Posts Tagged ‘calgary’
Ode 2 the 50mm~Day 15/30
Halfway through now, I still find the whole process extremely challenging. Even while going to some of my favourite spots. Don’t get me wrong, I’m only complaining a little. This is why I chose to do this TO DEATH, so I’m forced to think outside the box while being confined to a tiny box 
These shots are by the old Molson Brewery
Ode 2 the 50mm~Day 06/30
Took a quick zip out to Bowness today.
It was about 8pm, so the light was really amazing.
With zoom out of the picture, I’m forced to focus entirely on composition, and the physical space I need to be in to get it. Especially in a situation like this where, I don’t want to get to close to the trains for safety and legal reasons.
Video: Catching the Train
Ode 2 the 50mm~Day 04/30
Today I used the other half of the Agfachrome that expired in February 1992. It appears as though I was just dumb enough to believe that old expired colour film would give me this super-ultra-retro-look. Instead I got a strong purple colour cast which I did my best to remove digitally. The results are super noisy images on what is supposed to be ultra fine grain.
None the less I got a lot more accomplished today, as I explored the back alleys of my neighbourhood, which have quite a bit to offer actually. (I’m not copping out, there’s seriously cool stuff back there!)
The Last Bachelor Pad
Most of you in relationships probably remember your last bachelor (or bachelorette) suite. Being as how I only married in 2009, I remember mine quite vividly…not that the passage of time could let me forget such an interesting place.
I had one of those houses turned apartment buildings, a favourite even when I was a teenager.
When my wife and I moved in together we discovered very quickly we needed more space and a bit of an upgrade and we moved out of my little 400sq/ft one bedroom.
That was about three years ago, in the fall of 2007.
Since then we pass it sometimes, even go out of our way to have a quick look to see if it had been condemned. Bankview properties have been slowly dug up and replaced with condos over the last five to ten years. It’s a shame because the older houses are what give the area character, and there aren’t many left.
A couple months ago the front door was boarded up; I could barely contain my glee. 
I was very eager to see what the inside had to offer photographically, and I had been in every room in it at some point or another so there wouldn’t be that many surprises. I grabbed another photographer and we let ourselves in.
There were four levels in all including the basement, with a couple suites on each floor. I knew the basement was our best place of entry and I was right, we got inside with minimal effort.
Lots of random furniture was left behind in every room, and there was extensive water damage on the second and third floor. Some areas we definitely walked with caution, as the ceiling was caving in on the floor below.
It was surreal to be inside a building and see your own breathe, simple reminders of where you are.
Suite four was mine. There was writing on the front door, not the most welcome message. Definitely squatters living in the building and likely my suite, judging by the placement of bankets and pillows inside.
A couch I left behind was still there, so it must have been used by at least two tenants after me (and the squatter).
When we were ready to go city workers showed up. Saw us after we left the building, but not leaving it. Still, enough of a scare to make both our stomachs turn.