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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.