rebecca leach

new self

2011-04-13T00:05:00.000-07:00

portrait that is. had not shot anything in a while, then BAM three shoots in a week. i'm still editing. my eyes hurt. i'm watching movies from the 90's. i need sleep. i like the yellowy tinge in this photo though, and my shoes that i got at opening ceremony in nyc last month.

oh... did i forget to mention?

IM GETTING A NEW WEBSITE!

i know, i know, its way way overdue. but seriously, you know its bad when you don't want to give out your card anymore. well, at least im getting rehabilitated.

an old shoot

2011-02-14T09:43:00.000-08:00

Found and fixed up a photo of Tyson taken a while ago - this was shot in my old studio and I had completely forgotten about it until I found it hiding at the back of my external hard drive.

This empty room

2011-02-12T09:20:00.000-08:00

It's been a while. Photos I took of my old apartment in Ottawa

All images © Rebecca Leach 2011

Cuba

2010-03-10T18:11:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my wonderfully amazing parents, I recently had the opportunity to take a week long vacation in Cuba with my family. I had a wonderful time sitting in the sun, and shooting whatever and whenever I felt like it. I brought my digital camera and my hasselblad and ended up shooting 6 rolls of provia f which I have developed but not yet scanned. So for now I only have one image to show you, and ironically I did not take this photo, Julio did.

Julio worked on the beach that we went to, and we bonded with him right away. This shot was taken on our last day.. Tori and I had gone on a walk to the beach in attempts of getting the most out of our last few hours in cuba- I had been taking a photo when houleo ran into us and chatted for a bit. He thought my camera looked pretty funny, and for some reason I deemed him worthy of not only holding my baby but taking a photo with it as well. I explained as best I could how to focus and take the photo, and this is the result- I actually like the fact that its blurry.

I realized recently that if anything were to happen to me or my family, there wouldn't be any photos of us and our everyday lives. Since going to school for photography, I have begun to look at every photo technically, examining the pose, the lighting, the overall composition. Because of this, taking a snapshot on auto has been cut out of my life. Almost like gargling with salt water - I just cant do it. Because of that I feel like I might be missing out on something that is so important - documenting my family.

My parents wont be around forever, and one of my biggest fears is not having them in my life. But when that day comes, and I have to turn to photos to remember those hilarious quirky situations that my family always seems to get themselves into - I want to know that I took advantage of every situation, and to not just remember the good times, but see them on paper. preferably luster.

So stay tuned, I hope that this ramble will not just be a ramble- and that I will take advantage of the opportunity I have just created for myself to change my ways for the better. For my own sake, I hope I preform.

Siren

2010-02-23T19:42:00.000-08:00

This is my uncle's dog, Siren.

Siren is a german shepherd, and the eldest of 4 dogs. I am not sure exactly how old he is, but he is old enough to have arthritis in his hips and have trouble walking. I never really gave much thought as to why my uncle always had german shepherds until I came home one night and my mother told me that my uncle's house had burnt to the ground. After the firecrew arrived and got my cousin (who was home alone) to a safe place, Siren went nuts running around from the front door to the garage to the back door, trying to get into the house. This dog was trying so hard to get inside that the fire crew had to chain him to the fire truck, and it took more then one guy. Siren sensed danger and had to protect his people. After the fire, Siren came and lived with us for a weekend.

Bianca

2010-02-23T17:28:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago Bianca and I got together again and did another photo shoot. The results? WOW - This girl is going somewhere.

Thank you so much Seema and Chris for makeup and styling!

All Images © Rebecca Leach 2010

My olympic office

2010-02-22T17:07:00.000-08:00

hello all,

since the olympics started on the 12th, I have slowly started to move my things down into the livingroom here at my parents house where conveniently, there is a brand new hdtv which is perfect for watching the games :). I didnt really notice the extent of my relocation untill I hauled my scanner down on sunday and set it up on the last empty table space - here are two shots from my new "office"

a birthday cake

2010-02-21T09:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Thomas's birthday, and being the nerds that we are, we decided to make a ricecrispie cake... in the shape of a HASSELBLAD!!!!!!!!!!! Here are a few photos documenting the making of the cake, and the final result :)

portrait of the Artist - February 19

2010-02-18T19:41:00.000-08:00

hello all,

if you are looking for something to do this friday, Arts and Architecture is having a vernissage for their latest show, Portrait of the artist

I along with other alumni and students from Algonquin am showing my latest self portrait, and it would be great to have your support! Among the list of contributers is Thomas Dagg, Jessica Deeks, and Scott Keown.

The vernissage is from 7-10, and is on until february 28th if you cant make it tomorrow!

Arts and Architecture is at 1181 bank street

Bianca

2010-02-09T22:11:00.000-08:00

I did a test shoot with Bianca from Barrett Palmer Models right before christmas, and I have got to say, not only does this girl have killer talent, she is one of the most genuine people I have ever met - big thanks to her and her parents for taking the time to do a test shoot on a saturday afternoon :)

new new new

2010-01-24T22:18:00.000-08:00

Hello all, and happy belated new year!

Last year ended with a bang - literally, and my computer was the victim! Poor mac is fixed now, and I have finally got the time to update this thing!

At the beginning of September I shot the campaign for Fashion Cures A La Mode, a 4 day charity event in support of ovarian cancer. I shot the event this past November for a number of designers showcasing at the event. Here are a few shots from some of the runway shows.

Other work related news - I shot my first two page ad!!! The Loft hired me to shoot their two page ad of their newly renovated (and absolutely stunning) hair salon for the latest print issue of Guerilla Magazine and for the loft's website. The reno was not fully complete so I will be shooting next week to get the images ready for their website. Keep an eye out for an update on this one - In the meantime, here is the ad!!!

all images © Rebecca Leach 2009

So...

2009-12-01T19:10:00.000-08:00

I know it has been quite some time since my last post - things have been busy. VERY busy!! I dont have time for a huge update just yet, but I did want to take the time to mention a few things that I think are extremely important. This time of year is extremely stressful for all of us - and I find that right now more then ever, our help is needed all over the world. For example....

Unicef. if you are gift giving this season - give something worthwhile. Children and families in conflict areas around the world need our help now more then ever - and it feels extremely rewarding to know that you are making a difference.

the other important issue that I need to bring up is Climate Change. I have copied/pasted some information about Copenhagen from the Seal The Deal website.

The UN-led Seal the Deal Campaign aims to galvanize political will and public support for reaching a comprehensive global climate agreement in Copenhagen in December.

Climate change affects us all. Nine out of every ten disasters recorded are now climate related. Rising temperatures and more frequent floods, droughts and storms affect millions of people’s lives. This is set against a backdrop of financial and food insecurity.

On December 7, governments will gather in Copenhagen, Denmark to respond to one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. The main question will be how protect the planet and create a green economy that will lead to long-term prosperity

Reaching a deal by the time the meeting ends on December 18 will depend not only on complex political negotiations, but also on public pressure from around the globe.

The United Nations has launched “Seal the Deal” campaign that encourages users to sign an online, global petition which will be presented by civil society to governments of the world.

The petition will serve as a reminder that our leaders must negotiate a fair, balanced and effective agreement in Copenhagen, and that they must seal a deal to power green growth, protect our planet and build a more sustainable, prosperous global economy that will benefit all nations and people

This is something that will effect all of us unless otherwise dealt with. I know you have thought about it - but have you actually done anything? Here is your chance.

Tyson

2009-11-15T14:36:00.000-08:00

in my last year at Algonquin I shot many botched attempts at food photography. While trying to being creative, I came up with the idea of outfitting my lovely model Tyson in some candy accessories. The hair and the makeup were absolutely perfect, but unfortunately I was still trying to figure out how to light images, and this shoot was a complete failure on my part. Lesson learned!

Here is one of the images

FASHION CURES A LA MODE

2009-10-31T23:56:00.000-07:00

at the beginning of september I shot the campaign for Fashion CURES a la mode, a 4 day charity event in support of the ovarian cancer society.

Fashion CURES a la mode has been designed both to raise money for Ovarian Cancer Canada and to increase the awareness of the disease. This event will enable people from the nation's capital and surrounding areas to become better educated about a disease that impacts women specifically, but touches their friends and families as well. A percentage of the event proceeds raised through sponsorship and ticket sales will be donated to Ovarian Cancer Canada.

I had a great time shooting this campaign, and I would like to thank a few people who were involved in this shoot; Brent, thank you so much for assisting me on this shoot! Jefferson Sukhoo, for Supplying the outfits, Bruno, Alexis, and Natalie from Le SPA, for doing the hair, makeup, and offering a space for us to shoot in! Benjamin R.Prentice for filming the video of the shoot, which is now posted on the event website, our two amazing models, Patricia from Barrett Palmer, and Kaitlyn from Angies, and last but not least Rania, who has created this entire event, and who has spent countless days and nights preparing for its grand opening THIS WEDNESDAY. Rania, thank you so much!!!

Here are the images from the campaign, and DONT FORGET TO COME TO THE EVENT! to see the schedule - click here!

Portrait of the Artist - February 19

2009-10-28T21:53:00.000-07:00

hello all,

if you are looking for something to do this friday, Arts and Architecture is having a vernissage for their latest show, Portrait of the artist

The vernissage is from 7-10, and is on until february 28th if you cant make it tomorrow!

Arts and Architecture is at 1181 bank street

The Dinner Jacket

2009-10-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

Last month, I shot my first ever beauty shoot for The Dinner Jacket Magazine. Ashley had contacted me and asked if I would be interested in participating in their October Issue - Hurts So Good. I should have posted about this weeks ago, but things have been absolutely crazy as of late. So here we are at long last

FUTURE BLOOD

Tragedy

2009-09-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

As I was preparing for a beauty shoot that I will be doing for The Dinner Jacket Magazine this evening, I came across some of my older tare sheets that inspired me while I was in school. My favorite tare to date, is a beauty shoot that was shot by Hamish Kippen in 2008.

I decided to look up his website to see what he has been doing lately, only to find out that on October 21, 2008, Hamish Kippen passed away. He was only 21 years of age. I am deeply saddened by this turn of events, to loose someone so young, so creative, and bound for success in our industry has left me shaken.

An exhibition featuring his work will be held from October 2nd-October 31 2009 at The Great Hall Gallery, 1087 Queen St West (at Dovercourt) in Toronto.

Along with the exhibition - a book has been published by his family and friends, and will be launched at the exhibition this Friday, October 2nd.

I have attached the original tare that first caught my eye in August 2008, as well as some of Hamish's other work. He truly was amazing.

Self Portrait

2009-09-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

Last night I shot a self portrait of myself for the first time in ages... I was a little out of it after having such a crazy week, but I think it depicts my mindset quite well for the moment

I will post a big update asap - things have been crazy busy lately and I am drowning in post production!! but hey - Im not complaining!

TRASH: REVISITED

2009-09-21T21:32:00.000-07:00

TRASH: REVISITED is THIS Friday - and I am in it along with 40+ other artists!!!

So PLEASE!!!!!! Dont miss it!!!!!!!!!!!!

booze, art, live music, cool people!

301 BANK 7-11pm

thanks!!!

ROBERTO DUTESCO

2009-09-13T18:29:00.000-07:00

Just watched the most amazing documentary on fashion photographer Roberto Dutesco who in 2008 went to Sable Island to photograph wild horses. you can look/buy his prints here

Documentary can be found here

If you are in New York City, you should check out his permanent collection at 13 Crosby Street, New York, NY, 10013

Gallery Hours
Tuesday-Saturday: 11AM-8PM
Sunday: 12PM-6PM
Monday: By Appointment Only
Phone: 212.219.9622

Magida

2009-09-08T16:52:00.000-07:00

photo walks are fun!!

Brendy

2009-08-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

My friend Brendy asked me to shoot an outdoor show at his house a few weeks ago, as soon as I arrived so did the rain - but that didnt stop anyone from having fun...

all images © Rebecca Leach 2009

Shane

2009-08-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

ALL IMAGES © Rebecca Leach 2009

REMI

2009-08-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

new and old

2009-07-30T14:23:00.001-07:00

I recently received a new old camera, and I am in love with it! He is a Hawk-Eye by Eastman Kodak from 1926 and he takes 120 film! His name is Ron. I named him after the wonderful friend that gave me this camera.

yesterday I went to pick up some expired 35mm film from a lady in ottawa - she invited me into her apartment and I must say, not only is this woman extremely creative, she is overwhelmingly generous. I walked in to pick up film, and left with three film cameras, and three lenses. I am going to shoot her current art project in the next month - she could be the next andy warhol!

Among the lenses in the photos, I also received a fixed 135mm, fixed 35mm, fixed 50mm, and a tele-converter.

please excuse the softness of the photos- my hands are shaky today!

all images © Rebecca Leach 2009

update update update

2009-06-18T18:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I have just finished scanning 700 slides for my neighbor, and I must say- I NEVER want to scan anything again.

After a huge battle with my brand new Epson V500, I had to bring it back into Henrys and exchange it for another new one, which I am also having trouble with. Alas, this seems to be an ongoing trend between myself and technology these days. for example, I have acquired three different iPhones this month, all replacements.

I recently got a job at ArtZooks.com - I am a photo shoot coordinator for their stock site -Stockfoundry.com, I have my first shoot with them next week, it should be very interesting.

Aside from that not too much has been happening, have a few jobs in the works, weddings, promos, headshots, ect. I was also asked to show my work at a charity event in November for ovarian cancer, very exciting!

I have been shooting allot lately and have been experimenting more with photoshop, trying different techniques. I have posted some pictures at the bottom, so you can take a look at what I am talking about.

My home studio is going quite well, we are gutting the room this weekend, then I will paint. I have my printer set up in there, and tomorrow I will add my scanner into the mix - I also have a wonderful white 3ft roll paper set up, Pictures of mini studio soon!

BED!

2009-06-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

for some reason, after assisting for 10 hours, getting a mean sunburn on my shoulders and only 4 hours of sleep, I am so hyper that I cant sit straight! I found out that tomorrow I have to give back the hassleblad that I have been borrowing tomorrow so in a panic, I decided I NEEDED to shoot! the outcome, I believe, is something that could be REALLY cool. here is a shot I took with my D700, its my lightmeter!

MANY more updates to come, but I have just crashed, and I do not want to wake up drooling on my keyboard tomorrow morning! see ya!

forgotten shots, and weather

2009-05-31T13:43:00.000-07:00

I was going through my computer today and found some shots I had forgotten about. I think I may buy a fruit tree some day.. because clearly I love shooting them! hahaha I remember a few years ago the weather network had a commercial advertising canadian tourism. the catch phrase was "don't like the weather? wait 15 minutes". Today was a prime example of how ridiculous the weather can be, especially for spring! I woke up and it was sunny, by noon it was pouring and had started to hail a bit, by 1 it was sunny (again), and by 3 it was raining (again) and hailing (.... again). I was looking out the window right before it started and was able to watch the storm cover my street. when the hail was finished hailing, I got some pretty cool shots! By the way, its sunny again.

My Sister - and ELLE Canada

2009-05-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

I cant hold it in any longer!

My sister was one of the models on the second season of Project Runway Canada and her designer WON the competition! and she is now on the COVER of ELLE Canada!!!!!

Isn't she beautiful?!

Lucia and Ella

2009-05-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

So last week I shot Ella and Lucia on the path by my house. Overall the shoot went well but it was VERY buggy. Near the end of the shoot I was hiding under the hood of my jacket, occasionally swatting at my own face... I was extremely fortunate to have two models with such a large variety of clothes, and a ton of patience while they froze their butts off waiting for the lighting to be set up! Here are a few shots from the shoot, used an SB800 and my reflector to light it. Enjoy!

Weddings

2009-05-20T11:07:00.001-07:00

I thought I would upload a preview of my wedding album which will be up on my website in the fall.

Enjoy!

ahhh reflector!

2009-05-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

So last week I bought a 5 in 1 32" reflector and started playing - I think I may be in love! I always thought a reflector's purpose was only for portraiture but I have found so many ways to make use of my lovely new toy. I have a horrible habit of keeping flowers far past their expiration date, so I thought I would make use of the flowers, and show you the difference my wonderful reflector can make. :)

is three really a crowd?

2009-05-11T20:21:00.000-07:00

I went for a bike ride on the Trans Canada Trail today and scouted some locations for a few upcoming shoots. I had a great time. Just me, my ipod, and my camera - we're all best friends you see, and I have decided that three is not always a crowd.... Get where I'm going with this? :)

2009-05-10T14:07:00.001-07:00

Hello

2009-05-10T13:57:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since my last post, so I thought I would update you on what I have been doing in the past few months.

I completed my final portfolio for school and received a mark that I was not expecting – an A. Everyone said that receiving the same mark both years of the program was near impossible, but I did it. And its not the A that makes me deliriously happy, it’s the consistency.

Looking back at my first day seems almost surreal. I had no idea what I was doing– I didn’t even know how to shoot manually. Now two years later I am graduating with a wealth of knowledge and a humble dose of confidence that will carry me into the next chapter of my life knowing that I have the ability to create something worth while.

My second major accomplishment in the last few months was my second gallery showing. We held our annual exhibition at the ADOBE building this year and I must say – it was fantastic! So many people came out that our giant room was almost full!

The exhibition was one of the best nights of my life. To see all of my fellow students together for the last time was wonderful, and left me slightly nostalgic. The most memorable moment was the awards ceremony when they announced the winner of the SLIK Portfolio Award, which is given to the student who has demonstrated the highest level of creativity and technical proficiency in photography. When my name was called, the tunnel vision began.

The past two years have changed me in so many ways. I have found something that completes me, and I will never be alone as long as I have my camera by my side.

So what’s my game plan - what am I going to do with my life now that I am finished school? I am going to shoot as much as possible. I have an exhibition in the works right now with a gallery on Wellington. Were looking at the end of June beginning of July.

I plan to shoot, edit, print, matte, and frame a whole exhibition by myself. I probably should be horrified right now, but strangely enough I am more then excited to begin this giant project. I will keep you all updated on what’s happening and when the final date will be.

Meanwhile – Here are a few shots from my award winning (God I love the sound of that) Portfolio and also from the Exhibition. ENJOY!

2009-05-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

2009-02-26T13:45:00.001-08:00

This past weekend I shot my digital composite for school. My model cancelled on me so I had to stand in... :)

2009-02-02T08:57:00.001-08:00

I have recently been working on my self portrait for school, so I thought I would you a little sneek peak! enjoy :D

Remi Theriault

2009-01-23T13:26:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I had the pleasure of shooting another Ottawa photographer,

Remi Theriault. He was very humorous throughout the shoot

and was absolutely wonderful to work with! Check out his blog:

http://remitheriault.blogspot.com/

2009-01-17T16:52:00.000-08:00

I was playing around with my camera today, and snapped a picture of myself as the sun was setting outside my bathroom window. I liked what the light did to the photograph, giving it a barren almost silent look. I created two mini sets of self portraits that I really like.

Promos

2009-01-16T09:01:00.000-08:00

While I was staying in Salt Lake City I did a number of promotional pictures for a few bands;

Orbs (www.myspace.com/orbsband)

MuscleHawk (www.myspace.com/musclehawk)

Kid Madusa (www.myspace.com/kidmadusa)

Here are a few of the Promos...

oh my..

2009-01-08T18:35:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry to have abandoned you for a few weeks, This past month has been absolutely insane, with touring, and being in Salt Lake City for christmas and new years. I was without internet while in Salt Lake, so I apologize for the delay!

The show in LA was probably Fear Before's best show (minus the house party) but unfortunately

something happened between Heavy and the Venue, and Heavy was unable to play that night. The Knitting Factory was a pretty neat Venue. They had two rooms with two stages, so two shows were playing that night, and I got to shoot These Arms Are Snakes, A good friend of Fear Before. They were very interesting to shoot, and I think I got some of my best photos all tour of them.

Here are some photos of Fear Before, These Arms Are Snakes, and DR MANHATTAN.

2008-12-15T14:10:00.000-08:00

We have been in San Diego for the past two or three days now, and I must say, I think we are all still recovering from the show last night.

we played at a guys house named Tory, he and his friends were really cool and this was the first of the three house-shows that they played this tour that wasn't shut down by the cops! at one point there was a scare but the cop that came was looking for someone who was apparently starting trouble in the neighborhood.

The best part about last night was not only the crowd but also the fact that the only bands playing were the ones on this tour, which means longer set times. The show started around 7-730 and didn't end until 1 am, after Fear Before finished a bunch of the guys from each band just started jamming together and just having a good time. This was the best show I have been to hands down, I was pushed around by the crowd allot but you could tell that they were all enjoying it so much! everybody had a smile on their face and I was lucky enough to have Andrew from Heavy Heavy Low Low watching my back while Fear was playing, and a few guys from the crowd were holding off the drunk moshers.

I still can not get over the crowd last night, maybe it was the free beer, or the energy of your favorite band playing in your living-room, but they went wild! there were a few kids that were actually thrown into the drum kit and adams guitar equipment. All in all this was the best night i have had in months.

I have over 500 photos to get through from last night, so photos will be up soon

2008-12-13T18:48:00.000-08:00

Made it to phoenix safely, after almost missing both of my flights. I got up at 4 am to get to the airport and had to flat out run to my gate, as my name was being announced over the PA system. just as they were about to close the door, I fly around the corner yelling "Im here! Im here!" clearly the other passengers waiting for flights found this amusing and one of them called out "have a safe flight rebecca!" Needless to say, my first encounter flying alone was quite stressful.

As soon as I arrived in Phoenix I was picked up by Fear Before and we hit up a mexican fast food place, I believe it was called Filberto's mexican cuisine. Once we made our stop we were on our way through the dusty desert terrain of Arizona, finally arriving in Barstow, California around 6pm. By the time DR Manhattan played I had been awake for 17 hours and wasn't feeling all that great, I contemplated the idea of not shooting, but the thought of flying all the way across the country to pass up this opportunity made me think twice, and the photos I ended up with turned out awesome. keep in mind these have not been edited!

2008-12-06T11:59:00.000-08:00

Hello all! This is my first ever post!

As promised to Christine, and a few others, I plan on tracking my progress as I go on tour with Fear Before, and Heavy Heavy Low Low from Arizona and through California! as I will be out of the country it may take me a little while to update but I will try my best!!

Stay tuned!!!

rebecca leach

new self

an old shoot

This empty room

Cuba

Siren

Bianca

My olympic office

a birthday cake

portrait of the Artist - February 19

Bianca

new new new

So...

Tyson

FASHION CURES A LA MODE

Portrait of the Artist - February 19

The Dinner Jacket

Tragedy

Self Portrait

TRASH: REVISITED

ROBERTO DUTESCO

Magida

Brendy

Shane

REMI

new and old

update update update

BED!

forgotten shots, and weather

My Sister - and ELLE Canada

Lucia and Ella

Weddings

ahhh reflector!

is three really a crowd?

Here are the two images I showed at my second gallery showing - All images © Rebecca Leach 2009

Hello

portfolio 2009 All images © Rebecca Leach 2009

Remi Theriault

Promos

oh my..