Burning the City with the Olympic Torch

Olympic Plaza Calgary: Thousands of spectators gathered around the plaza to witness the arrival of the Olympic 2010 winter games torch. It was overwhelming.

I was in the vicinity three hours before the arrival to scout my ambush. It was cold at -3 and I feel kinda fluish. But got to do it, this is the closest I can get from the Olympics… for now. My wife and I decided to split location, she’s at front with a video and me in front of EPCOR a few meters from the plaza’s entrance. I set my foot on the turn hoping the torch will slow down.

My hands were numb and my knees are shaking while I study and try to decide how to attack the situation. I’m torn between a pure documentary and a creative approach. I tested lighting set-up and available light, but at the back of my mind I know it’s now goin to last long. 5 seconds maybe less and it will be over. Aside from the security and the mindless people who are always in front of my lens.

When the torch finally arrived I just set my camera in the highest ISO wide open at 1/30th of a second and hope no one will block me. And as expected, the torch came and went in lightning speed. Fortunately, I ended with some acceptable photographs and some happy accidents.

And yes of course my wife got it on video.

Party Time

16 Jan Crowfoot Calgary Some call it post-Christmas party, to others it’s a pre-valentines, but for me whatever they call it I call it a PARTY!

Performers from the service department

For the complete album CLICK here

The party starts at 6:30 as the poster said. My plan was to come on time, feed my hungry worms, have a mouthful of chat then catch the train by 9:30. That’s the plan. Swish…..out to the bin. We were late. By the time we arrived, the entree is being served and all the appetizers were gone and not a drop of drink aside from water were left.We arrived at nine-ish, thanks to my make-up artist. Hmmm…what to do? Time to pull out my camera and take some portraits while they’re busy.

I can fill these spaces will lots of words but I think you’ll be more satisfied by seeing the photos.

Please enjoy, and if you like what you’ve seen a comment is much appreciated or else place your orders.

Skills of the World Collide in Calgary

Thursday Stampede Park Half of the worlds skillful talents converge in the 2009 Worldskills competition here in Calgary. Compared to sports, this is the Olympic of skills held every two years host by participating countries. Next competition will be held at London in 2011. This will be the last year Calgary will be hosting such an event. I was very fortunate not just because its very near and accessible but also free.

Countries from across Europe, Asia (unfortunately no Filipinos participated) the Americas, and of course Canada showed off their skills in automotive, IT, beauty therapy, food to name a few.

So many things to say, I’ll just say it in pictures.

Samuel Chabot, hairdressing and Caitlin Mayo, confectioner/pastry cook both won the Medallion of Excellence

Congratulations to Team Canada  Isabella Collin for winning the overall GOLD.

For the complete gallery, click here

One of the competitors for dressmaking

Safety covered area for the automotive competition

Calgary Celebrates Pride Week

Sunday 8th Ave SW: A colorful parade is being assembled. Hundreds of people gathered before noon, excited to start celebrating this years Pride Week. While eight blocks away I await for things to happen. Making sure my equipment won’t leave me during the event. Batteries…Check! CF card…refreshed and ready! I’ve decided to use my favorite lens, 100mm, I’ll take portraits. Eight blocks away, I am ready. Eight blocks away, I am lost…again. It took me a while before I realize and got the courage to ask for information. As expected i was in the wrong place, worst I ask my friend and co-photographer “Yuri” (sorry man) to meet me at the plaza. Oh well shit happens, have to make the situation turn to my favor. And for the record I wasn’t late, just lost. Things went out fine in the end.

With all the set backs, the parade finally moved me forward. The festivities was graced by Police Chief Rick Hanson and attended by Alderman Joe Ceci and Druh Farrell. The stage shook like a tree on a windy day when the people crowded the dance floor after the short talks and words of wisdom.

A very hot party

For the full gallery, click here

It was a very colorful gathering. I met a lot of interesting people wearing interesting attires. I never encountered a crowd who loved to be photographed so I loved them back. Nobody was intimidated, in fact they even gave me gestures of approval. Here are some of the photo I took that day.

Camera stoppers, can't help to take a photo

A kiss: I kiss you back

Photo Book: People Photography

This e-book is part of a book I’m working on presently. I decided to publish this digitally for the purpose of landing on a related job.

Please visit “My Work” page to view my portfolio. It will be updated everytime I finish an e-book.

Portrait porfolio: Please CLICK to view the book

Hope you can help me improve my design. Any comment is very much appreciated.