get on your boots

This weekend has been a little stranger than most.

Besides shooting an album cover and an art expose, I had the opportunity to shoot a private show with Joshua Radin. I'll admit, before I got the invite I could only vaguely place him as someone I'd maybe heard of before. Now? I only wish I'd started listening to him years ago.

I can't say enough good things about him; despite a long day of travel due to horrendous border issues (isn't it usually worse going FROM Canada TO the States?), his set was brilliant, heartfelt, and laid-back. And the dude was funny! His banter between songs was so good, I'd pay good money to see him do stand-up.

After the show, he mingled easily, signing autographs and posing for pictures. And he was gracious to me, the photographer. Any "hey, would you be willing to do..." was met with "yeah, no problems dude". This was very relieving, since this was my first time shooting anyone even remotely resembling a celebrity (sorry current BC Premier Gordon Campbell).

Although, come to think of it, what guy in his right mind would pass up a picture like this?

If you haven't yet, I encourage you to check him out.

18.04.09. Slightly increased contrast, slightly increased highlights.

when love comes to town

Wedding season has arrived in the Okanagan.

First up, my friends Matt and Sue. Since The Girl was in the wedding party, I was designated as wedding escort for two of her friends attending: Lise, coming in from Calgary, and Rachel, whose husband was out of town for the weekend.

After a fine ceremony, the girls and I ended up with nearly four hours to kill. Two pretty girls, one up-and-coming photographer...what else were we supposed to do?

I've shot this wall before, and I'd wanted to come back and shoot people in front of it. This seemed like the perfect opportunity; I was going for a cool contrast between glamorous subjects and a gritty location, and this wall provided the perfect backdrop. The fact that the colours in Lise's dress match up perfectly with the graffiti was just a crazy coincidence.

I haven't done too many photoshoots like this, but Rachel was hilarious, suggesting all sorts of crazy poses. Jumps, kicks, faux-gangster poses...all her ideas.

Sometimes the subject makes all the difference.

28.3.09. Slightly increased contrast, clarity and saturation.
28.3.09. Slightly increased contrast, exposure.