Canadian Musings

Here's another shot of Marcio I like better

2012-01-28T13:15:00.000-08:00

Marcio Silva is a personal trainer and very fit. So I just love to create another side, a new character. Explore the darker side eh? I used the rotalux 100 cm deep throw attached to my quadra and a strip light for edge light which separates him form the background. Then in post production I sharpened the details so I could get an edgier look. Fun times

Sworn into the Cinematographers Guild of Canada

2012-01-28T06:21:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday I stood up in front of about 150 members of Iatse 667, the local union for cinematographers, and they had me swear an oath to the union. I was now officially sworn in.
My acceptance into the union took place last April, an 8 year journey which began in 2003.
Becoming a set stills photographer had been a dream for me when I first walked on the set of the Murdoch Mysteries movies of the week that were being filmed in Winnipeg.
So it was with great pride and satisfaction that I finally made it into the union.
Now the hard part begins . . . getting work in the industry on a consistent basis.
I have worked on a number of films and on Murdoch Mysteries last summer, but like any industry that is finite, publicists go for who they know and have used in the past . . . Now I am the new kid on the block knocking on doors.
In the meantime I am getting booked for lots of portrait work, dance, and entertainment photography.
We shall see what the future holds.
Here's a composite shot I did of Marcio Silva a personal trainer from Brazil.
I used a photo of the Brick Works in Toronto as a backdrop. Marcio is an overall great guy. Love working with him.
His shot was done in the studio using a Elinchrom rotalux 100 cm softbox on a dark background. You really want a hi key background for composites but I liked the combo the the two so I played.

Exotic locations . . . .

2012-01-26T14:24:00.000-08:00

As a photographer I am always on the lookout for really interesting locations. Only a few of those in Southern Ontario that I can say are truly unique. One of them is called the Badlands which is up Airport Road about 70 minutes north of Toronto.
This past Summer I had the opportunity to go there on a hot Sunday afternoon with a model (Aidan Morris) for a photo shoot in 90 degree heat . . I brought one light with me, an Elinchrom Quadra with a small rotalux octi on a painters pole. I also had an assistant, a necessary component to a successful photo shoot in a location like this. He also carried a lot of the gear which was great. We hung out til sunset and I gelled the light green with a magenta gel on the lens. Alas no clouds as the sunset stuff was not great. This shot was one of the first that I did and going back over the files I decided I really loved it. Assistant Camera left with my light overpowering the sun. We got munched by the end of the day . . . .fodder for the mosquitos . .

I'm updating my website and now have a FB page for Photography

2012-01-23T08:47:00.000-08:00

If you get a chance link to my facebook page for photography and hit "like" . . thanks.
Doing some re edits on shots I have done over the years. And also I got sworn in to the Cinematographers Guild of Canada IA 667 yesterday. I've been a member since April of last year but it is official now . .

Shooting a show for Hannan's

2012-01-18T08:43:00.000-08:00

There was a big Belly Dance show that was filmed a week ago this past Saturday. It was a challenge as there were many dancers and many takes. The dancers from Hannan's Belly Dance studio is both entertaining and inspired and I love photographing them. Here are some of my favourite photos of the day.

Every picture tells a story . . . . don't it?

2012-01-17T15:06:00.000-08:00

From Ludlow and surrounding area

2012-01-01T11:03:00.001-08:00

The UK 2011 we're in Shropshire. Maureen is researching her next novel

2011-12-26T09:18:00.001-08:00

stopped on the 401 last September

2011-12-14T17:25:00.001-08:00

Photos from the launch of Bomb Girls in Ottawa last week at the War Museum. Bomb Girls premieres in Canada on Global Television Jan. 4th at 8 pm

2011-12-13T14:17:00.001-08:00

Gallery of Landscapes and Airplanes - prints for sale

2011-12-04T10:49:00.000-08:00

Link here to a "gallery" of 36 shots from my recent work of vintage aircraft in flight and landscapes. All shots are available for print in varying sizes on fine art paper and personally signed by me.
Contact me for a quote if u are interested. All orders are sent out in a mailing tube to anywhere around the world. Thanx

couple of shots I did last Spring and newly retouched

2011-12-03T10:17:00.000-08:00

more dancers

2011-12-02T11:04:00.001-08:00

I get to photo some of the most beautiful women in Toronto

2011-11-21T14:00:00.000-08:00

Hanging out the back of a plane with nothing to keep you in save a cord and hook

2011-11-17T06:29:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was really pushing my comfort zone as a photographer. I've always wanted this kind of challenge to see I could be creative in a high risk situation, and the two flights we did were just awesome. I have trouble with heights, and never mind that you have airplanes coming so close you can practically reach out and touch them. So, you just go to work and forget about anything else. Quite a ride.

More from Falcon Field and the skies!

2011-11-15T17:40:00.001-08:00

From here on in . . . .

2011-11-14T14:06:00.001-08:00

Hey everybody who follows the blog. I have been posting news on our tv series's and Maureen's book career over on facebook so make sure you check regularly for updates. I will now devote the blog strictly to my photography career. For now I will post some shots I have done this past weekend in Arizona at Falcon field. If you are interested in prints, let me know. Thanks for following the blog over the years.
Sincerely
Iden

Lots of Lanscape photography lately - more Belly Dancers in November

2011-10-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

Saw the trailer for our new tv series

2011-10-20T20:23:00.000-07:00

Maureen and I got to see the trailer for Bomb Girls yesterday. The show makes me proud to remember the incredible effort women made during WW2 to help defeat the enemy. Not only are the characters and story lines wonderful, but there is a real sense of our own distinctive history within the series. We are so proud of Canada and this show.

The Murdoch Mystery novels are finally available to order in the UK.

2011-10-17T19:19:00.000-07:00

Advance order Except the Dying in Great Britain here

Read all about Maureen meeting the Prime Minister of Canada and see photos of the event at Parliament

2011-10-12T18:24:00.000-07:00

Link here to read and see photos of the meeting

Season Of Darkness gets starred review in the Library Journal

2011-10-01T08:35:00.000-07:00

OrangeReviewStar.2(Original Import)

Jennings, Maureen. Season of Darkness. McClelland & Stewart. 2011. c.396p. ISBN 9780771043253. pap. $22.95. M
Why was Elsie Bates killed early one morning—first hit by a car, then fatally shot and left by the side of the road? It’s 1940 England, and the country is recovering from the retreat of the British army from Dunkirk. Small-town DI Tom Tyler now has a big-city crime on his hands, and there’s nothing cozy or sweet about the villain. Complicating the situation is the temporary German internee camp plunked down in the village’s midst. Mix in paranoia, MI5, and a little post-traumatic stress disorder, and all bets are off. You can be assured of this, though: one victim isn’t enough for this murderer. VERDICT Canadian master storyteller and screenwriter Jennings—known for her 19th-century historicals (e.g., the Murdoch series)—launches a trilogy with this superb entry. Readers will be swept away by the sagalike tone and the characters’ singular problems and traits. Tyler’s family suffers in this first volume, and I’m anxious to see where Jennings takes everyone in the next installment. Think the British television series Foyle’s War for comparison.

We are sad and happy

2011-09-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

While Maureen and I were shocked to learn today that after season 5 of the Murdoch Mysteries tv series is completed, and which is currently in production now, CITY TV will not be renewing the show.
Think about it . . the highest rated Canadian TV drama in its time slot over the summer?
There is no logic to it, only decisions made my administrators who feel the show needs to end on their network. It makes no sense to us.
But we are totally grateful that the adaptations of the first three novels, and the 65 episodes of the tv series have found audiences around the world who love the show.
We thank Shaftesbury Films for their immense commitment over the years and also to CITY Television for believing in the product and their commitment to the show for the 5 seasons.
Maureen wrote about Detective Murdoch in 7 novels.
He will continue to live again in the future as she has more adventures in store for our William.
In the meantime Bomb Girls, Maureen's new television series for which she created the original story idea with her writing partner Deb, will air in January 2012.
I post this photo of Caitlin Griffin I took this past summer at the Brickworks in Toronto as it captures a mood for me.
Back soon with lots more news of course

Word on the Street in Toronto yesterday

2011-09-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

Maureen was a guest reader and speaker along with Linwood Barclay and Scott Thornley. It was a great discussion with readings and q and a from the crowd after which Maureen and Linwood were mobbed at the signing table. I got a chance to meet many fans and chat with authors like Kelly Armstrong and Ian Hamilton. When we went over the the VIP lounge for lunch I met Jennifer Murray, one of the chief organizers of WOTS and she kindly posed for me in the hallowed halls of U of T. Maureen got her English lit MA at U of T.
So many books, so little time.

My idea of Market Day photography at St Lawrence Market Toronto

2011-09-24T13:50:00.001-07:00

Word on the street this Sunday 11:15

2011-09-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

Come out to the Remarkable Reads Tent to hear Maureen with Linwood Barclay, and Scott Thornley
Here are the details

Shots from Team Murdoch VS Being Erica . .we won 5-2!!

2011-09-21T09:03:00.001-07:00

I had a letter from a fan's mother who wrote to me after the launch on Saturday

2011-09-20T13:32:00.000-07:00

She was feeling happy about the event and her daughter and friend's love of Murdoch Mysteries and Maureen's books but she was challenged in her own life after going back to school to get her degree. She has had little success in her new chosen field so I wrote this response:

" Dear ______ thank you for your wonderful letter, I read it out loud to Maureen while were having lunch today. We loved meeting the whole family and the girls are just terrific and lovely. Maureen and I are regular folk. We've come by this via a long road of persistence, belief, failures, successes and very big dreams. We leave no one behind, hence you see who we had selling books last night. We are loyal, faithful and thankful for our good fortune. You cannot get anywhere in our world without the help of a lot of people, hence my speeches thanking various folks who made it out last night.
I went back to school at 50 as well to study photography. I've invested a lot of money into it. I am now 60. Photography is just beginning to be profitable. Ten years of school, equipment, travel, etc. Essentially what it all comes down to is:

a) Believe in what you are doing without hesitation
b) Seek the help of others and let them know what your goals are
c) Be prepared for failure and disappointment
d) Learn from every experience and challenge
e) Do everything you can, when presented with an opportunity that is aligned with your goals and purpose, to take advantage of that opportunity, even if it means you have to do a lot for free at first.
f) Education does not stop once you reach an academic goal. It begins
G) Let people know who you are and what you want and do.
H) Give yourself a deadline. "By such and such a date I will be . . . . ." and write it down
I) Trust your instincts
F) Always convey love and humanity

I try, and I say try, to follow the above ideals.
I'm not always good at it but The above mentioned goals are what I apply to everything I take on.

Keep me posted, you have a great family, that is something you can take pride in from all the work you have done. Apply it to your career goals.
Stay in touch,
Best
Iden"

Photo of Team Murdoch From Sunday am. They won 5-2!!

2011-09-19T14:24:00.000-07:00

Couple of shots from the wild and SRO launch last night at the Tranzac Club

2011-09-18T06:20:00.001-07:00

The big launch is this Saturday

2011-09-13T19:17:00.001-07:00

Come out and bring friends it will be a great event!!

I've been so busy with work have not had time to post

2011-09-04T17:44:00.001-07:00

There is a lot happening. The new tv series begins production in a week, I had three photos jobs in the past week, two of which were on a tv set with long days. I have tons of photos and i am trying to help with all the events my wife is involved in. Hope to post news and photos soon.
Photos courtesy Craig Grant

Maureen's new show has an amazing bit of news!!

2011-08-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

Link here for a major press release!

Trenton Air Force Museum yesterday and a visit with some fans

2011-08-18T13:21:00.000-07:00

Two days left for our Prince Edward County retreat. It's been an amazing and restoring break. The fall will be going at breakneck speed with touring and photography, tv, books, etc. Onward.

Season Of Darkness hits the best seller list

2011-08-15T14:32:00.000-07:00

link

Great Reviews flooding in here

Gallery of photos from the award presentation to Maureen this past Saturday on Wolfe Island

2011-08-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

The Grant Allen Award link

Season Of Darkness is eligible for the Giller Prize fan vote

2011-08-12T05:40:00.000-07:00

Link here to vote

Maureen scores in The Quill and Quire for Season Of Darkness

2011-08-11T12:58:00.001-07:00

"In her usual style, Jennings introduces disparate story threads and then weaves them cleverly together as she pulls readers through the investigation. Along with her detailed and well- researched portrayal of English life in the early 1940s, she peppers her story with false leads and plenty of twists. Jennings' characters are well conceived and precisely depicted, from their slang, habits, and mannerisms to their appearance and motives, a satisfying and engaging read. - Cori Dusmann"

Views of Prince Edward County

2011-08-08T19:28:00.001-07:00

More Caitlin at the Brickworks - My best shoot with her

2011-08-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

Maureen today with the front page of the arts section from The Kingston Whig Standard

2011-08-06T11:06:00.000-07:00

My photo too!!

At the brickworks yesterday with Caitlin Griffin . . Love working with Caitlin

2011-08-04T16:16:00.000-07:00

Come out on this date and meet some friends, enjoy a drink and get this great new book. Tom Craig will be there too!

2011-08-03T06:40:00.001-07:00

Been traveling and busy - some Pittsburgh Grand Prix shots

2011-07-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

Last night at the Badlands with Aidan Morris

2011-07-18T17:42:00.001-07:00

Something I did last week of dancer Victoria Seguin

2011-07-16T07:13:00.001-07:00

Mini documentary about the Prime Minister's cameo and visit to the set

2011-07-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

link here

Great inteview about the new book

2011-07-05T09:53:00.001-07:00

The author copies arrived today and they are just gorgeous

2011-07-05T09:24:00.001-07:00

Did some head shots for dancer Aidan Morris and her agency

2011-07-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

Had to give them different looks so mostly beauty dish here, kind of bleached skin look. We shot by a church on King and then we went down to the beach at sunset.

Season of Darkness can be pre ordered at a 45% discount

2011-06-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

Grab it here fast

Maureen is busy writing an episode for her series and I am shooting lots

2011-06-26T15:19:00.000-07:00

Alas we have found a place for her launch and I will be finalizing the details on that for Season of Darkness. In the meantime we updated the page here, it is just terrific, have a gander

Shots from a photo shoot this week

2011-06-17T15:45:00.001-07:00

Murdoch Mysteries season 5 goes into production soon and . . . .

2011-06-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

It is going to be a busy Summer. Maureen and I attended a presentation on Friday at the Columbus centre in Toronto about Italian Canadians who were interned during the war. Great event with some interesting info on how Italians were arrested and taken to Internment camps because of Mussolini's decision to align himself with the Axis powers. It seems a bit strange as so many Italian Americans fought for the US during WW2, but alas one of the featured men was also a "Black Shirt" sympathizer. So alas, a camp was set up and a number of Italian men were arrested. Good video presentation as well.
Maureen goes to a meeting this coming week of the writing team on the new WW2 tv series, she is a creative consultant to the series.
And she is working on her script for Murdoch Mysteries series 5. Which is gearing up to go into production soon. Be great to see the gang.
I am shooting another dancer this coming week and I am knocking on a ton of doors to get onto some productions this summer for stills work. My fingers are crossed for that. Here's Heather from last week.

John Doyle reviews MM season four in the Globe and Mail

2011-06-07T06:11:00.001-07:00

Read this

Join the Maureen Jennings fan page on Facebook

2011-06-04T11:26:00.001-07:00

Link here to join

Did all this last night - portraits and ideas

2011-06-03T19:54:00.000-07:00

Regarding the CITY TV event at Dundas Sqaure yesterday

2011-06-01T16:56:00.000-07:00

Well I am wiped as the heat was unbelievable. Alas I did all the photography for the producer so I have to let them post the photos they want from my shots.
Hopefully you get to see lots of them over on the MM Facebook page but lets see what they want to do with them.

Murdoch Mysteries picked up for season 5 and

2011-05-31T07:39:00.000-07:00

Global Television today announces "Bomb Girls"
Link here for the press release

Big contest this Tuesday at Dundas sqaure

2011-05-29T13:43:00.001-07:00

You will also be in my lens for all this as I was asked by Shaftesbury to photo the event.

From Shaftesbury publicity dept.

"Murdoch fans! I just want to remind everyone that Citytv & Shaftesbury will be giving away a walk-on role on the series to the person wearing the best Victorian-inspired costume at the Citytv Summer in the Square event this Tues, May 31. Costume judging will take place at 1 pm in front of the Murdoch Mysteries set - Yannick Bisson, Hélène Joy & Murdoch Mysteries author Maureen Jennings will pick the winner.
Summer in the SQ - Citytv Event - Murdoch Mysteries
www.citytv.com

May 31st is a magic day this year

2011-05-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

Tune in on the 31st for two big announcements

Two major announcements coming in the next 10 days

2011-05-20T14:43:00.001-07:00

Keep checking www.maureenjennings.com for news, lots of fun stuff
In the meantime I just got back from California where I was on a photo safari. I will post photos over the next week as I work on them. One of the locations was the site of vintage cars. Really cool stuff

Season one and two of Murdoch Mysteries are available at a big discount here

2011-05-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

here

an extra treat for season 4

2011-05-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

Was going over some old files from a couple of years back

2011-05-06T10:00:00.001-07:00

Shot this at the base of the GW Bridge in New Jersey two years ago on a Digital Landscape Workshop series with Joe Mcnally and Moose Peterson. I'm off the Napa in California for another one of these Landscape series. Looking forward to this big time

Maureen and I went to the first Steampunk convention in Toronto where she was a guest speaker

2011-05-03T05:58:00.001-07:00

And of course I showed up with a camera and two lights with gels and modifiers. It was fun

Jack Layton - my photo from the fall

2011-04-29T15:24:00.000-07:00

Test shoot with four Nikon Speedlights on location yesterday

2011-04-26T13:34:00.001-07:00

The air date for Murdoch Mysteries series 4 has now settled on May 10 @ 8pm

2011-04-23T12:43:00.001-07:00

There will be two broadcasts per week commencing May 10, one at 8 pm on Tuesdays and a repeat on Fridays at 8 pm. So twice per week should dodge the hockey bullet so to speak
Link here for details

Portrait of a friend of mine last year

2011-04-19T20:06:00.001-07:00

In Dundas Square Last night for the Siren Group and Fight Network

2011-04-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

Was fun trying to do this action stuff. I actually want to use more lighting as I had only two lights but I was expecting bigger crowds. Actually it was almost deserted. Regardless I am happy with this variety.

Maureen in Oshawa last night

2011-04-14T08:50:00.000-07:00

My goodness these events seem to have standing room crowds. Maureen regaled the audience with her stories of growing up during the war and the fog of Birmingham, as well as Murdoch book and tv stories, Christine Morris profiler stories, and of course her new trilogy, Season Of Darkness.
Great group, great event. There is a palpable buzz whenever and wherever Maureen goes in Canada. Love it

Holding pattern and busy

2011-04-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

Maureen met with the writers of the show last week to toss around ideas as series 5 pending while we await official news of the show's renewal and the launch of season 4 in Canada. Hold tight we should hear soon.
I had a very busy week last week traveling to London Ontario and then working on a film set and then to Buffalo yesterday for a workshop.
Sad sad Buffalo. An historic city on the Niagara River that should be twin to Toronto in terms of history.
I pray and hope for a Buffalo revival.
Driving home on the QEW, I came back to this modern city that is clean and bustling and booming.
I see an old historic city in Buffalo that has not quite caught the fire we have here in Toronto.
It actually makes me sad. The people of upstate New York and Buffalo deserve a boom.
So what is all this candle of hope for a great economic revival Obama rode to the White House on?
Here are some shots I have done recently

My annual photography for the Young Peoples Theatre in Toronto

2011-04-01T11:06:00.001-07:00

This year's ensemble. What an amazing group of young aspiring actors

Maureen's fans meet in Poland to discuss the Murdoch novels and get tv coverage to boot!

2011-03-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

The Murdoch Mysteries website has been updated!!

2011-03-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

Link here and thanks to our hard working friends from Shaftesbury Films who work so hard to bring this show to air.
Great work!!

A Wonderful Review Just In!

2011-03-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

5.0 out of 5 stars Top Period crime fighting-loads of historical fun, March 23, 2011
By Harold Wolf "Doc" (Wells, IN United States)
This review is from: Murdoch Mysteries Season 3 (DVD)
More 1890s Toronto cop investigation than romance, since Det. Murdoch is so romantically bashful. Comedy, mystery, adventure and romance unite perfectly in a Victorian setting based on Maureen Jennings novels. You get Victorian crime with contemporary evidence gathering techniques. Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) is a century ahead of his forensic sleuthing counterparts. Dr. Ogden (Helene Joy) is the gorgeous pathologist in the forensics search--the morgue maiden. Victorian 'sparks' happen between Murdoch and Dr.O, at his discretionary Victorian rate. Romantic chemistry cleverly woven into murder investigations. Insp. Brackenreid (Thomas Craig) ex-army & boss, plus Crabtree (Jonny Harris) ambitious right-hand man, are back in every episode. Guest stars a-plenty.

All episodes are police investigations with interesting new technology (new to the period) or science helping find clues. Marvelously inventive in plot and beautiful to view it the realistic Victorian era. Perfection in sets, costumes, and props. It's no wonder it is award grabbing (over 2 dozen to date) and still continues on TV.
It is murder situations, with some violence and blood (especially in Dr.O's morgue clue-gathering scenes), and multiple plot episodes. Highly recommended for the mystery, crime, and even Victorian romance fans.

Prime Minister Harpers clip of his appearance this coming season on Murdoch Mysteries

2011-03-22T13:26:00.001-07:00

Brand new interview with Maureen here including tid bits on Murdoch Mysteries tv

2011-03-21T20:05:00.000-07:00

Ruth Cavin, Maureen's first editor passed away

2011-03-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

Maureen and I were sorry to learn today that Ruth Cavin passed away in January.
In 1995, Ruth was willing to take a chance on and unknown writer who set a mystery series
in the 1890's Toronto and bought the first four Murdoch Mysteries novels.
Without Ruth there would have been no Murdoch Mysteries, no television series, and perhaps
no writing career for Maureen.
We are saddened by her loss and we will eternally grateful for the guidance and wisdom Ruth
gave so generously to Maureen and the many writers who blossomed under her editorial pen.
Sincerely
Iden Ford and Maureen Jennings

Murdoch Mysteries series 4 postponed

2011-03-13T06:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Fans and Friends of Murdoch Mysteries. I have managed to find out this morning that the start date of series 4 has not been established yet and has been postponed.
I am terribly sorry for the fans, you may be waiting awhile to see season 4 in Canada. As soon as the producers can confirm a new air date for season 4 on CITY TV, it will be announced. I have also sent along many of your stated concerns re website update and communication. Thank you for your love and committment to Murdoch.

Even as Victorian-era TV cop, Harper laments Ottawa 'infighting' STEVEN CHASE Globe and Mail Update

2011-03-12T06:22:00.000-08:00

Stephen Harper plays a cop who grouses about Ottawa “infighting” and fails to recognize Liberal prime minister Wilfrid Laurier in an upcoming episode of a hot Victorian-era TV crime drama.

The Conservative Leader makes a cameo on Murdoch Mysteries, a TV series beloved by his daughter Rachel.

Mr. Harper visited City TV in Toronto Friday to talk about the episode and air the clip of his brief appearance.

The scene featuring Mr. Harper as “Desk Sergeant Armstrong” contains an inside joke about hockey, a favourite subject of the Prime Minister’s. Another character disparages his character’s knowledge of the game during the cameo.

It also contains another political jab of sorts: Mr. Harper’s character doesn’t know who Mr. Laurier is when he appears in the police station. The politician, who ruled Canada in the late 19th and early 20th century, is an icon for Liberal Party stalwarts.

The dialogue goes as follows:

Constable Crabtree, talking about a hot hockey talent: “If the Ottawa hockey club can sign him next year, they will win the Stanley Cup.

Stephen Harper as Desk Sergeant Armstrong: “Not possible Crabtree. Too much infighting in Ottawa.”

Crabtree: “Armstrong, you clearly don’t know the first thing about hockey. Sometimes I wonder why I even thought ...

Wilfrid Laurier, appearing in the frame: “I am here to speak to Detective Murdoch,

Armstrong: “And you would be?

Crabtree: “For the love of Pete, Armstrong, it is the Prime Minister man.”

Mr. Harper spent a Friday afternoon last October filming a bit part for a fourth-season episode of Murdoch Mysteries, a Canadian-made whodunit set in 1890s Toronto that has a growing international following.

The performance wasn't likely a stretch for Canada's self-styled law-and-order Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister's Office said Mr. Harper and his daughter Rachel are big fans of the show, which has been described a Victorian-era version of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

The series revolves around Detective William Murdoch, who relies on cutting-edge forensic science to solve murders in late 19th-century Toronto.

It's not the Prime Minister's first appearance on the small screen. Among other things, he's appeared on CTV's Corner Gas.

The show had to get permission from the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists for Mr. Harper to play the role. He's not a member of the performers' union.

The show, which airs on City TV in Canada, has drawn enormous international viewership. It's licensed in more than 100 countries and territories and has become the No. 1 hit show for British broadcaster Alibi. It also runs on prime-time TV in France and backers have closed a deal to sell 52 episodes to China.

Mr. Harper's appearance offers a major publicity boost for Murdoch Mysteries, which is based on a series of books by Canadian author Maureen Jennings.

I am busy with work this week and next

2011-03-11T18:45:00.000-08:00

Landed some work on a film next week for four days.
Did some work for my publicity firm this past week.
A lot of the Murdoch/Christine/Home Front tv projects are all awaiting the go ahead from the various powers that be and agencies that are give the green light.
Much will be clear in April.
So I am updating the blog with brief news and some of my photos.
My union acceptance is processing at the moment and I will be going around to see lots of production companies in a couple of weeks.
More soon.

One more killer shot of Heather aka channeling Veronica Lake

2011-03-03T18:36:00.001-08:00

I was invited to join the Cinematographers Guild yesterday for Stills Photography

2011-03-03T18:31:00.001-08:00

Took me two years to get in and 8 years to get myself up to speed so to speak and so now it is official.
Yikes I had to pay big entry fees and fill out forms galore, but at least I now have a crack at getting work on films sets in an official capacity as a Stills Photographer. Many people helped me get there and it is a long list but these things never happen without other people helping and giving a hand up the ladder.
So on to some more work hopefully soon.

My work from today

2011-03-01T19:59:00.000-08:00

Murdoch Mysteries Author in Paris Ontarion

2011-02-28T19:45:00.000-08:00

From the Brantford Expositor/Feb 28th
By MICHELLE RUBY

For about an hour or so an audience gathered at the Paris Library had a bit of a mystery on their hands.
Novelist Maureen Jennings, scheduled to speak about her latest murder mystery, the K Handshape, was very late, making organizers of the One Book One Brant event very nervous.
To keep the audience entertained, library staff popped in a DVD episode of the Murdoch Mysteries, also written by Jennings.
But halfway into the show, a sheepish Jennings walked in.
"I'm just horrified about being so late," she told the crowd, which filled the upstairs meeting room at the library. "And I really don't have a good excuse."
The audience members, all fans of the author, didn't seem to mind.
They had all read The K Handshape, this year's One Book One Brant selection. The idea behind the six-year-old campaign is simply to promote the pleasure of reading, particularly books by Canadian authors. Participants are asked to read the book and pass it on.
Librarian Sharon Briggs said 270 readers signed up for this year's event, which culminates in the author's visit.
Jennings is best known for her popular Murdoch Mysteries series and the TV adaptations of the seven novels starring Victorian-era Toronto detective William Murdoch.
Scenes for some of the mystery episodes were filmed in Brantford and Brant County. Sunnyside Mansion in St. George, circa 1888, was transformed in 2008 by a television production crew into an 18th century brothel where an unfortunate lady of the night meets her demise.
Jennings's new books have a more contemporary setting and a new protagonist, OPP forensic profiler Christine Morris, introduced to readers in 2006's Does Your Mother Know.
Morris returns in The K Handshape, which explores the conflicts between deaf and hearing cultures. The novel's title refers to the American Sign Language hand symbol for the word "kill."
In the story, Morris discovers a strangled body by the Orillia dock. Deirdre, the young, deaf victim is the daughter of Morris's colleague, forensic psychiatrist Leo Forgach.
Deirdre had her own deaf three-year- old daughter, a birth planned to produce a deaf child. The seed for Jennings's novel was planted after the author read a newspaper article about a deaf woman who had done the same.
When I was reading about this, I felt angry," Jennings admitted. "They wanted to prove that they didn't need the hearing world (to raise a child). "As I did my research, my feelings started to soften a bit. I didn't agree with it, but I could understand where it was coming from."
Jennings said she created Christine Morris out of a desire to have a female protagonist and "write in my own voice."
In The K Handshape, Morris's life, while dominated by the case, is complicated by a long-distance love affair, a tense relationship with her mother and the heart-rending reality of a friendship in need.
Always in-depth in her research for her novels, Jennings studied forensic profilers and took sign language classes to better understand her subject. She also did some investigating at casinos, which also play a role in the book.
Born in Birmingham, England, Jennings was 17 when she immigrated to Canada with her mother.
Always an avid murder mystery reader, she began writing when an actor friend asked if she'd be interested in creating a series for his theatre company.
For years, Jennings also worked as a psychotherapist.
The first Murdoch Mystery, Except the Dying, was published in 1997. The last instalment, A Journeyman to Grief, came out in 2007.
The following year, Jennings gave up her therapy work to write full time.
She also began work in 2009 on Second World War suspense novels called The Season of Darkness Trilogy.

Today at 51 Division - A whole corner is dedicated to Murdoch

2011-02-21T19:26:00.001-08:00

Toronto Police marked 135 years of policing in Regent Park and Cabbagetown Monday by opening a museum in the lobby of 51 division.

“This museum acts as a portal for area residents, school children and residents to come and see the station... this is a way to have people come to the station and feel that this is their home, this is a place of comfort,” said Insp. Heinz Kuck.

The museum features police uniforms from the 1950s, equipment used by police during different eras, photographs and newspaper articles.

“It can sometimes be easy as an everyday person walking down the street to take advantage of the city and how much it takes to keep our street safe. This brings it all to the forefront,” said actor Yannick Bisson, who plays William Murdoch on the television series, Murdoch Mysteries.
Among those present to unveil the new addition to the station’s lobby was Police Chief Bill Blair, who spent part of his career working at 51 division.
“As we reflected on the history of this city, it was also quite apparent that the police had played a significant part in that history and the partnership between ourselves and the people that lived in these neighbourhoods were a part of that history and something that needs to be honoured and remembered and respected,” he said.
Ines Garcia who runs tea times in the lobbies of apartment buildings in the area to discourage crime was recognized at the event.
“It’s important for (police) to get involved; we are working together with the police in Regent park and building that bridge and trying to make a better future for the kids,” she said.

History comes to life at 51 Parliament St.

Set shots from No Traveler Returns

2011-02-11T21:28:00.000-08:00

The guy with the gun is John Iglesias who plays Detective Murdoch in the play.
Great cast and enjoy these shots

No Traveler Returns staged in London, Ontario

2011-02-10T06:42:00.000-08:00

I'm going back on Friday to shoot the cast and scenes from the production. Hopefully no snow this time. Gotta come back and do a big portrait shoot for a book cover the next day. We stayed in a lovely old inn last weekend with grand rooms. Loved the whole experience and seeing the play again after all these years was so much fun. Maureen changed it to a Murdoch play as she wrote it before the Murdoch novels years ago. Takes place in Huntsville during a severe snowstorm, which ironically we faced when driving home.
Here's what the London Free Press had to say about it

Selection of shots I did for an Indy producer and director yesterday at Garage Studios

2011-02-02T15:51:00.000-08:00

Busy Busy. Shot the Ad Week Ball on Thursday and two gigs this week

2011-01-31T13:31:00.000-08:00

Well I got three bookings for portraits so things are picking up

2011-01-25T12:48:00.000-08:00

I created and will now brand every shot I post. This was from the rehearsal at the Rivoli in December and I will be back shooting there next month.
Looking forward to the challenge as the movement is so fast, but I love the dynamics and energy of the dancers

Doing some engagement photography as part of Pierce Portraits

2011-01-22T15:15:00.001-08:00

Putting together some promotional materials

2011-01-22T06:42:00.000-08:00

Check out my new website if you get a chance

Best Drama we've seen in a long time

2011-01-22T06:41:00.000-08:00

This is the best drama we've seen in a long time. Anne Marie Duff and Kirsten Scott Thomas are stellar. All the period detail is amazing and the lad who plays John Lennon makes you forget this a movie. Even if your not a Beatles fan, this is must see Drama.

So I have been busy working on . .

2011-01-21T07:03:00.000-08:00

Meetings, developing marketing materials, holding Maureen's hand as she had a fall last week on the back stairs which resulted in yet another trip to the hospital. She is okay with just a bad bruise on her butt and a strained wrist but I thought she had broken her wrist which thankfully she did not. It has been a difficult time for her over the past year and I hope things can settle down for her.
We are having a very cold and white winter which has been rather depressing but my work is starting to pick up.
I have launched a new portrait photography website called www.pierceportraits.com and I have a whole bunch of marketing materials and price lists designed and being printed.
While I am still pending with IA 667 for stills photography on film and television sets, I decided to work at developing a solid portrait photography business, as I have lots of enquiries and appointments and jobs thank goodness. And I love shooting so this is fun fun fun.
I have a big event for Ad Women of Toronto next Thursday night which is the culmination of Ad Week.
After that I have some studio shoots for an indy director and an engagement photography job, as well as a portrait job with a musician and a portfolio job for an aspiring model.
Lots of fun and variety, which is one of the great joys of being a photographer.
On the tv front Maureen has her WW2 series in development with a producer and we will know if it will get picked up around the end of March. This holds true as well for Murdoch season 5 which is looking good so far, but the way things work in Canada we won't know anything for certain until March April.
On the books front Maureen is now starting to work on the third novel of the trilogy and it will bring back the character from the first novel in the series which you all will get to read soon!!
Here are some recent shots I have done, the director is the chap in the photos who's shots we will be doing in a new studio down on King St.
Oh I forgot to tell you that a photo of mine appeared in the Toronto Star yesterday in the entertainment section. It is of Anjelica Scannura who had promo piece for an event she is involved in.

Toronto after a snowfall - Hey I gotta photograph something!

2011-01-09T13:15:00.001-08:00

And Maureen has had this in her front office for 30 years!!

2011-01-07T17:25:00.001-08:00

The poster that is. Some ideas take that long to gestate. And now she is writing books set in that period. I cannot wait for you to read the first one which will be published in 2011. Oh right that is this year