New beginnings

Following the great opportunity I had on March 18th (see previous blogpost), on March 19th I was able to meet an incredibly talented and successful Toronto photographer, Steve Carty (www.stevecarty.com)  He was introduced to me by a mutual friend, (marketing magician Michael Poole) and we seemed to hit it off well in our first meeting.  He invited me to come to his shoot on Sunday March 20th, and I jumped at the opportunity.

Mr. Carty has been shooting full time for almost 2 decades. His past client list is humbling and impressive, including celebrities like: Tony Bennett, Pete Rock, DMX, Thom York of Radiohead, the great Phil Collins and on and on goes the list.

His skills are matched only by his kind personality and artist's demeanour.  I'm sure anyone who's had the pleasure of meeting 'Carty', or worked with him, would wholeheartedly agree.

His career is something that I can only dream of aspiring to, and he has already been kind enough to point me in the right direction.

So the shoot was for a very big Canadian company, whose name I shall withold, with a great Canadian pop star, Chantal Kreviazuk.  I can't really release many images right away, because the ad campaign won't run for awhile yet, but I'll set free a friendly shot of Chantal and Steve.

(Two great Canadians; Chantal Kreviazuk and Steve Carty, outside the historic Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, AB)

Taking part in this shoot was really great. Chantal had a group of stylists and hair and make-up people taking care of things, and she was a delight to meet.  It was immediately obvious that she knows her way around in front of a camera, and she even belted out a couple impromptu solo songs whilst standing in the snow.

Carty showed what a pro he is, and snapped shot after shot with great lighting and composition. I look forward to seeing the advertisements.

GS

A very special contract

On Friday March 18th, I was bestowed the honour of photographing the VIP's at the Immigrants of Distinction Awards in Calgary, on behalf of TD Bank.
The evening was a wonderful masquerade event with different performances including a traditional Chinese dragon dance, a beautiful version of Oh Canada and multiple dance groups from across the world.

(Mayor Nenshi addressing the large audience in attendance and via television)

(Mayor Nenshi addressing the large audience in attendance and via television)

Calgary's new mayor, and Canada's first ever Muslim Mayor, the Honourable Naheed Nenshi graced the event with an inspirational and heartfelt speech. I'm not really big on politicians, but Mayor Nenshi has charisma, a sense of humour, and excellent public speaking skills. I almost forgot to compose any images, I was so moved by his speech.
The Award Ceremony part of the night was also broadcasted nationwide on television.
 

My brother, my friend

Here are a couple portraits I shot of my brother, William David Simpson, in Aurora, Ontario a couple years ago. Not sure he ever got to see them... oops...
Oh sure, we had our differences over the years. But he's become a younger, taller, brother that I'm very proud of.

Immigrants of Distinction Awards

This Friday, March 18th, I'll be headed to the 'big' city called Calgary.  The Westin hotel downtown is hosting an awards ceremony called the Immigrants of Distinction Awards. Not too sure what it's all about, but one of the sponsors, TD banking group has hired me to shoot photographs. Should be a great night, even the new mayor of Calgary will be present. I look forward to this weekend, because following this early evening event, I'll be rushing over to the Ramada hotel for the 2011 Wedding Photographers Summit, where world renowned photographer Mike Colon will be speaking.  Going to be a busy one!
Geoff

Welcome to the world, Cash

 

Some friends of mine have recently brought a little boy named Cash, the newest Leaf fan, into the world. What better way to spend his first week than modelling for me?

Living in a paradise

It's important to remind ourselves sometimes of how lucky we are, no matter where we're living in this beautiful country we call home.  This photo was taken on one such lovely day, in one of the most beautiful parts of Canada; Banff, Alberta. Meet my backyard. ;)

Karin and Ted, happily wed

Dancing a jig

The ceremony, on a gorgeous Banff day

Some lovely words

Here is a reference from some lovely newlyweds:

>>"To Whom it May Concern,  

My husband and I are so grateful to have been able to work with Geoff Simpson on our wedding day. Geoff and his beautiful fiancée (and assistant) Mylene were so fun to work with; they made us feel at ease through every shot. Geoff was full of creative ideas and was able to use his artistic eye to find shots that married the joyful spirit of the day with the peace of our serene environment.  Geoff’s love for his work is clear; he is passionate but still relaxed, and was able to help us relate our feelings through our photos . Our love for the mountains brought us together and Geoff’s ability to blend the lovely surroundings that we call home with the pure elation that we felt that day translated to the perfect set of memories that we now have. He transformed our photographs into works of art, and we are able to look back and re-live the most perfect day again and again.   

Thank you Geoff; for the memories that you have provided us , our families, and our friends. From the nerves of getting ready, to the ceremony, to the celebration afterwards, every photograph translates the story of our day. We feel so fortunate to have had you, and wish you all the success in the world. I am certain that you will continue to create beautiful mementoes for the future clients you are guaranteed to have. 

With Warm Regards,  

Karin Ogilvie 

New Wife"<<


Thanks so much Karin!