After Post-Secondary Education Drowning.

We are taught growing up that the stages of education are basically this:

1) Birth

2) Pre-school

3) Public-School

4) High-school

5) Post-secondary: College or University

6) Adulthood/ the rest of your happy life.

But hey, let's back up for a moment! I have entered a part of my life that has altered this 'perfect' timeline and made me question whether we have missed a crucial step in our development. As we step forth and begin on our life's journey, we strive to be the best we can be. We usually forget to leave wiggle room for the inevitable failures/curveballs that shape who we are and where our futures are heading.

So what am I going on about? I am talking about the stages in our lives that we all must face: The in-between moments that occur when we change a daily ritual, like school or a job, and have to change how we live. It disrupts our mental balance and leaves us to cope with this sudden change.

I have just graduated from college, and the unnerving, unsure, drowning feeling has been creeping in. Now that I have a few weeks of free time, I had planned on treating it as a vacation; a graduation present to myself to catch up on sleep and rest my mind. However, this hasn't been as easy as flipping a light switch! When I wake up in the morning, I can't seem to sleep in because I'm used to my early morning alarm. My mind is wrestling with me to do something, and I can't sit and relax my thoughts. I decided to talk to some of my colleagues who have also graduated to see if they were experiencing the same phenomenon. I was interested to find that I wasn't alone. Many of my friends have even had anxiety/ panic attacks flare up out of nowhere, with no usual triggers. 

So what is going on here? From my understandings, I have come to some conclusions.

((The thoughts being expressed do not reflect the analyses of mental health professionals or doctors, and should not be taken as studied facts.))

Whiplash- With all of the running around and late nights finishing projects at 3:00 am, the sudden stop of frantic endeavors will leave you with mental whiplash! Suddenly everything comes to a stop. Without the chance to wind down and come to a slow, our minds are trying to maintain the frenzy in which is has been operating. 

Blank Calander- 9 am meeting here, 8 am exams all week long, report due over there... oh! I have nothing to do! When I flipped my calendar from April to  May my screen went from a neatly organized, colourful collage to a blank page. I had an overwhelming feeling that I had to be doing something. I found myself scheduling things like, "don't forget to call mom at 3:00" or turning on my birthday alert setting, (which I had turned off to save room), so that I had something to review each week! Crazy, right?

Solutions? 

What I found best was to keep myself busy. I knew that I needed rest, so I distracted myself with simple tasks such as knitting, reading, organizing, etc.  These relaxing activities gave my brain something to focus on and calm those buzzing thoughts down.

I also started drawing again. My college program was such a creatively driven course; I wanted to keep on pushing my designs. I was able to exercise my brain while not being pressured with due dates or project guidelines. 

Next on my 'Back To Zen Checklist' was going to start the hunt for a job. Starting out with a part-time job would get my schedule structure back. Having this in place would organize my thoughts because I would have to start planning my time again. Instead of staying up late watching Netflix and sleeping in as long as I could, I was going to get back on a more regular agenda.

Meditation, exercise, and proper eating. These three keys are what will get anyone feeling healthier and will get rid of that terrible post-grad melancholy. Suitable activity will help get those endorphins pumping and will get you feeling happier than simply sitting around the house. At first, I hated the idea of any working out and demanded more sleep. When I pushed myself to start my routines again, I found that I slept better and had more energy in the day!  If you are unable to practice strenuous exercise due to arthritis or any other factors, then I recommend meditation as a comfortable alternative. Don't forget to eat fresh produce and stay away from anything boxed or canned! Keeping a healthy diet will boost your energy and decrease sluggishness within your body!

NY4- Strange faces

Our day 4 was probably the most enjoyable. This was our "free" day where we could go anywhere and do anything we pleased. While some stayed in bed and watched Netflix, a group of us, myself included, followed Dave C. like baby ducklings as he showed us his view of NY!

We took a very long subway ride to Coney Island where we enjoyed the first and most important meal of the day with cheese dogs. I can now check that off of my bucket list! The hot dog was very tasty!


While enjoying some much-needed lunch at a sushi bar, I glanced out my window to see a man on the street holding a cup for some change. He met eyes with mine and I smiled back at him. Seeing that I was friendly, he started to perform a ballad, using his umbrella as a microphone and dancing to his beat. I felt a bit bad that I was sitting here enjoying this fine meal and he was begging for money and singing and dancing for it! I quickly finished, came out and gave him some money and took some photos. He was such an interesting subject that I forgot to ask his name as I focused on my shooting!

Another mystery person happened as we were nearing the end of our day. We were walking along the street near Queens and I saw a man talking with a big group of men. For some reason, he stood out to me the most. Maybe it was the fact that more of his body was inked then the non-inked parts. His face was covered in little designs and lines. He wore black and a sideways hat; smoke poofed out of his mouth and nostrils as he snorted at one of the men's jokes.

As we approached the same part of the sidewalk I asked him, "Could I take your photo?"

 He replied with, "Ya sure, what do you want me to do?" He looked at me waiting for an answer.

 All I could think to say was, "Just act natural!" 

He turned and laughed at his group of guys who also laughed back with him. "That shouldn't be too hard!" I nervously laughed back, trying to play it cool.

My classmates were still walking down the street and I was getting anxious to catch up. I couldn't miss this opportunity to photograph such an interesting face. I quickly took 3 photos, thanked him and joined the group. Only later would I realize I hadn't even asked for a name... AGAIN! To this day, I am upset about that fact but maybe in a roundabout way it adds to the photo's story.

I love taking portraits and New York only helped to grow my love of photography with each passing day. I would never leave my house without a full battery and an empty memory card again. You never know what you may find!

If for some strange reason YOU are this guy, please try to get in contact with me!! I'd love to hear your story!! 

NY3- Alexa will be the death of Chidley!

Dave C. had high hopes for us to start the day off on the right foot. That is until Alexa decided to scale the roof of our subway deck, near our hotel! Her hands were covered in what I could only guess was grease, dust, old chipping paint, and bird poop... I quickly got her a napkin and used some water to wipe it off! Don't worry Chidely! You only have us for a week!

The city is a dirty place, Alexa!

Told ya...!

Travelling through the streets and subway rails, we were all getting tired yet again. Alexa had a great idea: Energy drinks! After stopping at a convenience store we 'kept on trucking'. (pun intended).

Alexa displays her undying love for the miracle liquid, that is Redbull.

There is street art all over the place! I had an amazing time cataloguing anything that I saw that interested me. Alexa had some favourites!

.... and a goof ball!

Just look up....

"You have a bogie-"

She's a rebel, what can I say?

"Look I'm a crane too!" "Oh.. there goes $4000.00...."

To the surprise of Dave, we made it back to the hotel injury free! There is more to come! we are only on day 3!

NY2- 15,638 Steps

Hotel --> St. Patricks Cathedral --> High Line and Chelsea Market --> Aperture Gallery --> Lombardi's Pizza --> Hotel.

Day two... Only it felt like week two. My feet were not yet sore, but that was yet to come! We were fitting so much into only a few days so the time felt much longer than it actually was. Regardless of the length of the stay, I was having such an amazing time.

The Cathedral was built in 1858 and took over 20 years to be constructed. The hard work that was ever so carefully placed into this magnificent building shines through the stained glass windows and echoes off the marble walls, illuminating the many rows of pews. People were walking around, sitting for prayer, and some were lighting prayer candles.

I lit a candle for my Papa.

Amazing architecture! 

Dave's glorious beard glistens in the sunshine.

Art is everywhere, especially the High Line

The boardwalk was a lovely walk, especially on this particular day! It was warm and there was a slight breeze. As people passed by us I couldn't help but wonder what each person was thinking. Beside me was an artist sketching the drummer beside her. After the sketch she filled it in with watercolour markers, blowing on the thick papers to dry them. Grabbing a fuzzy peach popsicle, my afternoon was made. 

Busy, busy, busy markets!

 The markets were just booming as we ventured onward. One of my favourite parts of the walk was to look into the little shops and cafes to experience different people's everyday lives at a glance.

Right outside Lombardi's Pizza there is lots of night life.

 "Cheers!" Cries my teacher, as we all clink drinks at the long and piled table. We were finally to our last stop before the hotel. Ordering so many types of pizzas, I could not keep count,  we awaited our orders. The first bite of Lombardi's Pizza was to die for! Whether this was the best pizza I had ever eaten or I was hungry from the long day, I scarfed down multiple slices in a matter of 10 minutes.

7th floor of our hotel.

Each one of us flopped onto our beds and rested our, now, aching muscles, and imported the day's photos. We were tired and ready for a hot shower to prepare us for the next adventure that tomorrow would hold for us.


If you would like to check out my colleagues thoughts about the great NYC, visit our school blog here! --> digitalphotographylambtoncollege.blogspot.co

NY1- We Have Arrived!

I have been meaning to write a post about my amazing experience to New York for a while now. I am excited to share my moments from my week long trip with you and hopefully to invite a few people to connect and to be a part of these little inside stories my colleagues and I have shared together. You know the old saying, "You had to be there..." Well, that is exactly my intent; to take you to share the experiences with me!


Day 1: Detroit Airport --> ICP --> MoMA --> Rockefeller --> hotel.

Nerves were high, my heart was screaming at the false impending danger; plane rides were so unnatural to my body for I had never flown before. As I looked at the faces around me, excited and planning their first steps in the city, I was curled up in my airport chair surrounded by luggage and trying not to be sick. I wouldn't necessarily say that I have anxiety today, or at least I am able to control it better than in the past, but I would have believed myself at that moment.

Thinking back to only ten minutes before this point, it had gone by in a blur.
1) Correctly provide my dad with instructions to the airport.
2) Enter the correct doors for my flight.
3) Find the luggage checking stations.
4) Make sure I didn't have prohibited items on my person like water bottles, certain foods, etc...
5) Provide correct paperwork to the gate attendant in a rush to board all the passengers to the plane.
6) And finally finding the right departure exit.

Here I sat. Not even music could calm me. I suppose it was a mixture of the fear of missing the right steps and the happiness of visiting a new place for the first time.


I owe Alexa so much. She held my hand for the entire take off and settled my nerves until we were quietly gliding above the city. I am very lucky to have such an amazing girl in my life.

"Oh no! My gay is showing!"

Right after we got off the plane we left to drop our things off at our hotel rooms. We only had seconds to grab some grub before we set off to complete the days' tasks!

The day started in Detroit, making our way to the International Center of Photography. As our group of 15 students viewed the incredible images throughout their hallways we took in as much as we could in hopes to improve our skill. Even during the MoMA, I felt that even if I had been there for the full day I would not have been able to take in all of the amazing works of art.

Jodi enjoys her first breakfast in NYC

HDR.... AND Pano!

Just three blocks from our hotel.

My mind raced as flashing lights skipped by us. We were travelling up the Rockefeller elevator. Entering, our class scattered to each end of the roof. My instructor dared me to create an HDR panoramic; not an easy task for a photographer without her tripod but the results are quite nice!

If you would like to check out my colleagues thoughts about the great NYC, visit our school blog here! --> digitalphotographylambtoncollege.blogspot.co

Portraits of You

I am very proud to announce that E.H Photo had entered into a contest to be displayed in Dufferin County Museum. I have just received an email stating that one of my photos has been selected! If you are close by, feel free to support this great cause and check out some amazing photos.

More info here!

Looking Back Puts a Smile on My Face

As the week continues, the realization that these are my final moments of college comes to the foreground of my mind. I had been waiting years to finally be rid of the constant studying and regurgitation of information. I had convinced myself that this was only  something I would be doing for my education but looking towards my future I understand more that this is something I will be doing all through my life. I will constantly be learning until my final seconds and still, I will not have experienced everything I have ever wanted to.

I look around my classroom and see tired but content faces hard at work. We have worked so hard and come so far in this program. I am proud and impressed by the people in my class. When I recall the photos I have seen over the past two years, the level of professionalism is easily recognized.

Tough Moments-

I feel as though this section will be long because the program at Lambton College is meant to push us and prepare us for the future. Most start the Digital Photography Program expecting to have a few projects, some Photoshop lessons and expand their hobby. This is a major misconception! This program is a business course in a sense, as well as a technical course.

Image challenge is an amazing opportunity to have five pieces of work critiqued by some experienced judges. The amount of improvements that I have learned has only improved my photography! After the judging, they announce winners the following week and this is important to me because it is another addition to my resume.

Exams are another challenging time because the stress level is sky high! Having that constant fear that you are forgetting a key component of this term is terribly frightening. In the end, I always seem to pull through exceptionally well. Here's hoping for this last term's exams as well.

The New York Trip was one of my most favourite parts of my college career. I was so impacted in the journey of traveling through the streets of raw NYC that I have even considered moving, and working there!  The plane ride to get there sent panic into overdrive! I am afraid of heights so getting used to the idea of a soaring metal box was not an easy pill to swallow. After landing I was ready to take on the amazing adventure that was New York.

Another stressful time would be the gallery show. Evanesce was a great success but getting to that point was extremely challenging. Planning, timing, organizing,  designing, cleaning, communicating, directing, and traveling; it all takes a toll on the mind and body!

Love of my Life-

The school has not only been a place of education. I have made so many relationships throughout this time and made new friends to last for years. I will forever be indebted in College for bringing to me the most amazing girl in the world. From the beginning of term one, I have slowing grown a beautiful love that I never want to let go of. I have always known that college would be the place to meet people of similar interests. I have always had this strange feeling that this was when I would be able to connect to someone on a truly deep level. This internal intuition was finally realized!



For all of the work that has been done these past two years, I am thankful for all of my support, friends, and family. I wouldn't have been able to do it without your help! I would also like to thank my teachers. There is one in particular that I want to thank for her endless support and positivity. She knows who she is! Her knowledge was very impactful and I have learned so much from her. I want to be clear that I'm not just saying this for extra marks! Late night messaging with panicked questions about project due dates and advice has made me so indebted to you! It is nice to see an instructor with  a true passion for helping students.


What is my next plan of action once I am graduated? Let's just say that I am going to be resting for a bit to recuperate then I am jumped feet first into my passions!

My First Ever Gallery- Evanesce

For the end of the second year of the Lambton College program, we must plan, set up, and host a gallery. This has been one of the most challenging projects of my career! Generating such a feat takes a lot of management, balancing, and communication!

I booked the gallery space at the Bayside Mall in Sarnia, Ontario back in October. I had just gotten back from New York, on a school trip,  and I was ready to start the next project! Booking the space was very easy and the staff was so helpful. Being as this was my first time executing a show, they were there to answer a few of my questions about insurance, security, and much more.

Throughout the next few months, I had done a series of shoots to accumulate all the photos I was going to include in the showing. Here is a link to one of my earlier blogs with more info about that.

Other blogs here <--

After throwing 10 pounds of flour, using the ghostbusters backpack, editing for an uncountable amount of hours, I was finally ready to start printing and framing.

Setting aside the work that had to be done for the show, space was the next issue. When I say issue I mean it! The room that I booked was about to go under construction. I was able to host the show before the mall was going to build a restaurant in its' place!

Spray painting had to be done and buckets and buckets of soapy water were used to clean the floors, windows, and walls. Cleaning must have taken a solid week! I had a lot of fun spending this time with 4 other photographers.

Once I had seen the space I was going to use I realized one thing: IT WAS HUGE! There was no possible way that space could be filled with my photos standing alone. I asked for my partner, Alexa, (of 1 year as of May!!) to join me. Her work is amazing, so naturally I was excited to have it featured with mine.

Our works were totally opposite one another, yet they seemed to fit well together. Mine was called Evanesce while Alexa's was called Evolutionary Development. Each had portraiture but were definitely considered to be placed on different ends of the spectrum.

Here is a link to my website with all of my photos from the gallery --> > http://www.ehussey.com/portfolio/flour2016/

Here is a link to Alexa's gallery on her website --> Awesome Gallery Here!

Easter 2016

Since I was a baby my family and I have been going to my grandma and grandpa's farm to celebrate all kinds of special days. In particular, Easter has always been one of my favourite times of the year.

This weekend is Easter weekend and I have just returned from the farm. I compared the other memories to the ones I had made today with my family and the only difference form when I was little and now is our ages. The traditions live on!

We had an easter egg hunt, and a huge dinner. My grandma is a very hardworking woman and she always amazes me with how much she does for our family and for the community!

Perhaps it is time for a change from the Easter egg hunts because we are getting older but we don't dare say anything to my grandma. It brings her so much joy. My brother and I decided to record some videos of the happy day! We got a few good laughs from viewing afterwards.

This is how I enjoy my (few) days off. I laugh with my family and make memories to last a lifetime. I am very thankful for who is in my life and for the love and support we share!

All the chocolate!

Rewind time!

Here comes the Easter bunny!

Headpiece DIY

Recently I decided to switch up from the regular shoots I do and try something new. I had seen a headpiece online for sale going for $500.00! My inner DIY spirit guide came out and challenged me to do it myself!

I used my reference photo to create a high key photoshoot and I love the results! Here are the steps of how I completed this project, with success!

Step 1:  Gather materials

The supplies I used were pretty simple and could all be found at the dollar store. I bought a shark hat, styrofoam pieces (optional), faux flowers, and some beads. I ended up not using the beaded necklace in the hat, but instead, I had my model wear it for the shoot fora few photos!

Step 2: remove excess material.

I had to take off the shark teeth, eyes, and fin. This is the base of the hat and will make the hat the shape of the head so it sits nicely.

Step 3: Flower Power!

I bought a million and a half flowers for this! Ok.. well, maybe only 2 shopping bags worth. After cutting the stems with my handy dandy wire cutters the job was a lot faster from then on.

Step 4: A lot of hot glue... and a few burns...

Using hot glue I added flower after flower; strategically placing them to fill the hat and create a nice shape. WARNING: I burned myself pretty badly here! I am not surprised because I seem to dive into each project full force, leading to at least one injury. Do as I say, not as I do!!

Step 5: Foam time.

I added some styrofoam to the inside of the flower bunch. I wanted to make the hat very large! Adding the extra material to put the flowers into to glue them, helped very nicely! I recommend this if you want to create a very dramatic or an avant garde look.

Later that week I had a shoot scheduled and we put the head piece to the test! My model's name is Natalie and she really worked her magic through the lens.

I really had to rearrange the flowers to get them where I wanted. I knew I was going to shoot a high key photo so I made my piece all white to add some contrast. Spray paint may also help to achieve the right colour you are looking for. 

Good luck at home and leave a comment with improvements or stories of your experience!

Lacy Underwear in My Pocket

Standing under the low ceiling that covered the back door entrance, I stopped to reflect on what was unfolding simply just in this moment. I was craving a cigarette, which is balanced on the edge of unusual and understandable, as I have never smoked a day in my life. I still craved the moment of relaxation where I could focus my mind on the inhalation, exhalation, inhalation... I didn't want to continually run my mind as it had been doing throughout this particular day.

I was wearing a ripped faux leather jacket, with a long sweater underneath of it, and a pair of black lacy underwear in my pocket. This sounds ridiculous but my days have been bending into the unusual more and more as the year progressed.

The underwear can simply be explained in one sentence: A fellow student had asked me to pose for a gallery which is focused on self-image. A touchy situation for most but an important topic to keep in the mind of the community. My jacket was ripped from the back straining bag I carried around each day. I am not meaning to complain about my life in this post but rather to explain why it has been so difficult for me to meet with friends or have enough time to socialize, which I apologize for.

Three members of my at-school family.

I am extremely grateful for the people in my life who have stepped up to help me through the rougher spots in my college career that are to be expected from a student.

The Devil is in the Macro Details

Macro photography! When I hear these words, a whole new world is brought to my eyes. If done correctly, macro photographs can show a different side to anything, making even the most boring of subjects amazing.

In my rushing attempts to get projects handed in on time and the while trying to organize my schedules I had forgotten about a little 'project' I had saved for a rainy day. Let me take you back a whole 365 days before this story can begin.

Looking outside my dirty window I peered out towards the rising sun. My eyes were just adjusting to the warm oranges, and pinks that cascaded over the street. The occasional car would wonder by, trying to obey the speed limit which always seemed way too slow.

This particular Saturday felt like the right time to tidy up my house. I had been living in a cooped-up, lightly dusted, impenetrable, fortress for too long because of the winter months. The breeze in the air was warmer than usual and perhaps even filled with the promise of spring.

I started with my bedroom and worked my way down the hallway, towards the long and spiraling stairs. The house needed a desperate vacuuming to revive the life inside so off to the closet I went. Zooming down the steps I was frozen by something that caught my eye. A glimmer of green zinged past me making me stop and turn around. I spied for the answer to this strange sight but nothing was visible to me that made sense: Cedar steps, fading white wedding dress decorating the landing on a very old mannequin, the high ceilings illuminating the stain glass windows reflections on the walls. Nothing here would have made that colour.

My eyes darted around, for now that the curiosity had set in there was no turning back. I had to get to the bottom of this. Setting my hand on the window ledge for support, I was started my something crunching under my hand. Under the pressure of my hand I had disturbed a fly- only this was not a living fly! The bug must have died a while ago because the body was very dry. I had found the thing responsible for the shining green! Ripping my hand away from the area, I did so no with disgust but with sparks of imagery flying through my mind.

I had just found the perfect model for my next photoshoot! The bug had stayed very vibrant and looked living! If it wasn't for the lack of movement, I would have assumed it was healthy and well.
I carefully placed this gem of a find into a container with a sealed lid. I was going to photograph this as soon as I had a few minutes to set up my lights.

x-ray style photography

coloured x-ray style

This is where the story comes back to the present. Over the weeks of finding that perfect time to the fly, it had slowly faded from the foreground of memory and eventually slipped away. I had only rediscovered this little guy after cleaning away my desk yet again during the feeble attempts at conquering the Dust Storm Beast that seemed to inhabit my bedroom. While opening the glass container that served as a tomb for the reflecting green fly, my passion to capture a still frame of the bug was reignited. It was time to execute the plan.

Try on some 3-D glasses!

I borrowed a macro lens for my Nikon camera and went to work. These images are some of the creations that came out of this interesting subject matter. The fact that the bug was not alive was very helpful because it did not zip away while I adjusted my composition.

I played around with different styles of photography for this particular photo. I have created a colour and a black and white x-ray, 3-D, and a low key photo. It was a pretty fun side project and I recommend it to anyone that is looking to practice their macro photography further.

Spirit in the Shadow

Traveling Through Time

We ventured beyond the familiar, as if by time travel, to an unknown destination. We had no particular place in mind but only the hopes of discovering a hidden, creaking gem that has been withholding secrets for many years.

The reason to be pushing our boundaries of safety to find such a wreck? The answer lies, of course, in the hands of our education. Yes, this was another assignment. The instructions were quite clear: " Find an abandoned and/or forgotten place and capture it's fleeting beauty in a photograph." With this in mind, we continued onward.

Location #1

The day started late in the afternoon which allowed my girlfriend, Alexa, also in the Lambton College Digital Photography program, and I to find a nice area to shoot in and allow us to prepare before sundown.  Scuttering down dirt roads in Alexa's 2000 Cavaliere we unfastidiously followed a hand-drawn map created by my dad.

Ghost in the Kitchen

I have lived in the Petrolia area my entire life but it never occurred to me how much I would rediscover when viewing the grounds in such a light. Little things started to pop out to me as if I had opened my eyes for the first time in years. Rotting shacks that were once seen as falling, wooden structures began to seem lethargic but alive. Rusted cars were beginning to appear as a memory trapped in the very moment of the crash that would inevitably send it to sit, years in exile, unable to be driven again. The history that engulfed such anomalies fascinated me on an entirely new level.

Rubble Panoramic

With peeked interest, we hiked up the hills and dirt paths to what would hopefully reap great reward. We travelled to two different locations. One, a house that has sat still since 1995 and the other much older hidden behind rows of thorned bushes.

Location #2

The gif above is a review of the many photos I took while trying to 'ghost' an image. This entails dragging the shutter to blur the person or object in frame as it passes by. For these shots, the shutters were between 6 and 30 seconds.

Self Portrait

I will definitely be exploring this project again in the future and I advise that if you choose to do the same to tread with caution, but enjoy the adventure!

Wait, What Did You Say?!

I assume with any workplace there is a strange lingo that is used amongst everyone apart of that world away from home. At least, in our class, this is the case. When a funny comment is made me create an ongoing joke that lasts longer than it probably should. 

I started writing down these random snippets of conversations that were lost in the blur of voices in our buzzing classroom. Going around asking people to tell me something they have either heard or have said, I thought to myself: “How would people who have no idea what we are talking about, react to these fragments of strange quotes? Being a photographer I jumped on the opportunity to photograph their faces! 

I asked my friend Patrick if he would be able to take a listen to pieces of our strange and bizarre world that were born through our deep longing to complete our projects, our unquenchable thirst for impressive grades, and lack of sleep that our overworked brains desperately desired.

“I need to wear a shirt that I feel…”

“Just shoot her in the face and adjust it with a scrim.”

“Did you just laugh when Yoda died?!”

"Tator tots? I'm in the right place!"

“It’s not peach because it isn’t peach!”

“Was your grandmother hot as well?"

“Panooooo”

I welcome you to take these quotes any way you feel fit and allow your mind to explore what was really meant by each comment. Please comments of what you thought about this post!

Flour-ishing Prospects ((Be aware of graphic content below!))

What do you get when your cross a 10-pound bag of flour and a naked guy? In my case, you get one heck of a photoshoot! 

I had recently joined a website called Model Mayhem to see where it would take me. The point of it is to connect photographers, aestheticians, models, and more to work together. It makes finding the required people much easier. here’s the link!  —> http://www.modelmayhem.com/

I posted  a Casting for a special shoot that I was very passionate to create. I bet you can guess what was involved from my title: flour! I didn’t really expect people to respond, seeing as how I was a new member, but I received a message back right away! A man named Richard R. asked to be a part of it. I was ecstatic! 

After a few short messages being exchanged, we came up with a date to conduct the project. February 19, 2016, was the night. With much excitement, I set up the Cove in at our studio and prepared for my guest.

After introductions, a short tour of the school, and a few moments to cover Richard's entire body in flour, we began our photos. Maygin C, a fellow student in the Digital Photography at Lambton College, assisted me during this session by throwing the flour into the shot. We nailed some great poses right off the bat. Richard is a natural when it comes to modelling the human body!

Some photos from my past flour shoot. Feb. 2016

So why, you may ask, did I mention the “naked guy” remark in the first paragraph? Around half way through the shoot, Richard Kindly asked us if it was fine if we did some more ‘natural’ photos. Seeing as how this was my first fully naked shoot I was both happy to have the opportunity but scared to death! Richard is someone who has modelled for anatomy books and modelled naked for artists in the past, so to ask such a question did not concern me in the least. As we got started we covered the remaining parts of his body in the soft, white flour and began to shoot.

The uneasy reality of a naked man posing in front of me quickly went away as we created these wonderful works of art! These photos are going to be used in my April 2016 gallery and I am proud to say that this could most possibly be one of my most successful shoots of the year!  I have included a few sneak peaks of the session below, but be aware of the content!

Some photos from my past flour shoot. Feb. 2016

It took me a full 2 hours to clean the studio that night. The janitors graciously let me borrow the powerful vacuum to really get the flour dust out of the air and I had to use it to suck the flour off of the expensive curtains that separate the studios. 

With strobing lights and almost emptying the whole bag of flour, we wrapped up the session with a signed model release and safe wishes on Richard’s drive back to home.

A little clip of having to clean up the studio. What a job!

Stressed and at Peace

"beep, beep, beep, space, beep…”

The message was coming through in a rushed and heedless haste. All of our training and sleepless nights had led us to this very moment. Nothing could wrench us away as we crowded around the morse coded paper strip that lay before us. Whatever we were about to read was going to change the course of our futures forever. 

“Beep, space, beep, space.” 

The machine finally stopped. We looked around at our uneasy and silenced faces. Then, with that faint, fleeting smile playing about my lips, I faced erect and motionless, at the slowly unfolding message, proud and disdainful, I, Emily,  the Undefeated was about to read——

—-I abruptly snapped out of my daydreaming. I was staring at the repeatedly flashing light on the telephone beside my instructor. She was steadily teaching us the importance of punctuation. I usually was able to focus during our English period but today I had no willpower.

Yes, I have an overactive imagination; you might as well just call me Walter Mitty. I am a student at Lambton College studying Digital Photography, and although these past few months have been some of the best of my life, I am really starting to feel the wrath of my work.

Self Portrait taken in between projects (Feb. 15, 2016)

Each project is an opportunity to feed my hunger for more experience, but what happens when my brain says I'm full? This week is Reading Week and I'm glad to have a chance to slow down the mind and bring my thoughts back into that relaxed, rhythmic hum that it once resided in.

I suppose writing this blog is a way to express my pent up thoughts and, hopefully, connect with a few others out there who are maybe going through the same situations as I am. Support is always important and I will share how I venture along exploring my avenues!

With "Stressed Out" playing on repeat in the background I continue to push onward.