Posted by Helene on March 28, 2011 – 1:22 pm
With a 2nd visit under my belt to the friendly, intriguing and at times defeated s. Caicos Island, I continue my visual search.
It’s truly a fascinating island where people are at times defeated by political corruption, witness relentless hurricanes, feel the financial despair, uncertain fish stock and few resources if any, where countless religions runs ramped, a myriad of homes with no running water, where fried chicken is cheap and imported vegetables are off the chart expensive yet for the most part they hold their heads high.
I don’t think it’s wise to assume I know the Island after 2 short visits.. but what I do know, is how the people are often welcoming despite their predicament. This alone both fascinates me and humbles me.
You can hear their laughter and much heated discussions from early sunrise to sunset. A passionate crowd I would add. Some play dominoes so hard that the chips hitting the table hurt my ears. The haitian church near by have a mix of gospel and very very animated preachers belching out indecipherable gargle with an impressive PA system into the wee hours of the morning. According to Mike, this is their only entertainment, not much else to do. The sounds that ring in my ears right now are much of that, preachers relentlessly preaching, numerous under nourished barking dogs, a mysterious rooster, S.Caicos (ians) discussing passionately, the slamming of domino chips, the kindness in their “hello’s”, and the slapping of skin aiming for that adamant blood sucking mosquito!
















Posted by Helene on February 23, 2011 – 4:00 pm
To an average Canadian, snow is what it is, to us here in Victoria, it’s pretty exciting! Thanks Félix as always!






Posted by Helene on February 8, 2011 – 2:53 pm
Christine’s gentle giants are horses filled with deep soul, kindness and stunning beauty! They are a very old European breed called Friesians from the northern Netherlands. To witness the relationship between herself, Teake and Ewoud is extraordinary. I can not wait to see them again!








last shot taken by Christine
Posted by Helene on December 9, 2010 – 5:29 pm
People often ask wether I do family portraits and indeed I do but mostly during the slower wedding season. Often former wedding couples with new families!
In this case, Shelley whom I did not know nor did she know me, was brave enough to bid for a photography package donated for the
Dirty Wall Project, founded by a very young and talented visionary Kane Ryan. All good karma brought us together and I can’t say enough good things about this family!










Posted by Helene on December 8, 2010 – 2:59 pm
By the time Hurricane Thomas arrived on S.Caicos it was categorized as a level 1 and unfortunately for the visuals it happened in the dark at 3AM. Nevertheless the build up to it was exciting for us all. Mike and staff followed protocol and took the necessary steps towards safety such as boarding the windows, clearing loose items and removing all dive boats from the waters. We then re-located to a half finished Hotel where the cement structure and double pane windows were safer. Daniel and crew of the Hotel were excellent hosts making sure everyone was comfortable. The storm passed quickly in the night with most impressive winds with deafening sounds to my ears. I can’t imagine a Hurricane level 2 let alone, 3 or 4! I just can’t.











Posted by Helene on September 10, 2010 – 4:26 pm
To have the beautiful Ambur Braid an up and coming Canadian Soprano (star) singer in front of my lens was simply a gift! Not only has she a professional stance in front of the lens with countless characters, her laughter is brilliant and genuine! When I asked her to sing she became an even higher grace to my eyes and ears. Her gift is truly remarkable! After our short but most productive 2 hour shoot throughout the city we returned to the studio to do a quick edit. My son happened to be there with his friend whom also had the opportunity to experience the gifted live voice of Ambur. Félix the hard-core-rap-pop music teenager was jolted back in amazement at the beauty of Ambur’s voice!








