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.