Thursday, November 12, 2009

I can't believe it's November

So I'm still pregnant but have a feeling it's not going to be for much longer. I've been so tired and strained, my belly button's popped and I can't stay focused on any task for longer than an hour - hence the lack of updating. Oh I know, I know, anything to excuse the crappy blogging behaviour right ;) Seriously though it's the truth.

This weekend we're participating in our local Santa Claus Parade and with the lack of focus I have submitted our float theme as "winter wonderland" which I'm hoping is vague enough to pull us through without being too embarrassed. I just couldn't come up with a cohesive cool idea and so the Christmas trees and decorations I bought to adorn the float will have to do. Pictures will follow.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Nothing new

So time flies huh? I guess that would be an understatement. I hadn't realized that it had been so long since i'd posted until I tried login in today and had to jump through hoops with password verifications. I guess that should teach me.

One of the reasons I find updating difficult is because I feel like I'm doing the same thing all the time over and over - and it's not related to photography or even art  - in the least. So in my mind there's nothing interesting to talk about.

The show we had planned for November was long ago cancelled. I got pregnant and have been preoccupied with cleaning house and making a room for the new one. That's not even going well because we have 12' ceilings and i'm not allowed to climb an effin ladder which means I have to rely on the time and kindness of others.

Work has been crazy busy so those 3 days where Abby is in daycare have been devoted to making money. Art comes last unfortunately... I'm hoping to get out by myself for a small landscape shoot over the next 2 weeks. The leaves are starting to change and there are so many beautiful places I've yet to explore.

There is one thing that I've been waiting to share but it's ongoing and we won't know anything until Friday of this week. Pray that I have an update with exciting and good news to share.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Hello

So how's it going? Nothing new to report on the home front. A few plans in the works for photo outings and maybe a local photography contest... not too sure about that yet. The day job has temporarily taken over and i've had no time for pictures :(

Monday, August 3, 2009

Huntsville 2009

Once a year the whole family makes the trip to Huntsville, On for our annual family reunion. Thanks to the generosity of my aunt & uncle this bit of history has been taking place for several years now and it's something I really look forward to. My family is so low key, laid back, and fun loving. Fun is ALWAYS had by everyone there and I leave loving them even more than I thought possible.

Abby experienced her first boat ride with daddy and played on the beach with her cousins. She had a blast and even though I was restricted with what I was allowed to do, I had a great time watching her. 



Monday, July 27, 2009

Canada Day

We spent Canada Day celebrating with friends. This here is Drew enjoying his first sparkler.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Day of Birth


Tomorrow is my birthday. They don't seem to mean much to me anymore, not like they use to. One day older, not necessarily wiser, a bit more wrinkled and only sure of the fact that year after year it will continue. Can't stop a birthday can you.

Today was my "me" day. I got my hair done, took myself out to lunch and then to the movies. I used to think that going to the movies by yourself was such a lonely, sad thing to do but then I moved to a town where I had no friends and realized that you will do almost anything to survive. 

It was afterwards that I began to struggle. Chris was out with the baby and wouldn't be home for a while, what would I do? I wasn't used to having so much time to myself. I was excited about it at first but as the day wore on, I became anxious. I had my camera and tried taking pictures of the storm clouds but nothing seemed right. I went for a drive in the country but ended up on the same roads I always do. I tried to write the children's story that's been rattling around in my head for over a year but was too scared to put pen to paper.

So here I sit wondering what to do with myself. Wondering when my family will be home. Sometimes we should be careful what we wish for.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Scarborough Bluffs

The group and I went out again a few Friday's ago to capture a beautiful day at the Scarborough Bluffs. I truly enjoyed myself, having never been before but was disappointed in my shots. The day was quite bright and didn't allow for much contrast on the rock walls so we'll have to go back at Sunrise to see if we can change the results.





Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Slow Shutter

Last Wednesday night we spent a few hours in Toronto shooting the cityscape and CN Tower. I was more interested in experimenting with slow shutter speeds rather than getting a great photo (because I have little experience) and here are the results.

My favorite is the Bathurst Street Bridge shot with the various light streaks. I think I want to explore this a bit more.


Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Abby's 2nd Birthday

Here is my Abbygirl turning 2. My how the time flies! We spent a quiet Saturday afternoon celebrating her life with a few friends and close family. Perfect. 



Monday, June 29, 2009

Oahu, Hawaii

We spent just over a week in Hawaii and loved every minute of it. Not only is it a warm (literally) and friendly place but you really feel like you're at home. No big cultural surprises, the customs are all easy to learn and very welcoming. All the beaches are public access so you never have to worry if you're "allowed" somewhere or not. The 6 hour time difference really kicked my ass but I would go back again in a heartbeat. 

Here are some shots taken with the P&S. Surfboards, Magnum PI's private beach, the North Shore and yours truly on a rented Harley.







 

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Waterfalls

A lot has happened over the last 2 months. I found out I was pregnant with baby #2, we spent some time in Hawaii, I got out to shoot professionally and for fun, and Abby turned two. Needless to say, I am TIRED.

Here are some shots I took at the end of April on one of my group photo outings. We revisited the waterfalls in Hamilton and I practiced slow shutter speeds. Enjoy!






Monday, April 20, 2009

Forest


I know it's April and it was 22 degrees the other day but I couldn't help posting this pic I took over the winter. I was driving around Cambridge and found a beautiful hotel in the woods. I've visited it many times since hoping one day to frequent it's spa facilities. This shot is of the forest which is on either side of the winding driveway.

Often when Abby was a few months old and I needed to get her to sleep I would put her in the Jeep and drive around for a few hours enjoying the countryside. It was hard getting used to a new place and my vehicle gave me the armor I needed to get out and see things. This picture reminds me of that time.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Fashion Photography - Class 5



Here is a sample from last nights class. Mikaela is an amazing model and I love working with her because it's so effortless. The lighting however, was a bit of a stretch for me. Normally I work with 1-2 studio lights and last night our teacher had us use 3 (2 softbox and 1 with grid) with 2 gobo's. I don't know how I feel about the shadow's across her face...

Also I did a bit more photoshopping that usual because I wanted to show something in black & white. Her skin really is that beautiful though ;)

Fashion Photography - Class 4



As promised here is one of the pictures I shot from my last class. Note to oneself... if you are going to buy clothes for the model, do not shop at Le Chateau. What are you going to do with $150 credit for a store you do not shop in?

We may have one more shoot before things wrap up and are interested in doing a period piece. My group would like something medieval or renaissance. I'll keep you posted on the outcome.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Hello (echo) is anyone there?

I haven't forgotten to update.... SERIOUSLY.... it's just that since putting the little one into daycare I have only had a handful of days where I have not been sick. This past weekend was no exception and I spent several days in bed wondering who I was. Fever, chills, a lot more I won't get into and finally a breakthrough in the form of prescription medication.

Saturday was our class "trip" to an all women fashion photography exhibit which coincided with Toronto's Fashion Week. I lasted an hour. From what I saw it was lovely though and I wish I'd had a chance to hang out longer. 

Last night's class was a success again! My outfit got picked and the colour scheme I came up with really popped with our backdrop. With every class I see things I like and many things I don't. It's giving me such a good eye for noticing the details. I'm taking my time and studying the frame more instead of snapping like crazy. Kind of like enjoying a fine wine ;)

Pics to follow.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Photo Group Outing - Update

So the photo outing was pretty much a bust. It was a beautiful day if you were standing inside looking out the window but I froze my ass off walking around trying to catch something interesting. Cherry Beach had a bunch of dogs running around, which normally I wouldn't mention but they literally kept running into each shot I set up.

The boys were too cold and wanted to head uptown but I couldn't join because I had school. As the day progressed I got sicker and sicker and ended up dropping off my homework and heading home to my bed. See what I mean?

Supposed to hook up with Sue on Thursday to re-shoot downtown TO so we'll see how that pans out. We don't have a plan yet but you know what they say about best laid plans ;)

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Fashion Photography - Class 3



This here is Rebecca. The goal for this session was to completely style our model in addition to setting up the lighting and pose. I don't think I quite executed the look I was going for but not horrible either. There was some minor photoshopping involved but otherwise she really is that flawless.

In other news I have had little time for myself. The baby is sick and the other business is gearing up for it's busy season so my time is quite divided right now. I am hoping with the warmer weather on the way that I will have more opportunity to take the little one on walks through the neighbourhood.

On a side note, tomorrow is my monthly group outing and we will be heading to the "Beaches" district of Toronto. I hear it's supposed to be really cold - pray for me lol. All this hard work will pay off in November if we do our independant showcase.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

My New Home



Can you believe how amazing this place is? Can you see just a smidge why I want this to be my new home? Not only is it gorgeous but it's got a thriving art community. And did I mention how gorgeous it is? I feel so at peace when I'm there.

This was shot at a local airport just outside of Whistler. They gave plane tours for $25! We were not supposed to be driving on the runway but didn't realize this until it was too late.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Fashion Photography - Class 2



This lovely young girl, Sam, has 3 years experience modeling. And I think she's 16... 

Kind of makes you wonder what you were doing at this age huh? I don't remember girls being this beautiful when I was her age.

Anyway, this class assignment was an exercise in beauty lighting. Head shots only with soft even lighting. The more I participate, the more I want my own studio.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Whistler



I have so much catching up to do but part of that is because of our holiday out to BC. This photo was taken during a snowmobile tour just outside of Whistler. We had stopped on a frozen reservoir to switch riders when I shot this. It has been raining and snowing (funny thing with those mountains...) and I felt pressure to knock of a few frames having lugged my equipment around with me all afternoon.

Sometimes inspiration finds us in the most unusual places.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Fashion Photography - Class 1



I'm taking a Fashion Photography class at Humber to hone my studio skills. It's been over 2 years since I worked with studio lights and models. I'm REALLY enjoying myself and I've been getting a lot of positive feedback from classmates and the models themselves.

Here is Gillian, a student from the daytime photography program modeling for my class. She was awesome to work with and I hope to do so again.

On Location - Month 3



So the plan was to meet in Kleinburg and explore the back woods of the McMichael Art Gallery. All was fine and dandy except it was -20 and freezing. I was so cold I didn't focus too much on the photography, I was more concerned with my frozen toes. Why did I think it would be a good idea to wear rubber boots in the snow?

The above pic is part of a series I am working on showing pattern and movement. Removing the subjects literal interpretation and making it looked skewed. I don't think I'm quite there yet but comments are always welcome.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

I am so tired!

It's been one of those days where running around has taken it's toll, but I have to say that it's also days like this that make me happy and appreciate the fact that I am doing something I love to do. It may not be everyday, but I'm working towards that.

I participated in a photo shoot today that documented the filming of an interactive hockey "display" for the Anaheim (arena or museum...) featuring Lance Brown from CTV. The client wanted behind the scenes photos showing the crew in action and although it started out questionable it ended rather well. By questionable, I mean that I was dealing with lighting conditions I wasn't able to control. Working on a live set sure has it's advantages but as a photographer shooting 2 totally different lighting situations it was hard to keep up. I wish I had two cameras on hand to accommodate everything. All in all I think it went well and I really had a great time doing it. Here's to more shoots in the future!

Friday, January 30, 2009

On location - Month 2



Well what can I say... We've been trying to get together for our outing for over a week and nothings happened. Screw the obstacles I say - I went out by myself today. Chris picked my location and I strapped the camera around my neck fully prepared to get nothing out of today but I forced myself out of the house, because really, why are we paying daycare - ya know?

I ended up at Webster's Falls. It turned into a beautiful day with bursts of sunshine and dramatic skies. I trekked around the park trying to follow other people's footstep so as not to fall down (can you say 2ft of snow anyone?!?) and shot the equivalent of a few rolls of film. I started off taking pictures from one of the look outs when I spotted a small group of people on the canyon floor taking pictures SO CLOSE to the falls that the spray was hitting them. Curious (read: jealous)  I started running down the snowy slope to find my way down there.

It took 5 minutes for me to realize it wasn't going to happen. I wasn't wearing the proper footwear (or a hat & mittens) and the stairs leading down were completely covered in ice. It just wasn't meant to be - today anyways - but that's okay because I plan on going back soon.

On my way back to the car I met a really nice retired guy who lived in the area and spent the better part of an hour telling me the history of the falls and the small town of Greenville, Dundas and Ancaster. He actually told me too much of himself (his house is for sale, getting divorced, moving to Japan... Hi Bruce!) but I enjoyed listening to him go on about all the hidden trails and secret places he played in as a child. Maybe when I go back I can take advantage of some of the stories and incorporate them into my photography.

All in all I had a wonderful day! And surprise surprise, it was all by myself.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Loss of Memory

I feel pretty stupid about this but when typing in the address to this blog, or at least what I thought was the address, I accidentally stumbled upon a blog I created (and subsequently forgot about) from 2006!

Of course I can't remember the user name or password... This feels like the perfect example of my disorganized life.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Muse



Do you ever feel like you're on the brink of something? A passion ignited in your belly flares to life after a winter hibernation, and you have no idea what to do with it? 

I have so many ideas right now - floating around in my head. Some of them focus on photography, some on writing. But the more I mull them over instead of just taking action, the more confused I get. Maybe I'm over thinking things and instead I should just DO. It's hard not to be scared though.

Monday, January 19, 2009

No new news

I'm still sick and really don't have much to say. Haven't been out of the house in almost 2 weeks. I hate that feeling... being sick and going outside knowing the world has been going on without you. It's not an ego thing it's just an eerie feeling I get not knowing what happened when I was dead to the world with my illness. I feel very fragile after that first day, almost as if the cold broke me.

So about that holiday. It's confirmed and booked. We are on our way to Whistler at the end of February. Thank you Aeroplan! It paid for the flight and all I have to worry about is the hotel. Did I mention the hot tub on our private patio? I'm packing light but planning on bringing all the camera gear with the hope of having an afternoon to inspire new ideas. The last time we went out I had a hard time getting a crisp pic of the mountains so research will follow soon.

Friday is my next photography group outing. I believe we'll be scouting the Annex.


Sunday, January 11, 2009

I need a vacation

I am so sick. Abby is so sick. Chris is working. All creativity is out the window, my thoughts are on surviving the day. 

So our night out in TO... The night itself was good. Our hotel was cozy and we had an awesome room that faced Nathan Philip Square so I could watch the skaters go round & round. Chris had a good time on stage and I was just happy to see some friends. The last few parties we've been invited to I've had to cancel at the last minute because of the weather. My pictures from that night however are another story. I have no experience shooting musicians in such low lighting conditions and I think I need a better lens for the job. I had fun practicing though and I guess that is the point.

Abby started daycare on Thursday, which is where I think she picked up whatever it is that's ailing her. The deal is that I split my time between the two jobs and it worked out - sort of - on Friday with all that crazy weather. I am planning on bringing my camera with me when ever I'm out doing "work" and then I can always take pics on the side.

Anyways, the title still stands. I need a vacation! We have a tentative one planned but not booked for the end of February to head out to Whistler for a few days. Now that should give me some inspiration. Gotta love air miles.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

I Have Been Drinking

I am sitting here making new friends and listening to music (City & Colour's "Coming Home" to The Cult's "The Witch" to The Dixie Chicks "Cowboy Take Me Away" to Lenny Kravitz "Black Velveteen"). Is that random enough for you?

I am in this incredible space right now where I want to write and draw and sing. I'm not saying that any of it will be good but it's good enough for me right now to be allowed to have the time to indulge the creative aspect of life. The baby will be committed to daycare for 2 days a week, which gives me some time to develop the photography business - and focus a 9 to 5 perspective on the husbands business. I am excited and hoping that this will solve many problems ;)

Thank God for my family. I love Chris and my mom for giving me this opportunity!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

A Night Out

I can't believe this but we're actually going out! Chris is sub'ing for a friend as drummer in his band and we're heading out to the Rivoli tomorrow night. Mom is watching the baby and we've a room booked at the Sheraton. I'm sure I won't last past 11pm but I will have a kick ass time trying.

I don't have much experience with nighttime band photography but I will do my best to get a shot or two to post over the next few days. Wish me luck bitches!
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