This series depicts residents of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada at home during the Covid-19 Pandemic from April to June 2020. Each individual or group was photographed behind glass. The resulting multi-layered images provide a glimpse into this time of self-isolation and the environments that offered shelter and protection.
A post-pandemic look at the vibrant music scene in Victoria, BC.
Beekeeping became legal in New York City on March 16, 2010. This ignited a lot of interest in the practice of keeping bees and new and old beekeepers rejoiced at the thought of keeping their hives out in the open without fear of legal repercussions.
City Beach, Durban, South Africa
Mixed-martial arts is a full-contact combat sport that allows the use of a wide variety of fighting techniques, both standing and on the ground. MMA competitions were first legalized in select cities in British Columbia in 2009. MMA is now legal in all 50 States and is considered the fastest growing sport in America. Initially, I had difficulty imagining why someone would deliberately choose to fight in a caged ring, often leaving them bloodied and broken. Throughout the following two years that I spent documenting the MMA scene in Victoria, British Columbia, I grew to appreciate how much skill, training and dedication is involved in the sport. I observed incredible sportsmanship between the athletes. Backstage, away from all the spectators and floodlights, I saw grown men cry. With this series, I would like to show the physical and emotional toll that this high-stakes sport has on its athletes.
Childbirth in New York City.
The ultimate goal of childbirth is a healthy mother and baby. Pregnant women face numerous complexities while they attempt to do what’s best for themselves and their babies. More than 400 babies are born every day in New York City. Many unknown factors surround the birth of a child and, as a result, many women choose a hospital delivery, in case unforeseen complications arise. A primary care provider—an obstetrician or a midwife—is a main source of information and support for women and their partners, thus having direct impact on the birth experience. It is beneficial for women to have access to all available information concerning labor and delivery in order to make informed decisions about the type of care she wants to receive.
This series depicts the logged forests of British Columbia and the people who are hired to replant the land. Every summer, thousands of young Canadians, most in their late teens or early twenties, travel north in possession of what they need to work and live in the bush. The tented campsites are remote and sightings of wildlife such as bears, moose, and deer are frequent. The job demands great physical and mental stamina. A tree planter's hands have the most direct contact with the earth and as a result, many suffer from painful abrasions on the skin, calluses and frayed fingernails. Planters are expected to work, rain or shine, and unfortunately some develop muscle strains from the repetition of carrying and planting the trees.
Despite the challenges, there is much to be gained from a tree planting season. By overcoming hardships, the planters form very strong friendships with one another. There are also the physical and emotional benefits of working hard, breathing the fresh wilderness air and eating 3 healthy meals a day, prepared by the camp cooks. Tree planters live simply, which challenges 'real world' notions of consumerism, recreation and even hygiene (planters are dirty!).
This series was captured using 4x5 film.
Portraits