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.