This one piece has been way more challenging than I expected. I’ve redone her from scratch twice and she’s needed surgery multiple times. But I think I’ve finally resolved the issues she was having. Look forward to unveiling her in Sept.
A Tale of Two Campbells
In light of the Vanity Fair spread I thought I'd offer a personal story where I found myself photographing a politician I didn't like and how I handled it.
Who tf am I?
Nobody, but I've been an editorial photographer for over 25 years and have shot around 100 covers and countless features for mostly local publications. And I've been in a similar situation as Christopher Anderson. Though I did what I did without editorial approval.
I worked for a magazine that was "officially" apolitical. But I had sat in on enough editorial board meetings to have a grasp of where the publisher and editors-in-chief stood politically. Premier Gordon Campbell was to be featured on an upcoming cover and I was assigned to take his portrait. I did not care for him. He was corrupt and in the pocket of developers and cut funding to the arts. He would later resign in disgrace.
Why did I take the job?
I was in my 20's and full of piss and vinegar. I was also on a retainer so obligated to shoot a certain amount of covers and was assigned this job. When you're first starting out you don't turn down a cover shoot.
How did I resolve this ethical dilemma?
One perk of working in editorial in a small market is, in lieu of a livable wage, photographers are given a fair amount of creative freedom. I knew I'd be afforded some latitude.
When I arrived at the Premier's Vancouver office my assistant and I scouted for locations.
The first was recommended by his staff. A nice sofa where he was to sit and look candid. As if chatting with someone jovially. The reporter I was assigned to sat across from him and threw softball questions at him. Vapid shit like "what was your favourite book as a child?" It was The Hobbit btw.
I hurried through these shots confident I had fulfilled my commitment. He looked composed, kind, engaging and avuncular seated on a warm and comfy couch surrounded by first nations prints, potted plants and rich warm tones. I showed him and his staff the polaroids. They seemed pleased.
A montage of industrious people around the province. These people generate and distribute power to our homes, build our bridges and roads, provide us with clean water, and turn raw materials into all the things we take for granted.
Client: Teamsters Local 213.
As some of you know I was in the midst of producing my show "The Menagerie" until I had to deal with some personal family matters.
Every once in a while I would go into the studio and tinker. Just to keep the creative juices flowing.
I think of these pieces, constructed of scrap materials, short stories. I placed them around my apartment. They cheered me up during some dark times.
Each tells a tale, asks a question, offers a simple allegory. A "monument" of King Charles that resembles an emperor penguin. An Alexander Calderesque mobile suspended over a baby bird. A sail boat with a sea creatures tentacle or perhaps an anchor. A snake offering a flower to a mouse. Or perhaps luring it from it's hole.
These pieces also served as maquettes and helped with R&D for the large pieces that will be featured in the actual.
It was a cathartic process for me and I kinda dig em. Sometimes you gotta just play around.
Hey friends! I have an opening at my studio. If you or someone you know is looking for a place to shoot hit me up!
PHOTO STUDIO -looking for photographer to fill vacancy.
Awesome location in the heart of downtown. Established in 2000, this is a rare opportunity to be part of one of Vancouver's longest running studios.
Richards St.(between Robson & Georgia streets) Minutes away from Leo's Camera Supply, Beau Photo, London Drugs.
Dozens of cafes, restaurants, bars nearby. Easy access to both the Expo and Cambie skytrain lines.
Great neighbours. Most tenants in this building work in the arts sector.
Convenient. No more scrambling to find a studio at the last minute.
No more lugging gear from home to the car to the studio.
Perfect for both emerging and established photographers.
Bright, warm lobby for meetings & consultations will attract more clients.
Don't leave your clients hanging. Having your own space means you're always available when clients need you.
Very affordable. Keep your overhead down while still having the freedom to shoot when you want. *If you shoot more than 2 days per month you actually pay less than renting on a day-to-day basis.
• Well maintained building
• Unbroken space
• Soaring 17 ft. ceilings
• Recently refinished hardwood floors
• Recently upgraded electrical
• Street level entrance
• Private bathroom
• Newly painted
• Versatile floor plan
• Equipment Storage (shelving / storage loft)
• 24 hour access
• Vibrant and safe neighbourhood
Scheduling is never a problem. Share with 4 well established, respectful & supportive photographers. Clients love coming to this clean & inviting space.
200+ sq. ft. lobby. Perfect for make-up, meeting clients and exhibiting your photography.
750-900 sq. ft. shooting area
$375/month + 1 month deposit. (Taxes included)
*Available immediately
Contact Dan by replying here or at [email protected] or by phone at (778)882-8330
Earlier this year I was hired by Western Front Gallery to execute the photographic aspect of an exhibit by their resident artist Nina Davies.
At first I assumed I was to shoot and then heavily edit and composite the images in order to give them the appearance of being AI generated.
Whoa… Back up. Once Nina explained her project I discovered the objective was far more interesting and challenging. We were setting out to create images that appear AI but were produced using entirely practical effects and minimal post-production.
Nina’s summation “AI is just a new aesthetic” stuck with me. I suggested we compose and adhere to a list codifying post production do’s and dont’s.
Akin to the “style guides” imposed on photographers by publications like National Geographic. Designed to maintain the integrity, authenticity and veracity of their work.
Our first shoot was in my studio where we worked out what was plausible and effective, putting months of R&D under the lights. Then a shoot at Western Front where we played with perspective and the next thing I know I’m in London shooting a cast of local artists and performers in the catacombs of Somerset House.
Using makeup, prosthetics, wardrobe design and practical lighting and lens distortion tricks we produced some mind-boggling images that twist the viewers perception of the authentic and the artificial.
These images would go on to be installed as part of a much larger and immersive exhibit featuring performance and video installations at Future Gallery in Berlin.
I couldn’t have asked for a better team to collaborate with. And I’m pretty happy with how marvellously glitchy these images turned out.
Please give everyone I tagged a follow.
My walls are adorned with all kinds of whimsical experimental pieces. Little projects intended as a process of learning, discovery and just having fun. Should I exhibit them in a gallery setting? They bring me joy. Maybe others would enjoy them too.
