Archive for Outdoors

Better photography in 2013

April 18, 2013 Outdoors, Photography Comments Off

When asked if I include photography in my list of services as a freelancer, I usually sheepishly explain that although I will shoot photos to go with articles, I would never market myself as a photographer. I know a lot of real photographers; and I am but an amateur in comparison.

Even as a hobbyist, though, I have been trying to improve my skills since returning to photography nearly two years ago. This blog post has been on my mind for the past few months — ever since I watched an episode of The Grid about becoming a better photographer in 2013. Like most (if not all) journalism students, I had some formal photography and Photoshop training in college, but that’s only enough to graduate as a competent news photographer (with still a lot to learn).

That episode inspired me to start focusing this year and actually think about how I can improve my photography. The first thing Scott Kelby said is that everybody interested in improving has to decide what kind of photographer they want to be. You can’t be an expert in every photography style, and that’s the truth. The wedding photographer may make a piss-poor sports photographer, as an example.

So I’ve been thinking a lot about what I enjoy shooting and what I would like to improve on. In looking back over my photos on Facebook, for instance, I find I take a lot of pictures of animals and the outdoors. Those are things I really enjoy, and as photography goes, that’s where I would really like to focus — capturing the spirit of both pets and wildlife, as well as capturing the beauty of the natural world (from landscapes to aurora shots).

Volunteering at the Fort Smith Animal Shelter provides the opportunity to work with dogs and cats, and being so near to Wood Buffalo National Park helps me get access to a variety of wildlife.

This is only a first step, of course. There is a lot to do to improve my photography in these areas. I think I’ve already improved a little bit, though. Here’s one of my favourite recent shots from the FSAS. This is Moose:

I really wanted to capture him “behind bars,” so to speak. I think I succeeded.

There I was, decked out in my long johns…

March 22, 2013 Outdoors, Travel Comments Off

With a pint of Guinness sitting in front of me, I was surrounded by a bustling crowd of both locals and visitors — many of which had likely trudged across the ice earlier day to see the sights of the local festival. And as I looked around, the reality of where I was sank in and I grinned.

Yellowknife. I was in sitting in a bar in Yellowknife.

The history, the lifestyle, the architecture and the legends. The entirety of my situation after spending a year living North of 60 seemed to dawn on me. And even better, in just a few more months, I’ll get to play tour guide to this rough but beautiful Northern city.

What had brought me to the ‘knife? A local festival held on Yellowknife Bay called the Long John Jamboree. Shortly after I arrived in Fort Smith last year, I heard of the newly-established festival, and I even ended up writing a story about it while working at Northern Journal (login ID and password are both “srj”). This year was to be the second festival, with hopefully many more to come.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the inaugural Jamboree, but attending this year more than made up for the missed opportunity in 2012. Even better, I made the trek to Yellowknife in my new wheels with my two roommates — a long road trip for a weekend, but without a doubt plenty of fun.

The weekend was bitterly cold, with nighttime temperatures dropping to -35C (without wind chill) and the daytime temperatures not rising much about -25C. It might have kept some people away from the event, but based on the busy parking lot and the number of people watching the dog trick competition, the ice carvers, the Zumba performers (see pic below) and the Snow King Castle admirers, it was clear locals and visitors alike were willing to brave the temperatures for a little fun out on the ice.

My only complaint really has little to do with the Jamboree, but more to do with the fact I don’t know Yellowknife all that well. I missed the dogsled and skijoring races, as well as the Abominable Snow Race, simply because I had no idea where they were taking place. That’s my own fault, but a few signposts would help point us visitors to the ‘knife in the right direction when we’re clueless.

But kudos to the Long John Jamboree team for a great time. Temperature aside, it was a beautiful weekend with plenty of things to keep everyone busy and having fun.

And now, a quick photo of the Zumba team on the stage:

In like a lion…

March 7, 2013 Beer & Brewing, Beer In Canada, Business & Technology, Outdoors, Photography, Writing/Editing Comments Off

The last month has, like the first month of the year, kept me busy. Maybe a little too busy at times. I hit a point a couple of weeks ago in which I realized how thin I had stretched myself — mostly from extracurricular activities, but my busy work schedule factored in, as well. Then I bounced back, pulled it all together, went into problem-solving mode and … well, as usual, ended up returning to my state of awesomesauce (I can almost feel Gail Balfour cringe).

But here it is March … and almost a month since I last posted to the blog. Here’s a quick update:

Thanks to Tom Venetis at SSGM, I continue to write within the automotive market — or rather, the automotive after-market. If you’re a garage owner, a service technician or someone related to the business, keep an eye out for my byline in upcoming issues. And do feel free to shoot me an email should you have any comments on any of my SSGM articles.

Also, I just recently completed another feature article for Up Here Business, which should be appearing soon, if it’s not already on shelves (sorry, not a lot of places to buy magazines in Fort Smith). Guy Quenneville is one of the many amazing editors I’ve had the pleasure to work for, and he’s been pretty damn cool about providing me with the opportunity to prove myself as a Northern writer.

Speaking of awesome editors, there’s the great people over at Nine Lives Media that continue to make me feel like part of the team. The editor I’m closest to on a daily basis is Charlene O’Hanlon, who has time and again been a joy to work for — in part because of her dedication, but also because of her great sense of humour. I don’t think I’ve run into another American with so many Canadian jokes. I still write mainly for Talkin’ Cloud over there, but my byline has occasionally slipped over onto MSPmentor and The VAR Guy.

That’s only a handful of the great people who have made my freelance career simply spectacular. Without all the editors and corporate clients that keep me working and have such great comments about my work, I wouldn’t be able to do this. And believe me, for that, I am forever thankful.

Additionally, please check out what I’ve been doing with Beer In Canada. I think I’m running a blurry line between business/trade news site and consumer news site right now, but I’m trying to get back into the swing of things and ensure it’s updated regularly.

Thanks to everyone who keeps life interesting.

And here’s a quick visual from a recent photography outing before I sign off:

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Chris Talbot