Sailor Dan

Famous in his own right, Sailor Dan is kind of a local celebrity around these parts. I had been looking to find this infamous local artist for the sole purpose of a brief photo op. So you could probably imagine my level of happy when he happened to turned up in my neighbourhood mall parking lot. There he was, just standing there, selling his art to some guy in a truck. So I seized the moment and asked if he’d be a willing subject. He graciously agreed. 

Sailor Dan & his drawing

We set up a time to meet in an hour or so, because wouldn't you know it, I had my dogs in the back of my truck, and of course no camera.  The next hour transpired as such.. High five'd myself - did a happy dance - got a coffee - walked the dogs - drove home - grabbed my camera, and booked it back to the arranged location. Would he bail? Will he be where he said he would be?  He didn't, and he was - true to his word. 
No surprise someone had recognized him, and commissioned one of his drawings right then and there. So I had some time to shoot this fabled sailor in action. 

While he's creating his masterpiece he attracts a bit of attention. 

A few admirers stop to say hello. 

Chatting up this old Sailor can be a challenge with his gravelly mumbled voice, but he is such an iconic and gentle character it was worth the struggle.  

I thank you Sailor Dan, you are a brilliant subject, and a genuinely talented soul.

TD

Childrens Hospital Foundation Radioathon

There has to be a million great causes to part you from your money now a days. But I’m telling you, sick kids has to be top of the list. Come on.. Sick kids? Oh my heart! Alright and puppies, ok dogs.. I’m a sucker for dog rescues. Wait, and elephants, Ok maybe dolphins too. For love of god, I need a second job. My point is, when it’s local, and there’s sick kids involved, it is worth the time and the $$ to get involved, always..

And I'll tell ya what- Saskatoon is the best at this rally and support thing, yes we are!  Look at the love, money + efforts that come together for the Kinsmen Foundation's annual Telemiracle here in Saskatchewan.  Going into their 41st year this coming March 2017. They've raised millions for Saskatchewan residents helping those with physical challenges access to special needs equipment and medical assistance that wouldn’t otherwise be attainable. Thats how we do things here on the prairies. It’s how we were raised. Spreading the love regardless of race, creed, or religion. Take that Trump. 

To read some of their stories go to Children's Hospital Sask

Unfathomable to imagine, and thank god for small mercies, that most of us will never have to know the pain, suffering, and anxiety these children and their families endure.  No one ever knows what the future holds regarding the health of a child, grandchild, niece or nephew.  It takes a a lot of dedicated and caring people to build a successful fundraising effort such as the Children’s Hospital Radioathon .

Piper and Marcus  

There is a small army of volunteers, supporters, sponsors and donators that pull off this three day event. And with a 6am start time daily, my level of 'you people are THE shit'  kinda went up a notch. Ya ya, I know there are waves of shifts and replacement volunteers, but there are also individuals that are there for the full shindig each day.  The funds being raised are for the sole purpose of pediatric care and equipment for the province of Saskatchewan. And without a doubt we will be needing a lot of it to fill that brand new children's hospital with some top notch, cutting edge technology and equipment. 

Great vibes - fun people. A big high five to all that selflessly come out to do their part, ring those phones, and help raise some serious moola. All $431,409.60 of it! 

Until next year folks

~TD

Adele + Mel

Well I do have to share some pictures from this heart warming evening a few weeks back.  It was more than a pleasure to have the opportunity in documenting a once in a lifetime milestone for these gems. They are genuinely sweet people and adorable to each other.

Married fifty years these two. FIF-TY. Yes folks the big 5 - 0 -  And as I watched their family celebrate them that evening, it was apparent, and rightfully so, that their commitment to family and each other is so cherished, and respected. 

Word has it that these two love birds both like to "cut a rug." And on weekends, maybe some weekdays to - if there's a dance within 50 miles they'll find it!  
Pretty sure this is how they both still fit into their wedding day threads.

Their children & one photo bombing grandson

Below - a gorgeous cake created by their daughter in-law. Some beautiful decorations, and a lifetime of togetherness memorabilia are displayed throughout the room.  

Family and friends put on one heartfelt tribute to a fun and inspirational couple.  

Cheers to you Adele + Mel, here's to many more!

Becca

This is Becca. She isn’t superwoman, but like most women juggling life, mommy-hood, and a career, she comes pretty damn close most days. 

Fashion on the street project threads compliments of Tryst Boutique

 Those shoes though..

This is her family. Two gorgeous and brilliant littles - a defiant and mischievous party poodle named Peter Parker, and her superhero sidekick, A.K.A husband Nathan.

I’m writing about her today because she’s fun - she’s fabulous - and because I can. The other night we consumed a bottle of wine and a bucket of bacon. For real.  And this bit of information confirms she has her priorities straight. 
Becca’s technical work title is National Director of Education with Surface Hair. This territorial term "national" covers Canada and 48 U.S.states. Wow! Surface is a professional hair care and styling product, manufacturer, that respects personal health and the earth. A brilliant vegan & chemical free option for professional stylists, and their clients. Owned and operated by the Grund family, right here in Saskatoon. Pretty impressive hey? But thats a whole other story of awesomeness. 

Becca & Nathan 

Nathan is the Vice President of operations for Surface. To say this family is busy, is a bit of an understatement! Theres the usual day to day grind, a lot of travelling, and a fair bit of juggling going on.. But with the support of family and each other they do a pretty damn great job. High five to you both for always putting family first. 

I was more than grateful for the privilege of snapping a few family photos for them awhile back. I love photographing people, its one of my favourite things. And sharing a few priceless family moments with this glorious crew, made for a pretty sweet afternoon. After all isn't that what life is about? Those simple moments that seem like nothing, but mean everything.

Makes me think back to the days of my little boys; Nostalgic sigh, and I digress.  Did I mention they handed me a glass of wine and fed me afterwards? Thats right folks, it pays to butter up the photog. Even if I am already partial to ya ;) 

Forever grateful to Becca for being my muse for this fashion photo shoot. Big thanks to Tryst Boutique in Saskatoon for the beautiful threads, & triple hive five to Flow Magazine for allowing me the opportunity to contribute to the spring fashion article!

Hugs & Cheers

 - TD