Jaguar Cameos in Around the Hat

Having shot hundreds of images for Around the Hat over the last year, it's no surprise that my Jag made a few cameos during the process.  They may not be the most memorable shots from the series, but they seemed like a good way of memorializing the car that actually made the getting around possible.

Novelty Camera Case for iPhone

I came upon this rather haphazardly while browsing on eBay, but it got my attention right away.  This novelty iPhone case made by Gizmon is a pretty clever vintage camera lookalike.  You may be thinking that you've seen this before, but it's not simply a picture printed on a standard case.  It's actually an accessory with details and depth.

For starters, the design is really attractive.  The two metal knobs at the top can be taken off and allow you to attach a strap so you can wear it around your neck like a traditional camera.  The buttons on the case still allow you to work the buttons on the side of the iPhone, which is particularly cool when you're taking pictures and can use the trigger button on the case to snap them.  

The product also comes with a small tripod mount that snaps onto the bottom if you're looking to get really serious with you iPhone photography.  Perhaps best of all though, the style doesn't get in the way of practicality or function.  

The case comes with two mock lenses.  A larger novelty one that makes the camera look more mechanical, and a practical flat one.  With the smaller flat lens on, my iPhone still fits comfortably in my pocket (which was my only real concern when I saw this).  The design and build of the case is also pretty solid, so it offers as much protection as any of the other standard ones.  All things considered, I can't think of a case that's more appropriate to my profession or better compliments my love for old cameras. 

Monarch Theatre Interior: Lobby & Cinema

As an avid fan of the historic Monarch Theatre in Medicine Hat, Alberta, I was all too pleased to get private access to the building for my Around the Hat photo series. Opened in 1911, the Monarch is believed to be the oldest movie theatre in Canada that was built specifically for screening films. Today it's a charming movie house.

During my tour of the theatre I shot several hundred images of the lobby and cinema before eventually ending up in the projection room, behind the screen, and in the basement. There's no question that much of the Monarch's appeal is rooted in its history and old-fashioned character.  

The theatre plays everything from blockbusters to documentaries to art house flicks, and has even found opportunities to screen classics like Casablanca. In a city of just over 60,000 people, I think some often forget that it's rare for a place as diverse and unique as this to exist here.

From the rich red curtain to the new tin ceilings in the lobby, the Monarch has made tremendous strides since reopening in 2009. It's a beautiful and understated theatre that has made a significant effort to remain relevant, while also successfully embracing the history and heritage value of its downtown location. You owe it to yourself to see a movie here.