A Pretty Young Edmonton Girl

Today the modern Edmonton girl is going for the bold look with bright colours and designs.
Marin is wearing her faaaaavourite rain gear: a pink coat liberally sprinkled with red roses and green leaves.
Her boots, selected to compliment her coat, are spiced up with bright red cherries.
Her umbrella?...is over the top with another bold statement in gorgeous lavender. And why?...why to catch the eye of some young man...of course!!
Cheers to you Marin. Keep me in mind; for your wedding I’ll gladly come out of retirement!!

Tim's Three Musketeers

When Tim brought his young family to the studio, I was impressed. Each had a genuine smile upon greeting me. There was interest in our conversation as they asked questions about the studio and what I did. And…not once did a phone appear requiring an immediate response from a friend!

As the afternoon progressed, hints of their individual personalities began to show. Kaileah was confident and, being the older sister, I noted a slight mothering/herding of her two younger brothers. Nathan, the older boy, was a tad on the quiet side; perhaps a bit of a thinker. Justin had a certain grin; a possible sign of a little bit of mischief looking for a place to happen.

Tim, your kids were awesome; even more so because I got a group hug!

Aunt Beste called me to arrange for a portrait of her six year old niece, Diana. On the big day Diana arrived like a Princess in a pink chiffon dress. Our plan was to photograph Diana with a selection of dresses and then....perhaps we would go outside.

Although quite content and easy to photograph, I wasn’t able to coax any joyous expressions. Methinks Princess Diana wasn’t in a ‘dress’ mood. I'm pleased to say that I did get a lovely contemplative mood with the profile.

Finally the dresses were discarded and on went the jeans, the top, and the long red sweater. Once outside and carefree, the body language took on an air of confidence and freedom. Between running, hopping, skipping, and jumping off the brick wall, I got the other Princess- the one with the slightly tilted halo!

Blast from the Past

Most, if not all, have heard the term BLAST FROM THE PAST. If memory serves, this term came into being, (at least for me), in the early 60's. DJ's would spin a few 45's from '58, or '59; songs that hit the charts running in those years.
And, from a teenager's perspective, it was always fun to hear a tune from the, (3 yrs ago), old days!!

Well, Blast from the Past took on another meaning for me just recently with thanks to son #2. And, the timing?...interesting, considering the somewhat Blast from the Past of U2.

In the process of getting rid of old stuff, (me not included, although apparently there was some debate), an old trunk was opened and gutted of its treasures. One, however, survived. As the trunk was being prepared for a garage sale, David noticed a small card. On that card was a picture of four young men; the ones you see above.

My Dad worked for CHED Radio in those days; the hottest Rock Station in Edmonton; perhaps in Alberta. And, of course, the Beatles got lots of play time. So one day my Dad brought me home this Official Membership Card for the BEATLES Fan Club; Edmonton Chapter.

When David showed me what he had found, I couldn't help but smile, vaguely remembering my dad presenting it to me so many years ago. However, my next thoughts are what really intrigue me: I wonder where Trudy Medcalf and Dawne Hester are today. How did they become Pres & V Pres? Where were they from and what school did they go to? And, I wonder if they would smile, as I did, upon seeing once again an Official Membership Card of the BEATLES Fan Club. I hope so.
Cheers to you, Trudy and Dawne.

The Banff Bash

Brilliant white mountain tops against blue skies, Lizzie’s beautiful dress against Geoff’s shoulders, sunshine, big grins everywhere, and the dance music pouring out of open windows, down the stone steps and onto the elk having their evening snack during a full moonlit evening: these are the wedding memories of May 14, 2011 at the Banff Springs Hotel.

Why Not Winter?

It was a chilly day in Metropolitan Edmonton. However, our assignment was a Family session. I spent some time scoping out a location that would give us the right light at the right time. Cold hands, frozen feet, red cheeks, nor runny noses would prevent us from completing this assignment.

Once on location, I stomped through the deep snow creating access to a space to set up the group. I didn't want to disturb the pristine snow between the family and my camera. I worked pretty fast and efficient for one who, some say, 'has passed over the crest of the hill'!

Being the nice guy I am, I let the group warm up in the car between mini sessions: Family, Mom & Dad, the Kids.

Well, we did it with Chilly Hands and Warm Hearts. When you bag that image under less than ideal circumstances, and the folks are having fun..that's worth a 2nd glass of wine. Cheers!!

So....you want to be a child photographer!

Here we are again. An opportunity arises to photograph a past client's grandchildren....aged from 6yrs old to less than 1 year. Oh Ya!

Young kids don't scare me. I started in the photography business with a company called Stork Photography. I've been drooled, peed, and barfed on. Get over it and get the expression. That's what sells; that's what clients remember..your successes.
However, once in a while you hit what may be considered a wall. Attached are two images from my wall!! We'll call these out-takes!

Now, I'm not suggesting another photographer wouldn't have succeeded where I didn't. But...hmmmm most likely not. So, you try plan B and do your best. The best in this case was assembling three separate images to the glee of a happy Grandmother.

Now for the bonus. While viewing the 'out-takes', one mother said to me, "Those are priceless. I want one of those to send as my Christmas card this year"! Send one to Santa. I'm sure he would get a good laugh.

Cheers!

Dream Dancer

If fairy tales can come true, Tessa will one day be on stage capturing the hearts of other young girls who dream of dancing; and, most likely, the hearts of a few young men.

When we started our session Tessa was a bit shy as she hung at Mom’s side. However, with a wee bit of encouragement, she started to dance. The camera and I were soon forgotten as Tessa danced....and dreamed.

Maligne Canyon Memories

Twenty seven years ago I had the opportunity to photograph Joan and Don's wedding. Soon after, the forestry industry took both to Grande Prairie and eventually Edson.
Two years ago, as a surprise Christmas gift for Joan, Don arranged for a family portrait. However, hold on the portrait as daughter number one decides to spread her wings and move to Toronto.
Well, finally the planets align and daughter comes home for a week! So, off to Jasper we go; dodging raindrops, saving cameras from nearly falling into the river, having a fabulous celebratory meal at Fiddle River, (and somewhere in there...taking portraits)!
Now, let me do the math...I'll be how old when they celebrate their 50th?

The May(not so Fair any more) Hotel

While photographing for one of my clients, I had the opportunity to do some roof walking as well as some ground images. Lots of dust, dirt, old bricks and, for some, perhaps some memories. I wonder how many wedding receptions, anniversaries, and birthday parties were celebrated in what was once a pretty nice Hotel.

The Snow Queen

Sweet Olivia was introduced to me as the Snow Queen; a title she took seriously. With her blonde hair and lovely coat and hat, she looked like a child from 18th century Russian aristocracy.
I was honoured as she held my hand while we skipped through the snow. We photographed amongst the trees, a neighbours winter garden, and around a sandstone castle. Alas, other stately duties called and I was dismissed with a wave of her hand and an 'I don't want to be photographed anymore'.
But no one can take away my 15 minutes of fame with the Snow Queen.

Warm Winter Place

Placencia..a very small town at the end of a very long and skinny peninsula on the SE shore of the country of Belize in Central America. For the geographically challenged, the country of Belize, with a population of under 300,000, is just below Mexico.

Wether walking or biking, even we friendly Canadians found it a pleasure to be offered a smile, a nod, or a hello as just the most casual, normal, and polite thing to do. Perhaps that's because no one is really in a hurry. Wherever one is going, it is still most likely to be there whenever one arrives. And, you don't have to go very far wherever you want to arrive!

Although the weather wasn't up to Placencian standards, (high overcast only reaching 75F), it was a wonderful reprieve from our annual Edmonton snow and chills. Whatever....the 'cold' weather did not affect our enjoyment of the fresh fish, fruit and veggies, jungle walks, or evening views from our balcony. The only sad part- I missed two hockey games with the guys. Upon return, however, none of the guys mentioned that they missed me! Hmmmmm!

Our Friend Paige

Last week Dani and I had the opportunity to have Paige visit us from her high school for a half day of shadowing. Although A little shy at first, we soon had her smiling and hopefully comfortable.
I had to make a delivery to a client that day so we invited her to come along. My thanks to MH for making her welcome.
I found out later that Paige had called three other photographers before us to ask about shadowing. Ah well..their loss...our gain!
Whatever your path, photography or space shuttle pilot, best of luck!

Recent views in November

The last time Irene and Tim were photographed professionally was at their wedding. It was time to update. After some chit chat and bouncing a few ideas around, they decided that, cool or not, outdoors was where they wanted to be.
When possible I like to create lots of depth. The portrait by the trees gives us that. The profile has warmth, affection, and serenity.
Thank you Irene and Tim. It was a tad cool but we beat the snow.

The Big Shoot!

So we went a wandering downtown yesterday with camera in tow and here's some shots from our fun little session with Melissa our student for a week and Dani the studios right hand gal!

Enjoy!

Nicholas's new career

Jeanna and Michael's world has changed.....he's called Nicholas and he's now four months old.
Bright eyed, busy, and safely snuggled between Mom and Dad, he's working on his first modeling assignment.

It was a chiiillly day last Saturday. But not so cool that John, Val, Ryan and , Vanessa couldn't go out and have some fresh air fun!
The big issue was the wind; so much for all the hair preparations!! However.....we did it! Together we created images I know they are going to enjoy.
Anyway, those warm fall days, with the scent of falling leaves, are highly over rated!

Remove door; tighten seat belt; let's go!!

Had an opportunity yesterday to take some aerial photographs. Here are some images showing the progress of the Epcor Bldg on 101 St. and, (the must discussed over the years), Federal Bldg on 109 St.
Notice the amount of green we still have in Edmonton.

A Dogs Life

Ahhhh…the acreage life; over four acres of beautiful trees, flowers, a Mom and Dad, and two lovely daughters. Then there’s the head of the household, Bailey the dog; an affectionate companion, great cuddler, iffy watch dog, and great wasp killer!
My thanks to Bailey and family for all your warm smiles.

Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice

Still waters run deep. The shy little Zoe, who met me with her mother at the studio, turned into a jumping whirlwind with twinkling eyes. There must have been something in those hot pink socks!