World Championships past...

I was looking through some old images, preparing the laptop for the trip to Regina and the onslaught of images it will encounter.  When I came across some images from the World Championships of Hockey back in April/May in Switzerland.  I was asked to work the tournament rather last minute.

We were wrapping up the Men's Under 18 World Championships in Fargo, North Dakota.  Having survived the flooding on the way down, the over sized cookies while there, I thought my next trip would be the one that took me home.  Until I received a call asking if I would like to go to Switzerland.  I took my time to reply...3 seconds later I gave my response; YES!

After finishing the U18 tournament it was back in the Van to drive to Winnipeg, a trip that typically lasts 3.5 hrs took us over 5 due to a very large detour as a result of the ongoing flooding of the Red River.  Checked into our hotel for a 3 hr nap, up for an early flight to Toronto, met at the airport by my Sister Julia with her son, and my then-girlfriend-now-fiance Jessica.  Laundry at Julia's and a much needed sleep.  The next morning it was off to the Hall of Fame to get the contract straightened out, and a quick haircut (not at the Hall of Fame).

That evening it was on another plane to Switzerland.  There I had the chance to meet and work with a great photographer from Finland Jukka Rautio.  This was my first World Championship, and his 15th...so I was a little awestruck at all the hockey 'characters' around.  During the portraits I was a little taken aback at all the people that were standing in front of me.

After getting settled it was time for the games to start.  It was time for Canada to get it all started, by taking on Hungary.  Regardless of the opponent I was excited to shoot Senior Team Canada for the first time (well, Men's Team Canada).  The rink we were at allowed us to shoot from in between the benches with an un-obscured view of the players and ice surface.

For me it was a moment I will never forget, no matter how many of these tournaments I get to do in the future.  All I can do is look forward and hope to be invited to the party...

Images from years ago

November 2007

I had the chance to travel to New York to shoot some NHL games thanks for Bruce Bennett from Getty Images/NHL images. He hooked me up with some passes for Islanders v. Penguins and Rangers v. Flyers. Needless to say this was a chance I could not turn up.

I decided to make a trip out of it and spend some time in New York. My best friend's sister lives in New Jersey so I had the accommodations taken care of, just needed to fill my days. Not a hard thing to do in NYC.

I simply purchased a pass for the Big Red Bus (hop on hop off). And made my way around NYC over a 2 days span (one day was raining). It was my first time touring a city on my own and I quite enjoyed it. Being able to go where I wanted when I wanted. Taking breaks at will, and choosing how long to stay at a particular attractions.

Most of the time was spent 'getting lost' in the streets. In fact the only time I paid for something was to go up the Empire States Building. Was worth it when I got to the top, but the trip up was less than pleasant. Acquired a great understanding for how cattle feel on the way to slaughter...starting off as a large herd, only to pushed into increasingly narrowing pathways.

Attached are images taken with my friend Mike Ross' Holga (www.leftwithout.com). Enjoy!

The Beginning

So I am trying to make the leap...trying to Blog. Not sure how this will go and how often I will get to it, but we shall see.

I am entering into a bit of a 'slow' time work wise. So I hope to have time for personal ventures...but only time will tell.

First confirmed tournament is the World Jr Hockey Tournament (www.iihf.com) in Regina and Saskatoon. I will be working with Matt Manor (www.matthewmanor.com) in beautiful Regina. Not sure I am looking forward to winter in Regina. Being from Ottawa I feel I understand what cold is, but from talking to some people I might be in for a surprise. Granted I will be indoors most of the time (well a hockey rink), I should be sheltered from it.

The tournament kicks off on the 26th, but we will be doing headshots and team photos on the 25th (what a way to spend xmas), so not much more will be reported until then. Travel starts on the 23rd, so stuff will be loaded up then. Until then there are a few pre-xmas functions with family and friends.

Till then, enjoy the snow and the holiday shopping!