Amrita
Mom to baby Miya that you met last week, I thought I would show you one of the lovely maternity photos taken just a couple of weeks before Miya’s birth. Maternity photography is best when kept simple, I love black and white photography for its simplicity.
Eyelash extension technician at work
Getting eyelash extension is the fashion rage right now. It seems every girl I see these days is following the trend and sporting beautiful long, thick eyelashes. Individual eyelash extension are glued to your individual eyelashes and the process can take anywhere from 90 minutes to 2 hours. and they last 2 to 3 weeks before you need a touch up. A touch up is when the technician fills in the areas of missing eyelashes.
I loved working on this Environmental Portrait, trying to create an image that shows the work that is being done. The technician was working in a dark room, with a bright light shinning on her hands and the work area, as you can see she is wearing a small magnifying glass type glasses to see what where she is to place the next lash. It was really interesting to see the process.
Environment Portraits are interesting way to learn about different job that people do.
wedding shoes
The wedding shoe image was taken some time ago, just recently I pulled it from the archive to work with Nik Software, experiment with different processes, finishes and textures, all in an attempt to develop style and album options that will appeal to both myself and to potential clients.
I have a lot of respect for Wedding Photographers, they commit to a high energy, long demanding day, to capture moments that are both important to the bride and groom as well their family, and in some cases moments that few will actually see. They are attuned to the emotions around them, without being caught up in them. Always on the look out for those family interactions that can be caught in an image without actually interrupting the flow of the day or the emotion of the minute. In some cases it is the photographer can be the “savior” of the moment.
I have yet to meet a wedding photographer that didn’t have in their bag, a packet of pins, a role of duct tape, gum, kleenex, and just about anything else that is small and might be needed in the case of an emergency. They can play with children and keep a group of 20 focused to get family pictures in the midst of the chaos and visiting that everyone would rather be doing.
But, for me, the most fascinating, the wedding photographer on top of all the people and activity, will walk around all day also keeping track of the fine details that the bride has spent hours anguishing over; making sure that all those details are also photographed. The detail images are then processed and presented in an album that helps to pull the whole day together. A book of memories that will last a lifetime.
wondering the streets of downtown Calgary, I am always watching the shop windows and the reflections that appear with the display. Sometimes the reflections add to the story, sometimes it doesn’t. This time the two inthe window, look as if they could be standing near a tree in the park, the creature in the left of the image watching them closely.
Waiting!
Dr. James Truong ND
A licensed doctor of naturopathic medicine, Dr. James works to understand each person’s health so he can provide the best method of naturolpathic modality of treatment. He is very good at educating his clients, helping them to understand and achieve their health goals. Okay, that is basically off his website, and what he wants you to know about him!
I first met Dr. James through the Rocky Mountain Thunder Chapter of Business Networking International. Breakfast meetings are thursday morning 7am at the Blackfoot Inn. Everyone was raving about Dr. James and how he had helped them feel better. Naturopathic medicine has always intrigued me, and I was having trouble sleeping, so I asked “can you help my husband stop his snoring?”
Some three weeks later I am happy to tell you there has been a big improvement in my sleep! Thanks Dr. James. See more images from our portrait session.
Overlooking the Caribbean Ocean
Driving home last night it was cold, foggy; this morning when I woke up the frost covered the trees, it was snowing and right now it is -6C. As far as winter in Canada the temperatures really aren’t that cold, and admittedly it is much colder in other parts of the country. But like most Canadians at this point of the year we are dreaming of travelling to someplace warmer!
This photo was taken sometime ago and the travellers/tourists out sightseeing, are enjoying not only the nice warm ideal weather, but the beautiful view of the Caribbean Ocean. Their dark silhouette against the blue ocean and framed by the tree makes it a perfect postcard memory!
How about you where would you like to be standing today?
Anna: Business Portrait
Another great photo from the Photo Session with Anna. Today I wanted to show you the traditional vertical format on black background. I love her smile, so I think it is true, you can smile in a business portrait headshot and still look professional!
When we do Professional Head Shots, or Portraits we do try to capture more than one expression, and work with more than one background. It is important that we provide you several options for you web pages and printed material without having to come back when you have a new design idea or change in format on your web pages. Although I do believe it is important to update your business portrait every year or so. Those style changes in your hair, clothing and accessories are more noticeable to others than they might be to you
Ann: white background horizontal format, non traditional business headshot; let me know if you think you could use a new business portrait.
Master Craftsman, Waterford Crystal, Environmental Portraits
Each year begins with new dreams and new goals, this year is no exception. But before I set new goals I spend a little time reflecting on the past year. What dreams and goals did I have; did I achieve them; what process, tools or resources did I use and were they effective, and most important what did I learn that I can take forward into this year to help make it successful.
The photo above is one of my favorite environmental portraits. As a Master Craftsman at the Waterford Crystal Factory, this man work takes years to achieve this level of skill and success. He keeps his tools sharp and close at hand and despite the clutter picture the tools are well-organized. The designs for each piece carefully thought out and drawn up ahead of execution. This master craftsman and the work he does is a good example of how planning, understanding your tools, and learning to uses your tools effectively are important to the success of each project he undertakes.
Photographing someone at work; learning about their craft, and their passion, their skills, and watching them work is a rewarding part of what I do. One of my goals for 2013 is to do more Environmental Portraits.
Love Locks, Pont de Arts, Paris France
Padlocks inscribed with lover’s names are locked to the bridge of Pont de Arts in Paris France, the key is then thrown into the river to symbolize their everlasting love. The padlocks began to show up on European bridge in the early 2000′s the source or inspiration varies depending on the city. An increasing trend not only around Europe, but it is spreading around the world. According to Wikipedia, the first padlock is said to have been locked to a bridge in Serbia before the World War ll over a betrayed love! Just a little ironic don’t you think?
There has been much controversy over the locks, for some it is an eye sore and considered a distraction from the heritage. To others a romantic symbol of everlasting love in one of the most romantic cities in the world. The Pont de Arts Bridge in Paris France has this wire mess much like a chain link fence. From a distance the brass locks looking like shimmering brass leaves. Up close we could see the locks that come in many shapes and sizes, some sold by the vendors just steps away, and inscribed with a permanent marker, while others are likely brought somewhere else and inscribed with an engraver.
We first encountered the locks in Florence Italy a couple of years ago, another wonderfully romantic city. Where have you seen them?
For more stories and images of this beautiful city: Paris
