Acro Yoga in Riley Park. #Sunnyside365
Tag: Calgary (Page 3 of 12)
Got out to shoot some light trails from the traffic last night. It always seems to look better when the streets are damp from rain.
Now that Sunnyside365 is over, I’ve got the chance to experiment with different lenses and techniques. I miss the challenge to make each photo of the project special, but I’m welcoming the chance to do what I like.
It’s good to see the bees again. Despite rain, thunder, and hail storms, they prevail.
The Calgary Stampede comes to Kensington! Yahoo!
This ol’ timer is waiting for his mum to come out from the coffee shop.
Me: Pose like normal human!
Alyssa: No!
Me: Just do it!
Alyssa: Fine!
Well folks! That’s a wrap! It’s been a monumental year for me because of this project. I’ve learned so much about myself and this amazing neighbourhood.
I’ve decided that I’m going to keep updating this page with shots from Sunnyside and Hillhurst, but not with the daily determination that I had followed over the past 365 days. Expect regular updates, stories and more!
For now, I’m busy getting ready for the #Sunnyside365 Wrap-up Exhibition on July 9th. Come on down! Bring a friend!
July 9, 2016
6pm–9pm
Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association
“I moved to Sunnyside in 2008 into a little apartment on 6 st. & 2nd Ave. Before then I used to live up in Hidden Valley and I would put over 1500km a month driving everywhere. Once I moved to Sunnyside, I drove a lot less, I’m lucky if I hit 50km a month now. I’ve moved around the neighbourhood to various apartments and condos, but I can’t leave, this place is home.
I started this 365 photo project as a way to kick my portfolio into gear after my computer crashed. I wanted to keep the inspiration and motivation that I had when I finished university at Royal Roads in April of 2015, and I also felt that it would be critical for me to have some sort of artistic credibility for the courses that I teach at SAIT. But it was the desire to learn more about Sunnyside and Hillhurst that really drove me forward.
Throughout the year however, I’ve come to discover so many other reasons to keep pushing through, even when my brain was screaming at me to give up. The need to persevere has guided me, despite a nearly life-ending depression that I’ve experienced this last year. Even when I personally felt like I couldn’t stand to live another day. In those times, I put my brain on autopilot and let my heart guide me through to next photograph.
There’s so many amazing stories in this community that I’d need to shoot and post 100 photos a day for year. So many incredible stories of perseverance, inspiration, sadness, hope, frustration, support, encouragement. However, the most common word that I heard was “community” and the generosity of the people who reside and visit here.
There’s some amazing history in this neighbourhood, but what I think is the most fascinating thing is the future that lies waiting for this little place. This little village in the centre of the city, this community of friends and families.
I am, in it’s sincerest form, grateful.” Ara Shimoon, Sunnyside365
*For the curious, I shot this photo using a remote trigger for my camera.
“I moved to the neighbourhood in May of 2000 after spending a couple of years up the hill in Mount Pleasant. I was a student at the time with lots of debt and very little income and I really needed a setting that met all of my needs: grocery, transit, and this neighbourhood met those needs. Since then it’s met more needs that I didn’t really know I had. Haha.
I met Ara in 2005 and we got serious in 2008. I think I’m the reason Ara came to the neighbourhood in the first place. We spent many hours walking around, drinking coffee, eating pho, and having breakfast at the Lido and the charms just rubbed off onto both of us more and more. Eventually we could see a future here and making a home and life and that dream has become a reality for us.
At first the things I liked most about this neighbourhood is the practical convenience of having everything in one place and not having to need a car to access services because before: I couldn’t afford a car. I still enjoy those attributes of the neighbourhood, but really it now includes: the friends I see on the street, the caring of our neighbours, and walking out your door and always finding a surprise. There’s always something happening. It’s quite delightful. I don’t think I’ll ever leave.” Debbie, ‘Mrs. Sunnyside365’ with Deedee (bottom left) and Marshall (top right)