Lucid Musings Photo Lite

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Grad Session Details...For the Parents

2010-04-18T21:07:00.006-04:00

The pictures look fun, the poses have style, the locations are endless and the memories are forever, but what exactly does the Lucid Musings student Grad Sessions involve and what do they cost? Now in it's sophomore year, LM's student photography has begun to catch on locally and is making inroads throughout the area, offering the student a unique, hip and personal view, giving the entire family a document to this, probably the biggest moment in their lives so far.

The Beginnings: Modeled after the "Senior's Portrait", a driving force and right of passage South of the border, the concept is is not something new those who attended high school in the US, but it is something that students and parents in the Perth/Huron and Middlesex areas probably have never seen. With the push to expand this year, this will not be the case for long:-)

The Pre-Shoot: The "Stepping Out" Session begins with a consultation to determine the "feel" of how each sitting will play out, as it is not only my goal to show the grad in the best and most glamorous way, but also to paint in interests and personality to give a full and individual finished canvas.

Time Investment: Each session lasts roughly 1 1/2 to 2 hours and can be compressed multi-location affairs, studio/location blends, or distance travel shoots, the options can be as personal as your graduate.

Dress Code: Clothing (up to 3 outfits) and props add flare and detail, bringing in things like musical instruments, sporting equipment, hats, sunglasses...the list goes on:-)

The Post-Shoot: Online gallery included and options from individual "Rock Video" slide shows to beautiful book bound memory albums are all offered to give you the perfect package.

Financial Investment: Until May 15 all pre-bookings receive a base-rate $100.00 session fee. After May 15, the rate returns to $145.00 plus tax.

Questions? Love it and want to book a consultation? 519-284-0858
toll free 1-866-680-0858

If you've got someone who is "Stepping Out" this year, give them a thrill and make it a LM moment for them...and for you. :-)

The Drive By Truckers Come To Town

2010-04-11T09:00:00.015-04:00

The story of the Drive By Truckers is as road wearied and oil stained as their name suggests. Almost 15 years of heavy touring, heavy drinking, marital break-ups in the Fleetwood Mac model, and the loss of an integral member have blew a few tires, but the core duo of Mike "Stroker Ace Cooley and Patterson Hood have powered on with a ferocity of artistic energy and mind blowing rock shows almost unmatched by any other bands out there at this moment.
My story of the DBT began as the clouds began to part after a downpour at the sophomore 2003 Bonnaroo. Stumbling along on a cloud after a stellar "Crazy Game of Poker" OAR set in "That Tent" and lost in the moment before G.Love took the 4 o'clock slot on "Which Stage", the beginning rough and ready notes of "Ronnie and Neil" caught my peripheral attention. I had in my late teens and early 20's been somewhat obsessive compulsive about Lynyrd Skynyrd, buying all their albums in the span of a year, digesting every sound and every lyric. The parallels of the song and the parallels of the DBT hit me like a bottle of Jack Daniels in the face. After another song, they really hit there stride with their signature piece Let There Be Rock....

Watching newly inducted Shonna Tucker and Jason Isbell rip apart the stage left while Mike Cooley etched his guitar stage right, cigarette dangling from his mouth and Brad Morgan hit the drum skins looking like a character straight out of some eastern Kentucky psycho-thriller. What totally gripped me, though was Patterson Hood's presence center stage spitting and sweating every word of this song about growing up in the 70's and 80's in the age of arena rock. Within a month I bought all of their CD's and became the biggest promoter of their salt-of-the-earth message.
I have been lucky enough to see their full show 5 times since, always front-of stage and every time leaving as shell shocked as the time before. In 2005 I got to meet Mike Cooley back stage at Bonnaroo, in 2007 I met Jason Isbell at The Phoenix in Toronto and their personal demeanor matches there pure, true and simple on stage persona. The Truckers are the real thing and they showed it again last Tuesday and Wednesday in Toronto, there is no glitter, there is no glam, no video screens with naked chicks, no flashing neon, no dry ice and no pot-flashes, there is no need. There are 3 singers, 6 musicians, 1 case of beer and 1 bottle of Jack Daniels. If Rock n' Roll is an old slang for a good screw, then the DBT hit the nail right on the head, leaving you rode hard and put away wet.
I had to stop and talk to a young lady standing glazed outside the show after Tuesday night's performance. Holding every album the DBT ever produced, all in the classic vinyl format, sealed and waiting for their virgin rotation, I said I was somewhat overcome by the shear size of her purchase. Like a teen defending her delinquent boyfriend, lost in the moment of shear physical attraction, her come back was straight and to the point "Why wouldn't I buy them all...they are the greatest band in the World". Welcome to Rock n' Roll show,lady, welcome to the Rock n' Roll show!

Tis' the Season

2010-03-25T21:32:00.002-04:00

Well the Ides of March have yet once again passed in a safe manner and March Break has come and gone leaving a trail of weather records in its midst, so April must be right around the corner. The "season" has begun once again at Lucid Musings. A full slate of weddings are guaranteed, "Into the Heart of the Photo" beginners boot-camp a mere 3 weeks away, the phone and studio are beginning to buzz with Family Portrait requests and upcoming summer "get-togethers". But April also symbolizes the beginning of the "Kick Open the Doors" Graduation Bonanza. A pre-cursor to the sophomore year of LM's addition of cutting edge student photography to the portfolio. 2 lucky "Golden Tickets" (ode to Willy Wonka)will be awarded to 2 2010 graduating students for a full location session. No strings attached, just come on over to Facebook (come on, you are probably going there anyhow:-) and fan yourself Lucid Musings and simply indicate your school under the "Kick Open the Doors Golden Ticket" heading on the wall to mark that you indeed want to be a part of this opportunity to have some fun and scream "I've Graduated" with style:-) Nothing is much simpler, or more fun and not to have anyone left out, existing fans can simply email me Sean@lucidmusings.com and I will enter your name. Contest runs March 26-April 26....Make it LM in 2010...

A Legend and a Mentor Dies...Goodbye Mr. Rock n' Roll

2010-03-24T23:05:00.012-04:00

What do images of Johnny Cash giving the finger at San Quentin prison, Janis Joplin lounging with a bottle of SoCo backstage at Winterland, Jimi Hendrix spraying lighter fluid on his guitar at Monterey and the classic Allman Brothers a la kit and guitar cases on the front of Fillmore East all have in common? They where all taken by Mr. Jim Marshall, music photographer extraordinaire of the classic period of rock n' roll. The lense cap was put on for the last time early this morning with Mr. Marshall passing away in his sleep. A true inspiration for my love of music photography, this small honour is the least I can do. Here's to hoping he is having one hell of a party with Janis, Brian, Keith, Duane, Jim and Jimmy....:-)

Time to Blog Again...Spring Course Details

2010-03-11T22:19:00.002-05:00

It is with great excitement that I will be offering again my popular course for the digital photo beginner. In the spirit of getting those images you see in your mind, but have trouble realizing with your camera. A 4 session course, not only a follow-up to my level 1 'Into the Digital Age' which I offered in 2007, but a great starting point for any SLR camera (manual function/interchangeable lens) camera owner wanting to become more familiar with their camera and improve their photos. This course will get you using your camera on-location, help you visualize things in a new matter, give you projects that will get you out shooting independently and inspire open interaction. I created this brief, fun, unimposing and hopefully inspiring course in the belief that the digital camera is best learned if you get out and use it. The instant results a LCD screen gives and the freedom of a digital card to capture and capture again until we get it right has changed our opportunities to learn photography. With this in mind and my belief that learning is not only gained by ingesting information but by actually using this knowledge in an open forum that becomes knowledge itself. Get up, get out and ignite some photo fun this Spring with 'Into The Heart of The Photo'-you won't regret it:-)

What: Into The Heart of the Photo
4 session interactive course to better photos

Week 1 (April 13)

In Classroom instruction/discussion of:

-Manual Functions
-Depth of Field
-Metering
-Composition

Week 2 (April 20-6:00pm-field trip)

Location Shoot #1

-Composition 'On Location'
...take what you learned in Week 1 and put it into action

****Homework Assignment to be completed over next week and returned to me for critique the following week and reviewed in-classroom
May 4th:-)

Week 3 (April 27 6:00pm-field trip)

Location Shoot #2

-Candid Portrait Shoot and Low Light Fun

...will help you learn...

-metering
-Shutter speed and Aperture

...in a practical setting...

Week 4 (May 4)

Back to the Classroom

-Photo Showing
-Review
-Open Discussion

Where: Stone Willow Inn (St. Marys) http://www.stonewillow.com/
When: classroom sessions 7-9pm, this time around, the location sessions will be earlier evening 'field trip' style shoots and, if everyone is agreeable, the immediately following Tuesday nights will be used if the weather is a complete wash-out. Mother Nature can be temperamental, so keep our fingers crossed:-)

...you already know the dates

How: To enroll, or for more details, email me Sean@lucidmusings.com , call me at 519-284-0858, or come in and see me at the studio 147 Queen St. E., St. Marys. Course fee is $165.00.

New Website....Coming Soon!

2010-02-09T20:39:00.003-05:00

Some of my fellow bloggers may be wondering why the drop in recent posts to Lucid Musings Light. Not to worry, it is not that LM has hit a wall, but quite the opposite and I am currently "in deep" creating a new online visual experience sure to take the website to a whole new level. The original site, masterfully created by Ted Fuller of Fullerworks back in January, 2004, with all its adjustments and tweaks has run its course. Overall congestion, and the lack of a full and conjoined representation of the energetic portfolio Lucid Musings has tried to attain with over 5 years under its belt, it was time. Stay tuned, be patient and be prepared for a grand launch before the end of February....Join the fun and "Make it LM in 2010".

Stepping Out...The Future is Bright:-)

2010-01-17T20:05:00.003-05:00

With my first of many visits to the local high school this past week to speak to grade 10 students about a career in the world of photography, I created a new collection of last years student work as part of the presentation. As with every visit, their overall response, especially to the grad (and travel) photography portions was well above the bar. I can only hope that through these visits, I may inspire even a little and give fuel to these young, impressionable and open minds.
As I have become more adept at the "speaking circuit", I find myself talking not only about the potential ups and downs of one select industry (photography), but share an underlying message to these students to open up, give life 100%, and not be afraid to make that step. I let them know that the confusion and life change that haunts the mid teen is natural, absolute direction is a gift for the few, but the key is to never stray far from the path and, if you do that, someday your end goal will be reached.
Here's to all those stepping out this year....:-)

Framing Blowout-2 Weeks Left

2010-01-17T19:52:00.002-05:00

Lucid Musings aim to provide top quality finishes to prints is now at an all time high and to celebrate, is offering 25% off all custom framing during the month of January. If you were thinking about upgrading your wall decor in 2010, then now is the time. Featuring an exclusive line of both North American and European moldings, we are your local answer to all your framing needs.

Merry Ho Ho From LM Photo

2009-12-25T21:24:00.003-05:00

Last Night I Met an Angel-A Review of the Julie Doiron, Ladyhawk, Constantines Call the Office Blowout

2009-12-19T21:25:00.028-05:00

After a long break from the hallowed ground of the live music venue, I returned to form Friday night with a long anticipated trio of Canada's heavy hitters conveniently wrapped up in a handy little package and spit out from the beautifully tarnished stage of London's iconic Call the Office.
Ladyhawk was a completely fresh experience, with only a MySpace briefing and a recommendation from a friend to crutch my ingoing bias. Their avid fans where quite obviously in attendance and the front of stage quickly became a well packed deck of cards, my jack of spades wedged between the stage, wall and some fun loving (and pissed) girl from Fanshawe:-) Hitting there stride about 2 or 3 songs in, these guys genuinely rocked, bassist Sean Hawryluk a spitting rendition of early 90's J.Mascis Dinosaur Jr, t-shirt and all. Not taking shots at the look alike contest, lead singer and guitarist Duffy Driediger freakishly reminded me of Sublime guitarist Eric Wilson, sweat and all. Joking about how C.T.O. had been negligent adding an 'e' to Ladyhawk on the marquis out front (Ladyhawke is a New Zealand outfit led my sexpot singer Pip Brown), they definitely laid to rest any misconceptions over who they where, playing a searing set and reeling in those not already converted into there lyrical world of fuzzed teen angst.
I had seen the Constantines on 2 separate occasions in the past, the virgin flight being from the main stage of Hillside in there hometown of Guelph, where they kicked my ass so much that I added a powerhouse image of crazed bass player Dallas Wehrle to my small personal gallery. Taking the stage around 12:30am, they wasted no time in getting down to what they do best, opening up a sonic fire on the pressed and already well fed awaiting audience. Dallas sporting a full face winter mask, which he wore for most of the show. As always, the Constantines where anything but a mystery, ripping through their ever growing retrospective, timely and poignant anthems. With Kensington Heights, they have taken it up another rung and become one of Canada's most important bands and if Friday night's 10th anniversary show is any indication, the boys from Wellington County aren't stopping anytime soon.
On a night as solid as this, it is hard to pick favorites, but Julie Doiron, formerly of legendary East coast Noise-Grunge-Rock-Avante purveyors Eric's Trip and Wooden Stars, who took the stage first and blew me away with her shear energy and a power chord jabs a la Neil Young (the entire evening actually had a Crazy Horse rocker vibe sitting stage left, but then again, this is Canada, eh:-)). I had never seen her live and expected a much mellower vibe, after extensive listening to 2 of her studio albums, 1997's Loneliest in the Morning, and this year's college chart topper I Can Wonder What You Did With Your Day. What I got was a girl in her late 30's that worked the stage with shear exuberance, style and power that made you think you where looking at a 20 year old Julie encapsulated in the heady days of the early 90's, giving the audience everything she had. When she played, the exuberance and pleasure she took in she gave out, her show wonderful, rough and ecstatic, each song finished with a grateful thank-you to not only to the audience, but the headlining bands with the nuance of a girl not jaded by years of touring and the storms of career wanes and prominence, with her years on the road roughly 10 years their senior. Working her own merch table with the enthusiasm of a fledgling bar act and during both the Ladyhawk and Constantines set she turned into fan mode, either crammed behind the monitor leaning fans, or singing and dancing side stage and taking the stage with the Constantines. Julie Doiron, as a person and as a musician was the star that stood out for me, not just for her stage hip, but for what she represented, a sketch of music for the love of music, a beautiful ageless spirit dressed in dusty boots black nylons and plaid skirt, her long pigtails swinging with an urgency lost in today's commercial jungle. Amen to that:-)

Christmas Savings With Christmas Certificates

2009-12-06T20:57:00.006-05:00

If a portrait is something you, or your family has been talking about doing for the last while, now is a perfect time to act on those emotions. Capture the moment with Lucid Musings' exclusive "Family Art Location Sessions" in 2010 with a certificate on the tree for Christmas morning. With purchase you have a wide open slate to book the season and date you want anytime during next year. Be it one of Lucid Musings' edgy and fun "Spotlight" Graduation (in their sophomore year) and Glamour sessions, a crazy popular "Summer Sunset Session", or a spirited romance forward Couples session . One family or an extended generational gathering of many, portraits are Lucid Musings speciality and each one is unique and bound to leave you talking, and guaranteed to give you memories for years to come. From December 7th to December 12th, get a certificate and not only retain the 2009 rates, but get an additonal 30% off. If this doesn't give you that little push to finally get behind the lens, well....then...give me a call at 519-284-0858 and I will help you along...:-)

Christmas "Fast Track" Deadlines at LM

2009-11-28T08:10:00.002-05:00

Christmas is on the fast track and photos and framing take time, so to ensure the perfect gift is under your tree before Santa comes knocking, here are the guaranteed deadlines for 2009:

Canvas: December 4th
Framing: December 11th
Fine Art Prints : December 14th
Custom Enlargements: December 18th

As always, special requests and requirements are handled with the client in mind to give you a "Gift with Image" :-)and late orders are often not "too late", so give me a call with any last minute panics:-) Customer satisfaction and quality timeless results are always priority. Make your day...the LM way..."Make it a Gift Certificate"

Winter 2009-2010 One-on-One

2009-11-26T07:31:00.003-05:00

"One on One" classes begin this week...spaces are still available for winter 2 day/4hour crash courses for beginner photographers. Full 4 week course also running again in April 2010. Learning with LM....."Make it a Gift....Certificate":-)

Due to popular interest, I have decided to offer private one on one tutoring in the shoulder/off season to aspiring photographers wanting to better capture those images that look so much better in your mind than on that digital display of your camera. A compressed, distilled and refined version of my Spring/Fall group sessions, http://lucidmusingslight.blogspot.com/2009/08/course-announcement-starting-september.html this course will is a great opportunity to get up close...and personal...with your camera:-)

Cost: $125.00 plus GST
What: Fun learning experience..
Where: My studio and beautiful Perth County
When: Flexible dates and times
Who: Me...and You
Why: Why Not?
How: By calling 519-284-0858, or 1-866-680-0858

2009 "Front and Centre" Installment 2

2009-11-06T07:46:00.002-05:00

Although Lucid Musings made the decision in 2009 to make weddings a more "exclusive" portion of the photo palate of services, focusing on more portraits and expanding my lifestyle outlets, I still love the opportunity a wedding gives. The precursor to every wedding is the engagement and in the photo world the engagement shoot. No wedding day stress, denim casual and time to spare, what the engagement couples session lacks in elegance it makes up for ten times over in real, relaxed unpretentious fun and romance...a behind the scenes look before the show begins:-)

2009 "Front and Centre" Installment 1...

2009-10-15T22:04:00.005-04:00

2009 was, is and destined to be an amazing year for me here at Lucid Musings Photography. A year of minor downs and major ups, 2009 took me all over Ontario and parts of the U.S. trying to secure the story in a moment, provide captures for commissioned clients, and get promotional and lifestyle for advertising agency projects and a number of Inns. From the Little Inn in Bayfield to the YMCA in Sarnia and Chatham, from Sir Sams in Haliburton to the Shaw Club in Niagara on the Lake, travel was certainly on the agenda. What was also on the agenda was a true push to give families and individuals a portrait with a twist. Tailoring back on weddings in 2009, I made the business decision to become a "portrait specialist" and it seems to be working. Although the year still has 2 1/2 months to go, with the amount of work I feel honoured to share from this memorable year, I thought I had better get started...let the show begin..."2009 Front and Center" with Lucid Musings...starring many smiles, more laughs and even more memories...:-)

Fall Sessions

2009-10-04T21:49:00.012-04:00

Yes, it is October and it sure feels like it! That being said, October is one of my favorite months with the fresh, sunny days, clear, moonlit early evenings, leaves under foot, colours of orange, red and yellow shining under the haze of a streetlight. Sweaters come out of storage, hockey is on TV, the harvesters haunt the fields by day and night and visits to the hidden gems of summer take on a new face of solitude. Seasons in Canada are something we treasure and fall is on the top of many lists, especially for the art of the family portrait. Lucid Musings looks forward to working with many families, some back for their second and third outings. Things are booking up fast again this year, but there are still limited spaces available. Call 519-284-0858 or 1-866-680-0858 to book some memories:-)

I have uploaded my current booking calendar to help:-) Recommended seating times are morning or late afternoon, but special requests are always accomodated:-)

Lucid Musings Retrospective-Celebrating 5 years

2009-09-29T07:48:00.008-04:00

An overdue look at the first five years of Lucid Musings' family portraiture. All of these pictures where sampled from late spring 2004 until the beginning of 2009. It been a long road, with lots peaks and valleys, but looking back, I really feel good about my path I have paved. A lot of long days and 7 day weeks have given way to the realization of passion as a living, an opportunity few get and I count my blessings everyday. Enjoy:-)

Stonetown Music Festival-A Young Cause for All

2009-09-02T21:44:00.014-04:00

It’s so hard to get old without a cause
I don’t want to perish like a fading horse
Youth is like diamonds in the sun
And diamonds are forever

So many adventures couldn’t happen today
So many songs we forgot to play
So many dreams are swinging out of the blue
We let them come true...Alphaville

(following is the letter to the editor I wrote, printed in todays (September 2) St. Marys Journal Argus)

A week ago Saturday, my good friends and owners of The Harvest Bakery made a vested attempt to create a musical “buzz”, by gathering a selection of local musicians, both young and established to put forth the first “Stonetown Music Festival”. Being in the know from the first spark to the realization on the 22^nd, I was fully aware of the hurdles they had to jump to accomplish what they did and as a result of this hard work, feel commendation is due to them, not snide digs about the lack of tourists, closed businesses, screaming vocals and an over-amped bass.

To be fair, one can argue that the pool of St. Marys live acts that performed on the 22^nd varied from good to fair to passable, and that the acoustics on Water street left something to be desired, but that is not the point. Rather than looking at it’s glass half full shortcomings, as any virgin attempt has, we should all be looking at its positive future potential and the underlying message behind it that John Leberg, and anyone in his camp seems to be overlooking. What we have is an attempt by the younger populace of St. Marys to give local musicians of all ages and genres a platform to express their musical talents, for today and tomorrow in a festival format and a permanent band shell. In a town that has always been a big youth sports town, I feel this spotlight that is now shining on the non-sports oriented young talents should not be turned off but brightened.

Community support for this inaugural event was lacking for most of the 7 hours I spent happily supporting the efforts of the group of under 23 year olds running the show, some just in there teens. This lack of support needs correction both behind and in front of the stage. With the right people, the right funding, and the right organizations we can create something that really matters. Music was, is and always will be, meant to be played and experienced in a live outdoor venue. The conjoining of music, arts and community is well documented and yearly tapestries have been woven from this patchwork.

The successes are well realized, from Hillside’s sold out 3 day green haven on Guelph island, to the legendary Mariposa in Orillia’s Tudhope Park, from the local and free multi-cultural splash at Sunfest to the long running Home County Folk. Let us step up and join this youthful enthusiasm for freedom of expression, forget the “not in my backyard” backwardness and open our eyes and ears to the possibilities, many suggested in the most thought out and objective of citizen letters written on this issue, by Tom Sproat and Rachel Petrie. Once again 2 young members of our community intelligent enough to offer a much more liberal, well thought out proactive piece while leaving out personal attacks, something the opposition unfortunately seems unable to do. Then again, one should thank Mr. Leberg for raising this issue as he has really inadvertently planted the seed that will hopefully someday see music, in all its fantastic forms become a permanent part of summer in St. Marys, because, at the end of the day, music can not only lift one’s inner spirits, it can add spirit to any town, or city wise enough to embrace it, nurture it and give it legs to stand on.

Course Announcement-Starting September 21

2009-08-26T10:31:00.002-04:00

It is with great excitement that I will be offering again my popular course for the digital photo beginner. In the spirit of getting those images you see in your mind, but have trouble realizing with your camera. A 4 session course, not only a follow-up to my level 1 'Into the Digital Age' which I offered in 2007, but a great starting point for any SLR camera (manual function/interchangeable lens) camera owner wanting to become more familiar with their camera and improve their photos. This course will get you using your camera on-location, help you visualize things in a new matter, give you projects that will get you out shooting independently and inspire open interaction. I created this brief, fun, unimposing and hopefully inspiring course in the belief that the digital camera is best learned if you get out and use it. The instant results a LCD screen gives and the freedom of a digital card to capture and capture again until we get it right has changed our opportunities to learn photography. With this in mind and my belief that learning is not only gained by ingesting information but by actually using this knowledge in an open forum that becomes knowledge itself. Get up, get out and join me this Fall for 'Into The Heart of The Photo'-you won't regret it:-)

What: Into The Heart of the Photo
4 session interactive course to better photos

Week 1 (September 21)

In Classroom instruction/discussion of:

-Manual Functions
-Depth of Field
-Metering
-Composition
(review for those who took level 1)

Week 2 (September 28-5:15pm-field trip)

Location Shoot #1

-Composition 'On Location'
...take what you learned in Week 1 and put it into action

Week 3 (October 5 5:15pm-field trip)

Location Shoot #2

-Candid Portrait Shoot and Low Light Fun

...will help you learn...

-metering
-Shutter speed and Aperture

...in a practical setting...

****Homework Assignment to be completed over next week and returned to LM studio by October 13 for grading, as there will not be a class on Thanksgiving Monday

Week 4 (October 19)

Back to the Classroom

-Photo Showing
-Review
-Open Discussion

Where: Stone Willow Inn (St. Marys) http://www.stonewillow.com/
When: classroom sessions 7-9pm, this time around, the location sessions will be earlier evening 'field trip' style shoots and, if everyone is agreeable, the immediately following Tuesday nights will be used if the weather is a complete wash-out. Mother Nature can be temperamental, so keep our fingers crossed:-)

...you already know the dates

How: To enroll, or for more details, email me Sean@lucidmusings.com , call me at 519-284-0858, or come in and see me at the studio 147 Queen St. E., St. Marys. Course fee is $160.00.

Sean

The Video Evidence...It Was Intense...Hillside 2009 Downpour

2009-07-30T22:25:00.001-04:00

That was the little blue tarp I was kind of under, wedged far back right:-)

The Magic, The Monsoon and The Mud...The Story...Hillside 2009-Sunday

2009-07-28T21:47:00.023-04:00

Sunday was a day I had been looking forward to since saying goodbye to a rainbow framed Hillside festival this time last year. An annual family pilgrimage for the last 6 years and celebrating 25 years on Guelph's idyllic island conservation on the Northern fringes of the city only last year, Hillside is a one-of-a-kind in Ontario. Providing the perfect blend of setting (save for the causeway, located on an island in the Grand River), good ethnic food (served on reusable volunteer washed plates), good local micro-brews (served in the legendary buy it-you take it-bring it back next year Hillside mug), great workshops (everything from copper jewelery making and karate meditation to Thai massage and one entitled "Getting the Sex You Want"-wonder the girl to guy breakdown at this one:-):-) ), great family area (my 8 year would be happy here the entire day making helicopters, homemade bread, tie dye and watching kid performers shake it on their mini stage). With all these elements carefully orchestrated, one would think take a rest, but no, Hillside's hundreds of volunteers and organizers also provide an environmental initiative unmatched, admired and in recent years created a pass it forward mandate, training other festival organizers to emulate their framework of free bottle-less water, green workshops, the aforementioned reusable plates and an aboriginal resting place with sacred fire right at its heart. The only thing that trumps this vested effort is the organizer's ability to bring together the best, brightest and most interesting musical artists from across Canada, with a sprinkling of international acts. The quality and list of past and present performers worth mentioning is much too long to show favoritism, with "The Island" hosting 1000's of bands past and present creating legendary jams, magic moments and memories never to be forgotten.

This year's festival was one of intense moments from the body trancing sounds of Xavier Rudd's didgeridoo to legendary "Universal Soldier" for Aboriginal rights, Buffy Sainte Marie, from the soothing ladder climbing Great Lake Swimmers to the all out feeding frenzy orgasm of The Woodchoppers Association and Friends. Our outing was limited to one day this year-Sunday-due to previous obigations and a trip my wife and son undertook to Newfoundland the week prior.
Upon arrival, I knew this was going to be a Hillside to remember, (they all are, really), with a long line of cars waiting to get in. Unheard of at Hillside, and a micro-mini version of the 21 hour jam on the interstate for Bonnaroo 2003, the reason was the regular parking lots had become non-four wheel car deathtraps from previous rains and the volunteers where scrambling to make alternate arrangements to get the 5000 plus happily parked in a place where they could happily get out at day end. After being asked advice from a stressed arrivee wanting to see his friend perform in less than 45 minutes, I thought just park it, forget the formalities, pull over and park it and go, go, go. Within 5 minutes it seems my advice rubbed off and the entire jam was almost entirely non-existent, with a mass parkfest underway and in Hillside style, no overbearing parking attendant blew his top. Hey, who knows, maybe they appreciated the idea, giving them time to recoup:-)
My first view of the festival grounds was one of a fondness I feel for no other music event in Ontario, save for the close knit, anything goes, non-family oriented Come Together Fest near Durham-the yang to Hillside's yin. I felt the community spirit immediately with the friendly welcoming smiles, open expressions and group hugs. We had indeed arrived again and the energy was hitting me smack on. The only difference this year was the field of dancing free spirits, intensely thriving to The Woodchoppers, half submerged friends cooling in the Grand River and children running and playing in a fit of laughter was back dropped by a large storm cloud approaching due West. Black as night, it didn't look good and it and the sudden breeze solidified it wasn't passing us by. The interim MCs comment "it isn't going to rain" was met by a retaliatory impressive shot of fork lighting and a tongue in cheek "sorry Jesus..I wasn't questioning you" and shortly thereafter an order to stay away from the main stage and all metal as the tarp team quickly hid all the electricals and equipment.
When the storm hit on Sunday, it hit hard and with no mercy, and even though I had taken cover under the mini tarp at the main stage the peak gusts and driving moisture soaked me top to bottom down my entire backside as I nestled my $3000.00 of equipment in the seemingly only quasi dry area. Chairs and signs went flying and the "H" in the Hillside marquee almost comically foreshadowed the aftermath, leaving a somewhat less welcoming "Illside" on the crest over the Grand River for a short period. The usually idyllic trance like walkabout turned into a pit of mud and woodchips and those with not enough foresight to bring the funky styled rubber boots soon shed the flip flops and sandles for bare feet.
Being through the best of the mudfests in the past, from the legendary Woodstock 94 as seen here in Green Day footage:

Watched a literal river of mud roll down the mountain at "Mountain Jam" in 2007 and spent a full 24 hours in, literally in:-) the mud at Bonnaroo 2004, where the pump trucks couldn't even properly access the port-a-potties. Here's a quick look, minus the smell:

Mud and music was something I have been seemingly intimate with and when standing in the ankle deep muck at Sunday's Hillside I reminisced about these past times and a smile came over my face. One reason for this was that I now figured I was batting about .700 for rain a one point, or another during my festival career, but the real reason I had to smile was the ability to appreciate the situation that a substantial storm puts events like these in. A study in resiliency, a short story in making the best of what is given, and an appreciation in the mandate that the show must go on. All involved accomplished this on all levels and the sun that hit the beach area and main stage late day shone a light upon their efforts appreciated by all of us who know, love and live for the experience that is the Hillside Music Festival. Take a bow and see you next year:-)

Waving bye...feet first:-)

The Magic, The Monsoon and The Mud

2009-07-28T14:12:00.004-04:00

The Magic, The Monsoon and The Mud...Part Deux

2009-07-28T07:49:00.003-04:00

Issa (Jane Siberry), Dave Bidini (Rheostatics), Great Lake Swimmers

2009-07-27T22:55:00.005-04:00

Due to the somewhat chaotic atmosphere the severe electrical storm and almost constant showers caused with delays, power outages, and sardine can visages under the tented stages, I limited my front-of-band captures to a minimum, but here's a little taste of Hillside's Main Stage and Lake Stage from Sunday.

Home County Folk Festival...The Original

2009-07-22T22:24:00.012-04:00

This past weekend was a weekend of renewing old friendships. Starting Friday with a 25th wedding anniversary of my good friends "Crow" and Sandy (followed by a local performance by Sean and Kevin Graham et al at the local), followed by a Saturday 60th birthday bonanza for my long time mate Jim Graham. Many familiar faces, known smiles and recognized laughs all gathered for 2 nights of long time,no see...what's up with life...so good to see you...remember when good times. Saturday night's festivities even had a flash from the past performance of local favorites Backstreet Jimmy (Larry Dingman, Wayne Ross, James Brown and Louie Santandrea, along with Stratford's very own Garth Logan and St. Mary's harpist (mouth harp, that is) Chris Campbell), playing as if they hadn't missed a note since they went separate ways at the dawn of the 90's. A perfect and ideal segueway into the relaxed and warm atmosphere of the 36th annual Home County Folk Festival in London's Victoria Park, whose welcoming atmosphere I hadn't felt in years either.
Started in 1973 as a fest for local folkies and their Leary inpired, intellectually free fans, the festival is still going strong and, although the sweet smell of pot inspired conversation has given way to a much more sanitized family atmosphere, the music and essence at the heart of the festival still beats strong. With the likes of Joel Plaskett, Jill Barber, Elliot Brood, Connie Caldor, personal favorite and moving lyricist Katherine Wheatley, local harmonica master Jory Nash, The Dixie Flyers, must see discovery Madison Violet, crowd pleaser Danny Michel and Canadian Legend Murray McLaughlin, most performances, with the exception of the 2 club shows, not costing more than a voluntary donation.
This year's festivities were bittersweet with the passing of long-time regular performer Jackie Washington who passed away only 3 weeks before the stage lights turned on in the park band shell. His spirit was felt throughout the performers who knew and played alongside him and when the sun broke through Sunday evening and painted the park in all it's rich and familiar glow, it was as if Jackie was giving his approval as another year of Home County drew to a close. As I wandered the green space, watching the children play, the teens enjoying a moment of beautiful urgency, the regulars sharing welcoming hugs all coloured with the sweet sounds of an acoustic palate, I certainly felt I was HOME:-)

http://www.homecounty.ca/index.php

...one of the best low budget videos ever made...and a GREAT song to boot...

The Scene...

2009-07-22T22:12:00.004-04:00

The Music...New Cumberland, Madison Violet, Tim Posgate Horns and Jory Nash

2009-07-22T22:00:00.003-04:00

My Unc....and the Local Legend

2009-07-21T22:05:00.008-04:00

On a sunny Sunday evening, stage left, at the Home County Folk Festival, my uncle stumbled upon an old friend, poet, busker, eccentric and local legend Roy Mc Donald. An old chum of both my almost equally eccentric father and uncle :-D, and an acquaintance of mine, Roy has been a part of the London landscape for years, known for his tweed jacket, long braided beard, which he says he has been growing for decades, sharp humour, laden cloth bags and friendly demeanor. To the uneducated and unaware population, Roy is often mistaken as a street senile, but for those in the know and for those open minded enough to listen, absorb and observe the likes of Roy Mc Donald, the reward is a true one-of-a-kind gem, unafraid to express, reflect and spread happiness and intelligence lost in a world of self centered protectionism.
When we parted on that perfect evening, he not only took time to send best wishes to my Dad and other long parted friends, he told us to open our hands and placed a single polished stone in our palms with a prayer for friendship and happiness. Some may think that is crazy, I think they are crazy. Thank you Roy and right back at ya':-)

Roy on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_McDonald_(poet)

Summer is for Sunsets...with Lucid Musings

2009-07-20T21:23:00.006-04:00

Ask anyone what there favorite part of summer is, things like holidays, beaches, swimming, camping, cottages, fishing, long days and for some, even longer nights come to mind. Between these long days and long warm nights is definitely one of my favorite moments of summer, a time when the warm golden tones of summer reach their peak, a time when the shadows grow long and the crickets begin their serenade for the parade of fireflies. A time when diamonds form over the rivers and streams and a silent peace settles over the countryside. Sunset is without a doubt the pinnacle of any summer day for me.
What better way to celebrate this magic hour than with a portrait from Lucid Musings. If my imagery wasn't enough to get you thinking, then certainly 20% all mid-week location sittings during the month of August should. Come join me and let's watch the sunset together...really...you won't regret it:-)

Just Passing By...A View of Weekend 3, Summer 2009

2009-07-19T09:33:00.010-04:00

The weekend of July 11-12 was one of quick visits, quick passing rain showers, quick Indian and Afghan dishes, quick Belizean, Malaysian and Arabic instrumentations on stage, quick performances from aerial silks in downtown St. Marys, quick visits with my father and step-mom, visiting from Toronto and a quick and ubiquitously mandatory hot dog from my good friend Shawn, served by my other good friend Shawn (must be confusing during busy times...:-))).....and yes, quick pictures.
As many people who know me know, a big part of my working and non-working summer is spent absorbing as many new sights, sounds and smells at the myriad of festivals near and far and this weekend was no different, just the time allowed to sponge these senses was a little more limited. The summer like weekend in this un-summer like summer kissed Victoria Park in London for our Friday night visit to the always fantastic free offerings at the 15th annual Sunfest. This is the first time I had been to Sunfest in 2 years, due to my project in the Balkans last year and a Tobermory escape the previous year and I can only say it has unbelievably, even got better. The promoters and organizers of this fest have really put London on the map, providing not only the area's best multi-cultural event, but a national star, all free, all for the taking and all in our backyard. Sunfest has grown organically since its 1995 inception, providing a family friendly event on a caliber usually only seen in cities with a much larger population and ethnic demographic. The beauty of the "culturefest" verses your straight up music festival, especially for those who love to travel is that it allows you to capture a snapshot, or a fleeting memory of a past trip. In the short period I was able to visit this year, the sounds brought me back to a dusty road in Cambodia, a street performance in Mostar, Bosnia and the backstreets of Dangriga, Belize, enroute to buy a Garifuna drum that matched the performers on the stage Friday evening, ten years ago Christmas. It is the option to taste and taste again flavours of the world in compact (almost too compact at times, considering the 1000's flowing through the food court) patchwork of Indian, Afgany, Jamaican, Cuban, Mexican, Greek and many more. The last piece of the jigsaw puzzle that makes the perfect world map that is Sunfest is the vendors, that save for the 2 or 3 felt blanket, pressboard laminate Kramer, pot leaf flag selling (really...why does Sunfest need this shit?) , provide an endless maze of world handicrafts and my favorite T-Shirt vendor "Unlearn", where I bought my yearly token "So-Con-T", as the last rays set over another successful year at Sunfest, can't wait for next year:-)
http://www.sunfest.on.ca/

While the Sunfest was raging down in London, St. Marys had a quality act all its own with the 14th annual Heritage Festival. Again, due to other engagements, I didn't get to soak up as much of this annual cornerstone event as I would like to, but I know it was a great success, with fireworks, street dance, a new local performers stage and the crowd pleasing, talented and subtlely adult humour tinged Aerial Angels. If you where there you know what I mean, if not, imagine a good Spongebob episode, where the adult inuendos are woven seamlessly into a childrens performance without even making a blib on the thought process radar of anyone under 15...a true art...LOL:-) The attendance throughout the weekend was apparently very good for all the free events. A big hats off to Kelly Lyn at tourism and her staff in pulling off another wonderful and ever improving mid July shining of our historic core.
http://www.townofstmarys.com/discover/discover.aspx?id=1422

St. Marys Heritage Festival...The Sky is the Limit

2009-07-18T11:53:00.001-04:00

Sunfest...The Best "Freefest" Around

2009-07-18T11:42:00.001-04:00

Fire...I'll Take You To Burn...

2009-06-19T21:22:00.005-04:00

So go the lyrics to the one hit wonder Arthur Brown's wacked out experiment into the music industry. A somewhat awkwardly unforgettable and grating song from the post-Summer of Love fallout. Anything but awkward, yet definitely unforgettable where the annual fire performers at this

year's Mountain Jam festival. Awe inspiring in talent, beautiful in content and sensual in delivery (high on the sensual for the girls, high on the awe inspiring for the guys:-D). Although I didn't capture them during their full medieval sass garb display Friday night because I had packed my camera away for the day, I did catch this performance, in their "airport runway crew" look. Most likely because the temperatures dipped to the freezing mark that night, a few more clothes where in line, but the heat was still very apparent...have a look:-)

More pictures over on my Facebook page...LM on FB

Where The 60's Never Sleep Pt. 2

2009-06-09T21:08:00.018-04:00

During the last week of May, it was time again for me and my Canon appendage to hit the road again on another "Road Trip". For the second time in less than 2 months I found myself back in the Catskills, this time for my usual Woodstock pilgrimage and a bi-annual visit to one of the best festivals in the North East U.S., the 5th anniversary of Warren Haynes' Mountain Jam. Situated halfway up one of the highest mountains in the region, at the Hunter Mountain Ski Resort, surrounded by spruce pine, and tanned by the sun and sweet spring breezes, Mountain Jam is a festival with grounding, conscience (ummm...maybe not taken literally, as with most festivals freedom of expression is openly practiced and consumption and morality could be taken in question, but in the blanket sense of the word:-)) , organization, location, and most of all good and highly accessible music, music, music!
After a rainy beginning in Woodstock, the weather began to clear as we headed up the slim mountain road, past the eye so carefully carved on a cliff face, tears of moisture bleeding from the stone at its cusp, into the clouds and for a moment felt as if the road below disappeared into the fog surrounding us on all sides. Rounding a sharp hairpin turn and cresting the mountain we descended into the valley as the skies opened over the gathering tents on this morning approach to "The Jam".
The only "walk-in" camping festival I attend during the summer swing, Mountain Jam offers (at the inconvenience of an uphill load-in and a burnt-out Sunday/Monday load-out) the freedom of open space, first come/first serve random peg down-tarp out ski sloped slumber. If slumber is what you choose, with 2-3 late night stages giving the jumped up energetic fans plenty to glow to until the blues begin to colour the black skies for a new day.
Cool sun was on order for this years festival after a brief and ritual shower Friday and the fans soaked it up as much as the fine offerings of musicianship. This is a musician's festival, with a jam thrust. Headlined by The Government Mule, not only kicking off Friday night's camper's only festivities, but busting out another punching bag to close out the main stage on Saturday. A brilliant trio orchestrated by the scene's workhorse, Mr. Warren Haynes, the Mule, as they are affectionately known are not only masters of there originals, but a highlight of every show is there blown away covers of the best of the best. Selections from Hendrix "If 6 turned out to be 9", Stevie Wonder's "Superstition", Canada's own, Mr. Ronnie Hawkins with "Who Do You Love", Dylan's "All Along The Watchtower", Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love", and "When the Levee Breaks" an absolutely stellar tip of the had to Neil Young with "Cortez the Killer", but most memorable was the absolutely mind blowing rendition of "When The Music's Over" by Mr. Mojo aka the Lizard King, aka James Douglas Morrison. As seductive fire performers twisted, swirled and became at one with the music, the mountain became the garden, a 60's era time warp of epic proportions and one of those transcendent exuberant moments that brings me back and solidifies to me the power of live music.

From Tea Leaf Green's hippie ethos on "The Garden Part III"....

"Darlin' let's let our hair grow long
We can work on a farm, maybe live on a mountain.
I got an old hound dog, likes to run,
He needs a lot of room and he hates to be chained up."

Just like me, just like we are supposed to be."

...as the clouds parted Friday afternoon, to Jackie Greene's power swagger on Velvet Underground's "Waiting For My Man" as I danced down the warm afternoon mountain after a gondola lift, to the Sunday brunch of BK3 (Bill Kreutzman's new project) hitting their stride with a all out crowd shifting version of "Bertha",
to the hula hoop forest encoring Michael Franti's performance, that left me with a face breaking smile. From that high five to that knowing smile, from the open weekend friendship of a stranger to a familiar face and a realization of someone met at an event from year's past, life at festival is a patchwork of these moments.
Leaving the mountain after The Allman Brother's soared with the always stellar "Soulshine" and I entered the parking lot, I looked up at the last rays of sun over Hunter Mountain and looked down to see a epitaph to the weekend made with gravel carefully placed on the pavement with a peace symbol, a heart, a smiley face, a sun, and a starry night. Simple, untouched and a perfect summation of a perfect weekend:-)

Where the 60's Never Sleep Pt. 1

2009-04-22T22:49:00.011-04:00

To visualize the never ending allure of the "Hippie Generation" of the late 1960's, one must visit 2 of its steadfast representatives, The Grateful Dead and Woodstock, New York. Minus the iconic lead singer and guitarist Jerry Garcia, who died in 1995, the remaining members just re-united, (now under the mantle of The Dead), for the first time in 5 years and hit the road on a mini-tour which brought me to Albany this past weekend. Although the fan base crosses all cultural and economic barriers, the one element that is a driving force behind the band known for its extensive tour calendar and ever-changing set list is the legion of "Deadheads", also known as "The Family" that paint the landscape of the event. Marked by generations and numbers of shows attended, the Deadhead in the purest form is a rare breed that consider a Dead tour as a lifeline and a reason to "go on tour" for months at a time, when the band where playing full seasons, as they did for 30 years, up until Jerry's death. Although the shows are fewer in number now, the following is no less compassionate. A traveling sideshow of dreads and flowered skirts, those "on tour" form a snapshot of the communal and experimental 60's a la Ken Kesey. A tailgate party, when at its best, is ripped from the pages of some hedonistic novel, with a natural, earthy beauty and euphoric youthful optimism wrapping you like a big group hug.
It is this time capsule tapestry that makes the live show what is is. A swirling mass of bodies becoming part of each extended jam that is signature Dead. Legendary guitarist with Government Mule and The Allman Brothers and the only man big enough to attempt to fill Jerry's shoes, Mr. Warren Haynes, puts it best in his lyrical tribute to the man he emulates in Patchwork Quilt:

But there's a banjo moon in a tie-dyed sky
Hippies dance and babies cry
Church bells ring as a silver-haired angel look down
And the blood of his music runs through the veins of our guitars
Bright lights, Dark Star

It's a patchwork quilt of a life
Can't stop the river
Just let it roll

STAY TUNED FOR PART 2 WOODSTOCK VISIT

Shakedown...The Dead Pre-Game in Albany

2009-04-22T22:40:00.002-04:00

Sunshine, Smiles, Music...and A Message...New York's Push for Pot

2009-04-22T22:36:00.001-04:00

Woodstock, New York 1969...I Mean 2009:-)

2009-04-22T22:32:00.002-04:00

War Child Benefit-The Dakota Tavern

2009-04-11T18:22:00.010-04:00

To truly understand the Cowboy Junkies, one would have had to listen to their legendary 1988 release The Trinity Session, an album that received such critical praise for not only its sound, but its method of recording. Taken in one day (well, almost...save for Mining for Gold) in late 1987, using only one mike and the awesome acoustics of The Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto, the finished product was a unique and timeless recording that cut through the heavily produced late 1980s.
It was this album that affected me so strongly as a late teen that I compulsively played it for almost a year, introducing everyone I knew to the haunting vocals of Margo Timmins and methadone induced playing of brothers Michael and Peter and Alan Anton. Following each release through The Caution Horses, Black Eyed Man and Pale Sun, Crescent Moon, the Cowboy Junkies remained a strong musical escape for me through the mid-nineties, fluidly painting stories of places both distant and attached.
For some reason, it wasn't until this past Tuesday, 20 years since I cut the wrap on my vinyl copy of The Trinity Session, that I got to see them live and in grand fashion, well worth the wait. Thanks to War Child , a most worthy international organization, helping the most innocent casualties of war, an evening with not only the Junkies, but a well versed assembly of fellow Canadian musicians was brought to Toronto hippest gathering place, The Dakota Tavern in Toronto. From the minute my wife and friends and I arrived, I knew this would be an evening to remember. My expectations where truly exceeded, from the first note of the Cowboy Junkies, through the harmonies of the Skydiggers, the beautiful and angelic vocals provided with youthful exuberance by Ivey Mairi, the rollicking good time always offered straight up by Tom Wilson and band and the multi-instrumental genius of Guelph native Jeff Bird.
The best part of it all was that the closeness of the surroundings that not only made you feel that you where a spectator, but in a way, a part of the production. Everyone rubbing shoulders with everyone else, making new acquaintances and sharing the creation and appreciation of good music on level playing ground in an organic intertwined simbiance. I walked away with a fully signed copy of the bands first album "Whites Off Earth Now" and my good friend Shawn Creamer (also part owner of The Dakota) was able to get the OK from the band to get my camera in to produce these shots that I feel help capture the special quality of the evening and the one-of-a-kind warmth the Dakota exudes. Truly icing on the already stacked cake:-)
Thanks War Child, thanks Dakota (special hat tip to Shawn) and a big round of applause to all the performers for making my Tuesday night one I will not soon forget!

The One and Only....Cowboy Junkies

2009-04-11T18:10:00.000-04:00

2009-04-11T18:05:00.000-04:00

Finlayson/Maize...Ivey Mairi...the legendary Jeff Bird

2009-04-11T17:58:00.001-04:00

Lee Harvey Osmond (Tom Wilson)...Ivy Mairi...select Skydiggers

2009-04-11T17:38:00.003-04:00

Photo Course Update

2009-03-30T20:33:00.004-04:00

Well it's only a week away. Lucid Musings annual workshop for beginner photographers. I am looking forward to spending my Monday evenings with a new group of individuals hoping to get a grip on their digital cameras and better express themselves visually. If you have been thinking about taking the popular course, I am happy to let you know that there are still 3 spaces just waiting for you. Get up, get out and get shooting by giving me a call at 519-284-0858. Fun is guaranteed:-)

New Bakery and a New Gallery

2009-03-29T11:06:00.004-04:00

It is with the greatest congratulatory excitement that my good friends opened their new retail venture this weekend. Named the "Harvest Bakery and Cafe", located on Water St. in downtown St. Marys, and owned and operated by Dave Ford, Claire Pickel and Sam Santandrea, this is bound to be a positive and unique facelift to downtown St. Marys. Selling fresh baked breads and pastries and coffee and grounded in the values of the "100 Mile Diet" , selling only "Fair Trade" coffee and using eco-friendly compostable coffee cups (disposable waxed cups has always been something that has been a thorn in my side with all major coffee chains in Canada), they are a young trio that not only have a dream, but a purpose. All 3 have a background in the restaurant industry, all 3 working their way through the Westover Inn, with Claire holding the position of Patissier, Dave being a prep and appetizer specialist and Sam just completed his Chef's papers only a year ago, so knowledge behind the scenes is anything but lacking. With their families behind them from the design process on up, bundles of youthful energy and ambition to spare, one would hope their success is secured. Most of all, a desire to support the local and global reaches of the economy by breaking down the pattern of globalization that has damaged and exploited the poor. By bringing the vogue of old is new, local is cool and adding a singular bold effort in St. Marys to reverse the process of small town knee-hacking by the megastores is more than duly noted. To me it also adds a taste of hip-YAY!-and a snapshot of the city based neighbourhood bakery/cafe that are their district's meeting place, beating heart, and part of a network of equally connected local producers...just what I needed. I give a big hat's off to Dave, Claire and Sam and wish you the best in bringing some genuine flair downtown...all the best!

The Scene

2009-03-29T11:02:00.005-04:00

Although I had been asked to have showings of my work at other establishments in the past, when Dave, Claire and Sam asked me if they could purchase some of my festival and live music material for their new bakery, I felt a special connection in having the opportunity. Not only did some of my personal material get to make the print, but I felt that in my own way I am a part of this "most awesome" venture. Thanks for having me along for the ride:-)

As in the past any fine art purchase inquiries can be made by emailing me Sean@lucidmusings.com . If your looking for something special, or would like to schedule a viewing, call me 519-284-0858, or toll free 1-866-680-0858.

Live Performance

2009-03-29T10:57:00.002-04:00

April Course Information

2009-03-02T20:21:00.004-05:00

It is with great excitement that I will be offering again my popular course for the digital photo beginner. In the spirit of getting those images you see in your mind, but have trouble realizing with your camera. A 4 session course, not only a follow-up to my level 1 'Into the Digital Age' which I offered in 2007, but a great starting point for any SLR camera (manual function/interchangeable lens) camera owner wanting to become more familiar with their camera and improve their photos. This course will get you using your camera on-location, help you visualize things in a new matter, give you projects that will get you out shooting independently and inspire open interaction. I created this brief, fun, unimposing and hopefully inspiring course in the belief that the digital camera is best learned if you get out and use it. The instant results a LCD screen gives and the freedom of a digital card to capture and capture again until we get it right has changed our opportunities to learn photography. With this in mind and my belief that learning is not only gained by ingesting information but by actually using this knowledge in an open forum that becomes knowledge itself. Get up, get out and join me this April for 'Into The Heart of The Photo'-you won't regret it:-)

What: Into The Heart of the Photo
4 session interactive course to better photos

Week 1 (April 6)

In Classroom instruction/discussion of:

-Manual Functions
-Depth of Field
-Metering
-Composition
(review for those who took level 1)

****April 13 will be an off week due to Easter Monday****

Week 2 (April 20-6pm-field trip)

Location Shoot #1

-Composition 'On Location'
...take what you learned in Week 1 and put it into action

-Homework Assignment

Week 3 (April 27 6:00pm-field trip)

Location Shoot #2

-Candid Portrait Shoot and Low Light Fun

...will help you learn...

-metering
-Shutter speed and Aperture

...in a practical setting...

Week 4 (May 4)

Back to the Classroom

-Photo Showing
-Review
-Open Discussion

Where: Stone Willow Inn (St. Marys) http://www.stonewillow.com/
When: classroom sessions 7-9pm, this time around, the location sessions will be earlier evening 'field trip' style shoots and, if everyone is agreeable, the immediately following Tuesday nights will be used if the weather is a complete wash-out. Last year it was beautiful, so keep our fingers crossed:-)...you already know the dates
How: To enroll, or for more details, email me Sean@lucidmusings.com , call me at 519-284-0858, or come in and see me at the studio 147 Queen St. E., St. Marys. Course fee is $150.00.

Sean

Hillside Inside Review

2009-02-16T09:17:00.010-05:00

Last weekend the Sleeman Center in Guelph was once again greened and gleened in an attempt to bring a little of the Hillside magic indoors. Rachel Thompson, Sam Baijal and team once again collected a group of Canada's best. In its sophomore year, Hillside Inside is slowly becoming another important part of Guelph's ever fruitful cultural scene and sitting comfortably in Canada's musical front seat.
Always a difficult feeding ground for the mega-festivals that are so popular South of the 49th, Hillside's summer edition has sold out for a number of years running with thousands dancing, chilling, swimming and dining and learning in a setting as idyllic a chunk of land can get on the fringes of North Guelph. That being said, it is 25 years young and its humble beginnings are well documented. To take a stab at a winter festival in Canada is an even more brave and risky maneuver, than attempting the logistics behind a summer event with the risk of bad weather and bumping up against Canadian's hibernating habits. That being said, if there was a group of people to do it it is those at Hillside. They not only have there feet grounded... no emmersed... in the ever growing Earth movement, they have their fingers on the pulse of Canadian Music in the sense that Superfly Productions has on a massive scale with their powerhouse Bonnaroo festival, held in Tennessee. They are able to grab several bands that are simmering just below the surface (and some deeper gems) and bring them in front of a crowd of truly appreciative music lovers that appreciate new sounds and music for music's sake. Throw in a drawing headliner, or 2 (this year's double header was Sam Roberts and Stars, last year Xavier Rudd/Dallas Green) and the festival experience is solidly there. The winter installment lacks the location, the wealth of workshops, the children's programming (which makes the Guelph Island event a truly age-free experience), the exquisitely balanced food booths (although the Inside edition has a micro-version of the summer spread), the sunshine and the showers, and is a one day event only. That being said, it is these lackings that separate Hillside Inside from his older sister, and makes it a success in its own right. Taking bands as diverse as Belle Orchestre and K'Naan, as smooth as Great Lakes Swimmers and as outright mind-blowing as That One Guy, the heart is indeed strong and the life blood that keeps the entity as a whole moving, swaying and jumping is pure Hillside. It is just a younger, individual, rebellious teen looking to etch out its own space, and it's a good space to be:-)

Fashion Forward Attitudes

2009-02-09T20:15:00.010-05:00

As part of Lucid Musings move to becoming a unique, driven and exciting portrait specialist, fashion inquiries have begun to become more common place and I recently had another day out with a fashion industry hopeful, wanting to enter the world of lifestyle modeling. Kendall's desire to enter the youth advertising market was something I thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to have a hand in.
The first challenge in working with someone like Kendall is to simply break the ice and make this a fun experience and introduce a comfort level that helps bring out a liveliness and energy that makes the pictures "jump". The natural "what should I do"//"where should I look" feeling that anybody not accustomed to professional photo sessions has needs to be tossed aside and a personal interaction and closeness developed between the model and photographer. Only now can the photos start to happen, the rest is left to vision (and a little CS4 magic), and the end result is completely reflective upon this.
After getting over the initial jitters (and shivers) Kendall played the part perfectly and with good interaction, the photos paint a confident, fun and refreshingly real portrait of a young girl with fashionable aspirations.
If you are interested in having a portfolio with Lucid Musings fashion forward "look", have a look at more samples on my main website portrait page, and call me at 519-284-0858/1-866-680-0858 to book a portfolio session. If you are in the Stratford/London area, consider Elegance Modeling http://www.esimodels.ca/esimodels/ for your agency needs.

Free as a Bird-R.I.P. Billy Powell

2009-01-29T21:10:00.003-05:00

Another of the members of the legendary powerhouse of 70's Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd has died. Although I have no photos, I have many memories of this band, (seeing them in their re-configured "reunion" line-up in 1987 and 1991) their eternal music and the one and only Billy Powell. Beginning as a roady for the band in 1971, Billy officially joined as keyboardist in 1972, adding his rockabilly style to the triple guitar sound Skynyrd became known for. A solid player, Billy was more then just a backing harmony to the all out raw sound produced by front members Billy Powell, Gary Rossington, and Ed King (later replaced by fated guitarist Steve Gaines). He became a prominent and essential part of the Skynyrd sound and his passing not only writes another page in the history of the the age of the monster bands, it also adds another black stain on one of the most tragic musical outfits in the history of rock. Loosing lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines and backing singer and sister Cassie Gaines in 1977, the classic era of the band ended, taking a 10 year hiatus until their return in 1987. Guitarist Allen Collins ironically was paralyzed in a car accident the year prior and was only able to be part of the grand return as a side show token honour, wheeled out just before Freebird to a somewhat shocked and saddened applause. He died of pneumonia in 1990. Bassist Leon Wilkeson was found dead of emphysema and chronic liver failure in 2001. Of all the members of the "Golden Era" of Lynyrd Skynyrd, now only Gary Rossington remains to hold the Confederate flag high. Billy, may you enjoy playing those opening notes to Freebird again...up there...back with the good ol' boys.

Michelle, Cory and Owen

2009-01-24T13:26:00.004-05:00

Michelle, Cory and little Owen where guests for one of my studio "Expressions Sessions". A new offering since the cold weather settled in back in November. Although environmental/location portraits are still the specialty of LM, the larger studio environment I now have allows me to expand to offer this service to small families and children. Attempting to bring life into the smaller studio situation and not become static, relying on a repeated set of standard "poses" is the number one goal for me. By keeping the light, fun air LM is known for and using obscure camera angles and cropping, I think the "Essence" of the family can be brought indoors and not become a Sears Studio cut-out. What do you think?

The Return of the Dead

2009-01-20T20:57:00.011-05:00

Say the name The Grateful Dead and blank stares from young or old are few and far between. The hardest touring band in the history of music have become not only a household name, but a myth, a legend and a culture of timeless proportions.

Beginning from a psychedelic heritage painted by the equally legendary Haight-Ashbury and Ken Kesey's (One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest) Merry Pranksters. Spearheading the Hippie movement in the fertile backdrop of late 60's SanFrancisco, their communal home at 710 Ashbury became the seed that grew into a devoted following unheard of then, or now. Since iconic singer/guitarist Jerry Garcia died in 1995 the remaining members have carried on the together, and apart and through conflict, separate projects (Ratdog, Phil and Friends, etc.) and 2 new names (The Other Ones, in 2002 and now simply The Dead). Hoisting the embers of the euphoric celebration that was and is the tie-dyed, high flying, free expression exploring, group hugging and openly caring community of Deadheads of all class and creed from coast to coast. To attend a Dead show is like entering a kaleidescope, a beautiful, condensed escape from the day to day. Embrace it, or criticize it, just attempt to understand it before you pass judgement and, on this historic Inauguration Day, remember, everybody's number 1 man is also a fan. Hey, if Barack digs them, then that says something:-)

With so much good music, these two choices are more perspective than objective..,Enjoy:-)

The Parkinson's

2009-01-18T09:33:00.003-05:00

As with many of my location portraits this somewhat unforgiving winter has blessed me with, the Parkinson's outing was a second kick at the cat, having to re-schedule from the blizzard like conditions the previous Tuesday. In between, we had a major freak thaw, flooding streets, homes and making it questionable whether we would get 'stuck in the mud' a second time around. Well, as you see, that didn't happen. Yes, the absolute knee deep winter wonderland surroundings of the previous week had gone down river, so I focused on less landscape driven shots. Like a nod to the success of yet another winter portrait, the snow began to fall during the session and we got some great pics. Thanks so much to Heather (my long time ad rep, former student and familiar face) for getting the "Fam" out and being good sports:-) Oh ya, and thanks for grabbing my one camera body when I went through the flood ice..couldn't of done it without you!

To Blog, or Not to Blog?

2009-01-15T21:53:00.006-05:00

To Blog, or Not to Blog,

that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler
in the mind to
suffer the slings and arrows
of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms
against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them?







Since I began this blog back in 2006, my efforts have seemed to wane

From an excited high of 101 posts in the first year, to 59 in 2007 and only 39 in 2008, the fun, controlled chaos initially intended, as a lighthearted aside to my formal website www.lucidmusings.com has slipped. Blaming busy conditions as an out, as many photographers (and bloggers, in general) use to push aside complacency in their efforts, is not something I want to use. I feel I have to look at the reason for carrying out this often time consuming venture and bring it back into a regular production and consumption asset to Lucid Musings.
It's official...we're back...
and I intend on making this blog even better than first intended. In 2009, I will be not only blogging about my numerous shoots and business developments, but also adding my personal flavour with anecdotes of music, travel and family, making the experience once again a regular event and whats more, a celebration of the passion that drives Lucid Musings Photo.

Stayed Tuned...

A New Season and A New 'Look'

2008-11-30T15:34:00.004-05:00

Well, winter has definitely arrived...and with a vengeance. At this rate, I predict a season made for lovers of the white stuff that we soon will not forget. For those more passive winter lovers, the winter portrait offers a backdrop like no other time of year. Many families forget about the possibilities of the winter portrait and opt for the busy fall months, but re-consider. Yes, there is the inconvenience of the cold and sometimes wet outings, but nothing beats a good morning of fresh, crisp air to awaken the hibernating senses many of us resort to during the shortened winter days. These pictures of my first shoot of the winter last weekend should get you up off the couch and into the snow for some winter fun with LM Photo.

Note: In keeping with LM's constant attempt to keep up with technology and new digital techniques, these photos are also a sneak peek at some photoshop techniques now being offered to all my clients in their private viewings and print options. It may not be for everyone, but in keeping with my belief that the digital age has unveiled a pallet of artistic tools to accent the creative process, any professional not embracing this new age is not doing his/her job.

Enjoy:-)

Sean

2008-11-30T15:21:00.001-05:00

2008-11-30T15:18:00.000-05:00

Summer Reflections 2...The Rain!

2008-11-01T12:09:00.000-04:00

Until 2008, I had been blessed with only 2 all day rain affairs in my wedding record over almost 5 years. This summer would double that and add a number of close calls and this is in a shortened season, with my overseas project during the month of July. For a photographer, rain storms during an orchestrated affair such as a wedding is something that we never look forward to. Any pre-planning on location shots is more or less trashed and new, more limited, and in turn, more challenging creative engines must be fueled. In the end it comes down to the mood of the bride, who's day has been turned upside down, usually at the last minute by the one thing you can't plan, and who's whim controls the day...Mother Nature. I was blessed with 2 great couples during my 'washout' weddings this year (one actually during the tail end of what was Hurricane Ike), and their good spirits and accommodating willingness made a difficult job that much easier, creating some of the best pictures of the summer. A small sampling...

2008-11-01T12:03:00.000-04:00

2008-11-01T12:01:00.000-04:00

2008-11-01T12:00:00.000-04:00

2008-11-01T11:57:00.001-04:00

2008-11-01T11:52:00.000-04:00

Puppy Love

2008-10-10T21:52:00.002-04:00

A classic candid moment during a shoot with the ring bearer and flower girl at the recent wedding of Dawn and Greg. Nothing more needs to be said, the photos do that:-)

LM...Now on Facebook

2008-09-28T20:27:00.005-04:00

In yet another move to embrace the New World Order (Ok, maybe that's a little overboard), LM has branded itself as a Facebook convert. Long avoided on a personal level for point of argument reasons too lengthy to discuss in a short blog post, I decided to take the leap into the world of walls, status updates, profiles and 'look at me now' expositions on a business level. Featuring several slideshow and single photo samples, many featured on my website and blog, but many exclusive to my Facebook page, as well as updated business announcements and specials, it is worth a look. If you're hooked-up to social networking drug, come spend some quality time on my page and simply click 'become a fan' to receive regular updates. Consider it a LM newsletter, with a twist.

http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/London-ON/Lucid-Musings-Photo/21446384212

October Course Information

2008-09-09T07:23:00.008-04:00

It is with great excitement that I will be offering again my popular course for photo aficionados. In the spirit of getting those images you see in your mind, but have trouble realizing with your camera. A 4 session course, not only a follow-up to my level 1 'Into the Digital Age' which I offered twice last year, but a great starting point for any SLR camera (manual function/interchangeable lense) camera owner wanting to become more familiar with their camera and improve their photos. Where my last course was an in-classroom educational/information laden 4 weeks, this course will get you using your camera on-location, help you visualize things in a new matter, give you projects that will get you out shooting independently and inspire open interaction. I created this brief, fun, unimposing and hopefully inspiring course in the belief that the digital camera is best learnt if you get out and use it. The instant results a LCD screen gives and the freedom of a digital card to capture and capture again until we get it right has changed our opportunities to learn photography. With this in mind and my belief that learning is not only gained by ingesting information but by actually using this knowledge in an open forum that becomes knowledge itself. Get up, get out and join me this October for 'Into The Heart of The Photo'-you won't regret it:-)

What: Into The Heart of the Photo
4 session interactive course to better photos

Week 1 (September 29)

In Classroom instruction/discussion of:

-Manual Functions
-Depth of Field
-Metering
-Composition
(review for those who took level 1)

Week 2 (October 4-9am-field trip)

Location Shoot #1

-Composition 'On Location'
...take what you learnt in Week 1 and put it into action

-Homework Assignment

Week 3 (October 18 9am-field trip)

Location Shoot #2

-'Couple Up' Candid Portrait Shoot

...will help you learn...

-metering
-Shutter speed and Aperture

...in a practical setting...

Week 4 (October 20)

Back to the Classroom

-Photo Showing
-Review
-Open Discussion

Where: Stone Willow Inn (St. Marys) http://www.stonewillow.com/
When: classroom sessions 7-9pm, this time around, the location sessions will be Saturday AM 'field trip' style shoots due to lack of evening light...you already know the dates
How: To enroll, or for more details, email me Sean@lucidmusings.com , call me at 519-284-0858, or come in and see me at the studio 147 Queen St. E., St. Marys. Course fee is $150.00.

Sean

Summer Reflections...Installment Uno

2008-09-03T22:36:00.003-04:00

Well, yes, I am jumping the gun, summer is not officially over and with the weather this past week, it seemingly just arrived, but for those out there with kids, the Labour Day Monday is a milestone. A time to reflect over the exciting and crazy summer gone too soon. It was certainly a whirlwind for me, here at Lucid Musings with several weddings, portraits, a new studio and another overseas project/vacation/educational outing/visionary experiment...call it what you will:-) to not only my seemingly second home, Bulgaria, but through the 1990's hotspots of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo for the month of July. Through in a pinch of music festivals, a smattering of commercial work and a large dose of family day trips and the summer was indeed complete. What better way to celebrate hazy, crazy shakedown days of summer than a long overdue photo retrospective. First off the mark........

Weddings...the candid side....

2008-09-01T21:29:00.001-04:00

2008-09-01T21:28:00.001-04:00

2008-09-01T21:25:00.000-04:00

Important July Closing Information

2008-06-26T21:50:00.000-04:00

I would like to let all my clients know that Lucid Musings will be closed from June 26 until July 28. Part family trip, part personal vacation, and part photo project throughout the former Yugoslavia. I am hoping to capture some exciting and important images of this tortured and beautiful part of the world, with a particular reflection on the conflicts of the 1990's. All orders, bookings and commercial requests will be handled immediately upon my return. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience caused during my extended absence and look forward to offering you the full service you are used to again at the end of July.

The Many Faces of Eastern Europe

2008-06-26T21:48:00.002-04:00

In keeping with my new photo project, I thought I would post some of the many faces I had the opportunity to take images of on my last Russian/Chernobyl/Maramures project in 1996. There is nothing more distinct than a face, in each is a story to be told, as different for the interpreter as for the subject.

2008-06-26T21:33:00.000-04:00

2008-06-26T21:30:00.000-04:00

Movin' on Up!

2008-06-01T14:34:00.006-04:00

It is with great excitement that I would like to let all Lucid Musings clients past, present and future know that I've moved my studio. Now located above "The Flower Shop...and more" at 147 Queen St. East in St. Marys, I will still be offering my usual location Commercial, Wedding, Portrait services, and continue my in-house framing services. Only now, I will also be able to offer a substantial studio experience and enhanced client viewing facilities in my new open concept loft. Although some fine details still need work, I am open and invite you to pop in and see me and my great new digs:-) Also in the same situation is my new website, so if you can't get over to see me, be sure to check out my great (and almost done) new web presence at http://www.lucidmusings.com/ or give me a call at 519-284-0858.

1 Week and 1 Day in Fidel's....I Mean...Raul's Cuba

2008-05-25T07:59:00.020-04:00

Viva la Cuba! In April I had the pleasure of not only being a guest (and photographer) at the wedding of my best friend in Playa Larga, Cuba, but also got to scratch the surface of this most distinct of Caribbean islands. Other than a youthful read through 'The Motorcycle Diaries', Che Guevera's personal awakening road trip through South America, my knowledge of anything remotely Cuban, in the historical sense, prior to March was limited. The obvious Missile Crisis, Bay of Pigs, last Communist bastion in the Western Hemisphere, run by some bearded dictator named Fidel since the 50's details. A basic perusing of the front pages of Cuba 101 textbooks. Flying into Varadero on an all inclusive package (bottom end all inclusive hotels vs. air only into Cuba from Canada is price-wise negligible and even though my personal mind-set on travel balks at the resort lifestyle, an airport transfer and a bed on the 9:30 arrival night was worth $60.00 to me for mere piece of mind), I had my first taste of Cuban bureaucracy. With my camera bag in tow as a carry on, I was accused as being a foreign journalist and spent a good 45 minutes in going through immigration (although I almost made it out, before the grabbed me, giving no explanation). Maybe it was the presence of so many foreigners, or maybe it was my lack of patience surrounding the ludicrous situation, but I decided to confront the final immigration official outright and say that this is ridiculous and that I had better not miss my airport transfer-the reason I payed that extra money for in the first place. A smile and a somewhat lighthearted where/when discussion of my plans got me on the bus to Varadero. I began to realized that although Cuba is considered Communist, it is apparent that it is not the cold/grey affair so apparent in the Communist weaned countries throughout Eastern Europe I am so familiar with.

This would not be my only exposure to this Cuban official 'laissez-faire' attitude towards me. In Playa Larga, I was out of luck for a room (rooms are limited in this dusty Bay of Pigs town, the only hotel closed and just enough beds at Casa Particulars for the few foreign divers that end up here), so my friends new wife suggested I stay at their house. Under well written Cuban guidebook rules and regulations it states that staying with a local without the proper visa/documentation is a 'grande problema' for the owner of the home, which could result in a large fine, or worse, for the Cuban homemaker. Well, after a phone call a military vehicle arrived and a quick glance through my passport and a piece of obligatory left-over wedding cake for the 2 officers, my bed for the weekend was sealed. Would this happen under Kruschev, Ceausescu, or even under 'democratic' Putin, without proper stamps and hassles-not, not likely. Then again, a $20.00 bill got me my home stay visa stamped and dated, in a darkened hotel in the sticks of Russia, when last I travelled there, no questions asked, so who's to say?

Cuba is, however much more than bureaucracy. It is a country of hardships we can only imagine, hidden behind the walls and doorways of Havana and felt throughout the clapboard farming regions scattered throughout the blinding beauty of this tortured land, but it is also a country coming of age in a slow and unpredictable transformation.

One that many foreign visitors will never see, carted like ants in and out of their all-inclusive home away from home, 'McDonalds in the center of Rome' comforts. A comment from the tour-guide on my multi-resort bus en route for the ultimate family beach playground for some and round-the-clock drink your face off sessions for others, really hit me. Under new regulations instilled by Fidel's brother Raul, Cubans are now allowed to buy cellphones, DVD players, computers, (if they can afford it) and cross the lines of apartheid which, until a few months ago, barred all Cubans from coming into the resort zone, unless they were gainfully employed there. Explaining this situation, in slow, unsure English, he said "so don't be afraid if you see one (meaning a Cuban), they don't bite". Said tongue in cheek, it was taken with an irony of truth for me cementing my beliefs that many, if not he majority of resort visitors fear and have no interest in discovering the country they are visiting beyond the walls of there compound, unless accompanied by more of their own to maintain their comfort zone on the 'exotic' day trips. To many this is Cuba, and will always be and so be it, right or wrong-I will try...not to judge.

To me Cuba was a celebration, a celebration began with my best friend's wedding, a celebration of smiles of children in a one room country school, after emptying a large bag of school supplies onto their teacher's desk. A celebration of family meals prepared and eaten in the open air of an at once proud and modest home's small back yard with the sound of the national baseball finals floating in the background. It was a celebration of students walking along a pilgrimage route to Playa Giron to celebrate an American ass-kicking session over 45 years ago, it was a celebration of waves smashing the walls of Havana's Malecon as the sunset broke through hitting the Moro Fort, as if a beacon. It was a celebration of the crumbling streets of Centro Havana and the ancient beauty of Havana Vieja. It was a celebration of young and old and passion and resilience. One omnipresent trait every honest Cuban has ingrained in them from years of history and one that will bring them into the future, one that I hope will be as bright as the people of this magical island.

Havana

2008-05-19T22:25:00.000-04:00

Havana...the People

2008-05-19T22:21:00.000-04:00

2008-05-19T22:17:00.001-04:00

Buena Vista Social Hour

2008-05-19T22:07:00.003-04:00

Big Fish...

Zapata...Beer Carts, Boxing and Birds

2008-05-19T22:04:00.001-04:00