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.

Melissa, Steve and Braden

This shoot is from early December, and they were one brave family.
We started with a few indoors and then headed outside despite the -20C temperatures.

Catching Up

December has been a busy month for me, just as I imagine it has been for everyone else as well.
Between work and school, I was pretty tied up.

Needless to say I was very relieved when my husband and I had the chance to get away for a family gathering at my mom's house in Gibbons, AB. In fact, most of the members of her rather large family all gathered together from across Alberta and Saskatchewan. Only our contingency from Manitoba weren't able to make it for the holidays.
In all there was up to 20 people crowded into her little house for on Boxing Day. Things have just started to settle down now that everyone has gone home.
I get to stay down south a little longer as a friend of mine is having a New York-themed wedding on New Year's Eve in Edmonton. I'll get home just in time for my 30th birthday on Jan. 3.

All of that has left me with little time to update the blog, but I'm planning on getting some photos from some of the sessions I did during December up for everyone to see.

I'd just like to take a moment to thank all of my friends, family and clients who have helped make 2008 a great year. I enjoyed spending time with all of you and I look forward to a more wonderful year in 2009!