Sad Mag has a big ol crush on Christine McAvoy. Not only does she frequently adorn our release parties and bacchanals with her charming photobooths, capturing Sad Mag party-goers and performers alike (so you can never forget your best Vanimal costume), but she also contributed her analog photography skills to Issue 10– the first time she has been featured in our print pages! She’s also a megababe who knows the best things to eat and drink in the city, which might be the most valuable quality a person can possess. Here’s our Q&A so you can get to know her better:
Sad Mag: Who are you?
Christine McAvoy: I’m Christine and I’m a photographer… of many things!
SM: What did you photograph for Sad Mag #10?
CM: Some of Sad Mag’s favourite Drag Kings and Queens wearing eco-friendly costumes, doing an eco-friendly activity [for the Green Queens feature]! It was a lot of fun.
SM: What’s your favourite location in Vancouver for a shoot?<
CM: Any any of Vancouver’s best restaurants, does that count? Hmm, or maybe the Vogue Theatre or Biltmore for live music… Other than that, there are very few natural landscapes in Vancouver that aren’t ideal to shoot at…this place is beautiful.
SM: What was your first camera?
CM: A Mickey Mouse camera that I got in Disney World in 1994. My brother and I were allowed to choose one souvenir, and that’s what I got… It took 110mm film and I loved it.
I still have it, and I’m sure it would still work if I knew where to get 110 film (and where to have it developed). I still remember sending the film away at Shoppers Drug Mart. And now I feel old, thanks.
SM: Who are your other favourite Vancouver photographers?
CM: You mean my competition? Just kidding… There are so many talented people in this city (and all of my friends from Ryerson that I left in Toronto). My #2 and go-to will always be . The list of other photogs would be too long and I’d be afraid to leave someone out. That’s like asking me my favourite Vancouver band!
SM: Best drink for summer?
CM: Right now I’m on a Parallel 49 Brewing – Seedspitter Watermelon Wit kick…it’s AWESOME on a patio in the hot sun. Steamwhistle and Phillips Blue Buck are always my go-to beers. So ‘cold beer’ would be my answer.
SM: Favourite summer beach?
CM: Kits on a weekday when it’s not as busy. With raspberries, a hidden beer, and a book.
SM: Where can we find more of your work?
CM: A VAST majority of my work is on Vancouver Is Awesome, my portfolio is here (but it needs to be updated badly.)