Project Learning Tree – Government Funding Announcement – Lakehead Unviversity

Patrick Chondon July 13, 2019

Lakehead University played host to an amazing event yesterday. The Federal Government announced that it would be giving $4.4 million in funding to Project Learning Tree. Project Learning Tree is a workplace program that provides youth with employment opportunities in the forest and conservation sector. Currently Zac and Nick Wagman are biking across Canada and they made a stop at Lakehead University, where they were greeted by Minister Patty Hajdu to announce the investment, which will support more than 500 local and Canadian youth, particularly those facing barriers.

To find out more about this initiative, head on over to the Project Learning Tree Website.

Thunder Bay Blues Festival 2019

Patrick Chondon July 11, 2019

I attended the Thunder Bay Blues Festival a couple years back and that was actually the first time I did so. It was only for one day and I didn’t have access to the stage or the ability to really get in close. I still managed to get a lot of great crowd photos because that is mainly what I was hired for and I had a great time doing so. Fast forward to this years event and The Walleye asked if I could capture the event for them. As soon as they said I would be getting media passes I jumped at the opportunity. Plus, it’s rare that I actually have this weekend in July free. Usually I have a wedding booked.

Amy + Family Portraits - Sandy Beach

Patrick Chondon July 2, 2019

Amy and her family were in need of some updated family photos and plus her parents were in town so we decided to use Sandy Beach as the backdrop. The kids full of energy so they had me working extra hard this time around, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s amazing how fast kids grow up! I really can’t wait until the next session. :)

Baylee + Noah Graduation Night

Patrick Chondon June 28, 2019

Anytime I get to do family portraits of my actual family, it’s an added bonus. In this case Noah, my son, and Baylee, his girlfriend, wanted some getting ready photos of Baylee’s Graduation Night. It all took place at her beautiful home out in the country, so it was the perfect backdrop. I was only there for about an hour but it was enough time to capture some moments of her mom doing her hair as well as some outdoor portraits. Baylee looked very pretty and of course Noah was handsome too. They ended up having a really good time that evening at the Graduation Party.

Albany Graduation Night Portraits

Patrick Chondon June 28, 2019

Earlier this month I photographed Albany for her official graduation photos. We also made it into a partial family session too. During that shoot she was obviously wearing her graduation gown and the photos turned out amazing. If you haven’t already, make sure you check out my previous posts to see highlights from that session.

Eden + Chris Family Portraits

Patrick Chondon June 25, 2019

I originally photographed Eden and Chris’s Wedding a few years back and then a portrait session a couple years ago as well. It was time for yet another portrait session and I couldn’t wait to see then again. Every time I have photographed them in the past it’s been such a great time. This session was no different. The hour went by so fast I could hardly believe it. I’m so glad the weather held up too, it was perfect overcast and not too hot.

2019 Scholarship + Bursary Awards Reception

Patrick Chondon June 19, 2019

The Thunder Bay Community Foundation hosted their 2019 Scholarship and Bursary Awards Reception last evening at the Boys and Girls Club. A select number of high school students along with their families were on hand to receive various scholarships and bursaries. My job was to simply capture the atmosphere, the people and of course the award presentations. I had a great time capturing candid moments and I could really feel the joy and excitement from everyone involved.

Thunder Pride 2019 + Pride Parade

Patrick Chondon June 16, 2019

The final day of Thunder Pride 2019 finished with a parade. Oh what a parade it was. My wife Anne and I arrived about 15 minutes before it was to begin at Waverley Park. We walked up Algoma to the base of the hill and by the time we got there it was just starting. Last years parade actually went through downtown. I don’t know if it was because it was a different route but it seemed twice as big this year. We were simply amazed by the amount of people participating in the parade.

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Loud + Proud Pride After Party - Black Pirates Pub

Patrick Chondon June 16, 2019

Thunder Pride 2019 wrapped up today with the parade, which I will be posting very soon. Before that, Black Pirates Pub played host to the Loud and Proud Pride After Party which had an amazing drag show. I made sure I got right up against the stage and braced myself for what was to come. The bar was packed and the crowd was so energized. All the performers did an amazing job, and being that close, you could really feel the energy. It was great to see so much support from everyone there.

Heidi + Rob Family Portraits

Patrick Chondon June 15, 2019

I photographed Heidi and Rob’s wedding back in 2016 and it is still one of my favourite weddings ever! When Heidi and Rob contacted me to do some family portraits for them, I simply couldn’t wait to do so. They recently welcomed Alfred to the family so it meant Wallace now had a younger brother to compete with. Upon arriving Alfred did not know what to make of me. I used that to my advantage as I got some really good looks from him. Fast forward about 15 minutes into the session and it was hard to get him to sit still.

Amy + Family Cake Smash

Patrick Chondon June 14, 2019

I have been lucky enough to be photographing Amy and her family for quite a few years now. I remember doing a cake smash for Jace. Now it was Ellie’s turn and she did not disappoint. Before we got to the cake smash though, we did some family portraits outside. It was quite sunny out, so we found some shade by the tree in their front yard and captured some great moments. Ellie was so calm the entire time. I think she was more confused by me if anything, which worked out perfectly!

Davinci Cruise Night

Patrick Chondon June 13, 2019

Anyone who reads my blog posts, knows that I try and get out and photograph some of the vintage car shows throughout summer and fall. I was just out at the Kakabeka Car Show a few weeks back it was my first one of the year. Surprisingly, I had never made it out to the Davinci Nights weekly car show before. I know it has been going on each year for quite some time. Well, I finally got the chance to check it out and I’m glad I did. There were a lot of cars in the parking lot and even some I had never seen before. It was also a nice cloudy, almost gloomy day, so the lighting was perfect.