Fire and Art Light the Night

This year’s Nuit Blanche event in Winnipeg was a feast for the eyes and mind. And if you’re a person who uses a camera to bring eye and mind together, well…it was a must-see.
Weather in this part of the world is always hit or miss when one season changes to another, but the first such event since the start of the pandemic was blessed with perfect weather and although it’s totally unscientific and just my observation, easily the biggest crowds in many years. Maybe ever.

Following are a few images from just a few spots on a fantastic Saturday night, including a funky disco event by the Peg City Rollers and the lead image of Mateo Lopez who along with the Free Spirit Fire group really lit up the night. Fantastic!

Mateo Lopez spins a web of fire around himself during a performance with Free Spirit Fire group, during the 2022 Nuit Blanche Winnipeg event.

Genie, with the Peg City Rollers rollerskating group, wraps herself in light while spinning to the music during the group’s Nuit Blanche 2022 event.

A dancer with Free Spirit Fire performs for the crowds during Nuit Blanche 2022 in Winnipeg’s Exchange District.

‘Fire Cycle’ by local artist Jonathan S. Green was the epicentre of Nuit Blanche 2022, providing a central event for the entire festival that people could rally to.

A member of the Peg City Roller wheels around a makeshift disco arena during the group’s exhibit for Nuit Blanche 2022.

Casual Fridays

Winnipeg has always been known for a thriving music and arts scene, but it’s only very recently that we’ve been able to start returning to that again. The pandemic, and most people and businesses adhering to lockdowns and other measures to prevent the spread of it, had put a night out on ice for well over a year.

Happily, high vaccination rates and businesses having a credible process to screen at the door have created a bit of a springtime in late autumn for live music.

It was this that allowed me to photograph a live performance this weekend by the newest jazz group in the city, the Jazz Casuals. It was a terrific way to end off a very long week, and the fine offerings by the venue, Little Brown Jug, was also very welcome.

Walking into the venue, I was greeted by a terrific space but a terrific space in near-total darkness. Certainly great for ambience, but not so great for photography! It was then that I was reminded of the difference between photographers who know lighting and those that don’t. One gets useable pictures, the other walks away with excuses.

I spent a lot of years in newspapers, and had the mantra of ‘available light’ drummed into me for literally decades.
However, if you believe photography is about telling stories, I’m afraid you can’t tell very many when you’re literally in the dark.

We live in a pretty amazing time for technology in making photographs, and one of my favourite is the advantages in lighting now. I’ve been a very satisfied user of Godox flashes for a few years now, both for reliability and how quick and easy it is to use their lights. Having something quick, easy and reliable makes it so much easier to just focus on creativity and that’s certainly been the case for me, whether in a dark jazz club or a bright outdoor location.

Setting up 2 small lights unobtrusively allowed me to create a mood and a feeling that fit the story, and not interfere with the musicians working or the audience enjoying the show. And, I didn’t have to make excuses — win/win/win!

Follow the Jazz Casuals on Instagram for news of upcoming shows.

Light Into Dark At Portage & Main

There are always impressive light displays on various homes this time of year - it’s a great way to overcome the much shorter daylight hours and put a bit of cheer into the cold of December - but it would be hard to top the show on this weekend at Winnipeg’s famed Portage & Main intersection.

The Fairmont Winnipeg hotel transformed its frontage into a multi-story Christmas tree - a photographer’s delight not only for the scale but also a welcome mild weekend left temperatures high enough to work comfortably with some night photography to capture it.

Also present nearby was a message of hope, literally, spelled out for all to see atop a downtown condo. I’ve actually seen this on a few other residential decorations too this week.

It’s been a rough year for many of us but it’s a lot of individual efforts like this that will, I think, turn things in a positive way for the most people.

Living, and working, with purpose

Between social media, and how ubiquitous it’s become in our lives, and the isolation (physical and otherwise) of the Covid era, it’s increasingly common to know people and somehow never actually meet them.


This was the case with Oly Backstrom, whom I knew on Twitter but never met face-to-face. Happily that changed this weekend when we met in Winnipeg’s Exchange District. Gifted with a warm autumn day and a well-spaced patio we talked about my photography and his work with SCE Lifeworks, who dedicate themselves to helping connect employers with candidates with intellectual disabilities.

It’s noble work, and it reminded me that a life with meaning and purpose is one of the greatest gifts you can give a person. Oly is a person who can be proud to say what he does for a living, and know it’s meaningful work. Good to finally make it ‘real’, Oly!

Lennard Taylor Design Studio

Shortly before business and most social interaction shut down, I approached an artist and business person I always admired here in Winnipeg, fashion designer Lennard Taylor.
In addition to achieving the rare feat of carving out a truly unique look to the art and business he put out into the world, what always caught my eye was his positivity and upbeat attitude - which he demonstrated again when I approached him about producing some portraits of him at his Exchange District studios.

Taylor also runs the beautiful photo and event studio, Cloakroom Wellness and it was an absolute delight to spend some time making photographs in its gorgeous light, high ceilings and wide open spaces.

Lennard is continuing his business responsibly and safely during this time, offering virtual consultations among other services. Check out details at his website or here for more information. Remember, now more than ever SUPPORT LOCAL!