Moment of the day...

Today, it was 38 degrees here in Swaziland - plus humidity, and with very little wind. (I know you windchill sufferers will groan, but trust me...this is way too hot, when you're not used to it, for manual labour!)

So, I took many breaks to play with the kids of Enaleni, just to escape the heat. One particularly quiet girl was just happy to be by my side and hold my hand while we watched the chaos of a rousing soccer game. I started drawing shapes in the sand with my toe, just to pass the time - pretty much absentmindedly, while watching the action.

When I looked back down at my new friend, I realized that (like many children), she'd been mimicking my every move, and traced a heart with her toe. Yes, it makes a great picture that I couldn't help but capture. But more importantly, it makes an unforgettable print on my own heart that I'm happy my quick photog reflexes could share.

Of Marshes and Farmers

Well, we arrived in Africa today and two thoughts immediately hit me: 1) dang, that sun is hot! 2) It's so green here I'm almost blinded! (compared to white, white, and gray Winnipeg winter)

But as we drove the five hours across the South African countryside to our final destination, Swaziland, I was struck by a much deeper thought. I noticed that wheat and corn fields dotted the landscape, that I knew the name of flowers along the roadside (cosmos, my fav, line the ditches!) Here there was red dirt and green fields, just like in PEI. There are some prairie meadows dancing in the breeze. Here a field of muted greens, browns, and purple - just like the moors we visited in Scotland. There, pothole wetlands just like the coulees of Saskatchewan.

With all these memories, it's no wonder I got a bit lost in space and time (although it could also have been the fact that I was riding in a bus that had the heat stuck on, in plus 35 degree weather!) But it made me wonder what, other than the simple colour of our skin, makes us so different from the people we are coming to serve?

Shooting moving targets...

...is fun, yet challenging, as I discovered this past weekend. N was racing our dog, Rufio (a shepherd cross) as part of the ski joring competition at the annual City of Lakes Loppet in Minneapolis.

Our team of 4 Canadians headed south of the border to represent, and we did great! (results) We were so proud of our Ruf and N in their first big race, coming in 14th in his class and 5 minutes ahead of the average!

It was a great opportunity to practice some very fast-paced event photography. With a loaner 70-200mm lens (thanks Tim!) in tow, I set out to capture some of the excitement (and mayhem) of the pre-race corral and the mass start. It was chaotic to try and find my chosen subjects in a sea of cross-country-ski-gear clad guys, never mind obtaining an accurate focus!

Before I knew it, I had to book it over to the finish line (I literally had to run...these dogs are fast!) in time to capture our guys coming across the finish line. I'm sure glad I took the time to stake out my location before the race began.



Cudos to all the organizers and racers... I'm looking forward to next year!

If you like what you see, please find out more about ski joring in Manitoba.

I'm on fire!

Well, not quite...although I do have a few new holes in my jacket thanks to some sparks.

Yes, last night was our annual tree burning party - that annual festival where we watch our long-beloved holiday traditions and memories (oh! the turkey that has now made it's way to my thighs. Oh! the dysfunctional gatherings. Oh! the childhood tantrums of toys and dreams not found amidst the wrapping clad carnage under the tree.) burning up in a fireball of dazzling proportions. A time to reflect on the year that was and drink enough beer to not care about the year ahead.

At least this year it was cold enough to chill our beverages of choice upon immediate contact with the arctic air. Global warming my ass!

But, this year's annual "terrify the neighbours" extravaganza came with a new twist - a perfect opportunity for me to try capturing low light situations, as well as the mesmerizing glow of half a tree ablaze.

Yes, it was freezing (I think around -40 with the windchill). Yes, flying embers were a clear and present danger - especially with N's obvious predisposition for pyromania! But I persevered and got off a few good shots. (Shot at ISO 6400, 24-104 lens, F4 with da Mark 2. Some post in lightroom.) Thanks to all who came out and braved the cold to make this another memorable night!

Fun with Mark

A break from performing with my dance group, Virage Dance Co., allowed me a new opportunity to try my hand at some dance photography last week. The low light of the venue also gave me an opportunity to really push the limits of ISO on my new 5D MarkII.



These were shot over two quick-moving dances (one foxtrot, one salsa) and a few 'party shots' at 5000 ISO. Most have only minor processing - some cropping, noise reduction, and a some fill light in Lightroom (with a few additions of fun preset styles for my own enjoyment!)

Although I would have liked to try different angles and a faster lens, I'm pretty happy with my first attempt at live dance photography. It certainly helped to know the routines inside and out. I'll have to cop out of gigs more often, so I can practice with my camera instead!