Welcome to my photo gallery. The older pictures were taken with a Canon Rebel XTI or 50D, and the more recent ones were with a Nikon D300. I hope you enjoy them.
- Portfolio Photos- Musician Series
Well, it's been a long time since I posted to this website. However, I am going to try to change that, so I thought a good place to start would be a sampling of photos from the portfolio I did for the photography program at Humber College. These photos were all taken between September 2010 and June 2011; some were in my home studio and some were on location. Special thanks to the musicians who agreed to let me take their photographs. I hope you enjoy them. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and George Thurgood.
- Trip to BC
The summer flew by incredibly fast, but Anna and I managed to get a week out west at the end of August to visit Granny and Grandad in the Okanagan. We had a very enjoyable time, the weather mostly co-operated, and I got a few images. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and Eduardo Lis Latino Jazz Project.
- Hamilton Waterfalls
It has been a while since I posted to this website, but that does not mean I have not been taking photographs! I have lots of images to post, and will try to get them up here soon, but I thought I would start with the most recent ones. A couple of days ago, a fellow Humber photography student, Shinjiro, and I went on a photo trek to some of the beautiful waterfalls on the Niagara Escarpment around Hamilton. Here are a few of the images. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and George Thurgood.
- Maritimes Motorcycle Trip
At the beginning of July I had the opportunity to get away for a 10 day trip to the Maritimes on my motorcycle. It was great; the weather was ideal, the riding fantastic, especially the 300+ kms of the Cabot Trail. The route went roughly from TO to Riviere-Du-Loupe, Fredericton, Charlottetown, Cape Breton Island, Halifax, then back to TO. The photos are a combination of snapshots and more scenic images. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and Eduardo Lis Latino Jazz Project
- Sara Dell at The Rex
I caught a very enjoyable set by this singer/pianist on Saturday, March 20th, and captured a few images of her in performance. Unfortunately, the light was very poor, so the photos are a bit grainy, but I think they capture her expressiveness fairly well.
- Toronto Wind Orchestra at the Music Gallery
These are some photos of the Toronto Wind Orchestra in rehearsal and performance at the Music Gallery on February 20, 2010.
- Ice Climbing At Tiffany's Falls
As a little outing and shooting project, I went to Tiffany's Falls, near Ancaster. The frozen falls were spectacular, awash with colour, and accessible at the base. While I was there a young couple came to do some ice climbing, and agreed to let me photograph them. Ashley and Eric (hope I got the names right- sorry if not) were very pleasant, and it was Ashley's first time ice climbing. She did a great job. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and Eduardo Lis Latino Jazz Project.
- Hollywood Portraits of Anna
A recent project was to shoot portraits in the classic 1940's Hollywood style, with more dramatic lighting and contrast. While most of the photography students chose to do something in the George Hurrell style, I decided to use my favorite subject in a Shirley Temple/child star style. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and the Kalais Trio.
- New HDR Images
As part of a project, I shot some images with the intention of processing them as HDR (High Dynamic Range) photos. This technique gives a nice illustrative effect. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and George Thurgood.
- Anna In Colour
As a part of a project, I had to shoot some images which included prominent colours. A perfect opportunity to get a few new photos of Anna.
- Church's Falls
As a little side project and outing, I hiked into Church's Falls, up near the Forks of the Credit River. The trail was well packed, and in spite of the frigid temperatures it was an enjoyable afternoon. The freezing temps also resulted in some pretty spectacular ice formations. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and Jamie Thompson.
- Photo Study: St. James Cathedral
As a little project to keep my shooting skills up over the holidays, I did this study of the magnificent Anglican Cathedral in Toronto. I have fond memories of performing a concert there several years ago. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and the Kalais Trio.
- New Year's Eve Bands at Mitzi's Sister
I had a very enjoyable New Year's Eve with my friend and long time colleague Jamie Thompson, and managed to catch a few photos of the bands playing at the club we were at. I'm afraid I didn't get the names of the bands though.
- Leyland Gordon Sextet at the Rex
I caught a good jazz set by this group at the Rex on Wednesday, and got a few photos as well. Plenty of expression both musically and visually. Leyland Gordon- guitar, Victor Bateman- bass, Robbie Botos- piano, Mark Kelso- drums, Allan Heatherington- percussion, and Richard Underhill- sax.
- Chinatown and Kensington Market
I did a little photo essay on Chinatown and Kensington Market to keep my shooting sharp over the holidays. Such diversity in only a few blocks. The photos are in the order taken, starting on Spadina, through Kensington, along Dundas to the AGO. Slideshow music is appropriately "Partido Alto De Spadina", by Bruce Redstone and Eduardo Lis Latino Jazz Project.
- Winter Images from Edward Gardens
I got out for a bit of shooting at Edward Gardens last week. The photos are different from the summer images, but still beautiful in their own way. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and George Thurgood.
- St. John's Church panoramas
Here are a couple of panoramas of the church, and a few macros of the yard.
- Anna's Ballet Class: Open Parent Viewing Class
Anna's ballet class at the National Ballet School holds one class per term which is open for parents to observe and take photographs. This took place on December 12, 2009. Anna loves ballet, and is doing very well at it.
- Anna's School Christmas Presentation
Anna's grade five class did a Christmas presentation today, and Anna had a ballet solo in it. It was a very enjoyable and well done production, and Anna did a great job on her solo!
- More New Photos!
Since my last upload, I have taken quite a few photos for my course work. Here are a few of them. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and Eduardo Lis Latino Jazz Project.
- New photos from college!
It's been quite a while since I have posted photos on phanfare, but that doesn't mean I haven't been shooting. As you may know, I am enrolled as a full time student in the photography program at Humber College. I have been thoroughly enjoying the program, though it is a lot of work. Here are a few of the photos that I have submitted for various assignments. Some of them are shot for technical reasons, but hopefully still have some creative interest. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and George Thurgood.
- Summer motorcycle photos from Algonquin Park
My cycle buddy (and outstanding percussionist) Richard and I did a run up to Algonquin Park this past summer, and I snapped a few pics of the bikes. Outstanding machines!
- Freakshow on the Street- Buskerfest
After capturing a few images at last year's Buskerfest, I thought I should try again this year to get a few more. There are always some interesting things to see there. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and George Thurgood. Viewing slideshow is highly recommended.
- Adventures in BC
Anna and I made a quick trip out to BC on short notice, to visit Granny and Grandad at the cabin. We had a good time, and even managed to fit in a day of fishing. Thanks very much, Folks! Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and Eduardo Lis Latino Jazz Project.
- Port of Toronto Study
In seeking subject matter for HDR photographs, I made a trip to the waterfront on a somewhat gray day, and came across these scenes. Viewing slideshow in full screen is highly recommended to see the detail of the HDR. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and the Kalais Trio.
- BAPS Shiri Swaminarayan Mandir study in HDR
While on a motorcycle ride recently, I discovered this masterpiece of Hindu religeous architecture. The detail in the carving on the outer walls is incredible. It is even more impressive inside, but photography is not permitted inside. The administrators and staff were very friendly and gracious. It has an excellent museum, and is well worth a visit. All the photos are HDR (high dynamic range).
- HDR photos of the Champ, etc.
Here are a few HDR (high dynamic range) photos I took recently. HDR technique uses several photos taken at different exposures, combined using software. The result is a bit richer in appearence than a single exposure. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and Eduardo Lis Latino Jazz Project.
- Anna's Class Beach Vollyball Trip
For an end of the year treat, Anna's class went for a day of beach vollyball. A good time was had by all. What a great way to end the year. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and Eduardo Lis Latino Jazz Project.
- Anna's 10th Birthday Party
We celebrated Anna's 10th birthday a bit early this year. She wanted to have a tea party in the back yard, just a very small gathering with two friends, Emma and Nadia, and fortunately the weather co-operated. I did a few portraits of her in her dress before the party. Thank you for the dress, Granny and Grandad.
- Bruce's Saxophone Students Recital
The final concert for my saxophone students was on June 7th. I was very pleased with the concert, and proud of all my students. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and George Thurgood.
- Anna's Piano Recital
Anna's year end piano recital was on Saturday, June 6th. She played two pieces, and I think she did a great job. There are also some photos of her teacher, Ann Edwards, and some friends children playing in the recital.
- Cawthra Adamsom Estate in HDR
I have been experimenting with high dynamic range photography (HDR) lately. It is a bit tricky to get good results with, but I think I've found a way. The main building is a single photo made from 5 exposures that I think turned out well. It had a bit of processing in photoshop to bring out the contrast. It is best viewed in full size. The other two are 3 exposure photos.
- Awesome Hippo Sequence
On a recent trip to the Toronto Zoo, I was looking at the hippos, when one decided to put on a bit of a show for me. I must admit that I kind of messed up the composition of the last couple of frames of the sequence, because I was using a 70-200 mm zoom, and through the viewfinder of my camera it looked like the hippo was going to swallow me whole! This hippo definately needs to floss! The slideshow is best viewed full screen.
- Photo Study: St. John's York Mills Churchyard
At church last Sunday, we were made aware of some of the rich history of the churchyard at St. John's, and I was inspired to do this study. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and the Kalais Trio.
- Anna: Portraits Of A Ballerina
After the last of Anna's ballet recital performances on Thursday, we did a little photo shoot while she was still in her costume and make up. I think she makes a beautiful ballerina! Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and Jamie Thompson.
- On the Ridge Road
I took a motorcycle ride along the Ridge Road, just east of Hamilton, yesterday. A few interesting photos were had, including Ball's Falls. Some of these are in HDR format. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and Eduardo Lis Latino Jazz Project.
- Anna's Ballet Recital May 20, 2009
Here are a few photos of Anna's year end ballet recital. She did a great job, and we are very proud of her. Unfortunately, we were seated in a poor spot for photographs, and the lighting was difficult as well, so the shots are not too clear. However, it's a nice record of the event.
- Forks of the Credit: Study in Black and White
A jaunt on the motorcycle produced this short study of the area near the Forks of the Credit, a stunning gem of landscape. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and the Kalais Trio.
- Images of Detroit
I just returned from Windsor, adjudicating at the music festival there, and my hotel room looked across the river to Detroit. I managed to get a few photos between the rain storms. There are also some photos from the drive to Windsor. The colours in the sky were pretty amazing. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and George Thurgood.
- New Spring Growth In Black And White
Here are a few photos of budding trees and flowers. Spring- thank goodness.... Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and George Thurgood.
- Architecture Study
Here is a series of photos I took of some historic and recent Toronto architectural landmarks. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and Eduardo Lis Latino Jazz Project.
- Tulips
I was given a lovely bunch of tulips at the Passiontide concert last week, and thought they made a nice little photo study. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and the Kalais Trio.
- Sepia Saxophone Study
Here are a few macro photos of my Selmer alto and Yamaha tenor saxes in a sepia theme. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and The Kalais Trio.
- Passiontide concert at St. John's York Mills, April 5, 2009
Here is a video of two pieces I performed with the choir of St. John's, directed by Robin Davis, with William Omeara on organ. The first is Agnus Dei by Paul Halley, the second is the Son Of God Mass by James Whitbourne, which is divided into three parts to facilitate uploading.
- Hiking at Cheltenham Badlands
We had a nice hike a couple of weeks ago up at the Cheltenham Badlands, an unusual geological formation near Belfountain. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and Eduardo Lis Latino Jazz Project.
- Toronto Police Memorial Study
I am always moved by the people who make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of public duty. I photographed this as a tribute to all the men and women who work to keep us safe and free. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and George Thurgood.
- Nature Study- Flowers and trees
Just a few photos of some beautiful flowers given to us by friends (the orchids from Kirko and Rachel-thanks!), and a few shots from a recent walk during a lovely sunny day. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and George Thurgood.
- New Pictures of the Holocaust Memorial
I felt something was missing from the group of photographs I took of the Toronto Holocaust Memorial, so I revisited it today, and came up with this short study. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and George Thurgood.
- Sean Bray's Peach Trio at the Rex
My good friend, Sean Bray, is playing at the Rex every Wednesday in February. I caught a set on Feb. 4th, and it was excellent music. All original tunes from his cd "This One's A Peach", available on iTunes. Check them out if you are in the area. Slideshow music by Sean Bray, from the aforementioned album.
- The Benny Taryan Benefit w/ Seva
My recent skiing buddy, Frank (father of Mia, in my daughter's class), and his band, played a benefit for a young fellow striken with a debilitating spinal illness. It was an enjoyable evening with some good R&B music, for a truly worthy cause. As usual, the lighting was poor (typical nightclub), so the photos looked best in sepia. Slideshow music by Bob Berg.
- Images Of Vancouver, Through The Fog
On my recent trip to Vancouver, administering music exams, I attempted to capture some images of Vancouver. Unfortunately, every day was socked in with thick fog, making shooting difficult. I did capture these photos of a few landmarks, through the fog. Perhaps these are the true images of Vancouver... Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and George Thurgood.
- Hogtown Syncopators at the Rex
I managed to catch at set by Jay Danley and the Hogtown Syncopators on Jan. 9th. Very good traditional style jazz. Jay and I played at the Montreal Jazz Festival a few years ago with Eduardo Lis and Latino Jazz Project. Slideshow music by Don Byron.
- Motorcycle Show- vignette study
At the winter motorcycle show, I decided to do a study of the bikes using a blurred vignette effect. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and Eduardo Lis Latino Jazz Project.
- Toronto Holocaust Memorial at Earl Bales Park
I was very moved by this memorial to the victims of the Holocaust. It reminded me of the strong emotional impact I felt when I visited the ruins of the concentration camp at Dachau in 1996. "Those who can not remember the lessons of history are doomed to repeat it." Santayana. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and George Thurgood.
- Motorcycle "faces"
I made my annual pilgrimage to the Toronto Motorcycle show, and got a different idea for a photo study of some of the bikes. They all have quite a bit of personality...
- Rose study
Carol received a beautiful bunch of roses from the family of a patient, and I took the opportunity to photograph them in a macro study. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and the Kalais Trio.
- Anna's visit to Santa
We went to the mall to check out the jolly old elf- I figured a little brown nosing on my part could only help at this point...
- Humber Bay Park 2008
Just a couple of photos from a pleasant walk during a break in the unpleasant weather of late. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and George Thurgood.
- Griffith-Hiltz Trio at the Rex, Nov 27/08
A fine trio of guitar, sax/bass clarinet, and drums, caught live at the Rex on the evening of Nov. 27, 2008. Slideshow music by Bob Berg.
- Pat Labarbera Quartet at the Pilot- sepia study
Here are some photos of Pat's group taken on Saturday, Nov. 22nd at the Pilot Tavern in Toronto. The lighting was very poor, so the photos looked best in a sepia effect. What an great player. Slideshow music by Pat Labarbera.
- More autumn scenes 2008
Here are some new pictures of autumn scenes, including the first real snowfall of the season, and a black and white series of the rail line crossing Old Weston Road. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and Eduardo Lis Latino Jazz Project.
- Autumn 08 Colours
Autumn has such wonderful colours. Here are a few images from this year. Slideshow music performed by Bruce Redstone and George Thurgood.
- Royal Winter Fair 2008
We went to the Royal Winter Fair today, and Anna had a great time feeding the animals. Slideshow music performed by Bruce Redstone and Eduardo Lis Latino Jazz Project.
- Union Station sepia study
Union Station in Toronto has a classic beauty that I feel is complimented by a sepia treatment. Slideshow music performed by Bruce Redstone and George Thurgood.
- Haloween 2008
Slideshow music performed by Bruce Redstone and George Thurgood.
- Anna's Centerpiece
I went to the TEGH gala on Friday, and brought Anna the centerpiece from the table. She couldn't resist a bit of fun in front of the camera. Slideshow music performed by Bruce Redstone and The Kalais Trio.
- The Rex- Don Byron/Michael Occipinti
Don Byron guested with Michael's group at the Rex. A great night of jazz. Slideshow music by Don Byron.
- Toronto Images
These images are of various events and scenes in and around Toronto. Slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and Eduardo Lis Latino Jazz Project.
- East Coast Images
These are photos taken during our summer trip through Quebec, New Brunswick, PEI, and Nova Scotia. A beautiful part of the country. slideshow music by Bruce Redstone and the Kalais Trio.
- Guitar Concert at Toronto Jazz Festival 2008
Here are some photos of an amazing concert featuring three great jazz guitarists: John Abercrombie, Mike Stern, and John Scofield. As an added treat, Mike Stern jammed with John Scofield at the end of his set. Fantastic! Slideshow music by Bob Berg with Mike Stern.