Summer singing

I recently completed the four day drive back to Ontario and while I did take a few photos along the way, nothing really stands out. I sort of happened upon a concert in Thunder Bay as well as hitting up a blues festival in Kingston when I arrived out east, so those were pretty much the good parts of the trip. There aren't a lot of interesting things happening in the Canadian shield, and after doing this drive three times in the past 12 months I really just wanted to get it over with.

Ewan Currie, lead singer of The Sheepdogs, performs at a windy Marina Park on Wednesday, August 24 at the Superior Music Festival in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The Saskatoon-based band was recently featured on the cover of the Rolling Stone magazine. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

Danielle Schnebelen of the family band Trampled Under Foot performs at the Limestone City Blues Festival in Kingston, Ont. on August 27. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

Family Portraits

As a thank-you for my brother, sister-in-law, and two nephews allowing me to camp out in their basement for 12 weeks this summer, I offered to take some family portraits. The four of them haven't had a real portrait done since James was a few months old, and he turned six this summer.

Portraiture is definitely not my specialty as I've always had a hard time telling someone what to do but I thought I could offer them some form of repayment this way. I'm trying to get better and this is one skill I really want to work on this upcoming year.

Sheila and Arthur, James and Jack.

James and Jack.

Sheila and Arthur.

Thanks for a wonderful summer.

Week Twelve: End of the Road

Somewhere just north of Rosebud, Alberta on August 18, 2011. Photo by Rachel Psutka. 

My summer internship is over. Twelve weeks of amazingness, driving all over Alberta's prairies, writing stories at ungodly hours of the morning, and talking to some of the most interesting people I've come across ever. 

I've had the chance to talk to everyone. Girls about to start their big league volleyball careers, professional stunt-riders, CFL players, car buffs, RCMP officer-turned-drummer in rock band, chiefs, mayors, MLAs, MPs, the Premier, and a boy who lost his lunch on a fairground ride. Parents who love that I think their kid is worthy of a photo in the paper, grandparents who want to tell me about their shuffleboard team, and a kid petting a horse for the first time.

This summer was the epitome of community journalism. From my first couple of freelance assignments at the Fort Saskatchewan Record to my nine weeks at the Strathmore Standard and three weeks at the Hanna Herald, I feel like I really hit up the central idea behind community newspapers. I think my photography improved and I have a few photos that will likely end up in my portfolio for a little while. I am really grateful for the time I had at these papers and the experiences they gave me. I am so looking forward to the next step, going back to Loyalist and working on my photography more and more. I think more than anything, this internship has given me the tool of communication. Communicating with people who are unable, unwilling, shy, or just don't understand that I need their voice to explain their situation.

I finished up this week with an opinion piece about violence in hockey, a preview for a slo-pitch tournament, a couple other pieces, and this one, about this intriguingly eccentric man from Delia (about half an hour west of Hanna) who has dedicated the last decade of his life to documenting grain elevators. What an appropriate wrap-up to the summer.

Jim Pearson of Delia has been documenting the grain elevators of the prairies for almost ten years. He's built hundreds of models and is currently putting together his third book. Here he shows off models of the elevators in Youngstown and Delia. RACHEL PSUTKA/HANNA HERALD/QMi AGENCY

The drive north from Drumheller, Alberta on August 18, 2011. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

Week Eleven

This was my last week in Strathmore, and second last of the internship. I shot a lot of stuff but due to space, a lot of it didn't actually run. What was supposed to be a two-page spread on the Siksika Pow Wow turned into three-quarters of a page. That's ok, I am getting the feel of how newspapers work, but it was fantastic to be out shooting stuff and feeling like I was getting stuff done.

Shalynne Standing works on her trapeze skills at Expressions Dance Gallery's summer aerials and dance camp on Sunday, August 14. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

MLA Arno Doerksen gets his blood drawn by medical lab assistant Megan Brown as he signs up for the Tomorrow Project. The cancer research project was visiting Strathmore from August 8-12 hoping to get local residents signed up for the long-term study. Despite a lower than hoped turnout, the Tomorrow Project may return to Strathmore in the future to conduct another clinic. Those interested in joining can visit www.in4tomorrow.ca or call 1-877-919-9292. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Mayor Steve Grajczyk has his sitting height measured by project assistant Jide Sotumbo as he signs up for the Tomorrow Project. The cancer research project was visiting Strathmore from August 8-12 hoping to get local residents signed up for the long-term study. Despite a lower than hoped turnout, the Tomorrow Project may return to Strathmore in the future to conduct another clinic. Those interested in joining can visit www.in4tomorrow.ca or call 1-877-919-9292. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

A dancer participates at the Siksika Pow Wow on Saturday, August 13. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Dancers participate at the Siksika Pow Wow on Saturday, August 13. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Dancers participate at the Siksika Pow Wow on Saturday, August 13. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Young dancers participate at the Siksika Pow Wow on Saturday, August 13. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Dancers participate at the Siksika Pow Wow on Saturday, August 13. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

A young boy sings along to the drummers while participating at the Siksika Pow Wow on Saturday. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

A young girl participates in the junior fancy category at the Siksika Pow Wow on Saturday, August 13. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Week Ten

This was a recovery week. I wrote four articles and shot one picture to go along with one of the articles. I've done a lot more this week and will continue to do so into the weekend for my last weekend on the job.

Lifeguards Lauren Winters and Joel Culver display some of the equipment that will be used for the trial of Junior Lifeguard Club at the Strathmore Aquatic Centre. The drop-in trial will run from August 8 to 12 and is open to youth age eight to 15. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Week Nine-Ten Interlude: CFL Game

I've been lucky enough to get a few days off, and in this time I got to shoot a Calgary Stampeders versus Hamilton Tiger Cats game. It was fantastic. It was a challenge but shooting a high-level sport meant high-level action and great results. I soon figured out to follow the other photographers (and their 500mm lenses) from one end of the field to the other to get the good shots and I'm pretty sure my life would be close to complete if this is what I did for a living.

I have a hard time narrowing down my best shots, so here is a pile that I liked enough to edit. Many many thanks to Chris Jurewicz of the Stampeders communications department for giving me sideline access and to all the photographers who gave me little bits of wisdom along the way.

CALGARY, Alta. (06/08/11) - Calgary Stampeders defensive backs Geoff Tisdale (left) and Keon Raymond get prepared for their game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday, August 6, 2011. The Stampeders went on to beat the Tiger-Cats 32-20, securing their first home win of the season. Photo by Rachel Psutka. 

CALGARY, Alta. (06/08/11) - Calgary Stampeders linebacker Akwasi Antwi gets some stretches in before the game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday, August 6, 2011. The Stampeders went on to beat the Tiger-Cats 32-20, securing their first home win of the season. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

CALGARY, Alta. (06/08/11) - Calgary Stampeders defensive backs Keon Raymond, Brandon Smith, and Geoff Tisdale get prepared for their game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday, August 6, 2011. The Stampeders went on to beat the Tiger-Cats 32-20, securing their first home win of the season. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

CALGARY, Alta. (06/08/11) - Calgary Stampeders quarterback Henry Burris makes an early pass in the game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday, August 6, 2011. The Stampeders went on to beat the Tiger-Cats 32-20, securing their first home win of the season. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

CALGARY, Alta. (06/08/11) - Calgary Stampeders kick returner Larry Taylor celebrates the first touchdown of the night against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats with offensive linesmen Steve Myddleton on Saturday, August 6, 2011. It was Taylor's first score as a member of the Stampeders. The Stampeders went on to beat the Tiger-Cats 32-20, securing their first home win of the season. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

CALGARY, Alta. (06/08/11) - Calgary Stampeders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats face off on Saturday, August 6, 2011. The Stampeders went on to beat the Tiger-Cats 32-20, securing their first home win of the season. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

CALGARY, Alta. (06/08/11) - Calgary Stampeders quarterback Henry Burris watches the time tick down in the first half of play against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday, August 6, 2011. The Stampeders went on to beat the Tiger-Cats 32-20, securing their first home win of the season. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

CALGARY, Alta. (06/08/11) - Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Kevin Glenn makes a hasty pass as defensive linesman Charleston Hughes surges forward in the game against the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday, August 6, 2011. The Stampeders went on to beat the Tiger-Cats 32-20, securing their first home win of the season. Photo by Rachel Psutka. 

CALGARY, Alta. (06/08/11) - Calgary Stampeders receiver Landan Talley gets tackled by Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive back Terrance Lee as Marc Beswick and Daniel Francis rush to help on Saturday, August 6, 2011. The Stampeders went on to beat the Tiger-Cats 32-20, securing their first home win of the season. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

CALGARY, Alta. (06/08/11) - Calgary Stampeders receiver Landan Talley gets tackled by Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive back Terrance Lee as Marc Beswick and Daniel Francis rush to help on Saturday, August 6, 2011. The Stampeders went on to beat the Tiger-Cats 32-20, securing their first home win of the season. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

CALGARY, Alta. (06/08/11) - Calgary Stampeders receiver Jabari Arthur dives over Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive back Ryan Hinds as Jason Shivers rushes to help make the play on Saturday, August 6, 2011. The Stampeders went on to beat the Tiger-Cats 32-20, securing their first home win of the season. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

CALGARY, Alta. (06/08/11) - Calgary Stampeders receiver Jabari Arthur dives over Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive back Ryan Hinds as Jason Shivers rushes to help make the play on Saturday, August 6, 2011. The Stampeders went on to beat the Tiger-Cats 32-20, securing their first home win of the season. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

CALGARY, Alta. (06/08/11) - Calgary Stampeders receiver Jabari Arthur dives over Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive back Ryan Hinds (on ground) as Jason Shivers rushes to help make the play on Saturday, August 6, 2011. The Stampeders went on to beat the Tiger-Cats 32-20, securing their first home win of the season. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

CALGARY, Alta. (06/08/11) - Calgary Stampeders receiver Anthony Parkers walks off the field after the third quarter of play against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday, August 6, 2011. The Stampeders went on to beat the Tiger-Cats 32-20, securing their first home win of the season. Photo by Rachel Psutka. 

CALGARY, Alta. (06/08/11) - Calgary Stampeders defensive linesmen Robert McCune celebrates a successful play against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday, August 6, 2011. The Stampeders went on to beat the Tiger-Cats 32-20, securing their first home win of the season. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

CALGARY, Alta. (06/08/11) - Calgary Stampeder Nik Lewis tries to ward off the strong defence of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday, August 6, 2011. The Stampeders went on to beat the Tiger-Cats 32-20, securing their first home win of the season. Photo by Rachel Psutka.

Week Nine Point Five: Rodeo!

Rodeo is a major part of Heritage Days. Other than Running with the Bulls, I'd have to say it's the major attraction. Strathmore's competition is good enough that it attracts many big name cowboys and with that, some big name stock. (If you're into following rodeo, that is.)

The rodeo gets underway on Saturday night. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Kids take part in the wild pony races. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Josh Harden on Mata Fact in the saddle bronc on Sunday. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Josh Harden gets bucked off Mata Fact in Sunday's saddle bronc. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Kids take part in mutton bustin' on Sunday. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Strathmore's Scott Schiffner rides Skid Row in Sunday's bull riding. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Bull riding champion Jesse Torkelson rides Bananas on Saturday night action at the rodeo. This was the winning ride of the rodeo. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Clint Laye is feeling the pain. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Andy Shold gets bucked off in bareback. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

JD Hays in steer wrestling. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Jake Brown takes flight off Redon Acres in the saddle bronc. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Cody Taton gets bucked off Awesome in the saddle bronc. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

J.T. Robinson grabs a calf in tie-down roping on Monday. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY 

Sammie Bessert in barrel racing on Monday. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

A lot of people just come to watch people get bucked off the horses and bulls.

Week Nine Point Five: Chuckwagons, Grounds, AIMS walk

Miscellaneous chuckwagon races, grounds photos, and a charity walk that all were part of Heritage Days in Strathmore.

Luke Tournier guides his team around the first corner at the chuckwagon races on Saturday night. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Lincoln Douglas' chucks team approaches the end of the race on Sunday night. His rear left horse was injured but is expected to make a full recovery. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Tyler, left, and Keagen, both 9, feel the effects of a ride at Heritage Days on Sunday. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY

Jordyn Shawcross, 7, and her mom Jackie make a sprint for the finish line of the five kilometre race in the Third Chinook Credit Union Heritage Days Run in support of Foothills Advocacy in Motion Society on the morning of August 1. RACHEL PSUTKA/STRATHMORE STANDARD/QMi AGENCY