Bluesfest continues – looks like I may be shooting for the Ottawa Sun again this weekend – Donna Summer and Wyclef Jean.

Another of the new photos at ChelseaGallery.ca:

Thundering Horse at ChelseaGallery.ca

I love shooting motion but horses and show jumping were new to me! I was invited to travel to Kingston, Ontario for a stock shoot centred around the world of horses and jumping.

My photographic style has always drawn me close to the action with wide angle lenses. After many jumps and discussions we were all feeling pretty comfortable with each other’s technical abilities.

The idea of a photo from beneath the horse was discussed. After some safety and technical discussions I planted myself under the a substantial jump. Timing was, of course, an issue but the thundering hooves vibrating through the earth gave me a clear indication when shooting time had arrived. My new friends soared beautifully above me as I caught the slightly blurred hooves of my magnificent new equine friend.

H

Herbie Hancock – another great name in music appeared at the Ottawa International Jazz Fest this week.

Many performers shy away from the media spotlight and photographers working in the media pit. Bob Dylan was enormously restrictive in last year’s performance – no photography.

Mr Hancock was welcoming and played to the crowd and photographers. He came to the front of the stage and talked to the audience while photographers worked hard. I was so close I could have touched his shin if I raised my arm.

The Photos:

Herbie Hancock greets the Ottawa Jazz Fest crowd

Hancock talks it up

A large crowd came to see Hancock perform

Hancock doing what he does best

Hancock brought the Fazioli piano from Toronto

Have a great weekend,

Harry

One of the finest trumpeters alive, Wynton Marsalis played the Ottawa International Jazz Festival last week.

I was shooting for the Ottawa Sun Newspaper. It was fun, of course, but a significant challenge as Mr Marsalis sat in the middle of the back row of the Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra – very hard to capture from the media pit!

Some photos:

Mr Marsalis at the Ottawa Jazz Fest – June 2008

Marsalis plays to the crowd

Marsalis shapes the sound

Tomorrow… Herbie Hancock.

H

Ok, here are some recent photos I shot from the Ottawa International Jazz Festival. I shot a couple of days for the Ottawa Sun – other freelancing. The Jazz Fest continues to July 1. Check it out!

Over the next few days I will be posting a few highlights starting with Buddy DeFranco – an 85 year old master clarinetist. He’s been performing for 73 years and, I imagine, has no desire to retire.

Coming up later this week I will post photos of Wynton Marsalis and Herbie Hancock.

Neil Swainson gets into the groove – Ottawa Jazz fest

The crowd watching opening act Félix Stussi

Master clarinetist, 85 year old Buddy DeFranco

Joe Cohn captivates with a guitar solo as Buddy takes a break!

Jazz great Buddy DeFranco plays to the Ottawa Jazz Festival crowd.

Tomorrow – Wynton Marsalis.

Friday – Herbie Hancock

Next week I will post leftovers from this week – student photo and copyright – “boring”… but important!

Have fun,

H