Signature Photos for Edmonton City Hall

Edmonton’s City Hall’s foundation is centred on a pyramid design. Built in 1992, it was one of the first non-conventional designs to seat itself in the downtown core. It is an award-winning design created by famed architect Gene Dub. The city’s communications department called wanting some signature photos for marketing and advertising. They left me in charge of creative withe the only condition that they wanted to have the City Hall photographed at different times of day and locations. It was fun to see how the structure responded to light at different times of day.

Photographing the "Cradle" in Santa Monica for Ball-Nogues

I recently had a chance to shoot some architectural work for Benjamin Ball of Ball Nogues. They are a renowned architectural design group from Los Angeles that "explore the nexus of art, architecture, and industrial design". They were recently commissioned by the City of Santa Monica to create, design and build a unique sculpture. Their interpretive artform is called the "Cradle". It is a provocative sculpture that is hung on the north wall of a parkade originally designed by Frank Gehry. On the day of my shoot the early predawn light yields an interesting rendering of the "Cradle". I am looking forward to working with Ball-Nogues on a project that the City of Edmonton has commissioned them to create. Watch for photo updates of this project here as they occur.

Contract signed with Design Pics

For years I have yearned to shoot stock. Last summers goal, with my road trip to Tofino, was to come home with three dozen chosen images hopefully suitable for stock. Design Pics was captivated by the work that I showed them. Rick Carlson, President for Design Pics, indicated immediately that he could see needs for my Tofino work. In fact he saw several categories that it could be sold under - horticultural, forestry and tourism to name a few. He liked my diverse commercial background and suggested that I start shooting areas of stock that his image database was deficient. We have identified several categories and have set a summer schedule to capture and provide him with stock worthy imagery. So wow, I was in with just one road trip. Watch for more stock images to come this summer.

Finalist for 2011 Commercial Photographer of the Year

Each year PPOC-Alberta has a 3 to 4 day provincial convention. Education, print competition and socialization are the cornerstones of this event. This year was no exception. Our Print Salon Competition was held the first day with our Awards Gala following on Saturday night. I was nominated as a Finalist for 2011 Commercial Photographer of the Year. Two of my four images also won Class Awards for Editorial and Fine Art. What an honor to be recognized by my peers.

My First Ever Architectural Book Released

The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) called early this year to discuss hiring me to provide photography for their upcoming book "Geography of Faith". The book was to feature the history of St. Joseph Seminary visually from it's early years to now. St. Joseph Seminary has just moved into their new facility over looking the river valley just off 98th Avenue and CCCB wanted me to capture a series of Architectural images of the new facility. As well, they wanted to visually capture the lifestyle of the seminarians while they studied to become priests. It was a great opportunity to photograph a new space designed by Donna Clare of Dialogue and work with a very dynamic team of writer's, designer's and a printer to produce a unique tabletop book. If you are interested in ordering a book go to www.caedm.ca.

“When Ian Grant joined our team for Geography of Faith: Saint Joseph Seminary project, there was an immediate impact. The project became a true work of art, with high quality, beautiful and interesting images created under pressures of an incredibly brief time frame. His work inspired my entire team, From Art and Design to Production to Marketing and Customer Service. All of us were glad to go the extra distance to ensure that what began with such moving

images would end with a truly inspirational book. We could not be more pleased.”

Dr. Glenn CJ Byer, Director

Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops

Just had a look today at my very first published book. Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops hired me to do the architectural photography for the newly built St Joseph Seminary. It is a great space that was designed by Donna Clare of Dialogue. If you are interested in ordering a book go to Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton. They were a great team to work with on this major architectural photo project.

Awesome shoot for McLeod Project Marketing

Had another chance to work with one of Edmonton's top realtors today - Robert McLeod. Robert's design team called to arrange a shoot of his latest listing "Trinity Point". It is located on Millcreek Ravine and 82 Avenue. They wanted some graphic shots that will be used in BW for his launch on May 12th. You can check out this latest listing of his at "www.mcleodprojectmarketing.com/"

It is great to work with a team of dedicated professionals who just want to have fun and design hot stuff for Robert.