I have been fishing all my life but have never traveled as far as I did in June strictly for the purpose of catching fish. Along with my uncle and two of my cousins, I traveled by plane, car, plane (again), and boat to Shadd Lake Cabins, a fly-in fishing camp near La Ronge, SK.

It was a hike, but the payoff was well worth it. We caught multiple trophy pike on the first day and throughout the trip, with three 40″+ fish by the third day, including a 42″ monster which is definitely the largest fish I have ever caught. Every day included pre-lunch walleye fishing, a great, extended shore lunch with our talented Cree Indian fishing guides Trevor, Eric, and Miles, and some of the most remote and beautiful scenery and wildlife I have ever experienced.

Being cutoff from the world for 5 days with no roads, cars, phone, internet, or computers at your immediate disposal is a scary proposition, but I learned to appreciate it just in time to be slammed right back into the grind as our trip ended. It was a great experience, and I look forward to returning in the future. Thanks to our fishing guides, as well as Sam, Marcela, and all the other fisherman who made this such a great escape. Until next time.

The pictures don’t do it justice, but they’re as close as I’ll get for the next couple of years.

Full set of images available on Flickr here.

I recently purchase a used Mamiya 645af + 80mm f/2.8 lens from KEH Camera. These images are from the first few rolls of film I ran through it. Taken at Emily Oaks Nature Preserve in Skokie, Lincoln Park Zoo, North Ave. Bridge, and my Backyard. Most taken on Fuji 400H rated at 200; a few are Portra 800.

Fuji X100S, F/2, ISO 1600, -2/3EV, VSCO Fuji Neopan 1600-

1976 Cadillac Fleetwood, seen on Elston Ave in Chicago’s River West neighborhood. Obviously owned by someone with a sense of humor.

Fuji X100S, f/2, ISO 200, VSCO Fuji 160C+

Jessica, my cousin, and Daniel, her best friend of six years, finally tied the knot on April 14, 2013. It was a destination wedding for most of family, and those who made the trek were rewarded with a beautiful warm, sunny day and an equally amazing ceremony and reception.

The wedding took place on the sand just off the Virginia Beach boardwalk behind the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel, where most of the wedding party and guests were staying. The reception was also held at the hotel, and I think they did an all around great job with the catering, setup, and accommodations.

We were able to spend a few days on either side of the wedding enjoying the beach, the boardwalk, and the surrounding areas, making this an extremely enjoyable long weekend (not to mention the $2 bloodies and mimosas at Doc Taylor’s). It was a much needed break from the constant rain and 40-degree weather that we can’t seem to shake in Chicago.

The full set of weekend images can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffdenapoli/sets/72157633269089349/

Images in this post were processed in Lightroom 4 using VSCO Film presets for Fuji and Nikon.

Lola ponders what life would be like if the sun ever came out for more than 2 minutes.

Amy & Jason braved the lingering cold and 30+ MPH winds on the shores of Lake Michigan to get a shot for the “Save The Date” mailer for their upcoming September wedding. Taken at Elliot Park in Evanston, IL.

This is possibly (probably) the final batch of photos from my lovely Fuji X100 as I have posted the unit for sale on eBay in anticipation of ordering its replacement, the X100s. They were taken during the Grand Rapids, MI “LaughFest” comedy weekend held in mid-March. I have enjoyed using this camera and the images it produces despite its unintuitive and quirky nature. I’m sure it will bring someone else the same joy and confusion it has brought me over the past few years. I’ll miss you old buddy.