Camera Lens Mug

IMG_8047For Father’s Day I bought dad a mug that looks exactly like Canon’s 24-105mm lens. I placed my order on eBay but noticed that it was shipped from xcsource.com, so you should check them out if you want your own.
IMG_8048The details of the replica are pretty astounding. The AF and IS buttons actually move. For an extra buck or two you can actually have it say “Canon” where it is supposed to, I just didn’t realize it when I ordered.
IMG_8052We don’t actually have the 24-105 lens, so above is a photo next to the 24-70mm. Close enough eh? Hope dad doesn’t accidentally pour coffee in his real lenses!

A Concert For Dogs

IAMS Concert 6/8/2013
The same day as Woofstock, IAMS SOGOOD hosted a concert for dogs. 45 piece Toronto Concert Orchestra played dog themed songs like “Who Let The Dogs Out” and “How Much is That Doggie in the Window”. They also performed a selection of popular classics including themes from Phantom of the Opera and Westside Story.
IAMS Concert 6/8/2013
Surprisingly, most of the dogs were well behaved and nobody was howling at live music. I expected Teddy to be a fuss because he usually howls at the piano.
IAMS Concert 6/8/2013
There was free goodies and a photobooth adding to a lovely afternoon by the beach.
IAMS Concert 6/8/2013
IAMS Concert 6/8/2013
IAMS Concert 6/8/2013
IAMS Concert 6/8/2013
IAMS Concert 6/8/2013
IAMS Concert 6/8/2013
IAMS Concert 6/8/2013
IAMS Concert 6/8/2013
IAMS Concert 6/8/2013
IAMS Concert 6/8/2013
IAMS Concert 6/8/2013
IAMS Concert 6/8/2013
IAMS Concert 6/8/2013
IAMS Concert 6/8/2013
IAMS Concert 6/8/2013
IAMS Concert 6/8/2013

Woofstock 2013

Woofstock 2013

Yesterday I took Teddy to Woofstock for the second time. His birthday (which also happened to be yesterday) always falls close to the festival so it doubles as a celebration, complete with all the goodies!

Woofstock 2013
Woofstock 2013There’s a dog version of everything you can imagine out there somewhere, including ice cream. Me and my sister actually tried some dog ice-cream ourselves (not pictured). Don’t worry, it was just a sugar-free vanilla, so perfectly human edible. Honestly, it was one of the best vanilla ice-creams I have ever had.

Woofstock 2013Dog cookies never cease to look delicious.

Woofstock 2013It’s Batman and Robin!

Woofstock 2013These pups are all blinged out.

More random photos from the festival:
Woofstock 2013
Woofstock 2013
Woofstock 2013
Woofstock 2013
Woofstock 2013
Woofstock 2013
Woofstock 2013
Woofstock 2013
Woofstock 2013

Henry’s Exposure Show

Exposure Photo Expo 6/1/2013
On Saturday, I attended Henry’s Exposure Photo & Video Imaging Show. It was camera gear galore but there were also mini stations to practise different types of photography. I was carrying the heavy 70-200mm which I’m not quite used to yet but I was happy with the results.

Exposure Photo Expo 6/1/2013
Exposure Photo Expo 6/1/2013
Exposure Photo Expo 6/1/2013
Exposure Photo Expo 6/1/2013Parrots in the bird station.

Exposure Photo Expo 6/1/2013
Exposure Photo Expo 6/1/2013
An alternative burlesqueish model.

Exposure Photo Expo 6/1/2013Exposure Photo Expo 6/1/2013

There was this random couple (or so I think) posing for fake wedding photos. I edited these shots to make them softer and wedding-like.

Exposure Photo Expo 6/1/2013
Random girl on a motorcycle

Exposure Photo Expo 6/1/2013
Exposure Photo Expo 6/1/2013
There was this awesomely lit chair where you could sit and take your own photographs and my parents wanted some photos.

And some more random photos:
Exposure Photo Expo 6/1/2013
Exposure Photo Expo 6/1/2013
Exposure Photo Expo 6/1/2013Exposure Photo Expo 6/1/2013Exposure Photo Expo 6/1/2013
It was fun shooting in different styles and I think I didn’t do too badly!

Victoria’s Day at Ashbridges Bay

Victoria's Day @ Ash Bridges Bay 5/20/2013
I spent Victoria’s Day at Ashbridges Bay relaxing by the beaches. We took a walk along the board-walk and visited the skate park.


At night, we braved the chill to see their spectacular fireworks. My favourite part was when the many fireworks dispersed into what looked like mini stars.
Victoria's Day @ Ash Bridges Bay 5/20/2013
Victoria's Day @ Ash Bridges Bay 5/20/2013
Victoria's Day @ Ash Bridges Bay 5/20/2013
Victoria's Day @ Ash Bridges Bay 5/20/2013
Victoria's Day @ Ash Bridges Bay 5/20/2013
Victoria's Day @ Ash Bridges Bay 5/20/2013
Victoria's Day @ Ash Bridges Bay 5/20/2013
Victoria's Day @ Ash Bridges Bay 5/20/2013
Victoria's Day @ Ash Bridges Bay 5/20/2013
Victoria's Day @ Ash Bridges Bay 5/20/2013
Victoria's Day @ Ash Bridges Bay 5/20/2013
Victoria's Day @ Ash Bridges Bay 5/20/2013
Victoria's Day @ Ash Bridges Bay 5/20/2013
Victoria's Day @ Ash Bridges Bay 5/20/2013
Victoria's Day @ Ash Bridges Bay 5/20/2013
Victoria's Day @ Ash Bridges Bay 5/20/2013
Victoria's Day @ Ash Bridges Bay 5/20/2013
Victoria's Day @ Ash Bridges Bay 5/20/2013

Kariya Park

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The weather was gorgeous so we headed to Kariya Park to see if we could catch the cherry blossom trees in bloom. It’s a lovely little spot in the core honouring the twin city relationship with Kariya, Japan. We were probably a week early because not all the trees bloomed yet but still managed to snap some colourful photos.

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Someone’s Spying On Me

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I was trying to read over the weekend. However every time I retreat to the couch in the other room this happens:

How to Photograph a Funeral

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While photographing a funeral may seem morbid to some, it is normal in some cultures to want to capture the moment. Funerals tend to be one of the very few times where entire families and friends gather in a room, even those who haven’t seen each other for 10 years. Asian funerals tend to have a lot of tradition and are quite interesting to document.

To be honest when grandma asked me to photograph grandpa’s funeral, I thought it was weird. I thought I would be shy, break down (well I did occasionally), or that it would be awkward. However, I learned a lot from this experience and think I became a much better photographer because of it.

Here are a few tips:
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1. No Flash
Having a photographer at a funeral can be awkward enough for some visitors, don’t be intrusive with a giant flash. I used my 50mm 1.8 lens for the majority of the shots so that I could absorb the most light as well as purposely blur backgrounds.

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2. Be Considerate
Funerals can be a great opportunity to be photojournalistic, but at the same time you have to still be sensitive. Don’t stick cameras in people’s faces and be as invisible as possible. In my case, it was a little bit more difficult because I was part of the immediate family.

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3. Edit Photos to Fit The Mood
Photos shouldn’t really be high of contrast and colour, that doesn’t really fit the mood of a funeral (or at least not the ceremony/wake). Don’t “bloom” your photos, apply appropriate filters that aren’t too bright and cheery. A mix of black and white and colour is okay too.

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4. Watch People Interact With Each Other
Chances are if you’ve been asked to photograph a funeral, the person doesn’t just want to remember the deceased, but also all those who came out.

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5. Be Confident
If you act like you are unsure you are supposed to be there, than it makes it awkward for everyone else too. If you’re confident than people will know you are doing your job.

If you ever get asked to photograph a funeral, treat it as a honour to help someone keep their last memories of a loved one. For now, most of the photos are for my family’s eyes only but they are some of the most intimate and emotionally beautiful photographs that I have ever taken.
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Ruby Princess 2013: Day 7 & 8- Another Sea Day and Fort Lauderdale Mansions

Day 7

On the last 2 days, the boat was making its way back to our starting port in Fort Lauderdale. When we went to breakfast Saturday, there was a Chocolate station. Mom got mad at me for eating chocolate everything for breakfast:

Ruby Princess 2013

Since it was our last day, I walked around the ship and took some more random photos including the jazz bar and a dessert cafe (which you didn’t have to pay additional for).

Ruby Princess 2013
Ruby Princess 2013
Ruby Princess 2013
Ruby Princess 2013
Ruby Princess 2013

Mid-day the kitchen staff held a hilarious cooking show and then took us on a tour of one of the kitchens. It is so incredibly spotless!

Ruby Princess 2013: Day 1 – Embarking

Port Everglades, Florida

Last week I took an Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Ruby Princess. I took hundreds of breathtaking photos of the trip as well as journalized each day, so I will share my trip with you in a series of posts.