The Ups And Downs of Photography

As I've mentioned multiple times before on this blog - I love film, music and radio. Those levels of love ebb and flow depending on the day, but all of them are things I get joy in doing. Something else I love is photography. Except... it's something that usually causes me more frustration than anything else!

Why? Well, photography is really all about luck. Yes, there is a load of skill involved too. Don't get me wrong. You have to know what ISO setting to use, how much light to let into the sensor... etc etc... But at the same time it's all about the timing.

You could have your focus perfect, settings exact with a great angle and still not get the a shot that is worth talking about. And if it's the last batch of photos I took... focus may be the biggest stumbling block!

Studio photography is different (obviously), but I find it less fun. I'd rather be shooting some video if we're in a studio.

So I guess I'm my own worst enemy... Don't like the controlled environment of studio photography and don't generally have the luck for live photography.

Thankfully Air Raid 24 was a different story. I was incredibly fortunate (BLESSED!) to be in the right place at the right time with the right focus (again... stupid focus)

The last one (one above this line) is one of my favourites. I know... it's dimly lit and there's no context for what's going on... but that's what I love about it. It looks science-fictiony to me. Gotta love that!

Anyway... that's my rant on photography. Glad I was able to get some shots at Air Raid. Here's hoping something good comes out of Heart of Worship this Sunday as well!!!

I'm Back

Last week, after spending four months in Production, I returned to the air!

I love the Production department. It's a lot of fun and allows me to flex some creative mental muscles I don't normally get to. That being said, it's fun being back on the air.

What's been a bit of a challenge is the new shift. I was apart of The Slam for close to (if not over) 3 years. Terry Molinaro has since taken the reigns and is doing a fantastic job with the show. I'm glad he has it. I get to listen to it now!

Instead of The Slam, I'm on "Drive". That's the fancy way to say 4:30-7:00 in radio lingo. It's strange to go from the routine of The Slam (and all it's idiosyncrasies) to a new slot. But, change is good! It keeps you on your toes. I get to learn all the quirks and ticks of a new slot. Bring it!

I'm also loving the new hours. The Slam was cool because, you can sleep in (everyday), do whatever for the afternoon then go to work. In Production, things were different.... No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't go to sleep before 11:00. Generally I wouldn't be able to until 12:00 or even 1:00. It was frustrating. Especially getting up at 6:00-6:30. With a sleep schedule like that, I might as well have a kid!

This new shift is the best of both worlds. Start at 11:00 go till 7:00. Love it!

On-Air With Manafest

New things are good and bad. 

The bad is - something has to change for it to become new. Change can be scary. But the good part is that you get something fresh. Something that you never would have experienced before hand.

Saturday nights on LIFE are changing.

We've got a new show called On-Air With Manafest. There's no hidden meaning in the title. It's literally a show hosted by Manafest.

It's also awesome.

Seriously. It is. I'm not just saying that as an employee, I'm saying it as a fan of music and radio.

Starting at 9:00, Manafest takes over for 2 hours. He plays some of his favorite songs, tells some stories and gives some insights into the life of a touring musician. 

If you are a fan of music or Manafest (or just like to be entertained), check it! You'll be glad you did.

Alberta Odyssey

My original plan was to blog every night of my time in Alberta. That obviously didn't happen!

It was a really busy 3 days. On the Thursday there was a session with Steve Taylor, who is best know for being what made old Newsboys what they were (and his absence what new Newsboys are). He also did some solo stuff and helped Sixpence None the Richer get the mega hit they had with "Kiss Me." Plus he directed the Michael W. Smith movie "The Second Chance." Steve was talking about his new film "Blue Like Jazz." It's based on a book by Donald Miller. I've never read it, but have heard good things. We saw it later that evening... unfortunatly Steve's quirky, thought provoking lyrics don't translate to the screen...

Moving right along.

Friday was full of radio sessions and shmozzing with artists and radio people (did I just say shmozzing? Maybe I've been hanging with Scott Jackson a little TOO much!!!)

After the sessions ended we got ready for the Covenant Awards - This is the Christian music equivalent of the Juno Awards.

Had lots of fun hearing from Jon Bauer (Chasing After Me), Dan Bremnes (You Are) and The City Harmonic (Manifesto) as well as To Tell (Safe to Say). Junkyard Poets were also there. These guys are nuts live! There bassist has a t.v on his head through the WHOLE SHOW!

The best part of the awards for me was presenting Modern Rock/Alternative Song of the Year to Marcel Preston and the boys in Sky Terminal.

Saturday meant an early rise and fly.

Overall, Calgary was a blast!