Toby Snelgrove – @tobysnelgrove
How did you get involved with the Metro Blenz News Squad?
I had actually planned on spending this time in Palm Springs avoiding the Olympics. That’s where I was when I received a call from Adam Schelle, a professional photographer I have known for some time. I have some background as a Photojournalist for the Vancouver Courier and the North Shore Weekend, and this project gave me the opportunity to pursue my passion and do some street photography…which I couldn’t resist.
Which of you blog posts was your favorite ?
My favorite post was also the most challenging blog post, so far, and had to do with Religion at the Olympics. My first encounter of this occurred when I was out-and-about with my daughter, and we came across a man who was using collectible pins as the lure for his own brand of religious dogma. I listened and observed, and had to question his approach as he ‘pitched’ to passersby, attracting children with his ‘gifts’. The price was in the listening, as he skillfully wove his own brand into the story he was telling. That made me wonder what other religions where doing at the Olympics, and I noticed a big difference as I encountered representatives of other faiths.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses were very transparent about their purpose, and the Ismailis could not have been more helpful – like the other great volunteers we met.
I have been surprised at the sheer number of stories I have bumped into, so far, and there are still a few days to go. It’s all about the people, like meeting the parents of a French mogul skier, looking for directions. Best of all has been the opportunity to explore Vancouver with my Son and daughtet and to share this Olympic experience with them.
What’s your Olympic memory so far?
I have been surprised at the sheer number of stories I have bumped into, so far, and there are still a few days to go. It’s all about the people, like meeting the parents of a French mogul skier, looking for directions. Best of all has been the opportunity to explore Vancouver with my son and daughtet and to share this Olympic experience with them. To write my own blog post about it was rewarding and then to have it published let me show off for my kids!
What’s your take-away from the Olympic /MBNS experience?
My take-away from the MBNS 2010 experience has been that I can write, as well as take photographs. My wife Jessica is a talented writer, so I have tended to rely on her for commentary. Now I am inspired to do more writing myself, and to revive my how-to photography blog.
More about Toby
Toby is a freelance photographer/writer based on Mayne Island, BC. His passion for photography is photojournalism and is always looking for an opportunity to find and record the story behind the story. His art photography is available through hiswebsite or retailers on the Gulf Island and Sidney, BC. Currently he is writing a book and maintaining his blog “How to turn snapshots into photographs“. On March 20 he will be giving a lecture and demonstration in Victoria, BC entitled Provocative Exposure: The moment intensified focusing on high dynamic range photography, a new and exciting way to expand the dynamic light range of a photograph.
