At the start of 2015 I made a concious decision to change my focus on the blog and in my photography by shooting and sharing meaningful projects and (hopefully) quality content. As 2014 drew to a close, I realized that there were a few projects tumbling around in my head, and after months of planning and coordinating, I am finally ready to share one such project.
Since moving to Ottawa, I have learned that the city has many thriving movements, from music, to craft beer, to food. Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver tend to steal the bulk of the limelight when it comes to star chefs, great food, and dazzling restaurants; but with its quiet confidence, Ottawa has a food scene that measures right up there with the best in the country. And don’t just take my word for it, the New York Daily News agrees.
While doing some research for my projects, I stumbled on a chef collaborative called the Bytown Chefs Collective (BCC). The Collective is formed by seven of the best young Ottawa chefs who host events that raise money for the community, as well as showcase their collaborative efforts on preparing stellar menus.
Over the coming months, I will be shooting each member of the group in their respective kitchens throughout Ottawa. Today’s post features Paul Dubeau, Head Chef of five kitchens here in the city – all four Clocktower Brew Pubs, and Stella Osteria.
I hope you enjoy…
I really liked picture nr 10. A photo that shows a happy Chef in his kitchen.
Thank you Lena.
Great series Shane, you should do more of this.
Thanks Leanne, I’ve got several more in the works.
Pretty cool shots. Looking forward to the rest
Thanks Luis!
beautiful work
Thank you 🙂
great portraits. I like his knife tattoo.
Agreed, the knife tattoo is pretty sweet.
I love the different angles on this chef because it really give s feel for his work – nice tone too 🙂
Thanks so much! I feel that different angles are important while on a shoot, and I think that as I move deeper into this project I’ll get a better sense of how to shoot in the kitchens.
Great project Shane! The first pic is so good!
Thanks Julie! That first pic was what made Paul realize that I might actually do a half-decent job on the shoot 🙂
A fabulous start to your series, Shane! Chef Paul is sure to be pleased!
Thanks Stacy… and yes, he seemed very pleased with the results. Thanks for leaving yet another fab comment.
Love love love love love!!! I cannot WAIT to see more work from you this year – I feel like it’s going to be a great second half of the year for your work!
Jess, you just made my day! Thank you so much for the kind words, and I think you just pumped me up to want to work even harder 🙂
Aww thanks Shane – you seem to produce your images so seamlessly though, like there really isn’t a heap of hard work involved… I’m sure there is, but the beauty of your images are that they seem so EASY, which is why they’re all so beautiful!
I am now completely floored. You are always way too kind and you one of the people I am so thankful to have met through blogging. You rule!
What a handsome dude 😉 These photos are incredible! They really show his character. Good work!
Thanks Nicole! It’s all Paul though, he’s a rock star!
And interesting idea for a series Shane, I am always impressed with your minimalistic approach, in writing and art. Yet it all tells a well thought out, feeling story.
I can smell the french fries, see the chef’s love for his work and hear the busyness of the kitchen in these images. Looking forward to seeing your photography grow with this project too. I am sure it will!
Hi Carrie, thanks so much! How are things in your neck of the woods?
On the verge of being great! Husband gets home after 3 weeks away tomorrow, house we have been trying to sell off and on since we moved has an offer and there are two weeks left of school/work for me and then SUMMER starts. So…lots to be happy about and celebrate. Loving where we live too! Thanks for asking 🙂
Really glad to hear it. We’re also very excited about the changing season around here too.