Freddy's Photos (25/52)

I think technology has gotten in the way. I'm not going to deny, I wouldn't have the career that I do without it, but today I noticed my unbelievable reliance on it to aid my voice in photography. The instant gratification we now get with sharing our photos online shouldn't be the reason for sharing. We share our photos with our online followers to say something, to give a moment to think and be thankful for the world around us. I noticed today that the fleeting use of technology gets in the way of pausing, admiring, and thinking about the moments we observe. I need to spend more time away from my phones and more time just being.

Freddy's Photos (24/52)

Busy times requires a lot of organization, but what happens when disaster strikes and you have to make a change to your plan on the fly? At a recent shoot, all my remote triggers suddenly went dead, leaving me without my plan to use the lights I had brought. So I improvised, by using my speedlight (which I always carry as a back-up) and the on-camera flash. The results weren't the best, but I was able to complete the shoot with some usable results. It made me think more about my pre-shoot routine. Usually I decide, based on the setting, my 1st lighting set-up, but I'm starting to think I need more options going in, rather than changing on the fly like I've been doing. I know I need to remain flexible, but some further planning can't hurt. Luckily the lesson was learned on a low-stakes shoot, next time I may not be so lucky.

Freddy's Photos (23/52)

Sometimes I see the world in a series of photos - it's like a photo album is moving at top speed through my mind as I catch interesting sights throughout my day. But as I start to delve more into video projects, the photo album in my head is slowly starting to change into a movie. Today, while discussing a possible project with a friend, I couldn't stop thinking about how I would film the piece. It was unstoppable. I suppose it's like what happens when a musician gets inspired to write a song, at that moment, they MUST write the idea down as it happens. I'm learning to tap into this inspiration by writing down every idea that comes through. I think this means, I'm learning to become an artist.

Freddy's Photos (22/52)

Taking control of your set the moment someone steps into it is so important. I believe in having complete control of the process if my name is on the line for delivering the end product. I find the best way to do this is to be over-communicative with your artists. Tell them exactly what you expect, what you're looking for and above all when those expectations change. Compliment them on work well done the moment it happens, so they can learn from the process and above all if you need something different, tell them why. I need people to want to work with me, and if they get nothing out of the process, the reason for repeat business dwindles significantly. It's a simple concept, but something that can make the job go so much smoother.

Freddy's Photos (21/52)

One of my favourite moment of a dance show is the moment before the door opens and an empty stage sits ahead of me. It's almost like I've been able to see what's behind the curtain before the curtain is even built. It's also a moment to collect my thoughts about what I am about to shoot. Sometimes I only get 30 secs, sometimes I get 1/2 hour, but in that time I have to decide what is important for the night. Sometimes it's the entire stage, sometimes it's just a hand.  But I do need those moments to decide.

Freddy's Photos (20/52)

Sitting in Montreal this week working with some creative people  - it's the strange double reality that exists for me, supporting a full- time job in advertising and working on my passion for photography. But a week like this also gives me a chance to stretch my creative brain in a different direction which can only mean good things for my photography. Recently, I've continued to stretch to find new ways to shoot live dance performances.  But there are some performances where all I need to do is be a witness and enjoy. Any show that I've been to by the Toronto Rhythm Initiative (TRI) has been that kind of show, mainly for the dancers coming alive on stage. I may be continuing to stretch creatively, but I will never stop enjoying these shows.

Freddy's Photos (19/52)

It should be no surprise to those that know me, or those that I share dance class with, that I'm obsessed with sneakers. Every time I pass a sneaker store, I have to stop and just "look", which often results in a purchase. I love shoes that are bright, reflect my mood, but above all are comfortable. I'm sure comfort is not something that you would expect a sneaker connoisseur to list (after all, isn't it about HOW they look)? But if I can't dance in them, they will never see the light of day. Comfort in an emotion I've been striving to achieve with photography. If you are comfortable with your skill and your ability to problem solve, you are probably better than 50% of the pros working today. However, I NEVER want to be comfortable with the final images I produce, because to me that shows that I am done learning. That's as bad as never buying another pair of sneakers.

Freddy's Photos (18/52)

As the night's are getting colder, I feel like I'm back in the swing of creativity with dance photography. Since vacations this summer, I've been madly working, planning and shooting to get into my next projects. I've started to expand my horizons by taking on some more video and design work to see how far I can take my photographic skills into the art world. And it's been a fantastic few weeks so far. I've got lots more planned for the fall, but what's exciting is just the possibilities of more creation. The fire is definitely there.

Freddy's Photos (16-17/52)

I don't know why it took me so long to decide to take a 7-day solo vacation to the gorgeous state of Utah. But I'm so glad I took the leap of faith, turned my cell phones off (yes - multiple) and took some concentrated ME time. I was fortunate to be with some fantastic guides that not only helped me physically scale mountains, but mentally regroup and focus on what's important. Even taking a break from photography was an important step to re-look at the world with fresh eyes.  I am reminded to never take moments like this for granted, and to take moments in my day to breathe it all in. Then again, it's easy when you have vista's like this in front of you. The challenge is to breathe that deeply and concentrated day to day, but luckily I have photographs to keep reminding me.

Freddy's Photos (15/52)

At work, I often have to take the role of an extrovert - speaking my mind in front of full rooms of people. On my own time, I prefer being an introvert - spending time alone is needed for me to fuel my creativity. Photography, is a continuous balance beam of these 2 extremes of life. Working in the pit of a show, it works best for me to remain introverted - completely concentrated on what is going on around me. But when I deal with clients in the studio, I have to let myself become more open to those around me to achieve the best work and exude more extroverted qualities. Because of this constant shift, I need to take moments away from trying to create images, just to let my mind breathe. And this weekend I chose to breathe in a hammock, in the Canadian wilderness. It doesn't get better than that.

Freddy's Photos (14/52)

This week has been about listening carefully to world around me.  And as visual as photography is, I find it extremely aural as well. To capture these sounds is extremely difficult, especially with some of the performance photography I've been doing lately, but when I "hear" the photo, I know I've succeeded. Sometimes I don't even know success till I'm at home editing, but I'm learning to recognize them earlier on and not let the moments pass me by.

Freddy's Photos - 13/52

I spent this weekend at my cousin's camp for "family day" when all the families get to check in on their campers, and see how they are doing. I had a moment where I had a flashback to my 11-year old self, having fun in the summer and wondered what I would tell myself at that age. The only thing I would remind myself is to just have fun every day. Ignore those people that don't want to be around me and find those that are willing to laugh and enjoy each day. It's actually the same advice I would give myself today.

Freddy's Photos - 10-11-12/52

Sneakers and Spas - what else could a girl want?

While I was spending my time refreshing the creative needs at a spa, I forgot to find time to write, so I'm cheating this week and combining a couple of fantastic sights over the past few weeks into 1 post.

 As a sneaker head - I choose my shoes carefully based on a few factors (1) colour (match the outfit) (2) comfort (3) the last time they've seen the light of day. I believe my sneakers say a lot about me. They are colourful, unique, and I always seek out something I've never seen before. I find the more I'm shooting similar situations, I approach it the same as I do my sneaker choices. (1) colour (2) comfort - how does the photo make me feel? (3) when was the last time I took a photo like this? bonus points for the answer "never".

And what do spas have to do with photos? I think spas have to do more with taking some time out of always being connected to my devices than the actual art of photography. After 3 days of heavenly departure from the real world, I was glad to have my camera back. I appreciated it a lot more, and was excited to be able to capture the images that I love. It also put me in such a calm mood, I was able to approach a busy shooting schedule with a lot of energy.  Everyone, regardless of their own pursuits, should always take time to breathe and recharge - and buy a new pair of sneakers.

Freddy's Photos (9/52)

I realize what a different person I've become because of dance. Recently, on a trip to Chicago, I was sightseeing around the famous "Marilyn" just north of the river in front of the Chicago Tribune building.  Around the square were typical tourists, but off to the corner, were 3 young men dancing their hears out for each other.  It was a style I wasn't familiar with, so I decided to go over and ask them about it. "Footwork" is what they were doing (essentially, house steps on speed) and I was fascinated. They let me hand around to photograph them and ask them questions about dance in Chicago.  Without dance as my in, I wouldn't have gone to speak to them. The photos aren't my favourite, by my memory of meeting these great guys and learning something about dance is.  It's such an open community around the world, I'm just so glad to be apart of it.

Freddy's Photos (8/52)

More and more I'm taking photos on the street with my iPhone. In fact, it's become one of the most common sights all over the place, with others using their smart phones are cameras. And why not? They are always available, easy to use and we can share instantly. But after the novelty of taking photos of your meals wears off, how do you make the photos interesting? Toronto never leaves me wondering this. There are always sights around every corner that I just need to stop and capture. I love being able to instantly make and image and share it with friends and family around the world. And I will continue to do so, until a new technology comes out.

Freddy's Photos (7/52)

As a photographer, we love to control light. We look for it in the darkest corners, we bring it everywhere we go, we pack extra. But some of my favourite photos are when I can't control it at all.  Performances have some of most difficult and dramatic light that I have to work with.  But these unpredictable moments are some of my happiest accidents. I've learned to look for colour, and shapes, not just the perfectly lit scene.  Not a bad parallel to living life. If you wait perfection, sometimes you just might miss some great colour.

Freddy's Photos (6/52)

I have a painting in my room that expresses the word "Play" in 3 languages. I did it the first week that I moved into my apartment. I needed to remind myself that even though I was continuing to grow up and exude adult behaviours, I couldn't forget to continue to listen to my child side. I also try to remind myself of that when I take photos. Items that catch my eye often make me laugh, or smile, which is one of the most childish responses I have. So even though I continue to run a business like an adult, it's my childhood curiosity that keeps it interesting (and I laugh every day because of it).

Freddy's Photos (5/52)

I grew up on a sailboat. My earliest memories were either on the boat, leaving a trail of peanut shells in the water, or jumping all over the boat mattresses in the winter when they were stored in my basement. Some of my best vacation days have been on boats. A fortuitous 24 hours journey from Malaysia to Thailand amongst friends over Christmas. A 3-day unforgettable adventure in the Whitsunday's (Australia) experiencing the Great Barrier Reef first hand. I have this sense of calm and exhilaration when I'm on boats now. It's actually the exact same feeling that I have the moment just before I hit the shutter button to a photo I know is going to be good. The circumstances are always different (as have been my sailboat journeys), but the feeling is the same. It's that split second moment of knowing something special is happening. It's those feelings of accomplishment that drive me to keep taking photos.

Freddy's Photos (4/52)

My clock radio goes off tuned to a popular station every morning. My iPhone is constantly playing the latest song I downloaded while I commute to work. Most evenings, I'm in a dance studio grooving to inspirational tunes.  I remember those days when Motown was being played throughout my childhood house, and singing along loudly as soon as I could work out the words.   Now, as an adult, there is nothing more inspirational than seeing live music. There is something about the collective enjoyment of talented people on stage that just makes me so happy. I guess in some ways, everyone wants to be a rock star. And my singing along from my seat is my way of living out this dream.   It's why I go to as many live shows as I can. The camera is always with me. What's better than being a rock star? Being a part of the rock star's entourage. Maybe I'll never be on stage entertaining people, but I could possibly one day be documenting them.

Freddy's Photos (3/52)

Sometimes it only takes a moment to stop and be thankful for what I have. I had one of those moments today, as I was celebrating Mother's Day with my mom. I have no idea what the conversation was, I'm not even sure what I was thinking about, but for one moment we didn't say anything and I was thankful for being a part of an amazing family. Both my parents were individually, strong people. They both had their own way of teaching me life lessons, and it's on days like this that I thank (both) them for what I have now. It's not specific lessons that I learn now, it's moments. And laughing with my mom over her inability to relax in a pedicure chair was today's. So thanks mom, for sharing all these moments!

Freddy's Photos (2/52)

I have had a few interesting philosophical conversations over the past few days with some very intelligent people. However the theme of searching and the need for balance in life (and in people) seems to be the crux of all these conversations.  I have thought a lot about what makes a fantastic photo, and balance seems to be the crux of that as well.  It's not just the physical aspects of it, but the emotion that comes from the moment before and after the photo is taken. Some of my best photos have come from those balanced moments and I have learned to know when those moments occur.  It's also why I take photos every day. You never know when those moments will occur, or when they will occur again. But the good news is, I know they will keep occurring.

Freddy's Photos (1/52)

My dad loved photography. I remember every trip he took, a camera came along. For those trips that he took without the family, he would bring back photo after photo of the same vista, just so he could get the perfect shot. He bought me my first SLR camera, and took me out shooting the Hong Kong skyline as often as possible to show me how it worked.  I thank (and blame) him for my obsession about taking photos every single day.

I know he would be really proud of what I've accomplished so far in my photography career, so it's only fitting on what would have been his 70th birthday, I'm dedicating my next project (and this blog) to him. My original intention of this blog was to air out what I was learning while I was starting to seriously study and produce photographs. But, now, I feel like I need to take a little more time to celebrate what he gave me: my love of life and the pursuit of trying to share that love with as many people as possible. So this is my dedication to move this blog into a 52 week project. Every Sunday I will post a photo from my week, and hope that the images evoke, if nothing else, a smile of how lucky we are to be alive.
I know your smiling, Dad.