Street Photography

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For the last semester at Langara, you are required to undertake 2 practicums.  My first is currently on Tuesdays with Sam Kaczur, which I will get into more detail when we tackle more projects, but the second is with Carmine Marinelli, a photojournalist who has worked for the Sun Media Corporation in Canada and abroad.  You can see his work here in the link below.

http://www.carminemarinelli.com/

Photojournalism in itself is a dying art that I personally think that I too contribute to.  With the advancement of photoshop and the blending of photography and digital art, the integrity of news photos has been questioned.  The only adjustments generally allowed in ethical news photos are cropping and basic adjustments like contrast boosts and exposure bumps, as nothing in the scene itself is being altered directly.  This on top of the fact that many media outlets are dropping their staff photographers (i.e. Getty Images, Reuters...) has brought the art to a decline.

I have the utmost respect for photojournalists as they were the ones to bring visuals to illustrate the wonders and horrors that happen in the world we live in.  It was one thing to hear news back in the day, but to see it with our own eyes opened our perspective on global issues and in turn, how we approach and tackle foreign affairs.  The pictures we see of modern conflicts, the images that portray the agony of disease, the illustrations of disastrous aftermath was brought to you by photojournalists that have risked their lives to keep you in the know. Today, it is so easy for anyone to pick up a camera phone and upload "news" before the media gets there - what I see as a blessing and a curse.

Anyway, we've been tackling street photography over the last few Thursdays and I thought I'd share some of my images here.  Being outside of my regular comfort zone, it's fun looking for moments instead of making them.

Gear:

  • Nikon D610 with 35mm 1.8 or 50mm 1.4 lens
  • Nikon J1 with 10-30mm 3.5-5.6
  • Samsung Galaxy S5

Underwater Shoot

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Well, I thought I'd break my comfort zone and try an underwater shoot.  First off, I can't swim because water just scares the living daylights out of me, but fuck it.  You've got to conquer your fears sometimes!  The main theme behind this was to illustrate drowning, but we had some fun since it's not everyday you get to swim in a dress underwater.  

Major shout out to Eric Stewart of the Langara Photo Department as he was able to get an underwater camera from Nikon Canada for the shoot.  Him and his wife shoot predominantly children and some weddings/portraits.  You can find his work here: http://kalemphoto.com/

I'd also like to give a holler out to one of my closest friends Aaron Charlton as he had got me access into Karen Magnussen pool.  Him and his fiancé, Kait, are super outdoorsy and love astronomy.  You can find more of their shenanigans here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Coast-Wonderlust/1447675515451810?fref=ts

It was my first time working with Magdalena Gradowski, my model for the shoot.  We kept it pretty minimal with no makeup and the dress we had used was from the Thrift Store!  So basically we did this shoot for $15!  A note to all aspiring photographers out there, you don't need awesome gear to get awesome pictures, just some creativity and pushing your boundaries on a regular basis will get you there.  

Gear:

  • Nikon AW1 Underwater Camera
  • 10mm 2.8 lens
  • SB-N10 Underwater Speedlight

Below I've included more or less, straight out of camera shots with black and white filters; as well as the final image.

Pagan Extras

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Thought I'd share the extras (1 minute edits) from the Pagan photoshoot I did earlier this semester with models: Carmen Naujokat, Julia Herron & Cara Marks.  Make-up, Hair and Styling all done by the fabulous and talented Jane Dubberley. 

Her Facebook page can be found here, she's my go-to for all my hair needs! https://www.facebook.com/JaneDubHair?fref=ts

I hope you enjoy!

Gear: 

  • Nikon D610
  • Nikon 24-70mm 2.8, Nikon 35mm 1.8, Nikon 50mm 1.4, Nikon 85mm 1.8
  • Predominantly natural light! Few reflectors and softboxes w/ SB-700s

Behind the Scenes with Jesse Yuen

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I had the fine opportunity of shooting with my friend and classmate, Jesse Yuen, on February 15th.  We had the luxury of shooting 5 models on the upper level of the Earls Restaurant in Yaletown. 

Gear:

  • Nikon D610/D700
  • Sigma 35 1.4, Nikon 50mm 1.4, Nikon 85mm 1.8, Nikon 24-70 2.8, Sigma 70-200 2.8
  • SB-800/Cactus Receivers
  • Beauty Dish
  • Westcott Apollo 50" Softbox
  • Reflector