2011 Closing out fast !!!!

Wow !!
Another year has blown by at high speed.
Is it my imagination or are they getting faster.

Another year of experiences, another year of learning, another year !!!
Even with the parts not so great still no complaints from me.

China, Spain, Hong Kong, South Carolina.
Working outside my comfort zone taking pics, meeting people.

This year i pushed myself to get out of that comfort zone when its comes to taking pics.
Meeting new people, making contacts.

Thanks to everyone that endured my lens pointed in their direction and the pop of the flash !

Taking that step last May and hooking up with Hurtin Merv and the Boys


Bender , opening for Moxy Dec 16th at APK Live, London,ON


another wacky stage layout ! Guest guitarist Guy Miskelly filled in, super amazing chops ! would like to see him again.

Nice shot of Mr Jim McCormick's fabulous Sonor kit, to bad lighting was to rough to show the great color this kit has (yellow) though this B/W image did not hurt it in the slightest. Thinking a planned pic with Jim and his kit would be kinda cool and something new to try.

Though have to say that Moxy was a let down after seeing Goddo. No question about the talent or abilities, but music wise just didn't feel it. And from a personality point of view Goddo was way ahead. Still nice getting out to see some people play

Guitarist - Earl Johnson (Moxy) and Bassist - Jim Sanson (Zon)

Russ Graham (Killer Dwarfs)

Drums - Kim Hunt (Zon) and Bassist - Jim Sanson (Zon)

Had opportunities to take pics of  Longway , Nail, Scott Brunelle, Moe Chile.

U-Turn playing Rib Fest this past summer.

Finally found out who these guys were playing at Gathering on The Green in Wortley Village, earlier in the summer.  They were laying down SRV in a big way, solid !!!
Tim Woodcock and the Thunder Kings

Tim Woodcock - guitar , Jim Corbett - Bass and Ed Pranskus - Drums

Thank you , Rick and Chuck from Twisted Rock Starz , giving me a chance and granting me access to Goddo and Moxy for pics and more to come.

Girls who let me take their pics, Princess Vicky, Miss Katie, Tracey, Eden

Miss Tracey was in for some pics, part of her making changes to herself and recording it all as she proceeds. Thinking once she has achieved her goal , I can put together a series of pics showing her progress.

Of course managed the obligatory "Girl With Bass" photo to post online with others. The Cort Curbow always looks good when held gentle embrace of a woman.

Also had Miss Katie back in the "Studio" with her friend Kathryn, taking pics for a Xmas Gift Calendar for Kathryn's soon to be husband.

I managed to get a pic of Kathryn, using the Canon 5D. That camera seems to have something special when it comes to taking portraits. If you have done your homework with settings etc. 

Patrick ! ha The Peavey 5 String will never be the same after being 'manhandled'

The Bay and Sheseido gave me a chance to be part of what they offer their customers. As part of a promotion, select customers received a package consisting of a makeup session with Isaac and then photo's.  Once everything has been approved by Sheseido I will post some here to see. Chances are if everyone is happy this could be an ongoing opportunity for me. More on that one in the new year.

Lotus Thai Restaurant in St Thomas, I had spoken about this place and ladies that run it all. Finally had the chance to go out and take some pics of the great food they create onsite.




My last pics of the year will be with Hurtin Merv and The Boys playing the Wortley Roadhouse this coming Friday.
Its a cougar fest there and being a Friday and a New Years weekend should be quite the fun. Am sure some candid photo's be taken.

Cannot resist showing the great Green Xmas we had down here in London, and maybe not much different for a lot of you out there. Went for my annual Xmas day walk, covered 12km and took a few pics along the way, this one from Springbank Park,London,ON

And of course how could we pass a week or even a day with out a Starbucks coffee pic !!

Am now waiting for my GOLD membership card after keeping myself well caffeined for the last few months - took 25 coffee's to get there. All that so i can get a free one on my birthday , oh ya and refills !

Will  break into the New Year and 2012 gently. No muss , no fuss.
I have an idea for a final pic for the year, but will see what the weather is doing on the 31st to see if we can make it happen.

My Canons Back and there's gonna be pictures ! (sung to the tune "My Boyfriends Back - The Angels"

She is back from repair, cleaning and firmware upgrade !
looking shiny and new with the wonderfully gooey Canon 50mm f/1.4 mounted on front.

Definitely a difference between that and the T1i !

That Canon 50mm f1/1.4 can be fun lens to play with on the right occasion, this is great example of Bokeh , Japanese for blur or asthetic quality of the blur.  Only really possible with this type of lens at this close to the subject.
Rain drops on the car window with some stop lights in the background.

Last few weeks has been kinda quiet. Though did get out to see and listen to Moe Chile  play at Coffee Culture, Richmond St,London ON.

Truly great guitar player and singer, and part of a duo called "The Gate".   Did a handful of original material as well as some Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.  He was a connection through other musicians and Facebook.

Moe plays a Carperelli Spirit of 69 in Zebra wood - beautiful piece of wood !!

Only other fun was honorable mention for a photo contest run by Black Rapid Straps (i have one). Nice product that you sling over your shoulder or neck and lets you carry a DSLR and big lens with ease and little fatigue. If you have a big camera and are using the supplied strap, you know how after a day of wanking that around your neck, your ready to drop the whole thing in the nearest dumpster and get  Point and Shoot (small camera). 
It was received for the sunset pic taken at Goderich,ON

You have seen a few pics of me wearing mine.

Here with the Canon T1i and Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8



An alternative to the Black Rapid is a new product I found at Vistek, called the Matin Fast Access Strap. Basically a Chinese clone of the Black Rapid but with neoprene shoulder pad. Little less money and i like the neoprene pad.

Next on the photo agenda is The Lotus Thai Restaurant in St. Thomas,ON.  Had met them at one of the festivals in London this summer, a food purchased turned into would you take pics someday.

V.K. and Pom run the show there.

Try to take some good pics of their food so they can use on their website.  Will be working for food. That's next week , so looking forward to that , something to put on the portfolio.  And maybe credit for free meals haha.

Just a short update, more to come next week after food pics.  And Xmas is around the corner.

Till then....