Andrew WK @ the Toronto Vans Warped Tour - July 9, 2010.

Last week I headed to Arrow Hall to cover Vans Warped Tour for AUX. The rain stopped just as I showed up to deliver a day full of screaming fans, flying hair, and LOUD MUSIC. Bands included in the photo set are: We the Kings, Andrew WK, Parkway Drive, Whitechapel, Enter Shikari, Bring Me The Horizon, Eyes Set to Kill and The Dillinger Escape Plan.

                          

Loosely based on the Dr. Seuss Classic The Butter Battle Book, Newmindspace put on Toronto’s 5th Annual Bubble Battle at Queen’s Park – July 3, 2010.

                          

De La Soul @ Yonge & Dundas Square - June 20, 2010.

For the last day of NXNE, I headed back to Yonge & Dundas Square to capture the Hip-Hop heavy schedule of Big Freedia, The Phenomenal Handclap Band, Kid Sister and ending the evening (and festival) off with Long Island Legends, De La Soul. Shot for AUX.

                          

Zeus @ Joao Carvalho's Mastering BBQ - June 19, 2010.

While every photographer in the city seemed to be shooting one of two concerts (Iggy & the Stooges’ free Yonge & Dundas Square Concert and the Olympic Island Show) on Saturday night, I chose to head over to a private BBQ hosted by Joao Carvalho. This was his 5th Mastering NXNE BBQ – put on as a way to show his appreciation to all who made the journey to the NXNE Music Festival. With 15 bands performing as well as free food and beer, how could I not pass this up?

Performances included: Danny Michel, Hannah Georgas, Autumn Owls, The Black Atlantic, Buck 65, By Divine Right, Ghost Bees, The Gin Riots, The Grates, The Meligrove Band, Savoir Adore and Toronto’s own Zeus ending the night.

I’d like to thank my friend Frank Yang for reminding me to bring my flash. Since it was an outdoor show in the back of a studio, lights weren’t a priority and as the sun began to set, the flash became essential for capturing the musicians. By setting the shutter at a slower speed and setting the flash at a low intensity, I was able to still get some ambient light in my shots which added some nice warmth to the photos.

Photos in this set are of: Hannah Georgas, The Meligrove Band, Savoir Adore, Autumn Owls, The Gin Riots, The Black Atlantic and Zeus – Saturday June 19, 2010. Shot for AUX.

                          

A.A. Bondy @ the Great Hall - June 18, 2010.

Knowing I had a few very busy days worth of shooting during NXNE, I decided to take it easy the second night and photograph one of my favourite folk/alternative artists, A.A. Bondy with Avi Buffalo starting the night off at the Great Hall – June 18, 2010. Shot for AUX.

                          

X @ Yonge & Dundas Square - June 17, 2010.

It was exactly one year ago that I shot my first show in Toronto. I didn’t have a media pass, I had no idea how you’d go about obtaining one and I was still shooting with my Nikon d70s, kit lens and Sigma 30mm f/1.4. I followed my friend, Pete Nema around for two nights venue hopping. I think in the two evenings I went out, we hit at least 5 venues. It’s amazing how much can happen in a year. Shooting for AUX this year, I decided for a more low key schedule, choosing to shoot one location per night. Maybe a bit lame, but at least I knew I’d be back in bed at a certain time with my photos edited and ready to go up online the next day for AUX.

Thursday night was the first evening with a free concert taking place at Yonge & Dundas Square, with the great Mudhoney & X closing the night. It was a treat to be able to shoot outdoors in bright daylight at the start of the sets. It’s not everyday that you get to shoot a concert at ISO 320.

Free Energy, The Icarus Line, Brant Bjork and the Bros, Mudhoney and X perform at Yonge & Dundas Square as part of NXNE – June 17, 2010. Photographed for AUX.

                          

At the end of January I went to Chicago to do some BTS photography for Zacuto’s Shootout, putting DSLRs against Kodak and Fuji film. It was a great experience and while I had to return to Toronto for work and didn’t get to see all the end results, part one of three airs today and you can finally see it here.

                          

Megan Platts

This past summer my best friend Mike and his partner, Megan announced that they were expecting their first child. Actually, Mike let it slip by accident to me (in front of Megan) very early on but there’s no need to go into those details because as expected, it was Mike being his usual offensive self, which I love.

The baby shower was planned by Megan’s good friend Christine who really went all out. From the invites, to the catering – everything was planned well in advance. She put a lot of thought into the tiny details, and (thankfully) refused the suggestion of any games at the shower.

As this baby will be my first time playing the role of an aunt (official or unofficial), it makes me sad knowing that I’ll only be around for a few months after the baby is born before I move to London. Thankfully, keeping in touch and sharing is easier with things like Skype, e-mail, digital cameras and web cams. I can’t wait for its arrival (due date: January 29, 2010) and wish Mike & Megan all the best and much love.