30th Annual LUNSA Powwow
I got asked to cover some of this weekends LUNSA Powwow and the Lakehead University Fieldhouse. This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the event and I was honoured to photograph it. Surprisingly I had never been to the LUNSA Powwow, but I have photographed other ones throughout the city. So, I was amazed at just how many dancers and people attended. As I photographer, it's a dream event to photograph with all the colours and people and energy.
I got asked to cover some of this weekends LUNSA Powwow and the Lakehead University Fieldhouse. This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the event and I was honoured to photograph it. Surprisingly I had never been to the LUNSA Powwow, but I have photographed other ones throughout the city. So, I was amazed at just how many dancers and people attended. As I photographer, it's a dream event to photograph with all the colours and people and energy.
For an event of this nature, it's almost all candid photography with a few posed shots mixed in. I also made sure to get in close on some of the details. Each and every dancer had such amazing attire, I had to slow myself down sometimes and really take it all in. Even the children were dressed up and having a great time too. The whole evening had such an electric atmosphere, with the drums beating loud, it was hard not to come away with some great photos.
I'm very much looking forward to more Powwows throughout the year!
Human Trafficking Awareness Day - ONWA
I'm lucky enough to photograph a variety of events for ONWA throughout the year, and pretty much every single one is important in some way. Such was the case with their recent one focusing on human trafficking. My main job was to obviously capture the event but I was also able to learn a lot while I did so.
For anyone interested in learning more, please feel free to head on over to ONWA's Facebook page here.
I'm lucky enough to photograph a variety of events for ONWA throughout the year, and pretty much every single one is important in some way. Such was the case with their recent one focusing on human trafficking. My main job was to obviously capture the event but I was also able to learn a lot while I did so.
For anyone interested in learning more, please feel free to head on over to ONWA's Facebook page here.
Derelicte 10 - Black Pirates Pub
I was so excited once I realized I would be able to help photograph Derelicte 10. I had only attended once before, a couple years ago, and I had so much fun then. The thing I like most about Derelicte is that it's just so ... random. There are so many talented designers in this city and it's the one night of the year they get to showcase their amazing work. Not to mention, the musical talent a well, which is just as diverse.
I was so excited once I realized I would be able to help photograph Derelicte 10. I had only attended once before, a couple years ago, and I had so much fun then. The thing I like most about Derelicte is that it's just so ... random. There are so many talented designers in this city and it's the one night of the year they get to showcase their amazing work. Not to mention, the musical talent a well, which is just as diverse.
What makes Derelicte so amazing are the people. There is just so much energy in the crowd and you can just feel the unique vibe in the air. For part of the show I was able to set up shop at the end of the runway which ended up providing some of my favourite photos of the evening.
Just like last time, I photographed this event for The Walleye and I can't wait to possibly see some of these photos on their website. Of course, the show wouldn't even be possible without DefinitelySuperior ArtGallery which put the whole thing on. I wait with baited breath until next years show!
St. Benard Kindergarten Information Session
This past Thursday saw St. Benard School host an kindergarten information session. It was a last minute booking for me, but luckily I was able to accept it. I didn't know much going in but once I got there, I soon realized there was going to be approximately 400 people there. My job for the next hour was to simply capture candids of the attendees, the booths and the speakers. It was right up my alley and my favourite type of photography.
This past Thursday saw St. Benard School host an kindergarten information session. It was a last minute booking for me, but luckily I was able to accept it. I didn't know much going in but once I got there, I soon realized there was going to be approximately 400 people there. My job for the next hour was to simply capture candids of the attendees, the booths and the speakers. It was right up my alley and my favourite type of photography.
I love photographing people, especially children. I think I came away with some great photos, and also succeeded in representing the overall feel of the event. It was nice to see so much excitement from the kids as well as the parents. They got to meet some of their future teachers too. All in all, the hour went by fast but a lot happened and I was glad to be a part of it.
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!
ICC Citizenship Ceremony at Fort William Historical Park
Last week I was honoured to photograph a very important ceremony for a lot of people. It was the Citizenship Ceremony held at Fort William Historical Park and it was hosted by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. Approximately 50 new Canadians were officially declared Canadian Citizens. Before that happened, they all had a chance to meet with the other guests as well as share their stories and journey that brought them to this point. They have all been in Canada for quite a while now, so it was exciting for each an every one of them to be able to finally call Thunder Bay home.
Last week I was honoured to photograph a very important ceremony for a lot of people. It was the Citizenship Ceremony held at Fort William Historical Park and it was hosted by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. Approximately 50 new Canadians were officially declared Canadian Citizens. Before that happened, they all had a chance to meet with the other guests as well as share their stories and journey that brought them to this point. They have all been in Canada for quite a while now, so it was exciting for each an every one of them to be able to finally call Thunder Bay home.
The event included roundtable discussions where new citizens were able to share their stories and then one person from each table shared a brief story with the entire room. It was amazing to hear all the unique stories and in many cases. After the discussions were over it was time for the new citizens to partake in the oath of citizenship and officials get their certificate.
It was such a great event to be a part of and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I eventually get to cover another one in the future. Congratulations to all the new Canadian Citizens!
ONWA Poetry Night - Strong Hands Stop Violence
This past Sunday ONWA held a very special poetry night in an effort to raise awareness of Violence Against Women in support of the United Nations International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women. My task was to capture the event in photos which included musical guests - Melinda a Melissa Henderson and of course Audra Santa.
This past Sunday ONWA held a very special poetry night in an effort to raise awareness of Violence Against Women in support of the United Nations International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women. My task was to capture the event in photos which included musical guests - Melinda a Melissa Henderson and of course Audra Santa.
Along with the musical performances, elder Al Hunter opened the evening and also contributed a poem of his own. There were also local poets, storytellers and spoken word artists sharing the work too. Even though I was taking photos during the evening, it was very moving to here the stories and poems by local people. It's amazing to see so much talent.
I also had a small Photo Booth set up where I was able to capture some of the attendees. ONWA put on such an amazing event, and I really can't wait until the next event takes place.
Lakehead University Farewell Reception in Honour of Dr. Brian J.R. Stevenson and Judy Davies
This past Thursday, Lakehead University honoured Dr. Brian J.R. Stevenson's accomplishments as President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University from 2010 to 2017. For the first portion of the event everyone in attendance mingled and conversed while enjoying some amazing food. As a surprise to Dr. Stevenson, students from his achievement program marched down towards the main stage with flags representing their country. It was a great start to a memorable evening.
This past Thursday, Lakehead University honoured Dr. Brian J.R. Stevenson's accomplishments as President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University from 2010 to 2017. For the first portion of the event everyone in attendance mingled and conversed while enjoying some amazing food. As a surprise to Dr. Stevenson, students from his achievement program marched down towards the main stage with flags representing their country. It was a great start to a memorable evening.
From that point on, there were a variety of speeches, speaking to just how much Dr. Stevenson has done for Lakehead University during his 8 year tenure. The final speech was from Dr. Stevenson himself, who spoke to all the people who have helped him during his time at Lakehead. There was also a short film by Theymedia about the achievement program as well as a surprise performance by Shy Anne Hovorka.
These types of events are always so fun to photograph, mainly because I get to look for all those split second moments of emotion and capture them for ever. It was a pleasure being a part of it and see just how much an impact Dr. Stevenson has had.
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.
The Hunger 12
The Hunger 12 took place this past Saturday in the downtown area of Port Arthur. As the name suggests, this was the 12th year, and I think about the 3rd time I have photographed it. It's always the perfect excuse to dress up, go out, and see all the awesome costumes that everyone came up with. As with the previous years, I was taking photos for The Walleye.
The Hunger 12 took place this past Saturday in the downtown area of Port Arthur. As the name suggests, this was the 12th year, and I think about the 3rd time I have photographed it. It's always the perfect excuse to dress up, go out, and see all the awesome costumes that everyone came up with. As with the previous years, I was taking photos for The Walleye.
My wife Anne and I weren't actually planning on attending this year because we thought we would be out of town, but as it turned out, we didn't end up leaving for our trip until the Sunday morning. So that means we did get out for a couple hours to explore the scene and see some truly unique costumes. You can see some of my favourite ones below!
NADF - Business Awards
The Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund Business Awards took place this past Friday at the Valhalla Inn. I was hired to photograph the event and I had a great time doing so. The NADF is a non-profit Aboriginal Financial Institution (AFI) providing business financing and support services to Aboriginal entrepreneurs and businesses to establish, expand, or acquire a business in remote, rural and urban communities in Northern Ontario. The awards presented celebrate the contribution of Indigenous people to the economy of northwestern Ontario.
The Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund Business Awards took place this past Friday at the Valhalla Inn. I was hired to photograph the event and I had a great time doing so. The NADF is a non-profit Aboriginal Financial Institution (AFI) providing business financing and support services to Aboriginal entrepreneurs and businesses to establish, expand, or acquire a business in remote, rural and urban communities in Northern Ontario. The awards presented celebrate the contribution of Indigenous people to the economy of northwestern Ontario.
As you can tell from the photos, everyone had a great time and it was such a good cause. It's amazing just how much talent there is in the region and NADF recognizing and embracing it helps promote new business.
For anyone interested in learning more about the event, there is a great write up on the Wawatay News Website here.
CCAB Thunder Bay - Hot Topic Series
This past Thursday, the Valhalla in hosted the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business - Hot Topic Series. As I have mentioned in some of my previous posts, this was another first for me regarding this event. I didn't really know what to expected going in, but as I always do, I just rolled with the punches. The purpose of the event was to focus on partnerships between Canadian companies and Aboriginal communities to launch businesses in urban and rural markets. The discussion explored issues including the creation and alignment of shared goals, team building and management, and resource maximization. There were a variety of speakers at the event and they discussed some of the challenges and also some of the solutions in running a successful business.
This past Thursday, the Valhalla in hosted the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business - Hot Topic Series. As I have mentioned in some of my previous posts, this was another first for me regarding this event. I didn't really know what to expected going in, but as I always do, I just rolled with the punches. The purpose of the event was to focus on partnerships between Canadian companies and Aboriginal communities to launch businesses in urban and rural markets. The discussion explored issues including the creation and alignment of shared goals, team building and management, and resource maximization. There were a variety of speakers at the event and they discussed some of the challenges and also some of the solutions in running a successful business.
The first part of the evening was a meet in greet and exhibitor showcase. I was able to get a lot of great candid shots of the guests as well all of the booths on display. After about an hour, the discussion panel took place. The speakers on the panel were Alex Janavicius, Nick Javor and Nivera Wallani. They did an amazing job at speaking about the industry including a lot of the challenges. I won't go to much into detail, but if you would like to learn more about this particular event and future ones, head on over to the official website.
