Mission Possible Vancouver, “2016 Comeback Awards” Portraits

Portraits on The East Side

The Downtown Eastside of Vancouver is one the oldest parts of the city it is notorious for its open-air drug trade, sex work, its high rates of poverty, mental illness, infectious disease and crime. You will not find the DTES on tourism packages of Vancouver (Except for here) it is a side of the city local media outlets and marketing companies prefer to sweep under the rug. The reality of the DTES in itself can never be ignored fortunately the DTES is also known for its strong community resilience and its firm social activism.

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Above are some of the photos that led us to get involved with this project.

The area has had a robust tradition of advocacy and social programs for its marginalized residents. My brother and I wanted to find a way to be involved and contribute our services with a purpose. By chance would have it a previous client who was familiar with Jamie’s street photography of the DTES inquired about the work and is the norm one conversation led to another this is how we came to meet Matt and Rod of Mission Possible.

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Mission Possible, is located in the heart of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. For over 7 years Mission Possible has walked alongside people challenged by homelessness and poverty. Every day they provide street-level care for those with immediate and critical needs as well as create jobs that build a bridge to stability through a variety of enterprising ventures. Mission Possible is helping people renew a sense of dignity and purpose through meaningful work.

Geof now works as a security guard.

Gary now works for rain City in
a maintenance role.

Matt Smedley – Mission Possible CEO.

Manager of Communications and Development

Click To View The Full-Resolution Images

Each year there is a Winter Gala recognizing winners of the “Comeback Award”. This year, the Mission Possible Gala was held on December 7, 2016 at the Hyatt in Vancouver. Hosted by Nat and Drew from QMFM, and supported by companies such as EasyPark, JJ Bean, DP World and The DeVries Family Foundation.

The above video we created for the Mission Possible Annual 2016 Winter Galla Event.

Our small but proud contribution to this great event was to create a video highlighting this year’s winners: Geoff, Gary and Alan, we also had the opportunity to photograph their headshots. The video we created was to bring attention to the cause including the award, the headshots were to give them something to remember this milestone and capture their charm.

We had the stills camera set up prior to the portrait shoot ready to go after each of the interviews were completed. This was the first time meeting them all so we figured Geof, Gary and Alan were more likely to be at ease after the interview portion. Talking to the camera seemed to have that effect, the interview warmed them up to the the portrait session and allowed us to bring the camera closer in on their space without feeling intrusive. Our choice to use a prime lens would now work and of course payoff. The sessions were no longer than 3 mins. Camera gear and settings for the headshots can be found below.

The Technical Specs:

Camera: Canon 5D SR
EF100mm f/2.8L IS USM
Shutter 1/100
ƒ-Stop 2.8
ISO – Geof and Garry 160/ Allan 400
White Balance – AWB

These portraits are art an expression of our interpretation, we wanted the viewer to find a connection and an understanding that Geof, Gary and Alan are just like them, like us. We wanted to help recognize them and acknowledge their hard work and commitment to better themselves and their community. Vancouver’s downtown eastside is not an easy place to live but they showed us they can turn it around. We only need to believe and give them a chance and the opportunity they deserve.

“We loved working with Double Vision Photography. They were very professional and the finished product – both photos and video – were fantastic.”

— Rod Janz – Manager of Communications and Development | Mission Possible