Harvey Miedreich || a photographer

Thank you for taking the time to come and visit the 100 People Project, if you are interested in participating, click contact above and tell us about yourself. We’d love to have you. If you heard about us on CBC radio one, be sure to let us know. This Tuesday will feature an artist who paints and draws live on the internet for you to watch and a musician who takes requests and then creates a video on You Tube for you to see. Be sure to come back.

-Harvey

A Quick note about the 100 People Project. Yes we still need people and yes it’s still going on. However it is an off season project so  the posts will come slower at this time. As we get closer to the fall they will pick back up to becoming weekly! Thanks for understanding. Can’t wait to meet you all!

Asim Chin is a local singer/songwriter who, a year ago, was a Pharmacology student when his friends heard him sing for the first time. They pushed him to follow his dream and pursue a career in music. Asim started creating YouTube videos and taking requests and so far he’s been incredibly successful. His videos have reached over 15 000 views and he has played to a huge crowd of 6000 a Rexall Place. All within the last year! Pretty impressive. When I first recieved an email from him I was blown away by his talent. He’s awesome. Check him out in the video and photos below! And be sure to follow his YouTube stream and subscribe. If you still need more of Asim he also has a website to help you find out the latest info. For now, he’s off to the World Cup in South Africa. Lucky duck!

Who are you?

I’m a singer song writer.

Which Superhero impresses you the most?

I’ve never really had an affinity to superheros, but when I was 9, I dressed up as batman. I tend to look good in black.

What was your favourite cartoon as a child?

By far, Calvin and Hobbs! I have the whole collectors set.

What inspires you to create music?

My inspiration to create music can come from anything, emotions, feelings, experiences, but a lot of the time it’s just sitting down and playing cool sounds with the guitar and then whatever comes into my head.

If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would it be?

I would wake up in South Africa; I’m going there in a week and a half to the World Cup. I got tickets to the grand 16’s the quarters and the semi’s. I’m hoping England makes it to one of those matches.

Are you going to get a swarming bee machine (Vevuvulaz)?

No, I think I’ll hear enough of them there.

How do you get motivated when things get tough?

Music is something that I enjoy a lot so I don’t typically have a problem getting motivated. I hope that doesn’t run out, that day would suck.

What advice would you have for an artist starting out?

Surround yourself with likeminded people. They will push you and you’ll push them back. Get out there and start performing, you don’t have to be honed in on your craft yet. Just get out there and see where you are.

Describe your perfect bite

Usually I’m all for Steak and Fries but lately I’ve had a craving for Pho.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

In Music, It’s getting to where I am, last year I was in school and had never sung a song outside of my bedroom. 

What is one thing people can appreciate about you?

The thing I think people can appreciate most about me, is probably the thing they least appreciate about me. I’m very brutally honest.

Which living person do you most admire?

John Mayer, he always stays true to himself and he doesn’t sacrifice anything for that.

What is your greatest fear?

Waking up one day and losing my ability to synthesize music.

What is your greatest extravagance?

My guitar.

What words or phrases do you overuse?

Curse words are always over used. Every time I sing a song I always say “I hope you enjoy it” before I sing it. 

Veronica, Nina and I got together to do  a shoot, we discussed, then we shot. These are the results.

Rebecca is a 20 year old wedding planner who started her ambitious journey at the age of 17.  She currently attends school at the University of Alberta where she is finishing her bachelor of arts degree and getting prepared to launch her business full-time in the 2011 wedding season. You can check her out here if you need of an event planner (it should be noted Rebecca will plan any type of event from anniversaries to birthdays to weddings and baby showers)! Next up is Heather. Heather is in an art school in B.C. that broadcasts students online live while they paint or draw. As Heather creates she interacts with her audience, playing music and giggling non stop. It’s a super fun time! Follow her here (twitter) to see when (and what) she’s painitng next.

Rebecca Fisher-Swarbrooke

Who are you? 

A woman: a daughter, a sister, a friend, an entrepreneur - a wedding & special events coordinator to be exact!  

What advice would you have for a entrepreneur just starting out?
There’s a lot of work that comes with owing your own business but as long as you are passionate about what you are doing and have the desire to become successful, you have the potential to succeed. You have to be willing to experiment in order to grow. As long as you are enjoying what you are doing and you are doing it for what you believe are the right reasons, you have succeeded. My definition of success in this sense - to be truly happy with what you are doing.  

What’s the main focus of your business?
Weddings but I love all sorts of events! I enjoy full coordination most because I love seeing all of the plans come into fruition. 

Could you briefly describe your wedding planning process?
I meet with clients, discuss their vision and expectations (or help them determine it!), and work with them to ensure that their wedding and/or event is absolutely perfect!  

Which superhero impresses you the most?
Oh my! There are a lot of awesome superheros: Batman, Spiderman, Superman. 

Why?
They do some pretty awesome things to help make the world a better place. Batman fights to reclaim the city from the bad guys and Superman fights for truth and justice. That’s pretty awesome work! 

Which talent would you most like to have?
This isn’t a very realistic ‘talent’ but it would be awesome to be able to be in many places at once or to be a mind reader… it would potentially make life much much easier but then perhaps it wouldn’t be as much fun… ?

What was your favourite cartoon as a child?
I didn’t really watch many cartoons as a child but I read a lot of books. TV wise though, I loved Barney and Sesame Street. I even dressed up as Barney for Halloween when I was in preschool - it’s a fond memory! haha.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?
Oh wow. Although I am young, I believe that I already have a list of accomplishments - one of which is becoming a certified wedding and special events coordinator at the age of 17 and owning a business now at 20. I’m young but I have tons of worldly experience - I am definitely beyond my years!

What has been your most significant moment so far?
I have been fortunate to travel a lot throughout my life and have been to many incredible places. My major holiday out of the many last year was to Europe for a couple of months - my boyfriend, Adam and I went to Italy for a couple of weeks which was wonderful. It was both of our first times in Italy and it couldn’t have been any better (well maybe if it were a longer holiday!) - we can’t wait to go back! We visited vineyards, stayed in a castle (major highlight!), and ate a lot of delicious food! We’re both foodies so we totally appreciated all of the fabulous restaurants.

If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would it be?
Definitely somewhere where the sun is shining! I absolutely love to travel so an adventure to anywhere would be fabulous. Either somewhere I have been before or somewhere new - one of my favorites is New York but I’d love to visit India, Thailand, and more of Europe in the future! 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Likely married with children as well as a successful career woman! 

How many kids? 
Probably two and if I could ensure that I could have twins so that I could just have them at once that would be even better! haha.

What is one thing people can appreciate about you?
I am honest/genuine/sincere.

Describe your perfect bite.
Oh my gosh! I am a total foodie so this one is really difficult! I love everything but I would have to have a lot of bites because I’m not too fond of mixing things that aren’t supposed to go together. I think I’m allowed to have more than one perfect bite! Right Harvey?! haha.

What would we find in your refrigerator right now?
Well, in my parents fridge there is tons of food. My mom is an awesome chef so our fridge is never empty! Adam and I love to cook as well so we tend to keep his fridge quite full too! Aside from all of the cooking in both fridges there are always staples in both like cheese, eggs, vegetables… I LOVE food! I have favourite dishes from various cuisines but not one particular favorite… 

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
hmmm… chocolate fountains and I don’t always get along. In a nutshell for instance, one time, I turned the machine on, the chocolate got stuck, and then it flew all over me - there was chocolate everywhere! It was actually quite funny but the worse thing about it was that it was just minutes before it had to be put out for a wedding reception. Luckily I had a change of clothes! 

What words or phrases do you most over use?
I’ve started to notice that I love to use the words ‘awesome’ and ‘love.’ They are likely my top two right now but I tend to go through phases. Awesome is by far the winner right now!

What is it you dislike most?
Marmite, negativity, arrogance, rudeness, disrespect…  

On what occasion do you lie?
I suppose I’m what you would call a silent liar - my mother taught us that if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything so I guess I kind of live according to that concept when it comes to lies…

What is the quality you most admire in a woman?
I admire women who are independent, strong-willed, intelligent, and who embrace their femininity! 

What is the quality you most like in a man?
I admire men who are strong, loving, and caring. 

What is your idea of perfect happiness? 
The romantic in me could quite possibly give you the beauty pageant response - ‘world peace.’ Realistically though, my idea of perfect happiness is to be surrounded by love - to love and to be loved. 

What is your current state of mind?
Thoughtfulness and intrigue. Thoughtfulness as I ponder my answers to your questions and intrigue as I wonder what the photos you took will look like! I can’t wait to see what you do with today’s shoot!  

What do you do for fun?
Read, cook and/or bake, have parties and get-togethers, and I’m constantly looking at wedding related things online, in print, on TV… 

What is your greatest regret?
I don’t have any regrets! I believe that everything happens for a reason and that through each experience, we have the potential to learn about ourselves. 

Which living person do you most admire?
People. My parents! 

Any last words?

Thank you for having me as one of your hundred people Harvey and for a fabulous time! I can’t wait to do many awesome things with you in the future! 

Heather Simonsmeier

Heather Simonsmeier

Who are you?

I’m a student going to school for visual arts.

If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would it be?

Japan, the culture is so different and they have great shopping.

What inspires you to create art?

I just think art is beautiful and I enjoy doing it for myself and for others. It inspires me when I get motivated by the things and people around me.

What advice would you have for an artist just starting out?

I’m pretty new too, but I would say just practice a lot and you’ll improve a lot! The more you practice the more you’ll improve.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

I feel pretty accomplished about moving and being independent. I also feel accomplished when people take enough interest in my work to go out and buy it. My art teacher liked my work so much he actually bought a piece.

What is your most significant moment so far?

Right now it’s graduating and going to art school. It’s pretty significant in my life and defines where I’m going.

Describe your perfect bite.

I think I would want to go for teriyaki chicken on a bed of rice with vegetables.

What would we find in your refrigerator right now?

All my mom’s food.

What is one thing people can appreciate about you?

My positive attitude.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Doing what you love to do and you’re content with everything around you and you’re with someone you love.

On what occasion do you lie?

I try to be an honest person.  Try to be is the keyword.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My boyfriend, Jeff. We’ve been together for over 2 years and it’s been fantastic. So happy.

If you could choose what or who you could come back as who or what would you be?

When I was littler I always wanted to be a cat.

What is one quality you most admire in a woman?

Honesty and being true with yourself.

What quality do you most admire in a man?

Sam thing, honesty and being true with yourself, and if their funny.

You paint/draw online, what made you decide to do that?

I’ve seen a lot of other artists do digital art online and I thought it would be a great way for me to get motivated and work hard on my stuff and it would be great to have an audience. I get to meet people through that and they can ask questions. She also plays music for you, it’s cool.

What are you painting next?

I have a few drawings I’m doing next. A band and a car.

This week we are featuring Ryan and Rebecca. A couple who have been married 10 years traveling the world together and playing music. These two sure live adventure packed lives! Rebecca is a lead singer/songwriter and manages the couples band (F&M) while working part time at the Edmonton Arts Society. Ryan is the other lead singer who also works with troubled youth when the band is not touring. He and his team recently won a medal of distinction from the premier for the work they do with these children. Way to go Ryan!

F&M is a well known local band who have garnered some pretty impressive accolades. Here is just a peek at the buzz surrounding the band. CBC radio says “A great expressive range” , VUE Weekly  “staying focused and true to the soul of their songs”, SEE Magazine “Lullabies for Adult minds”.  And the Edmonton Journal says “ If the rest of the music scene seems more concerned with pumping out the party hooks, F&M are still studiously crafting their own brand of cerebral melodies…. And stripping the music down to it’s most basic, heart-wrenching core”

Just before our photoshoot they brought me a couple of F&M CD’s and I haven’t been able to stop listening since. Check out the music video below for a great example of their work. If you need to know more check out their website to learn more about them and to see them play live. The band is currently touring BC but they have an upcoming Edmonton date scheduled for July 10th. Can’t wait!  Oh and their new Album comes this FALL!!!  I’m really excited about that one!!! 

F&M “Shy” Official Music Video from F&M on Vimeo.

Ryan Christian Anderson

Who are you?

A guy in a band and a guy who works with kids.

Which superhero impresses you the most?

Batman, 100%.

Why?

He doesn’t have superpowers, he just uses his resources to solve problems, crime and so on. I actually use Batman as part of my treatment where I work. If you watch the very first one [batman] there are a lot of changes, through a lot of work he changes his life, conquers his demons and then becomes something better and something bigger than himself. And he’s really rich and he’s a ninja, it’s really cool. Compare him to superman it’s just not possible.

What was your favourite cartoon as a child?

Gummibears. Laughter coming from Rebecca

If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would it be?

A private island in Croatia.

What do you do for fun, besides music?

I jog, run, draw and read.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Working as a professional musician traveling Canada and Europe.

What inspires you to create music and how do you keep motivated when things get tough?

I haven’t had a problem getting motivated to make music yet.  The human experience inspires me to create music.

What advice would you have for an artist just starting out?

Work really hard and just don’t expect anything, I think our society grapples with entitlement. I think a lot of kids come up and expect to make it. Don’t expect anyone to do anything for you, you have to do it for yourself. And practice practice practice.

Describe your perfect bite

Steak tar tar, I’m a big meat eater and I love Steak tar tar.

Could you briefly describe your music making process?

Cocktail napkins, I draw it out and put it all together.  I used to write a song a day.

Where can people buy your music?

Online, (it could be more all over soon)  iTunes, megatunes, blackbird music. All the finer music shops.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

I don’t think I’ve done it yet. I try to accomplish something every day and there hasn’t been a greatest.

What has been your most significant moment so far?

My wife sitting beside me on my wedding day.

What is one thing people can appreciate about you?

My sense of humour, maybe.

What would we find in your refrigerator right now?

Always milk, Worcestershire sauce, and eggs.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?

I’ve got lots for sure, I’m a very awkward person, I’m very much like Larry David. So here is mine, people talk about talking behind other people’s backs.  Well one time, I was in a movie theatre and I was talking about this guy and this girl and I was knocking them down pretty bad and all of a sudden this head turns around and says “oh I didn’t know you felt like that” and it was the people I was talking about. What are the odds of that? So I learnt really quickly not to talk behind peoples back.

What words or phrases do you most over use?

Fair enough, such is life, more over.

What is it you most dislike?

Entitlement and arrogance. People who think they know it all and expect it to be so easy and everything is owed to them. If you’ve traveled just a little bit you’ll know we’re the top 10% and the luckiest people. The fact is we are really, really, fortunate and I just can’t stand people who don’t get that. I can’t stand a blatant arrogance about that.

Rebecca Anderson

Who are you?

I am a lead singer/songwriter /multi instrumentalist and a manager of band affairs and I also help out casually for the Edmonton arts counsel.

Which superhero impresses you the most?

A Russian character called Cheburashka, which is really popular from the soviet times. He’s a children character and we don’t know exactly what type of animal he is. He came in an orange box and has a way of bringing different animals and characters together and everyone learns to love him rather than questioning who he is.

What was your favourite cartoon as a child?

A bear called Jeremy, the first stop animation. And I really like Paddington Bear.

If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would it be?

Moscow.

What do you do for fun besides music?

Ryan tells me not enough. Sometimes I have a hard time getting out and doing things. But for fun I really love to read.

What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, look around at the people who you admire in your community first. And find out how they got to where they are and go up and ask them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Describe your perfect bite

Either schnitzel or medium rare beef tenderloin with blue cheese and maybe chocolate sauce on there too.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

Getting my masters, I really struggled near the end and I’m really proud that I plunged through it and finished it .

What is one thing people can appreciate about you?

My husband!  (“Absolutely” blurts Ryan) My honesty, and sometimes that may make me seem a little negative but I’m a little more of a realist. You can take my comments with a grain of salt.  But if you ask my opinion I’ll tell you.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

I played a wedding when I was younger. I was wearing a really short dress and I was coming down some stairs with all my books and I fell and my music went everywhere and I was sprawled, my dress was way up and I was wearing grandma underwear and it was a really embarrassing thing. I couldn’t get up and run I had to stay and pick up all my music.

This week we are introducing you to the Shandros, a young family who make their living through photography. Michael and Haley Shandro have just recently finished renovations on a sparkling new studio they (opening this week!) in their home. I got an extra special sneak peek last week and it’s honestly a really beautiful space! Yes…in case anyone is wondering I am very jealous. Their studio even boasts LED lighting which Michael is really proud to point out. The Shandro studio Grand Opening is this Thursday (May 27^th) and from then on you will be able to BOOK these guys to do some awesome photography. The Shandro’s specialize in wedding photography but also are booking family portraits, maternity shoots as well as many other variations. It’s clear the Shandro’s have modeled their careers around the lifestyle they dream about. It’s also very clear their dream lifestyle is one that allows them as much time together as possible. The first time I met the Shandro’s we went on a long walk with their two year old son Andrew and talked photography and small business. It was so natural for them to include their son and I have to say they do a great job of balancing the two parts of their lives.

I’m really excited for what I expect to come out of the Shandros BRAND NEW Studio. If you want to be one of the first to experience their new space and their unique artistic style be sure to book a spot with them ASAP!!!

Studio Questions

What made you guys want a studio?

First it was to move out of the office upstairs because we needed more room.

We bought this house specifically to be able to run the whole business in it. It’s much easier with a child to have it in your home.

What’s the main focus with your studio?

We’re still focusing on weddings, but it’s nice to have the capability to do things with our clients after the wedding too.

Haley Shandro

Who are you?

I’m a photographer, a wife, a mother and a daughter.

Who is the superhero who impresses you the most?

I liked the old Batman, how when he hit someone it went “Blarp!!”

What was your favourite cartoon as a child?

I liked Inspector Gadget a lot.

If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would it be?

As long as I can sleep in, I don’t care.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

I have found someone that I can work with and live with and we’re a really good team. 

What has been your most significant moment so far?

I quit my job, it was a really huge decision and it was really scary and stressful but I knew I wanted to be home and do photography and be with my family.

On what occasion do you lie?

Do I have to be honest? Laughter.  Lie is a very strong word but sometimes when we’re working, it’s not that I’ll lie but I’ll really try to pump people up and get them out of a negative headspace so I’ll say things to get them to feel happy!

Describe your perfect bite.

I really love the cantaloni from Sicilian pasta kitchen, I get it with half cream sauce half tomato sauce and I think we should go there for lunch today.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

I recently wore a nude suit in public.!!  Just own it, don’t be embarrassed by anything!

What is one thing people can appreciate about you?

I honestly really care about people. If someone’s having a hard time I really want to listen to them and if someone’s having a good time I want to celebrate with them.

What’s your greatest fear?

Michael chirps in “Favourite beer?”  That something would happen to Andrew.

If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?

Do I have to be honest? laughter I would want my dad to still be here.

What is the quality you most admire in a woman?

I admire women who are just genuine and doing their own thing and really independent.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

I’m big into guys who are big into their families.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would like to fly.

Which words or phrases do you over use?

Thingy! I’ll be like, pass me the whatever thingy,   that’s soooo funny, even when it’s not.

Any last words?

Everyone should take a moment and appreciate the people that mean the most to them. Because you never know what’s going to happen in life and you should take a moment to tell them you love them.

Michael Shandro

Who are you?

Michael Shandro.

Who is the super hero who impresses you the most?

Andrew! (Andrew is his son)

What was your favourite cartoon as a child?

Astro Boy.

If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would it be?

Near a beach in Spain.

Describe your perfect bite

My mom’s egg’s benedict.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

Being a good dad for Andrew.

Whay has been your most significant moment so far?

Coming home with my first digital SLR and telling Haley that we were starting a business. 

What is one thing people can appreciate about you?

I’m willing to listen.

What’s in your refrigerator right now?

Milk, cheese, pickles, cucumbers, tomatoes. We’re going to get groceries today.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

We had some clients at the house and I had Andrew at the front door and he was just wearing a shirt and a diaper. So he pooped and it went flying out and splat right on the floor in front of them.

What words or phrases do you over use?

Like, ummh.

Which living person do you most admire?

Haley for putting up with me everyday.

How would you like to die?

I don’t want to die, I just want to let it be.

What is the quality you most admire in a woman?

Organizational skills.

 Andrew Shandro (2 years old)

Questions asked by Haley to Andrew

 I was recently hanging out with Veronica Thai a good friend and a very talented make up artist. We  thought it would be fun to do a shoot together. She found Kyla who became our model for the evening.  The shoot was in downtown Edmonton and here are our results. 

Make up: Veronica Thai 

Model: Kyla 

This week we are featuring Dustin and Blake. Dustin is the proud owner of a brand new Good Earth Coffee House on 91 street and Ellerslie Road. I must say he has made his new coffee shop a super friendly, relaxing, and comfortable place to hang out… just what a good coffee house needs to be! Dustin also has some great plans for the place, for example, he is working on starting “gallery nights” where he will feature local artists and their work. He also invites local musicians to showcase their talents. One of his staff members actually plays guitar and sings as part of this initiative. I was in there last night hanging out and enjoying an awesome strawberry-mango smoothie (a special combo recommended by the barrista) and one staff member was sitting on the couch playing the guitar and singing away. She was awesome!!  I can’t wait to see what Dustin does next to turn this place into a major artsy hangout on the south side of Edmonton. Moving on to Blake, there are so many things to say about Blake, she is also a photographer and actually rode her bike to my shoot. Her bike happens to be a “Hello Kitty” themed cruiser style bike. Very unique and funky just like Blake! We had a great time hanging out and snapping pictures mostly because she’s always so full of fun and laughter. Did I mention she basically biked up a mountain to come to this shoot! (Thanks for that Blake.)

If you ever want to meet with us to talk about the project, we’ll gladly meet you at Good Earth Summerside and chat it up!! 

Dustin Leclerc

Who is the super hero who impresses you the most?

Oddly enough being a dreamer, I never really got caught up in super heros. If I had to pick though, I’d say the pilot from Duck Tales, Launchpad I think it was? Loyal, willing to try anything and always found a way out regardless of his mistakes.

What was your favorite cartoon as a child?

Curious George.

 If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would it be?

In a tent on the coast of Argentina, with a Kayak pulled on shore, packing up to do a multli-day trek into the Andes.

What advice would you have for a entrepreneur just starting out?

First and foremost do something you’re passionate about. Those who think being a successful entrepreneur is all about job flexibility and the high life don’t know what they are getting into. You need to love what you’re doing or you’ll eventually burn out from the hours, stress, and dedication required.

Describe your perfect bite.

 If you can find a sushi chef to make me a large plate of fresh rolls with Tempura Shrimp, Avacado, and Cucumber, topped with smoked salmon and BBQ eel I`d be set for the night!

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment would be making the decision to forget about the preconception of who we should be and what we should do according to the North American mentally of corporate success or getting a professional designation. In turn, allowing me to strive to be myself and follow my dreams chasing a path to a career that blurs the lines between work and play. Resulting in opening a business that reflects my morals, beliefs, and who I am.  

What has been your most significant moment so far?

Picking one is difficult. I can say the moments that have influenced most so far have been the times I truly disconnected from standard life. I think the first of these moments would have been on a trip to Newfoundland a couple years ago where after flying into St. Johns Nfld, myself and a close friend threw our legs over some road bikes and cycled 800km from coast to coast over 6 days no phones, no ipods, just a tent, a couple bikes, no fixed itinerary or camp sites. Then we spent another week in Gros Morne Nationals Park hiking and kayaking. There are two moments that really stuck with me. One was sitting on dock in Rocky Harbour the day we arrived to the North Eastern Coast, without a anyone around us, the sun setting and the waves from the Atlantic rolling in with nothing on our minds but the moment and ultimately feeling that state of Zen and being who you are. The other was taking an unmarked trek up to the top of one of the fjords on our last day, amazed by the expanse of the fjord in one direction, the ocean in the other and two Cariboo standing on a rock off in the distance.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

First day of Gym class in Grade 9. I was walking out of the common shower. I slipped on some water, hit the floor, lost my towel, and slid out into the middle of the change room sprawled on my back, in the buff.

What is in your fridge right now?

Probably a Spinach Salad, a large block of Old Cheddar (wait a small piece left from a large block), some lemonade and a couple pints just in case a friend stops by.

What is one thing people can appreciate about you?

My passion! I give everything 110%, chase my dreams and follow my heart.  

You’re plan is to turn your coffeehouse into a center for the arts on the southside. Tell us more. 

Currently in the city if you want to enjoy part of the arts and cultural scene that exist in Edmonton, you have few options other than to head downtown. With a large growth of young to middle aged families on the South Side of Edmonton we felt there was a void. We wanted to provide that experience close to home without the headaches of parking, traffic, and a long drive. Our vision is not only to create a true coffeehouse environment focused on the community but to create a hub for arts and culture.

We’ve already partnered with one of the most amazing groups of young musicians I’ve met. “Edmonton’s Pure Artists” play here on most Friday nights. Our artwork in the cafe is by local Albertan’s featuring pictures from an artists in Bragg Creek and new pictures to be put up shortly from a photographer in Lacombe, as well as some of our furniture being made by a carpenter in Calgary using recycle wood from barns and railway ties.  Long term we are working on adding an Artists Gala Night every month to bring in local painters, photographers, and other artists to allow them to use our cafe as a place to exhibit their work. Hopefully, providing the artists an outlet to gain exposure, as well as a chance for the community to not only experience some local art but to meet those who have created the art.

What kind of Art.
The common themes you’ll notice are supporting local Albertan artists, focusing on helping expose some of Edmonton’s talent that is on the verge of taking it to the next level, creating a community, and working with those who have similar beliefs in regards to social and environmental responsibility.
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How can we get involved?

The most important thing I need is community support. The only way we can succeed at providing everyone with an art and culture hub is if the community comes and attends the events. Things that will help are to signing up for our e-mail (you can e-mail us at goodearthsummerside@gmail.com), come out to our events, and help spread the word and tell your friends about our vision.

What type of art are you looking for?

The primary types of art that work best in our environment are paintings, photographs and live music. But that doesn’t mean we’ll never stray from those and surprise you with something different. The key is being local and having similar views about social and environmental responsibility.

What is your greatest regret?

I try not to regret things, as long as I make choices chasing my dreams; however I do kind of regret not taking a shorter step walking out of the shower in grade 9.  

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

 
I think this quote from Francois Auguste Rene Chateaubriand sums it best “A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play; his labour and his leisure; his mind and his body; his education and his recreation. He hardly knows which is which. he simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing. To himself , he always appears to be doing both.”  

What do you most dislike?

Negativity.

What is your motto?

If you never crash you aren’t going fast enough
 

Any Last words?

Thanks! And if any of your readers stop in to the cafe make sure to introduce yourselves to me.

Blake Loates

Be sure to check out Blakes new blog here!

Whats your name ?

Gangster Biker Blake

More gang signs from Blake, except it’s hard to take her seriously with the smile

A quick sneak peek of what’s coming up soon on the blog! Hope you like it!

On the last image of this post is a before/after of how I process my images, don’t forget to check it out.

Rob and Lauren

You guys are always up to something, where does your inspiration come from?

Everywhere. Movies, talking to each other, reading articles, traveling is a big one and every time we go somewhere and we get back, it’s whatever we can do to go somewhere else again. We’re always with each other 24/7 so we’re always talking.

Any advice for a photographer just starting out?

Shoot a lot, a lot, a lot! Make it an even 100 000 photos. Love your clients, love the people you work for. If you do those two things we think the rest of it will just fall into place.

Yesterday Lauren said she’s a “nick namer”, so, what are your nicknames for each other?

Nervous laughter, Rob is Peets or Peetsy, and Lauren is Sweets or sweetsy. When he calls me Lauren it weirds me out. I think he’s mad at me if he calls me Lauren, which is usually the case.

What’s next for Photography Concentrate?

Lots more information, the road trip is just the beginning. Hopefully we can start going around the world to help photographers make better images. Lots of tutorials to bring down the pipe. Rob has a billion articles to write and post up there. Lots! We just have to take it one day at a time right now.

Do you guys plan to stop photographing people?

Never.  If you’re not shooting you’re not learning more, so you don’t have as much to pass on.

Lauren Lim

What’s your name?

Lauren Lim.

Who are you?

A photographer.

Which superhero impressed you the most as a child?

Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmh  Spiderman.

Why?

Because he could shoot webs from his hands and I always wanted to do that. Chkshh chkshhh Lauren says as she makes the Spiderman motions.

What was your favourite cartoon as a child?

Tin Tin

If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would you be?

Peru.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

Starting and maintaining a business at a fairly young age.

What has been your most significant moment to date?

Making the decision to leave my previous plans of being a lawyer and go after something I knew nothing about.

What’s one thing people can appreciate about you?

I’m generally quite enthusiastic about everything. I think it makes boring things less boring.

What would I find in your refrigerator right now?

It’s pretty much full, lots of sauces. I like lots of sauces when I’m cooking.

Describe your perfect bite.

Malay Bread from Tropika with curry sauce.

What’s the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

Lots of small embarrassing things rather than one big one. I say a lot of stupid things and Rob just shakes his head.

What words or phrases do you overuse?

Right now it’s stoaked, I’m stoaked about everything. I’m trying to be a surfer I guess, even though I’ve never surfed, so I just say stoaked all the time so I can pretend I am.

What is your current state of mind?

Thoughtfulness as I try to answer these questions.

What is your greatest regret?

Not caring more about everyone I’ve ever worked with. It’s something I’m working on more, making sure I really genuinely care about the people. I’ve always really liked them but I never realized how important it is to love them not just like them.

What made you realize that?

Experience, realizing what’s really important about photography and it’s not me. It’s them. I wish I had realized that earlier.

Rob Lim 

What’s your name?

Rob.

Who are you?

A photographer.

Which superhero impressed you the most as a child?

Batman. It’s pretty cool that he had all the gadgets that he did.

Did you like the animated Batman?

Yeah! I really like the animated batman POW! Blurts Lauren.

What was your favourite cartoon as a child?

Tin tin

If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would it be?

I would say China, when we were planning where we were going to go it was between Peru and China.

We were almost set to go to China and then chose Peru at the last minute.

Why China?

I’ve been to Southeast Asia quite a bit. And my dad’s from Singapore but I’ve never been to China and the photographic opportunities there are probably insane. I just think it would be a really great place to go.

What has been your greatest accomplishment so far?

I don’t think that it’s any one thing. I think it’s a lot of little things. Like finishing University and getting married and starting a business and then starting new businesses and I think all of those things comes together to be worthy accomplishments. I really think we are too young to have accomplished much. I think we’re just getting started. (Lauren is 24 Rob is 26).

What has been your most significant moment so far?

I would say getting married in Greece! “Ohhh make me look like a jerk” Says Lauren. Not to make Lauren look like a Jerk!  It was just something we did for ourselves.

What is one thing people can appreciate about you?

I think I’m generally pretty patient. Lauren what would you say? ”Genuine” says Lauren.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

There were some pictures on Facebook of me wearing makeup. That was pretty embarrassing.  “It’s an embarrassing moment that just keeps on being embarrassing” laughs Lauren.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

This is something I’ve entertained a lot, the idea of it anyways. I think my idea of happiness revolves a

lot more around the journey and it’s always changing just like how things are always changing when

You’re traveling. You’re not usually just in one place. I think I would get bored if happiness was a 2700

square foot house 2 kids 2 dogs and a lot of money. I think I’m really happy right now in our

lives. So much is changing and so much is new every day.

Describe your perfect bite

Street food on the Khao San Road in Bangkok, Thailand. So less of a single perfect bite! Obviously you can get the best Pad

Thai cooked right before your eyes, but you can also get really amazing / simple grilled foods (chicken skewers my fav!), as

well as the best Falafel you’ve ever had! There are also fried insects if you’re brave enough. And if enjoy a refreshing

beverage they sell “buckets” which are small beach buckets filled with Ice, Thai whiskey, Thai Red Bull, and Coke — best to

share with a friend!

Which living person do you most admire?

I haven’t spent any time really at all reading biographies. I think it’s something that interests me and one person that I’ve always been fixated with is Nelson Mandela. We just watched Invictus in Peru and I really enjoyed just getting a little glimpse into his life. Although not from the historical perspective. But I think that he’s someone that definitely inspires me.

Whatdo you most value in your friends?

I like my friends to be very real. I can understand people have faults. Just don’t try to hide them. I can say honesty.  I like people being honest with me.

What words or phrases do you overuse?

Ummmmmh.

Any last words for you two?

Kowabunga.

I turned my back, asked Rob to do an awkward pose when I turn around. This, is the definition of awkward.

Before (above) After (below) How? under the last photo.

This is how I typically edit an image. If you really want to know more about how exactly I do things. Get Raw Processing and watch it all. It will teach you all I do. 

All of these images were edited 100% in Adobe Lightroom. To go from the Before to the after these are the simple adjustments I made

Exposure +0.60

Brightness +84

Contrast +90 

Clarity +10

Vibrance +13

Lens Vignetting -31

And a small crop to bring him more into the center

That’s all I’ve done to almost all of these images. Except the funky one of Lauren is a little more funky processing. But still dont in Lightroom.  To be honest, I really dig the before shot too. So it might not be the best before/after. But I hope you get the idea.

Hi everyone, Thanks for coming back to check out our project this week.  This post highlights a charity that helps kids in developing nations. Please read the first paragraph to see how you can help.  Much appreciated!

This week we are featuring Owen and Bronwyn, a young couple doing really great things. Bronwyn started the Alberta chapter of World Fit, which is a charity that goes into communities in developing countries and talks to the children to see what they feel they are missing. They then go ahead and build what the children feel they need for a better future. They are having a Silent Auction on May 15^th at the Artery, doors open at 7:00 call 780.690.1492 for more information. It’s an evening of blues with a Cajun themed dinner. They are also still accepting donations for the silent auction and if you have something to donate, you can drop it off at the Prairie Mill Bread Co. (14253 23 Ave Northwest) If you can’t make it there contact me using this form and I’ll help you get it to the auction.

Owen is the owner of Prairie Mill Bread Co. A lovely little shop in the Terwilligar area. They mill their own flour right on site. If you drop by Owen will offer you a tast test!. Although I tasted the delicious Banana bread I bought the much “healthier” choice…cinnamon buns! (which were equally amazing). I’ll be sure to be going back more and more and more…  

Thank you both for coming out this week it’s people like you who are making this project a slow but sure sucess! For everyone who reads but has not participated we still have room available and would love to showcase all ages and talents!

What’s your name?

Bronwyn.

Who are you?

Just a girl living a life in Edmonton.

Describe your perfect bite.

It would involve steak, mushrooms, asparagus and artichokes all in one bite.

What has been your most significant moment so far?

Knowing that I was going to spend the rest of my life with Owen.  “YEAHHHH!!” – yells Owen

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

Probably the charity, “World Fit” for children.

You started that charity?

I started the Alberta Chapter but originally it started in Toronto.

Can you explain what “World Fit” does?

It’s avvolunteer based charity that goes into communities in developing countries and talks to children directly about what they think they are missing in their community. Based on a collection of answers we choose a project.  The project we are working on right now is in the west Bengal state of India. They didn’t have a school, especially for the girls. So we developed a project called “Girl Child Education” just for girls. Although there are boys that go to the school as well.

So how can people help out?

We have a website that has our contact information. For fundraising in Alberta we mostly advocate and our volunteers spread the word. You can also volunteer to go overseas. We had a girl from Edmonton go over and volunteer at a school and teach English. We partner with a local NGO (Non Government Organization) who provides a translator and accommodations.

I received this flyer the other day from Owen which says you’re having a silent auction on May 15^th, how can people donate items to the auction?

You can donate though me. Or you could always drop it off at Prairie Mill bakery in Terwilligar. If you have something you want to donate but can’t make it to the bakery or get a hold of Bronwyn, contact Harvey by using this form.

What would we find in your refrigerator right now?

Some tuna salad, beer, spinach and deli meats.

What words or phrases do you overuse?

I overuse “hillarious” all the time and also “totally”. Owen says we’re like valley girls (him and me); everything that is said on Clueless is what we say too much.

If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would it be?

In the country by water.

What was your favourite cartoon as a child?

Inspector gadget.

Who is the superhero who impresses you the most?

Superman.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?

So, I may have gotten a little too drunk at a New Year’s Eve party when I worked in Lake Louise and I went missing for a little while. My friends couldn’t find me. My best friend comes into the bathroom and she hears this noise which was me waking up. I totally passed out and as I woke up my pants were around my ankles and there was puke everywhere. And I said. “I puked in my pants”.  Which became the tagline for the rest of the week.

What is Owen’s best trait?

He’s very personable with everybody and happy go lucky.

What is the one thing that he does that drives you crazy?

When he gets overly excited, his undiagnosed ADD kicks in. It’s really annoying.

Any last words?

It’s a gorgeous day!

Owen Peterson

Who you are you?

I’m a recovering idealist.

What has been your most significant moment so far?

When I was in Grade 9 and Bronwyn said Hi to me outside the band classroom.

Describe your perfect bite.

I thought you said BIKE the first time I heard you ask this to Bronwyn.

Fresh blueberries with cream on them.

Describe your perfect BIKE

One of those fixed gear pretentious bikes where I can bike around downtown with a funky outfit and an expensive bike that costs way more than it should have.

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

Maintaining my social life though out my life. And not having it kill me yet.

What is one thing people can appreciate about you?

I always have an abundance of baked goods.

Why bread?

It’s instant gratification making bread.  Contrast it to construction where it takes 6 months to build a house. With bread you start it from scratch and finish it at the end of the day. I’m a product of my generation that way.  And it makes people happy!

What would we find in your refrigerator?

Tragically no beer because it doesn’t last very long. Lots of veggies, fresh cream and cheese.

Which superhero impresses you the most?

That stretchy guy, Mr. Fantastic

I could just touch that sign (pointing) while I’m sitting here.

What was your favourite cartoon as a child?

Disney movies, I had a big crush on Ariel for a long time so The Little Mermaid.

If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow where would it be?

In the country by water.

What words or phrases do you overuse?

Owen Squeals “Bitchhheeesss”  Bronwyn says “Since yesterday, but its true”

Any last words?

Yay for farmers markets!

 A side note about this photograph: I had asked Owen to stand just inside the car wash and just as he stepped in the soap automagically turned on, getting all over his pants and making a hot mess! Thanks for being such a good sport Owen!