Editing Luke in 2015

What an eventful year that 2015 turned out to be! It was a year of rebuilding, a year of embracing Editing Luke as my full-time career, and a year where I finally had the freedom to chase more of the opportunities that really mattered to me. Editing Luke reached millions of people in 2015 - yes, millions! From videos and photo essays to blog content and instagram posts, I saw my content thrive this year in some incredible ways. 

Here are some of the things that made my 2015 memorable:

January 2015 - I officially launched my Roadside California photography series. Over the course of the year this lead to numerous travel shoots around the state and some amazing new contacts and followers. Although the collection has already grown by thousands of images, much of what I shot has yet to be released. As a result you can expect some exciting posts coming up in 2016. View the Roadside California series (so far) here.

January 13, 2015 - My reveal of the former Earl Kitchener School transformation into a private residence went viral locally. Capturing my hometown of Medicine Hat, Alberta has lead to some incredible opportunities in previous years, but this one lead to tens of thousands of hits in only 24 hours. In only 3 days it had acquired over 2.1K likes/shares on facebook and over 25K hits on its own momentum.

A photo posted by Luke Fandrich (@editingluke) on Apr 10, 2015 at 8:30am PDT

February 2015 - I photographed the Tongue on the Post Folk Festival. I didn't realize music and concert photography would become such a major part of my year, but this was the event that kicked it off.

March 3, 2015 - I repaid my student loans in full.

March 16, 2015 - I released a brand new video project in collaboration with Medalta and the Medicine Hat College called, Bits to Atoms.

March 2015 - I took a "working holiday" to Hawaii with my family and photo journaled the entire experience. From exploring Honolulu to sailing on the ocean to hiking Diamond Head, one of my personal highlights was renting a Bentley and road tripping around Oahu. This is the photo series that followed.

Oahu, Hawaii
From hula dancers on Waikiki Beach to surfers on the North Shore, there's nothing quite like getting lost in some iconic scenes around Oahu, Hawaii. These are a few moments I captured while shooting my Aloha Hawaii photo series earlier this year: http://goo.gl/BDRZxE
Posted by Editing Luke on Thursday, October 22, 2015

April 30, 2015 - I released a new video I shot for the Travelling Exhibition Program, highlighting an experience between professional artists and kids in an elementary school classroom.

May 13, 2015 - The former / abandoned I-XL brick factory in Medicine Hat's historic clay district was opening for tours for the first time and I had the chance to explore it. Check out the images here. 

June 4, 2015 - I released a new video for the Sunshine Skillet highlighting the vibrant culinary scene emerging in downtown Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Roving Dinner, Downtown Medicine Hat
Earlier this year the Sunshine Skillet Food Festival put on this really cool event in downtown Medicine Hat, Alberta. Guests were treated to 3 courses at 3 unique downtown locations - Twist Wine & Tapas The Cypress Club Madhatter Roastery. Here's a quick look at how it all went down. http://goo.gl/ThrpWA
Posted by Editing Luke on Monday, October 26, 2015

July 1, 2015 - I photographed the fireworks around the Saamis Teepee during Canada Day.


July 2015 - From postcards to a travel guide, I did some really cool work with Tourism Medicine Hat in 2015.

August 5, 2015 - Approved for a media pass, I attended the incredible Shambhala Music Festival in British Columbia to photograph the experience. This is the photo series that followed.

August 20, 2015 - I had another viral blog post on my hands when I released my 7 Wonders of Medicine Hat.

August 25, 2015 - I was hired to create the launch video for the brand new Canalta Centre in Medicine Hat. I had shot the project over the summer, and had the privilege of getting to see the video debut on the jumbotron. 

A photo posted by Luke Fandrich (@editingluke) on Aug 1, 2015 at 3:56pm PDT

September 2015 - In what became one of my most ambitious road trips to date, my friend Mike and I took his brand new BMW on a coastal drive from Seattle down to San Diego over the course of 2 weeks. It was another incredible "working holiday" where I photo journaled everything. Lots and lots of pictures from this adventure are still to come in 2016.

September 29, 2015 - One of my favorite video projects of the year was finally released called, "If These Walls Could Talk". Highlighting the originality and cultural impact of Medalta Potteries, this video got a lot of buzz online.

"If These Walls Could Talk"
How much do you know about Medalta or The Market at Medalta or Medalta International Artists in Residence? Earlier this year I had the opportunity to explore this historic site in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada with the goal of creating a video to showcase what makes this place tick. I can tell you one thing for sure - as cool as the history is, it's a lot more than just a museum today.
Posted by Editing Luke on Thursday, October 15, 2015

October 5, 2015 - After nearly 2 years of waiting, I was overjoyed to see the permanent art installation featuring my photography unveiled in the brand new Medicine Hat Airport Terminal. 

October 17, 2015 - I was nominated for Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

October 30, 2015 - I released a brand new video celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre in Medicine Hat, Alberta. 

Esplanade@10
This month I had the pleasure of being asked to help create a video to celebrate the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre's 10 year anniversary in Medicine Hat, Alberta. There was no way I was going to be able to incorporate all of the stories I heard during the shoot, but in the end I think some really genuine moments were captured.To create this video, we connected with Esplanade Staff, Volunteers, and Esplanauts (Discovery Centre art class participants) ranging in age from kindergarten to retirees. Each participant was asked to share a memorable Esplanade story, moment or experience from the past ten years. From over three hours of interview footage, a very honest, thoughtful, and emotional seven minute video emerged, capturing the essence of the Esplanade’s impact on this community.And what about your stories? I'd love to hear about some of the positive memories / experiences you've had at the Esplanade too!
Posted by Editing Luke on Wednesday, October 28, 2015

November 1, 2015 - In addition to photographing the annual Black & White Gala fundraiser at Medalta, I was asked to create a custom design to showcase on 12 sets of vintage Hycroft dinnerware to be featured in the live auction. My plates ended up selling for over $3000 with the proceeds going to help fund Medalta's community programming. 

A photo posted by Luke Fandrich (@editingluke) on Oct 26, 2015 at 8:44pm PDT

November 20, 2015 - My portfolio site got a massive overhaul.

December 1, 2015 - With some big strides made in 2015, I put together a list of 8 things that I figured most people didn't know about Editing Luke.

December 2015 - I closed out the year much the way I began it with another "working holiday" in California. Focused around Los Angeles and San Diego this time, I came back with some exciting content that will feature strongly in 2016.  

A photo posted by Luke Fandrich (@editingluke) on Dec 31, 2015 at 3:21pm PST

In looking back it's pretty incredible to see what a significant year it really was. This site has afforded me the luxury of keeping track of my time and accomplishments, and once again it's provided the motivation to keep reaching for those new challenges. Thank you sharing your time with me in 2015. Let's make 2016 even better!

Medalta's Black & White Gala 2015

I was once again on hand to capture Medalta's Black & White Gala this year. The event was held on October 30, and in addition to the usual fun of photographing the event, I was asked to take part in a gala tradition and come up with an original design for a dinnerware set that would be featured in the live auction.

My photography / graphic design work isn't exactly the same as ceramic artists or painters or illustrators when it comes to projects like this, so naturally I was a bit nervous about what I might do. In the end, I decided I'd feature iconic signs and text from around Medicine Hat, Alberta that I'd shot as part of my Around the Hat series. The resulting design was then put on a 12 piece set of vintage Hycroft China. This was the result. 

A photo posted by Luke Fandrich (@editingluke) on Oct 26, 2015 at 5:10pm PDT

Overall, it was a really great experience. The dinnerware set ended up going for over $3000 in the auction, and I had a blast reconnecting with everyone in attendance at this annual event. The Black & White Gala is Medalta's largest fundraising event of the year, and allows Medalta to continue expanding the various community programs that they offer.

A photo posted by Luke Fandrich (@editingluke) on Oct 26, 2015 at 8:44pm PDT

JazzFest: Clubs, Pubs & Coffee Shops

Greetings! My name is Josh Pick and like Luke, I also love to create visual content. I’m pleased and honoured to be a guest on Luke’s blog - thanks Luke! I wanted to share the heart behind this project and also give you a glimpse into our very first collaboration. Hope you enjoy!

Collaboration is a beautiful thing.

I must admit that in doing freelance videography as a solo artist, it’s fun and quite freeing. But like anything, it also has its constraints. I’m convinced that humanity’s best work is done in collaboration with different minds coming together, celebrating each other and working towards a common goal in creating something meaningful.


When I officially met Luke earlier in 2015, I knew right away that I wanted to create something together. This JazzFest video was a fantastic opportunity that enabled us to do that and upon conceptualization, I was excited as I believed Luke’s style would be a great fit for this video.

Very quickly, we saw how differently we each approach film making, with our own styles and structures. In all honesty, it was a blast to discover. The beauty is in the diversity, seeing what each other’s gifts are, and celebrating those, rather than ever being afraid of them and I’m grateful that I’m at a point in my life where I can recognize that.

With the mystery of doing something new, we met, we planned and before we knew it, we were filming in that sweltering summer sun.

The result of this collaboration is our two styles blended together for the first time.



JazzFest

This festival really is unique. You can just sense it. It’s intimate and interactive. It’s diverse, professional and creative. There’s so much passion wrapped up in it all. To me, that’s meaningful. And our goal here, is to create a series of videos that encompass these multiple different aspects of JazzFest and truly display how diverse it is while provoking interest in the viewer to get out and go experience it for yourself.

The goal of this particular video was to merge creativity and the artistic community. The interplay between the intimacy of LIVE music within a food and drink atmosphere. To give you a taste of what it might be like to experience it, whether you prefer coffee or beer, nachos or muffins or a combination of the two.

Gross.

I really wanted to shoot this in a way that engages the viewer to, if possible, make you feel like you could be right there. We mostly shot hand held with plenty of close up shots, as it feels more intimate and gives off a more raw feel, helping the viewer therefore feel more connected to the moment. It was colour treated to feel warm and inviting, with a mix of some smooth shots which gives a nod to Jazz music.

One of my favourite shots is one of Luke’s where he filmed a silhouette of this little girl in a pink hat, dancing. She was the only one in the venue doing that, too - In a coffee shop of all places. It was a beautiful little moment. All these clips in different venues, with different styles of music make this amalgamation of something beautiful. Right here, right in this city in the heart of its unique downtown. I didn’t want anything posed or fabricated, I wanted to be like a fly on the wall and record what was naturally taking place around us.

I’m very much looking forward to creating more content with Luke that you can be sure will happen - content that’s going to help move this city forward, inspiring people, and contribute to higher achieved levels of excellence in the professional community while helping build the culture of something great. Something special. It may be a small town, but anything large started with a humble beginning.

I’m confident you’ll get the sense that there’s something special about this community. Something we have yet to see. And the content we get to create, will help us move towards it.

Esplanade@10

This month the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre in Medicine Hat, Alberta celebrated their 10 year anniversary. I was given the opportunity to produce a video with the help of Esplanade Staff, Volunteers, and Esplanauts (Discovery Centre art class participants) that captured a few of their stories and memories from that time. This was the result. 

Esplanade@10
This month I had the pleasure of being asked to help create a video to celebrate the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre's 10 year anniversary in Medicine Hat, Alberta. There was no way I was going to be able to incorporate all of the stories I heard during the shoot, but in the end I think some really genuine moments were captured.To create this video, we connected with Esplanade Staff, Volunteers, and Esplanauts (Discovery Centre art class participants) ranging in age from kindergarten to retirees. Each participant was asked to share a memorable Esplanade story, moment or experience from the past ten years. From over three hours of interview footage, a very honest, thoughtful, and emotional seven minute video emerged, capturing the essence of the Esplanade’s impact on this community.And what about your stories? I'd love to hear about some of the positive memories / experiences you've had at the Esplanade too!
Posted by Editing Luke on Wednesday, October 28, 2015

The video debuted to a live audience on October 21, 2015 during the first Esplanade@10 event. It was a great experience to share just a piece of the over 3 hours of material that I captured during this project. Obviously, there were (and are) so many more stories, however I love these candid and genuine moments that were shared. The Esplanade is so much more than just a museum or art gallery or theatre or archives, it's a place that celebrates and preserves Medicine Hat's story. No doubt, 10 years on the Esplanade's impact on our community has been undeniable.    

Medalta Potteries: "If These Walls Could Talk"

Taking a fresh look at Medalta Potteries is something easier said than done. At least that was my experience in the production of this latest video. Often Medalta is described simply as a pottery museum, rooted in its early 20th century history, however with the market, gallery space, live music, and a host of other cultural events taking place here it's now so much more than that. 

The basic idea behind the video was to capture a few impressions of Medalta's history and combine that with stories about how the location has evolved and grown. I was tasked with showing off what makes Medalta unique and original, but to also make it current. The history surrounding this structure is fascinating, but it's the other side of what happens here that is sometimes glossed over. I knew this is where we'd find our story.

Video debut during Pecha Kucha night at Medalta Potteries.

To say that this project was a long time coming would be an understatement. We began discussing the idea for this video back in December. It wasn't completed until mid-August, and then it didn't debut until this last weekend during Pecha Kucha Night at Medalta during Culture Days. Sometimes good work takes time - that, and when you're working on something you want to make standout you tend to become your own worst critic.

"If These Walls Could Talk" underwent a slew of personal revisions before I ever shared it with Medalta. I went through several re-writes of the script and 3 different voice actors. As a result the tone of the entire project changed each time. It's not that the video was so massive or complicated, it's that I became hung up on creating something that felt honest, genuine, and relevant. You know when it's not quite right - and then one day it just clicks.    

"If These Walls Could Talk"
How much do you know about Medalta or The Market at Medalta or Medalta International Artists in Residence? Earlier this year I had the opportunity to explore this historic site in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada with the goal of creating a video to showcase what makes this place tick. I can tell you one thing for sure - as cool as the history is, it's a lot more than just a museum today.
Posted by Editing Luke on Thursday, October 15, 2015

When I finally shared the video with Medalta the feedback could not have been more overwhelming positive. As you can imagine, I was relieved and so glad they saw it the same way as I did (always a very real fear). The wait had (thankfully) been worth it.

With Alberta Culture Days approaching it was decided that the video would debut during a live screening at Medalta during Pecha Kucha. I'm so proud of what we all accomplished while making this video together. It was another amazing project, especially with a client and group of friends that I've come to do some of my best work with.

Oahu, Hawaii in 100 Images

Beautiful beaches, swaying palms, and the faint strumming of ukuleles - these are the stereotypes of Oahu, Hawaii that the hotels in Waikiki are more than happy to uphold. On a recent vacation to Oahu I took to photographing a variety of locations and experiences as I traveled throughout the island. From Honolulu to the North Shore, I set out to capture notable attractions and iconic Hawaiian scenery around Oahu. 
   

These are highlights from my Aloha Hawaii series showcased in 100 images. Click on the link above any of the images to view the complete / expanded photo set from each location.

1. View of Diamond Head from the ocean.


2. Surfboards in Waikiki.


3. Surfers on the North Shore of Oahu.

4. Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor.

5. USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.

6. Makapuu Lookout on the Eastern Shore of Oahu.

7. Souvenirs in Waikiki.

8. Downtown Honolulu, Hawaii from the Aloha Tower.

9. Sunset on Waikiki Beach.

10. Rainbow Drive-In in Honolulu.

11. Interior of Iolani Palace in Honolulu.

12. USS Bowfin Submarine in Pearl Harbor.

13. Feet in the Pacific Ocean.

14. Luau at the Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki.

15. Fresh pineapple.

16. Honolulu Auto Show

17. Barbers Point on the Western Shore of Oahu.

18. Tropical drinks.

19. Girls at Hanuama Bay.

20. Flying over Waikiki Beach.


21. Sleepy tortoise at the Honolulu Zoo.

22. Surfboards on Waikiki Beach.

23. Polynesian Cultural Center.

24. Ocean surf at sunset.

25. Hula girl.

26. Mission Houses in Honolulu, Hawaii.

27. Barbers Point.

28. Sailing at sunset.

29. Ruins of the Kualoa Sugar Mill.

30. Boogie boarding on the North Shore.

31. Hawaii State Capitol Building.


32. Waikiki Beach.

33. View from the top of Diamond Head.

34. Inside the USS Bowfin Submarine.

35. USS Missouri Battleship.

36. Ukuleles.

37. Hawaii Theatre.

38. Pacific Ocean from Waikiki.

39. Hula girls.


40. Waikiki Beach.


41. USS Arizona Memorial.

42. Sunset on Waikiki Beach.

43. Wreckage of the USS Arizona.

44. Hotels in Waikiki.

45. Staircase inside the Iolani Palace.

46. Waves crashing on the Eastern Shore of Oahu.

47. Hawaiian Oceans.

48. Pacific Aviation Museum in Pearl Harbor.

49. Byodo-In Temple.

50. Jumping in the sunrise.

51. Catamaran on Waikiki Beach.

52. Sunrise over Oahu.

53. Duke Kahanamoku Statue in Waikiki.


54. Road trip around Oahu in a Bentley Continental GTC.

55. Pearl Harbor bullet holes in hangar glass.

56. Surfers in Waikiki.

57. Diamond Head Lighthouse.

58. Close-up of a lei.

59. Royal Guards of Hawaii.

60. View of Honolulu from the top of Diamond Head.

61. Falls of Clyde in Honolulu Harbor.

62. Swaying palms.

63. Koi pond at the Byodo-In Temple.

64. Hawaii State Capitol Building.

65. Hanuama Bay.

66. Crossroads of the Pacific.

67. Hiking to the top of Diamond Head.

68. Sunset sail.

69. Inside the Iolani Palace.

70. Halona Cove.

71. Spiral stairs in bunker at Diamond Head.

72. Surfer on the North Shore.

73. Kawaiahao Church in Honolulu.

74. Tour on the USS Missouri.

75. Barbers Point Lighthouse.

76. Bon-sho (sacred bell) at Byodo-In Temple.

77. Bunker at Diamond Head.

78. Aliiolani Hale in Honolulu.

79. Spot of Japanese surrender signed on the USS Missouri.


80. Waikiki Beach.

81. Carved souvenirs.

82. Hula dancers.

83. Hanauma Bay.

84. Waikiki Beach.


85. Flamingo at the Honolulu Zoo.


86. Hawaii souvenirs.

87. Hula dancers.

88. Aloha Tower in downtown Honolulu.

89. Sunset over Waikiki.

90. USS Arizona wreckage.

91. Shopping in Waikiki.

92. Fire dancer at luau.

93. Sailing on a catamaran.

94. Hawaii Convention Center.

95. Hiking Diamond Head.

96. Control tower at the Pacific Aviation Museum.

97. Ruins of the Kualoa Sugar Mill.

98. Hawaiian rowers.

99. Sunset over Waikiki.

100. Eastern Coast of Oahu.