OEFF Tuesday

Sorry, no time to write much, but Tuesday I only got the chance to attend a party in the evening. The guest of honor was the lovely Natalia Verbeke. Wish you were there!

OEFF Monday

Because of regular w*rk, I didn't spend the whole day at the festival today. I went around noon to take pictures during the rehearsal of Cuore, an old Italian silent film to which two pianists played music. After see the rehearsal, I really envied those who could see the whole program. Live music with films is quite an enjoyable experience.

After w*rk, I came back to Hotel Elsereine to attend an Italian aperitivo, with most guests and many spectators present. All enjoyed the hors-d'œuvres and the drinks flowed freely. I met another Québécois, talked with many of the guests and volunteers, and just had a merry ol' time.

OEFF Sunday

On Sunday I covered the events held at the Hotel Elsereine from morning to evening. With different sponsors offering free stuff (free alcoholic drinks before the evening showing), kids events, a symposium, showings with guest Q&A and signing sessions, it certainly was a busy day! But it was all good, friendly (but physically cold!) volunteers helping. I got to the see Ireland's The Guard, which was a pretty funny 'odd paired cops' movie, with philosopher gangsters. It will be shown again this week, don't miss your chance.

OEFF Finland Day and Party

On Saturday I attended the Finland section of the OEFF at the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art. The museum, designed my Ando Tadao, is a must-visit. I'll have to go back another day to visit the collections. Mikko Koivumaa of the Embassy of Finland was in attendance and proved a very friendly conversationalist, especially when we talked about the Montreal Canadiens, of whom he knew quite a bit (he was a fan of Patrick Roy since early).

Two movies were presented, Twisted Roots and Forbidden Fruits, which sadly not so many people came to see. The following party in the museum's restaurant proved more popular, with close to 60 people in attendance. Attracted by Finnish food, the people came out and had a good time, Mr. Koivumaa's open disposition helping. A great day all around.

OEFF Opening Gala

Friday the OEFF kicked off with the Japanese premiere of Wim Wenders' 3D Pina. Sadly I couldn't join the projection, but I didn't join the opening gala after at Hotel Elséreine in Umeda (very beautiful, great food and attentive staff, by the way). Most guests were in attendance (one missed his flight!) and the evening was filled with encounters with new and old faces. I was pretty tired after a long morning jog, but the atmosphere kept me up.

Today I'm off to the Hyogo Prefectural Museum to cover the events around the theme of Finland: two films, followed by a Finnish dinner party. Should be good!

Pina 3D Behind the Scenes

The OEFF has started and since last week you can take a look at the behind the scene pictures of Pina 3D taken by Donata Wenders (wife of Wim Wenders). Great multimedia exhibition held at E-ma, don't miss it if you are in Umeda!

FAM: Final Lesson

Today concluded the first edition of the FAM course (From Auto to Manual Master Mode) with my guinea pigs. We focused on chasing the light from different angles and worked with light modifiers like reflectors and filters. They all learned a lot, we all had a great time, they gave me positive feedback and insightful ideas to improve it, I had them use some the stuff I have and maybe encouraged them to buy some stuff (mostly a polarized filter), so really, there's not much more we could ask for. We finished at a small restaurant by the river where we enjoyed some cold drinks and nice food, including deep-fried boar and deer (maybe would have been better grilled to preserve the taste, but it was good nonetheless)!

Here are some shots I took during the day. Enjoy!

Waiting for the guys at the station (JR Takedao)

Nathan using the rail to get his shot

This lesson was about seeing the light, at the end of the tunnel or not 

While getting our refreshments, beautiful sunset skies

Exploration

The thing I like best about photography is exploration (one of my favorite songs, although not directly related to photography). Of course I haven't been shooting seriously for 20 years, but so far there are still so many things to learn and discover, it's grand. In this way, it mirrors life itself.

The good old creative question 'what if?' is at the center of this process. Sometimes it involves new equipment, but more often it's just using the equipment you already have and trying out new things in new ways.

Anyways, here are three shots (the effects are all in-camera) I took this week that go in that direction. I hope you like them.

Osaka European Film Festival 2011

Well, it's that again, friends, for the Osaka European Film Festival. Once more, don't miss the chance to see quality and challenging movies that are unlikely to make it to the theaters here, except for a few ones. I'll be on location to take pictures as usual, I hope to see you there.

Back From Montreal

At the end of last month I spent two back home in Montreal to present my baby to my parents; they were happy to see and hug him, but they didn't change any diapers. Luckily people other than my biological parents did! It was a great trip, mostly took family pictures, but also some for an eventual Kansai Scene article on my hometown. By the way, in this month's edition of the magazine, I have my Rokko Trail feature: check it out!

I leave you with two abstract shot at a cottage by lake Lyster. Enjoy!