Kyle Thomas

The Website of Kyle Thomas (KyleWith)

REVIEW: Sam’s Deli and Bistro

Sam’s Deli and Bistro isn’t horribly different from any other little foodie spot in downtown Victoria, but it made an impression on my. I was looking for a quick bite to eat on the go and they catered to me perfectly.

Sam's Deli & Bistro in Victorua

I walked in not knowing what to expect. I slowly crept up to the counter scouring the giant menus that hung above. As I was looking for something I noticed one of the staff looking at me waiting for me to make my decision. She did not look inpatient, nor did I feel she was rushing me. Once I looked down at her, she asked if had any questions and what would I like. Then it was on.

As soon as I told her I would like the Hot Montreal Smoked Beef sandwich I saw just how fresh these sandwiches were. She asked what type of bread I would like. After replying she reached for a fresh loaf of sour dough. Then of course I made my selection of veggies and even better she asked whether I wanted Mustard or not, which is a no for me. To top it off I watched as she pulled out a slab of moist, steaming hot Montreal Smoked Beef and cut it into thick slices.

The two staff members I encountered while in the shop were both exceptionally friendly and helpful. They both had a conversation with me rather than just getting me what I wanted. They made sure that I was happy and would remember the place. Whether they indented to be this way or not, I appreciated it.

montreal smoked meat sandwich

Now to the sandwich. It was SOOO good. Granted I haven’t had Montreal Smoked Beef in a long time. The sandwich was fresh like I mentioned, bread soft, veg nice and crunchy full of flavour and the beef or so good. Every bite was one I wanted to cherish, but I really do love food. My only concern with this sandwich was it started to fall apart. There seemed to be to much in between the bread and by the time I finish veg was lying in the container.

In all I enjoyed this fresh sandwich and would go back when I am in Victoria and need something quick and on the go.

Plane Window Photography

Honestly I wonder how much time people put into plane window photography and I’m talking about commercial passenger plane photography. I have seen some unbelievable shots from photographers taken from their window seat on their way to there next destination.

I have always wanted to try it but couldn’t because of room. I’m a big guy and when I fly Air Canada Jazz there isn’t a lot of space to spare, especially when I’m beside someone. I’m not going to take the time and make an ordeal of pulling out my backpack with my camera in it just so I can fire off a few shots.

This time though, yes I’m currently flying while typing this, I don’t have anyone beside be. SAWEEET! So just as we were taxiing onto the strip I pulled out my camera and set it beside me. I really wanted to start taking photos as we were taking off, but thought I shouldn’t annoy the flight attendant man.

As we started to reach altitude I started firing away. It was a nice feeling knowing that I had an hour and a half to play with settlings, but then I realized a problem. My window was badly scratched, smudged and just dirty, so my picture weren’t coming out great. Because I’m awesome or rather my MacBook Air is awesome I was able to quickly put the photos on it to preview them better. As you can see there are a lot of discrepancies in the photos. They are neat, yes. To my standard, no. So that is why I wonder how some photographers take amazing plane window photos. Is it because of there top notch gear? Is it hours in photoshop? Or are they just sitting by windows that are cleaner?

I won’t know the answer unless I keep shooting and trying different things, that is how we learn after all.

In the Sky

Mountians from the Sky

YVR in the Sky

My fear of heights!

Well I’m on my way to Victoria, BC for the BC Tourism Industry Conference, which I can thank the Fort St. John Tourism Board for recommending me and the City of Fort St. John for paying the trip, but as the plane was taking off out of Fort St. John I thought about my fears.

Airplane Wing Tip Over Peace Region

As much as I hate to admit it, I have this weird fear of heights while still attached to the ground. No I’m not talking about your average ladder, I talking more about 90 story buildings in Chicago or the Tram in Jasper. Don’t ask me how I developed this fear and believe you me, I hate it. I think this fear is ridiculous. I know I’m perfectly safe and that many people a day go up and down buildings and trams, but for some reason I just can’t handle it. I don’t let my fear stop me, but I am hesitant. I know I just need to over come it by doing it more often, so I will. What I find interesting is how I am the total opposite when it comes to flying. I love it.

When we took off out of Fort St. John earlier today, I thought nothing of it. I was practically trying to stick my head out the window to see the city below me. There was no hesitation for me to jump on the plane and take off. I find this doubly interesting because in the last 4 months 2 (of many) people that I have had a previous encounters with have died to in plane crashes. I think about them and the others who lost there lives and I morn for them and their family, but it hasn’t stopped me from flying, nor enjoying it.

So as I sit here and type this, flying in the plane 30,000ft above the ground, and I compare the two. I have a fear of heights while still attached to the ground, but yet I have not heard of anyone dying this way, beside the obvious. Then I have my love for flying and complete comfort about it, but know that 2 or more people I have known have died from accidents. When I lay it out in words it still doesn’t make sense, but I thought I would share it.

I often try to explore ideas as to why I have these fears. Is it possibly because I building or tram can fly, they were never meant to be in the air. Am I overly relaxed about flying because in the back of my mind I know that planes were engineered to defy gravity?

One day I will understand this odd fear, but tell me, do you have any fears that you can’t explain?

KyleWith: Photojournalist Pat Kane

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Click here to download or listen on an iOS Device

Pat Kane is an Editorial Photographer for the Yellowknife based UpHere Magazine and has been for the last 6 years. He tells me he comes from an artsy family, but it wasn’t until in college that he really got into photography. He was in college to become a reporter with the hope of writing for a magazine when his interest in photography came about.

Pat Kane Photo

After getting an internship with a Sports Photography company and later taking a job with them, Pat moved up to Yellowknife to work with UpHere Magazine and now has seen most of the Arctic. Depending on the assignment, Pat has gone to different communities to document the people and the culture. He calls him self a generalist photographer, but that hasn’t stopped him from producing great photos, and says his favourite type of photography is probably editorial portraits.

Recently Pat is working on a project with Yellowknife filmmaker Jay Bulckaert. It is a documentary and photo essay on the famous Range Street which is located in Yellowknife. They plan on showcasing the Photos and Film for everyone to once they complete the project.

Other links from the show:

Be sure to check out his website and like his page on Facebook.

Thanks for listening and don’t forget to Subscribe on iTunes or by Email here.

Don’t forget if you know someone doing something interesting (or another photographer or yourself) send me their info, I want to talk to them!