Devin + Mitchell Engagement - Tree Farm
The snow has not yet come, but I know it’s only a matter of time. I’m happy for that because it allowed me to have a relatively warm engagement session at the Tree Farm with Devin and Mitchell. Of course they brought their two dogs Ruger and Callie. I have done many sessions at the Tree Farm and I just love it when couples and families bring their dogs with them. It just adds a totally different dynamic to the session.
Melissa + Brandon Wedding - Best Western Plus NorWester Hotel
Melissa and Brandon’s entire wedding day took place at the Best Western Hotel here in Thunder Bay. If I had to shoot at wedding at just one hotel, this one would definitely be at the top of my list. It did rain the whole day so it was completely indoors but that’s what often happens this time of year. Regardless, it was such an amazing day to be a part of.
Cher + Family Portraits - Crescent Lake
My second portrait session of the day took place on Mount McKay at Crescent Lake. It was with Cher and her wonderful family. I had to hitch a ride with them to the lake because my car was too small for the road, but once we got there it was perfect timing. The sun was just going behind the trees so the lighting was awesome. Once we were done at the lake we quickly stopped on the road on the way back to get a few more family portraits on the ground which was covered in leaves. I’m so glad we were able to fit a session in before the weather gets any worse!
Kaylee + Carter Portraits - Chippewa Park
Each time I photograph Kaylee and Carter I’m absolutely amazed at how big they keep getting. Time just flies doesn’t it? My latest session with them was a 30 minute one at Chippewa Park. It was plenty of time to come away with some memorable moments. Carter was shy for the first 10 seconds and then he pretty much ran the show. He now holds the record for the most time someone has said ‘cheese’ in one of my session.
Sarah + Brad Family Session
I absolutely love home family portrait sessions. They are always so natural and intimate. I really want to try and do more in the coming year. In any case, Sarah and Brad welcomed their newest addition to the family so it was the perfect excuse to get some updated family portraits. She wanted to keep it as candid as possible which is right up my alley.
Kim + Curtis Wedding
My day with Kim and Curtis started with Curtis and the guys at their house. It was a nice way to ease into the wedding day for me because I essentially documented the guys getting ready. They were all pretty laid back, as is the case with most weddings. I spent about an hour with them. We eventually made it outside for some family portraits and even more great candid photos. It also gave me a chance to meet all the guys in the wedding party, as well as a lot of the family too.
Min + Brooke Family Session - Centennial Park
It has been about 2 years since I photographed Min, Brooke and their family. So I was super excited to once again spend an hour with them, capturing new moments. We decided on Centennial Park which is always beautiful, especially this time of year. Admittedly, with these types of session when little kids are involved, I tend to just go with the flow. I’ll direct some posed family portraits here and there, but most of them time, it’s just a matter of catching nice candid moments. I’m so lucky to have families that I continue to photograph throughout the years, and see how the children grow up. It always amazes me how quickly that happens.
Melissa + Ryan Wedding
Last month, I met yet another amazing couple in Melissa and Ryan. They tasked me with capturing their wedding day, and that’s exactly what I did. I had a great time doing so. My day started with their ceremony which took place at Faith City Church. It was my first time shooting at that location and I was pleasantly surprised at how nice it was inside. As guests arrived, I worked the candid scene and just looked for moments while everyone waited for the wedding to start.
Five Alarm Funk + Crocks at NV
I had heard a lot of great things about Five Alarm Funk and it seemed every time they were in town, I was busy or just couldn’t make it. Last night, I finally had the pleasure of attending one of their shows for The Walleye, and I now understand what the big deal was. They were amazing! As soon as they started playing the packed dance floor was insane. I soon realized just how many local fans they had. I ended up staying for about 4 songs because it was a work night, but it was more than enough time to capture some great photos.
Jessica + Liam Wedding
I can’t believe what is over a year ago that I photographed Jessica and Liam’s Engagement Session. After meeting them both that day and spending some time with them, I couldn’t wait until their wedding. Fast forward to last month, and their wedding had finally arrived! Suffice it to say, I was super excited. Plus, it meant I got to also meet a lot of their family and friends.
EcoSuperior Headshot Session - Waverly Park
Who said headshot sessions had to be boring? When EcoSuperior contacted me to get some updated headshots and imagery for the website we both agreed Waverley Park would be the perfect location. Seeing as how EcoSuperior is all about the environment, having the session outside just seemed right. I set up a little spot in in the shade to get the standard headshots but I also spent a lot of time getting some candids for their website as well. Of course, we did a few group photos too. In just an hours time, we completely updated their photo library.
Cat + Family Portraits - Centennial Park
My portrait session with Cat and her family today was so much fun. Not only was it foggy out, which is by the best weather ever for any kind of photography. It was equally awesome, that her family was just so much fun. Of course, anytime kids are involved, it’s hard not to have fun. They definitely kept me on my toes, that’s for sure. When they needed to, the kids slowed down for a couple quick poses. It took the promise of skittles to get them to do most things, but whatever works right?
Wake the Giant Music Festival
Wake the Giant took place this past Saturday here in Thunder Bay, and it was the culmination of a lot of work over the past 1.5 years. For those of you who don’t know, the purpose was to celebrate cultures with a spotlight on Indigenous culture and music. The festival featured a mix of Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists. The goal was to bring different cultures, age groups, music lovers and festival fans all together at one big event. Its aim was to also bring the community closer together and promote Indigenous artists by giving them access to new audiences and opportunities to network with established artists.
Rita + Rafal Wedding - Corbett Creek Farm
I absolutely love country weddings. There is just a totally different feel to the opposed to ones located in the city. I always look forward to seeing the property for the first time. My wedding with Rita and Rafal too place at Corbett Creek Farm.
It was indeed my first time there and I fell in love instantly. I know why they chose this venue, because it perfectly suited Rita and Rafal’s personality. It was a hot day but I wouldn’t have it any other way. After all l, if you aren’t sweating as a photographer you aren’t working hard enough. Although, I could have used one of those mini fans on a hat.
Shauna + Patrick Family Portraits - Shebandowan
With summer winding down, hopefully not too soon, my latest portrait session took place in Shebandowan at Shauna and Patrick’s camp. I had passed by the area on a number of occasions on my way to Fort Frances but I was super excited photograph there. We were back and forth leading up to the session not knowing if the weather would hold but luckily it did.
ONWA 4th Annual MMIW Pow Wow
This past weekend, one of my favourite and most important events took place. It was the ONWA 4th Annual MMIW Pow Wow. It’s a traditional Pow Wow honouring missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. To be able to be a part of such a meaningful cause is so rewarding. Not only did I get to photograph some amazing dancers and festivities, but in doing so, I am helping to bring awareness.
Dolce Coffee House - Cappuccino - The Walleye Drink of the Month
This is a really quick post but I wanted to take a moment to share some photos I took for this months issue of The Walleye. They tasked me with capturing the Drink of the Month which happened to be the Cappuccino at the new Dolce Coffee House here in Thunder Bay. It was my first time going to this amazing new spot in town and I was not disappointed. The coffee was great and the desserts were to die for. If you haven’t been yet, be sure to check it out when you can. Plus, I hear they have live entertainment too.
Choir!Choir!Choir! + Live on the Waterfront
The last event in the Live at the Waterfront series that has been taking place here in the Thunder Bay wrapped up this evening. My wife Anne and I decided to go check out the last night and it was well worth it. Choir! Choir! Choir! put on an amazing performance. For those of you who don’t know who they are I included their description from Facebook below. it sums them up much better than I could ever do.
Jenna + Jeff Wedding - Best Western Plus NorWester Hotel
The thing I like about weddings is that they are all different in some way. This past weekend I had a wedding where we went to 4 different locations. For Jenna and Jeff’s wedding which took place earlier this month, it was all at the Nor Wester. It was a nice change of pace because there was no travelling around, and it all happened at one beautiful location. With that being said, I love the variety of each and every wedding I do.
Mino Bimaadiziwin Aboriginal Youth Leadership Program - Kingfisher Lake
My wife Anne and her mother Cathy were asked to spend an afternoon at Kingfisher Lake, which is just outside Thunder Bay, teaching aboriginal youth how to cook bannock. I decided to join them and document the afternoon through photos and video. Of course, I also got to have some amazing bannock made over an open fire! The program is called Mino Bimaadiziwin and is based on traditional cultural teachings and focuses on: key life skills, leadership development, healthy relationships, positive self-esteem, self-awareness and connections to education.