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documentographer bio picture

documentographer photo blog

Hello, welcome!  I'm Catherine Farquharson.  I'm a professional photographer, using photography as a way to expand, connect and create.

For my clients and subjects, this means what we do is real, and fun.  I shoot creative editorial portraits for publications, sometimes of well-known names like Clare Danes and Sarah Slean.  I also work with emerging artists and people-of-note to-be, as we develop branding, image and feelings that photos can portray and evoke through their portraits.

As a documentarian, I tell photo-stories from all over the world, including the recent first interracial prom in Charleston, Mississippi, where my photos were published in Oprah's magazine, the National Post, NPR.com, Seventeen magazine and more.

I especially revel in covering important life experiences, including weddings, relationships, and natural lifestyle portraits.  Those moments and events are what we remember and hold onto, and I am honoured by the opportunity for my photos to be the touchstone for those memories and feelings.

For me, photography of people is the capturing of their essence, and sharing back what I saw and felt.  Wherever, and whomever they are. Everywhere and anywhere. Connecting, understanding and sharing. 

Monthly Archives: January 2009

rise and shine tomorrow for Metro Morning

If you are awake at 8:15am tomorrow, turn the ol' radio dial to 99.1

We can meet there.  I'll talk about the Prom photo exhibit.
Then, 5 mins later, you can go back to sleep.  Or head to work.  Or just wonder if it was a dream.
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while snow falls here, sun sets in Costa Rica

15 more cm of snow is falling on Toronto today.  I'm back, and in "weather-shock".  While I sort through my photos from our outstanding photography retreat, I thought I'd share some sunsets with you.  Help keep you warm!

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Never have I seen sunsets so dramatic and breathtaking.  These photos were not Photoshopped or enhanced or altered.  I guess that's why they call Costa Rica Pura Vida.  

NEW INFO ON THE PROM EXHIBIT! click here

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a quick hello from costa rica

Man, are we having fun on this photography retreat!!!

Don't have time to write much, as I am going for a dip after the fantastic photo practice session we just had.

To tie you over, here is a picture I took the other day of Emily.  She's practicing photographing motion.
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It's this beautiful every day.  The group is taking amazing photos, they are getting so creative. It's SO much fun to watch their abilities change, expand and grow over the week.  
Don't be surprised if we don't get on the plane home tomorrow…

Costa-Rica-bound

There doesn't seem to be a way of writing this post without it sounding like I'm bragging, or rubbing it in.  So, I'll make it brief…

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I'm off to Costa Rica this morning to teach a travel photography retreat.  
I know, it's cold here, and hot there.  I know, you've always wanted to try surfing.  I wish you were coming too. 
I can be reached by e-mail if you want to contact me. And do check back here — if it's possible, I will post updates.
Have a great week!
catherine

prom pictures are popping up all over the place

I was delighted to see one of my pictures on the cover the Review section of the Globe and Mail this morning.  And tickled pink to see another on the inside.

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I hope you aren't sick of hearing about Prom Night in Mississippi yet, because, quite frankly, there is more to come.  I promise this will not just become a prom blog. 
For now, stick with me.  This is exciting right now because the film airs on Saturday (!!!), and it's so timely with Obama's inauguration coming next week, not to mention Black History month and my exhibit approaching in Feb.
You might as well get on board — it is a historic event afterall!  You can say, I remember when Charleston High School had their first interracial prom in 2008…

You’re invited to the prom

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On Saturday, Prom Night in Mississippi's world premiere is airing at the Sundance Film Festival.

We're really excited!!
Here's a clip from the movie:

I'm having an exhibition of stills I took for the film of the prom over the month of February. Come and see the kids getting ready, and dancing at this historical event.  Y'all invited to join us!!
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New York, Baby. Baby, New York.

Someone thanked me for 'taking a break from blogging' the other day, so she could enjoy the back-postings of my blog.  And I thought, 'Oh, did I take a break?'  But I guess I did.  A break from photoshoot postings, anyway.
But not for lack of shooting!  Its been busy busy busy.  Even on my holidays last weekend in NYC, I had a family portrait session in Central Park.  What a treat.  I could shoot there for the rest of my life.  *sigh* 
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Prom Night in Mississippi hits Sundance

How could I have forgotten to tell you?  Sometimes things are just so exciting, we somehow forget to share the most obvious news.  'Prom Night in Mississippi', the fascinating documentary that I shot stills for, of the first interracial prom at Charleston High School, is airing its world premiere next week at Sundance!!

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 To kick off the celebration on this side of the border, I am having an exhibit of my photos over Black History Month, at the Lens Factory in Toronto.  More info on that soon, but hold Feb. 4 in your calendar if you want to attend the opening party.  
Also, sorry for the lag in blogging.  It's not for lack of activity!  I'm prepping for the show, prepping for Costa Rica and still working jobs, all at the same time.  And I thought wedding season was a busy time!!

All aboard! This ship departs for Costa Rica in 13 days

Ok, it's a plane, not a ship.  And you should be on it!  

$2300+GST all inclusive:
-flight to San Jose
-delicious, healthy, home-cooked meals
-accommodations at Cabinas Almas
-yoga classes with the talented healer and teacher Xenia Splawinski
-travel photography classes with moi
-sunshine, ocean, swimming pool, rainforest, fun

Jan 20-27.  There are still spots left.  Come along, get out of this snow, relax, rejuvenate and get creative! 

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(This is Jes Vigars. She's another fabulous yoga teacher. We took this picture on a yoga retreat to Peru last year.)