Although I hardly play anymore, basketball is still one of my favourite sports. When I am sitting in front of the computer, inevitably once in a short while I find myself checking out ESPN or Bleacher Report for hoops news and highlights. Last week I had the opportunity to spend sometime with 2 amazing Vancouver players: UBC’s Kedar Wright, and formal college and pro player Demitri Harris. They played hoops while I played D with my camera. It was good times. Definitely in awe of their skills. Again, thanks to photography, I got to witness first hand how amazing these athletes are. Really grateful.
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My friend Jeff is a great model, actor, personal trainer, and all around athlete. After we did the CEF shoot together back in December, last week I was lucky enough to photograph Jeff again for this little shoot we put together for ourselves. Jeff couldn’t be more pleasant to work with. Really the perfect type of talent a photographer could ask for. Professional, well prepared, enthusiastic, and full of ideas. I was able to bounce ideas with Jeff as we go. It was initially a challenging shoot as the weather turned out to be nothing I prepared for, and I was just not that familiar with body building/ fitness. But now I can say I learned so much I am much more comfortable with this subject matter next time I go into a similar shoot. I feel a big part of a photographer’s skill set is the ability to quickly learn and adapt. To sharpen that skill is another perfect reason to do personal projects!
After the big game between Uganda and Canada, we went on a road trip to Lyantonde, about 200km south west of Kampala. It took us about 4-5 hours to travel that distance on the bumpy dirt roads in our little buses. The scenery was lush and beautiful, but everybody was exhausted from the game earlier that day. I gotta say our Canadian kids are troopers. The hot weather isn’t something they are used to, but never once did I hear any complaints.
Once we got to Lyantonde, our first stop was Salama Shield, a NGO that focuses on alleviating health and poverty related challenges. I was absolutely exhausted, but my spirit got a big boost when I heard the beautiful songs and drum beats coming from the music group at Salama Shield. There was also a basketball court nearby. Jason the documentary cameraman and I couldn’t resist the idea of a tall lanky white dude and a short stubby asian dude playing street ball in Uganda, so we joined in for a pickup game with the local kids. That’s where I lost a piece of skin on my eyebrow… I think. I now have a big scar on my eyebrow, but it’s all good. I’d like to think it’s a permanent gift from Africa.
I was really overwhelmed by the hospitality at Salama Shield. I know they don’t have much, but they still put on a big meal for us. While we ate, the drummers, dancers, and singers performed for us. I don’t know how other people could sit still. I couldn’t at all. I had to join in the dance. I am pretty sure I made a fool of myself, but the way I look at it, a little bit of entertainment from me was the least I could do to show them how much I appreciated the hospitality.
After the dinner I got to sit down outside in the warm breeze with some local kids for a nice conversation and a private lesson in Ugandan. Jabaleko Thank you for your work. Nsanuse Kukoo la va I am very happy to see you. oli mu qua no quan ge You are my friend.
These were exactly the words I wanted to say to the people at Salama Shield. Thank you for having us, my friends. I appreciate your hospitality, but most of all I appreciate the hard work you guys put in long term to help making a difference in Uganda. Jabaleko.
If you have ever been inspired by sports, I think you might be interested in this little documentary I made. Tugende Baseballer is a story about baseball in Uganda. It’s about 8 minutes long. Please have a watch, share it, and perhaps consider supporting this great cause.
Devin is a triathlete and the nicest guy! Some quick shots from the shoot we did a while ago. My question is, how does he maintain the muscle mess when he races in endurance sports!?
Back in March I had the pleasure to work on a project with BMW and Fairmont Hotels. It was fun times making this shot, among others, in front of a busy hotel on a dull rainy day in just few hours. Challenging for sure, but the results are so worth it. This is the new BMW i3. 100% electric and the interior is made of recycled material. Many Fairmont hotels have charging stations on site.
Drew
Allie was an absolute beast in the gym! I tried to replicate some moves she was doing myself, and my heart rate went straight up! I have no idea how she was doing all these moves without sweating. I had to bring out the old fake sweat trick.
It was another good day shooting some personal work. It was fun figuring things out in a tight space with little time. A great exercise to keep my photographic mind sharp.
March was a busy month! In March We shot for BC Hydro, Fairmont Hotels/BMW, Canadian Business Magazine, Report on Business, and of course some personal work. Spent a couple weeks in Toronto. A little bit of time in Montreal. Visited lots of new and old clients. Looking back I was surprised so much was done! One thing I didn’t do is update my blog more often… So here is an image from this really fun shoot with Canadian Business Magazine. We shot the coolest fusion rector with General Fusion. The magazine is now available on news stands, with my image on the cover. This reactor here is the clean energy of the future. There are some seriously smart people in Vancouver.
A snowy day of fishing with a couple of buddies. We didn’t catch any fish, but it didn’t matter the least bit. When I am outside in the nature I feel so grateful.
rileymaclean