Pole dancing at the Bronson Centre

This weekend I was asked to go cover the Ontario Pole Dancing Championship at the Bronson Centre in Ottawa. I was super excited for this event and wanted to light it with a strobe because I knew the lighting in the building would be awful. I ended up just side lighting the dancers to give it a dramatic look.

Here are my favorite frames,

Drag Superstars at Flamingo Nightclub

While couples were at home or out with their significant other on Valentines day last night, a special six were giving it their all to become Ottawa's next top drag superstar. This event took place at Ottawa's #1 gay bar the Flamingo Nightclub on Elgin Street. This has been an ongoing competition and last night's theme was lip-singing, dance and make up. The vibe in Flamingo is super friendly, everyone is treated as family there. Even tho the competition was very tense, everyone is friends and was having a fabulous time.

Here are my best of from the night.

Contestants get ready prior to the drag show at Ottawa’s #1 gay bar, Flamingo on Elgin street in hopes to become Ottawa’s next Drag Superstar on February 14th 2012. Matthew Usherwood/ The Ottawa Citizen

Owner Sebastien Provost of Ottawa’s #1 gay bar, Flamingo on Elgin street shows his stuff during the opening of the drag superstar competition Tuesday night. Matthew Usherwood/ The Ottawa Citizen

Judges, left to right, Lois Lee, Derick Fage, Kapri Thomas, Shawn Hlowatzki were all smiles while seeing what the contestants have to offer while trying to become the next drag superstar at Ottawa’s #1 gay bar, Flamingo on Elgin on Tuesday night. Matthew Usherwood/ The Ottawa Citizen

Amber Darling was full of energy during his performance at Ottawa’s #1 gay bar, Flamingo on Elgin Street for the drag superstar competition Tuesday night. Matthew Usherwood/ The Ottawa Citizen

Amber Darling hears what the judges have to say about his performance at Ottawa’s #1 gay bar, Flamingo on Elgin Street during the drag superstar competition Tuesday night. Matthew Usherwood/ The Ottawa Citizen

Jade London was full of moves and sass during his performance at Ottawa’s #1 gay bar, Flamingo on Elgin Street for the drag superstar competition Tuesday night. Matthew Usherwood/ The Ottawa Citizen

Icesis Couture showed a lot of spirit during his performance at Ottawa’s #1 gay bar, Flamingo on Elgin Street for the drag superstar competition Tuesday night. Matthew Usherwood/ The Ottawa Citizen

Dixie London gave it his all showed during his performance at Ottawa’s #1 gay bar, Flamingo on Elgin Street for the drag superstar competition Tuesday night. Matthew Usherwood/ The Ottawa Citizen

Murkida Brown was full of passion during his performance at Ottawa’s #1 gay bar, Flamingo on Elgin Street for the drag superstar competition Tuesday night. Matthew Usherwood/ The Ottawa Citizen

Ineeda Ho was fabulous during his performance at Ottawa’s #1 gay bar, Flamingo on Elgin Street for the drag superstar competition Tuesday night. Matthew Usherwood/ The Ottawa Citizen

Over the past two weeks

Here are my favorite pictures I've taken over the past two weeks.

A firefighter talks on his walkie-talkie after battling a two alarm fire.

A police officer leaves the Longfield's Manor in Barrhaven after a 82 year old women was stabbed to death.

A car slides of the road after a freezing rain warning was issued in Ottawa.

Dave and Sandra take their first dance.

Holly & Tony

Last weekend I had the privilege to document Holly and Tony's wedding. This was my first time shooting a wedding on my own and I was very thankful for them putting up with me. I learned a lot from this experience, things to do and not to do. I hope to shoot more weddings in the future because I really enjoy the pressure that comes with weddings to get the perfect shot. It reminds me of press photography.

Congratulations Holly & Tony. Best of wishes!!

We had some fun in the Kid Zone at the Museum of Civilization (Click to see it bigger)

As the shoot was going we didn't notice that Ottawa Citizen photographer Wayne Cuddington was taking pictures of us for an article. This article has nothing to do with weddings but it's still a sweet bonus for Holly and Tony! Thanks Wayne! (click to see it bigger)