In the studio with Duo526

Recently, the musicians behind Duo526 contacted me for updated photographs for their increasingly-busy professional schedule. I had first known the violin half of the duo from photographing Kerry DuWors in Brandon, MB in her work as a dynamic professor at the respected School of Music .

She and pianist collaborator Futaba Niekawa really stand out to me (despite me being completely without any musical background) because their spirit and passion is so obvious — it’s a mindset that’s taken them and their exploration of music literally around the world, along with a strong emphasis on education and mentoring to students. Beyond the huge talent that’s plain to see, they have fun!

It was certainly fun working with the duo 5 years ago for the first time, and it was even more so this month for the sequel. The handful of photos here are just one note in a great long composition from our shoot together - Kerry and Futaba, thank you!

ADDED NOTE - I would be missing a point not to mention our fantastic venue, the Walker Studio Exchange in Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District. Wide open spaces, great windows and excellent owners make it a must-see.

Sporting Portraits

The University of Winnipeg Wesmen athletics department is savvy enough to know that visuals matter. Recently I went to the downtown campus to produce headshots and portraits of their womens’ soccer team. Their energy and enthusiasm made for a great afternoon, and happily we had enough time to include a fun few shots for each player — it was these shots that stuck with me afterwards and, I think, show the spirit of each individual.

Can you see yourself or your employees in a portrait like this? Let’s talk!

Duo526

I recently had the pleasure of hearing from the classical music partners who make up Duo526. These passionate, talented artists and educators tour internationally, and have a new album coming out in 2019.

Kerry DuWors and Futaba Niekawa asked if I could help them with some new artist portraits for use with the album, publicity and social media. It was an immediate “yes” from me!

Working over a few hours in the wonderful Aspire Studios in Winnipeg’s Exchange District, we truly collaborated and together crafted images that these two can use to help put forward an image that reflects who they really are: talented, down-to-earth and confident musicians.

Please look up their website, and order their upcoming album! Bonus points if you can find out how the group “Duo526” got its name!

Canadian Red Cross

The Canadian Red Cross saves lives here at home and across the world - whether it’s here in Canada or in Indonesia (where your help is needed after the latest tsunami), or Yemen (the world’s largest single humanitarian crisis) and elsewhere, the sign of the Red Cross tells people help has arrived.

Last summer, the Red Cross helped evacuate hundreds from Little Grand Rapids and Pauingassi First Nations in northern Manitoba after wildfires burned close to those communities. It was a pleasure to photograph their work, and meeting the people helped from a tough situation. One of those photographs was chosen as one of the top ten images from the past year.

Please check out their website and see if you can help out with an aid project, or volunteer for their work here at home.