Julie & Mackenzie E-pics

I had a chance to meet up with Julie and Mackenzie just after the new year. They got engaged over Christmas and wanted to get the photos done right away so that they could use some for invitations for their June 27 wedding.

It was rather cold out that morning and I was all bundled up, snowpants and all. These two were troopers in the -20C weather. We managed to survive by trying to stay out of the wind as much as possible but they made it look like it was actually much warmer than it was.

Congratulations! I hope you have a wonderful wedding back in Newfoundland.

Catching Up

I've had a busy week since returning from my conference. I had some desktop publishing work to do, homework to catchup on and, best of all, a wedding to document.

So, stay tuned for some more updates about the convention, an engagement shoot from before I left and some images from the weekend's wedding.

A night in the desert

Last night we went out to a local shopping mall and got to see an awesome presentation by John Micheal Cooper from altF.

He is a master of alternative lighting and says he pretty much stumbled upon it because he had too. I'm looking forward to trying out these techniques when I get home and seeing what I can do with them.
I just have to say that I've been really humbled by how open and honest all of these "great" names in photography have been about the business.

Today I'm off to the Imaging U.S.A. trade show, which I'm very excited about because I'm going to be offering prints and albums and all sorts of other fun stuff in the new year and it will be the first chance to see some of these products firsthand.
I just hope I don't do too much damage to my VISA card.... but we'll see.

I'm Carefree in Arizona!

I'm currently at the Carefree Resort in Arizona at a wedding photography conference. It's only the second day, and first full day, of seminars but I'm already full of so much excitement and energy for the coming year.
This was exactly what I needed going into 2009 to make even better images for all of my clients and myself.

Yesterday my favourite session was the keynote speaker - David A. Williams. He challenged us to remember that we play an important role in documenting moments in people's lives that they themselves might not even know are important at the time. I was also reminded how important photographs can be in preserving the past and reminding us of people who we've loved and who loved us who may no longer be with us, but whose memories live on in photos.
It reminded me why I love taking photographs, especially in my more photojournalistic style when I capture the true essence of that person and the moment.

One of my favourite sessions today was on boudoir photos. This is something I really want to get into doing more of in the future. We learned about techniques from two of the best in the business – The Boudoir Divas. You can see the work of their studio at Woman Captured.
In fact, I'm planning a little mini session at the end of the month for some friends and former photo clients when I get back and I can't wait to get started on those images. I think they'll be great gifts for themselves as well as for any of their significant others. I've been told by people that I've done them for before that boudoir photography is a very freeing and confidence boosting event.

It's been a long day, but I'm off for yet one more session today.

Rachelle, John & Gabrielle

When I went away to college my biggest fear was having to live with three other girls in residence at Mount Royal College. Little did I know then that one of my roommates from the time would still be one of my good friends now.

Imagine my surprise in July when I called her on our way to the airport for our honeymoon to find out that they had delivered their baby girl Gabrielle the night before - 12 weeks early. Her body had started to attack the baby and Rachelle was having seizures, so they decided to take her early.
I was floored and quickly told John that we'd call them in a week when we got back and I'd try to see them then.
However, upon our return from our honeymoon, Rachelle was still a little overwhelmed by all of the family visiting plus having Gabrielle in the NICU. She was only 2lbs. 5 oz. when she was born.

In fact, because they live in Edmonton, I didn't get to see Gabrielle until two days before she went home on her original due date in September. Weighing just over 5 lbs. by that point, she was still tiny and in a nursery at an Edmonton hospital. October had been a hard month on all three and I think Rachelle was done with hospitals by that point.

When I was down in Edmonton for the holidays, I had the chance to visit with Rachelle and John a couple times. Once was to do this session. I just learned today that little Gabrielle is 9lbs. 11oz and gaining weight, which is a good thing.

Thanks for a great afternoon and for the birthday cake!!













One of their cat Tigger...

And one of my mom with Gabrielle....

The Cox Family

The Cox family is a wonderful blended family with a lot of affection for each other.

Kim really wanted to get photos of all her children while they were home for the holidays. After trying to schedule around when one was coming to town, when one was leaving town, her husband's shift, moving into a new house and my holidays, the only time we could come up with was Christmas Eve.
It managed to work out with. This group was very laid back. The youngest son was leaving to go to the U.S. in January for golf school which is perhaps why he ended up being encouraged to get more photos done than anyone else.

It was fun and I look forward to possibly doing more sessions again... when it's warmer and we can go outside.

Ashey, Mo & Family

Now that I'm out from under processing most of my photos from before Christmas, I'm going to post some from the sessions.

First up are Ashley, Mo and their large extended family. Ashley and Mo only have one of their own, little baby Zana, but a lot of little nieces and a nephew. This was definitely one busy group with lots of little kids and a whole lot of love.