Cuban comfort food as the snow flies: Yuko finds big flavour at a small price with Havana Cafe

Yuko Inoue (blog) came to Ottawa from Japan one year ago to study at Carleton University. After a summer serving as photo editor of The Charlatan, Carleton’s student newspaper, she’s now starting her second year of journalism. In her spare time, Yuko likes art, live music and exploring the city’s food scene. 

Snow finally fell in parts of Ottawa on Thursday — but, meanwhile, I was drinking lemonade and waiting for a hot sandwich inspired by the country Canadians escape to during the winter: Cuba. 

Nestled into a little stretch of shops in Old Ottawa South, I came face-to-face with Havana Cafe‘s “Cuban Club.” Let me explain my first date with him: 

The Cuban Club from Havana Cafe

Tender grilled chicken, lightly flavoured with pepper and cilantro jumped into my mouth, dancing in harmony with caramelized onion, lettuce, tomato and a bit of mayo. Both sides of the bread were crunchy, while the bread inside absorbed the juice from the chicken and veggies. I nearly burnt my tongue, but couldn’t stop from hastily munching on it as soon as it arrived.

But perhaps the best perk was the price: $5.65 — WITH taxes and a lemonade thrown in. Way to go when living a student life. (Even better, considering that Havana Cafe is within walking distance to Carleton University.)  

Another option is the Cuban wrap with rice and beans, grilled veggies and Yucca chips (fried Cuban root vegetable that is something between sweet potato and potato). Once you know and trust Havana Cafe’s sensitivity in flavouring food, I would definitely recommend this $10 plate.

 

The Cuban Wrap from Havana Cafe

Old Ottawa South — “between the bridges” — is a neighbourhood that’s growing quickly. With the recent arrival of great spots like Taylor’s Food & Wine and Stella Luna Gelato Cafe, it’s easy to spend an afternoon walking the sloping streets and perusing the shops. 

On a wall instead Havana Cafe was a (typical) Cuban photo of both the young and old sitting in front of a porch, smiling, as a big, happy family. And it seems to be an attitude that carried over to the cafe’s staff, too. “Smile,” said one staff member, taking a photo of a family that came for a take-out order. Looks like they’ve brought the Cuban flavour, and haven’t lost the energy yet either.

While this will be Havana Cafe’s second winter to go through in Ottawa, like me, they recently renovated the lower floor for cocktail parties, birthdays and meetings. The vibe is private, yet friendly. Another great perk is that people can order meals that are not in the menu, as long as they are Cuban. The menu offers a suggestion: “Backyard pig roast.”

So instead of splurging on a $500 flight to escape the Ottawa winter, why not hop on an bus and come over for some Cuban comfort? And all for $5. 

Havana Cafee is located at 1200 Bank St in Old Ottawa South, and can be reached at 613-733-1200 or via havanacafeandcatering@gmail.com

Thanks for the winter-friendly food tip, Yuko! Great to know as the temperature drops!

Urban and awesome: Brian already eagerly awaiting next year’s House of Paint

Photo Credit: Tjololo Photo via Flickr

Brian Tong of Start Up Dance (blog/Twitter/YouTube) is an 86′ baby who loves dancing, marketing, and anything artistic in Ottawa. Brian continues to search and find hidden talents that deserves the spotlight and give these artists some hometown hero love. 

Ottawa has so many hidden gems! As a local tourist, I hear that statement a lot, but had no idea House of Paint was literally hidden from the public eye. Located in between vibrant neighbourhoods — and more specifically, between a park and university — it’s definitely a hidden gem that holds the city’s most hyped about urban event of the year. Dedicated to the graffiti artists and those who support the art form, this event helps to raise awareness through dance, music and, of course, graffiti. (See more photos here and here.)

Photo Credit: fieldtripp via Flickr

The first time I heard about this event, I definitely thought it’d be focused towards a niche group of people and that I would feel like an outcast of the community. I was proven wrong; the very soul of the event was ALL about community. Never have I seen a group be so open and welcoming to everyone that visited the House of Paint: it was definitely something new in the nation’s capital. And I got a chance to watch these amazing dancers throw it down under the hidden bridge.

If the world’s best dancers was able to hear about this event, I believe our local tourists deserve to hear about it too. Enjoy this video by Michael Naprorkowski which features Ottawa’s own Flavor Factor Urban School giving a bit of love to the dance floor.

And stick around the House of Paint’s Facebook page to keep yourself updated for the upcoming year! Until then, keep on dancing Ottawa!

You may have to wait another whole year before the next House of PainT, but some of the group’s graffiti artists will be at OttawaU’s Frosh on Sept. 9. And still check out the graffiti keeping the Dunbar Bridge colourful!

The magic of campus community radio, CKCU-FM and beyond

Lenny Wu (blog/Twitter) is a weekly radio host at CKCU-FM and blogs about the indie music scene, as well as a bit of food and silly things. He’s an avid Apple user (minus the iPhone as he doesn’t have one yet).  Lenny is also part of a local lion/dragon dance troupe.

The Ottawa media landscape has seen a lot of changes recently, and radio stations now have formats ranging from blues, light rock to whatever other kind. There’s a sense that the traditional radio station is still thriving, even as it competes against the Internet and digital downloads. One of the unseen heroes in the radio realm is campus community radio.

Lenny Wu (photo: Anne Patterson/Hello Ottawa)

As some people may know, I host a general music show, Wild Works, at CKCU-FM at Carleton University (Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and also posted later on my blog). My motivation to become a radio DJ began in the 1990′s when I listened to Energy 1200 and KOOL-FM but my motivation shifted with the advent of Internet when I decided to listen to international radio stations coming everywhere from the UK to Hong Kong. When CBC Radio 3 started to play Canadian independent music in 2007, I realized that campus community radio had been playing those artists all along. Getting into local radio got me passionate about the Canadian indie music scene.

The unique part of campus community radio is that we’re not being dictated by commercial radio. Still, CKCU relies on student levies, sponsors and an annual funding drive (in late October to early November), as the station more is listener-supported compared to the CBC, which is a public broadcaster. Stations like Hot 89.9 and Majic 100 are commercial and private stations.

Since CKCU-FM is a free-form format, there’s always a sense that the hosts showcase music they truly love and are passionate about.

Lenny Wu in the CKCU-FM studio (photo: Anne Patterson/Hello Ottawa)

Aside from my own radio show, shows like Whatever’s Cool With Me (hosted by Ryan Bresee, Thursday 9:30 a.m to 12 p. m.), Now Playing on CHUO 89.1 FM (hosted by Emma Godmere, Wednesday 12 to 1 p.m.) offer the best in Canadian music. As for ethnic programming, there is An Indian Morning, a Persian program, a Somali program, etc.

For anyone that likes alternative and rock music, there’s a show called Friday Night Derailment, which airs 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Friday. For hip-hop, rap and soul, Fundamentally Sound from 12 to 2 p.m. on Thursdays.

Since it’s the Summer, CKCU-FM has radio camp for kids aged nine to 12.  They get to become radio stars as they learn how to record and edit audio and learn what happens behind-the-scenes at a radio station. On the final day of radio camp, the kids go live for two hours.

If you’re curious about Ottawa radio, show your support for campus community radio as there’s a diverse choice in music and cultural programming that everyone will enjoy.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge of campus community radio with us, Lenny! Have you ever tuned in to any of these radio shows? Don’t forget that you can listen online as well as on the airwaves at 93.1 FM.

Start Up Dance: Brian Tong kicks off his LTO exploration of Ottawa’s dance community

Photo Credit: startupdance.blogspot.com

Start Up Dance (Twitter/YouTube/Facebook) is run by an 86′ baby by the name of Brian Tong who loves dancing, marketing, and anything artistic in Ottawa. Brian continues to search and find hidden talents that deserves the spotlight and give these artists some hometown hero love. 

The movies, the stories, the culture, all the things you see on the big screen about love, music and dance are true (minus the cheesy acting) and can all be found in Ottawa. This amazing city hides a world of underground dancers that practice and compete for love and respect of the community, the best part is that they’re really good at what they do.  

Let me introduce you to the urban dance community that most of the mainstream media claim as hip hop. Ottawa’s urban dance scene has established Ottawa as one of the most talented cities around. A strong divide between Studio and Streets, these troupes and dancers work hard to perfect their craft to blend the two worlds together. 

Most recently, Ottawa’s own Remix Dance Academy hosted a highly anticipated showcase that included famous troupes that you may recognize on television such as So You Think You Can Dance. Before that, the amazing Illabilties Crew (who’d you recognize on both So You Think You Can Dance and America’s Got Talent) dropped by and judged a local competition for young break-dancers in the city.

Ottawa is filled with hidden gems, and our dance community is definitely one to look out for. Here at Local Tourist Ottawa, I’ll be sure to give you a heads up on showcases, workshops and other dance related events that you can enjoy. It is one thing to watch it on television and another to watch it live, so be sure to keep an eye out for future posts and who knows, you may realize one of the dancers could be your next door neighbour.  Until then here’s a sneak peak of Canadian Dance Factory and their project over at Carleton University:

Thanks Brian! We can’t wait to learn more about Ottawa’s dance community!

Fitness Fridays: Emily Rack finds her inner Latina with Zumba!

Photo Credit: Senior U.S. Airman Kenny Holston, via Flickr

Emily Rack is a 21-year old journalism student, split cross-continentally between Canada (school) and England (family). She loves adventuring around the world, planning unconventional dates, going to music festivals, baking caramel sea salt brownies, and dancing the night away. She is joining forces with LTOttawa to bring you the very best weird and wonderful fitness classes throughout the city.

Photo Credit: Wolfgang_Redspot, via Flickr

My second adventure into the world of alternative fitness found me shaking and moving to a decidedly Latin beat. Zumba (pronounced ZOOMBA! exclamation point necessary) is essentially a fusion of dance and cardio-aerobics. It’s an incredibly fun (albeit extremely sweaty) way to get fit because it combines interval training with toning resistance training. In an hour of zumba, you’ll be put through a series of intense exercises and a number of short dance-style sequences. 

At first, I must admit I was a bit nervous to go.  I’m really not much of a dancer. Don’t get me wrong, I love dancing, but apart from a number of solo dance parties in front of my bedroom mirror, and a tap class when I was 8, I would pretty much categorize myself as “inexperienced.” Walking into the studio, faced by a roomful of fellow zumba-hopefuls, I began to get extremely self-conscious. What if I couldn’t keep the rhythm? What if I embarrassed myself? This self awareness continued through the warm up, but trust me, once you get into the class the last thing you’ll be thinking about is if the girl in front of you is moving to the rhythm or not.

High energy and heart pumping, there’s a lot of really intense movement in this class. Shaking, twisting, jiggling, thrusting, ’snapping,’ squats (oh, squats like you would never believe) and a lot of moves Beyoncé seems to be so good at, but I have yet to master. In a way, it’s very brave to go to a class like this, where everyone is trying their very hardest to channel some glamazonian diva power, without much success. But it feels awesome. After going a few times, zumba started to make me feel more confident, more energetic, and– let’s just say it– sexy! And although at first you probably look anything but, it’s a huge confidence booster and really all about the attitude.

Photo Credit: Wolfgang_Redspot, via Flickr

The music, a variety of salsa, merengue, flamenco, hip hop and bhangra, really sets the pace for the whole class, encourages you to keep up, and manages to lead the workout to focus on every muscle group. After zumba-ing once, I was hooked and continued to sign up for another semester worth of classes.

Now, you should probably be warned . . . zumba is not really for the faint of heart. You will end up sweaty and tired and sore, but for the amount of fun and the health benefits, I can’t recommend it highly enough. My suggestions are as follows:

1. Bring a friend or two! I went with a group of my girlfriends, and we made it into a weekly tradition, which quickly became out favourite. It’s a little less nerve-wracking to go in with other people, and then you can laugh about your struggles after class. It’s also easier to follow through with exercise if you make it into an appointment or a commitment to a friend.
2. Always wear running shoes. A few people in my class (myself included) tried to zumba without shoes, and it ended up taking a toll on my ankles. So, lace up those sneakers. 
3. Loosen up. You really won’t get the full benefits of any dance class unless you drop your inhibitions and just go for it. Maybe it’s a little embarrassing to be shaking your hips so furiously, but once you let go and just immerse yourself, you won’t care (and neither will anyone else!)
4. Don’t forget your water bottle. This is pretty self-explanatory, but you’ll definitely need to keep hydrated.

Photo Credit: Wolfgang_Redspot, via Flickr

I know I have a long way to go in the world of spicy Latin dancing, considering the amount of time I spend watching the instructor with wide eyes. (How can anyone jiggle like that?) But I will keep dancing zumba, hoping that some day — some glorious day — I will be able to move like her too! In the meantime, I’ll continue to pretend I am living the dream of being in the background of an Enrique Iglesias music video, shaking it like it matters, shaking it for Enrique. Maybe you should join me?

Classes run at a lot of gyms and dance studios in Ottawa, I took mine at Carleton University (where you get a discount if you’re a student). Here are some places you can definitely sign up for classes:

• http://www.fitnessfusionstudio.com/classes.php

• http://www1.carleton.ca/athletics/news/sign-up-now-for-new-zumba-dance-class/

• http://www.glebefitness.com/detail.php?id_cnt=15

• http://dancewithalana.com/instructors.php

Keep up the shaking and hip-swirling, Emily! Where do you like to bust a move, Ottawa? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

Q&A with Ottawa photographer Kathy Roussel

This Is A Standoff, Ottawa 2010

Kathy Roussel was born in Riviere-Du-Loup, Quebec, but being raised by a military family fostered her moves across the country throughout her childhood. She eventually settled in North Bay, Ontario where her parents still reside, until her move to Ottawa in 2006. After studying for three years at Carleton University, Kathy enrolled at the School of the Photographic Arts: Ottawa, where she is currently in her second year of studies.

Kathy Roussel

When did your passion for photography begin?

I have always been passionate about photography in general, but I didn’t start getting seriously passionate about the idea of myself as a photographer until late in high school. In my final year or two, I attended as many local music shows as I could and that’s when I really discovered that there was more to photography in me than being interested in other people’s images.

 

Craig Cardiff; Singer/Songwriter, Ottawa 2010

Being in that environment and beginning to photograph live bands made me see that I wanted to blend my passions of photography and music together to create great images myself. I would buy various music magazines and just think that if I worked hard enough, one day that could be my photographs in there.

Music-related photography is not my only interest, but it’s definitely what got the ball rolling. I wish I still had all the band T-shirts I had collected.

What brought you to SPAO? How has the school changed your photography, if at all?

Despite my great interest in photography, after high school I decided to enroll at Carleton University, where my goal was to become a journalist (ideally music-related). I ended up not making it past the first year of journalism, but I stuck the university life out for another two years in a different program because I felt it was important, even if only for myself, to get a degree.

Eric Stone; Bassist (Today I Caught The Plague), Ottawa 2011

At the beginning of my third year, I made the decision that I wanted to pursue my dream of photography full time — my original plan was to apply to a few colleges, and go from there, until an at-the-time acquaintance told me about SPAO and the unique program that it offered.

The school has definitely changed the way I approach photography. The instructors there have taught me the importance of slowing down and shooting with intent, and over the last two years they have truly guided me into creating a body of work which I am proud of. At SPAO you are aided and guided by the amazing teachers and professionals who are there to help you grow — and being only just over twenty students in the entire school, we get a ton of one on one instruction. I now view photography in a whole new way, and how I approach it has definitely changed.

Dan Mangan; Singer/Songwriter, Ottawa 2010

Your love of portraiture is quite evident from your portfolio. What attracts you to that style?

I find portraiture fascinating. The camera has this ability to connect people, to create a relationship between a photographer and a subject even with a short amount of time. Most often, my subjects are able to give me a good amount of time to shoot them, but I have photographed a few people whom I only had ten to twenty minutes with — a short amount of time connect with a subject and get a great image.

Either way, it’s always a thrill, and that connection is something that I am so interested in. The connection is different with each sitter, and after each shoot I have an image to always remember that connection by – an image that was created by our experience. I just find that idea so interesting.

You’ve done a lot of work photographing musicians . . . but not necessarily on stage. How do you capture their essence away from their natural “scene”?

Depending on the band or singer/songwriter, it can sometimes involve some research, most of which will consist of spending a lot of time listening to the band to get a feel for them. Their sound will be the main influence on how I will approach the shoot with regard to setting, posing, lighting, etc.

As much as I also enjoy live music photography, you really do not get the same experience that you do when taking an artist’s portrait. I always feel privileged after a band or an artist has given me the chance to photograph them. I really value the time they give me. I have photographed a small number of bands/artists who were only in town for one day, and they gave me that time. I am so thankful for that.

 

Hunter City Madness, Ottawa 2010

 

Who is the most interesting local talent you’ve shot to date?

I’m not entirely sure I could just pick one. But for the sake of continuing with this thread on musicians, I was beyond honoured to get the chance to photograph local band Today I Caught The Plague last fall. 

Today I Caught The Plague, Ottawa 2010

 

They are largely influenced by hardcore and metal, but I had never heard a sound quite like theirs. I had also never met them prior to photographing them, but they are honestly six of the most incredibly kind dudes I have ever met — I can never say enough good about them. They are actually in the studio right now recording and I’m really looking forward to hearing the final mixes.

I have also photographed two of the band’s six members — drummer Mike Ieradi and bassist Eric Stone — as single portraits, and it’s always an amazing experience. They are down for whatever I have planned and really understand my process, so it’s really nice. I’m really hoping I get more opportunities to photograph them in the future. 

Dinosaur Bones, Ottawa 2011

 

Where’s your favourite place to shoot in Ottawa?

I have to admit — this past year I did not do much work outside of SPAO’s studio, so that would be my answer. I have really grown to enjoy the connection you can develop with a person in that kind of environment and I was really lucky to be able to take advantage of that space while I was given the opportunity to use it. I’m hoping that this summer I’ll get the chance to use photography to explore the city further, and possibly find some new favourite places to shoot.

Beyond the camera, how else do you enjoy exploring the city?

I love going out for tea with friends — Bridgehead or Ideal Coffee is often where I end up. But I love being introduced to new coffee or tea shops. I also try and explore as much of Ottawa’s music scene as I can.

This city holds some great local bands, and we have some awesome venues (whether it be smaller cafes like Raw Sugar Cafe on Somerset or something bigger like the downtown located Mavericks or Ritual). We are quite lucky.

Thanks Kathy!

Ambitious high school student Bronwyn Lefebvre plans fashion show to raise funds for Lupus Ontario

Bronwyn Lefebvre is currently raising funds for Lupus Ontario: a cause very close to her heart

Bronwyn Lefebvre is a high school student who will be attending Carleton University in the fall. She enjoys shopping, music and spending time with family and friends in Ottawa – a place she has called home for 18 years.

You’re currently spearheading an ambitious fundraiser for Lupus Ontario. Why is this cause so important to you?

I’ve been living with Lupus since the age of five and every year my school puts together a fashion show to raise funds for a desired charity, so I wanted to take this opportunity to raise money and awareness for Lupus Ontario.

In a way this event has allowed me to grow and realize that I am not the only one who is struggling with this disease. Once I started planning the event and placed my story in local papers and had my logo in Lupus Ontario’s newsletter, I began receiving emails from various women who also suffer from Lupus. They gave me their support and congratulated me on my efforts with the organization.

I’m planning this show not only for myself, but for the millions of others who are also suffering.

At first my school was apprehensive about allowing me to pursue running the show, because in the past, runners have not raised money for the charities, but in the end they gave in. My teachers haven’t been quite as supportive as I would like, and there have been phone calls home and to the guidance counselor because I’ve been working so hard with the fashion show; however, I catch up on weekends with the work I’ve missed. For peers, they have supported me 100 per cent and so has my family, which I am very grateful for.

As the event organizer and coordinator, I’ve been able to delegate tasks to my committee members, and taking on the ones that haven’t been completed myself, hosting modeling auditions, designing the logo and information package, planning the show, contacting various stores and local businesses who are interested in either showcasing their styles or sponsoring the show, collecting donations, running errands, setting up music… It’s definitely been a busy seven months but I wouldn’t change anything and am excited to see how it will all turns out.

How has having Lupus affected your everyday life?

Lupus is a disease that causes the body to not understand the difference between good cells and bad cells, so it attacks itself (for a full medical definition, please click here). When the disease is active (known as a flare) it can attack and affect any organ in the body.

For me, it has affected my heart, blood and brain. I’m not allowed to live a normal life like many teenagers my age. I often feel as though I never had a childhood because I was constantly in and out of the hospital, and the disease has caused me to suffer short term memory, making studying for tests and exams much more challenging.

Voyage will take place Wednesday, February 23rd, 7 P.M., at St Matthew High School (6550 Bilberry Drive Orleans). Tickets are just $10. You can also donate by clicking this image.

Tell us a little bit about Voyage, St. Matthew High School’s fifth annual fashion runway show.

Voyage Fashion Show will be a night to remember with fashion from a variety of stores, designers and performance talent. Mix all that with good music and company and you get St. Matthew High School’s traditional event that will blow everyone away!

Stores to look forward to are: MEXX, Bluenotes, Costa Blanca, Joe Fresh, Christine’s Bridal, West 49, Stella & Dot Jewelry, Moore’s TipTop and Marka’s Boutique, plus various designers fro our very own student body including 1086, Diamond Gold and Jenny, and Megan & Raeanne Designs. Musical talent will include Ottawa’s very own Mike Kleff, Matthew McGeein, St. Matt’s Glee Club and Cheer team and another acoustic performance by Alenka, Breanna and Carl.

What are you hoping will come from this event?

I’m hoping to raise over $4,000 for Lupus Ontario and to make a fundraising name for my high school. This has been my dream to run the fashion show since grade 10, so I am hoping that all my work will pay off. The money raised will help those with Lupus live longer and better by delivering vital support, education, awareness and research.

Has the Ottawa community been very supportive of your cause?

I’ve learned you really need to be a salesperson in order to gain interest towards an event. Generally my close circle has been supportive but it’s been hard trying to reach out to the community.

At Local Tourist Ottawa, we like to celebrate the best of what the Nation’s Capital has to offer. Can you tell us about your perfect day in Ottawa?

I love downtown. I absolutely adore the environment it has to offer: shopping, yummy restaurants and everything I could ever ask for. Some of my all time favourite places to shop would be Aritzia, MAC, Club Monaco and Jacob. Throw all those stores together with some delicious mussels from Mangia and some gelato from Picolo Grande and you have my perfect day.

Thank you for sharing your story with us Bronwyn, you have put an incredible amount of work towards this very good cause! To support Bronwyn and Lupus Ontario please click here.

Carleton University’s first ever flash mob!

This is….awesome.

Want more info? Click here.

Q&A with award-winning photographer Paul Couvrette

Paul Couvrette, of Couvrette Studio

Paul Couvrette is an Ottawa-born, award-winning photographer whose been practicing his craft for 35 years. Shooting everything from portraits of prime ministers to weddings to advertisements, his downtown Ottawa space, Couvrette Studio, is a hopping place. Named Canadian Photographer of the Year in 1994, Paul has shot more than 300 magazine covers, his work gracing the front of Time, Reader’s Digest and Ottawa Life.

When did your passion for photography begin?

I did a Journalism degree at Carleton University and freelanced as a writer for two years, primarily as an art critic for a number of magazines and the Ottawa Citizen. During that time, every time I was asked to do photojournalism to accompany the articles — editors praised the photography as much as the writing. Frankly, I was paid as much to write as the shoot … and I simply liked shooting better.

You’ve shot some big Canadian names, from Rick Mercer to former Olympians, even Prime Minister Stephen Harper. What’s been the most memorable shoot in recent years? Any funny stories?

Rick Mercer, taken by Paul Couvrette

There are literally hundreds of memorable shoots from my time covering Trudeau to my assignments in the Arctic.

Funny stories … Well, just before I did Rick Mercer’s portrait he asked me to make certain I did not make him look like a comic. And he was serious!

Photographing Trudeau on Canada Day once I saw Justin Trudeau pop a balloon on a hot video light. The “POP” resulted in two RCMP undercover men pulling weapons and pointing them right at me since I was a foot from Trudeau. I asked him about the scare a bit later and he said the he wasn’t worried “since they were good shots.” I think he meant the RCMP.

How do you put those in front of the lens at ease? Any secrets?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Style cover of Amanda Forsyth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are a lot of different techniques, but primarily I tell them that I sympathize … since I, too, hate being in front of a camera.

In your opinion, what makes a photograph sing?

Expression, composition, tonality and storytelling are the key elements of a good photo. I respect any artist who has a strong command of their medium as it still stands out amongst the digital onslaught of our time.

You also seem to be a photographer of many hats, shooting weddings, portraits, architecture and ads. Do the same basic principles apply to each style? How do they differ?

Yes, I am a bit of a rarity in that not only do I shoot all these styles, but I have won major awards in each area. Yes, the same basic principles apply, except of course that in photographing people you have both the challenge and the benefit of using expression to tell the tale.

Photo by Paul Couvrette

Any favourite shooting locations in Ottawa? (Besides your studio, that is.)

I love my large studio since it lets me shoot things most people can only dream of. If I was to choose another location it would have to be on the Ottawa River in one of the beautiful spots in Beachburg (about an hour’s drive west of the city.)

Ottawa's skyline by Paul Couvrette

For those photo junkies out there, what gear do you use?

My main camera is a Canon 5D Mark II … Though I wish film was still around.

Beyond the camera, how else do you enjoy exploring Ottawa?

I have two children aged 11 and 15 who have forced me to have a second childhood. On Sunday night, I was sliding at Winterlude.

What do you think about the state of the photography industry?

Digital impacted the public quite negatively in that many have a lower expectation of end product than they did only a decade ago. Sadly, the bulk of people are so overworked that they can barely make time for a family portrait and settle for a WalMart snap. I am certain that many people will regret their choice of poor quality images to remember the key times of their lives. Everything comes back around and I’ll be here waiting.

Christmas Portrait taken in Couvrette Studio

Thank for the chat, Paul! Check out more of his amazing work on both his portrait and commercial sites, and on his blog.

Centretown News on the Ottawa cupcake craze

As former Carleton J-School students ourselves, we’re always excited to follow along with the school’s current young journalists and their adventures. To be honest, we’re even more excited when they offer to write for us!

If you’ve been following along with food blogger Hilary Duff’s hunt for Ottawa’s perfect cupcake, you know exactly what we mean.

Recently, Hilary published a news story about Ottawa’s cupcake craze in Centretown News, the community newspaper produced by third and fourth-year students in Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communication.

“Centretown just got a little sweeter,” Hilary writes. “Thimble Cakes, the neighbourhood’s newest bakery, opened its doors last month, embracing the cupcake craze that currently has Ottawa in its grip. The opening of Thimble Cakes means Centretown is now home to two cupcake specialty shops: Auntie Loo’s on Bronson Avenue opened in October 2009. In addition to the Centretown shops, other Ottawa neighbourhoods, including New Edinburgh and the Glebe, have recently become home to their own cupcake cafés.”

“With everyone eager to share their frosted fares with the public, many of the shops have developed their own product niches to help them stand out.”

Click here to read the whole story at Centretown News.

Would you like to write for Local Tourist Ottawa? Send us a note!