We begin with a look back at Jack...
RANDY RISLING - Olivia Chow works on the Jack Layton Memorial sculpture titled "Jack's Got Your Back" at MST Bronze in Etobicoke. The sculpture was unveiled on the second anniversary of Jack's death, August 22 at the Toronto Island Ferry Terminal. Olivia holds a Fine Arts degree and is a trained sculptor.
Steve Russell, Staff Photographer, @RussellPhotos
It is always strange when a long time player gets traded or retires.
I seem to always think about the pictures that they gave me.
Andrea Bagnani, numero sette, was a challenge for photographers. His teammates had that one trait that photogaphers love. Great expressive faces. (see links below)
Andrea's face revealed nothing!
Oddly enough his face factors in my favourite story about him.
I was tasked with photographing him for our season kick off section.
I had ideas, I was promised time, I scouted Italian tailor shops, restaurants and magic venues.
Something magic happened, the time frame I was promised vanished, ergo, the big concept photoshoot.
I was given a 15 minute window in between events at a venue I had never seen before.
I was limited to a simple portrait.
Struggling for an idea I found some old raptor tattoos.
I pasted one on the seven footer's face and snapped a couple frames.
Time to go!
Problem, the tattoo wasn't coming off after the shoot!
Took a lot of elbow grease and a few Italian words, don't think he was thanking me, to get the tattoo off.
Raptors number one pick would wear number seven.
Continue reading "Arrivederci numero Sette, Raptors Andrea Bargnani traded" »
DAVID COOPER - Leafs Frazer McLaren decks Senators Dave Dizurzynski during the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ottawa Senators at the Air Canada Centre.
Edtor's Note - There is an image in this gallery that might be upsetting.
&nbps;WINTER...
LUCAS OLENIUK - Racers navigate the slippery corners during the annual Icycle race at the Dufferin Grove rink.
Rene Johnston (@ReneJohnston1) & Steve Russell (@RussellPhotos)
While photographers no doubt still miss Jose Calderon's face, that wonderfully expressive face. Rudy Gay's performance on the court is no doubt easing the sting for Raptors' fans.
The Raptors 102 - 89 win over the New Orleans Hornets, soon to be the Pelicans was another look at how special he is.
RENE JOHNSTON - Toronto Raptors new star Rudy Gay goes up for the slam against New Orleans Hornets in first half action at the ACC. This first quarter dunk was captured by a remote camera mounted underneath the basket trigged by a radio remote on a camera.
TARA WALTON - Fireworks explode over Toronto City Hall as revellers gathered in a chilly Nathan Phillips Square ring in 2013.
Carlos Osorio - Staff Photographer - @CarlosOsorio
Here are some of the photographs and stories that stuck with me in 2012.
Andrew Francis Wallace - Staff Photographer - @awallacethestar
A high performance Audi R8, priced $134,000, caught on fire on the Toronto Gardiner Expressway in the early evening, June 25, 2012. No one was injured, and the roadway opened shortly after firefighters extinguished the blaze.
David Cooper - Chief Photographer - @whatzname07
Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista playfully sticks his tongue out at photographers during photo day at spring training in Dunedin March 2, 2012.
Steve Russell - Staff Photographer - @RussellPhotos
These are my favourite pictures and links to some of my favourite assignments.
Ten metre platform diver Meaghan Benfeito trains at Montreal 1976 Olympic Pool, April 2, 2012. Benfeito and diving partner Rosaline Filion won bronze in 10 metre platform synchronized diving in London.
Continue reading "Steve Russell's favourite pictures of 2012" »