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.

A Couple Photos

I always get a little nervous before even the simplest portrait shoots. Most times, it’s just my mind shifting gears and focusing on the work ahead - ejecting all the extraneous thoughts and daily blah blah blah and leaving (hopefully) only the person(s) and the photography.

But on a few rare occasions, the slight buzz comes from photographing another photographer. Is there a photographer that doesn’t find that at least a little intimidating? After all, they’re privy to what we think, how we work and they’re uniquely qualified to assess what we’ve done.

This was the case recently when I photographed Dwayne Larson and his fiancé April, in advance of their wedding (which they paid me the honour of photographing). Dwayne and I have worked in Winnipeg and known each other for years and although we’re different in style — he’s cool and I’m not, let’s not mince words — we both have devoted our lives to photography. What an honour to have him specifically choose me, and my style of working, to make images of this very particular moment in the life and he and his life partner.

Meeting up at the unsung gem Langside Grocery all my nerves were quickly put to rest. Here were two people who made others feel as comfortable as they clearly did in their own skin. Best of all for this photographer, here were two people who are so obviously at ease and great around each other. Great subjects, great location, great light — it was the kind of portrait session I always hope to have!

<<Technical Notes>> My remote trigger stopped working almost immediately upon arrival, so on the fly I was switched to ‘available light’ mode. Thankfully, the late afternoon sun was perfect in Langside Grocery (did I mention how fantastic that location is..?) and so the shoot went on. I used the magical (no other word for it) Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 on my 5D Mark IV, with a few EF 50mm f/1.2 images thrown in when the moment was right.

For more samples of how I photograph people, take a look at my People section on this website.

The front counter at the wonderful Langside Grocery, avec April and Dwayne.

PIVOT to a carbon-free economy

Recently I had a profound experience photographing Tabitha Langel, the lady who started Tall Grass Prairie Bakery for the National Film Board.
The NFB is working on a project called PIVOT, in partnership with McGill University to tell the stories of entrepreneurs who are pivoting to a zero-carbon economy. Not only did I get to see the efforts made by my favourite neighbourhood bakery - electric delivery car, locally sourced grains for their own mill, and more - but I benefitted from time generously given by a philosophical, spiritual person. There is just an undeniable aura of goodness around Tabitha.
As we sat together, making photographs, we talked and she shared with me that she has been near the Assiniboine River (seen behind her in the leading picture here) since she was 11 years old. It was the kind of conversation that happen in the best portrait sessions.
As a saying posted in the bakery says, “bread is never heavy on a long journey.”

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!

Portrait Session with Aly Raposo

Recently I was contacted by Aly Raposo to help produce a collection of new portraits for her. Aly is the director of the Upside Down Tree, a philanthropic charity here in Winnipeg and she’s also one of those people who seems to have 100 things going at any time and does it all brilliantly.
It was apparent immediately that she brought a lot of bright, positive energy to her work and so with that in mind, I booked some time at a wonderful local studio, Cloakroom Wellness. Its big, bright airy spaces proved to be exactly the right space to work with Aly.

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!

Best Face Forward

Recently, I was contacted by Dr. Michal Brichacek - a plastic surgeon who is setting up a clinic here in the city. He reached out wanting headshots to put a face to his new business venture and wanted something different - a visual look that is set apart from the usual business headshot.
Thank you, Dr. Michal!