ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY: Recently Added Galleries and Collections

Scrabble Portraits

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 06:16:30 GMT

My idea was a simple one. Create close-up headshots of some of the top Scrabble players in the world holding Scrabble racks spelling their surname with Scrabble tiles.

The trickiest part was getting some of them to pose during a tournament, when there's often little time between games.

I started this series in 2009 at the Michael Wise Memorial Tournament in Toronto, which attracted a few players representing Canada at the World Scrabble Championships.

I resumed this series at the same event in 2011, which ran concurrently with the Toronto International Scrabble Open and Human vs. Computer Showdown.

Here you'll see Scrabble portraits of former World Scrabble Champions Nigel Richards and former Canadian and World Scrabble Champion Adam Logan.

Then there's the scowling, heavy-metal-fan Jeremy Hildebrand and a the blue-haired wunderkind Jackson Smylie, 13, the youngest participant ever in the Canadian Scrabble Championships (who beat Logan in his first match, no less).

To be continued....

Portfolio

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:22:54 GMT

Here's a selection of some of my favourite photos that showcase some of the variety of images I like to create.

— Roger

News & Events

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 03:43:00 GMT

While covering events in the Toronto area, I strive to capture memorable moments that contain strong human interest. Many of these images were featured in the pages of Metro News Toronto newspaper or on blogTO.

Jack Layton State Funeral

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 03:40:03 GMT

Toronto, Ont. Aug. 27, 2011: Thousands showed up to pay their final respects to Jack Layton at his state funeral ceremony at Roy Thompson Hall and outside at David Pecaut Square.

Features

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 03:13:29 GMT

I strive to take feature photos that have a high human interest element or a fresh view of an everyday scene.

Qidam by Cirque du Soleil

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 04:29:12 GMT

Toronto, Ont. Dec. 20, 2011: Cirque du Soleil kicked off a run of Qidam at Ricoh Coliseum.

Here's my review:

Qidam brings the latest Cirque du Soleil show to Toronto's Ricoh Coliseum for a 10-day run.

At the opening night's performance on Tuesday, I found myself at different times awestruck by the feats performed and wowed by the choreography and showmanship.

There's lots of audience participation. Early on, one of the clowns picked an unsuspecting young man from the audience and brought him up on stage to mock at the audience's expense.

Qidam made good use of the space, with lots of characters being launched high into the air on chairs, hoops or almost invisible strings.

The Russian wheel act was a dazzling display on the stage.

Ricoh's horsey palace is transformed into an intimate Petit Chapiteau tent, with great sight lines from virtually any angle. This was circus like it was meant to be experienced, unlike the Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour abomination that I witnessed at the Air Canada Centre in October.

The next interval in between acrobats and tumblers saw a different clown pull a pretty blonde woman from the audience. What followed had me LOL'ing a lot as he put her through typical first-date shenanigans -- only taking things a little too far. But not in the way you'd expect. Have you ever seen a clown with a foot fetish?

Some of the best Cirque acts involve suspension from above. The act with a red sheet was spellbinding. I had a hard time taking my eyes off this one.

There were lots of other, lesser characters portrayed throughout the two-and-a-quarter-hour show (with 20 minute intermission) for those with shorter attention spans, like kids. It's certainly a show that you can bring your entire family to.

The most astounding of all in Qidam was the Statue act in the second half, which saw a man and a woman balancing on top of and around each other in seemingly impossible configurations.

At the sound of a big BOOM! they further contorted into gravity-defying shapes like rocks set upon one another by that rock-balancing dude. Spellbinding!

Qidam continues at Ricoh Coliseum (100 Princes' Boulevard) until December 30 with 7:30 p.m. showtimes and some 3:30 matinees. Tickets are $40-$115.

Music

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 23:13:29 GMT

One of my passions is music. I love to capture the magical moment during a live show.

Neverending White Lights at The Drake Underground

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 03:15:48 GMT

Toronto, Ont. Nov. 22, 2011: Neverending White Lights shine at The Drake Underground, with Bed of Stars' Evan Konrad and other guests. As seen on blogTO: http://www.blogto.com/music/2011/11/neverending_white_lights_shine_with_bed_of_stars/

Portraits

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 04:42:07 GMT

When I shoot portraits, I strive to capture a picture that reveals the essence of the subject’s character. I shoot formal and informal portraits, including corporate and actor headshots, group and family portraits.

To set up your portrait shoot, please contact me directly: roger@rogercullman.com

Paul Kelly at The Dakota

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 06:10:57 GMT

Toronto, Ont. Sept. 23, 2011: Australian singer-songwriter Paul Kelly played back-to-back sold-out shows at The Dakota Tavern.

As seen in this review on blogTO

Toronto School Scrabble Championships

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 17:30:58 GMT

Toronto, Ont. March 8, 2011: Theresa Nettleton, 12 (in blue sweater) and Rachael Liness, 13, from Windfields School, team up at the third annual Toronto School Scrabble Championships, held at Bessborough and Middle School.

There were 156 players from 24 schools, ranging from grade 4 to grade 8, including — new this year — a new high school division.

Jackson Smylie, 13, and Alex Li, 13, from Jack Miner Senior Public School won the tournament, with a 4-0 record. They will represent Canada at the National School Scrabble Championship in Orlando, Florida on April 15-16.

Found Object

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 19:42:43 GMT

While walking around the city, I'm hyper-aware of my surroundings, always in search of new discoveries.

These images of found objects reveal our propensity to lose items of value, discard the unwanted, or leave behind old relics: A fork on the road, a baby’s pacifier, an abandoned old newspaper box.

These images evoke memories of the objects’ former utility and speak to their timelessness.

This collection appears in the 2011 Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival in Toronto. Please come to my show opening on Thursday, May 5
(7 - 10 p.m.) at Café Taste.

Scrabble with the Stars 2011

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:38:55 GMT

Toronto, Ont. April 4, 2011: Scrabble with the Stars brought Canadian celebrities together at the Arcadian Court in support of Performing Arts Lodges (PAL) Toronto. PAL provides affordable housing for ailing and aging members of the arts community.

SlutWalk

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 22:24:05 GMT

Toronto, Ont. April 3, 2011: Over 2,000 people showed up at Queen's Park Sunday afternoon for SlutWalk, a protest against a recent remark by a Toronto police representative who said, "Women should avoid dressing like sluts in order not to be victimized." The demonstration followed by a march to police headquarters on College St. to make a unified statement about sexual assault and victims' rights and to demand respect for all.

Canadian Music Week 2011

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 01:42:26 GMT

Toronto, Ont. March 9-13, 2011: Canadian Music Week brought 800 artists to 55 clubs over 5 nights. Here's some a visual documentation of some of the bands and musicians I saw.

Tura Satana

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 00:25:36 GMT

Toronto, Ont. August 22, 2008: Tura Satana, best known for her starring role in Russ Meyer's 1965 cult movie Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! appears on stage at The Bloor Cinema for SINS OF A SUPERVIXEN An Intimate Evening With TURA SATANA, to coincide with the Rue Morgue Festival of Fear 2008 Expo.

In her charming interview with Richard Crouse (host of Reel to Real) she talked of her secret affair with Elvis Presley, whom she gave dance lessons to early in his career. She still wore the engagement ring Elvis gave her.

Satana died on Friday evening (Feb. 4, 2011) in Reno, Nevada at age 72.

Sgt. Ryan Russell's Funeral

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 05:28:59 GMT

Toronto, Ont. Jan. 18, 2011: Over 10,000 police officers from across North America marched together toward the Metro Convention Centre for the funeral of one of Sgt. Ryan Russell. Russell, 35, was an 11-year veteran with the Toronto Police. He was run down and killed early Wednesday while attempting to stop a stolen snowplow.

Winter Woofstock

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 01:43:28 GMT

Toronto, Ont. Nov. 28, 2010: Woofstock, the largest festival for dogs in North America, came to the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place, celebrating the holiday season with the first ever Winter Woofstock.

Toronto Zombie Walk 2010

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 01:23:48 GMT

Toronto, Ont. Oct. 23: The 2010 Zombie Walk included a Rob Ford detractor zombie, a TTC employee zombie and a Toronto Maple Leafs zombie amongst the thousands who marched from Trinity-Bellwoods Park to Cristie Pits Park.

For more photos, check out my story on blogTO.
My photos were also featured on page 6 of t.o.night newspaper on Oct. 26.

Lake George Scrabble Tournament 2010

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 04:41:58 GMT

Lake George, NY. Oct. 16-17, 2010: Over 150 Scrabble players convened at the Tiki Resort hotel in the picturesque Adirondacks for a 15-game tournament, run by Annette Tedesco.

Toronto International Air Show

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:01:11 GMT

Toronto, Ont. Sept. 5, 2010: The Toronto International Air Show at the Canadian National Exhibition.

Peter Murphy at Lee's Palace

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 04:16:57 GMT

Toronto, Ont. August 9, 2010: Peter Murphy and his booming goth voice filled Lee's Palace Tuesday night.

Metric at Union Square

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:25:56 GMT

Toronto, Ont. August 5, 2010: Metric treated about 5,000 fans to a free show outside Union Station last night.

Sponsored by Samsung, in conjunction with the launch of their new Galaxy S mobile phone, the 45-minute set, starting shortly after 7 p.m., must have startled more than a few daily commuters during the tail end of the afternoon rush hour home.

With the threat of rain easing off, the band was introduced by Samsung as "Toronto's worst kept secret." Initially, it was supposed to be a surprise show, but once word spread on Twitter and Facebook, there was no stopping thousands of Metric fans from filling the street at 45 Front St. E., just outside the VIA Rail entrance.

Honda Indy

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 22:16:25 GMT

Toronto, Ont. July 18, 2010: The rush and excitement of the Honda INDY took over Lakeshore Blvd. W. for the weekend.

G20 Protest in Toronto

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 04:23:35 GMT

Toronto, Ont. June 26: Thousands of G20 summit protesters met with busloads of police, many in riot gear and equipped with tear gas and gas masks, ready to quell any unruly citizens.

More photos to come. Please check back often.

Rock of Ages - Opening Night

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Mon, 24 May 2010 05:07:44 GMT

Toronto, Ont. May 11, 2010: Rock of Ages held its official opening night of the '80s rock 'n' roll musical, playing at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, followed by a gala party at the Sheraton Centre ballroom.

Members of the original Broadway cast, including Constantine Maroulis, came up from New York for the Canadian premiere. Also present was Jim Peterik from Survivor and Joel Hoekstra of Night Ranger, whose hits were featured in the rock'n'roll musical.

The Toronto cast stars Yvan Pedneault (We Will Rock You) as Drew and Elicia MacKenzie (The Sound of Music) as Sherrie, and includes David W. Keeley, Aaron Walpole, Cody Scott Lancaster, Angela Teek, Josephine Rose Roberts, Victor A. Young and Peter Deiwick.

Rock of Ages has been extended to September 5, 2010.

Covenant at The Mod Club

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Wed, 19 May 2010 00:28:18 GMT

Toronto, Ont. May 17: Swedish electro pioneers Covenant performed to an enthusiastic crowd at The Mod Club.

The Shuffle Demons

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Wed, 05 May 2010 04:00:31 GMT

Toronto, Ont. May 3, 2010:The Shuffle Demons are back on the Spadina Bus and they're riding it to the Orbit Room every second Monday night.

If you haven't heard of The Shuffle Demons by now, you've been missing out on an integral part of Toronto's musical history.

These three sax players, bassist and funky drummer play the most toe-tappin' tunes in a fusion of jazz, pop and funk.

Starting out as street buskers in the mid-'80s, they were as memorable for their eye-catching outfits (designed by Kurt Swinghammer) as they were their "bop-rap" tunes like Out of My House Roach, Cheese on Bread and the aforementioned Spadina Bus.

Full story in this review on blogTO.

Pillow Fight League

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:24:14 GMT

Toronto, Ont. April 26, 2010: The Pillow Fight League (PFL) world title rematch between Charley Davidson and Olivia Neutron Bomb went down at the PFL's 43rd bout Monday night at The Mod Club.

Neutron Bomb walked away victorious this time, reclaiming the world title in a hotly contested match that ended in a pinfall during round three.

These are not your typical pillow fights you’d imagine at a sleepover. The PFL has recruited a new batch of fit, fun and fearless female fighters that bring more entertainment to a show than you'd ever believe.

As seen on page nine of April 29 issue of t.o.night newspaper and in this story on blogTO.

Rock of Ages preview

roger@rogercullman.com (ROGER CULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:09:20 GMT

As seen in this story on Examiner.com
Toronto, Ont. April 5: After three week of rehearsals, the cast provides a sneak preview of Rock Of Ages, set to open April 20 at the Royal Alexandra Theatre.