The Toronto (Canada) book launch of Cancer Connections: Images of Hope and Courage from Across Canada, took place the evening of April 12, 2011 at the First Canadian Place Gallery. Cancer Connections, spearheaded by PhotoSensitive, featured partners in the project: Canadian Cancer Society, John Wiley and Sons Ltd., JPMorgan Chase as well as contributing photographers and cancer survivors. The 192 page book features 1000 photographs and the written words of Canadians touched by cancer. Rick Perciante, National Vice President, External Engagement, Canadian Cancer Society (above right) speaks during the event. Photo: © Dean Oros

Last night’s book launch of Cancer Connections: Images of hope and courage from across Canada, was a success. The First Canadian Place Gallery was over-flowing with people who attended the event. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the close of the nationwide exhibit, which criss-crossed the country over two years. The images, words, and the project itself, now takes on a new life forever documented in its book form. It’ll always be a source of hope and courage for those touched by cancer.

As a contributing photographer to the exhibition and book, it was lovely to speak with partners in the project, as well as fellow photographers and cancer survivors. Such stories of bravery, compassion, and love. My father passed away from cancer before I became involved with Cancer Connections. The thought of photographing him during his last days entered my mind for only a fleeting moment. There was simply no way I wanted to document him during his last days. Some of the portraits in Cancer Connections portray those who didn’t survive the disease. That in itself is a testament to the human spirit.

The book is gorgeous. As much as I love my Kindle, this book must be owned in it’s original 11 x 11″ hard-cover version. It would never work as an e-book unless manufacturers eventually make a large format e-book reader (Apple’s iPad doesn’t make it as large format in my opinion). Perhaps if the book were to be offered as an online multimedia version for viewing on the web, viewers with large monitors could feel the book’s impact.

At tonight’s launch, copies of the book will be offered at $25, a big discount from the retail price of $39.95 plus tax. Speakers from PhotoSensitive, the Canadian Cancer Society, John Wiley and Sons (the book publisher) and survivors who appear in the book will be on hand, as well some of the photographers who contributed, including me.

To celebrate the launch I’m offering signed Limited Edition Framed Prints of “Angelic” at 25% off. Profits from the sale go towards cancer research. Click here for a limited time only to view Angelic and place your order. Use code: Angelic-25 to receive your discount.

The launch is at 6pm, at the First Canadian Place Gallery, 100 King Street West.

All are welcome. Maybe I’ll see you there!

Various types of foliage blossom out of lava rock.

When I saw the images of the devastation, it reminded me of an image I captured while walking across a lava crater in Kona, Hawaii. Amidst the rocks of lava rock (which was once molten lava), new life was sprouting up in various forms of small trees, shrubs and flowers. I present this image as a symbol of hope for Japan as it struggles to rebuild. Mother Nature often heals what it destroys, bringing with it new life and new hope.

We’ve set up a special link on the top left corner of our blog where you may make a donation via World Vision, Red Cross or All Hands Volunteers. Every dollar helps, so if you can spare anything, clicking on the link will take you where you need to go on the internet to make a donation.

To view images from Japan and witness the power of photography there are two news sites in particular to visit: the Boston Globe’s Big Picture and In Focus.

Friday’s fundraising event for cancer research and awareness, organized by the Canadian Cancer Society, was a huge success. The Society’s event has become so popular there are now multiple, same-day locations in Toronto: Forest Hill Memorial Park and Centennial Park. On the 25th June two more Relay for Life events will be taking place in Scarborough and North York.

Above: Cancer survivors gather to participate in the Survivor’s Lap during the Relay for Life 2010 Central Toronto.

The events run all night long, ending just past sunrise the next morning. And they raise hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Above: The Insurance Bureau of Canada is one of the many sponsors of the Relay for Life 2010 Central Toronto.

Above: Cancer survivors write about their “Superhero” on the Superhero Wall, Relay for Life 2010 Central Toronto.

As a photographer it’s a touching event to cover. It’s admirable to see many superhero-volunteers donating their time and experience to make these events successful. Everyone at the Relays has been touched, somehow, by cancer.

Above: The Japanese Taiko drummer group, Yakudo, entertain during the Relay for Life 2010 Central Toronto.

By the end of the evening, as the luminaries are being lit, there are a lot of teary eyes, some with happy tears, some with sad tears. But, all filled with hope because every year research progresses and one day a cure will be found.

I was shooting again for the Canadian Cancer Society last Friday, along with the lovely ladies of The Brides’ Project. In the heart of downtown Toronto! And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Gary ~ the only groom in the group, complete in a sharp looking tuxedo.

Above: Shooting in the hot 28C sun and speaking with the media and the public about The Relay for Life was hard work for the ladies in wedding gowns. The dresses are heavy and it’s easy to work up a sweat in a matter of minutes. One “bride” rests in the shelter of some shade.

The premise of the shoot was “Giving Cancer the Boot!” And it served two purposes: first as a media – awareness event. CTV did a piece for the evening news. It also landed in three or four of the daily newspapers. Second, to create marketing images for The Canadian Cancer Society.

As a photographer, this shoot had its challenges: crowds, more crowds, bright sunshine and an uncontrolled lighting environment with MANY white wedding gowns, location permits, accommodating the press, etc. But I love the challenge and enjoy thinking on my feet.

Above: Join the biggest cancer fundraising event to make the biggest difference: The Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

Toronto hosts four Relay for Life events: Central Toronto (Forest Hill), Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough. I’m scheduled to shoot at least the Toronto event, so if you’re attending, come look for me and please say “Hello”.

By the way, the top image “The Brides’ Ballet” is beautiful. The girls look radiant. The juxtaposition of an army of brides against the backdrop of the Hard Rock Cafe and the Eaton Centre is something one rarely, if ever, will see. Click on the image to view a larger version. Contact the studio to inquire about owning a print.

Click here for more information on The Relay for Life events in Toronto Canada.

If you haven’t heard of Brad Pattison, you may want to check out his TV Series airing on Canada’s Slice TV called At the End of My Leash. It also airs in the USA under the name In The Dog House on Discovery Animal Planet.

ABOVE: Tails were wagging at the Canadian Cancer Society when renowned dog trainer, TV host and author, Brad Pattison arrived to kick-off Bark For Life, a new canine event to fight cancer. Bark For Life will take place in Toronto on July 3 at Allan Gardens.

Luckily I was available as I received a phone call with less than 48 hours advance notice. Sometimes these events come together quickly; that’s the nature of the biz. The Society is launching a really fun fundraising event called Bark for Life in downtown Toronto. If you’re a dog owner or walker you can participate. All you need to do is drum up a minimum of $150 in donations by July 3rd, the date of the event.

ABOVE: Though not yet confirmed, it is suspected that this happy terrier is the culprit who piddled on photographer Dean Oros’ jacket during the media and book launch event for The Canadian Cancer Society and Brad Pattison.

The event and book launch took place in a boardroom. So you can imagine when I walked in and was greeted by a bunch of tail-wagging pooches happily playing amongst a room full of executives, laptops, and promotional “Bark for Life” signage. Fun stuff! I think beagles may have a camera-gene in their DNA because one particular beagle wanted to jump up on the boardroom table to get up close and personal with my camera gear.

When Brad walked in and said something about masturbating dogs I almost lost my focus, but managed to keep shooting. I won’t even mention the amount of dog humping that was going on. Funny guy that Brad Pattison. Well, that’s all I’m going to say about that!

ABOVE: TV Host, renowned dog trainer and author Brad Pattison becomes acquainted with a happy beagle during The Canadian Cancer Society’s canine media event “Bark for Life”.

Photographing rambunctious dogs meant I needed to get down to their level, so for a good part of the shoot I was rolling around on the floor with them. Everyone got a kick out of that, especially when I commented I was getting a good ab workout when shooting in mid sit-up. Kindly enough, the Society offered to pay for my dry cleaning bill. Haha. Which is too funny because after I had completed the shoot I realized that a pooch had piddled on my jacket. Note to self: Don’t hang jacket over back of chair when photographing canines.

ABOVE: Unleashed: A Dog’s Eye View of Life with Humans, the new book by Brad Pattison.

The shoot went well. Brad was great with the dogs. I got the shots I needed. Two hours afterwards a press release was sent out complete with a photograph by yours truly.

For those of you interested in participating in Bark for Life, it’s taking place July 3rd at Allan Gardens in Toronto. Here’s a map to help you out. And this link will take you to Bark for Life registration information.

Click on above image to view a larger version.

Click here to see Angelic on the Photosensitive website.

Click here if you would like to purchase a fine-art print to support cancer research (there are five images to choose from, available as limited editions or regular prints).

The exhibition is travelling to Vancouver where it will be having a grand opening at the Granville Square Plaza, 200 Granville Street on April 20. The time of the opening will be confirmed next week, but it is likely to be 10am.

It will then be travelling to Calgary in mid-May (exact dates and venue to be confirmed) and then will be in Ottawa for the grand finale on June 1 at the Capital Info Centre, 90 Wellington Street (opposite Parliament Hill).

UPDATE! New Ottawa location announced May 6th: The Exhibit will be at Major’s Hill Park, just behind the Chateau Laurier Hotel.

If you’re a bride looking for a wedding gown and accessories, you may wish to visit The Brides’ Project. Helen and staff are wonderful, and you may end up with a dress at a seriously reduced price, portions of which go to support cancer research.

The Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life is largely about Hope.

It was impressed upon me early on during this weekend’s Relay for Life the difference in personality, compared to last weekend’s event. Toronto’s multiculturalism really shone through. It’s poignant to witness people of diverse backgrounds working as a team – in one location – all night long, full of hope. It’s an evening where the human spirit shines.

Friday, June 19th I’ll be photographing again for the Canadian Cancer Society. If you’re participating in the Scarborough Relay for Life, come say “Hello”. I’ll capture an image of you!

The final tally isn’t yet in for the Central Toronto Relay for Life, but as of today the event has raised close to $250,000 for cancer research! Fantastic.

Angelic is featured in the Canada-Wide PhotoSensitive Exhibition.

Yesterday I had a lovely conversation with PhotoSensitive, who called to let me know that they had selected some of my work to be showcased in their Canada-wide Cancer Connections Exhibit. PhotoSensitive will be turning 20 next year. It was formed to show “how the power of the photograph can bring about social justice in such areas as poverty, illness, racism, ignorance… and show the hope found in the face of adversity”.

How timely is this? Just the other day I posted that my Canadian Cancer Society / Brides’ Project shoot was starting to get some attention (see post below). It first received a mention last fall on Wedfog (USA).

What I love about this shoot was the fact it wasn’t planned. I came up with the “angelic” concept while I was shooting earlier in the day. I had no prep. The photography was only made possible with the help of some volunteer assistants, and lovely volunteer models who patiently sat / stood very still during long exposures. So, thank you again to all who participated. And thanks of course to PhotoSensitive and the Canadian Cancer Society for organizing an exhibit in support of cancer research.

The national launch of the show was last spring. It’ll be traveling across our great country for the next two years, and will have its grand finale exhibition in our nation’s capital in 2010.

When I have more details of the exhibit’s schedule I’ll post the info here on the blog. Thanks for reading. I should note that this image is protected by copyright and cannot be reproduced without permission. Please contact the studio if you’d like to publish this and / or other images from the shoot. Thank you.