Monday, March 30, 2015

The Steep Canyon Rangers

This is my hands down favourite photo from my night with the Steep Canyon Rangers.  Percussionist Mike Ashworth was - unbeknownst to him I think - playing to the camera all night long.

I think this might be one of the best photos I've ever taken - very pleased with this one.

Friday, March 27, 2015

The Steep Canyon Rangers

One of my goals for this assignment was to get a series of black and white portraits of each of the band members.  There are six members of the Steep Canyon Rangers - the percussionist was giving me all sorts of great opportunities; for his portrait check back on Monday!

These photos were made with the Canon 1Dx and my Sigma 150-500 lens.  Black and white RAW file conversion made with Nik Silver Efex Pro software.




Friday, March 20, 2015

The Steep Canyon Rangers

The Steep Canyon Rangers performed in Edmonton and Calgary recently; I was asked to be the house photographer for the Edmonton concert.  I was with the lads from the time the arrived for sound check until after the show and I had free access to do whatever I wanted.  They were kind, enthused, funny and professional at every step; exactly what's you'd expect from southern gentleman.

In this photo (left to right) Charles Humphrey III (base), Nicky Sanders (fiddle), Graham Sharp (banjo) Woody Platt (guitar) Mike Guggino (mandolin) perform at the edge of the stage while Michael Ashworth provides percussion camera right.

Canon 1Dx with Canon 24-70 f/2.8 L lens.  ISO 16000, f/5.6 @ 1/100 sec

Friday, March 13, 2015

Edmonton Federal Building

The restoration and modernization of the Edmonton Federal Building has been widely criticized  and the media has had a pretty good time fanning the flames of controversy by printing itemized cost reports and reminding any one who will listen about scheduling problems and scope creep.  As always, there are those who know the price of everything and the value of nothing.  Those who buy ink by the barrel have a field day with these kinds of projects.

I've toured the whole building and I think when people see it - particularly the handsome public areas - they'll be impressed.  The restored main entrance on the opposite side of the building seen in this view is stunning.  In the fullness of time I believe people will take pride in this building and it will become well used and admired part of the Alberta Legislature precinct.

Friday, March 6, 2015

One Last Look at the PAW Centre

We'll make this the last photo of the Physical Activity and Wellness (PAW) Centre at the University of Alberta.  In this view we can discern the climbing wall in the distance and below (note the red fall protection mat), the repelling platform in the top of the frame and the windows into the fitness are on the right.

The PAW Centre was designed by Group2 Architecture Interior Design and Constructed by Clark Builders.

All photos taken with the Canon 1Dx using Canon perspective control lenses.  I use a Gitzo Explorer tripod fitted with a Really Right Stuff ballhead and Really Right Stuff camera mounting brackets.  The camera is fitted with a Canon remote release.  I took several photos from down on the red fall protection pad which is very thick and very unstable.  Any movement on my part around the camera would cause the tripod to move significantly so for those photos I used the built in timer; I set up the shot, set the timer and moved well away from the camera before the shutter tripped.