Nina Among the Cherry Blossoms

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Every year at around this time, people flock to High Park in Toronto to see the blooming of the Cherry blossoms. Delicate and lovely, they only last a few days at most. I thought it would be a nice setting for a portrait session with Nina Mason, a teacher and actress with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with in a few Alexander Showcase Theatre productions. In contrast to the newness of the blossoms, I used some decidedly old technology: a 1950’s era Rolleicord III twin lens reflex camera, loaded with Fuji Reala colour negative film. I like shooting this camera with the Xenar lens fairly open, as I like the way the background and corners blur.

There is no new, there is no old; only timeless.

Nina Among the Cherry Blossoms

Old

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Another image from my extended photo walk this past weekend. The camera (Nikon F, late 60’s/early 70’s) was old. The lens (24mm Nikkor wide-angle, mid-late 60’s) was old. The film was some Kodak Max ISO 400, a number of years past its expiration date. (We won’t even mention the photographer!). The building is old. Put all this oldness together, and I like the result. 🙂

Old building off King St Toronto

Frozen Orca’s

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On King Street, east of Dufferin is the remnant of a rail line, likely a spur to service a factory. All that is left now is what you see below. To me, it seemed like a pair of killer whales, frozen in time.

Saturday May 4th002

(Nikon F2, 105mm f2.5 Nikkor lens Tri-x film, developed in xTol 1:1 for 9 minutes)

Finally, back to film!

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It’s been a while, but I finally have a traditional film-based image 🙂

I was out shooting yesterday, with a Nikon F and F2 in downtown Toronto. I’m a sucker for these geometric-based compositions!

Lines and People

Portrait of a Mad Scientist

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I’ve mentioned on more than one occasion how I enjoy shoots where the models are actors. Today’s image features Brandon, whom I had the fun to work with in Young Frankenstein. This image was created to be used in the show, as the basis for a portrait of one of Frederick Frankenstein;s mad scientist ancestors. Brandon did a great job of getting into character immediately, with a perfect expression. 🙂

Brandon

I’m back!!

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Now that the show Young Frankenstein is done, I will have a lot more time for photography! The last few weeks I have had no time for any photography except show-related, digital imagery, but I do have some backstage images I can share. Yes it was a fun show!! 🙂

Having some fun

Smashed

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Firstly, the title of this entry does not refer to a camera!! 🙂

Because of my show involvement I have had next to no time for photography recently, but I did do a promo photo for two very talented ladies (Erin and Mallory) who in addition to being very busy with Young Frankenstein are also putting on a cabaret type show in June. (Highly recommended!!).

The graphic design and post work for this piece was done by the amazing Sharon Zehavi.

Smashed

Project 6-3-1 Update

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Here is another image of Nicole Faye, one of the musicians I am working with for project 6-3-1. This image is a composite of three different images I took of Nicole, allowing her to to in effect channel the Supremes-esque 60’s Motown look.

Nicole Faye Channeling the Supremes

Project 6-3-1

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I am in the middle of a project called “Project 6-3-1” in which I am seeing if I can break into music photography as a sideline business. The name is the plan: I do six engagements for free (as an unpaid internship), three at a heavily discounted price, then one (and hopefuly more) at standard market rates. So far, I am involved in three of the six freebies. If you are a local musician/group (preferably an independent who could use a break) looking for publicity/album cover work, please get in touch!!

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(Singer/Songwriter Matt Simmonds at the recent Toronto VOX 2 Songwriters Circle at the Cameron House)

A Chilly Day

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From a shoot yesterday afternoon. I really like the expression I managed to capture. before my fingers felt like they were too cold to operate the camera.

Cate 1