Thursday, June 28, 2012

Air Service | Canadian Adventure Lifestyle Photographer

 Jason Lazenby spraying local crops in his Piper Pawnee aircraft.


In the last 24 hours I have had the great fortune to meet and photograph Jason Lazenby of Royco Air Services while he works in the fields West of Crossfield. And I should also add that he is working "above" the fields West of Crossifeld. Jason and another pilot (Dean) are currently giving a bit of an airshow in the area as they spray crops for local farmers and it is an amazing show indeed. 

                                 

It's hard for me to ignore the sound of the aircraft especially when they are working so low to the ground. Growing up around planes and helicopters gave me a great respect and appreciation for being in the air and I don't think I can ever shake that. I still dream about paragliding and hope that I can get down to the US in the next year to be trained on a "Speed Wing"

For now it's just a lot of fun watching (and photographing) someone who is so passionate about their work and lifestyle. Every time Jason jumps out of his Piper Pawnee (plane) for a break and reload, you tell that this guy loves what he is doing. And as I've said it before, when I can capture great shots of someone who loves what their doing, then I love what I'm doing.


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Fast And Low | Canadian Adventure Photographer


Tonight I was just taking it easy on the couch when I started to hear the high-pitch drone of a couple sprayer planes just west of town. I knew it would be a good show and it was. I shot until the sun went down and watched the pilot make his last pass. I couldn't help but drive over to their operation base and meet the pilot. Sure enough I did and he is a great guy and extremely passionate about technical flying. Looks like I will get the chance to connect with these guys tomorrow. Hopefully I can post something from that in the next few days. Stay tuned....

Friday, June 22, 2012

Stage One | Canadian Adventure Photographer

Well it is finally here!


I have been waiting patiently for the right time to come along so I could finally bring a linear-motion dolly into Canada from Dynamic Perception in the US. Originally I was going to go with the 6 foot "Stage Zero" but DP recently came out with their newest and compact (breaks down into carry-on size) unit, the "Stage One".

What does this mean for me? Time lapse: this is a new type of capture for me and it can be used to produce motion video of events or movement that is too slow for the human eye to really distinguish. Currently I am working on a few projects (including a science documentary) that will consist mostly of Time lapse (TL) as well as numerous commercial applications such as construction site documentation and Rig set-up.

I am excited to put this unit to work and will be posting test clips here from time to time so you can see just what can be achieved with this kind of unit. Stay tuned to this blog and let your friends know what we are doing. Feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions about this or any other type of work we do.
First test clip below:
                   


Thursday, June 14, 2012

Layers | Alberta Storm Chasing

Sun breaking through two layers of cloud near Madden, AB.


Tonight I drove out West with the family in order to gather some more time-lapse tests for a project I am working on. It is still early in our very short season but there has been a lot of moisture and so there are some   cool formations that have been happening. This sky had 2 layers of clouds, One high and the other only about 100 feet from the ground. Each layer was moving in separate directions so the footage looked good. I have to say, it's a pretty cool place we live in here.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Graceful Machine | Adventure Lifestyle Photographer

There are some kinds of work I will not do and mostly it's because I'm just not that passionate about it. However the occasional client comes to me with a few ideas of their own that can pose a challenge. I am always up for a challenge and it becomes a great job when that client is passionate about what they do.


A month ago I got a referral for a potential client wanting body-building images done and after a few emails back and forth we where set and had a few ideas. Today Penny and her coach showed up and immediately I was surprised that penny was actually 50 years old and still competing. Obviously I never gave much thought to her age before I met her but couldn't help think it was really cool that she puts so much energy into it.


It's a strange reaction when we think about any age and the level of energy that goes with it. I firmly believe the body is just a machine and will work and last as long as our minds and souls continue to push it forward. A nine year old child runs endlessly through the playground while another one sits in a basement growing sedentary with every level they achieve in their console video game.  An old man in his forties sits in the local legion coughing on cigarette smoke as another in his 50's finishes a triathlon somewhere in Hawaii. No one in this life has complete control over their "true" age but it seams to me that the ones who have taken measures to gain control, are the ones that deserve their "graceful machine".

Sunday, June 3, 2012

8 Wheels | Canadian Adventure Lifestyle Photographer

 BVRD making their opening lap at their debut home bout.


There's not much I can say about this sport that isn't great. Concrete, fishnet-stockings, short shorts, speed, high impacts, lots of make up, loud music and tattooed girls ripping up the track on roller-skates! This is Roller Derby and it is so awesome to go and see live. I have been a fan for years and my sister is a Derby Girl in southern BC so it's easy to love it. Getting to photograph a bout put on as well as the Bow Valley Roller Derby team did this last Saturday night was a total treat.

anNamolly passing the pack as the lead Jammer.


If you ever get the chance to get out to one of these bouts you need to go. If you can appreciate the high-impact sport of hockey mixed with rock and a lot of interesting characters, you'll love Derby. Thanks again to the BVRD for having me out!