Toronto Food Drink and Product Photography | Getting the Shot

Toronto Food Drink and Product Photography | Getting the Shot

Yes I know this is not the work that I normally post but it is a part of what I do and an example of being prepared to capture a vision no matter what I am shooting. Most photographers know that the best light can happen even before the sun pokes out over the horizon. Getting up early is only part of the equation. This spot on George Lake in Killarney Provincial Park is quite accessible and relatively close to the campground but I still made point to visit the day before and scout the location. With my dog accompanying me I knew there was a bit of a rock obstacle in our way and he would need help with a small climb, so I was prepared for that in advance. With the coming of fall light sunrise happens in a much shorter time frame than mid summer, so its important to pick a spot to shoot from as time may not allow a change of location, so again preparation is paramount. In my personal artwork I like to present it in large and non standard formats so in this photo shooting a panorama is much easier when you not only have the right gear, but knowing how to set it up and do it efficiently. Once that process happens I can let myself get immersed in the moment, create art and experience the vision I came with.

This shot was an added bonus and with a lack of a portfolio quality sunset on my first night, I looked for something else. In this case I found a shot of these fishermen in a canoe and I think it represents the romance and mood of Ontario's outdoors perfectly. But again I was prepared to shoot this both by having the right gear (in this case a 70-200 zoom) and the knowledge of how to use it, getting a sharp in focus shot in low light.

As a photographer I try to be prepared in anything I shoot and I take a lot of time to develop my skill to the point where I believe I can shoot in almost any situation both in nature and in the studio.

I do sell my fine art photography as a separate business from my commercial work and you can view this work at www.robertgreatrix.com or on our Instagram feed @robertgreatrix Our fine art sales are handled through our friends at Liss Gallery at 112 Cumberland in Toronto's historic and trendy Yorkville neighbourhood.

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Havana Cuba Travel Highlights

Havana Cuba Travel Highlights

By: Toronto Photographer Robert Greatrix

I am a little late in writing this post, but better late than never. With a lot of change happening in my life right now I found myself thinking back to a somewhat recent and very memorable excursion my wife Marie and I made to Havana Cuba. 

As a photographer the experience travelling to Habana and Cuba itself, was exhilierating to say the least. I felt like I couldn't walk more than a dozen paces with stopping to focus my camera on something new and exciting. The old classic automobiles were one of my particular favourites and shooting opportunities abounded. 

Havana Streets

The above shot was one of the first I took upon getting settled in Habana, taken from the balcony of what was our residence for a few days. I can think of no better option than to stay in private accommodations while in the city and is by far my preferred method of travel. 

48

Cruising

Not only were the classic cars in the city abundant to shoot but the locations to capture them were also as unique. Not to say the shots are easy, one has to be patient to get shots of only time period vehicles (which I prefer to get that lost in time feel) and  as a photographer you still want to give a sense of place. There is no substitute for bad composition either. The above shot of the purple convertible was taken along the Malecon, a long seaside boulevard, and I used a slow shutter speed to emphasize the blur and sense of motion. The picture of the green 48 was taken along one the colourful streets of the city.

Fighter

Slice of Life

Waiting

Just as interesting as the cars were the people. I found the daily life in the city fascinating and the people were both friendly and colourful as their surroundings. As one who considers himself a traveller, my choice is to explore a city on my own terms, but the top photo of a gentleman named Damien was taken after a horse and buggy tour he gave us of the city. And when visiting Habana there is nothing like a city tour and cruise down the Malecon at night in a classic convertible to feel like you are stepping back into the 50's.

Habana Nights

The night time in old Havana, Habana Vieja, provides spectacular views, this one from the restaurant atop the Biltmore Hotel.

Capitole

One thing that you are constantly reminded of in Cuba is its history. The overpoweering presence of the Capitol Building is visible from almost everywhere I seemed to go in the city and seems to reinforce that sentiment constantly. I think this last shot is one of my favourites and gives me a personal connection that draws me back to visit Habana and Cuba again.

Robert Greatrix

The travel images in this blog are available for license and more can be seen at www.fulcrumimaging.com . Robert Greatrix is a Toronto based professional photographer who is available for freelance travel, corporate and commercial work.

SS Keewatin Port McNicol Ontario Part 1

I recently had the unique experience of touring the SS Keewatin a veritable floating museum currently docked in the small town of Port McNicol Ontario. The town was once home to a major Canadian Pacific Railway Great Lakes Port and many ships including the Keewatin sailed to and from here. The journey of the Keewatin and its history is fascinating and is best experienced and absorbed in person. To read more about the Keewatin please visit SSKeewatin.com (after looking at my photos of course).

I was greeted on the day by the man instrumental in returning this marvellous vessel to its former home, Eric Conroy. His knowledge of the ship is extensive to say the least , having served as a waiter on the ship as a young man. So here in photos is what I will call Part 1 of my visit to the SS Keewatin as I will be returning again this year to continue my photography of this amazing piece of Canada's sailing history.

Barber Shop

One of my favourite rooms was the retired barbershop. here it is a journey back in history as you can almost experience a shave and haircut in the onboard shop.

Many of the staterooms are decorated with period costumes and items. The photographers suite obviously caught my eye. The Keewatin is a museum in more ways than one as all the items are authentic and are donated by the community and others.

Kitchen
                                                         

       

The galley is as interesting as any place on the ship. The walk back in time is completed with utensils cookware and appliances from the time period the ship was in service.

The grand appearance of the dining room is stunning as one can imagine what it would be like to dine here. My host having worked as a waiter here had some very interesting insights to his experiences and has book based on them, titled "Steak in a Drawer". 

Chopping Block

A well used chopping block resides in the walk-in freezer located just off the Kitchen. One can imagine the activity that used to happen here.

Elegenace

I guess one would call this the main deck. I will try to clarify. One can see the room on the sides of this elegant hall and the beautiful open ceiling letting in light from the upper level. 

An incredible number of the staterooms are decorated in various themes and time periods. This room was occupied by the RCMP when on board and the authentic uniform was donated by them. I was astonished at the level of detail and the staging in each of them

This sign on the door reminds us that the classes were very much segregated in the times of these sailing ships and the paying customers would have little or no contact with those who toiled on the ship. 

As I said in the beginning I plan to return to the Keewatin in the near future and get much more information on this giant of a vessel. It is much larger than I ever imagined so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw her. My next visit I plan to visit more areas of the ship including the engine and mechanical rooms. In the meantime you can also visit my website www.robertgreatrixphotogrpahy.ca and browse under travel where you will find a few more photos of the Keewatin and be sure to visit and check out SSKeewatin.com as well. 

If you are interested in purchasing prints of my images from this blog or would like to license them for commercial purposes please contact me at robertgreatrixphotography@bell.net.