Outsiders Photography

27 year old Photographer and Writer based out of Halifax, Nova Scotia. I used to have a career in the print industry until I learned it was near impossible so I've taken what I learned and applied it to other avenues. So far it's been a good run.

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RB

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#tbt before #halloween last year myself & @deadly_gypsy ruined my bathroom's tub and walls with blood. Fun times, maybe another one this year. #tattoos #model #ink #piercings #jewelry #rings #blood #horror #horrortheme #photoshoot #nikon #nikond3200 #alternative #water #wetnwild #alternativegirl #cocorose #photography #snapshot #girlswithink #tattoomodel #cuff #necklaces #lowlight #colourphotography

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Available for photograph commercial, portraits, headshots, live enters and more! Outsiderphoto.squarespace.com #halifax #downtown #hfx #fashion #lingerie #plaidshirt #jeans #ink #tattoos #lipstick #tights #spontaneousshoot #nikon #fashionphotography #fitness #tattoos #cheetahprint #alternativegirl #altmodel #outsiderphotography

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Goodbye 2016, Ya Bitch

I'm going to be honest, this year in my eyes has been pretty much 40/60 for me. Forty percent of the year it was great, the other sixty however not so much. I made new friends, lost a few and a job I had for almost three years and got a new one (how that goes remains to be seen in the long run). There's been some great moments in 2016, but it hasn't been all too kind to me. I want photography to be my life, but I can't do it strapped to a nine to five shift job so I'm doing what I can to get an early jump on 2017. Hopefully that means more opportunities, more clients and hopefully, more PAYING shoots. Meaning the old "Time For Print" I would do for people will be limited, less than a handful of people will get that out of me in the new year. Bills need to be paid, I can't pay them if all I'm doing is volunteering my services. I need to get paid, just like you and if you don't like it you can have your cousin or friend who "knows their way around a camera" take those awful looking photos for you.

Most people know me as a nice guy, that "wrestling photographer", but next year, if I have my equipment on hand it's all business. That being said I have some goals for 2017: * Get Published at least once. Ideally, more than three times. * Incorporate more design in my photography. I went to school for it, I SHOULD USE IT. * Plan a gallery or publishing for the end of 2017 - early 2018 * Collaborate with more photographers & designers, open myself up to more groups and allow for healthy criticisms. * Promote, promote, promote! It's going to be tough, mix that with personal goals of getting healthy (I'm rubbish), improving private finances & trying to create a balance for friends it's going to be tough. So I'll say it now, some things (like fees) may go up slightly and my temper may seem off at times so I apologize. I've failed at a few careers and gave up on others, I can't give up on this.

With winter coming full force over the next few months a "photography depression" may set in. If I seem moping mood, I'm trying to get a project off the ground. I just need someone brave enough to show some skin, get out of their comfort zone, have a few laughs in front of the camera. I wanna improve, I wanna make money, but by the end of next year I want to be writing that I finally made this a full time career. (PS: Top 9 photos on Instagram, enjoy)  

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No Bullsh!t, No Egos

I think it's about time this is said, and it's a long time coming: 

Everybody has one and everybody hates someone that has what's called an "ego". That little something in your head that tells you you're "better than everyone" around you.

For some people it's valid and well deserved, for others it makes you look like a pompous jackass. Those that are the latter stick out like a sore thumb, in the way they act or behave. An errant red flag that this person isn't meant to be dealt with, less their ego inflate further and continue to swell beyond it's means. If you've worked with me in the past you know that I don't try to claim I'm the "best photographer" in Canada, or even Nova Scotia, because I know I'm not. Why? Because it means my ego is showing and I know better than that. A little ironic I know, but bear with me. An ego is something I don't want to carry around with me all the time, unwanted baggage in a business where enough is carried from shoot to shoot. I try to consistently learn new skills or ways to edit, to keep myself fresh and keep going. Until I feel like I've learned everything I can an ego is not something I want to be a part of me, not permanently at least. Showing it off a little bit is ok, everyone does it, but don't let your ego speak for you. Let your knowledge and respect for those you've worked with in the past speak for you, even if you hate their guts.

There are several people I could name that do this, that are more humble than egotistical, but I would be doing a disservice by naming them. Seeing how they control themselves and their respective egos makes me want to do the same. I've had guys tell me I'm the best and yes, it gives me a sense of pride in my work, but the moment it becomes something beyond your control ego has taken over. For some I've seen that happen to them and it's a damn shame. It's why sometimes you usually see the little tagline "No Bullsh!t, No Egos" attached to things I post, because I want it known that I'm not speaking from falsely inflated thoughts. I'm speaking clearly, knowing that what I speak and what I display is something I believe in and that it deserves it's chance to shine. That is something my friends that doesn't require ego, it requires heart.

Sadly, there is a lot more ego in this world than there should be resulting in individuals who always believe they are better than you. Hate to break it to you, but you pay taxes, sleep and bleed just like the rest of us and in the end we all go out the same way. For some of us it's our very ego that is our undoing.

Which way you go depends on you, your ego, your humility and what you do with all 3. The choice is yours in how people see you, but it's up to you in how you display yourself. Choose wisely.

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The Last 72 Hours

In short, it's been insane. The feedback I've received on this past weekend photos has been nuts, and to those that have seen them and are reading this, thank you. Now however, the "high" is coming down and the regular life is kicking back in. I'm know for as the "wrestling" photographer in this city because of my association with companies like Twin City Wrestling and Ultimate Championship Wrestling, but I finally got to flex my muscle properly and show what I can really do with portraits. It's what I want as a photographer, positive feedback. I shoot with one light for convenience, but it's also in a way a signature. If you can't shoot with one light and make it look like two you haven't mastered lighting. Again, there was a lot of positive feedback, enough that I decided to plan out a gallery in the future. Can't say what, but maybe by this time next year I'll have a little gallery opened up in downtown Halifax for people to come see. I wanted to be a photographer; work with local names like East Coast Lifestyle, Applehead Studios and bands such as Like A Motorcycle. I still have lots of people I want to work with, with Hal-con around the corner lots of cool cosplayers like Mariah Mallad (Momokun) come to mind. I want that life, not the one where I'm selling hats and embroidery up to 40 hours a week.  Photography is what I want as a career, I wanna stop the 9-5 lifestyle. If it means working harder than I have all year in the new year so be it. Let's see how the next month goes, fingers crossed.

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I Almost Gave Up This Week

Short and sweet, last week was the worst week I've had in consistent memory. Personal issues, private issues and everything in between decided to come and kick my ass into the pavement. For me, honestly, I lost my muse and for anyone that's creative it's like watching your drive fly out the window, never to return. Mixed with depression it's a dangerous combination and it frankly broke my heart and shut me down. In reality, I was two steps away from closing up shop for good. However, I made promises I intend to keep on my schedule this week including a big opportunity I'll write about this weekend, one promise in particular was working with Jake here. This is a young guy who's looking to make his dreams happen, work a crowd and be the best damn wrestler he can be. We shot a couple of promotional images for him to promote himself and it made me remember why I picked up a camera and started shooting: Genuine Human Interaction. I'm a pretty organized guy which leads to a lot of going from point A to B and nothing in between, so to be able to interact with those outside your comfort zone is a welcome breath of fresh air.

I feel better, not close to all the way there, but the pavement isn't as cracked as it was the last time I fell over. Maybe I'll have that muse in my life again someday, but for now I'll pick up a camera, keep shooting and going further.

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#happyhalloween Been really busy the last few days, but the end is near! (for this project at least). Me and @coco_rose_ got together for 2(!) Halloween themed sets, out now @ squareup.com/store/outsider-canada #bluehair #bloodylove #tattoos #ink #water #blood #props #bathtub #photography #portraits #halloween #fitness #cocorose #blondehair #handprints #muscles #sets

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If I have to get aggressive in how I market my photography so be it. Lots of changes coming in the near future, learning new styles from overseas here at home and getting back into a shape I'm comfortable with. #NoEgos #NoBullshit #JustPhotos outsiderphoto.squarespace.com #freelance #novascotia #Halifax #canada #editing #blood #effects #photoshop

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Another from the other day's visit to the waterfront. This miss was playing one of the several painted pianos in the city, real interesting to see these actual get used instead of just laying there. #playmehfx #mywaterfront #streetphotography #haliax #novascotia #music #piano #outdoor #nikon (at Halifax Waterfront)

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Appreciate the little things. We live in a culture where it's always "me,me,me!", but it's nice to see a "we" every now and again. Outsiderphoto.squarespace.com Facebook.com/outsiderphotography #outside #halifax #novascotia #couples #umbrella #rain #walking #fog #selectcolour #portraits #blackandwhite (at Halifax, Nova Scotia)

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Looking straighten your posture? That kink in your neck? Maybe get some assistance with that recovering sports injury? #BodyMends Massage Therapy on 1725 Barrington St, #halifax #novascotia (2nd floor) is always catering to your needs! @adriennevanvliet2 is their newest hire and she's loving it! Book an appointment online now! One building over from @freak_lunchbox #massagetherapy #therapeutic #downtown #recovery #bodymassage #jadestone #hotstone #backtoschool (at BodyMends Massage Therapy)

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"I'm not a bad guy, I'm not a good guy. I'm THE guy!" @reginald_birch got pretty pissed off at the last #UCW show. #portrait #portraiture #livephotography #wrestling #managers #personalities #maritimes #halifax #novascotia #photos #nikon (at Halifax N.S)

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I had a bit of a busy week last week, what with the regular job and trying to plan something for next month, but in the middle of all that my girlfriend's family came for a visit. We ended up heading to the Halifax Citadel. At one point (while they listened to the finer details of simpler life) I walked off and found a dark room to the side, lit by the single (electric) lamp. It's been a while since I did a long exposure, so I snapped a few and went back. Pleasantly surprised with the result. outsiderphoto.squarespace.com facebook.com/outsidersphotography instagram.com/outsiderphotoca #halifax #halifaxcitadel #novascotia #canada #tourism #longexposure #indoors #lantern #electric #wood #metal #lighting #shadows #freelance #outsiderphotography (at Halifax, Nova Scotia)

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I work to get hired, sometimes that means you volunteer and to others they think that's "free". Wrong.

I love professional wrestling, not "sports entertainment", but actual wrestling. For the last few years at this point people have gotten to know me through the shows I volunteer at and photograph. Some people would ask "Why aren't you getting paid to shoot this stuff? Shouldn't you if it's your job? And yes, that's true. I should be getting paid, but before then you need to build trust between you and a future client and sometimes that means working for "free". That's a bad word in my industry, free. Some people would attribute that to being cheap, not worth hiring, but in reality it's the opposite.

My teacher taught me and my classmates that sometime you have to work for free, it's the price you pay. In return, it nets you that one step closer to a future partnership with a client or business that could lead to years of consistent work. For me it's been working in this world, where respect is earned and since I started putting my foot in the door I continue to earn that respect. From helping unload the ring to setting up chairs, right down to retrieving something for one of the veterans. I don't just take photographs at shows, I work to build a connection with talent that allows me to interact with them in ways that others are not given. And in a world where the amount of respect someone has for you can be gauged in a handshake that's a big deal. I'm a freelance photographer, someone who specializes in portraits and headshot photos, isn't afraid to delve into artistic endeavours. Anything from light and fun commercial work, to lush colourful landscapes right down to the nitty gritty of photographing artistic nudity, its a hard job, but I wanna master anything I can learn. Much like my name implies I'm very much an outsider. I work alone a lot of the time and have become a social hermit outside of regular work. From initial planning, to shooting photos right down to the final editing and releases I work alone a lot of the time. It costs me a lot of time, to bust my ass to make connections and work to get that next job under my belt. A time consuming process that has resulted in sleepless nights, high anxiety and moments where I flat out what to quit, pack it all up and just pay my student loans for another failed career. However, I can't, because that day I quit could be very well the day that changes everything. I wanna be known, I don't want that 9-5 life that others live everyday. I want a new challenge to work on and if that means I don't get as much sleep as you so be it. If that means I have to bust my ass twice as hard to get someone to consider hiring me to shoot their idea so be it. If that means my sanity goes to the wayside...well that's nothing new, I've been doing that for years. At this point i just wanna make it, in my own way like the guys performing in the ring. They work to get their names and faces out there and work with the big names, maybe even be the next big name in professional wrestling. I just want my work out there and to a level where if someone is looking for a photographer someone goes "I know just the guy." That all anyone really wants.

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Print schedule is moving to bi-weekly for the summer. Keeps me from burning out too quick. outsiderphoto.squarespace.com Squareup.com/store/outsider-canada #prints #store #photography #models #modeling #ink #tattoos #fitness #shape #exercise #freelance #postthepeople #canada #novascotia #Halifax

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Before he was #NXT champion, Samoa Joe was and still is one of the prides of indie #wrestling. This was taken during one of his final indie shows, just prior to the announcement of his hiring to the @WWE. Spoke with him for a few minutes after the show, gentleman to everyone in the locker room. Hope to hang out again one day. Facebook.com/outsidersphotography Outsiderphoto.squarespace.com #sportsentertainment #wrestling #portrait #livephotography #liveevents #champions #muscle #toughness #SamoanSubmissionMachine #SamoaJoe #Halifax #novascotia #canada #outsiderphotography #freelance