A Memorable Event

As a photographer ,  I have occasion to cover a wide variety of events. Yesterday was a really memorable night. After an interview with the Hon. Hazel McCallion, former mayor of Mississauga Ontario, (see previous blog,)  --- Carmela Zita Capeleris' 2nd guest was Consultant, Coach and Motivational Speaker Jon Cheplak.
Mr. Cheplak is the author of "Interrupt the Pattern-The Path to Your Higher Self." He discussed the 3 Secret Principles of Business and Real Estate which was then followed by a Q and A session and book signing.   A very charismatic  speaker exuding high energy  ,  Mr Cheplak was surrounded by fans who eagerly snapped up all copies of his above-mentioned book. This Ultimate Networking Event was a huge success . Thank you Carmela, for making this happen. Your show is always an inspiration.

                                                                 The Interview

                                                  One of many moments of levity.

                                                       The books sold like hotcakes.

                        Men and women alike were eager to meet and talk with the popular guest.

                                                                        The selfie.

An Exciting Event

Last night was Election Night in Canada.   How appropriate then, to cover an event by The Ultimate Networking Group 's Carmela Kapeleris , featuring guest speaker and staunch supporter of the winning Liberal Party, - ---the former Mayor of Mississauga---Hazel  McCallion !
Rick Mercer said of our former Mayor; "Hazel McCallion is unlike any politician in Canada- People actually like her. Hazel's popularity  has endured longer than most other leaders have been alive. She's a force and her life story is fascinating. "  We all listened intently as legendary "Hurricane Hazel" gave us a brief overview of her fascinating life and times. She is 94 years young.
Here are a few shots I took during that interview;

                                  Carmela Zita Kapeleris interviewing Hon. Hazel McCallion

  One of 3 gift the former Mayor received; a                         painting of Mississauga's world famous "Marilyn Monroe" building.

                                                  A light moment during the interview.

Performers at the Rockpile

Over the past little while,  I have had occasion  to hear some wonderful music at The Rockpile  bar and nightclub  in Toronto.   Both emerging artists and seasoned performers showcase their talent  here every 3 month in a venue called La Musique Circle, organized by Deirdre Mallehe.   Entrants can win prizes, including free recording time---a very valuable prize indeed!
Here are just  some of the artists I enjoyed  hearing in recent months.

Lyric Dubee.  Already a music-world veteran at age 16, Lyric has opened for and shared the stage with performers such as Usher, Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo, Lee Aaron and many more top artists. He released his first album at age 12 ,---for which he wrote all the songs. A versatile artist, he is equally at home  playing rock, pop, blues and jazz. In earlier years, he was active in modelling, theatre, dance , ----and acting, which he thoroughly enjoys. However, music is his main focus. At th time of this performance,  his 4th album was near completion.

Alyssa Grace.   Up and coming artist Alyssa sings Pop, R&B.  She was awarded silver and bronze medals at the World Championship of Performing Arts competition held in Hollywood California,  where she signed her first contract with InDaSoul Entertainment. Be sure to check out her terrific music video on You Tube.

Multi-talented Jay T  hails from Mississauga Ontario.  He performs Hip Hop, Pop, RnB.  He is also a rapper, actor and MC.   A mesmerizing performer.

Tori Hathaway.  Tori is just 16 , but no stranger to performing in front of an audience. In fact, you can can see her perform live  at Yonge and Dundas Square  on July 5th . as part of  the all-day celebrations there on that day. Her new CD will be available for sale at the on-site store.
Tori is brimming with charisma, energy and enthusiasm as she performs her own music. Very talented, very likeable.

Harpin' Norm Lucien started playing the harmonica around '68  Over the years he played with a vast variety of musicians.  Though comfortable playing  in an array of styles from folk to swing, he has developed a distinct style of his own. Recently he has added guitar and lyrics to his harp playing. Playing 2 instruments simultaneously -so effortlessly, - just amazed me.

I take great pleasure in photographing these recurring events and am already looking forward to the next one. 

Fashion Show in Honour of a great lady of Fashion

I love fashion and I have modelled in a great many,  in years gone by.  Lately though, since my switch to behind the lens,  I am content to photograph them.
This latest show recently, was close to my heart , as I reconnected with those friends who are still working the runways.   This show was very different  in that it was a Celebration of Life  , in honour of our friend Eda .  Eda Cucakovich had a wonderful career as a fashion model , before turning to co-ordinating and producing major events such as Canada's Bridal Show.
We lost Eda prematurely,  a year ago,  but decided to honour her memory with one last large-scale  show, -just the way she would have wanted it.    Several of Canada's top designers were represented and the evening was a great success.
Here are a few photos I took during the course of this evening of entertainment and fashion.
Hope Eda was looking on with pride.

                                                        List of Participating Designers.

The Perks of Event Photography

A friend, Lucila, just wrote a book and she hired me to capture key images of  her book launch .  Her launch was part of an all-day motivational seminar put on by motivational speakers and best-selling authors Raymond Aaron  and Jack Canfield. The latter sold over 500 million books worldwide. Who has not heard of  "Chicken Soup for the Soul"   co-created by Mr Canfield?  (a collection of inspirational, true stories, about ordinary people's lives.)  It was a great pleasure to meet him.

                                                     
                                                                      Jack  Canfield

I was there to photograph Lucila  introducing her book,--- her  exuberant spirit , her joy as she accepted her award -- but at the same time, I was also privileged to  be sitting in on a great presentation by Raymond Aaron  from whom I learned a lot about branding  and  important keys to success in general.
I had photographed Raymond Aaron once before, -and it was great to see him again.

           
                                           Raymond Aaron presenting Lucila with her award

Who knew a book about real-estate could be so funny? 

Event photography is all about capturing the right moment, unobtrusively.  Lucila will enjoy looking back at this moment in time,  when she sold the 1st copy of her book while elaborating on its title--Is it Time to Buy or Sell?

Genuine Interest.

Dear Friends.
Today I came upon an article that echoes my sentiments perfectly. I just wish I had said it all first.  I am copying this  (including the photo) from a newsletter I received from TriDelta Financial.  See if the message resonates with you too.  I would love some feedback.   For sure, I will listen!     (I would like to think that this, above all, is the extra something that I provide my clients that not all photographers do.    The sympathetic ear, the friendly helpfulness, the genuine caring, the extra time,  an attitude that is not strictly and heartlessly all-business,-- cookie cutter  sessions.
Read on;

"In this fast paced and multi-task world is anyone really listening anymore? With the bombardment of electronic media – it is becoming increasingly rare to find what I call Genuine Interest. When last did you just sit back without the TV on, no cell phone buzzing or music and just

focus on the person with you? This is one way to nurture relationships by really listening and not be distracted by other stuff. If we truly care about others, we should take notice, develop and display 'genuine interest' towards them. There is a big difference between simply listening to people and listening with deep interest. To show you really care it is important to really listen. Think how good you felt when friends showed a real interest in you and what you've been up to. They look you in the eye, ask questions and really connect. How often do we do this to others?" I'd like to think that I do!   Hope you do too. The above applies to photoshoots too.  A successful photography session is one in which the client feels comfortable and relaxed, - photographer and client are genuinely in sync. Only then, can the photographer achieve her aim of capturing the true personality of her client.

Photographing Olga's Birthday Party

Juan threw a terrific party for his wife Olga, on her 50th birthday. With their closest friends, they ate, drank, sang and danced into the wee hours of Sunday morning.  Though hired to capture the fun as a photographer, they also made it clear that I was to consider myself part of the family.
Here are a few photos from that memorable night;

                                         
                                                        Olga enters and sees all her friends.
                                         
                                       

Amid all the hugging, the women's' bracelets get entangled

Olga's cake

Juan wishes his wife a Happy Birthday

A slide presentation begins

Watching the presentation intently.

Feeling all romantic.

Candlelight adds to the romantic mood

Olga's tender moment with son

Spanish guitar music elevates the mood to another level.

Juan unabashedly joins in.

…and the dancing begins, -with a spontaneous  conga line.

NOTE:  Besides having great technical skills, the attitude of the photographer is also important.  A cold, detached strictly-business attitude would not be appreciated.  I truly enjoyed the event, loved the people, and was having fun alongside them. It showed, and thus, I was readily included -as family. This made for good chemistry all around.