SEEING DOUBLE

For me, photographing a child is always fun,  but the other day, it was a little confusing too, --in a fun way.  I got to photograph Emma and Eva, who are , obviously, -twins.
Let's see if you are more observant than I . Can YOU tell who is who?  The first photo will have their names underneath for reference, after that, -you are on your own.

                                             
                                   Emma is on the  left (in pink), Eva  is on  the right, (in blue)

                                                               

  Here, the girls are playing dress-up. Can you tell which is Emma which is Eva? 

Our cheeky little model was keeping me guessing.

 Well, this is easy. I just had to refer back to the first photo;

This is Emma, -I know, because she is wearing pink.

Did they switch clothes in the dressing room to fool me? 

Nah! It didn't occur to them. Thank goodness. 

   My photoshoots are never dull.  Each shoot is filled with  fun and excitement.

I wouldn't have it any other way. 

A JOYOUS WEDDING -----photographer,--Moi

A week ago today, I photographed the wedding of a delightful couple , Dorothy and Chris. I felt honoured that they chose ME for the job of capturing their very special day. As most couples nowadays, they wanted formal photos, as well as informal, photojournalistic ones . So, sometimes I would help with posing and body language (as in the formal shots) Other times, I tried to be as unobtrusive as possible , capturing the action, the mood, from farther away, but getting wonderful close-ups with my telephoto lens zooming in on the couple's happy, loving expressions e.g. at crucial moments during the ceremony as well as throughout the evening. There were great unexpected moments too--such as a group of Ukrainian dancers, wearing colourful costumes, strolling by us at the hotel. They gave us a short, impromptu performance, and the entire wedding party joined in the dance, hamming it up. I of course, had the time of my life, clicking away, for all I was worth. At this point I was thinking; this is so much fun, ....and I am actually getting paid for this? Unfortunately, the weather was not in a festive mood, --it rained cats and dogs---so our photography was mostly confined to the interior of the splendid Old Mill. But since someone pointed out that it is actually good luck to have rain on one's wedding day, no one minded it too much. (Great photos can be made even in the rain, and umbrellas were at the ready, but the wedding party was just having too much fun indoors and soon it was time for the reception. ) At this point my engagement was over and I bid the happy couple adieu. I found post-production on the photos enjoyable , as I got to relive Dorothy and Chris' happy day all over again, while optimizing their images. Here are just a few;

NEVER ON MONDAY!

It started out as a beautiful day, so I thought I would take in a few photography exhibitions, because May is going fast, and CONTACT, the annual photography festival , will soon be over. I had in mind to see the Arnaud Maggs photo exhibit, at the Ryerson image centre. ( I met Arnaud  long ago, during my modeling days.  He was already known as an eccentric ---and I noted that he had this most extraordinary, huge collection of  porcelain dolls. He received high honours as a photographer, --unfortunately posthumously. ---He died about a year ago. )  I took my little Yorky with me as I often do. He is great company, plus he needs to walk as much as I do, now that it's warm out. We sat in the shade on Gould St  by a hotdog stand, and shared a hotdog. So happy! Both of us. But that was to change;  we walked to the door of the gallery.....it was closed!  It was then that I noticed the hours. Monday , the gallery was closed!  So, off I drove, by way of Queen Street.   Workman Arts was on my list, at 1001 Queen St.  I parked ---and as I attempted to buy another parking ticket, I realized that I must have left my Visa card in the parking meter, at the previous location!  Oh nooooo!!!!  I phoned and cancelled the card. Crossing the street, I began looking for street number 1001. No such thing. But this is CAMH territory, --and I was just about ready to be admitted. Especially after I passed one guy talking loudly to himself and then yelling in my direction;  "You're a  f......ing  liar!!!!!"  (of course I did not say a word! )   Anyway, after getting quite a runaround, I finally located the makeshift structure that housed the photography exhibits. Guess what, -----it was closed!
Bad luck runs in threes,--I heard, --but I was determined to see SOMETHING,  so I would not feel I wasted the day. As I continued west along Queen Street, I had a great idea. Why not check out the Gladstone Hotel?  They usually house photo exhibits during the month of May---photography month. So, for the 3rd time, I bought a parking ticket, ---cash this time---no Visa, remember? ----and entered the Gladstone, my tiny dog in my arm.  ( It was too hot to leave him in the car.)  Hurrah,  Monday or not, the exhibition  was open!     But;   the guy at reception took one look at us --me and Rexy---and turned us away.   Fortunately, the manager came by, and............offered to hold onto my killer 5 lb. little  sweetheart, long enough for me to take a peek at the portraiture displayed upstairs. So, I saw impressive  portraits of the likes of Pierre Trudeau,  a black and white portrait of Albert Einstein-made in 1948,  and current celebrities e.g. Justin Bieber-blowing a huge bubble, Scarlett Johannson  etc, from  Macleans magazine's extensive archives.  ( I took a couple of images just on my I Phone, --but I am not sure if I am allowed to share them here.)
Well, I thanked the hotel's manager profusely, his kindness turned my day around. All the same, --I will never again attempt to go to art exhibitions on a Monday . Like hairdressing salons, galleries --at least in Canada,- are closed that day. So, I'm just letting you know folks , remember; NEVER ON MONDAY!
As for the Maggs exhibit, I'll just have to make another trip. I am sure it will be worth it.

                                                                                   
                                                                ARNAUD  MAGGS

CHILD ACTOR GOING PLACES!

10 year old Ellie O'Brien hails from Scotland , where she has already attained a measure of success on
Television and Radio. Some of her credits are;
TELEVISION;
Played the main role in the  "Give me Cycle Space "  national safety campaign commercial for Cycle Scotland 2011/2012
Played the character Theresa, in the ITV drama adaptation of Ian Rankin's novel "Doors Open" , alongside such luminaries as Stephen Fry, Dougie Hensall, Brian McArdie and Rab Affleck (United Kingdom 2012)
RADIO;
National radio commercial for cycle safety Scotland 2012

I really enjoyed photographing Ellie for her new headshot. She was a real pro, totally at ease in front of the camera and totally adept at calling forth a range of emotions, so we captured a variety of moods. Her versatility ,  her natural, relaxed attitude  made her  a  pleasure to work with and I had no trouble capturing her personality (the real purpose of an actor headshot session.)---while also having fun.
Here are the results;

                                                                             
                                                                           

  While the first shot is serious, the second one provides a good contrast, showing  her sunny disposition. For this, I decided to use a white border, keeping the shot light and airy.
  Though patterns and prints are not usually a good idea, rules were made to be broken, they say, and I love breaking rules --when it works.  Ellie's  magnetic personality, her direct gaze captures and holds  the attention of the viewer and all else is secondary.  It is all about the mood.
Wish you much luck Ellie, --I should have asked for an autograph, --it may be worth lots some day!

I JUST LOVE EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY.

Last night, I had the privilege of covering a prestigious event , at the Ed Mirvish Theatre. Known as Toronto PFLAG. It is the annual awards gala, celebrating diversity. The Emcee was Mike Chalut,  --a good friend who has his own show on 103.9FM (The Mike Chalut Show. )
The show kicked off with REVERSE, singing "Glad to meet you"  Other notable acts were by ; Dora Award winner John Alcorn, Lisa Horner, Danielle Wade.
ALLY award recipient , actress Sharon Gless ( of Queer as Folk and Cagney and Lacey  fame, ) was introduced by .......Rosie O'Donnell.  The fast-paced , upbeat show, concluded with a raffle prize draw.
Lots of money was raised, for a great cause.
Here are some memorable scenes from the event:

The theatre where event was held. (Notice the rainbow!)

Mike Chalut , doing a great job emceeing. He is so personable--and soooo funny!

Police chief Bill Blair giving a speech, while...

                                           Sharon Gless and Rosie O'Donnell listen intently.

                                                                               

Rosie, vocal as ever. But not as much as......(singer below)

By her own admission, after being away from the public eye for a while, Rosie clearly enjoyed the limelight.

Sharon's speech was touching. 

The raffle;  Mike draws a lucky number. 

"Oh my God!  I won!!!" she says. 

All too soon though, the evening came to a close  and we dispersed into the night. 

One word of advice to aspiring event photographers; 

Take your tripod ! Don't leave home without it. Often, the use of flash is not permitted. In that case, 

a sturdy tripod will keep your camera steady for the those long exposures.Tripod  or even monopod not 

allowed in either? Try resting camera on something e.g. the back of a headrest, (of an empty seat , in front of you. ---while holding your breath of course! )  Who said event photography was easy?