We just snagged the cover of the June 2013 Canadian Geographic magazine for their feature story, Energy Matters, 13+ Things You Don’t Know About Energy.
We made this shot of riser and drill pipe in the Moon Pool of the semi-submersible offshore drill rig, Eirik Raude owned by Ocean Rig
We also have a few other shots from the Newfoundland offshore oil fields inside so grab a copy on the newsstand this week and enjoy a good magazine for a change.
Newfoundland author and journalist Ray Guy photographed by Greg Locke for Macleans magazine. © 1993
Ray Guy has gone to That Far Greater Bay. The news that, at age 74, he passed on last night came as a shock around here. Not that it was unexpected; we knew Ray had been very sick with cancer, but more the realisation that we had lost one of our greatest writers, satirists and journalists. As much as he would chide me if he heard me saying this but it was more like we, as a people, lost a wise elder or ancestor.
Ray’s stories defined post confederation Newfoundland whether it be tales from Bung Hole Tickle or his biting and withering commentary on the political and powerful. That Far Greater Bay is a literary icon of Newfoundland culture and society. For a generation of Newfoundland writers and artists Ray was the touch stone. In a place that reeks of creative talent, quick wit and sharp tongues that is a testament to his impression on our culture.
Many of Newfoundland’s contemporary writers and journalists owe him a lot. For many of us he was our Twain, Leacock and even our Hunter S. Thompson …all rolled into one. He feared none and never shrank from pulling back the curtain on the windows of Newfoundland’s politicians, merchants, clergy and conmen.
While I had read many of his books and stories throughout school and early career I first met Ray in 1993 when Macleans magazine sent me to photograph him for a story he was writing for them. I don’t remember the story exactly but something about Newfoundland and confederation …the never ending story. After the usual shots around the house I knew it wasn’t working. Contrary to his public image, Ray was a shy and self-deprecating man and putting him in front of a camera didn’t help matters. I did know he loved his garden so suggested going outside to the greenhouse. We talked and made pictures for a bit and when we were done and I was packing up my gear when he said, “You know what I think about how Newfoundland has been treated by Canada?” Perhaps sensing I needed something more dramatic, he reached down and picked up a dried maple leaf, shot me an impish smile and tore the leaf in half.
I pushed the button.
Since then I’ve had the opportunity to hire Ray as a columnist for fledgling papers and magazines and we always had a good chat when our paths crossed out and about the town. He has written for just about every media in Newfoundland and Labrador in the past and was still writing for the North East Avalon Times newspaper up until March. When we discussed the state of and expected lifespan of newspapers in Newfoundland he told me, “I’ve had so many newspapers shot out from under me I don’t even think about it anymore.”
Somehow, out of his huge and diverse body of work, his quip about Newfoundlanders having a gene pool the size of a Dixie Cup still makes me laugh. So true, so funny.
And as biting as his critique could be he always did it in a funny, entertaining style. Although this may not always been his intention. His book That Far Greater Bay, won a 1977 Stephen Leacock Award for humour.
A native of Arnold’s Cove, Placentia Bay (That Far Greater Bay) his perspective was always of this Newfoundland more than the pompous Townie view of many writers, academics and journalist wannabees. Today’s co-opted disingenuous marketing buzz word for it is “authentic.” He graduated from the journalism program at Ryerson in 1963 and joined the Evening Telegram in St. John’s. During the reign of premiers Joey Smallwood, Frank Moores and Brian Peckford Ray Guy was described as a one man opposition.
In our age of polished PR, media cheerleaders and self-aggrandizement where nobody likes a critic anymore, Newfoundland lost a little bit more of its soul with the passing of Ray Guy.
For more on this celebrated Newfoundlander you can follow these links.
Ed Riche on Ray Guy …another fantastic Newfoundland writer on his friend and mentor.
Jane Cuff works a complicated route on a final climb to win the Women’s Open Division of 2013 Rockfall Competition at Wallnuts Climbing Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland. More photos at the Wallnuts FaceBook gallery. Photo by Greg Locke © 2013
Once upon a time the great cover shoots were for Macleans, Time, Men’s Health, Financial Post, Report on Business and other top editorial and consumer magazines. With the decline in fortunes for these once well-to-do consumer publications, these days you are more likely to shoot covers for magazines that most people never heard of, in fact, don’t even have public distribution. They are professional or trade publications for niche markets such as doctors, lawyers and accountants. These publications have evolved from crude “newsletters” into glossy magazines with production values equal or better than the great consumer magazines of yore ….and the fees for freelance contributors have surpassed the consumer publications which seemed to have stalled in 1986. There are, literally, hundreds of these trade publications out there in Canada alone being produced not only by small publishers but major players like Rogers Media and ThomsonReuters. …and guess what? They appreciate high quality work.
This is a recent cover shoot on Topsail Beach, Newfoundland of Nalcor Energy’s Mike Whalen for Purchasing B2B magazine. A specialty magazine for those in the purchaing and procurement departments of large corporations and government.
Always keep your eyes open for new markets and clients. The one thing I have learned in the last 25 years is editorial and commercial photography markets are ever moving target. Everything changes, you need to see it coming before it leaves you behind.
SOUTHCOTT AWARDS 2013: Call for Nominations
The Newfoundland Historic Trust is announcing its call for nomination for the 2013 Southcott Awards.
The Southcott Awards were established in 1984 by The Trust to recognize those who have demonstrated excellence in building design, preservation and restoration of the architectural heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The quality of our architectural heritage has come to be one of the defining aspects of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Historic Trust has been instrumental in establishing that definition, but our award winners over the past twenty-nine year have made that definition a reality.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2013 Southcott Awards in following categories:
Building Restoration / Preservation – Nominations are considered for finished architectural restoration projects. The committee considers architectural design, quality of conservation work, preservation of original features, use of traditional materials, and the integrity of the structure and its surrounding site.
New Building Design -Contemporary, high quality building design has the power to encourage economic development and improve the quality of life for residents in an area. Such design may address issues of sustainability and encourage community renewal. This nomination is for individuals or organizations that have completed an architectural design project sensitive to the heritage character of the surrounding environment.
Heritage Craftsperson/ Tradesperson – This award will recognize the skill and contribution of an individual in the craft or trade professions in heritage conservation. The individual must work using specialist and traditional methods and exhibit a high standard of craftsmanship. Individual tradespersons, architects, or other heritage professionals having completed exemplary work relating to the conservation, preservation or restoration of a heritage structure are eligible for nomination.
Further information and to download nomination forms please visit the Southcott Awards section of our site or click below to access the various nomination forms. You can also contact our office via e-mail, coordinator@historictrust.ca or call 709.739.7870. All completed applications submitted by May 3, 2013
Applications should be mailed to the address below:
Newfoundland Historic Trust
P.O. Box 2403
St. John’s, NL A1C 6E7
The Selection Committee reserves the right to not give an award in a category.
The Southcott Awards are named for one of the most important nineteenth century Newfoundland building firms: J. and J.T. Southcott. We know them today principally for the Second Empire designs of J.T.’s architect son, John. The characteristics of this style are concave, curved mansard roofs with hooded dormers in the mansard. While the style started with the development of the Southcott properties at Park Place on Rennie’s Mill Road in St. John’s, they spread throughout the whole colony. Many examples of this style remain intact today. However, the Southcott Awards recognize and celebrate numerous architectural styles visible throughout the province.
Nomination Forms:
Heritage Restoration/ Preservation (pdf)
Heritage Craftsperson/ Tradesperson (pdf)
New Building Design (pdf)
….we have been proud supporters of the Newfoundland Historic Trust and the Southcott Awards since 1990! You should support this organization and its work in the preservation, education and advocacy for Newfoundland and Labrador’s architectural history and culture. BECOME A MEMBER!
Kenneth J Harvey’s TV Pilot, The Slattery Street Crockers has an Indigogo campaign to raise enough funds to finish post production. If you would like to be a part of, contribute to, the next great Newfoundland produced TV series check what Ken has to offer you. ….follow the link to see the trailer!
We made this portrait of Dave Lane for his 2013 St. John’s municipal election campaign material. You can find everything you need to know about Dave at www.votedavelane.com
A little video we shot for Dave Lane who is running in the upcoming St. John’s city elections.
A small design project with frame captures from video of Marc David, in full flight, conducting the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, at their most recent concert at the Arts & Culture Centre in St. John’s. Photography and design by Greg Locke.
The long awaited trailer for The Slattery Street Crockers, a TV pilot written and directed by Kenneth J Harvey is now available. This series was shot in less trendy parts of downtown St. John’s, Newfoundland and follows the lives of the extended Crocker family. …and I worked the B Camera!
The Slattery Street Crockers (TV Pilot, promo) written and directed by Kenneth J. Harvey from Kenneth J. Harvey on Vimeo.
