About Me

I am a graphic designer/photographer. I grew up in Toronto and first began exploring the region’s wealth of storm drains in 2005. With the addition of the hydroelectric tunnel systems of Niagara Falls, it wasn’t long before I found myself stricken with the underground bug. A year later when I found myself living in Montreal, I took to the underground to help myself become better acquainted with my new home: its history, its existing layout and the mechanics of its day to day operations. The underground has provided me a unique opportunity to investigate these things more closely, albeit in a slightly indirect and unconventional way. By charting out the networks below my feet, it allows me to get a better sense of my city’s infrastructure, the circumstances around its development and things lost or gained during this process. Aside from these intellectual pursuits, there is also much fun and adventure to be found below street level. While most wouldn’t consider being inside something like a sewer to be their idea of a good time, there is immense enjoyment to be found in venturing through these hidden spaces, bringing the dark areas into light, never quite knowing what lies around the next bend.

Photography

I first picked up a camera when I was eighteen and have been actively documenting industrial locations since 2004, shooting primarily with medium format film. During the course of photographing underground locations, I found that using a digital camera was the best way to get around some of the unique challenges that come with shooting in such conditions. I currently use a Canon 7D which recently replaced the 30D that accidentally fell into sewer “water.” Getting the best results is still very much a trial and error process, which is why a digital camera comes in handy. Perhaps when I know have a better idea of what I’m doing, I’ll switch to film, but right now the instant feedback of the format makes it difficult to give up.

Other photo gear, for those who are interested:  Canon EF 24mm f/2.8  and Tokina 12-24mm f4 DX wide angle lenses, a Manfrotto 190CLB tripod with 410 junior geared head and a Canon RS-80N3 cable remote.

Because existing light is rarely an option, I have to provide my own. Most of the time this involves a hand-held halogen spotlight combined with either fluorescent or LED lighting devices and maybe a touch of flash.

Credits

Underground exploration in Montreal is very much a team effort and much of what I do wouldn’t be possible without the help of two people:  nel58 and Controleman. Both are tireless explorers who have been essential, not only in finding of new things, but in helping to get inside them and providing great company along the way. Thanks also go to Siologen who first introduced me to the world of draining and Michael Cook whose photography and knowledge of underground systems in Toronto has always encouraged me to become better at what I do.

Curriculum Vitai (2009-present)

Feature Articles:

Lectures:

Photographic Contributions

Exhibits: