Movember, Movember – Vistachios Forever

My team, The Vistachios and I have been working hard on growing moustaches, some are sporting better staches than others but we are all doing it for a good cause in support of Prostate Cancer. We are at the half way point of this journey now and I am hoping that I may ask for the support of those who browse my blog. This is the first time I have showed up on my own blog. Rare occasion that a photo is captured of me.

Donations can be made at the following location,
Vistachios Movember Page : Derek Shanks

Your generous support will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

From left to right : Derek Shanks, Jeffrey Segall, Brian Reardon, Mike Avraam
Photo Credit : Gary Goldberg 

Burden – In Remembrance 2009

On this day of Remembrance I could have chosen the usual poppy, cenotaph or remembrance ceremony and I recalled this photograph which brought to memory how much weight the war veterans had on their shoulders, the losses, the tears and the sweat from their energy to forge ahead and build our future.

These veterans had to grow up and mature far faster than any of us today. Losing your friends, leaders and family members in a blink of an eye is something most of us can’t fathom. Then they regrouped and found the strength to keep fighting on for the freedom we enjoy today. As in the past we still carry the burden to uphold and protect that freedom as we remember the fallen who bravely battled for our country and to protect the homelands and rights of others.

In memory of my grandfather
Sgt. Harold Joseph Shanks
of the
West Nova Scotia Regiment
Killed in action September the 8th, 1943

3:44

Timing is everything to complete a shot, at this point on a Tuesday afternoon at 3:44pm a seagull took flight in the path of my lens. It finally completed the shot that I had been working on for a long time over the last year. I have come back to this location on numerous occasions attempting different angles, compositions and techniques. Now I have 3:44 added to the collection thanks to my seagull friend soaring high above.

Trinity Crossing

The voyage of three navigate the calm waters of Lake Ontario on a scorching hot day in Toronto. This was the half way point of a very long walk in Tommy Thompson Park or once known as Leslie Spit. Now that winter is nearing I will be going back through the archives of images that I put on the to do list of editing and conversion.

The Crossing

Underneath the contemporary architecture of Toronto glassy skyline hides an unseen past. This bridge is tucked away quietly within Riverdale Farm and it is amazing to see that structures like this still lead the new world into Toronto’s old.

Silent Ride

Seemingly calm and odd scenes somehow find their way into my collection of imagery. Absolutely no one around to claim their ownership of the wagon, so I took the liberty of time and set up for the shot playing around with different ideas, this was the shot I liked best.

Spirit of Stones

One by one each stone etched with dates along with names unknown to me, all have passed long before my arrival in the Necropolis Cemetery. In the age of passing and in this moment of quiet you can almost feel or imagine spirits of the past who spent their time quietly remembering the soul whose name is permanently marked in their honour. Given the dates of some of these stones one can only imagine that a person who stood here once has since moved onto to join the names and memories that line this path.

At the Edge of Darkness

Beyond the edge of darkness, sadness and loss. There is a glimpse of hope, a glimmer of light that guides our fallen ones who lay permanently asleep amidst the grounds we weep upon. Someday we shall all meet again at the lights guiding path and realize that we only had a brief darkening pause before that smile comes to life again, we realize it was just their time and not yet ours. Wait for that light to come someday, however live for now as we can never foretell what the next day or even the day after will bring.

Kiss of Fire (Danielle Nielsen)

The beautiful Danielle Nielsen from [A Sirens Dream May Come] made her way back to Toronto to shoot with me again, finally after numerous weather related cancellations. However just like the last time we had a fantastic time coming up with ideas on the run and I’ll just stand back and watch her work the magic as I click the frames away. I love when photo shoots are fun and energetic. So much so…. I am waiting for the calendar dates to tick away for her arrival back in town for another session.

Towards the end of our shoot, both Danielle and I were in need of a caffeine fix and lunch and we happen upon Tony Robertson working on his gorgeous beautiful red 1970 BMW 2002Ti. His gracious understanding and offering the use of his vehicle on the spot and last minute was very much appreciated and a highlight of the shoot. Thanks again Tony!

Cyclonic

I was at a toss up as to whether to call this shot something of a mushroom and decided to go different and give it a name of what it actually is, a cyclonic reptition of turns that cycled within about a minute exposure.

Lover’s Orbit

I caught this cute older couple holding onto each other like they probably might have done years ago reminiscing over the fun times of before. Or this could very well be a hot new date and they are feeling like kids again. Either way the sentiment played throughout the duration of my shutter of the Orbiter during its run.

Spirograph

I think that black & white would have been the only thing to make this a phenomenal shot. I left my shutter open for the duration of the ride and it captured a perfect remiscent version of the spirographs I used to create as a kid. The lights of the ride left an interesting pattern for the shot. Sometimes I am lucky to know what is going to happen when the shutter remains open

Play it Again Sam

Anyone who has lived in Toronto or visited may have come across Sam the Record Man’s two spinning record neon light signs. This isn’t the signs that were there on Yonge St. but a closer shot of the spinning carousel at the Canadian National Exhibition, but it did remind me of the old Sam the Record Man logo when I was editing the image.

Spin

A challenge for me is to walk into a situation that would be a colour photographers dream and try to come out with my own vision, style and have it remain black and white. Plus this was the first time I had stepped into a midway and started shooting too. I am happy with the results.
More to come!

Into the Sun

The folks on the swings seemed like they were flying off into the sun. I wanted the people and swings to silhouette against the backdrop of the setting sun. Yet again I was lucky to capture two characters with arms outstretched or up in the air for the added enjoyment.

Revenant Flight

I have had a bit of a hiatus as the weather has been terrible over the last few weeks preventing me from getting interesting themes or shots. The weather held for an evening while I went to the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto for a night time shoot of the carnival midway. Also thanks to my buddy Alex for suggesting the run too.  Carnivals or fairs are usually best known for their fantastic colours, challenging for a photographer that only releases monochrome imagery. I am happy with the captures I have gotten on this evening and excited to share them.

This shot, people on a turning swing, I wanted them to appear that they were on their own flight path without the guidance of mechanics, I happened to luck out with this subject spreading his wings for the flight. One small detail makes an entire photograph. Keep an eye out for the rest of the series.

Remembering a Friend

My annual reposting of this image in memory of my mom. It has been 9 years, but seems like only yesterday that I heard you laugh, saw you smile and some days I wish I could make that long distance call to wherever you are just so I could get that guiding wisdom that you were always great for. 

I think of you often, miss you a lot and hope that one day we can kick back and have a good laugh again. Love you Mom!
You can visit the memoriam that is posted in the Halifax Herald here.

Toronto: Black and White Seminar – Saturday October 3rd 2009

I have just finalized the date for my next seminar in Toronto, which will be an in depth day of shooting and learning how to create digital black and white images. Digital Black & White Seminar – Vistek | Click Here and Register Today! 

Look forward to meeting you there!

Saturday, October 3rd 2009 :
10am – 4pm including a lunch.

Vistek
496 Queen St. E. Toronto, Ontario
416-365-1777

Chasing the Storm

Two days in a row in hopes of capturing lightning for my shots proved unsuccesful and one very extraordinarily wet photographer. Just before this shot was captured the storm front had moved in quickly and while standing on the beach without cover, the winds picked up and what felt like a dump truck of water was thrown at me. I haven’t ever been this soggy and squishy before during a shoot.

I came upon this scene and wanted the long exposure of the storm front to give and eerie effect to the boat. The water was really moving quickly with the wind and I got the shot I was hoping for. Now I am sitting back in warm dry clothes with a coffee and sore muscles from being so heavily weighed down by the wet clothes. Oh the things I do to capture my images!!

Awaiting the Storm

I wanted to do something special today, knowing that a storm was approaching the shores of Lake Ontario I decided to camp out on the waterfront awaiting the right cloud formations, timing and wanted the water to break heavily against the rocks within the shot. I was hoping for lightning to make an appearance for me but just after I captured this shot it started to rain heavily, turning into a heavy downpour. I did soak through two layers of clothing but did enjoy my time in the warm rain for a leisurely Saturday casual stroll in the downpour. The lightning did make its appearance much later when it would have been impossible to shoot.

It was a great afternoon, I got the shot I wanted and it was for a special reason. My Dad who resides in Halifax, Nova Scotia and I am 1700 km’s away and today happens to be his birthday and I wanted to give him something special.

Happy Birthday Pops!!

Dawn of a Siren

A chance meeting in the middle of the night on a Toronto Queen St. Streetcar lead to the meeting of two visually creative people. After learning about each others craft in visual storytelling it was only fitting that my friend Dawn would become a perfect Siren to continue my series. Thank you Dawn for your participation and turning a tossing idea into an awesome reality, these images are a proud addition to the Siren Collection.

Freefall: Calm during Chaos

I let go of everything, relaxed and closed my eyes at 230ft in the air with a direct freefall at a 100kms/hr and felt my first rush of calm. Returned for a second time after feeling this amazing calm and again, I found a relaxing, wonderful and amazing peace as the ride released and let me freefall to the earth at raging speed.

Wanting to continue this new found rush I returned to another ride with staggering and mind numbing statistics. I had taken this ride four times throughout the day and my fifth would be such a calming surprise. The four times before were all about the rush of adrenaline and hype and screams and bragging rights. This time at 230ft in the air, hands up, eyes closed, the cool breeze of the evening flowing through me, relaxed, I let the ride take me 120kms/hr with total trust, confidence and fearless of what was to come. I felt like I was flying as my body flowed with the turns and falls, my mind let the ride set the pace, my relaxation let the speeds, drops, turns become a freeing experience. I found what I was looking for this evening, it was to find a peaceful and calming experience during the chaos of life.

This photograph pales in comparison to the freefalls I experienced, but this water fountain continually falls admidst a very busy chaotic highway exit in Toronto, it reminded of the feeling I enjoyed tonight.

Urban Living

When I go about my shooting times I am always amazed as to what I come across. I love that since I have been shooting that my eyes are wide open at all times and looking for small details. However this scene made me feel all cozy and couldn’t miss that this living room was missing a TV. Not that I watch TV but it would have made this a tad more cozy.

Iconic Surge II

I have captured this shot in two formats. One in a 3:2 standard format and this one in a square format and somehow starting to like this version much better. I like the moving boats in the background as it gives a little more character and placement of this fabulous monument.

Radiant Drift

A late night shoot along the Toronto waterfront near Ontario Place. I managed to grab some amazing shots on this particular evening which are finally coming to light more than a year later. Some times I shoot and just let images sit in the vault until a time comes where I see a different vision or have a different feeling about the capture.

Barrier

The freedom of the water in the distance enclosed by the barrier that supposedly prevents us from jumping unchained. Notice the openings and height of the offending fence as it is easily broken down, but our minds have trained us that an enclosing barrier means that we can not go through or that we shouldn’t. A young elephant is metal chained to a post and an adult elephant is roped to that very same post. Why is that? The young will try everything until taught they can not veer away and then as an adult through trained thought give up the fight. My advice : Try a fresh perspective and break the barriers.

Sunspray

The title should actually read, ‘Son’ spray as my oldest son Ethan stood in the water to allow a capture of this shot. Nothing shows a more summer feeling than water on a really hot day. Ethan and his little brother Liam (my youngest) had a great time splashing about at this cool water park.

Framework

Composing this architectural marvel took a little determination, patience and walking around. This is probably one of the most under rated building attractions in the city as they married contemporary engineering while keeping bits and pieces of the past from Toronto’s old world charm. This is a slight step away from what I have been producing recently but couldn’t resist a great shot.

La Tour

Yesterdays challenge was to travel light and remain resourceful throughout the day, using the landscape around me as a method of stabilizing my camera. This was a blind shot, guessed the compostion and timing of the shot while placing my camera on the ground using my filter case, my blackberry phone and a lens cap to prop the camera on an angle. Amusing to see the response of those around watching my makeshift tripod system, I would have caught a picture of this set up if my blackberry wasn’t so busy holding my Nikon up. The reason behind my mad set up is that this image is a 30 second exposure @ F22.

Waiting Patiently

A continuation of thought, you can remain permanently paralyzed with the opposing current but shifting the thought, the will, the desire will cause a dynamic change to the opposing water that fights you. The victory remains yours once you catch the right shift and make it upstream with a new story to tell.

Losing Myself

Anyone has had a moment in life where they lose themselves being stalled in an upstream battle, these fellas are no different as they will be stalled for eternity awaiting the moment that they might free themselves against the opposing current. Prolonging the battle or shifting slightly in the current will create different effects. I encourage you to try it sometime, it is a liberating experience.

Dark Passenger

What lies beneath the surface of shadows and darkness is something known only to our own minds and memories, we all have a dark passenger that lives within us, what that darkness holds is an individual experience but we always have a light to follow, a guidance, a reprieve that we can hold on to if we fight hard enough.

Broken Age

This is second study of a broken mooring post that would hold boats in place or maybe a dock at one point, not quite sure but one thing that I do know is that these posts have seen better days in their past. When I happen upon a scene in Halifax, Nova Scotia I always wonder how long things have been there for and if my ancestors had seen some of things that I enjoy today.

10,000 Views [Quarter View II]

This is a fitting tribute image to mark the 10,000th visitor to the blog, I wonder how many have used this viewfinder to pan the lake and far off landscape. Naturally my camera felt a little shy and intimidated but both the viewfinder scope and my Nikon warmed up and created a very special image.

Twisted

This is an older shot but a favourite of mine as I love the twisted patterns of the branches leaning away from the frame. As a side note the boardwalk that leads into this twisted framed shot no longer exists. The trees used to grow right out of the boardwalk and was an amazing sight at the time.