Where's My Leica

This is an overview shot of a simple on-location head shot shoot. It was for a friend at her house. Just a very simple two light – one reflector deal. As you can see, Clay is a terrific assistant / reflector holder. I shot this tethered and man, is it nice albeit a little slow.

9times put on a skate demo at the park. There were some good riders out. Should have brought a fill flash as the noon lighting was harsh.

And to finish off, my long time readers may remember this guy. Just picture him next to Sass Jordan.

This picture can mean only one thing… It is racing season at Marquis Downs. I was out there for the season opener, which was a rainy, soggy mess. Luckily I had my cameras rain gear (a plastic back and some ties).

BMX racing also started up this past week, or it would have started if it wasn’t raining. I hit up the track mid-week and the rhythm section was underwater and the jumps were pretty tracked up. If I was a racer, I would have spent some time to clean it up. However, I would rather spend that time out at the trails.

I’ve been feeling a real lack of motivation as far a shooting in Saskatoon goes. My studio work is fine, but I feel like I should be shooting news and documentary stuff. I just can’t get in the groove here. China it was no problem. I was shooting cool stuff every day. Time to head back?

People often ask what I do to make money. Freelance is drying up, news doesn’t pay like it used to and I have bills to pay. Enter families. They like pictures, especially when they have little babies. Moms like pictures of babies. I like to take pictures. Match made in heaven.

Somehow over the years I have gotten this reputation that I don’t like kids. I don’t know how this started. I like kids. I don’t want any of mine, but I like kids. As long as I can give them back to their rightful caregivers. So this works out good. I get to have my fun and take pictures, I get to provide something that makes people smile, I get to pay my bills.

I like having regular clients, be it news editors or parents. You build up a rapport. You know what they like and what they don’t like. You get to make the best image to tell the story.

Here’s to years and years of shooting this little angel.

I was out at the local pub this weekend, having a beer with some friends. I spied a very attractive girl dressed way above the level required. I end up talking to her for a while. The girl was fruit loops. Full on case of the crazies. Why are all the cute ones nuts?

So I really need to start cleaning up my stuff at the house. My roommates have sold it and I will be moving out at the end of May. The nice thing is that I don’t have much as I left much of it in boxes when I came back from China.

That said, I am trying to think of what I want to take with me on my next adventure. I am allowed two checked bags and one carry-on. The problem is that I like to travel light. Hard to do when you want to take enough stuff to last a year.

One thing I’d like to do is find a place to stash a bag or two when I first get to Shanghai. I plan on doing a week or two of mountain climbing and don’t want to worry about all of my camera gear. Any of you Shanghai or Hangzhou people want to babysit a bag or two?

This is what has been on my mind lately. I want to go back. But do I go to Shanghai on Hangzhou? Benefits to both, cons to both as well.

Car shows. I love them and I hate them. I am a car guy. I like nice cars. I hate the fact that I move lots and my car sits without me. I need it to go to someone who will take care of it.

On the photography front. I like having a print house that I can trust with my work. I know when I drop a file off with Bill that it is going to come back looking mint. I have no desire to learn how to make nice digital prints. I make them look good on my screen, I take them to Bill and tell him to do his magic. It lets me focus on shooting.

Once I go back to China I am going to have to find a place. I dread this. It isn’t something that you find after one trip. Repeatability is the key. How will they handle dark prints? How will they handle over-saturated colors? Do they keep their gear clean?

With that said, do any of my Chinese friends have a place that you would recommend?

So Clay and I took a drive out to see Amie at her stable today. She’s looking after the joint while the owners were out of town. They breed mini horses. When I say mini, think 1/4 size. These guys are hilarious. Short, stubby legs and manes that make them look emo. After hanging out and playing with the mini horses, Amie brought out one of the full size horses and we all took turns riding around the circle pen. Ahh, I have to say that I like riding horses. It is both a little scary but fun. Can’t wait to head back out again.

So what happens when you head to an all-inclusive resort in Mexico with 43 friends? Crazy madness. I have to give a shout out and thanks to Mark and Alanna for the killer time and all the help over the week. It was a blast to shoot your wedding. Now to tackle the editing of all the shots…

Danielle, Brian and I decided that a little Saskatchewan road trip was in order on Saturday. We jumped in the car, tossed in a CD and drove an hour and a half to eat at a diner in Hafford Saskatchewan. Most people would ask what would take us out to the middle of nowhere to get a burger.

If a 16 pound burger or a 45 pound pizza isn’t enough, there is the atmosphere. The Silver Sword and Chalice is one strange place. With medieval swords and gold chalices decorating the place, it has the kitsch that you only find in a small town. Mix in the stories of the Chef, an orphan from Toronto that picked the area by throwing a dart on a map, and you have a fun way to spend an afternoon.

For less than $10, you can get a 1/2 pound burger, fries and a pilsner beer. But if you have the appetite, AND 15 friends, the 16 pound burger is a measly $55. Just make sure to bring your own rubbermaid container so you can take home the leftovers.