12x12 Vancouver Photo Marathon B&W Edition 2012

The Vancouver Photo Marathon is one of the photo events that I have been looking forward to all year but was extremely nervous about whether I could participate in again. From last years sellout of 60 tickets in just about 10 minutes its pretty clear that this is a popular event. When the tickets went on sale this year I was actually in the middle of my first prenatal class and wouldn't be anywhere near a computer so I relied on my brother to get me a ticket. I was extremely lucky because the tickets sold out in under four minutes but he did manage to secure me a ticket. I found out on the day of this years event that I was number 30 and last year I was number 29!

Once again the rules were the same, 12 hours, 12 themes and 12 exposures. Except this year it would be all on b&w film and the location would be Gastown and our headquarters would be the aptly named Coffeebar where many people kept their energy fuelled by caffeine. I on the other hand after a thought crossed my mind about the heat of the day chose coconut water and bananas as my formula of hydration.

So onto the themes this year and I won't divulge what I actually shot as you'll have to wait for the 12x12 Raw Talent Exhibit this year on September 22nd at The Salt Building in the Olympic Village to see all of the contestants photos. Hey even I have to wait a month to see my photos and see how badly I screwed up so I don't want to spoil it for you here. The event is being crowd funded so your support is greatly appreciated.

1. The first theme over the years has always been your entry number but this year the twist was your entry number + color. Wait, aren't we shooting with b&w film?

This first theme was just a taste of the creatively challenging themes we had ahead of us. Each theme after that was met with everything from collective groans and laughter to what do you mean by that? or even a few wtf? when they were announced. See below for what I mean.

2. Through the looking glass
3. Nude
4. In 20 years
5. Old school
6. Three times
7. Top
8. Hide
9. Clever
10. Float
11. Background story
12. (D)evolved

I think everyone despite a long day and very tired feet had a blast. I for one certainly did. Thank you to all the organizers for a wonderful event! See you all on September 22nd.

Raw Talent 12x12 2011 Exhibit

After a month and half long wait the day finally came to see all of the 2011 12x12 Vancouver Photo Marathon contestants photos all on exhibit for the first time last night at PhotoHaus Gallery. I was very relieved to see that all my photos actually turned out. It was also very interesting to see all the different interpretations by all the other photographers on the 12 themes that we were given. There were a lot of common elements used but each had its own nuances. Everyone who went to the show were encouraged to be their own judges and to pick their favourite among the 60 exhibits and submit their ballets. I wonder if anyone actually spotted the number 29 in the tile mosaic that I submitted for the first theme that was your entry number plus a different angle. If you missed the show you can still see all the contestants photos now in an online gallery. The winners of each theme received canvas prints and the overall best picture, best theme and best series winners got their prints mounted on aluminum, how cool is that. I'm already thinking about what to do next year. Here's some shots from the exhibit.

Morten making his way through the crowd to start the announcements for the evening.

12x12 Vancouver Photo Marathon 2011

The rules are simple. 12 Hours, 12 Themes and 12 Exposures. ON FILM! Last year I found out about the Vancouver Photo Marathon but unfortunately I was too late at the time to register. This year was different and when the time for online registration was opened I was busy mashing the refresh button on the website and lo and behold I got in. I was going to be one of sixty lucky participants this year and I was thrilled. I dusted off my Canon Rebel film camera and tested it out with a roll of film which ironically I still have yet to develop so I went on faith that all would be good. I knew that on the day of the event that one roll with 12 exposures would be handed out to each participant so you'd have one shot per theme and you need to shoot it in the order that the themes are presented. Must not mess up! As the day unfolded and the themes were announced at the top of every hour I quickly realized that there was not only a huge element of creativity required but also a matter of logistics. How far can you go away from the meeting spot and get back to it and find your subject to photograph? Sometimes I would find something within a few blocks and within the first half hour. Then there were a few challenging themes that really had me creatively struggling. I didn't want to fall behind so I kept pace with one theme per hour and must admit that I compromised on a few shots with ideas that didn't exactly feel great. In the end I was pleased to have finished and each person got a big cheer as they handed in their roll of film. It was a great experience that I will definitely do again next year.

On September 25th all of the photos from all 60 participants will be on display at PhotoHaus Gallery at the Vancouver Photo Workshops: 14 West 7th Ave, Vancouver. It will also be the first time that the participants get to see them so it's going to be exciting.

Here are the 12 Themes and brief description of what I did for them and the P or L in brackets denotes whether I shot it landscape or portrait.

1. My entry number plus different angle - blue tile mosaic "29" (L)

2. The usual suspects - a group of four old guys (L)

3. Human Nature - lemonade stand sour faces (L)

4. Reliable - three firemen in front of fire truck (P)

5. My greatest wish - big yacht (L)

6. Odour - two fish heads (P)

7. Echo - Christine shouting under bridge (P)

8. Trapped - mannequin behind glass (P)

9. Take it to the grave - picture of guy in antique store (P)

10. Second chance - group of VPD prepping (L)

11. Not for sale - old mansion (L)

12. Expectation - girl looking into illuminated box labelled Top Secret