for a possible beach shoot. I was able to convince Amy Leffingwell, of Grand Prairie, Alberta, to get her model on and spend an hour on the beach in front of the camera. She did a stellar job and I can't wait to sit down and edit them. I also the opportunity to photography my fiancé's friend's wedding. First time I have ever photographed I beach wedding before. I tell you its was interesting, I had a tough time nailing the light and was forced to make things a little underexposed do to the harshness of the light from the sand and the sky. But after reviewing the images and editing a few they will be just fine.

So now that I am all caught up, I welcome the rest of December, with a few more shoots planned and a ton of editing from the trip. This all should wrap up 2012 as one of my busiest and productive years yet.

Simplicity

First off I want to say Thank you to the owners of Catwalk Salon for letting me on their roof. If they didn't say yes, tell me to climb at my own risk I would not be able to get the shots I needed to get this image completed.

This image was still a tough one to compose as I was still about 30 feet below and about 40 feet at a different angle from the original shot. It's too bad the Sherlock Building is long gone as this was the spot I needed to be, however, the Catwalk Salon was just as good and got me high enough to use my PS skills. The image still needed to be tweaked and skewed to get it at the right angle.

I like this image cause it speaks volumes for how the urban landscape has changed. The iconic Canada Post Officer Building is about the only building still standing. The old church has been replaced by the Telus building and the buildings along 7th Street have encompassed the whole block. It was nice to see a building in the old photo using the space where the Atrium Building has stood for all these years. Its a shame this old building was torn down to be replaced by 4 levels of concrete which has not given back to Lethbridge's economy.

More images to come.

Lethbridge Corn Maze

A special thank you to the great family who runs the Lethbridge Corn Maze north of Park Lake Alberta. This is really a unique place. Living in Lethbridge for years I never really took note until a photography shoot required something different. The family who runs this farm were the most friendly people I have ever met. I can not say thank you enough for letting me come onto their property and take the photos I needed. If you have a free moment its a great spot to take the family and get away from the noisy city life.

Here is a little info on the Lethbridge Corn Maze:

In 2000 Theo & Esther Slingerland started the 1st Cornmaze in Alberta on the RobinPick Berry Farm north of Lethbridge. Every year Theo designs a new Cornmaze and carves it into the Cornfield. Over the years the Slingerlands added a kids maze, petting zoo, picnic shelters, hayrides, a cow train, pumpkins, a pumpkin slingshot, a bale maze and a playground.

http://lethbridgecornmaze.com/

Fall is upon us.

Is it me or does it seem the summer just flew by with out anyone noticing. Now the cool crisp air greets us when we awake up in the morning and we are wearing sweaters and long sleeves. Don't get me wrong I love fall and winter but nothing is better than seeing everything change in color. It's like when you were a kid and had a color wheel with all the shades of colors. Fall is a great time to look at all the shades of yellows and reds. My last two photography shoots were full of color and light. Its amazing how the sun in the morning and evening time emphasizes these colors. Hopefully we will be able to get a few more weeks to enjoy color wheel of fall.

Old and New - The Continuing Project

I recently had another chance to get out and take a few more photographs for my Old and New project. I can't begin to describe how this project has affected me. Some people would call it busy work but thats the fun of it. The fun of the search, the intrigue of the story behind the photograph and then figuring out where the person took it from and all the other characteristics of making it work with the new photo. This recent one of 2 Ave South and 5 Street South - Street Car, as I was editing it into the new photo I kept wondering to my self where were all these people going? Did they know one another? Then my mind wandered to thinking about the death of the rail car. The trolly replaced by bus and car. I think it would be cool to wake up get your coffee, hear the ding of the bell and the clack of the metal on meta read your newspaper as the trolly took you to work. Seems it would be a little simpler, slow things down a little in this fast paced world. I guess this is what makes this project so enjoyable.

Sometimes it takes two tries.

Today I attempted again to photography a family I did a few weeks ago. The first time was ok but as anyone with kids knows they have a mind of their own. Today was a different story. It was great to see them trying to smile and with the help of family look at the camera. The shoot went great and and in the end a certain someone got his movie and candy, as promised.

Swan Lake

This summer my little family and I had an opportunity to head to Swan Lake, Montana. It was our first camping experience with our little one. I really didn't have an album for the pictures as they were a collection of the days events around the water. The nights were spent by the campfire and yes both of us were up throughout the night with the little guy. Swan gave me a chance to brush up on some skills I have always read about and wanted to do as projects. It was nice to recruit some help from the awesome people who invited us down. I have to say thank you again for the hospitality from these folks. They welcomed us into their family, thank you.

Westside Shoot

Yes, yes I know its been awhile since my last blog post. Life is, at the moment, the fast lane for me. I did however, make arrangements months ago to go the the westside and do a shoot in the old mine site. Then as life would have it, I got busy. I did make a contact and the shoot was planned.
I absolutely love this location and I plan on using it in the next shoots, The potential and placements of the subjects are endless. This shoot was unique as it involved a sports car and I thought the old buildings were a nice balance between old and new. It was also nice to shoot within the golden hour.

The Continuing Journey

I recently got around to taking some pictures of my 9 month old son. I can't believe its been 9 months already. So far I have learned a great deal about myself and about being a father to such a wonderful little boy. For being behind the 8 ball at birth he's pretty smart, loves to stand, climb the stairs and be on the go all the time. I cherish everyday and look forward to the next.

A little while ago I started a project called Old and New.  At the time I didn't think it would be that interesting and just a way to keep me busy while not photographing people or going on trips.  I keep looking for interesting pictures of around Lethbridge.  I even did a little research on a trip to Halifax and it was an interesting way to see the city to look for the old buildings.  I like this project cause it encompasses architecture, the eye for the shot, and the technical and artistic way of putting it all together.   




While out and about the other day, I went around a photographed a few more places.  One interesting place was right beside the High Level bridge.  I found a photograph of the Incline Railway, 1890.  I was able to find the spot where it was located and with the photo matched it up with the far coulees.  It is interesting as it shows the switch in technologies, as the Incline Railway, in its time was an advancement in the coal industry.  Then the High Level bridge, it self an engineering feat.    The possibilities for the project are endless and I will keep posting these pictures when I get them finished.   The best part is finding the interesting pictures of the past and connecting them to our time.  


  

As always, in everyone of these photos, I have to give credit where it is deserved and this old photo is courtesy of the Galt Museum and Archives. 

I am a little behind in the blogging department.  Recently I was out in Halifax and was hired by one of my best friends to shoot his wedding.  It was let in the heritage town of Lunenburg.  Man what I town!   The photo possibilities were endless.  It was a overcast day with a bit of rain.  This brought out the rich colours of the town.  I got to stay with them for a few days prior to the wedding and I have to say, Mike you have just an awesome person to call your wife!  

I have known Mike since living in our small town of Elkford, B.C.  I have to say if I had a brother it would be him.  It was an honour to photograph such a great day for him and Andrea.  

I would like to share a poem Mike gave me which sums up our friendship:

The Thousandth Man ONE man in a thousand, Solomon says. Will stick more close than a brother. And it's worth while seeking him half your days If you find him before the other. Nine hundred and ninety-nine depend On what the world sees in you,  But the Thousandth Man will stand your friend  With the whole round world agin you. 'Tis neither promise nor prayer nor show  Will settle the finding for 'ee.  Nine hundred and ninety-nine of 'em go By your looks, or your acts, or your glory. But if he finds you and you find him,  The rest of the world don't matter;  For the Thousandth Man will sink or swim  With you in any water. You can use his purse with no more talk  Than he uses yours for his spendings,  And laugh and meet in your daily walk  As though there had been no lendings. Nine hundred and ninety-nine of 'em call  For silver and gold in their dealings;  But the Thousandth Man he's worth 'em all Because you can show him your feelings. His wrong's your wrong, and his right's your right, In season or out of season. Stand up and back it in all men's sight With that for your only reason! Nine hundred and ninety-nine can't bide The shame or mocking or laughter, But the Thousandth Man will stand by your side To the gallows-foot - and after! Cheers to Mike and Andrea!

OLD and NEW

Looking north on 5 Street - Old Post Card - Courtesy of Galt Museum and Archives

Looking north on 5 Street - Unedited capture

Final Image

So to keep the skills up I saw an image in an article on my iPad one night where a person took an old photo and held it up and took a picture of the same building and somehow matched it up.  Seeing as Lethbridge is full of historical buildings and events around these buildings I have decided to take on a project to combine old photos with the new ones of today.  I have posted several already and found it to be a great way to improve basic camera and editing skills.  It really teaches a person to 1. slow down to think on how the original person composed the image and where a bouts the image was taken and 2.  blend the original into the new to make it look ascetically pleasing to the eye.  Editing these pictures really hammers home the basic functions of photoshop ex masking, perspective, colour correction etc.


This project is, and turning out to be, a great way to look back and to think what were these people doing during that day.  The above image was my first kick at it.  I like the scene of the people bustling about doing their business.  It brings a bit of warmness back to 5 Street; friendly even, like everyone knew each other.  


As I work on the pictures I will post them within the Old and New Album.  

On May 12, 2012, I have a great opportunity to photograph my friends, Dave and Karly, wedding.  I have to say it was one of the most well planned and fun weddings I have ever been too.  The setting was prefect at the Lethbridge Lodge with the big bay windows and the natural light flowing in.    Even though I was a guest at the actual ceremony I was still was able to get a few great shots of them during the vows.  I did not use a flash as they already had a photographer present and just used the natural light from the windows.  Shutter speed was still an issue but I think with the time and the opportunity I was able to capture some of the great moments.  


The reception was interesting as it was in the same place as the ceremony.  The lighting was totally different but I was able to fully use and play with my flash.  I used my 35mm lens for the whole reception and was able to again get the shots I needed.  


Post production was a lot of fun.  I used a few new techniques in the pictures which is always great to keep the PS skills up.   All in all this was a great shoot as it broke up the whole "wedding" shoot into a manageable section to work on the finer points of photography.  


Thank you to Dave and Karly for letting me shoot such an awesome moment in their relationship and lives.  

On April 27, 2012, I had another awesome opportunity to photography one of Lethbridge's local bands; The Coal Creek Boys, on location at Bellevue Mine, Alberta.  Growing up in the East Kootney's of British Columbia I never took the opportunity to see this amazing attraction in my own back yard.  I never knew how vast this mine was until today.   It was awesome to get into this attraction before the official opening day and have staff welcome us like family.  A special thanks to Diane Peterson and John Kinnear for taking time on their Friday to show us around.  You guys are have a wealth of knowledge and stories about the mine and its history which were greatly appreciated.

The shot went well.  I brought along 2 portable light sets, which had a set of LED spot lights in each.  The light these light put out was amazing.  Camera wise I shot the pictures in manual mode at iso 800 with a 1 second shutter to help gather all the light I needed.   Post production proved there was a little bit of lens flare and a shake in some photos.  It was interesting to use these settings but with only the lights from the light packs it still was not enough for a normal shutter release.

I was able to get a few pictures to JohnPaul Smith right away and with his help in correcting the sharpness was able to produce some printable versions for the Coal Creek Boys upcoming BC cd release party at the Art Station in Fernie, British Columbia on April 28, 2012.

For those who like local history you can view it at:

http://www.crowsnestguide.com/bellevuemine/history.htm

PETE

My hat is off to my friend Pete.  Pete is a personal trainer and has been training himself and others for 10 years.  It amazing the level of dedication his guy has.  As it was coming of on his 10 year mark for working out and training he approached me with the ideal about taking some gym pictures to prove down the road when he got old that he was once fit.  (we both laughed)  

I thought the shoot went well.  It was the first time for me to truck a bunch of gear and get to a location, gym, Platinum Fitness (THANK YOU TO YOU AS WELL), set up and start shooting.  Pete did an awesome job and I was told by him it was harder than an actual workout.  

The lighting kit worked wonders and all I kept thinking was a youtube video about an egg and how the egg changes when you move the light around it.  I was able, with some tweaking, get the lighting to where I needed it to go.  The shoot was just shy of 2 hours, but it was nice, no rushing, we would take a few shots and Pete would have to lift again, then a few more.  This gave me plenty of time to see / visualize the shot I was taking and move things accordingly.  

Post Production - WOW! Tougher than I originally planned.  My back drop even though its large was not large enough and I really had to concentrate on removing the unwanted equipment.  In the end, the pictures turned out great and Pete was more than happy.  

Congratulation Pete on your awesome accomplishment!

I recently pickup a lighting kit from a friend at work.  I have to say it has opened the creative door for me. Its amazing to use light to create and actually learn its advantages.  My first subjects were Kellie's nephews.  Seeing it was my first kick at posed lighting shoot, I thought it went pretty well.  I basically shot till the kids were sick of me and the flash going off; they were troopers.  Then of course we hit the park and again the lighting from the over cast sky was ideal, so more pictures and a promise of McDonalds and the shoot was over.  


I can't wait to start using this kit for more shoots.  Practice, practice, practice.  

Coal Creek Boys - Studio

Today I had another great opportunity to photography a great local band from Lethbridge, Alberta, The Coal Creek Boys.   Their music is thoughtful and draws the listener into the lyrics, which I might add, music now a day lacks.  I am honored to be John Paul Smith and Dino Scavo friend.  They impress me every time I get together.  I encourage everyone who is reading this to check this band out.   You can purchase their recently released CD on iTunes. 

Or check them out on FaceBook at      https://www.facebook.com/coalcreekboys

and

www.coalcreekboys.com

I would like to include a little research The Coal Creek Boys conducted for their album.  

"The name Coal Creek was picked because, if you’re truly going to sing, write and preform country music, it MUST be true, and come from a place that is real"  - Coal Creek Boys

Coal Creek is a ghost town near Fernie, British Columbia, Canada. Everybody left the town in the 1950s due to the closure of a huge mine.  There is still some historic places left in Coal Creek.  There was a big mine disaster on May 22, 1902 (the worst mine disaster in British Columbia).  Above the old mine you can see that the coal seam that exploded is still burning. Smoke and steam can be seen coming out of the top of the mountain.

(Some say, when you drive up there following the Dirt and gravel road, and look around, after you get back in your truck, you can see the hand prints in the dust on your vehicle from the “ghosts” of all the Coal Creek Creek Children)

**TAKEN FROM THE CRANBROOK PAPER MAY 9TH, 1902**

At 7:30 that night nearly 200 men were labouring in No. 2 shaft of the mine, unmindful of the near approach of danger.  Two minutes later a thunderous roar was heard, the mountains about Fernie trembled, and more than 150 human lives were snuffed out like the snuffing of a candle. There was no warning of danger; the first intimation was a silent but remorseless death. There was no opportunity for escape, no chance to fight for one's life, no time to plea for mercy or make peace with God. Death came quickly. 

There was no torture, either mental or physical, to the great majority. With picks in their grasp, or hands on their drills, the men dropped unconscious, and death came with the concussion or the after damp without a wail of sorrow or cry of pain.

But a disaster of that kind means sorrow and suffering for the living. It means many widows, many fatherless children, many homes bereft of their mainstay and support. And that is the case in Fernie today. There are few doors in the long rows of miners' cottages that are not darkened by folds of crepe, and few eyes in these homes that are not be-dimmed with tears shed for loved ones buried in the chaos and darkness of the wrecked tunnel.

And such a misfortune carries with it responsibilities that the people must not shirk. 

It brings to the surface the strongest feelings of humanity, and prompts all men to do what they can to alleviate the sufferings of the unfortunate. 

This is the time for all men to act. It is no time for selfishness, no time for parleying, no time for argument as to what or how much you should do. Do, and do at once. Give as the gods have given unto you. There are homes that are stricken, mothers who are destitute, children who will be starving. This is not time to look sorrowful and say "God pity them." This is the time to give one dollar or more for their aid. Every man in the district can give one dollar; many men can give more.