Remembrance Day - 2016 - Thunder Bay Waverley Park

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

by John McCrae, May 1915

Thunder at The Bay - Car Show

It was a very busy weekend as I had a wedding and a few other things going on but as soon as I drove by the CLE grounds on the Sunday I knew I had to go there at some point to check out what was going on. I had heard random advertisements about Thunder at the Bay on the radio but never really got the details. So, when I had a couple hours to spare I parked my car at the grounds and made my way through the gate. I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in to see a whole lot of vintage cars parked in the lot. With my camera in tow, I weaved in and out of the rows of cars and got in close to take some photos of the cars.

Since I have been to quite a few car shows in Thunder Bay in the past, I have seen my fare share of vehicles but this was by far the largest gathering I can remember seeing. It was such a great turnout! With my trusty Nikon D750 and 35mm lens, I got in nice and close to almost every car and came away with some great shots. Obviously it's nice to walk around and take in the car as whole, but for me, the attention is in the details. So many of the cars have such unique parts and modifications that it's hard to miss them sometimes if you don't get in close. 

When I arrived there was also a fashion show going on as well as some RC Car races. For me though, I focuses mainly on the cars. In the end I think I walked around for close to 2 hours making sure to try and see every single car. As far as I know this was the first year for the event, but I could be wrong. Either way, I really hope it happens again next year because it was a lot of fun to see all the cars.

BrewHA Craft Beer Festival 2016

It always amazes me just how many cool events there are in Thunder Bay each summer. Probably my favourite so far this year was this past weekends' BrewHA Craft Beer Festival. This is the second year it has taken place and it doesn't looks like it should be around for years to come. I got the chance to photograph and experience it first hand thanks to The Walleye who, for those who follow this blog, know that I do freelance photograph for them. 

I was alone either, as my wife Anne joined me for the weekend event. Neither of us really knew what to expect but as soon as we entered the grounds we were amazed at just how many people took part in the event. It's no surprise though as each of the 3 sessions sold out pretty quick. The benefit of photographing an event like this is that you get to meet a lot of random people. Often I am approaching strangers and asking to take their photograph. Of course it helps that it's an event all about beer so let's just say that most people were more then willing to get their photo taken.

Speaking of beer, I couldn't believe how many great vendors there were there as well as all the different types of beer. Some of them I had heard of before but there were lots of different ones I had never seen before. It just goes to show you that Thunder Bay and the surrounding cities have an ever growing community of craft beer specialists. Along with the beer vendors there was some awesome food there and, some fantastic live musical performances and even a huge game of beer pong played with garbage cans. 

I simply can't wait for next years event. Just walking around experiencing all the different beers and seeing all the people enjoying themselves smiling and laughing. All in all it was a very fun atmosphere. Cheers! 

Derelicte 8 - A Fashion Odyssey

I'm a little late in posting this but I figured it's better late than never. Last weekend, I had the pleasure of photographing Derelicte 8 over at Black Pirates Pub. This was my first time attending the event, let along photographing it. As for most of the events I photograph in town, The Walleye asked if I could cover the event for them and of course I said yes. I ended up spending about 2 hours there and I was amazed at just how fun and diverse the event was. 

The event itself was put on by Definitely Superior Art Gallery. You can find out more information about them as well as the event by clicking here. I still can't believe this was the 8th time this event was put on and it was only my first time attending it. Black Pirates Pub is always a great location to photograph at and there was no exception this time around. By the time the show started the bar was packed. Luckily I had showed up a bit early so I stood my ground right by the main stage the whole time. It was great perspective to have and it meant I was right in on the action as soon as the models and bands took to the stage. 

I was amazed at just how unique all of the costumes were. You can tell by looking at the photos below that there was a ton of variety, and the crowd loved every minute of it. Next year, I will be sure to stick around a bit longer and check out the whole show. I heard there were a lot more costumes after I left, but I was glad I was still able to cover most of the show. 

Thanks as always to The Walleye for inviting me to photograph the event. Be sure to check out this months issue for a write up of the event.