Hello, first blog post EVER! What better way to kick off my very first blog posting, than to share the images I chose to use for my nomination in the 5 Day of Black & White Photo Challenge?! Even though I started this on November 1st-5th, it's never too late to share! I have never been into the whole 'challenge' thing that seems to be a rollercoaster trend on social medias these days... But this one in particular, I can justify partaking in. Hope you like it!
** Also sending out a thank you to my good friend Kevin at Pandemic Photography Canada for the nomination! **
Day #1... I took this at the Calgary Zoo back in June, before heading home from Calgary Metalfest. I've always loved going to the zoo, it makes me feel like a little kid again. I always get so excited to see the animals! I chose this image in particular, because of the eye contact I luckily shared with this beautiful gorilla. It's not often you catch something like this.. especially at a zoo with screaming kids and so many distractions.. But, despite the hustle and bustle that this animal probably sees on a regular basis, there is a sense of peace, and tranquility within it's expression... That, and I'm a sucker for smiles. :)
Day #2 of the 5 Days of Black & White Photo Challenge...
This morning, Boyfriend and I took a trip down town to the Edmonton Photographic Tradeshow, put on by McBain Camera, at the U of A Butterdome. Even though the event doesn't change much from year to year, I still enjoyed my time there; being amongst so many other people that share the same passion towards photography as I do, and not to mention the opportunity to feed my constant crave to learn new things when it comes to my business and profession. Of course, one does not attend a photographer's tradeshow without their trusty camera in hand, so even though I didn't snap any pictures of the tradeshow itself, I figured I'd try out a little 'street' photography while we waited for the LRT. Despite the funny looks I was getting from the few other people also waiting for the train, Brandon's shadowyness combined with the bright lights of University station was a sight just waiting to be captured!
Day #3 of the 5 Day of Black & White Photo Challenge....
My ridiculously silly dog. Scotty is 200lbs of raw adorableness, and I have yet to meet another animal with as much heart and personality as him. I can still remember the first day we got him; In 2006, my dad and I were taking horses to an auction in Westlock. After waiting for our group of horses to go through the auction ring, we happened to come across an old farmer sitting in the corner of the hall with a box of puppies. While walking by, I couldn't help but stop to give them all a scratch on the head, because who in their right mind doesn't love puppies!? In turn, this old farmer mentioned that the puppies were going to new homes for free, and proceeded to put the biggest one from the box into my arms. With a big smile, and my best attempt at 'puppy eyes', I looked up at my dad with baby Scotty snuggling into my arms. Sure enough, dad nodded his head, shook the farmers hand, and off we went with a new member to the Zuk family. Since then, this dog brings so much light into my life; my babysitter and best buddy. Whether it's coming on photo walks with me, or protecting the house and yard from unwanted visitors... Scotty is truly incredible, and I couldn't imagine loving something more than this funny-face-making, hairy, bear-dog.
Day #4 of the 5 Days of Black & White Photo Challenge....
Unfortunately, I gotta make this one quick.... Anywho, more zoo animals! Yay! Another snap from back in June while visiting the zoo in Calgary after Metalfest. I LOVE penguins! They're one of my most favorite animals. Even though I do not have anything sentimental to write about this particular photo... It's always a joy to see these animals interacting with each other. Plus, watching them awkwardly waddle around on land, then gracefully glide through the water brings an instant smile to my face! Toooooo cute.
Day #5 of the 5 Days of Black & White Photo Challenge....
The last day! Woohoo! No more picture spam! But, a big thanks goes to everyone who has bee following my 5 day's of b&w posts... You all rock. It was inevitable that I post a photo from last night's Arch Enemy concert... Hands down, this tour with Kreator and Huntress is one of the best tours that have come through Edmonton so far this year. I'm a HUGE fan of all 3 bands, so not only being there, but shooting it as well was a treat. Kreator is a band that I can finally cross off of my must-see bucketlist, and though I have seen and shot Huntress before, they blow me away every time. Now, I have seen Arch Enemy years ago when Angela was still fronting for them, and she definitely set the bar for me... But last night, Alissa brought a whole new card to the table. Though she may not have that same heavy-grittyness behind her voice that Angela does, she's FULL of in-your-face energy! Despite what others may think or say when it comes to comparing these two ladies, I support both of them nonetheless! It makes me happy to see more and more fellow female's up on stage, kicking ass and taking names; whether it's women in local bands, or women touring around the world! Though it may not be much, you've all got my support, ladies! Woop, girl power!