Friday, February 29, 2008

Place Ville Marie

This shot brought to you by my lunch break. I got a new Canon 28-135 USM IS lens in the mail this morning. Took a few test shots. I think I'm already in love with the Image Stabilizer technology. Keep yer eyes peeled for more shots soon. I would have probably been served better with a wider angle lens for this shot but, I want to test out the 28-135. I will have to bring it in the studio and see how it fares there. So far so good though. It could quite possibly be my favorite lens in my kit so far.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Its a good feeling.

Today was my second time in the studio. Again, I was working with some always on tungsten lighting. 500watts and 250watts. At some point during the afternoon, it became very clear: this is what I must do with my life.

This shot of Camille is one of my favorites of the afternoon. I put the ones I like on my Flickr page. Feel free to check them on.

Monday, February 18, 2008

From the new 40D

Some might think its going overboard, some might think its a gross extravagance, but I think its a necessity. Friday, I purchased a new Camera. The Canon 40D.

What a change from shooting with the Rebel XTi. The 40D has significantly more features, and the interface is more confusing than the Rebel, but I am starting to get the hang of it. Its going to take some getting used to as things don't work exactly the same as the Rebel, but already, I am seeing much better results in low light settings. I can't wait to bring this baby in the Studio!

This is yet another shot of moby. I am amazed by the details in the shadows and highlights. Using the Adams scale for determining exposures helped a whole lot. I underexposed a weee bit and got details that would not have normally popped out at a normal exposure.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Violon Alto


Schoolwork
Originally uploaded by Gabriel Robichaud Photography
Some people like to get their way. Yup. Some people like to manipulate situations,
take words out of context and spread lies around, all in an effort to make others as miserable
as they feel inside. Today, I dedicate this picuture to C.G. (no, not Carolyn, the other CG who was previously my friend).

For you, the tiniest violin, is playing the sadest little song for you little web of lies and misery. Enjoy!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Studio Work


Studio
Originally uploaded by Gabriel Robichaud Photography
I know its like wayyyyyyy past my bed time, but I had to post this photo quickly. We spent the night in the Studio playing around with lighting, diffusers and reflectors. Just as I was about to call it a night, I caught Karen in a moment of reflection as she was waiting for Damien to finish setting up for his shot.

I can't believe how much fun studio lighting is. Now I need to put studio lighting on my list of things to buy. This is going to be an expensive year.

Monday, February 11, 2008

More and more Photos


James01_3
Originally uploaded by Gabriel Robichaud Photography
Well, I am now well into my commercial photography program at Dawson College.

Its a little crazy just how much I am learning. Whats even crazier is how much freaking work I need to do to fulfill the requirements of the first semester! Its a lot of work. I am currently working a whole bunch of assignments. The ones that are pure photography assignments I find really stimulating and challenging, and am really enjoying it. But, I have this other one that is more related to history, which is a 10 minute presentation, which has me a bit worried. I have never had to talk about "art" in this way before. Basically, we have to pick a photographer that we like and make a presentation about him, his photography, his impact on society and then present a photo that is in the "essence" of the photographer. This is the photo I will be submitted as my original work for that assignment. Can you guess who I chose as a photographer? I'll give you a hint, he died in the 1980's! Actually, thats 2 hints, you know he is male.

Monday, December 03, 2007

Curling + Broken Feet + Cuban Health Care = My Weekend

I love watching Randy Ferbey lose. LOVE IT. His team, a couple of years ago, seemed unstoppable. They steamrolled everyone that dared challenged them.
They really were on a path to glory, or so everyone thought. It was quite exciting to watch this rink develop into something incredible. But then it happened.
Their success transformed them into an arrogance that made my stomach churn. It felt like there was a couple of pounds of butter in there. Their arrogance has caught up
with them, and lately, they have not done much at the national level. No Briar titles. No real titles to speak of. Yet, this weekend, when they walked onto the ice at the Canadian Grand Slam quarter Finals to face the Shawn Adams rink from Nova-Scotia, they were apparently convinced of an easy win. HA! Once the score reached 10-6, for
Nova-Scotia, their cock-sure attitude transformed into a bunch of sad little puppies. The crowd roared with pleasure as Ferbey conceded the game to Adams. HA HA HA HA.

On Sunday I spent the afternoon fixing Judy's computer with my friend Nick. Poor Judy with her broken foot up in the air. We exchanged broken foot stories. Since we both have the remarkable distinction of breaking our right foot on public transit. However, she did her stunt in London, England. But Judy has more elegance that way. If she were to break her foot, it would have to be in England. A much more dignified place to be. And from what she says, they put our medical system to shame. Can't say I'm surprised. Cuba has better health care than we do if you believe Michael Moore.

Yup, According to Michael Moore, Cuba is the Shangrila of health care. Free, perfect health care. When I first saw the documentary "Sicko", I was initially shocked by this, and a little pissed that Cuba had such great health care, but then, when you think about it a minute, I bet if I was a big world known director, showed up in CUBA with a bunch of Sick Americans (I love the double-entendre in that one) with camera crew in tow, I would get the red carpet treatment as well. I am sure my friend Pedro would have lots to say about that.

Pedro immigrated to Montreal a few years ago. I haven't seen him in a while, but I am sure he is doing fine. Another immigrant success story. I am happy he made a place for himself in Montreal. I would be curious to see what he would say about "Sicko"!

So, a while back I told you about the Commercial Photography program at Dawson College; just over a couple of weeks ago they phoned me to schedule my admissions interview. I have to hold my breath to find out if I get in or not. I should have an answer in 2 weeks!!!! OK I can't hold my breath that long. But I am trying.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Old Montreal

Once Again I am posting a photo from Old Montreal. I have been fascinated with this building for a long time. Fortunately for me, I have a great view of it from James' Balcony. Which gave me luxury of waiting for the right light. This sunset was particularly interesting, but the timing has to be perfect, because of the buildings downtown, there is a 5 minute window with this kind of light. Pretty freaking amazing though. Too bad the day was a hazy grey, because the sky isn't as nice as it could be.

Montreal has an endless supply of these old decrepit buildings. I love them all.

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Falsom Creek (Vancouver, BC)

Another picture from Vancouver. This was taken in the heart of Vancouver, about 2 minutes walk from where the athletes' village is being constructed for the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Oh... I quit my job yesturday :)

HURRAY FOR ME :)

Something tells me, i'll be ok!

Sunday, September 09, 2007

LunchBreak_3244

This photo comes to you from the Dairy Queen near 12th on Main Street in Vancouver. This guys looks like I feel right now.

Back to work tomorrow. I'm back in my apartment in Montreal. My bags are still 100% packed. I have not even unzipped my carry on luggage yet. Its like if I wait, it somehow prolongs the vacation. As if all the stress of my daily grind would run rush out of the luggage as soon as I open it.

I did have a wonderful time in Vancouver, I will most certainly go back. I did not do anything really noteworthy while I was there, but I did manage to do nothing. That was pretty sweet. I don't often get to do nothing. While doing nothing, I thought about my work-life balance. I thought about how stressed out I am all the time how that affects my personality and my health on a daily basis.

With each passing day in Vancouver, I was using less and and less of my Asthma medication, to the point where I have not taken any in over 24 hours. That has not happened in a long time. They say stress is one of the major triggers.

I have some decisions to make with regards to work. I do not feel I can keep this pace up. Although its been great for my career over the past (almost) three years, I think its time to put the brakes on. I don't want to look back at my life in 33 years and realize I spent most of it at the office or stressing out over data problems.

It was my birthday yesterday. A very quite affair. I prefer it that way anyway. Got some nice wishes from people who matter the most. Thirty-Three years old. WOW.

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Vancouver

What a view. There is something special about Vancouver. Well, maybe not Vancouver itself.

Vancouver the city, not that exciting. Nothing really is going on here that is not going on anywhere else. It is what you can see and do AROUND vancouver that makes it so special.

I have been here since Saturday. I am enjoying every minute of it. The weather has been just fantastic. I have been soaking up the sun, walking around, taking massive amounts of photos. To the point where I don't have feet anymore, I have 2 giant blisters instead. I call the left blister Moe and the right one Curly.

I decided to give Moe and Curly a rest today. So I am taking it easy at Waves on Main Street and East Broadway St. This was my favorite coffee spot when I first came here in 2006, and I still love it. A close second though, is the newly discovered "Verra's Burger, Where you can't beat verra's meat!" This beeing the Lesbian Vegetarian Granola Munching capital of the world, Verra's also has a vegetarian menue, and it kicks ass. And with a slogan like that, I had to go in!

The amount of drug addicted passed out bums on the streets of Vancouver is STAGGERING. I can not tell you how many times I was witness to Police / Ambulance interventions to help people who look worse off than some of the stuff you see on TV. Its a little disheartning that this is going on in my country. Hardly seems fair.

Anyway... I'm about to settle into an afternoon of playing World Of Warcraft... so I will bring this to a close.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Grasshoper...

For some reason this photo reminds of the famous fable by Lafontaine where the ant works all summer.

Today, I am that ant. I have not had 1 day of vacation this year, and its starting to takes its toll on my morale. I'm feeling a little coocoo-bananas these days. I really need a break.

Next week the work gods have graciously granted me 1 week off. Wow. Wow indeed. Since thats what I will be goind, WOWing.

Ok, so now you think I'm totally coocoo because Wowing isn't a word, much less a verb in the present continuous tense. Oh, but you are wrong... it is. At least for me and some of my colleagues it is. Let me explain.

WoW is short for World Of Warcarft. Or, like my little brother Martin calls it, World of WarCRACK. This is a massively multiplayer online role playing game, or MMORPG for short. And I must admit, Martin is wise beyond his years. This game is sooooo much fun. I cannot believe it took me 4 years to find out this thing even existed. I was still playing Diablo when I found out about WoW. Well, I don't play Diablo anymore.

WoW is a product of Blizzard, the makers of Diablo. They took all the best elements from Diablo and Warcraft and made World Of Warcraft. The best 19.99$ I ever paid. Seriously. I can't stop playing. Well, I can, but I must admit, the time I spend AFK (Away from keyboard) wears heavily on me. But I think thats ok, since I have spent most of the summer as the ant in the fable, during my vacation, I will become the grasshoper and /dance. Three more sleeps!

Monday, August 06, 2007

Monday Mornings 2679


IMG_2679
Originally uploaded by Gabriel Robichaud Photography
Where has the summber gone? Its August 7th today. The summer is practically over. I have no idea what happened, but it seems like I barely had time to take a breath, and I can feel the September wind looming over the city.

Thankfully, it looks like I am finally able to breath at work. The have hired more worker bees, and I actualy have time for lunch now, and I get to go home at a decent hour. Imagine that!

I started having fun at work again. I mean enjoying my work day. But that should last until the end of this quarter. End of quarters are always a bit rough, but I think we have seen the worst of it.

On an even happier note, I managed to find some time to take some pictures over the weekend at Atwater Market. It was nice to be out shooting again.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Chili Wins 4-0


IMG_2569
Originally uploaded by Gabriel Robichaud Photography
I spent the afternoon at the FIFA World Cup U-20 Quater-Finals, Chili Vs Nigera. You can get by the look on this guy's face that Chili won! What an exciting afternoon. I was one of the 46 252 people who crammed into the Olympic Stadium to watch. What a great game. 0-0 after regulation time, and then Chili scored 4 goals in overtime. Wow. I was actually hopping to see the Nigerian team win, but it was hard not to get swept into the Chilian Pride.

I was surprised at the atmosphere. I was clear to me at that point why Soccer (or football) is so popular, and why it is called the World's Game. I think we have a lot to learn in North-America. I am so happy at the chance to experience this. If the World Cup ever comes to Canada, I will have to make sure I get a ticket.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Montreal International Fireworks Competition: China

I had to post another picture of the Chinese fireworks I saw last night. This shot was taken towards the end of their display, and I love it so much. It was the first time I have seen this type of display in red. Usually its a pale shade of orange or white. This was truly amazing to see.

Fireworks : China


IMG_1796
Originally uploaded by Gabriel Robichaud Photography
There is just something about fireworks. I think I could watch them for hours and hours. Non stop.

This evening, China was showing us what they can do over there. They did a really great job. Impressive all the way through. Music was awesome. Great colours, impressive display overall. I think we might have found our winner for this year!

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

This is your life: click away.


Press 0
Originally uploaded by Gabriel Robichaud Photography
I am fed up today. My boss started the day by asking for something that he wanted done yesturday and is somehow my fault. I already decided that I am not doing another minute of overtime. NOT ONE. If they think they can get any more work for free from me, they have another thing coming. I have plans tonight, and I am not cancelling them because my superiors can't communicate requirements on time.

Speaking of communication, apparently I suck at it. This came to me as a tremendous surprise since I am usually considered an above average communicator by most people who know me. I guess when people don't hear what they want to hear its easier to lash out than to actually accept what they are told.

I am making a decision. From this day forward, I am no longer going to be anybody's bitch. I am done bending over backwards to make others happy. This is who I am. If you don't like it, don't make it my problem. I am tired of making excuses for myself. No more. This is me, like it or not, I DON'T CARE.

I am not getting any younger. Maybe I am having an early mid life crisis, I do not really know, but I don't care. I am going to clean some aspects of my life, starting TODAY.

This job of mine, its got to go. I have been breaking my balls, typing away, slaving for a bunch of corporate block head shareholders for nothing. I don't care if I have to live in a cardboard box for the next 60 years of my life, it will be better than pretending to be happy in an office where politics and screwing your colleagues over is de rigueur!

NO MORE.

I had to stop myself 1 hour ago from packing my cubicle and just walking out. So fed up. SO SO fed up.

You know, I have not been to the pool since last October because of this stupid job? How the hell can I get to the pool if I am working 7 days a week averaging 10 to 12 hour days? Whats the point? I am certainly not getting a salary increase or a promotion. I should just quit right now. And I think this is the single most complaint about the job. I have no personal life. NONE. This stops NOW.

I am thinking of doing some cleaning up in my personal life. There are a few negative sources that I must evacuate from my environment. Sources that are polluting my energy field with negativity, constant criticism whithout ever providing support OR being constructive. You people know who you are. The whiners, bugging me for something or other. help with this, help me with that. You know, the "Can You" people. "Can you" people are the worst. Because every sentence they utter begins with those two words. Well, here is my answer : NO I CAN'T. And I am not going to feel bad about it this time. It is going to be about me today.

This is the begining of the rest of my life, and its only going to be good from now on. My new resolutions :

- i will not work more than 40 hours a week.
- I will spend more time with my real friends. And if you are asking yourself if you are my real friend, you are probably should answer that questions with a NO, because if you were, you would know it.
- I will spend more time at the pool, at least 3 hours a week.
- I will scheule time for photography everyday.
- I will submit my work for review
- I will find another job.
- I will no longer entertain negative people.

Sunday, July 08, 2007

Au Revoir Marie!!!


La gang
Originally uploaded by Acadieman
C'est la fin de la viste de Marie aujourd'hui! Elle reprend le chemin de la France ce soir, et elle va tous nous manquer, par contre, il y a de l'espoir!

Marie revient! (Quelle surprise!) Elle va nous revenir encore à la fin de l'année, mais cette fois, elle va y rester! YOUPIE!

Nous avons tous hâte de la revoir parmis nous!!!!

BON VOYAGE Marie!

Saturday, July 07, 2007

International Fireworks Competition: Mexico

Another Saturday, another country showing their colours over the skies of Montreal. This time I scouted a location on top of Mount-Royal. Actually, there was not much scouting to do since I pretty much know that place like the back of my hand. I won't tell you where it is, I will keep that one to myself :)

I did see an improvement this time. I had a secret weapon, a remote shutter release. Its incredible the difference this makes on long exposure. I bought a simple remote on eBay for 10$ and it was money very well spent.

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Workhorse 0731


IMG_0731
Originally uploaded by Acadieman
Thats how I feel today. Work work work. thats one thing about long weekends, they make you lazy. I'm crossing my fingers for the 649. I really would love to retire early LOL. Then I could travel the world taking pictures. How great would that be!