The calm before the storm

The local theatre group, The Valley Players, recently closed their production of Les Belles Souers. The cast, made entirely of the ladies of the group, did not disappoint as they eagerly stepped right into their characters. Here, one of the youngest cast members finds a moment of quiet during the last chaotic minutes of hair and makeup as she reads through a thank you card, emotionally written about the magnificent performance she and fellow castmates put on.
© Katie Mulligan/Metroland - Ottawa Region

Good food, good company

The Good Food Company here in town was named one of Ottawa Magazine's top 12 restaurants in the area. The interesting part is that it usually focuses on places downtown Ottawa, with the occasional spot in the east or west end. So the fact that reviewers actually made their way to the Valley, OUTSIDE of Ottawa, and were impressed enough to return is pretty fantastic. I spent time speaking with the owner this morning, and she mentioned she is the only original restaurant owner left in town. The rest are new owners, or just plain new establishments. When I publish the piece this photo goes with, I stay neutral, but since this is my blog, I will go ahead and say that if you've ever eaten at this place, you will totally understand why it's still around. It rocks.
© Katie Mulligan/Metroland - Ottawa Region

Kids say the... Nicest things.

A warm and fuzzy:
Today, I was taking pictures of elementary school kids taking part in Pitch In Day. Each class gets a box of gloves and a big plastic bag, so they can go out into their school yard to clean up garbage.
What a great bunch of kids. They were racing each other, making it into a competition.
"Look at how much garbage *I* am picking up!"
Amazing.
To top off the good feeling this gave me, one of the kids from the class I focused on came up to me after they were done, and said:
"Did you know you're the best photographer in the whole world?!"
I almost got teary eyed.

So, thank you to the grade five student (his name is Chevy) who made my day.

There is something in the air...

There isn't anything particularly special about this picture, except for one thing; see how much he's squinting? That means the sun was shining, a warm breeze was blowing, and spring has sprung. Actually, it was borderline summer. (Taken yesterday.) And that, my friends, is just plain awesome. That's really the only reason I posted this; it's my first outdoors, warm-weathered shot of the year!
17-year-old Mike Farrell is back in the Valley to finish up the end of his last semester in high school in his home town. He was drafted into the OHL at 16, moved to Owen Sound and spent most of the later portion of his high school career at West Hill. Now that high school is almost done, he no longer has to deal with spending September to March in one high school, then finishing the last three and some months in another.
© Katie Mulligan/Metroland - Ottawa Region

Up and at 'em...

Celebrating 100 years of scouting. These young troopers were in the park by the river by 7 a.m. sharp last August (I believe) to say a few prayers, read pledges and do an official flag raising to celebrate the big event. I too was in that park for 7 a.m., and was mighty proud of myself for doing so. I'm not going to lie to you, I came back to my office and took a light nap until the rest of the world arrived at 9 a.m. That's where my talent of being able to sleep anytime, anywhere really pays off.

© Katie Mulligan/Metroland - Ottawa Region

Music and home improvement. What more can you ask for?

Ah, the 17th Pakenham Home, Lifestyle and Trade Show. It's always a hit in the area; people come from far and wide to get deals on appliances, furniture and other home improvement items, as well as make connections with local businesses (rather than the big box stores). While shopping is half of the fun, the other half is upstairs. Local musicians grace the stage of the community centre in front of a packed dance floor. McMunn Music did just that - they had the upstairs of the building rocking with their country tunes. (Note: McMunn Music: Think of "Silver Fox" Ron McMunn, a well-known face of the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame. While Ron passed away last year, his music lives on through his sons who still perform with the band.)

© Katie Mulligan/Metroland - Ottawa Region

In and out in five minutes...

Gospel music in Franktown. I knew this could be an interesting assignment, so I didn't mind the fact I had to wait around a few hours on a Saturday night to catch it. Unfortunately, however, I was given the wrong time so when I showed up, the show was, in fact, ending. The choir was basically singing the last few notes of their encore. So, while this may not be the best photo I have ever taken, I was still mighty pleased to walk away with it. I got in, snapped up a kneeling spot in between the stage and the audience and shot off less than 10 frames. Whew.

© Katie Mulligan/Metroland - Ottawa Region

A different tune...

Jazz in Almonte. There isn't much more to say about it, really. I think the mood in this photo is quite similar to what you might be feeling if you were listening to the band in person. Very deep, very mellow.
© Katie Mulligan/Metroland - Ottawa Region

I'll take a Mulligan on that one...

A while back, I was asked to shoot magazine-style photos for my company's golf supplement. Basically, the theme was golf screw ups. The model is actually the editorial manager of my company, so he was easy to work with. I don't know much about golf, but chances are good you're not supposed to look like this during the game...

© Katie Mulligan/Metroland - Ottawa Region