AILSA DYSON PHOTOGRAPHY

2012-01-05T22:23:00.001-06:00

Images from this shoot featuring Joan V have been highlighted in an upcoming Steampunk hardcover book, as well as promo for Hungover Empire alternative clothing shop in Winnipeg, Canada.

Headshots

2011-09-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

Headshots are essential if you want to be taken seriously in the business. If you're a performer of any kind, a fresh unique Headshot will get you noticed.

The Fabulous Miss Rosie Bitts - At the Winnipeg Fringe Festival!

2011-09-22T02:51:00.001-05:00

Lucky me, I got to photograph The Fabulous Miss Rosie Bitts performing her brand new show at the 2011 Winnipeg Fringe Fest!

In Plain View [Winnipeg Artists Studio Tour]

2011-06-04T02:49:00.013-05:00

My studio, which is part of this tour, is located in cre8ery gallery. I will have my door open from 12-5 to the public, Saturday and Sunday, June 4 and 5. If anyone is interested in stopping by Cre8ery at, 2nd floor, 125 Adelaide St., in the Exchange District, I'll have an array of framed and unframed prints for view and sale. Above is an example of some of the framed prints on display.
Links: IN PLAIN VIEW HERE, CRE8ERY HERE

Booking sessions in my Exchange District Studio

2011-05-30T02:25:00.030-05:00

Some of my photos from a session in the studio with the absolutely wonderful, Joan Nakamoto, international alternative model.

I have been renting studio space at Cre8ery since March 1, 2011. Cre8ery Gallery and Studios is located at 125 Adelaide street in the Exchange District, Winnipeg, Canada.

If you are interested in doing a studio portrait session, please contact me for details.

Here is the link to my feature page at: Cre8ery.com

USS at the Royal Albert, Winnipeg - Canadian Tour 2011

2011-05-28T03:19:00.027-05:00

On May 19, 2011, TO band, USS [Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker] played a wild yet intimate show that felt more like a private party at the Albert in Winnipeg. Was super fun to witness and be apart of. What a great night it happened to be.

The Uniter - Winnipeg's Weekly Urban Journal

2011-02-08T02:04:00.013-06:00

This week my image of hardcore band, Under Pressure was chosen to front the cover of The Uniter, Winnipeg's weekly urban journal.
The cover story is in support of the new book, Call * Response, Present, Past & Beyond, Vol.1 which celebrates Winnipeg's underground music scene, past and present, with proceeds going towards Kids Help Phone.

Call * Response - Present, Past & Beyond, Vol. 1

2011-02-05T01:25:00.010-06:00

A new book celebrating the underground music scene in Winnipeg has just been launched. Call * Response - Present, Past & Beyond, Vol. 1, spans the early days of punk and hardcore music, to the thriving music scene of today. Early images of DOA and Dead Kennedys are showcased amongst new images of bands like Propagandhi and Public Enemy. I have 5 images in the book, displayed above. Proceeds from the sale of each copy will go to Kids Help Phone. The goal of the project is to raise at least $10,000 with a minimum of $10.00 from the sale of each book going towards helping Canada's only 24 hour phone and online professional counseling service for youth.

Public Enemy

2011-02-02T03:08:00.022-06:00

It was an absolute honour to shoot Public Enemy's show in Winnipeg at the Garrick Centre [2010]. Chuck D and Flavor Flav performed the entire 'Fear of a Black Planet' album in support of their 20th anniversary tour. Below is a link to Guttersnipe News where you'll find a brilliant review of the show by Eugene Osudar and a complete photo album of my images to accompany.
PUBLIC ENEMY for GUTTERSNIPE NEWS
PLAY LIST:
contract on the world love jam
brothers gonna work it out
911 is a joke
incident at 66.6 fm
welcome to the terrordome
meet the G that killed me
show em watcha got
bring the noise
don’t believe the hype
cold lampin with Flavor
Terminator X to the edge
anti-nigger machine
burn hollywood burn
power to the people
DJ Dynamite Lord
who stole the soul
can’t do nuttin’ for you man
shut em down
can’t truss it
rebel without a pause
arizona
fight the power

Flickr finally

2010-11-20T16:07:00.007-06:00

For 2 years my Flickr account sat empty. I have finally filled it up with images that are all available for special order in any size!

Send me an email if you'd like my price list and sizes. Available framed/matted, on canvas, or print only, whatever suits you. :)

Here is the link to my: FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Thanks for visiting!

f/action presents Made in China

2010-06-05T04:11:00.013-05:00

Winnipeg photo collective, f/action (who I am one quarter of) opened Made in China at the Cre8ery Gallery on June 3rd, 2010.
I am providing a LINK HERE to f/action's blog to see additional photo documentation of last night's opening thanks to Gabrielle. Thank you to everyone who came last night and if you haven't seen the show yet, please try to make it down to the cre8ery, 2nd flr, 125 Adelaide st, Winnipeg, before Tuesday night.

f/action's members are, Duncan McNairnay, Dallas Ludwick, Gabrielle Touchette and myself. This show is our 4th since we formed 2 years ago. To mark our 2 year anniversary, we have opened our show Made in China, which has been two years in the making. We are all very proud and happy for one another for producing such a diverse body of work with such ease.

Gallery hours:
Saturday June 5th, noon-5pm
Sunday June 6th, noon-5pm
Monday June 7th, 6pm-10pm
Tuesday June 8th, noon-5pm

USS [Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker]

2010-04-01T00:27:00.019-05:00

For Guttersnipe News
We shoot and we shoot and we shoot and we shoot, and every once in a while the mother of all shots happens for us. I photograph live music more than anything else these days, and the other night I captured one of these shots while documenting Toronto duo, USS [Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker]. It is the first shot here of Jason Parsons [aka Human Kebab] - master turntablist extraordinaire, with his mic cord making a perfect loop around his head. Talk about a synergy moment. I'm also including a few of my other favorite shots from the show which include Ash Boo-Schultz, vocals/guitarist - lyrical genius. Definitely my favorite show to shoot to date. USS played to the West End Cultural Centre in Winnipeg on March 23, and have won the honour of being my favorite new band. Here is the link to their myspace so you can listen for yourself!
Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker on Myspace

Intervals - Time & Space

2009-12-09T10:21:00.011-06:00

My photo collective f/action, celebrated our second event, INTERVALS on December 4 & 5 '09. This is my piece from the show which was based on the theme of time & space (please click on the image to enlarge it).

A synopsis:
In spacetime, the separation between two events is measured by the interval between these events. The length of such an interval is based on time and space. Photography suspends matter in which light makes possible. Without light, photography can not exist. Without matter time does not exist. Because there is no physical interaction between time and matter, time does not actually exist in reality. Photographs suspend time and space into a physical element creating a material reality for time to exist.

Rose Folds

2009-12-08T23:55:00.010-06:00

These are images I took of Melissa McClelland at the West End Cultural Centre in Winnipeg last month for guttersnipeconcerts.com. My favorite shots from the show are these lovely details of her gorgeous vintage dress. This typical live performance shoot was unexpectedly transformed into a fashion shoot of sorts thanks to her wonderful rose folds.

The Terribles

2009-12-01T23:23:00.009-06:00

I shot the Terribles promo stills recently for their upcoming release. The band is based out of Winnipeg and will be debuting their first recording some time in the new year. I couldn't have asked for a better location or day which was filled with glorious golden sunshine. My subjects made the entire project an absolute pleasure to create.

Exorcising Ginger

2009-10-17T23:08:00.009-05:00

From Exorcising Ginger

I am a member of a photo collective called f/action. This is my piece from our first group exhibition that we held on October 9 '09. To view the whole composition please click on the image, you will then be re-directed to view it full frame.
Also here is the link to f/action's brand new website: http://www.fslashaction.com

Flogging Molly

2009-10-15T00:15:00.005-05:00

I have been quite busy shooting shows for Guttersnipeconcerts.com
These photos are of Flogging Molly at the Burton Cummings Theatre in Winnipeg.

Lee Harvey Osmond

2009-10-10T00:43:00.013-05:00

This was an amazing band that blew me away, Lee Harvey Osmond at the West End Cultural Centre in Winnipeg. What I love about shooting for guttersnipe is I am introduced to incredible new music. This is a band worth checking out.

Elliott Brood

2009-10-03T03:12:00.009-05:00

Canada's Elliott Brood shot for Guttersnipe in Winnipeg at the West End Cultural Centre.

Ani Difranco

2009-09-25T14:08:00.017-05:00

I had the great pleasure of shooting Ani Difranco at The Burton Cummings Theatre for guttersnipe this past Saturday evening.
What a fiercely energetic guitarist Ani is! I am not surprised in the slightest that I heard someone yell out "Ani, you're my hero" from the audience, those who love Ani truly adore her!

White Cowbell Oklahoma

2009-09-24T14:21:00.005-05:00

Another guttersnipe assignment, this time for White Cowbell Oklahoma at The Royal Albert. This band is such a wild thing to witness; from chainsaws to free pouring Jägermeister down the throats of willing audience members, t'was a night of mayhem indeed!

Guttersnipe Shows

2009-09-23T23:46:00.029-05:00

Trampled by Turtles
Wind Whistles Magnificent 7s Christina Martin
The Phenomenauts The Job Romi Mayes & Weber Bros.Marty Stuart

I have in recent months been recruited to accompany Eugene Osudar to shows that he reviews for guttersnipenews.com.
My photos can be found in and amongst the Winnipeg Rag segment. Here are some images from some of the gigs I've had the pleasure of shooting so far.

Carnival

2009-07-04T21:12:00.016-05:00

It was my first time ever going to the Red River Ex in Winnipeg this year. It was quite tame and tolerable compared to the Calgary Stampede; the fair I grew up going to (which just started yesterday in Cowtown).
We had a blast braving the Mega Drop; a 140 ft straight drop to the ground. I'm glad I was able to convey the fun in a few shots.

Sunset Beach

2009-07-01T15:14:00.020-05:00

I went to Grand Beach on Lake Winnipeg for the first time last week with my fellow photog colleagues. Despite being eating alive by mosquitoes it was a very successful photo journey!

And Happy Canada day eh ;)

Masquerade

2009-07-01T01:23:00.014-05:00

I had the opportunity to accompany Elaine Halpert [photography] to shoot the dress rehearsal for Momentum Performance Troupe's - Masquerade. Here are a few of my favorite shots.

All images ©Ailsa Dyson for Elaine Halpert photography

Spring has Sprung!

2009-04-09T20:10:00.010-05:00

My sweet Momma who lives in Calgary sent me this bouquet of flowers for my birthday. What a treat to have flowers delivered to my door.
I documented them for her since she wasn't going to be able to enjoy seeing them.

I think we can breathe a sigh of relief that spring has finally sprung this year!

Portraits

2009-03-07T18:23:00.011-06:00

The type of images that truly move me are those with people in them.
Capturing those subtle human expressions can leave the viewer with an altogether memorable impression.

Live Performance

2009-03-02T10:17:00.015-06:00

Photographing bands is my happy place.
Another reason I love living in Winnipeg; the live music scene here is fiercely alive!

Venetian Snares Live in Winnipeg

2009-02-26T14:17:00.019-06:00

Artist Aaron Funk aka Venetian Snares at the Royal Albert Arms in Winnipeg -
January 30 2009.

My New Business Card!

2009-02-21T22:43:00.003-06:00

[Back]I picked my new business cards up from the printer yesterday. I am pretty pleased with them. The best part is the extra thick silk stock they were printed on!

My Blog Made the London Observer!

2009-02-12T22:16:00.018-06:00

I have a friend, Gordie Agar, who lives in London, England. My husband has known him for 20+ years. Gordie works for the Observer Newspaper which did a segment about Facebook this past week. The photo editor asked Gordie if she could "grab" his facebook page for a pic in the article. At the same time said photo editor "grabbed" his page, MY status just HAPPENED to be on display which included THIS very blog address!! See for yourself (it's in the bottom left corner, but I've blown it up to see better). OK so it's painfully small, but it's London for F$%K sakes!!
Like they say, no press is bad press and bad press is better than no press at all!

www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=56406919873

South of Pop

2009-02-03T00:06:00.007-06:00

This photograph is my all time favorite... so far. It encompasses a whimsical sentiment that definitely makes it a very personal piece. It was taken in the window of my favorite building in Winnipeg's China Town; a landmark building which has recently been "prettied up" since this photo was taken. The Pacific Ave building was visited by Dr Sun Yat-sen in the early 20th century where he carved a calligraphy sign that still hangs over the entrance to the building (I have a similar style image of a detail of this sign in my Photo School Pt 2 entry [last photo]). One of the empty shop windows used to have this pic-a-pop sign and a bunch of other random things tapped to the inside of the window.
I am very proud of the series of shots that I was fortunate enough to get prior to the building being "made-over" (which I will share later on). This particular scene is immortalized in my POP ART rendition of Winnipeg's very own pip-a-pop Institution.

Portrait Making

2009-01-27T23:45:00.009-06:00

I want to share one of my favorite portraits that I've taken along with a few of the unedited shots from the same shoot.
The end product came to fruition through some crafty post-production work; by exercising some simple tricks in Adobe Lightroom, I transformed an ordinary portrait into something sublime. The first 3 are cute and work on a certain level, but once I changed the colour and gave it a warm tone to match the natural warm background, I ended up with something a little out of the ordinary. I also broke one of the first rules in portrait making... never centre your subject!
This image became my favorite of the shoot because all of a sudden it was no longer just a little girl posing for a nice picture; her gaze along with her placement in the frame suggest otherwise and give the viewer more to contemplate.
She is the centre of the world, yet she is all by herself.

Rocky Mountain Wedding

2009-01-26T10:10:00.025-06:00

I am extremely happy to announce a baby girl; first born to my dear friends, Anna & Nick! The photo in my first ever blog is of my close friend Anna at 16 years old. She has always wanted a baby girl, so this is a very lucky and happy day for her indeed! Since the couple live in Australia and I am in Canada, sadly I will not be able to photograph the new bambina :(
I will instead share Anna & Nick's wedding photos which I took. I was the maid of honour so it made for some careful maneuvering! This was the first wedding I shot before I really understood the camera's full potential. I didn't have a digital camera at this time either so it was shot with film on my manual focus SLR. I am still very proud of these shots considering they are almost 3 years old now.
Congratulations on your baby girl my dear close friends, Anna & Nick!!!

[My] Beautiful Manitoba

2009-01-24T16:49:00.040-06:00

I have lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba for 2 and a half years now and the more time I spend here the more I appreciate and love it for its beautiful landscapes, great people and thriving music/art scene (I am originally from Calgary). The city of Winnipeg is graced with rich history and stunning historic architecture & just an hour away, the country is sprawling with white sand beaches that line 100's of kilometers of freshwater lakes.
Where I live; Winnipeg, Canada is a spectacular landscape that continually inspires me. I can hardly wait to see and shoot more, as I've barely cracked the surface.

Photo School Pt. 2

2009-01-21T10:29:00.017-06:00

Here are my favorite un-catagorized shots from the second half of photo school. I will be moving onto genre specific posts next. For example; Landscape, Wedding, Portrait & Performance Art will follow.

Photo School Pt. 1

2009-01-19T19:24:00.045-06:00

I find myself wondering what I should share next. I'd like to get to my recent work, but my analytical nature won't quite let me. Instead I will post my favorite un-categorized shots from the first half of Photography School.

It was 2004

2009-01-13T21:28:00.012-06:00

During my second year at Art College (2004) I was able to start taking some photography courses. I knew at that point that I wanted to use photographs as the base for my fibre work. These are a few of my favorite shots that I took during that year. They are all taken with a manual SLR on black and white 35mm film. I did not have nor did I use a digital camera at this point. I actually didn't purchase my first digital camera until 2007, not until after I had decided to focus on photography entirely.

Art School

2009-01-10T22:49:00.008-06:00

Click the pic to get a large view of all these pieces

I am giving a brief history of where my work has evolved from, so to arrange my blog in a chronological order, I am starting from where my formal training began.
I went to art school while still living in Calgary at the Alberta College of Art and Design for 3 years before moving and receiving my diploma in professional photography at PrairieView School of Photography in Winnipeg, Canada. I would just like to share some of my fine art from this period in my life before I begin posting my recent work which consists solely of photography. After spending the first year of art school completing the obligatory drawing courses, I realized that the fibre department was where I belonged. Fibre arts incorporate materials that consist of natural fibrous materials. I made felt out of wool, paper out of pulp and silk sceened images from emulsified photos onto clothing that I had sewn myself. It was right up my alley.
I do not think, rather, I know I can not draw. It was hugely challenging for me to complete said drawing and painting courses, but I persevered and what I am displaying here is some of the work that came out of those first years of art school.

In the beginning

2009-01-08T01:30:00.015-06:00

I thought I would start by posting the image that sparked my interest for capturing the unseen, thus beginning my career as a visual artist. I was 16 when I took this photograph of my oldest friend, Anna. It is taken with bulk black & white film that I loaded into the film canister, processed and developed myself. Anna and I are 3 months apart and have known each other since birth (our parents are close friends).
It was during our 10th grade art class, that we staged an impromptu photo shoot in the girls washroom of Western Canada High School in Calgary, Alberta. My art teacher did little to encourage or even notice me as an artist causing me to not take it very seriously at the time. Fortunately my father, who is also a fine art photographer, recognized that I too may have the eye. His encouragement and fondness of this photo helped spark my enthusiasm for pursuing a career in photography.

I would like to dedicate this blog to my family and friends who have been such solid support for me over the years; whose constant inspiration helped get me through numerous difficult assignments while still in school. I'm especially thankful to my Mom who has always been there for me, no matter what when or where.