BrewHa Craft Beer Festival 2018 - Thunder Bay
It was that time of year again this past weekend, for one my favourite events of the year, the BrewHa Craft Beer Festival. Not only do I love going to it, I absolutely love photographing it. It's such a good time and everyone is so friendly. This year amazed me more then the last in that so many people were actually asking to have their photo taken. That made my job much easier. Regardless, anyone I approached was all for it anyway.
It was that time of year again this past weekend, for one my favourite events of the year, the BrewHa Craft Beer Festival. Not only do I love going to it, I absolutely love photographing it. It's such a good time and everyone is so friendly. This year amazed me more then the last in that so many people were actually asking to have their photo taken. That made my job much easier. Regardless, anyone I approached was all for it anyway.
This year saw so many vendors just as every other year that I have went. I got to try a wide array of beers I would never have had a chance to. There is definitely a lot of talented brewers in the region, that's for sure.
Along with photography, I have been dabbling in videography as well. Below you can view a short little highlight video I created of the event. Hopefully it will give you an idea of just how much energy and excitement there was at this years event. I can't wait until the next one!
Buskers Festival 2018 - Thunder Bay
Buskers Festival took place this past weekend and it was even bigger then last years. This meant more people, more performers and of closure more fun for everyone. We also get some really good, if not almost too hot, weather for most of the two days. Anne and I made it out for the tail end of the festival on the Saturday and also on the Sunday as well. We had such a great time walking around seeing all the amazing talent and all the different vendors too.
I captured a few photos over the weekend and you can view those highlights below. Thanks for viewing!
Buskers Festival took place this past weekend and it was even bigger then last years. This meant more people, more performers and of closure more fun for everyone. We also get some really good, if not almost too hot, weather for most of the two days. Anne and I made it out for the tail end of the festival on the Saturday and also on the Sunday as well. We had such a great time walking around seeing all the amazing talent and all the different vendors too.
I captured a few photos over the weekend and you can view those highlights below. Thanks for viewing!
YLP Embracing Youth Festival - ONWA
ONWA is always hosting great events in and around the community and this time around they had a wonderful event right in their backyard called the YLP Embracing Youth Festival. It was a free festival and it had so many great artists and vendors. I was amazed at how many people showed up.
ONWA is always hosting great events in and around the community and this time around they had a wonderful event right in their backyard called the YLP Embracing Youth Festival. It was a free festival and it had so many great artists and vendors. I was amazed at how many people showed up.
There was music, comedy, contests and of course dancing. All the kids that were there seemed to have a great time, along with everyone else. I'm really hoping they this again soon as I had a fantastic time capturing some of the event. Below you can see some of the highlights from the evening.
Thunder Bay Pride Parade - 2018
It was another amazing turnout for this years Pride Parade and I was so happy that I was actually around to take part in it. Usually this time of year is hit and miss for me with weddings and all. So, with that being said, I packed up my camera and headed down to Waverley Park where everything the event was starting. I didn't have much time but I managed to get some candids before the parade actually started and then before I knew it, everyone began marching down Red River Road. From that point on, it was just a matter of keeping up and finding moments along the way.
It was another amazing turnout for this years Pride Parade and I was so happy that I was actually around to take part in it. Usually this time of year is hit and miss for me with weddings and all. So, with that being said, I packed up my camera and headed down to Waverley Park where everything the event was starting. I didn't have much time but I managed to get some candids before the parade actually started and then before I knew it, everyone began marching down Red River Road. From that point on, it was just a matter of keeping up and finding moments along the way.
This type of parade has got to me one of my favourite events to photograph because everyone is just genuinely happy, all dressed up and having a good time. How could you go wrong when taking photos of that. Once the parade arrived down at the Marina there was already live music taking place and all the vendors were out. There were contests, face painting and so many other great activities for the kids and adults of course.
I ended up heading out mid afternoon which seemed to be perfect timing because a thunder storm rolled in shortly after. Hopefully everyone was able to have a great time regardless, before the rain hit. I'm already looking forward to next years parade and I hope it's an even better turnout then this years!
Debbie + Craig - 5th Wedding Anniversary - Slovak Legion
This past Friday I was lucky enough to photograph Debbie and Craig's 5th Wedding Anniversary at the Slovak Legion. It was an intimate affair which meant that I was able to sit back and look for special moments. It really is one of my favourite type of events, extremely low key. It also helped that of Debbie and Craig's family and friends were very easy going and fun to photograph.
This past Friday I was lucky enough to photograph Debbie and Craig's 5th Wedding Anniversary at the Slovak Legion. It was an intimate affair which meant that I was able to sit back and look for special moments. It really is one of my favourite type of events, extremely low key. It also helped that of Debbie and Craig's family and friends were very easy going and fun to photograph.
I even got some good shots of the kids playing pool and of course, just before my time was up, I made sure to pull both Debbie and Craig away from the party to get some nice outdoor portraits.
The evening went by fast for me but I'm so happy with the photos I was able to capture!
K.I.H.S. Graduation 2018 @ Valhalla Inn
This event was another one that I was photographing for the second time. Last years Keewaytinook Okimakanak Graduation Ceremony took place at the Italian Hall and it was a very intimate yet fun event. However, this time around, I was amazed not only at how many more graduates there were but all the family that attended as well. Whenever I photograph graduations such as this, it's really not that difficult capturing special moments because everyone in attendance is just so happy to be there.
This event was another one that I was photographing for the second time. Last years Keewaytinook Okimakanak Graduation Ceremony took place at the Italian Hall and it was a very intimate yet fun event. However, this time around, I was amazed not only at how many more graduates there were but all the family that attended as well. Whenever I photograph graduations such as this, it's really not that difficult capturing special moments because everyone in attendance is just so happy to be there.
It was a very fun night which had some live standup comedy, awards and of course some games that the staff and the graduates took part in. Combine those with some really good food and a hat toss at the end, and it was a evening to remember.
Congratulations to all the graduates for all of their hard work!
Institute For Canadian Citizenship Ceremony - Fort William Historical Park
This was my second year in a row photographing probably one of my favourite events of the year - the Institute for Canadian Citizenship Ceremony at Fort William Historical Park. For those of you who don't about this organization or event, I encourage to you head on over to their website where you can learn a lot more.
This was my second year in a row photographing probably one of my favourite events of the year - the Institute for Canadian Citizenship Ceremony at Fort William Historical Park. For those of you who don't about this organization or event, I encourage to you head on over to their website where you can learn a lot more.
Institute for Canadian Citizenship website - click here.
The event his year was the same as the last in that it started with some roundtable discussion. Everyone shared there story and asked any questions they may have regarding Canadian Citizenship. Then it was time for everyone to get sworn in and officially become a citizen of Canada. Just seeing all the smiles and excitement from all the attendees, made the whole event an easy one to photograph. I'm very much looking forward to next years ceremony if they have me back.
Finger Eleven + I Mother Earth Concert at Crocks Thunder Bay
It has actually been quite a while since I got out and photographed a concert so I was excited when The Walleye asked me to cover the Finger Eleven and I Mother Earth Concert at Crocks in Thunder Bay. Having only seen I Mother Earth live in concert a long time ago I was definitely excited to see them perform again. Admittedly I have not followed Finger Eleven but even so, they put on an amazing show.
It has actually been quite a while since I got out and photographed a concert so I was excited when The Walleye asked me to cover the Finger Eleven and I Mother Earth Concert at Crocks in Thunder Bay. Having only seen I Mother Earth live in concert a long time ago I was definitely excited to see them perform again. Admittedly I have not followed Finger Eleven but even so, they put on an amazing show.
I recognized a few more song by I Mother Earth and they sounded just as good, if not better, then I remember from when I originally saw. The crowd at Crocks was honestly the busiest I have ever seen, and you could really feel the energy. As a photographer though, it's pretty tough getting good shots when it's so busy in a small venue. I did manage to work my way in to the front of the stage for a few songs which allowed me to get some really great shots of both bands.
Both bands sounded amazing and I was super stoked that I had the opportunity to not only photograph both of them, but also take in the music.
Urban Infill: Art in the Core 12
Even though Thunder Bay is considered a 'small city' compared to the likes of Toronto and Winnipeg, it never ceases to amaze me how many great events there are throughout the year, and moreover, all the fantastic artistic talent this city has to offer. Case in point, Defsup's Urban Infill: Art in the Core 12 took place this past weekend, and it was just as diverse and fun as last years, which was the first one I attended. I was lucky enough to photograph most of this years version, along with a lot of other great photographers, who I officially met for the first time.
Even though Thunder Bay is considered a 'small city' compared to the likes of Toronto and Winnipeg, it never ceases to amaze me how many great events there are throughout the year, and moreover, all the fantastic artistic talent this city has to offer. Case in point, Defsup's Urban Infill: Art in the Core 12 took place this past weekend, and it was just as diverse and fun as last years, which was the first one I attended. I was lucky enough to photograph most of this years version, along with a lot of other great photographers, who I officially met for the first time.
For those of you who have never been, Downtown Port Arthur is host to numerous exhibits, live performances, workshops and all around fun. Many local business's donate their time and space into the evening allowing various artists and performers to showcase their skills. As a photographer, it's so much fun wandering around, popping in here and there, and capturing moments. It's a very laid back atmosphere but with never a dull moment.
Be sure to head on over to Facebook to checkout Defsup's Facebook Page where you can find a lot more photography of the event from many other local photographers. I can't wait until next years event!
59th Canadian Firefighters Curling Championship
It was approximately 10 years ago that Thunder Bay hosted the Canadian Firefighters Curling Championship. So, when asked if I could cover the event I jumped at the chance because who knows when the next time it will make it's way to Thunder Bay again.
It was approximately 10 years ago that Thunder Bay hosted the Canadian Firefighters Curling Championship. So, when asked if I could cover the event I jumped at the chance because who knows when the next time it will make it's way to Thunder Bay again.
I have been doing more and more events over the past few years. Whether it's a Pow-wow, a baseball tournament, or in this case a curling event, it's always a challenge, but one I very much look forward to. This was actually my first time photographing a curling event so I was super excited to do so. The great thing about curling is that it is a bit slower paced so it's not as difficult capturing this decisive moments. With that being said, you still have to know the sport to anticipate moments. Luckily for me, I have followed curling all my life, so I understand the game.
The week started at the Prince Arthur Hotel where are the teams were staying. To get the even underway they had a flag raising with some of the Thunder Bay Firefighters. We then did a huge group photo of all the teams and everyone else involved. Once we were done there, the opening ceremonies took place at the host venue, The Port Arthur Curling Club. After the The Macgillivray Pipe Band of Thunder Bay finished playing, the teams entered and the event officially started.
Throughout the week, I came and went and captured some of the action and processions. It was a very laid back atmosphere but so much fun. All the teams were so friendly and I even got the chance to catch some of the games. It was some really high competition as you would expect.
In the end, Team Saskatchewan beat Team Alberta in the final, and it came down to the last rock in the final end. Once the game was over, all the teams made their way out again to take part in the closing ceremonies. The medals were given out and we finished off with the team photos of the gold, silver and bronze medal teams. It was such a fantastic week of curling and I am so happy I was able to be a part of it! I can't wait until the next even rolls through town.
ONWA - She is Wise Conference - Chelsea Hotel Toronto
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of photographing an amazing event for ONWA, at the Chelsea Hotel in Toronto. The conference was called 'She is Wise in the Ways of Life'. It focused on ending violence against women and girls. Along with photographing the event I also helped design all a lot of the marketing for it, so I knew everything that was going on. With that being said, I was still anxious to see how it all turned out, and I couldn't have imagined a better event.
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of photographing an amazing event for ONWA, at the Chelsea Hotel in Toronto. The conference was called 'She is Wise in the Ways of Life'. It focused on ending violence against women and girls. Along with photographing the event I also helped design all a lot of the marketing for it, so I knew everything that was going on. With that being said, I was still anxious to see how it all turned out, and I couldn't have imagined a better event.
Each day consisted of various speakers within the indigenous community and a variety of workshops throughout the day. Even though the conference was specifically aimed at women, I was able to learn a lot during the 3 day conference. There were so many great moments throughout the week and I think I was able to capture quite a few of them. Not only were there laughs. but there was also some crying too. Everyone in attendance was there to support one another however needed, and it was very special experience.
The topic of ending violence against women is a very important one, and the She is Wise conference definitely helped bring a lot of awareness and education to the topic for all of those in attendance. I am so thankful I was able to cover such an important event but also that I was able to experience it as well. I look forward to continuing to work with ONWA on this subject and using my photography to help spread the word. If you would like to learn more about this issue, head on over to ONWA's website.
Gull Bay First Nation Microgrid Announcement
I was recently asked by Ontario Power Generation to cover a very important event at the Gull Bay First Nation this past Tuesday. Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek and Ontario Power Generation are working together to develop a microgrid that will use solar, battery storage and grid technology to help reduce diesel use at Gull Bay. It is to be the first fully-integrated solar energy-storage system in a remote community.
I was recently asked by Ontario Power Generation to cover a very important event at the Gull Bay First Nation this past Tuesday. Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek and Ontario Power Generation are working together to develop a microgrid that will use solar, battery storage and grid technology to help reduce diesel use at Gull Bay. It is to be the first fully-integrated solar energy-storage system in a remote community.
My job was to simply photograph the speeches, the people and the atmosphere at the announcement, and that's exactly what I did. I was accompanied by my good friend and associate Tony McGuire of Theymedia. who was filming the event alongside me. Even though it was pretty cold up there, it was such a great turn out. It was amazing to see so much support.
After all the speeches were done, there was some homemade bannock and moose meat being served. Then everyone made their way over the community centre for lunch. If you would like to find out more about this development I encourage you to clicking on this link here.
