32 Days | Surfing Indonesia | Video Series

So... I got my adventure. I wanted it, I asked for it, and I got it. It's so difficult to describe a trip like this; so many incredible experiences, so many amazing moments in between. For me, one of the most important things was to be able to disconnect from my world. It took awhile to let go... of the endless lists in my head, of worrying about work emails piling up, of thinking about projects and events and commitments. It took awhile to become present to where I was and who I was with. And that's when the magic really began. For me, it's not really about the experience itself, but how it makes you feel... that is what stays with you forever. So in being present, I was then able to really feel the land and its people, and that was the real gift of Indonesia.

This is a short video from our trip. Enjoy!

...xoxo

Hit n' Strum | A Movie Experience (part 1)

When my good friend, Kirk, first told me he was writing a movie script, I didn't doubt it would be amazing. He is not one to do things half-hearted. Like his years of stunt work, like his music, like every project he takes on, he puts his heart and soul in everything he does... full throttle. Then I found out that he is also directing and starring in the movie. Okay cool... this is getting interesting. Then, I find out what the movie is about, and the lengths he is taking to make this project as real as possible. When he asked me to shoot the stills for the movie, of course I said yes, but I had no idea what I had signed on for...

In short, it is about the relationship that ensues between a homeless man (Mike) and a corporate woman (Stephanie) after she hits him with her car, initially leaving the scene, then coming back to find him. At first, it is her guilty conscience that makes her want to help him, with his music, with his life. But as the relationship develops, it becomes much more, and her inner struggles of her place in this world become apparent.

This was my first day on set. Having not read the script yet, I didn't quite know what I was walking into. Coming across this scene, of a homeless man, busking on the corner, is not an unusual one for Vancouver. But to sit and observe this was interesting. Most people took no notice, a few felt discomfort, and some, enthralled by his music reverberating off the cobblestone streets and brick walls, couldn't help but be drawn in.

 

A homeless man shows me his prized possessions, 3 harmonicas, 2 of which were broken.

Michelle Harrison, stunning in beauty and spirit, plays the lead actress, Stephanie.

In this scene, Mike is showing Stepanie how to play a drum that he made for her

Later in the film, Stephanie tries to give Mike a guitar, which doesn't go over very well

Dana Pemberton, playing Rasta, a friend of Mike's

Southern Italy Video (Take 1)

Last summer I was lucky enough to spend 5 weeks exploring Southern Italy. I had contacted various Agriturismos in advance that were interested in exchanging free accommodation for my photography services. Agriturismos vary quite a bit, but are basically bed and breakfasts on a working farm, which in Italy, translates to vineyards and olive groves! Bonus! The Cabbiavoli Castle in Chianti was a favorite of ours (and Julia Roberts), close enough to Florence, Pisa and many other quaint villages to explore on day trips. Le Camicie was an exquisitely restored farmhouse perched on the Tuscan hillside amidst vineyards, and only a stone's throw from the infamous Montepulciano and Montalcino. Il Casale, also in Tuscany, and Serre Di Parrano in Umbria, both restored farmhouses, were surrounded by fields of sunflowers and castle hilltop villages. Mesogheo, an hour and a half outside of Rome at the base of the Camposaro Mountains was truly a wonderful experience. Masseria Salamina, in the Puglian "heel" of Southern Italy was like no other; set in an olive grove with trees dating back 400 years, this Masseria was breathtaking. We were spoiled at Baglio Lauria, an ancient Franciscan monastery set in the Sicilian countryside near the Greek ruins of Agrigento and again at Baglio Spano, a restored wine cantina near Marsala. The rolling vineyards and hilltop castles in Chianti, the endless fields of sunflowers and the cobblestone villages of in Umbria, the ancient and unforgettable city of Rome, the rugged coastline and whitewashed walls of Puglia, and the very traditional and unique land of Sicily... it is impossible to choose a favorite.

This video was made from phone video clips. Enjoy the montage!

Blackberry Baja Video (Take 1)

Last Fall, I had it in my head that I was going to start shooting video. I loved the idea of having family movies to look back on. Although I adore photos, there is something about a moving image that truly captures the essence of it all, whether it be a sound or a gesture or a series of movements. Our annual Baja pilgrimage was the perfect opportunity for this venture, the only problem was that I didn't have a video camera! The next best thing- my blackberry phone! Holla!

When looking at some of these clips with my brother, we literally were holding our stomachs in pain from laughter. From the old school portable karaoke machine that an old Mexican man wheeled up to the taco stand to the loudest motorbike in history to catching someone unaware when they didn't know they were being filmed. It's those moments, those real moments, that make life such a special place.

Over the weekend I was sick. Sick enough that I didn't have the energy to get out and enjoy the sun, but not sick enough to keep me from going stir crazy in my apartment. So I decided to teach myself how to use Final Cut Pro. Within minutes, I realized I was in way over my head. But having watched enough Law and Order to drive me loony, I didn't have much else to do. So I dug out the old movie clips and tried my very best to create something that did the trip justice. I have a long ways to go, but I think it's a good start!