Looking Back On My 2017 Events
I recently posted my favourite wedding photos of 2017 which was a great way for me to look back and really see what I captured, and also what I can improve upon. Then it dawned on me that I covered a lot of events throughout the year too. So it was a no brainer to select a few of my top photos from the numerous events I covered.
I recently posted my favourite wedding photos of 2017 which was a great way for me to look back and really see what I captured, and also what I can improve upon. Then it dawned on me that I covered a lot of events throughout the year too. So it was a no brainer to select a few of my top photos from the numerous events I covered.
Each year I'm amazed at just how many events take place in Thunder Bay. There were concerts, fundraisers, strongmen competitions and even food challenges, just to name a few. Not only is it fun to capture all these various events, it's also great practice as a photographer. Not only that, but I also got the chance to meet so many amazing people and hear an equal amount of stories.
So without further delay, here are a selection of photos from various events and corporate gigs I photographed in 2017!
15 Favourite Wedding Photos of 2017
I hope it doesn't sound conceded when I say that it was extremely difficult to choose my favourite 15 wedding photos of 2017 because I had so many great ones. If anything, I think it speaks to just how many amazing weddings I was fortunate enough to photography. It obviously helped that each and ever wedding couple in 2017 was simply amazing.
I hope it doesn't sound conceded when I say that it was extremely difficult to choose my favourite 15 wedding photos of 2017 because I had so many great ones. If anything, I think it speaks to just how many amazing weddings I was fortunate enough to photography. It obviously helped that each and ever wedding couple in 2017 was simply amazing.
Why only 15 photos? I wanted to challenge myself. I didn't count the exact number but I would estimate that I took at least 30,000 photos this wedding season. That may seem like a lot, and I guess it is, but I am quite selective when I photograph weddings. With that being said, the photos below are simply the ones that affected me the most.
I'm very excited for my upcoming weddings in 2018 and I can't wait to see all of the special moments I am able to capture. Don't forget, if you are still on the lookout for a wedding photographer, I'd love to talk!
I mentioned above how hard it was to narrow it down to 15 photos which is why I included a few extras that just missed the cut. Thanks for viewing!
Remembrance Day - 2017
Once again I was able to attend the Remembrance Day ceremony at Waverly Park in Thunder Bay. Below are some highlights from the day.
Once again I was able to attend the Remembrance Day ceremony at Waverly Park in Thunder Bay. Below are some highlights from the day.
Festival of Colours 2017
Since I missed last years Festival of Colours, I really wanted to try and see it this time around. The whole weekend was super busy with photography and Sunday was no exception. Anne and I managed to still go check it out for about 20 minutes and I was able to capture a few good moments.
If it happens again next year, and I'm available, I will definitely spend more time and come a bit more prepared. Until then, these photos will have to do. :)
Since I missed last years Festival of Colours, I really wanted to try and see it this time around. The whole weekend was super busy with photography and Sunday was no exception. Anne and I managed to still go check it out for about 20 minutes and I was able to capture a few good moments.
If it happens again next year, and I'm available, I will definitely spend more time and come a bit more prepared. Until then, these photos will have to do. :)
Bluesfest 2017
All the years that I have lived in Thunder Bay, I never once made it to a single Bluesfest, which all changed this past year. I was hired to cover a few hours of the event so I had no excuse this time around. The day that I chose to go, of course it rained for the first part. But that didn't mean I stopped shooting. Luckily, I was able to come back later in the evening and a lot more photos.
All the years that I have lived in Thunder Bay, I never once made it to a single Bluesfest, which all changed this past year. I was hired to cover a few hours of the event so I had no excuse this time around. The day that I chose to go, of course it rained for the first part. But that didn't mean I stopped shooting. Luckily, I was able to come back later in the evening and a lot more photos.
Admittedly, I didn't really worry about photographing the actual bands. Don't get me wrong, I captured a few here and there but honestly, it was just wasn't worth it for me. They were really strict about stopping and taking photos and I didn't have backstage access, so getting in close wasn't really an option, unless I felt like renting a huge zoom lens.
Instead, I do what I do best, I captured the people and moments within the crowd. I do it for wedding and portraits and my street photography, and this time it was no different. Next year, I will see if I can get in a bit closer but I'm so happy with all of the photos I managed to get with my lenses on hand.
Staal Foundation Open 2017
Even though it was a couple months ago, I figure it's better late then never on posting some of my corporate work. It had been 2 years since I last covered some of the Staal Foundation Open which takes place right here in Thunder Bay, and even then, I only made it to a couple days. This time around, I was able to attend most of the week which allowed me to see so much more of the festivities.
Even though it was a couple months ago, I figure it's better late then never on posting some of my corporate work. It had been 2 years since I last covered some of the Staal Foundation Open which takes place right here in Thunder Bay, and even then, I only made it to a couple days. This time around, I was able to attend most of the week which allowed me to see so much more of the festivities.
The first day of the event saw the Fountain Tire Classic which included a lot of current and former NHL starts, with none other than Bobby Orr! It was such a great event for the entire crowd in attendance as well as the kids who participated. I got to meet, and photograph all the Staal's too, who make the entire event happen in the first place.
It goes without saying that there as a lot of good golf played too. Not only by the pros but also the celebrities too. Throughout the week I managed to capture so many great golf moments but also everything else form the kid zones, to the volunteers and everyone one else who made this even possible.
I can't wait until next years event as I'm sure it will be just as epic!
Ashley + Isaac Wedding - River Valley Farm
River Valley Farm was host to Ashley and Isaac's wedding this past July. Even though I had photographed at this location twice before, this particular wedding was different in one significant way, it is where Isaac grew up. HIs parent's have been kind enough in the past to let only a few other couples use the venue so I was lucky enough to be a part of this wonderful location.
River Valley Farm was host to Ashley and Isaac's wedding this past July. Even though I had photographed at this location twice before, this particular wedding was different in one significant way, it is where Isaac grew up. HIs parent's have been kind enough in the past to let only a few other couples use the venue so I was lucky enough to be a part of this wonderful location.
Even though I was already somewhat familiar with the farm, I was excited to see how they set everything up, and low and behold, the ceremony took place right in from of the barn, which was the absolute perfect location. Before the ceremony took place, I arrived as Ashley and Isaac were just finishing getting ready and waiting for the guests to arrive. After a few candids and portraits of some of the family members I set up in the back field for Ashley and Isaac's first look. Some of my favourite photos came from that part of the wedding day.
Right after the first look, Ashley and Isaac wanted to get some portraits done while the guests arrived. We took the dirt road to this amazing canola field. One of the great things about shooting weddings in Thunder Bay is that I get to see all these hidden spots that I never even knew existed. I could have easily spent 3 hours with Ashley and Isaac but we kept it short and sweet. Regardless, it was not hard coming away with some epic portraits. Before we made our way back to the farm, we stopped for a couple quick photos on the dirt road as well.
By the time we got back some of the guests were starting to arrive, so we took that time to get all the wedding part portraits out of the way. Just like my weddings in the past at the farm, the backdrop is one of the best in the city so it was no brainer to do the portraits using that. As usual, we did all the combinations but the entire wedding party was a blast and we even mixed in some fun photos as well.
Probably my favourite aspect of this particular wedding was all the candid photos I was able to capture. It was a rather large wedding with at least a couple hundred people and a lot of space to work with. It was really hard narrowing it down to the photos I chose below. As you would imagine, the ceremony was beautiful. There was live music performed by some friends of the family which just added to the whole experience.
The reception took place in the barn of course and it was just as beautiful as the outside ceremony. Just as every other wedding I had shot here, the decorations were amazing. Even though my day was done at 9pm, I was still there long enough to capture some of the speeches and some more candid moment amongst the guests, as well as the cake cutting.
I was so happy to spend a day photographing Ashley and Isaac during their wedding day. There were so many great moments throughout the day and I'm just thankful that they chose me to tell their story.
