Happy New Year

I didn't want to single out Ford in my final blog post of the year but I found this photo rather fitting. I spotted the truck on a walk around the neighborhood this morning. Let me give the shot a title: "Is the World's Economy in a deep freeze"? I certainly hope it is not as bad as what we have heard in the press for the past three to four months. I guess gas prices have come down so owners of trucks like this one may just be smiling again.

Let me wrap up 2008 with a wish to everyone I know (whether you drive a truck or not) for a Happy and prosperous 2009.

Southern Cross at Silver Star Mountain

I just completed a shoot at Silver Star Mountain today. I did interior photos this summer for owners Peter and Leigh Geddes and today I wrapped it up with a series of exterior photos. I was extremely lucky as the the sun came out just long enough to get photos from a few different angles and using a couple of lenses.

The Southern Cross is a beautiful Victorian Style Vacation Home at Silver Star Mountain. Is features 3 bedrooms, large kitchen, great ski in, ski out access and an outdoor hot tub.

Email Peter and Leigh if you are interested in booking this wonderful spot for your next ski trip to Silver Star. lpjdgeddes@bigfoot.com

Skiing Finally

Today we made it out for our first ski... finally. We simply ran out of excuses and took a break from our busy lives and headed up to have a look around at Silver Star first. Silver Star has it's busiest days of the year between Christmas and New Years and judging by the parking lots, today was no different. After the recent cold snap it seemed as if the whole city of Vernon had decided that today was the day to hit the slopes. Conditions are ideal with human temperatures and lots of snow. 

We were cross country skiing today so we headed over to Sovereign Lake and strapped on the skis for an easy first ski of the year. It was great to feel the skis glide on the perfectly groomed trails. I got a pair of fancy new Swix poles for Christmas and I can proudly report that they do a great job. Now we just need to get the guy who pushes these poles in shape. 

Merry Christmas - God Jul

If you happen to stumble upon my blog here is my chance to wish you a Merry Christmas. It is still cold here in BC and we have given up on the driveway for a couple of days. We are very fortunate and probably take it bit for granted that we can spend this Christmas Eve inside in a cozy warm house. The presents are under the tree. Candles are lit everywhere and the roast is the oven. In moments like this I count my blessings and hope all my friends and family are having the best of times over the holidays.

Thanks Chris

Chris. I don't think I ever thank you enough for helping out with our sidewalk. When it dumps like it did today seeing you come up the sidewalk with your snow blower has everyone cheering with joy.  

How many days to Christmas?

We woke up to quite a surprise this morning. How about 30 cm of new snow to get you up and going. Three of us took care of the drive and did so with a high level of efficiency. There will be little time to rest as I think the snow has accumulated with another 30 cm waiting for us outside. Yes... it will be a white Christmas here. There is no doubt about it.  As you may see from our Christmas count down candle we are a day behind. We celebrate Christmas on the 24th so we have another eleven days to get ready. If you celebrate on the 25th you have twelve. If you are behind like me the whole thing gets even more confusing. 

NORAM, Classic Mass Start

Today is one of those days where Vernon is completely in the fog. It is winter and understandably so you accept some of these less inspiring days. On a day like this it is pretty spectacular top hop in you car, drive for 15 minutes until you are above the clouds and hit either Silver Star or Sovereign Lake for a ski. I am back down in the fog now but the sun above the clouds certainly lifted my mood.

The race today was my favorite due to the mass start and sunny skies. Canada's Alex Harvey took first place in the men's race just as he did it on Saturday.

Link to my SmugMug site for more photos

Video captured by Mik Byskov

Seaton Play - Sing a Song of Sixpence

Hurry hurry... if you don't have tickets for "Sing a Song of Sixpence" get them now! Word is out that there are very few tickets left and I can see why. Last night we experienced an elaborate display of theatre production from the Seaton Students and producers. A cast of 60 students gave us a fun filled evening. An evening we won't soon forget.

Show times this week:

Wed. Dec. 10th, 7:30 PM

Thu. Dec. 11th, 7:30 PM

Fri. Dec. 12th, 7:30 PM

Sat. Dec. 13th, 2:00 PM

Sat. Dec. 13th, 7:30 PM

Synopsis:

In the magical kingdom of Cornucopia, trouble is brewing; the evil Witch Watt has hatched a plan to steal King Ferdinad's Magic Crown. Luckily, a hero has just arrived. Prince Valentine has only come to seek Princess Rosemary's hand in marriage in order to keep his own kingdom from going bankrupt, but finds himself pitted against the Witch in a battle for love and honour.

Photos from the show has been posted on my SmugMug site. You can view the photos and share with friends and family or order prints at reduced rates.

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More NORAM races at Sovereign and Silver Star

I have just received a message that there will be more NORAM races this coming week at Sovereign Lake and Silver Star. This is due to lack of snow at the Nordic Centre in Whistler. Here are the races:

Thursday, December 11th, Mass Start Skate Race, 1 PM, Sovereign Lake

Friday, December 12th, Classic Sprint Race, 9 AM, Sovereign Lake

Sunday, December 14th, Individual Start Classic Race, 10AM at Silver Star Mountain

I will probably cover one or two of these races.  

NORAM XC Skiing, Individual Skate Race

Canada's George Grey took the gold in the men's 15K individual skate race on Sunday while Caitlin Compton from the USA won the women's 10K. Photos from Sunday's race action are now online. Check my SmugMug Gallery for more. 

NORAM XC Skiing, Sprints, Sovereign Lake

Day one of racing at Sovereign saw the sprinters come out in the fog. Things did clear up a bit towards the end of the races.  Canada's Alex Harvey and American Laura Valaas had first places finishes today. You can catch all the action in the Noram Sprints Gallery

Seaton Choir, Christmas Concert

I always enjoy the atmosphere in the Seaton Theatre. We have seen so many great shows and choir concerts there. It is a place where you are easily moved by the kids. They will make you laugh and they will make you cry as the put their whole hearted efforts forth. Last night was no exception. We saw a great solo performances, duos, guitarist singer songwriters, a pianist, the choir and honor choir. I enjoy the show tremendously. All entries were great but the the last song, a rendition of "Why Must I Be a Teenager In Love" had everyone smiling ear to ear. Thanks Lana for all you work with the choir and thanks kids for giving us these unforgettable experiences. Follow the link to more photos from the choir concert.

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New Studio Lights - Elinchrom 500 BXRi kit

I am building a studio in my house and for some time now I have been researching lighting options. I have narrowed it down to the Elinchrom BXRi 500 kit. The kit arrives next week and in the new year I will be offering portraits sessions and product photography.  The kit is portable so I will be able to bring it on location for corporate portraits, weddings or family shoots.  

If you are interested in knowing more about Elinchrom strobes I found this YouTube video quite helpful. 

NORAM races are coming

It's time to get in shape for next weekend. I will be shooting the Noram cross country ski races. Here is a shot from last year's events I covered in Canmore. For more information on the races go to www.sovereignlake.com. 

Shooting cross country is one of the most challenging things for my equipment. I quite often keep batteries in my gloves in order to keep them warm. I will typically go through about 4 or 5 batteries shooting just a couple of races. 

Last year was the first time I had a chance to cover races using my Canon EF 300 2.8L IS. It was a real joy breaking in that lens for the XC races. I have contemplated adding a Canon 1D series camera several times for sports but so far my 5D is doing the job just fine. 

You can view hundreds of cross country ski photos at my SmugMug site.