Shooting Some Hoops /  by Christina Varvis

Get it? Eh? Ehhh?

I really don't know why I don't shoot more sports games, because when I do, I can't stop thinking or talking about them afterwards. The energy and emotion exuded from the teams and the crowds is so infectious, and I get on such a high from the adrenaline rush to keep up with the action and get the shot. I truly believe that for any photographer out there, shooting at least one sports game is an experience worth having.

In some ways, sports are easy to shoot, and in others, they can be very challenging, especially if you don't have a lens quick enough to capture the fleeting moments happening in front of you - sometimes at an arm's length away, and at other times, meters and meters away. It's important to have at least two lens on you: one for the action during the game, and one for the action between periods, because sometimes what happens off the court is more valuable to the story than what happens on the court. 

I hope you enjoy the photos in this gallery. I took them at the NAIT Women's Basketball Finals, held on March 18, 2017.

Welcome, Rooster /  by Christina Varvis

Gung Hay Fat Choy! (Yes, I realize it's September now; don't worry.)

These photos were taken at Edmonton's Lunar New Year Celebration in Chinatown, held on January 28, 2017.

I absolutely love attending this event, and capturing the culture and its traditions, the community, and the participation by Edmontonians of all backgrounds to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Every person that you meet or simply pass by, appears so genuinely happy to be there, and you leave the celebration appreciating Edmonton that much more for trying to be such a supportive and inclusive city.

If you live in Edmonton and haven't attended the celebration, I really do recommend it. I also recommend having a snack or lunch at one of the many bakeries and restaurants on 97 Street. Lunar New Year is usually around the middle of February, and with the typical chilly weather, a steaming bowl of noodles always hits the spot. (My current favourite restaurant for noodles is Tao Garden, because you get to pick what to have in your bowl, and their broths and noodles always have great flavour.)