Maureen + Ryan Wedding

Patrick Chondon June 30, 2017

I didn't really know what to expect going into Maureen and Ryan's wedding, which took place this past weekend in their backyard. It was going to be a short wedding as they only had me for 2 hours so I knew I had to work extra hard to make sure I capture enough moments without really forcing anything. Well, lucky for me, a lot happened in that 2 hours and it may go down as my most unique wedding to date.

As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by a very inquisitive family dog who just wanted someone to throw his tennis ball. Sadly, I just didn't have the time to do so, instead I took a nice photo. I then made my way around the property a bit and inspected where everything would be taking place. As soon as I found the tent where the ceremony was going to be, I noticed a huge lifted truck painted green with skulls all around. Right then I knew, it was going to be a very different wedding.

Shannon + Chris Wedding - River Valley Farm

Patrick Chondon June 29, 2017

Chris for the day. I had already photographed them a year earlier for their engagement photos at Lakehead University. Before we got the wedding site at River Valley Farm, my day started with the bridal party getting their hair and makeup done at La Moda.

Upon arrival, I immediately had my camera in hand and weaved my way in and out of the girls getting ready. Luckily, La Moda, is fairly spacious which allowed me to get some good angles and moments of the girls. After about 15 minutes or so, I then made my way across town to Fort William where the boys were gathered. They were already dressed so I just did my best to capture some of the interaction between all of them. I had about 15 minutes to work with again and I think I got some pretty cool shots.

Everclear - So Much For The Afterglow - 20th Anniversary Tour

Patrick Chondon June 14, 2017

This past Tuesday, The Rockhouse hosted 3 killer bands from the 90's, and for someone who grew up with a lot of music from that era, it was definitely a flashback to say the least. As soon as I hear the 'So Much For The Afterglow 20th Anniversary Tour' was coming through town, I knew I had to photograph it. Luckily, The Walleye asked me to cover it and my wife Anne to try her hand at reviewing the evening.

Alexa Portraits - Thunder Bay Marina

Patrick Chondon June 13, 2017

My second session of the day, was yet another one that was just centred around the child of the family, in this case it was Michelle's daughter Alexa. Michelle had one a free 30 minute portrait session at one of the shags I sponsored too and that brought us to this past Sunday. My model for the day was 4 year old Alexa, who from the very first minute I met, didn't stop running and moving the entire session. You might think I'm exaggerating, but I'm not. I was completely fine though, because I love a challenge. Plus, that much energy was sure to make for some great candid photos.

Kirstyn Family Portraits - Vickers Park

Patrick Chondon June 12, 2017

This past Sunday I had two separate photo sessions and both focused just on the children. The first session was with Kirstyn's two children as well as her sister Steph's daughter as well. I don't think Kirstyn knew it going into the session, but I had actually photographed Steph's wedding a couple years ago. I absolutely love photographing children so I was super excited to get the session on the way.

Patrick + Family Portraits - Centennial Park

Patrick Chondon June 10, 2017

My session of the weekend took place this past Friday at Centennial Park with Patrick and his family. In all, there were 5 families members including Patrick, and they were all extremely fun to photograph. The weather was beautiful and the sun was behind the clouds for the most part, so it was the perfect setting for an hour long family session.

Betty's 80th Birthday at the Norwester Hotel

Patrick Chondon June 5, 2017

Today the weather held off just long enough for me to have a very fun family portrait session over at the Norwester Hotel. The occasion for this particular session was to celebrate Betty's 80th Birthday. Plus, it was one of the rare occasions where most of the family would all be together at once. As soon as I arrived at the hotel, we all made our way out to the back field which overlooks Mount McKay.

Keewaytinook Internet High School - Celebration Dinner

Patrick Chondon May 29, 2017

Along with weddings I also photograph a lot of different events in and around Thunder Bay. Last week, I had the pleasure of covering the Keewaytinook Internet High School Graduation Dinner. It was a very laid back affair, but one that was very important to the students and family of friends too. All the graduation students were from various First Nation Communities across Ontario, including Fort Severn, Fort William and Keewaywin to name a few. All in all, there were a total of 17 graduating students.

Leanne + Peter Wedding

Patrick Chondon May 23, 2017

My first official wedding of the year was a short one for me, just 3 hours, but I came away with so many great photos, you would think it was much longer. Leanne and Peter decided to get married down at the Thunder Bay Marina. They live in the condo right on the water, so it made perfect sense. Before everyone made their way to the marina, everyone hung out in their condo, which gave me ample time to capture a lot of moments. It was a very laid back and easy going wedding. There was no first look, or anything like that, just everyone getting ready and celebrating before the actual wedding.

Burlesque!

Patrick Chondon May 15, 2017

With more and more great shows being put on week in and week out, it's hard to keep track and know exactly what to get out and watch. Luckily, that decision was made for me recently, when The Walleye asked me to take some photos of Burlesque! I got two tickets so my wife Anne joined me. We didn't really know what expect going in but we were pleasantly surprised.

ONWA Family Portraits

Patrick Chondon May 8, 2017

Last week I had the opportunity, yet again, to photography some families over at ONWA. I've lost track how many times I have done this but each time I do, I have just as much fun as the last. This time around, there were only 4 families, but that just meant I was able to spend even more time with each family. The whole session was very relaxed and most of the time I just let the families interact, which helped create good genuine moments. I'm very much looking forward to the next session, and the opportunity to meet and photograph more families.

The Walleye Bucket List - Maestro for Day

Patrick Chondon May 3, 2017

When The Walleye asked me to cover another Bucket List event for their April Issue, I knew I had to do it. This time around ti involved Justin Allec who is a writer for The Walleye. His bucket list was to play maestro for a symphony, and the TBSO granted him that wish.