Sunday 18 December 2011

End of semester

Classes finished on Friday, with a viewing of our multimedia pieces that we worked on for what can best described as an excessive amount of time.

Just Josh from Rachel Psutka on Vimeo.


I'm currently sitting at Pearson airport, waiting to board my flight to Calgary. Alberta is home for me, but Calgary is not. However, that's where I'll be for the next three weeks as I complete an internship with the Calgary Herald. I'm really excited, a bit nervous, and really glad to have this opportunity. While I don't know exactly how much I'll be doing or what I'll be shooting, I'm going to give it my all.

Friday 9 December 2011

Josh: Growing Up with Down

I've spent the majority of the last month working on a documentary project about a 16 year old young man with Down syndrome. Josh is a pretty cool kid and I really enjoyed working with him over the past few weeks.

Shooting this much with one person really let me see my strengths and weaknesses as a documentary photographer. It's a skillset I'd really like to continue working on, and that I hope to keep doing in the future even if I am lucky enough to get semi-regular work.

Here are some of the highlights.

BELLEVILLE, Ont. (22/11/11) - Josh Daley, 16, jokes around with fellow student Cassie Perry while playing a math counting game in their special needs class at Centennial Secondary School in Belleville, Ont. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011. Josh has Down syndrome and is becoming more and more independent as he approaches adulthood. Photo by Rachel Psutka. 
BELLEVILLE, Ont. (08/11/11) - Josh Daley, 16, and fellow student Nicholas Wannamaker laugh as Josh measures ingredients and educational assistant Nancy Burtt looks on in a baking class at Centennial Secondary School in Belleville, Ont. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011. The special needs students were making jars of cookie ingredients to sell as a fundraiser for the school. Josh has Down syndrome and is becoming more and more independent as he approaches adulthood. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
BELLEVILLE, Ont. (08/11/11) - Josh Daley, 16, exchanges music playlists with fellow student Kevin McEwen (right) as student helper Brody Loft waits patiently on an outing from Centennial Secondary School in Belleville, Ont. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011. Brody comes by to Josh's special needs classroom on a daily basis to help Josh concentrate on his work and have a reading partner. Josh has Down syndrome and is becoming more and more independent as he approaches adulthood. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
BELLEVILLE, Ont. (08/11/11) - Teacher Adam Speight forces Josh Daley, 16, to wear his glasses as fellow student Brody Loft looks on in a silent reading period at Centennial Secondary School in Belleville, Ont. on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011. Brody comes by to Josh's special needs classroom on a daily basis to help Josh concentrate on his work and have a reading partner. Josh has Down syndrome and is becoming more and more independent as he approaches adulthood. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
BELLEVILLE, Ont. (14/11/11) - Josh Daley, 16, examines a knife at his co-op work placement with a catering company at William R. Kirk School in Belleville, Ont. on Monday, Nov. 14, 2011. Josh has Down syndrome and is becoming more and more independent as he approaches adulthood. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
BELLEVILLE, Ont. (22/11/11) - Physical education class is a favourite of Josh Daley, 16. A student at Centennial Secondary School in Belleville, Ont., Josh takes a break from a basketball game after being frustrated from not getting the ball enough on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011. Josh has Down syndrome and is becoming more and more independent as he approaches adulthood. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
BELLEVILLE, Ont. (03/11/11) - Josh Daley, 16, attends an after school program for children with special needs at Eastminster United Church in Belleville, Ont. on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011. The group was hosting a Halloween-themed party, but Josh decided he was too old to dress up and instead chose to be the DJ for the party. Josh has Down syndrome and is becoming more and more independent as he approaches adulthood. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
BELLEVILLE, Ont. (01/11/11) - Josh Daley, 16, spends his Tuesday evenings at the Belleville YMCA free swim. Seen here on November 1, 2011, Josh has Down syndrome and is becoming more and more independent as he approaches adulthood. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
BELLEVILLE, Ont. (19/11/11) - Josh Daley, 16, gets some help from his mother Janice while baking peanut butter cups for a fundraising bakesale at home in Belleville, Ont. on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011. Josh spends most of his time with his mother, the most constant force in his upbringing, despite having an older brother and stepfather. Josh has Down syndrome and is becoming more and more independent as he approaches adulthood, yet still relies on his mother for much. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
BELLEVILLE, Ont. (30/11/11) - Josh Daley, 16, searches for some snacks to pack in his lunch with his mother Janice before school at home in Belleville, Ont. on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011. Josh spends most of his time with his mother, the most constant force in his upbringing, despite having an older brother and stepfather. Josh has Down syndrome and is becoming more and more independent as he approaches adulthood, yet still relies on his mother for much. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
BELLEVILLE, Ont. (19/11/11) - Josh Daley, 16, gets a reassuring hug from his mother Janice at home in Belleville, Ont. on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011. Josh spends most of his time with his mother, the most constant force in his upbringing, despite having an older brother and stepfather. Josh has Down syndrome and is becoming more and more independent as he approaches adulthood, yet still relies on his mother for much. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
BELLEVILLE, Ont. (30/11/11) - Josh Daley, 16, heads out from home to walk to Centennial Secondary School on a rainy Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011. Josh walks the three blocks to school on his own, a skill his mother is adamant that sets him on the path to independence. Josh has Down syndrome and is becoming more and more independent as he approaches adulthood, yet still relies on his mother for much. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

Sunday 27 November 2011

Sunday Assignment

It's been a bit hectic with long-term projects lately, but I think it's getting a bit better. I'm not really behind, but instead just trying to keep up.

This year I've tried to shoot some things that are unique, and also things I missed last year. Today was not one of those days. Instead I shot a cheese competition that I also shot last year, but this was because I had pre-promised the organizer I would come again.

BELLEVILLE, Ont. (27/11/11) - Cheese judges Gilles Sabourin (left) and Ivan Matte look over an array of cheddar cheeses at the 84th annual British Empire Dairy Show in Belleville, Ont. on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011. With over 50 cheddars and 200 specialty cheeses entered from as far away as Holland and the United Kingdom, judging Canada's oldest display of Canadian and international cheese is usually a full day of work for the judges. The Central Ontario Cheesemaker Association, established in 1928, started the show in order to give cheesemakers the opportunity to compete with others around the British Empire and win bragging rights. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

I'm always amazed at how much cheese is there.

I will hopefully get some shots up soon from some long-term work. I know the next three weeks or so will be really busy.

Friday 18 November 2011

Ruminations

I've been busy with my social issue/multimedia shenanigans lately, but this hasn't stopped me from going out and shooting other things either. There's a lot I want to do, and things that I should do when I have a few spare minutes, but I get pre-occupied with something else.

Anyway, the majority of my time in the last few weeks (and much of my time in the next few as well) has been spent with this kid.

(image removed)

And on a different and completely unrelated note, I also shot a "one prop" assignment today with the assistance of some lovely ladies from the Quinte Symphony.

BELLEVILLE, Ont. (18/11/11) - Heather Ferguson, principal French horn at the Quinte Symphony, poses with her 48 year old instrument at Bridge Street United Chuch in Belleville, Ont. on Friday, Nov. 18, 2011. Ferguson joined the musical group, then known as the Eastern Ontario Concert Orchestra, as a 14 year old high schooler at it's first rehearsal in 1960 and is now one of two remaining founding members in the group. She has used the same horn at all practices and concerts since the age of 17. The Quinte Symphony will be performing the Last Night of the Proms on Saturday, Nov. 19 at Bridge Street United Church. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

Friday 11 November 2011

Documentary

I've been really re-evaluating my thoughts on photography ever since advisory board day on Monday. This isn't to say I had horrible reviews, just that it really highlights what I need to improve on, and how I should do that. I'm hoping to put more time into documentary work, and also be more happy with shooting documentary in the first place.

Today was 11/11/11 and we had a "one day on earth" project to work on. It is a strange concept that I'm not particularly happy with but thanks to a kind writing teacher, I managed to get a subject.

WOOLER, Ont. (11/11/11) - Arnie Powell, 90, took up painting last year after his wife passed away. He had no previous painting experience but has since had his art receive an honourable mention in a local painting show. He paints drawings that various family members complete for him. Pictured here at home in Wooler, Ont. on Nov. 11, 2011, Powell hopes to keep painting as long as he can. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

Thursday 3 November 2011

Fire in Belleville

I was midway through an episode of some TV show before heading off for another shoot when I heard news of a fire near downtown Belleville. I had a spare few minutes and need some spot news coverage, so I headed out to see what it was all about. Honestly, it was the best possible spot news for me. No big flames (which would've been cool), but it was in an abandoned building, no one was hurt, and firefighters are pretty good about having students around.

BELLEVILLE, Ont. (03/11/11) - A firefighter lays out hose at the scene of a fire in an abandoned red-brick building behind a former auto dealership at the corner of Ashley Lane and Great St. James Street in Belleville, Ontario on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
BELLEVILLE, Ont. (03/11/11) - Firefighters McLean and Allair work at the scene of a fire at an abandoned red-brick building behind a former auto dealership at the corner of Ashley Lane and Great St. James Street in Belleville, Ontario on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
BELLEVILLE, Ont. (03/11/11) - Firefighters work at the scene of a fire in an abandoned red-brick building behind a former auto dealership at the corner of Ashley Lane and Great St. James Street in Belleville, Ontario on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
BELLEVILLE, Ont. (03/11/11) - Firefighters work at the scene of a fire in an abandoned red-brick building behind a former auto dealership at the corner of Ashley Lane and Great St. James Street in Belleville, Ontario on Thursday, Nov.  3, 2011. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

Wednesday 2 November 2011

Repatriation

Yesterday marked the repatriation of MCpl Byron Greff to CFB Trenton after he was killed in a vehicle-borne IED in Afghanistan. It was incredible that I got tarmac access, and even better that I was freelancing for this, but still a terribly sad occasion for the family and friends.

CFB Trenton (01/11/11) - The casket is removed from the plane at the repatriation ceremony of Master Corporal Byron Greff at CFB Trenton on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011. A member of the Edmonton-based 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, MCpl Greff was killed by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device while transiting through Kabul as a passenger on an International Security Assistance Force vehicle at approximately 11:30 a.m. (Kandahar time) on October 29, 2011. Greff was the first Canadian killed in Afghanistan during the new NATO-led training mission. He leaves behind a wife and two young children. His death brings the number of Canadian soldiers killed as a result of Canada's involvement in Afghanistan to 158. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
CFB Trenton (01/11/11) - A bagpiper salutes at the repatriation ceremony of Master Corporal Byron Greff at CFB Trenton on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
CFB Trenton (01/11/11) - The casket is carried in front of family members at the repatriation ceremony of Master Corporal Byron Greff at CFB Trenton on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
CFB Trenton (01/11/11) - MP Linda Duncan (Edmonton), Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay, and Governor General David Johnston attend the repatriation ceremony of Master Corporal Byron Greff at CFB Trenton on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011. Photo by Rachel Psutka. 
CFB Trenton (01/11/11) - Kellar Greff, son of Master Corporal Byron Greff, approaches the casket at the repatriation at CFB Trenton on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011.  Photo by Rachel Psutka. 
CFB Trenton (01/11/11) - Lindsay Raphael, wife of Master Corporal Byron Greff, approaches the casket at his repatriation at CFB Trenton on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011. Photo by Rachel Psutka.


Saturday 29 October 2011

Return of Sergeant Janick Gilbert

Today marked the return of Search and Rescue Technician Sergeant Janick Gilbert to 8 Wing Trenton from Nunavut, where he perished whilst performing a rescue operation near Igloolik.

I've never attended one of the repatriations of Canadian soldiers, despite being so near the base, but I will likely do so next week when the another soldier is coming home in the way so many never want to see.

With a six foot fence and no media allowed on tarmac, it was a challenge, to say the least. But I'm glad I went.

CFB TRENTON, Ont. (29/10/11) - The coffin is carried to a waiting car by Search and Rescue Technicians. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
CFB TRENTON, Ont. (29/10/11) - Family members attend the coffin. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
CFB TRENTON, Ont. (29/10/11) - Family members lay roses. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
CFB TRENTON, Ont. (29/10/11) - The caravan of Sergeant Janick Gilbert is set to leave the base. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
CFB TRENTON, Ont. (29/10/11) - The honour guard shows support. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

Friday 28 October 2011

Then and Now: Toronto

Another thing I managed to complete while in Toronto over the first bit of reading week was a then and now assignment. Browsing the Toronto photo archives was incredible enough, but finding a building that was still standing and still recognisable is really hard in that city. So much modernisation, or fires, killed off a lot of the old beauties. Anyway, I found one really interesting one at the southeast corner of Dundas and Yonge, in Toronto's version of Times Square.

Southeast corner of Dundas and Yonge, mid-1930s.
Southeast corner of Dundas and Yonge, October 25, 2011.

Sunday 23 October 2011

Zombie Walk

Yesterday I hit up Toronto's annual zombie walk. It was a little ridiculous, and I'm pretty sure most of the people there are huge attention-seekers. But it was fun, and I got off a few shots of random people pretending to be zombies.

TORONTO, Ont. (22/10/11) - A creature of some sort takes a break from tearing off limbs at Trinity-Bellwoods Park in Toronto on Saturday, Oct. 22. Toronto's zombie walk is now in it's 9th year. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
TORONTO, Ont. (22/10/11) - A zombie hangs out at Trinity-Bellwoods Park in Toronto on Saturday, Oct. 22. Toronto's zombie walk is now in it's 9th year. Photo by Rachel Psutka. 
TORONTO, Ont. (22/10/11) - A female zombie becomes more zombirrific at Trinity-Bellwoods Park in Toronto on Saturday, Oct. 22. Toronto's zombie walk is now in it's 9th year. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
TORONTO, Ont. (22/10/11) - Young zombies stay entertained at Trinity-Bellwoods Park in Toronto on Saturday, Oct. 22. Toronto's zombie walk is now in it's 9th year. Photo by Rachel Psutka. 
TORONTO, Ont. (22/10/11) - Young pilot zombie takes in the scene at Trinity-Bellwoods Park in Toronto on Saturday, Oct. 22. Toronto's zombie walk is now in it's 9th year. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Man's best friend

BELLEVILLE, Ont. (19/10/11) - Joe Mucha has been "borrowing" dogs to bring to the dog park in Zwick's Park in Belleville ever since his own dog died two years ago. Today he brought his roommate's beagle Noodles, who would rather sit on the bench with Mucha than run and play. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

I recently had an assignment due called Shoot Your Weakness. If you think this sounds like misery, it really was. I didn't want to cop out and say, well, I'm not the best at studio lighting! I actually wanted to challenge myself. Of course this meant I overworked myself and overthought how I should go about shooting my weakness, which is really portraits and candids in feature situations. I don't know what it is about these, but having to (a) control a situation that much, and (b) go out of my way to make something into a good picture while feeling like I'm bothering someone really bothers me. After several failed attempts and some words of wisdom from friends and instructors, I went back to the dog park for a second time and found Joe doing a crossword while Noodles alternated watching Joe and between pacing back and forth between two trees.

They are two peas in a pod.

BELLEVILLE, Ont. (19/10/11) - Joe Mucha and his roommate's beagle Noodles wait out the rain in a shelter in Zwick's Park in Belleville on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

Saturday 15 October 2011

World Record Pumpkin

Despite the horrible weather this morning, a few fellow photojs and I went to Prince Edward County's Pumpkinfest out in Wellington. The day was a bit crazy, especially with the downpour/sunshine mix and the moving of the weighing to a barn well out of town.

However, we stayed for a while, watched a few things get weighed, then were on our way to something else. And while I didn't see it weighed, seeing this behemoth get lifted off a truck and admired by men who regularly grow thousand-pound pumpkins was enough to know that it was special.

WELLINGTON, Ont. (15/10/11) - The world record pumpkin, grown by Jim Bryson of Ormstown, Que., is removed from a truck prior to weighing at the Prince Edward County Pumpkinfest. The giant vegetable weighed in at a record-breaking 1818.5 pounds. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
WELLINGTON, Ont. (15/10/11) - The world record pumpkin, grown by Jim Bryson of Ormstown, Que., is seen with it's smaller competitors prior to weighing at the Prince Edward County Pumpkinfest. The giant vegetable weighed in at a record-breaking 1818.5 pounds. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
WELLINGTON, Ont. (15/10/11) - The world record pumpkin, grown by Jim Bryson of Ormstown, Que., is removed from a truck prior to weighing at the Prince Edward County Pumpkinfest. The giant vegetable weighed in at a record-breaking 1818.5 pounds. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

Tuesday 11 October 2011

Leafs take Trenton

The Toronto Maple Leafs were at CFB Trenton starting on Monday to do some practices and show off their skills to the large fan base up here. And when I say large, I mean that spectators had to be shuffled in and out of the arena in crowds and only got to watch for 20-30 minutes before the next crowd could come in. I was glad of the media policy of the CFB at that point. They've been nothing but helpful to me in the past little while.

Here are my better shots from this morning's practice:

TRENTON, Ont. (11/10/11) - Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Mike Komisarek (right) laughs off a failed goal attempt by teammate Phil Kessel (left) at the team's second day of practices at the RCAF Flyers arena at CFB Trenton on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011. The Leafs were in town to practice for three days and show off their skills to locals on a week stretch between games. Photo by Rachel Psutka. 
TRENTON, Ont. (11/10/11) - Toronto Maple Leafs forward Clarke MacArthur juggles a puck at the team's second day of practices at the RCAF Flyers arena at CFB Trenton on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011. The Leafs were in town to practice for three days and show off their skills to locals on a week stretch between games. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
TRENTON, Ont. (11/10/11) - Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jonas Gustavsson defends his net in front of throngs of spectators at the team's second day of practices at the RCAF Flyers arena at CFB Trenton on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011. The Leafs were in town to practice for three days and show off their skills to locals on a week stretch between games. Photo by Rachel Psutka. 
TRENTON, Ont. (11/10/11) - Toronto Maple Leafs forwards Mikhail Grabovski (left) and Phil Kessel struggle over the puck at the team's second day of practices at the RCAF Flyers arena at CFB Trenton on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011. The Leafs were in town to practice for three days and show off their skills to locals on a week stretch between games. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
TRENTON, Ont. (11/10/11) - Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman John-Michael Liles talks to media after the team's second day of practices at the RCAF Flyers arena at CFB Trenton on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011. The Leafs were in town to practice for three days and show off their skills to locals on a week stretch between games. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
TRENTON, Ont. (11/10/11) - Gloves dry at the Toronto Maple Leafs' second day of practices at the RCAF Flyers arena at CFB Trenton on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011. The Leafs were in town to practice for three days and show off their skills to locals on a week stretch between games. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
TRENTON, Ont. (11/10/11) - Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mike Brown lines up a slapshot at the team's second day of practices at the RCAF Flyers arena at CFB Trenton on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011. The Leafs were in town to practice for three days and show off their skills to locals on a week stretch between games. Photo by Rachel Psutka. 
TRENTON, Ont. (11/10/11) - Toronto Maple Leafs defencemen Luke Schenn (left) and Cody Franson joke around in the last minutes of the team's second day of practices at the RCAF Flyers arena at CFB Trenton on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011. The Leafs were in town to practice for three days and show off their skills to locals on a week stretch between games. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
TRENTON, Ont. (11/10/11) - Toronto Maple Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul talks to media after the team's second day of practices at the RCAF Flyers arena at CFB Trenton on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011. The Leafs were in town to practice for three days and show off their skills to locals on a week stretch between games. Photo by Rachel Psutka.
TRENTON, Ont. (11/10/11) - Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Ron Wilson talks to media after the team's second day of practices at the RCAF Flyers arena at CFB Trenton on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011. The Leafs were in town to practice for three days and show off their skills to locals on a week stretch between games. Photo by Rachel Psutka.