Funky Friday

I'm really dissapointed to say that there are certain bands that I have worked with in the past who have been using my photos without consent. These bands, or individuals from these bands have removed my small watermark from the photos, and refused to remove the image. It saddens me to say that I will no longer be working with these bands for any reason. This, however is not one of those bands. Danha is a great up-and-coming band from Vancouver. All of the members understand te industry, and have a huge passion for music. I've never met a band who has all of their shit together. In my mind, that is actually impossible. Danha sure comes pretty darn close. I helped these guys shoot a music video back in the summer, and it was an amazing experience. Check out "Alone Together" - Danha!

All Natural Thursday

I am holding on to Autumn. I am not a fan of winter, so I am relieved that we haven't had any snow , or extremely cold weather. Today, I have another photo of the outdoors during the fall to remind me that winter is not here yet. 

Wicked Wednesday

To be honest, I have been ridiculously busy lately, not only with my day job, but with concerts and editing aswell. Since I've been so busy, I haven't really been able to take a lot of out door, awesome photos. However, that doesn't mean I don't have anything to show you. I've shown you some fireworks before, but that's only because of how awesome they are. Fireworks are one of the greatest Chinese inventions of all time in my opinion. They have been changed, altered and mastered, but they are still basically the same as the originals. I don't know much about fireworks, but I do know how amazing they are! 

Tranquil Tuesdays

The best thing about being on the west coast is our beautiful, colourful, peaceful sun sets. Vancouver may not have the best looking skyline, but it is still absolutely gorgeous when it is being lit by one of our amazing sun sets.

Manic Mondays

One of the most impressive things that a musician can do is play their instrument while singing. This is almost triple as difficult for a drummer. I have only seen three drummers who can actually sing while performing. This is the drummer of Alleyway Saints. He is one of those three. After hearing this band perform, you would think there were four, or possibly even five members, because of the interesting and difficult instrumentals, as well as an awesome singer. Well, you'd be wrong. There are only three members in this band, and it is pretty amazing. I would definitely recommend checking out this good young band!

Sunday Sonata.

I hate big, bulky watermarks. In my opinion, they get in the way, and on many occasions, ruin a photo. That is why my watermark is small and in the corner of the photo, so that everyone can still enjoy my art, but I still get my deserved credit. Cropping out this mark is a giant insult to me. Photography is my passion, and by removing the mark, you have stripped me of all credit, other than the personal satisfaction of knowing that it was my photo. I refuse to work with people who have done this to me. So, if you have cropped out my watermark for your own personal use. I say that because, this has happened to me a number of times recently on some social media sites, and when my patent is completely processed, it will be an illegal act. I'm not saying this to scare anyone away, all that I'm saying is that these are my photos. I put my heart and soul into these, and all I want is the acknowledgement, and credit that I deserve. I want as many people as possible to enjoy my work, and I want those people to know that it is my work so that they can find more, and truly appreciate it all, instead of one or two photos. I'm sure that there are many other photographers who feel the same way, and we as artists deserve that recognition. 

Anyway, getting back to my normal material, I'd like to share with you a photo of someone who truly does appreciate my work. He is an amazing and talented musician. His name is Joel Cossette, and he has recently quit his job in order to pursue his dream of becoming a musician. That, to me is extremely courageous, and it shows the dedication he has to his craft. By looking at him, you might not think it, but he has the voice of an angel, and the songwriting talent to back it up. I hope that you all go and check him out, and help him make his dream; that he is working so hard to make a reality, come true. 

Shredding Saturday

One of my favourite guitarists from Vancouver goes by the name of John Wu. He was guitarists for my favourite Vancouver band. Unfortunately, that band, known as Mass Undergoe has parted ways. Thankfully, all of its members are still performing in new projects. John Wu is currently playing for a new band, that has only plate a handful of shows. The name of his new band is Ugly Men. I would highly recommend checking them out!

Check out my Facebook, tumblr and flickr pages for more photos of this awesome new band!

Note: I'd like to apologize for the lateness of my post. I have been having issues with publishing 

Funky Friday

One of my favourite instruments is the upright bass. The sheer power and beauty that comes from this large instrument is incredible. I actually feel really bad about this photo, because I don't remember the name of the musician shown, or the name of the band he plays in. The photo was taken during the summer in Vancouver at the busker festival that took over Granville street for almost a week.

This weekend I'll be seeing a few awesome new bands performing at Joe's apartment. These bands are Bridges To Royal, One Left Alive and Howlin Daz And The Free Radicals! Check out all these bands and come out to Joe's Apartment tonight!

All Natural Thursday

One thing that's always facinated me about nature is wild vegetable.Probably the most common of which is mushrooms. It's awesome to see these mushrooms grow anywhere, in almost any kind of climat.  One of my favourite photos of mushrooms that I've taken was when I was on a little walk through a forest, and happened upon and mass grow of them that reminded me of a little village built by some fairies. 

Wicked Wednesday

As I said yesterday, water is amazing. But it's not just water, the animals that live in water are also amazing. The power that animals have to throw them selves at speeds up to 30 miles per hour is astounding. One of the most incredible sea animals is the dolphin. The strength inside that torpedo shaped body is absolutely awe inspiring 

Tranquil Tuesday

You may notice that many of my photos for Tuesdays will encorporate water in some way, that is because of how calming, and soothing water is in it's many forms. From a rushing waterfall, to a slowly moving lake, water relaxes me, and helps me get through the day. That is why I enjoy sharing these images with you. I hope that you can enjoy these photos as much as I do. 

Manic Monday

A little while ago, I got to see some of my favourite local bands play in a wonderful little venue in surrey called Olympia pizza. One of those bands was Sharks! On Fire! One of the best things about watching these guys perform is their drummer Bryan. He always has the biggest smile on his face while playing, and it really brightens the mood of everyone in the venue. 

 

Sunday Sonata

One thing that irritates me is when someone has a lot of money, so they buy a microphone, some basic equipment, and buy themselves a spot in a concert. That is most definitely not the case with the wonderful, and stunning Kaylee Johnston. I was given the opportunity to take her photos a little while ago, and I was incredibly happy to hear that there are still good pop artists out there. Not only does she write her own songs, but she also has a great voice, and an amazing stage presence. I would highly recommend checking her out live, or at least watching her music video for her single "Gone" 

Shredding Satirday

It's the weekend!!! Well, for most people at least. Unfortunately the concert that I was set to go to last night was canceled last minute, so I got to go home and edit photos instead. It was actually pretty nice to get to stay home and edit, because I do enjoy editing, almost as much as I actually enjoy taking the photos in the first place. Today I'd like to share a photo pod one of my favourite Vancouver bands: The Faceplants! I took this photo at Tom Lee Music Hall downtown, and it was a phenomenal night, because I actually pulled double duty and shot for two concerts in the same night. 

Give me a like on Facebook, or follow me on tumblr and flickr for more photos! I have a personal twitter that I occasionally use too! @Pickles991

Shredding Satirday

It's the weekend!!! Well, for most people at least. Unfortunately the concert that I was set to go to last night was canceled last minute, so I got to go home and edit photos instead. It was actually pretty nice to get to stay home and edit, because I do enjoy editing, almost as much as I actually enjoy taking the photos in the first place. Today I'd like to share a photo pod one of my favourite Vancouver bands: The Faceplants! I took this photo at Tom Lee Music Hall downtown, and it was a phenomenal night, because I actually pulled double duty and shot for two concerts in the same night. 

Give me a like on Facebook, or follow me on tumblr and flickr for more photos! I have a personal twitter that I occasionally use too! @Pickles991

Funky Friday

Happy Friday! Another week has gone by, and we're one day closer to Christmas. Has anyone already started, or even finished their Christmas shopping? I'm about half way done myself. I usually get really excited for Christmas, not because of the gifts, but because I get to see all my family again. That is the biggest, an best gift of all. 

So, since it's Friday, It's time for a photo of a bassist! This week, I'd like to share one of the bassist from a band called "The I In Team" 

All natural Thursdays

Good morning everyone! It is starting to look more like winter out there with the sun setting much earlier, and snow coming down on the mountains, but it is still autumn! I enjoy this photo because it shows that life can still sprout, and begin anew, even in a time of year when most trees shed their colours, and prepare for winter. As a great man once said: "Winter is coming".

Wicked Wednesday

In ny mind, one of the most impressive things that a person can do is control their own body. I don't mean regular, every day functionality, I mean acrobatically. Stunt acrobats always astound me. The strength that they have to be able to hold themselves at right angles, or stop them selves from falling a fraction of an inch from the ground is astounding. This morning, if like to share with you an image of an amazing acrobat who goes by the name of "Reuban dot dot dot". 

I didn't realize until now, but there was a publishing error, so I suppose better late than never.

Tranquil Tuesday

Yesterday was rememberance day, therefor I will show my respect by keeping today's post short and sweet. Never should anyone forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice to allow is to continue our every day lives. Those brave men and women who fought for our country, and those who continue to fight every day deserve the respect and admiration of every soul in our proud country. Even if you do not support the wars we fight, please support our troops.

Lest we forget.

Manic Monday

Today, I would like to take a moment to remember those that we've lost in battle. Those who have given their lives to protect their country. Lest we ever forget their sacrifice and bravery.

Today is rememberance day here in Canada, and I just felt the need to show my appreciation to our armed soldiers before returning to our regular blog. As I promised, today I will be giving a review of Tenant's album "All Of My Favourite Bands Are Breaking Up" recorded in 2007, but first, as per Monday standard practice, here is a photo of Tenant's awesome drummer Norm, who is anything but a normal drummer.

"All Of My Favourite Bands Are Breaking Up". Just by hearing the name of the album, I get a good feeling, because this album came out when, most of my favourite bands from Vancouver decided to part ways, or just stop playing shows on a regular basis. After listening through the album the first time, I was extremely glad to hear they stopped doing their odd rap style eight minute song, and stuck to songs that suited them and their sound. However, like in their EP, they have one song that finishes, and then proceed to do absolutely nothing, and the band expects their audience to sit in silence for the next four minutes. This, to me is a waste of time on an album that could have been used for another amazing song. As I said in my past review, when ever a band does this, it leaves listeners hungry and waiting for something absolutely amazing, but no song ever truly stacks up to that listener's new expectations. This technique leaves a sour taste in the mouth of listeners, and leaves them a little unsatisfied with their experience as a whole. Other than that one issue, I love this album. I've caught myself singing along to many of the songs on this disc on many occasions, especially the first three songs on the album: "Little Boy", "That Sinking Feeling" and "Minas". Many songs are extremely catchy, with tight hooks, well written verses, great choruses, and complimentary pieces. The instruments all mesh amazingly, and it comes off to me as a stroke of near genius. It is not difficult to tell that everyone in this band is a talented musician, and can seemingly effortlessly work together to make an awesome album.

My rating for "All Of My Favourite Bands Are Breaking Up" by Tenant:

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8/10 stars

My hat is off today, not only to our veterans, but also, for this great band. Please continue making music, and don't turn out like all of the other bands who break up because they don't become rock stars after three months.

I am rather critical about things I do not like in an album,it only for out  I'm sure you've noticed that, however, one bad thing for me does not make an album bad, or mean that I don't really like the album other than the things I point out. I feel that without criticism, people, and artists will never learn, and never truly improve. 

If you're in a band and playing a show in the greater Vancouver area, send me a message, and I'd gladly come out and take photos of your band!!! I'll also review your album, if you'd like!!!

Sunday Sonata

Hello once again everyone! As promised, today I will giving a review of Tenant's first EP "This Just In". But first, here is a shot of their singer Jonathan!

My first impression after listening to this EP is "dang, these guys know how to write music". Every single instrument works extremely well together. It is very obvious that these gentlemen have been around together for a long time, and know how each other play. One thing that always irritates me during an album is a long break of nothing but silence during a song. It isextremely unpractical, and I am never satisfied with the song afterwards. Tenant has one song where there is over four minutes of nothing, followed by a rap-esq song that isn't good, and makes no sense with the rest of the album, or the band. The song's total length: 13:49. A waste of record space that could have been used for four different songs. If you disregard that last song on the EP, I would be close to rating this near perfect. Other than "SWEAT" this is a great effort with amazing writing, that isn't situational, therefor the music lasts. For those who don't know, "This Just In" was recorded nearly ten year ago in 2004, and it seems like it could have been recorded this year. 

My Rating for the "This Just In" EP by Tenant

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7/10

Shredding Saturday

Good morning, and welcome to part two of my special tenant weekend! Today is guitarist day! This is Royce. He is a phenomenal guitarist, and a great backup so get. He has some of the best energy I've seen on stage in a long time. 

Stay tuned tomorrow for a photo of Jonathan, as well as the first of two album reviews!

Funky Friday

This weekend, I will be posting a full roster of the Vancouver band Tenant, as long as a review of their albums "All My Favourite Bands Are Breaking Up" and their 8 song EP "This Just In". But since it's Friday, here's a shot of their bassist during their recent Halloween concert at Joe's apartment in Vancouver! 

All natural Thursday

Good morning one and all! Unfortunately, where I am right now, it is not a beautiful day. It is cold, raining and downright miserable. Because of that, I am going to try to make myself, and everyone around me smile. One of the best and most beautiful things about fall is the changing of colours on leaves. Going for a walk one day, through a green forest, and coming back a few days later with the leaves being yellow, orange and red always makes me smile. That exact thing happened to me a few weeks ago, and I would like to share one of those photos with all of you! 

It's almost the weekend, hang in there!!

Guy Fawkes day

"Remember, remember the fifth of November, Gunpowder treason and plot. I know of no reason why Gunpowder Treason should ever be forgot." Guy Fawkes was an English soldier who was one of the main conspirators in the gunpowder plot in attempt to blow up the English parlement building with king James the first still inside. The man was made famous a second time when the main character in the movie V for Vendetta wore a mask of his face, and constantly quoted him. To celebrate this November fifth, I'd like to share one of my favourite fire work photos. 

Manic Mondays

First off, I would like to apologize for the tardiness of my post today. As you may have noticed by the post title, Mondays are going to be a bit more crazy. Excluding next week of course, where I will do a remenberance day blog. So, other than next week, I will be sharing with everyone a photo of the band member who is constantly flailing their arms and legs in a somewhat controlled manner. That's right, the drummer! 

Who better to start off my Monday series of drummers than Danny Craig! He is the drummer from Default, and has worked very closely with bands such as Nickleback, Theory Of A Deadman, and many more. This was taken on the first night that I had my shiny new 70-200mm lens, as he joined Danha on stage to perform a cover song. 

Sunday Sonata

Today, for my Sunday Sonata of the week, I would like to tip my hat to Ed Sadler. He is a truly talented musician who knows more about the music business than the vast majority of any band members I've gotten to talk to. Unfortunately, he has not had good luck with band mates and has had to restart on multiple occasions, starting from scratch with needing to write new music and create a new band identity. He is a great singer, and guitar player. If anyone deserves a break in the industry, it's him. Check out his current project called "Fear Zero" 

Shredding Saturday

Good morning once again everyone, today is a vert special day... Because it is Saturday!! As I had said last Friday, I was working on an actual posting schedule for the weekends, and I have one. As you may have noticed, yesterday was Funky Friday, where I will be celebrating bassists. Saturdays, I have decided to celebrate the intensity that really brings a band to life, the guitarist. 

This is my good friend Tanner from the band Tenant, a melodic post-hardcore band. I was blessed enough to be invited to take photos at their concert last night in the beautiful Massey Theater, and what a delight it was. It was one of the best performances I have seen in a long time. I also received a copy of two of their albums, which I will be reviewing next week!

Funky Friday!

When I think of funk, the first instrument that I think of is the bass. The heart and soul of most every band. Were it not for this marvoulous instrument, a ban would not be able to keep time, or hold together a solid rhythm. Starting today, I will be posting a photo of a bassist every Friday!

To see more of my concert photography, check out my Facebook page! 

http://on.fb.me/17xkmYL