My Favourites of 2013

With 2013 finally over, I am one of the last to join the party of my favourite photos of the year. Since I am not specifically just a news, sports or portrait photographer, there is a mix of everything in here from over the past year. While many of these photos have appeared in previous blogs, to me, they deserve another look.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to view these!

Sports:

The play of the game at the Labour Day Classic. This block stopped the Eskimos from the one of the biggest fourth quarter comebacks in CFL history.

Ski Cross: It is hard to understand how cold it was that day until you see the winner’s father.

Dec 7, 2013; Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada; Rod Thompson celebrates his daughter Marielle Thompson of Canada, win at the Audi FIS Ski Cross World Cup at Nakiska Mountain Resort. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

This year I started shooting the Calgary Flames for a new client. While I know this photo is just another hockey fight photo, it is my first NHL fight. Now I want them to happen every game…

Dec 6, 2013; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Colorado Avalanche left wing Cody McLeod (55) and Calgary Flames left wing Lane MacDermid (28) fight during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Concerts:

I am only including two for this year because many involved release forms that do not allow me to post, or they did not stand out to me like these two.

Alabama Shakes -she makes some impressive faces!

And yes…Weird Al at the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo. Great faces and very entertaining. A little refreshing when it comes to shooting concerts.

News:

The Flood:

I think all the photographers out there covering the flood experienced it a number different ways. I did not actually start working until the rain had stopped and assessment and clean up began.

This first photo is of a volunteer helping to clean out a basement in the Roxboro area. This is one of the biggest heaps of memories, garbage and drywall that I have ever seen and scenes like this went on for blocks.

This second photo was taken in High River, the first day residents were allowed back in to see their homes. In this photo, you can see where the water levels went up to by where the home owners hand is. Their home was deemed ‘unsafe’ for habitation. While two doors down, there was only minor damage in the basement.

Commander Chris Hadfield: This space cowboy was the Parade Marshall for this year’s Calgary Stampede, that was on its own a miracle that was pulled off in time.

SkyHawks crash: During the Calgary Stampede, the Canadian Forces Parachute team, the SkyHawks were jumping out over the rodeo during Oh Canada. While they landed off to the side of the main grounds, no one really noticed one of the jumpers go down on his landed. I was the only photographer standing there and I was there to cover a proposal just to the right of the crash. Initial reports said the jumpers injuries were life-threatening, but the jumper was upgraded with a broken leg and some bumps and bruises. Oh, and the proposal still happened with the ambulance in the background.

Nenshi: The election that was the easiest election to predict. This was the only frame of him actually looking excited and his eyes were open.

Magic Johnson! Do I need to explain why Magic is a favourite? HA!

Portraits:

All of these portraits below were shot for fun. Not on assignment just subjects I found interesting.

Marlon Strikes with a Gun

Esther Hong: Running back for the Calgary Rage Women’s Tackle Football Team

Roy Ward: My Dad

Kora Lea: Member of the Calgary Rage and former member of the former Calgary Fillies LFL team.

Ben D’Aguilar – Professional Football Player currently with the Calgary Stampeders

Jamie Chornohos and his beard

Celeste

Honourable Mention:

2013 has brought the most amazing creature to my life this year. My little Weimaraner Juno.

I think it is time to get started on creating some great new photos for 2014!