As a photographer it excites me to visit a new place, or in my case move to a new place. I've recently relocated from Winnipeg to Toronto. Everything around me is a fresh new sight. The sounds, the smells, and all of my surroundings are unfamiliar- and I love it! The other day I was wandering around getting to know the area when I came across Kensington Market. Kensington clearly isn't lacking personality. I decided to shoot some of my favourite store fronts in this colourful neighborhood on my phone. I wasn't sure what I should do with the pictures so turned them into a nice little post card. I might have to print a few of these out and send them back to my friends & family in Manitoba!
Churchill Blog Squad Reunion
This past Friday night, Talia and I hosted the cool cats that we went to Churchill, Manitoba with. You really get to know people when in transit with them for multiple days. It took us about two days to get up to Churchill and two days to get back, so we had lots of down time to do just that. The reunion was great, besides me having my wisdom tooth removed approximately a day earlier. Even though I had trouble talking and I ended up going to sleep like two hours before everyone bounced, it was really great to get this crew back together.
It was such a privilege to head out to this previously unexplored region of our home province with such an amazing group of photographers/people. I often look at these folks photos, blogs and Instagram for inspiration. So much talent in one group, it was hard not to be bursting at the seams with excitement to get out and shoot in the polar bear capital of the world with these folks.
Some highlights of the trip:
-Chats on the long train ride.
-Swimming/Singing with Belugas.
-The Veggie Burger at Tundra Pub (who would've guessed Churchill would have the best veggie burger EVER).
-Exploring bando!
-Talking with the locals in Thompson.
Churchill was a bangin' time, and for its size, it punches way above its weight class, in terms of things to do and see. I wouldn't change anything about this trip and would absolutely jump on the opportunity to go again.
Anyways, I figured I should do something with some of the pictures I took. Here is a selection of my favourites. ENJOY! :)
Here are links to these folks websites/instagrams if you are looking for a little inspiration! Cheers!
PAUL EPP, KYLE SCHAPPERT, TALIA RICCI, AUSTIN MACKAY, MICHELLE PANTING, MIKE PETERS
WINTER DAZE
Copious amounts of snow, nipping winds and the worst drivers imaginable! That's right, winter is in full swing here in The Peg! Over the holidays we got blasted by snow... like a lot of snow! Here in Winnipeg we had record breaking amounts. In December alone we had more snow than the entire winter of 2015-2016. We really lived up to the nickname "Winterpeg Manisnowba". I don't mind the snow, but it kind of put the kibosh on me getting some northern lights photos. To give you an idea of how much snow there was, I was stuck in my grandparents drive way for 3 days until the rural snow plow came to dig us out. I was kind of bummed out that I didn't get the chance to shoot the aurora. On the upside, over the month of December I was able to get some really fun, wintery pictures. I love shooting in crazy weather conditions, so this month was great for me. Here is a selection of some of my favourite snowing/winter shots to remind you that baby, it's cold outside. Chill out and enjoy! :)
Also here is some bonus content. Just a snowy video!
Smedts Volkswagen
“Anybody can go on a vacation, but when you go on one in a Volkswagen it’s a little bit more special.”
Read MoreFrosty Fort Whyte
We've been experiencing an unusually warm November this year in Winnipeg. While I do long for the full winter experience (which I'm certain we will get), I'm also loving the Vancouver-esque weather. Rain, fog, frost and mild temperatures are not the worst things, especially if you are a photographer. On Sunday morning we woke up to hoar-frost covering the city. When mother nature presents you with a shooting opportunity like this you must take it. With that in mind we decided to roll out to FortWhyte Alive, a pristine prairie oasis just on the outer edge of Winnipeg. We were not disappointed. The yellows and browns of autumn were replaced with a white layer of ice crystals blanketing everything in sight.
Here are some of the shots I came out with. Hope you enjoy!
The Original Mobile Homes Here in Manitoba
Journey Home Artist Retreat located just outside of Waldersee offers a one of a kind experience here in Manitoba. I mean, how often do you get to sleep in an authentic Mongolian style yurt? For me, this was certainly a first. These dwellings are made to endure extreme climates, so while it was chilly overnight, you can bet your buns we were cozy inside. Not only were the yurts warm and inviting, but the owners were too! This may have been one of the most accommodating places I have ever stayed. They invited us in, kept us well fed and made us feel right at home. All three meals were spectacular. From the bread and tea at breakfast, all the way to the ice cream and cake we had for dessert, almost everything was made from scratch. If you need to unwind, or want to try something new, Journey Home Artist Retreat might be what you're looking for.
Last week I was exploring caves, this week I stayed in a Mongolian yurt. Despite having lived in Manitoba most of my life there are still surprises waiting for me around every corner.
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