Kale JF Photography

NEW SITE! www.kalejf.com

2011-11-24T14:44:00.001-08:00

I've just completed my new website where you can find galleries, contact information and all my latest work.

I will be closing this blog in roughly 1 month so visit my new site http://www.kalejf.com and bookmark it!

Thanks!

Street images from France in September

2011-11-12T12:16:00.001-08:00

Having lived in France for a number of years, it was amazing to go back and visit with my wife. Visiting old haunts, eating in favourite restaurants and experiencing this different way of life makes me remember how amazing a time it is to be alive.

Arles, France

Marseille, France

Arles, France

Collioure, France

Barcelona, Spain

Marseille, France

Paris, France

Aix en Provence, France

Marseille, France

Paris, France

Marseille, France

Paris, France

2 Winners at 2012 Contessa Hair Awards !

2011-10-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

After the dust has settled the amazing stylists from Space Salon and Caramel Salon brought home 2 pieces of crystal ! Congratulations toWinners: Chrissy Allan - Student Apprentice of the Year and
Devon Plamondon - Newcomer of the Year. A huge congratulations to Alina Sulaiman Friesen for her 2 huge finalist nominations, Space Salon for a finalist nomination, and Salon Team for a finalist nomination and finally, congratulations to all the finalists and winners this evening, really looking forward to doing it again soon.

MUA: Jena Jacquot-Boisvenu

2012 Contessa Student/Apprentice of the Year Winner: Chrissy Allan from Space Salon, Vancouver
MUA: Jena Jacquot-Boisvenu

2012 Contessa Newcomer of the Year Winner: Devon Plamondon from Caramel Salon, Vancouver

2012 Contessa Canadian Hairstylist of the Year and B.C. Hairstylist of the Year Finalist:
Alina Friesen MUA: Jena Jacquot-Boisvenu Clothing stylist and designer: Wendy Cook

Hair by Alina Friesen Hair by Amber Turcotte

Hair by Alina Friesen Hair by Carly Schneider

Hair by Alina Friesen

2012 Contessa Salon Team of the Year Finalist: Alina Friesen, Carly Schneider and Amber Turcotte
MUA: Jena Jacquot-Boisvenu Accessories styling: Alina Friesen

All images copyright KaleJF Photography

My images on Vogue Italia

2011-10-29T20:37:00.000-07:00

Recently created a photographers profile on www.vogue.it and had 5 images accepted by the editorial staff for posting on Vogue Italia. Below is one of the images. Follow this link to see my other images.

Hair by Vanya Petkova
Copyright: KaleJF Photography

New personal work

2011-10-03T23:28:00.000-07:00

Here are three images I created after getting back from our honeymoon in France. Refreshed and inspired I stumbled upon a new feeling of freedom with my images I didn't think previously possible, and a new way of looking at my photography and what control I would allow myself to wield over the image post capture. I am proud to say this is my work now.

La France, tu me manques beaucoup

2011-10-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

Been back in Canada for almost a week and a half now, and have to say, wow, do we miss Europe. Having lived in Paris for many years going back for the first time in 3 years was like seeing an old friend that you missed oh so dearly. The sites, the sounds, the language, the food... all these things are so foreign to home. Once you visit France once a love affair that lasts a life time has begun. So here are a couple images from our trip I'd like to share, maybe it will convince you to visit these places or revisit them if it's been a while.

Near the Notre Dame Cathedral

Pont des Arts 6 am

My wife Ala

Le Vieux Panier Marseille France

Us. Collioure France

The Gorgeous Mediterranean town of Collioure, France

Ala 2nd arrondissement Paris

Ala au Palais Royal Paris

Breakfast at our coffee spot in the 2nd arrondissement

Ala at La Tour Eiffel

Snapshot from the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower

A bientot Paris!

6 Finalists for the 2012 Contessa Hair Awards !

2011-09-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

Just got back from 3 weeks in Europe to some incredible news!

I'd like to congratulate the following people I worked with this year on the Contessa 2012 hair awards.

Canadian Hair Stylist of the Year - Alina Friesen - Stylist from Space Salon in Vancouver BC
BC Stylist of the Year - Alina Friesen - Stylist from Space Salon in Vancouver BC
Student/Apprentice of the Year - Chrissy Allan - Junior Stylist from Space Salon in Vancouver BC
Newcomer of the Year - Devon Plamondon - Stylist from Caramel Salon in Vancouver BC
Salon Team of the Year - Alina Sulaiman, Carly Schneider and Amber Turcotte - Space Salon and Caramel Salon in Vancouver BC
Salon Interior Design of the Year - Michael Levine - CEO of A Michael Levine Salon Group

A special thanks to our MUA Jena Jacquot-Boisvenu and Clothing designer and stylist Wendy Cook.

Winners will be announced at the Gala in Toronto on Sunday October 30th 2011 ! Best of luck to everyone!

Links to Space Salon and Caramel Salon and 2012 Contessa Hair Awards

Some of the incredible work I did for the 2012 Contessa Hair Awards.

Hair by Amber Turcotte of Space Salon Vancouver BC - Semi-Finalist - Contessa Makeover Colourist

Hair By Carly Schneider of Caramel Salon Vancouver BC - Entry for Newcomer of the Year

TJ Schneider for Showboarder Monster Backside Magazine

2011-08-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

Ol' pal TJ Schneider asked if I had a minute to shoot a photo of him for a interview in German Snowboarding Magazine Monster Backside Magazine. The article is called Toy Story and as far as I can tell all the riders being interviewed were asked to make a toy out of clay for their image. TJ, being that battle weathered shred dog he is came up with these awesome clay daggers, and a menacing facial expression.

It's been a while, here are some flicks!

2011-08-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a while since I've been able to post anything on here. I've been quite busy the last month and a half shooting for Caramel Salon and Space Salons stylists for this years Contessa Hair awards, so I'm can't post any of this recent work just yet, but super excited as we created some amazing work this year. Until then... Here are some photos of the Vans Roadblock skate comp, downtown Vancouver. I don't fashion myself a sports photographer, but I still enjoy capturing skateboarding, something I've done and loved a majority of my life.

Cory Wilson- Backtail

Cory Wilson-Frontside crooks?

Magnus- Nosegrind

Adam F- Nose manny off the end

Jordan M - tail blut

Chris Connolly

Cory Wilson- Kickflip

Rob Rickabee

Colin Nogue- fiddy fiddy

Sheldon Melishinski blasted this grabber over the whole spine!

Quinn Starr

Brent Stobbart- Anti Social!

the crowd on Granville Street

Recent hair photography work

2011-06-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the most recent hair images I've shot over the last couple months. I'm really excited to shoot for a bunch of local stylists for their 2012 Contessas entries as well. Would have to say shooting hair has become my latest obsession.

Voici! Les photos.

Hair by: Alina Sulaiman Friesen

Hair by: Aimee Cox

BTS with Space Salon Stylists at the 2011 Show Off

2011-06-13T21:44:00.000-07:00

I was asked to create this behind the scenes video for Space Salon's performance at this years L'Oreal Show Off hair awards held in Vancouver BC at the Vogue Theatre.

Click below to view the videos

Portrait of Alina Friesen

2011-06-05T23:12:00.000-07:00

When ever I have the creative itch, my wonderful wife is always game to let me shoot some photos. Here are a couple results from just such an afternoon.

Dwight Jefferson and Tyler Steele team of Macquarie Private Wealth

2011-05-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

Corporate Portraits of the Dwight Jefferson and Tyler Steele team of Macquarie Private Wealth

Hair images 2011

2011-05-21T11:33:00.000-07:00

Hair and concept by Alina Friesen
MUA Jena Jacquot-Boisvenu
Models Dana, Cecilia, Emma

Coming Soon !

2011-04-30T01:11:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted anything on here, kind of bums me out,
but as it's known to do, life has gotten crazy, lots of great new projects, marriage to the
love of my life and the loss of my Grandfather has left me scattered and overwhelmed.

Regardless, I have some great images I'm super excited to post, in the very near
future, so please come back soon and check them out.

Grandpa, Alina and I on our wedding day. You are forever in our hearts Johnny.

The Proposal

2011-03-13T19:53:00.000-07:00

Just finished this little video of our New Years 2011 we spent at the Rockwater Resort on the Sunshine Coast. As I had decided this would be the perfect occasion to finally ask my Love of 2 years to be my wife, I gathered clips of our New Years trip, and as I wanted to capture the actual proposal, I set up the camera to take a picture before dinner, but ever so cleverly press record on the video and caught my proposal on video, couldn't have worked out better. Our special day is planned for this September 10th 2011 on a lovely animal rescue farm on the Sunshine Coast.

Adam and Laura

2011-03-07T22:28:00.000-08:00

These are a sample of images from Adam and Laura's wedding this last December 2010. I love smallish, intimate weddings where I can move around the space as if I was part of the family and capture real unscripted moments mixed with my own style of posed images.

iPhone images

2011-02-27T15:03:00.000-08:00

Rockwater at Secret Cove Sunshine Coast

2011-02-27T09:27:00.000-08:00

New Years on the Sunshine coast.

My Review of Flashpoint II 620m, 300 Watt Second AC / DC Monolight Strobe.

2011-01-12T15:36:00.001-08:00

Originally submitted at Adorama

Flashpoint II 620m, 300 Watt Second AC / DC Monolight Strobe.

Incredible value

By KaleJF Photography from Vancouver, Canada on 1/12/2011

Pros: Good Color Value, Fast Recycle, Attach Securely, Powerful

Cons: Big

Best Uses: Studio lighting, General Use, Indoors

Describe Yourself: Semi-pro Photographer

Was this a gift?: No

I began working in studio about a year ago and was looking for a good value introductory strobe, and I couldn't be happier with the Flashpoint mono lights. The light shaping attachements from Flashpoint work great and are value priced.

Image taken with Flashpoint mono lights

Tags: Studiofashionportrait, Made with Product

(legalese)

Caramel Salon Cut-A-Thon for the Vancouver Food Bank

2010-12-03T08:08:00.000-08:00

Here's a short video I made of the Cut-A-Thon at Caramel Salon in Vancouver.

The Cut-A-Thon is an annual fundraiser for the Vancouver Food Bank, where all proceeds from the salon go to the Food Bank, a more then worthy cause.

A big thanks to the wonderful crew at Caramel Salon.

Caramel Salon Cut-A-Thon from Kale Friesen on Vimeo.

Corporate Portraiture

2010-11-26T16:53:00.000-08:00

Portrait I did for Mr. Scott Miller

Tao Salon and Caramel Salon Working Portraits

2010-11-22T13:15:00.000-08:00

The following is a series of working portraits of stylists at Tao Salon and Caramel Salon in Vancouver BC.The challenge here was to produce images that were beautiful enough to show off the salons and their stylists but also show them in the salon working with clients. Pretty excited with how they all turned out so check out some samples.

Director of Tao and Caramel Salons: Michael Lavine

2010 Contessa New Comer of the year Alina Sulaiman

Photographer Joel Fraser

2010-11-14T21:22:00.000-08:00

Friday night in Greenwood in Seattle photographer and good friend Joel Fraser showed some prints in his show titled "Born of Roma Blood, Sometimes I go places". The show, a little tickling of images from Joel's extensive travels around the globe, contained images from Europe and Asia that showcased Joel's sensitive eye for composition and character.

Joel was the one person who inspired me to pick up a camera and introduced me to the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson and the Magnum Agency, for that I'm for ever in dudes debt.

Go check out Joel's work at www.joelfraser.com

The man himself

TJ, Kathy and I made the drive down for the show

Dear friends, Joel and Christy

Brittany and Tony McKechnie

2010-11-07T14:51:00.000-08:00

Some images from my dearest of friends Brittany and Tony Mckechnie's wedding.
It was an honor to have been part of their day.

My girl

2010-11-07T01:45:00.000-07:00

I'm proud of you Love.

YES - Heart of the Sunrise

2010-10-30T21:17:00.000-07:00

Absolute favorite YES track ever.

Thanks for the reminder Zorb.

YES- Heart of the Sunrise

Stylist Alina Sulaiman

2010-10-25T18:46:00.000-07:00

Some photos I took of hairstylist Alina Sulaiman on the job.
Alina is a finalist in the Newcomer of the year category for the
Canadian Hairdressing Awards in November.

The Sea and Cake and Broken Social Scene at the Commodore Ballroom

2010-10-17T00:09:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure to see a couple bands I'd always wondered about listening to but never
really made it happen. As I've probably said one hundred times I left the show with a new
respect for both acts that took the stage at the Commodore last Wednesday night.

This is going to be a mega post cause, well cause I feel like I got a lot of images I was more than
happy with.

Thanks to Reid Stewart for getting me in to see these two great bands.

Fragility #2

2010-10-09T16:45:00.000-07:00

Model: Chelsea Rea

Absolut Vancouver Project Fall of 2009

2010-10-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a video about my contribution to the Absolut Vancouver
campaign last fall.

My finished piece was a four paneled light box. In each
panel were several images taken in and around Vancouver specifically for
this project. The light box was lit from the inside and the lights were triggered
by motion sensors I rigged and flush mounted on the panels, the idea was to
give the viewer a unique way of viewing the images but also incorporate technology
to allow it to be energy efficient.

Click here to view the video

La Strada

2010-09-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

Images from a recent trip back to Saskatchewan this summer.

"The city is sinful. The road is a holy place."

Car, Western Development Museum, Moose Jaw Saskatchewan

Airplane, bench and a building

Mechanical Horse

Engineer's controls

Mack the Moose, Moose Jaw Saskatchewan

Horses, North of Moose Jaw Saskatchewan

Abandoned Farm House

Near Brooks Alberta

Near Calgary Alberta

Mountains Alberta, [ o ] Alina Sulaiman

Rocky Mountains

Vancouver Hair Academy Images

2010-09-13T19:55:00.000-07:00

Some images that I shot for the Vancouver Hair Academy. The graduating students were to
chose a model, create a cut or style and do a photo shoot, it was fun for me to work with people
that are totally new to working on a shoot, being able to guide people and open their mind
to the creative possibilities of their field is always rewarding.

Battle at Hastings Vancouver BC

2010-08-31T08:27:00.000-07:00

Voici some images I took at The Battle of Hastings skateboarding competition in Vancouver BC at the legendary Hastings Skate park. The contest was put together by Kevin Kelly aka Stoke Radmore of Boulevard Skateshop on Commercial Drive in Vancouver, big high five to Kevin and all the sponsors for putting on an amazing event.

I'm still working on collecting the names of the participants so for now the shredders shall remain anonymous
(except for the one skater I recognized, I feel outta the loop)

Rob Boyce

It was huge ollies like this that gave this homeboy 1st place in the expert category

This little dude killed it on all his runs

Impeccable balance through this b-side smith grind

This was bigger and faster than it looks

This little girl was fearlessly walking around the bowls selling candies, nom nom

Rob Boyce...hammer in the deep end

Expert category winner nose manny to manny all the way around the deck to drop in

C'est ouf! Must have been the feather in his cap

Expert category winners with Kevin "Stoke Radmore" Kelly

The World is B&W

2010-08-21T23:26:00.000-07:00

Wedding: Ashley and Ivan at 3rd Beach

2010-08-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

Due to the simplicity and setting for Ashley and Ivan's wedding I knew it would be fun, they chose 3rd beach at Stanley Park in Vancouver as there location for their ceremony. We had a great time walking in the woods and enjoying the nature and had the ceremony ankle deep in warm sand on the beach. Below are the images of the moments of that day.

la tristesse

2010-08-10T19:07:00.000-07:00

Concept: Kale JF and Alina Sulaiman.
Hair and styling: Alina Sulaiman
Clothing: Natalia Tokarski
Make-up: Jena Jacquot-Boisvenu
Models: Brittany Simpson, Kelsey Harker and Kimberly-Rae Churchill
Photography and editing: Kale JF

Model: Kelsey Harker

Model: Brittany Simpson

Model: Kelsey Harker

Model: Kimberly-Rae Churchill

obscured

2010-07-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

True beauty is a combination of aesthetic and personality, at first we are taken by the sheer
pleasure of looking at such a beautiful person, after some time we are swept away by a second wave, when we begin to learn all about them, how their mind charms our heart and soul and their body enslaves our senses and nerves. No one is more important than the other, they must exist in harmony.

Becoming

2010-07-10T02:22:00.000-07:00

I think I've finally began to come into my style, I love cold contrasty images,
hard light that defines and cuts the curves and natural shapes of the body.
The lightness is empty of emotion, therefore I reach for the dark.

Deerhoof and Fond of Tigers at the Commodore Ballroom Vancouver

2010-07-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

Home towners Fond of Tigers opened the show and the crowd soon warmed up to them as they showed a technical prowess and experimental wizardry that couldn't have been more poignant considering who they were opening for. You can check out Fond of Tigers at http://www.fondoftigers.com/news/

What can one say about Deerhoof that could make a person understand how radically awesome they really are, minimalist, quirky, bizarre, rhythmic, cool, these are adjectives you'd probably use. If you don't or haven't ever listened to Deerhoof get your head out of your ass and pick up some albums,
you can check them out at http://deerhoof.killrockstars.com/

As a photographer you like to think you are pretty free to shoot what you want so long as it's respectful of others, but those days are pretty much gone. Everyone thinks your out to make a buck off of them, hell even homeless people have started hitting me up for cash to pose for photos, so it's no surprise that I got the attention of security at the Commodore rather quickly(Canon 5D m2 and a 50mm lens WTF). I managed to sneak in as many frames as possible but missed most of the good stuff due to the bald headed picture police, and here is the result from my super sneaky photo taking, bon appetit.

Fond of Tigers

Deerhoof

Reality is too real sometimes

2010-07-01T00:32:00.000-07:00

We are born free, freedom is not a state of mind, it's a state of physical being.

To Be Someone Else

2010-06-23T21:47:00.000-07:00

We've all wondered it before, what it would be like, if just for a minute to be someone else,
not to say we are not happy with who we are, it's more the voyeur that I think
exists in all of us, the curious child wanting to know always just a little more. In the world we live in all of us use our clothing and adornments to express ourselves and separate ourselves from the other, not always so successfully. Take a minute to try something different in your life, part your hair on the other side, wear a hat you've never worn, speak a language you've never spoken, perhaps you will find yourself acting like someone else, if just for a minute.

Car Free Day on Commercial Drive at Boulevard Skateshop

2010-06-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

The best part of Car Free Day in Vancouver is the crowd, any gathering of more than 10 people turns into a protest/love in/skate session/freakfest, so I decided to head over to Commercial Drive last weekend, eat some BBQ and shoot photos, here are some pictures I made during the afternoon.

Skateboard madness:
Kevin Kelly the proprietor of Boulevard Skate Shop on Commercial Drive made his contribution to Car Free Day by putting up a ledge and blast ramp so that anyone with wheels underneath them(some without) could perform tricks and just generally cause a little chaos during the day. It never ceases to amaze that the bravest spectators are usually those holding a small child or fragile objects in hand, the seemed to feel like they must be as close to "the action" as possible, if anything you get some spectacular close calls.

Free Life Center at Lifetime Collective

2010-06-20T15:57:00.000-07:00

This last Friday I had the pleasure of meeting the two guys behind The Free Life Center
at the Lifetime headquarters, Mark Warren Jacques and Seth Neefus . Mark and Seth
made their 3rd stop in Vancouver on a West Coast tour where in each new location they
are putting together an art shack that houses Mark and Seth's art work but also serves as
an intimate space for a musical performance.

Reid Stewart of Lifetime Clothing/Collective hosted Mark and Seth's "art shack" on the roof top deck at Lifetime headquarters, we were blessed with a beautiful sunny day and a calm warm evening where Vancouver band Adelaide performed in open air in the "backyard" of Free Life Center shack, and Mark and Seth finished the evening off performing by candle light inside the art shack.

For more information on the Free Life Center visit www.freelifecenter.com

Here are some photos I took just after it was constructed the night before the show and some photos from the evening of.

the shack

Paintings Seth Neefus

Paintings Seth Neefus and Mark Warren Jacques

Mark on the Casio

Seth on guitar

Seth Mark and Reid

No Sun City

2010-06-16T17:51:00.000-07:00

The weather:
Living on the West Coast of Canada we are all more than accustomed to the bad
weather, each winter we all curse the rain, and you can see the toll it takes on
everyone mentally and physically. The fact is that we aren't even sure that we'll have
the sun we all crave come summer as we've been known to have a couple weeks of
good weather then back to the drizzle and dark. These images capture for me the
feeling of this weather, and the effect it has on us all.

Portraits for Lifetime Clothing/Collective

2010-06-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

Portraits taken at the various ateliers of Lifetime Collective collaborators from left to right;
Elise Beneteau: clothing designer, Tyler Lepore: owner of Super Champion, bicycle shop,
Ken Diamond: leather goods creator and Sophie Alden: of Lisbeth Jewellery.
The portraits are traditionally posed, and are taken

Chateau Miranda. Une etude. Noir et Blanc 2008

2010-06-06T15:36:00.000-07:00

This is a collection of never viewed photographs taken in the Spring of 2008 at the Chateau Miranda in Belgium. These photos represent my first encounter with shooting abandoned spaces and was the launching point of my love and fascination with photography. I have chosen to "develop" the images in B&W for two reasons; to draw attention to the lines and textures found in the space; to remove the emotional element presented by color in images.

All images copyright KaleJF Photography 2010. These images may not be copied, posted, printed or used in any form without consent from Kale JF Photography.

Caribou at The Rickshaw in Vancouver

2010-06-02T17:06:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday May 29th myself and a hell of a lot of other good people went to the Caribou concert at The Rickshaw in Vancouver. Having seen them one other time a couple years ago
when they where touring on the Andorra album(which was brilliant), I knew this show would be one to not miss.

Here are some images I managed to squeeze in during the show.

Us

2010-05-15T17:03:00.000-07:00

This is the first video I made, was a little gift for Alina.

For Alina from Kale Friesen on Vimeo.

Japandroids at Lifetime Friday April 30th

2010-05-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

Quite honestly I had heard quite a lot about Japandroids over the last couple years but just didn't take the time to check out their music, as it turns out I go to a lot of shows where this is the situation, call me lazy or living in my own musical bubble but once in a while I am pleasantly surprised at what I hear, this was one of those cases. I was lucky enough to talk to to Dave and Brian before the show and found them to be two good humans, I could tell that they are genuinely in it for the music and the good times. After a long stint of touring and playing a blitzing amount of shows at SXSW they showed up in Vancouver to a packed house at the Lifetime headquarters and played their hearts out. To say people went crazy would be an understatement, monitor towers were tipping, front rowers were getting crushed, cymbal and mic stands were toppling, all the kids got what they asked for, a real rock show. Any ways here are a couple photos I managed to squeeze in whilst at the show.

Cop Style Fashion Show

2010-04-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend Alina was asked to do the hair for a fashion show at a new shop on Granville called Cop Style.
TJ and I decided to go along for the free candy and awkward coversation. Bon voici les photos.

Sorcerers escape from East Van

2010-04-21T00:50:00.000-07:00

For the first time in Sorcerers history they traded in their plaid shirts for wet suits and headed to Tofino BC to play a show at the Maquinna Pub or as it used to be known by the locals "The Dirty Mac", yeah it's that rad. The following images are of the skate, skim, surf and rocking and rolling that ensued. Special thanks to the show organizer and mega rad host of the crew Shawn Lennon and his girlfriend Nathalie Maiello. Tofino is beautiful and I hope to go there again real soon, you should go there too.

Horseshoe Bay

Shawn catching a wave and Norm rolling the lip

PD and Johnny on the skim again

Shawn speeding into another little roller

PD puts it down

Johnny weak knees a wave tickler

Outta East Van

Shane and Cheylenne frog suited up for the waves

Frontside Normanual

Mike can be super serious, for about 1/125th of a second actually

Our gracious hosts Shawn and Nathalie

Sorcerers

Campi DJed Friday night and played some real good dub step

Johnny gets it started

Smoke machine chocked out half the crowd

The bar got a working over Saturday night

Gelled lights, smoke and metal hands means awesome

The crowd startred getting wild

During the hardcore songs there was a security guy posted up infront of the stage just to keep the gear from getting F'd.

This is the moment before a fist fight erupted, have to love heavy music

The mega irie reggae vibes soon soothed the crowd, 3 song encore

Thanks Dirty Maq see you soon

Randy Van Eyk and Tuesday Sunrise

2010-04-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

Took a walk down to Kits beach last night to check out the several boats that had beached

during the last big storm. As I was shooting photos of the boat Tuesday Sunrise my girlfriend

and I got into talking to one of the boat owners Randy Van Eyk, that happened to be there digging and waiting for high tide to get his vessel back out to sea. Randy told us about the struggle people like

himself have in trying to live aboard their boats, preferring a life at sea these "liveaboards" as they are

called by police are people that have chosen a different lifestyle than the rest of us, and unfortunately

they are punished for it. We heard many stories of sailors being kicked from one port to another and the hardship of families that are trying to legitimately live this life on the sea.

It's not uncommon for accidents, and even death for the people that live on their boats, as was the case last year when a man who was kicked out of harbour died in a storm as he floated out in open waters off of Gibsons landing. We asked if Randy would let us take his picture and in exchange he asked that I give some background on his own history as a boater which began in 1982 when he left land to live permanently aboard Tuesday Sunrise.

The strangest thing to me is that we have people living aboard their vessels and the laws we've created and the actions we take against them have made them homeless by beaching them on land.

This situation serves as proof that no matter what you can't hide from homelessness, not even inside your own home.

Randy Van Eyk on Tuesday Sunrise at Kits beach

The Karanga-lita

Lullabye Arkestra and Pierced Arrows at The Biltmore

2010-04-04T21:40:00.000-07:00

Went out with Reid last night to check out a couple bands at The Biltmore, the openers were Lullabye Arkestra out of Toronto, never heard this two piece dynamite duo before but they definitely blew everyone's mind that was in attendance, as a drummer myself I love to see a guy breaking cymbal stand and smashing sticks, really putting his everything into it. On base Kat can melt the hardest of metal hearts, her tone and playing speaks for itself, I'm sure the Gods of Metal are smiling down on this duo.

The closers of the evening were a band by the name of Pierced Arrows, honestly upon hearing about this band I went to have a listen on their site and was not impressed in the least, run of the mill crusty rockers was the feeling I was left with after listening, but after meeting these legends in their own right and hearing how hard they still shred changed my mind in an instant. Even though this was the final show of a 39 day tour they still played a full set and managed a jam with Lullabye Arkestra and a 2 song encore to screaming fans, unbelievable. These guys will always have a special place in my musical heart after this evening.

Interview with Lullabye Arkestra on Vice Magazine website with some of my photos

http://www.viceland.com/blogs/en/2010/04/07/lullabye-arkestra-miss-peep-and-mayor/

Lullabye Arkestra

Pierced Arrows

1st Birthdays

2010-03-30T21:53:00.000-07:00

1 is a very important age. Glad I got to spend my day with you on yours Priya.

Love Uncle Kale

On Love

2010-03-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

"Then said Almitra, Speak to us of Love.
And he raised his head and looked upon
the people, and there fell a stillness upon them.
And with a great voice he said:

When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you yield to
him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams
as the north winds lay waste the garden.

excerpt from Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet

Photo Essay: Lynn Canyon

2010-03-15T18:27:00.000-07:00

Took a drive up to Lynn Canyon in North Vancouver with Alina on Sunday. The natural landscapes at our fingertips never cease to amaze me. My own mortality is something that has been heavy on my mind as of late, and coming to this place I felt a calm come over my mind and body. The water that flowed through these rivers and off the waterfalls had done so over and over for time unknown, it evaporates into the air, forms in clouds rains down upon these mountains, trickles, pours and gushes down from the peaks, and the cycle begins anew.

1st image by Alina

The Weakerthans at Live City Vancouver

2010-03-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

First time seeing these guys play and they were so great, good to see such

nice guys making nice music. They played a 3 song encore to a more than

wanting crowd, all this even after they just returned from touring in Australia,

what true gents.

Saturday night

2010-03-14T21:33:00.000-07:00

Couple photos from my walk downtown on a Saturday evening.
Will post some photos from The Weakerthans show as well.

Robyn and Matts Wedding

2010-03-12T17:35:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos I took at a wedding last summer. This was my first time doing a wedding shoot so I was a little stressed but it turned out quite well. Always glad to capture happy moments for people.

Red is the color of desire/Green is the color of envy

2010-03-02T18:14:00.000-08:00

Sorcerers at the Red Gate

2010-02-28T12:40:00.000-08:00

Here's a couple photos from the Sorcerers show at The Red Gate.

Taken way after my bedtime.

http://www.myspace.com/sorcerersdub

Some old photos

2010-02-26T18:40:00.000-08:00

Some of my first photos when I began shooting in 2006 in Paris.

View from Montmartre

Chateau de Versailles

Galerie LaFayette

The Group Show Masik Studio Vancouver

2010-02-24T19:02:00.000-08:00

Images from The Group Show opening night at Masik Studio in Vancouver BC

on Friday February 19th 2010, featuring 10 prints from my Nulle Part series.

Nulle Part by Kale JF

Work of Christian Nicolay

Masik Studio

Work of Robert Mearns and Jessica Delorme

Les Ramsay with sculptures and paintings

Masik Studio reception area with works

Performance by Pamela and Amanda

Girl in a large hamsterwheel

The Album Leaf and Hal Willner's Neil Young Project

2010-02-23T15:35:00.000-08:00

The Album Leaf

The Rickshaw Vancouver BC

Hal Willner's Neil Young Project

Queen Elizabeth Theatre Vancouver BC

Recent work for Lifetime and Super Champion Bike Shop

2010-02-23T14:36:00.000-08:00

Lifetime Clothing Pop Up Shop in Gastown

www.lifetimecollective.com

Super Champion Bike Shop Vancouver BC
http://www.superchampionshop.com/

Link to more images

2010-02-15T01:36:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in seeing more of my work please follow the links to my
flickr page and my JPG Magazine page, there you will find newer work that I upload
regularly.

I'm working on getting a proper site together so look for that soon.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalejfphotography/
http://www.jpgmag.com/people/KaleJF

Thanks

The Group Show featuring my "Nulle Part" series of prints

2010-02-04T19:50:00.000-08:00

The Group Show at Masik Studio Friday February 19th, admission free but you must RSVP
to thegroupshow@gmail.com, including your name and the name of any others that
will attend with you.

I will be showing 12 prints from my "Nulle Part" series of photos shot in abandoned spaces
in France and Belgium between 2008 and 2009, along with 9 other incredible Vancouver Artists.

Hope to see you there.
Kale

Pamela Masik Forgotten Opening

2010-01-30T12:02:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple photos from Pamela's opening last night. Her incredible body of work filled the entire 14,000 square foot space, each room with another view into her very personal work. I will be showing at Masik Studios along with an incredible lineup of artists on February 19th from 6pm to 10pm. RSVP at thegroupshow@gmail.com. Come out and see some of Vancouvers best upcoming artists.

2010 KaleJF

New video- Sunday. Conceived, shot and edited in a day. Enjoy

2010-01-19T00:33:00.000-08:00

Sunday from Kale Friesen on Vimeo.

From the Archives

2010-01-12T15:28:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos I recently "dug out" from the external drive.
It's funny how many photos I love never make it off my hard drive, kinda sad really.
So here are some old favorites from Paris. Bon appetit !

Paris 2008

Paris 2009

Les Tuileries Paris 2008

Paris 10eme 2008

Paris Le Marais 2008

Laundry Day

2009-12-31T14:01:00.000-08:00

Laundry Day

Kale JF 2009

Fashionism

2009-12-05T19:50:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of images from a shoot I did for
master hairstylist Alina Sulaiman.

All images property of Kale JF 2009

Absolut Vodka Vancouver Sculpture Project

2009-11-26T18:43:00.000-08:00

We are in this together/For Gary by Kale Friesen

Ben Tour, Graeme Berglund and myself were asked by Absolut Vodka to each do a sculpture in conjunction with the Absolut Vancouver bottle release. You can see Ben Tour's bottle tree sculpture at the Broadway and Commercial Skytrain Station, Graeme Berglunds sculpture at the Waterfront Skytrain Station and my sculpture at the Burrard Skytrain Station, all the pieces will be on display until mid December. Below are some images of the pieces.

Remembrance Tree by Ben Tour

Ephemeral Grey by Graeme Berglund

Musicians

2009-09-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

Street musician Paris France 2008

My father, the man that gave me love for music

Roma singer RER B Paris France

Fete du quartier 10eme arrondissement Paris France

Avishai Cohen Trio at Le New Morning Paris France 2008

Bison BC The Biltmore Vancouver Canada 2009

Music I love you

2009-09-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

The Walkmen Paris France 2008

Music has been the love of my life since as long as I can remember.

With many musicians such as my father in my life we learned how to
appreciate music and more importantly play music. My best memories
come from my first jam session with my father and brother in our basement.

I find the older I get the more I "feel" music, it evokes powerful vivid
memories and emotions in me, I find myself transported back to places and
times from the past, I'm convinced this is the closest I will ever come to
time travel.

Since I began taking photographs of bands a couple years ago I
feel like I've developed a renewed sense of wonder about music and the people
that perform it, to me taking photos at shows has become a new way to connect with other musicians and to see and listen anew.

The Constantines Vancouver Canada 2009

3 Inches of Blood Vancouver Canada 2009