Barry and Shannon

Another beautiful couple - Shannon and Barry. Congratulations!

© Katie Mulligan / 2011

Downey / Chapman

Back to the old stomping grounds: On Friday night, T and I headed for my old hangout to take in a comedy show, hosted by old friends Adam Wallace Downey and Andrew McLean Chapman. Despite countless bugs, hot spotlights and loud pickup trucks tearing by in the background, the two pulled off a hilarious show for the hometown crowd. Long story short: It was awesome.

Thanks guys!

© Katie Mulligan / 2011

The write stuff

Oddly enough, this has not been a wedding-filled summer. The original plan was to take a break from writing and spend more time shooting, both for fun and for hire. So, what am I doing? Outside of my day job, I'm doing just as much freelance writing as shooting.

I suppose that's the way the cookie crumbles.

That said, I have been fortunate to have opportunities to work for a number of publications and organizations over the past few months. The above photo is from a recent story near downtown Ottawa, which is outside of my normal "coverage" zone. Checking out areas I am not as familiar with has been a lot of fun.

What out for new Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival photos next month. Anyone who knows me is aware of the fact I have way too much fun at that event. Needless to say, I'm excited my old paper has asked me to take on that assignment in August.

© Katie Mulligan / 2011

Amy and Tom

I think it's safe to say it: Winter is officially gone.

With that in mind, wedding season has officially arrived. Last night (May 28), I had the pleasure of shooting the wedding of Amy and Tom. From the couple surprising their guests with a well-choreographed rhumba for their first dance to seeing the entire guest list on the dance floor during some classic rock numbers, this wedding was a blast for everyone. Congratulations, guys - this was truly a day to remember.

© Katie Mulligan / 2011

A little bragging

Less than a year after joining the newspaper world full time, part of the editorial team (the editor and I) won a 2006 Metroland Editorial Excellence Award for best front page in our category. It was a pretty exciting way to kick off my time at that job. Just shy of five years later, not even a few months after leaving that job for a new adventure, I received an email from the managing editor: I had won two 2010 Metroland Editorial Excellence Awards. What thrilling news -- too bad I was at my desk at the new job with no one to tell who would really appreciate what it means to me. Nonetheless, I felt pure glee reading over the list of results: First place for best photo layout and second place for best news story. Since this blog is more about images, here is a look at the layout that bagged that award for me. 

Images from the 2010 Battle of the Atlantic memorial ceremony in Almonte.

© Photos and layout by Katie Mulligan / 2010

People, places, canines with braces

OK, so I haven't seen any dogs with braces. But here are a few more images from Toronto. Here, you'll see dear friends (and fellow image makers) Ren and Eric, as well as a girly drink and a yawning dog. 

© Katie Mulligan / 2011

T-dot-Oh

I may be a little behind on updates.
OK, I may be a lot behind on updates. I started a new job in January, which is going very well, so shooting is a little different again. While the camera is not necessarily in my hands on a daily basis, it's great to be getting back to "shooting for fun" more often
This weekend, a short trip to The Big Smoke was a great photo adventure for me. Time was spent with some amazing people, such as the always-delightful Andrew McLean Chapman (in photo). He waited for me in the arcade at the train station, then took me to a pub with books (not to be confused with drinking in a public library).
It was a great weekend. And it's great to be back online a little more these days. Stay tuned for wedding season.

© Katie Mulligan / 2011