Video Shoot at the Ottawa Airport

Instead of a boring day in the office, I got to help out on a video production. My back kills but it was pretty fun, meet some great people and I learned a thing or two about what goes on behind the scenes.  "Van do you want to be a Grip for our video Shoot?" I said sure but I had to google what a Grip was. If you don't know, it is a miscellaneous equipment helper guy; holding lights and what not. I almost didn't bring my camera because I wasn't sure if I would have time to take some candids or if I was even allowed. As always, shoot first ask later is generally a good philosophy. Anyhow a  special thanks to Kevin and Mylene of Symphonic Filmworks for inviting me to participate. Maybe one day I will get to be a camera guy with my D800, but until then, here are some stills:

My family

This is a family portrait I took yesterday. I am trying out this CanvasPoP for the first time and hope they deliver before Christmas. Otherwise, I will be empty handed for Christmas and will probably hate them. I am joking but not really.  I am getting one for my mom and dad and one for my grandma. They don't surf the internet and have a very basic reading level in English. So nobody go translating this and telling them what I am doing (Irene!).

Tanya and Doug's Wedding

I photographed Tanya and Doug's wedding on my birthday.  It was a half day in a old style bed and breakfast. It was called the Perth Manor; a real nice building with lots of character. Apparently lots of artists in the area use it for fashion shoots and some films. I also met the owner, who was a very passionate chef who really cares about his food.

This was definitely the nicest group of people I have met, and not just the wedding party. Perhaps it was a smaller group then I usually see at a wedding, but I was treated very well and everyone was very friendly with me. The best thing, was when the news leaked that it was my birthday, everyone got up and sang me happy birthday.  Tanya is also my accountant, and I highly recommend her if you need great advice on how to run your books. I really have no clue and she has been really patient with my zillion questions. Anyhow, just another thank you for my wife Heidi for always helping me out with my photoshoots.

Marta and Matt's Family

Just recently I was contacted to shoot some candid family portraits by Marta. I went over; met the family and had a real easy time doing it.  They already had a few areas setup for the kids to play in and for the family to interact, which made my job very easy.  Glad I met this super nice folks! Here are just a few of my favourites...

Fashion Shoot in Kanata

Last Saturday was my second time working with Jana and Emilia Fashion studio on a fashion shoot in Ottawa. This time it was a beautiful all red collection they are getting ready for Ottawa fashion week. Well, mostly red....you can see more of their collections here: www.janahanzel.com & www.emiliafashiondesign.ca.  Also, thanks to the models Kathy and Allison for making my job easy.  This was my first shoot using the D800 as well; the files are so big I had to get new ram but the resolution is amazing.

Jeff Chan

My cousin Jeff Chan made his debut in MMA this year.  He trains at the Ottawa Academy of Martial Arts.  He managed to give me a bruise for months by just blocking my kick. The only thing stopping him from a great fighting career is probably my aunt; I don't blame her.  Selfishly, I hope there is a second fight.

Fashion Shoot at Maplelawn Gardens

Last Sunday, at Maplelawn Historic Garden, I worked with Fashion Designers Jana Hanzel and Emilia Torabi on a fashion shoot in Ottawa with several pieces they put together.  I really had a fun time because I don't really get a chance to do shoots like this and I must say I really enjoyed it. We worked with models Natalie Osika and Gillian Cochrane from Angie's Model & Talent, and I must say it makes things very easy working with great models who know what they are doing. Also, my post processing was way easier ; thanks make up artist, Ariana Assadi. Finally, I want to give my biggest thanks to a friend I have not seen for 10 years, Lyndsey Mills. She came out and helped me with the shoot and even ended up being a light stand near the end.

BattleReel Commercial

This passed Sunday, I spent a full day participating in this commercial for Battle Reels. It was a long day but it was pretty fun I must say to be an "actor" for a day.  Anyhow, the video debuts this Friday at the Digi60 Seconds Spring Screening. When I wasn't infront of the camera, I managed to document a few shots from the day, and the camera got passed around and even used as a prop...so I got some pretty interesting photos. Anyhow here were some of my favourites out of that camera that day. For more photos check out my Facebook Page.