Roadside California Promo

From the coast to the desert and back again, my Roadside California photography series has been a lot of fun to put together. To recap the progress I've made so far I felt it was time to do a highlight reel of some of my favorite shots. Stay tuned, I'll be back in California in a few weeks time to continue this project. Until then, explore the journey here. 

TREX Artist Workshop

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to shoot this video for the Travelling Exhibition Program (TREX) made possible through the Esplanade and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. I was a fly-on-the-wall for one their Visiting Artist Workshops, in which students interact with professional artists and their work, and then take part in hands on creative projects.

This workshop took place at I.F. Cox elementary school in Redcliff, Alberta with artists Dawn Detarando and Brian McArthur sharing their exhibition Bird Frieze: New Works in Porcelain. Three different groups of 3rd graders then participated in a range of projects that allowed them to add their creativity to the mix. Have a look at how it went by watching the video below.

TREX Artist Workshop, Southeast Alberta
Have a look at what happens when artists are invited into the classroom to collaborate. I shot this video earlier this year for the TREX Artist Workshop taking place at I.F. Cox School in Redcliff, Alberta. This production was made possible by the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. Learn more about this program here: http://www.trexprogramsoutheast.ca/
Posted by Editing Luke on Saturday, October 17, 2015

It was purely by coincidence that shooting this video brought me back to I.F. Cox. Last year I was involved in another project with the school when I was asked if they could use one of my images for a school-wide art project. It's now hanging in the hallway. More on that experience here.

Overall, I had a blast shooting this video. Working with kids is always a bit unpredictable, and that's part of the fun when you're collaborating with so many other enthusiastic and creative people. TREX's Visiting Artist Workshops are amazing to see in action and provide a great resource for communities and artists alike. Learn more about the program here.

Waikiki Beach, Honolulu: Part 1

Waikiki represents all that's iconic about vacationing in Hawaii. High rise resorts, golden sunsets, surfers, and Diamond Head in the background - it's just like the postcards. The air is soft, the beach is always buzzing, and no joke, fresh pineapple is served with almost everything. You can't beat the crowds here, but hey, it's a small price to pay for paradise. 

Located on the southern shore of Oahu, Honolulu's Waikiki Beach hosts practically every tourist amenity you'd expect to find in a tropical locale. From surfboard rentals and sunset cruises to live music and beachfront restaurants, boredom is entirely by choice. Kalakaua Avenue, the main drag through Waikiki, is a mix of the Las Vegas strip and Rodeo Drive. Tall hotels are surrounded by expensive designer shops, trailing into familiar chains and ABC souvenir stores on every corner.

Duke Kahanamoku Statue

Despite exploring most of Oahu, the bulk of my week was spent in Waikiki. Whether I was wandering around the beach, shopping or out grabbing drinks, it seems I was always stumbling onto something memorable. Then again, it's a Hawaiian vacation. What's not to love? 

I bought myself a ukelele and proceeded to play it badly for the week.

Diamond Head

Me (left) with my family on Waikiki Beach.

2013 Bentley Continental GTC

Driving around the coast of Oahu, Hawaii is a popular activity for most visitors, however I wanted to make my experience a bit more unique. Seeing as I'd be photographing my entire road trip around the island, I thought I'd go all out and make the journey that much more unforgettable. I decided a 2013 Bentley Continental GTC was the perfect fit.

I arranged the rental with JN Exotics in downtown Honolulu a few months prior to my trip. The service was exceptional, and frankly given the cost I would've expected nothing less. The car was dropped off at my hotel the morning of my road trip, and I couldn't have been treated like more of a VIP. I even got a private tour of their showroom when I returned the car to the dealership the following day, which meant I was able to get up close and personal with all of the latest offerings from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati in their collection. 

It's the closest I've ever been to feeling like I was in an episode of Top Gear. Not just because of the cars, but because of the exclusivity of the experience. There's nothing quite like cruising through Waikiki in a car that costs as much as a small home. 

It's difficult to explain just how happy I was that day. The joy of driving the winding coastal roads of Oahu in a Bentley convertible was only further accentuated by the approving nods of onlookers as I stopped to enjoy the scenery. I must have had at least 10 people approach me throughout the day to talk about the car. It was reminiscent of the fun I used to have with my old Jaguar.
   

As you might imagine, I shot hundreds and hundreds of images during the drive. I figured before I got into the scenery, points of interest, and cultural hot spots though, I'd start with the images I snapped of this beautiful Bentley convertible. It was everything I'd hoped it would be and more.