Rotating Back (to film)

Recently I had the chance to use a classic studio camera in a terrific studio. The Mamiya RB67 is a film camera that any commercial photographer who was working in the 70’s, 80’s or 90’s would know of. Along with the excellent lenses as in other Mamiya cameras the big advantage of this camera is the film back rotates to either landscape or portrait view — RB obviously is for Rotating Back.
This lets a photographer change quickly between views, without having to waste time moving the whole camera around either in hand or on a tripod. And it makes a difference practically, especially when photographing portraits.

I don’t like to get bogged down in gear talk, though — to me cameras are tools to make an image, not to fetishize/collect/pontificate over, and the image is what drives (or should drive) photography. In terms of the mechanics, these images were made to test out this camera, its lenses and how it works with in-studio lighting; I’m a big fan of photographing with film (when time allows) and for those who think like I do on that topic, these images were made with Ilford Photo’s wonderful (and underrated, in my opinion) Kentmere Pan 100 medium-format black-and-white film.

Photographer Andrew Sikorsky — find his work at: https://andrewsikorsky.com

Potter and artist Christina Sikorsky

Portrait of Samantha. This was an impromptu photo, but often times those can yield the best results - spontaneous reactions and unplanned efforts can help us avoid ‘getting in our own way’, creatively.

Artist Thor Aikenhead.

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.”

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.

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!

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!