I helped photograph a wedding!

Can you believe it? I just spent 7 hours with Patty Boge assisting her at a wedding. As some of you may know I don’t do weddings anymore – but if all brides would be like Sandra and her husband Elliott – I would get right back into it!

I woke up at 4:00 am to hear the sound of rain and my immediate thought was, ‘oh no’ what will we do at the wedding? I went back to sleep and got up at 7:00 am – and it was still raining! Headed into Winnipeg to meet Patty and the radio was saying that they predicted rain for the entire day and they had cancelled some event at the Forks! But, by the time I got to Patty’s, the rain had quit.

We got to Sandra’s house and we did some awesome – I mean AWESOME images of her! Patty and I make a great team, I’m thinking! Sandra is a fabulous person – she is funny and a very talented singer. After photographing at the brides house – we left to go to her Mom’s house – it was extremely windy out there – most brides would have freaked (and I must admit so would I have if it would have been a wedding I was shooting) - but we got outside – a gust of wind whipped up her veil and Sandra screamed “I LOVE the wind!” Unbelievable. The ceremony took place on a very rain soaked lawn at Captain Kennedy’s Tea House. A small intimate wedding where all the guests formed a circle surrounding the couple. Just before the vows, the marriage commissioner asked all the guests to form a tight circle by holding hands – it was so touching and personal. After they were pronounced husband and wife, Sandra, accompanied by some very talented ladies, sang – she has a beautiful voice! I was privileged to be a part of this wedding and would like to thank them!

After the family photos we walked around the grounds of the wedding venue and captured the couple in loving embraces – they just were so much in love – and extremely easy to photograph. Another great location was at Skinners in Lockport and Patty got some outstanding photos inside Skinners.

We got to the Larters for the reception at 5:00 and that’s when my part was done and I headed home. I’m thinking that Patty is still there – having a ball!

By the way – the rain never came back – we had some wind – but the day was beautiful! I think Patty is truly blessed, as she told me that in the years she has been photographing weddings (all on location) – she’s never had rainy day – her luck continued to follow her (or perhaps her prayers were answered). Patty will be going on a much deserved vacation with her family and Sandra and Elliott’s images will be uploaded to her blog in a couple of weeks. Make sure to check them out!
Thanks Patty – for making me love weddings again…

not everyone wants to be photographed!

The Ledinghams moved to Steinbach 4 years ago July 1st! Kent purchased the GM dealership initially and eventually, the Chevrolet dealership as well and after a couple of years they became one large facility! My first introduction to Kent was when he came in for a business headshot, along with a few of his salesmen. I couldn’t believe how young he was! Since then I’ve photographed all the staff at Ledingham.

Kent and Caprice brought their three active boys in for a family portrait session on June 14th. This is the first time I have photographed the family. Previously I have had the privilege of capturing these boys individually and together.

This was our favorite image from the session…

But, it didn’t start off that way. Quinn, the middle child – decided he really didn’t want to be here at all and it showed! Now, I can speak from experience that middle children have quite an attitude (I consider myself one as well) and I think one of the worst traits of a middle child is stubbornness (been there myself). I really didn’t think I would get Quinn out of his pouty expression, but, with a bit of patience on my part and the parents, I achieved some great images! I asked Kent if I would be able to post some of these images and he agreed. So here they are (and Quinn, one day you’ll look back on this and laugh!)

I love the laughter of Wil and Hutton in this one!

Then, when Quinn started relaxing, Hutton decided to go exploring – another favorite!

I enjoy families like this that show exactly how real life can be! Thank you! Oh yes, I have one more image to show…. I like this one and wanted to title it “The Enforcer” – Kent couldn’t decide what he wanted to do with this image, so he didn’t order one (it was a grab shot). I suggested he hang it in the dealership – but he nixed that idea. It would be a great addition to the showroom – don’t you think?

Friends…

11 years ago I met a special lady. Her name at that time was Inge Horvath. She has since become my very best friend and now she goes by the name of Inge Skliros. She met the love of her life in December 2001. Michael is from the United Kingdom and was working in Amsterdam at the time they met. Love blossomed and Michael moved to Brandon, and in March of 2003 they were married in a beautiful country church in Heathfield, England. I was thrilled and honored to be chosen to be their wedding photographer and I went on their honeymoon with them! Too funny. Actually, I really did go on their honeymoon. We toured London and flew to Amsterdam and then spent a few days there. This was one of the most memorable times of my life!

Fast forward to the present. I try to spend at least 4 long weekends each year in Brandon and the last trip was this past weekend. I met Catherine for the second time. Let me explain why Catherine is important. Inge and Michael are going on an African Safari this coming October and they have invited me to join them! We will be leaving on October 1st and there will be 6 of us on this trip. Michael’s daughter, Helen and son-in-law David will be joining us (living in London, England) as well as Catherine who lives in Brandon. I will keep you posted on the upcoming trip and I will, hopefully, be adding images and updates on my blog while I’m there!

Anyway, here is a photograph of Inge and Michael and myself after spending a couple of hours in their spa (hot tub) just before we had dinner.

Oh yes – that is “Grissom” the latest addition to their family. “Grissom” joined “Hunter” in the Skliros household over a year ago and he is a joy to have around!

I don’t know if I mentioned it or not – but besides being a great friend, Inge is a fabulous photographer as well! She does some fabulous grad portraits and I was privileged to assist her at a grad session this past Monday. The day was overcast so we started outdoors in her front yard. Handsome Stephen Howard was the grad. This is a photo of Inge in action – photographing Stephen and his escort.

Inge goes all out to capture the perfect expression and pose – and you can see it in these images!

All too soon the weekend had to end and I headed home. On the way (about 9ish am) I noticed a lot of air traffic in the skies. Planes were going back and forth and were leaving their mark in the skies. Isn’t this awesome?

Oh yes – my camera is never far from my reach – and this is a photo I just had to take during dinner outdoors on the patio the last evening I was there. Inge bought this gorgeous mirror for the wall and the shadows were just riveting. Isn’t it gorgeous?

I’m thinking of Inge and Michael this evening as they photograph the Vincent Massey Collegiate convocation and grad at the Keystone Center. Good luck!

“Follow Me” Party HUGE success!

… and it was!

They came – 101 children in total! It seemed as if the Castle Bouncer had a magnet inside! They came from the parking lot – they spied the bouncer and they raced away from Mom and Dad – right towards the bouncer. A huge hit!

This party was for all of my clients with families – in my continuing celebration of 30 years in photography! We had a beautiful day – a bit windy – and a heavy, overcast and rainy Friday – but the Saturday of the party was beautiful. (Held on oh six, oh seven, oh eight) We had greeters at the entrance to the park…

Holly was one of the greeters and checked off those that RSVP’d and she also handed out the ‘treat bags’ (inside the storage boxes behind her).

Tori assisted Holly and I think they both did a great job!

We had face painters… the line-ups were long! That’s Allyssa on the left and Janelle on the right.

Babies too little to enjoy the events came as well…

The playground was also well utilized.

Thats Carey – the Balloon Artist – kids were lining up and keeping him busy the entire time (oh, except for a bit when he took a break to eat).

Oh yes – these are the two ladies that made all this happen. Barb (office manager) and Janie (sister and party planner extraordinaire!).

I also had the help of another sister, Val – but she’s kind of camera shy.

The canteen was kept busy. We served hotdogs with fresh baked buns from Sobeys – chips – ice cream treats and freezees and bottled water and pop and for those that were inclined on such a warm day – coffee! I don’t think anyone left hungry!

Oh yes – one lucky girl was celebrating her birthday that day – and I made sure her family got some special treats! Hope you had a fabulous day, Kamryn!

Young and old enjoyed the ice cream treats (I’m not calling you old Jonathan!) – you can’t see it – but he got his face painted as well and he had an ice cream revel painted on his cheek!

Back to the bouncer – very popular – here is little Avalon just having a great time!

Her mom, Leanne Unger is one of the two ladies that are supplying the trip to Disney World! Don’t forget to call us to see how you can enter your name! Oh yes – if you use either Ilene Goschke or Leanne Unger from Travel Professionals International for booking a flight or a trip – you will get an extra draw ticket for the trip!

More fun in the bouncer!

Here are some random photos of the day…

This is a photo of the whole crew (minus Val and Carey) – we had a blast!

We were featured under the Mitchell News in The Carillon the following week. Thank you Jennifer!

We had such a great time – and listening to the comments – I think my clients and families enjoyed it as well. THANK YOU for your business!!!

They travelled far…

I photographed Joe and Angela on their wedding in July 5 years ago. Angela is a local girl – grew up on a farm near Steinbach. I have photographed her family over the years. Joe is American. He stole Angela’s heart and took her back to live in the US. Colorado, New Mexico – and now again Colorado – he’s in construction and he goes where his company sends him.

They’re happy to be back in Colorado, they say. Angela is a nurse and now they have two children.

They called me a few months ago informing me they had a little sister for Kyle named Claire and they wanted to travel to Manitoba to visit family and have a portrait done! That’s so cool, don’t you think?

Joe and Angela were very surprised at Kyle – apparently he is quite shy and he came in that way. But it didn’t take long and he ended up being quite a poser! He’s a busy little boy and just a charmer!

We got this beautiful father/son portrait – I just love this – I can just imagine Kyle looking at this image years from now going “That’s me and my dad – he’s the best!”

Of course the reason for this session was to have photographs of little Claire. She was fussing – as many babies do, but eventually she just decided she’d rather sleep than pose for the camera. This is just precious!

Kyle had a short attention span – as do all children – and I told Joe and Angela I would photograph just the two of them with Claire. I had found my huge stuffed zebra and Kyle lugged it around the studio and ended up leaning up against the background drape and watching while I was photographing. I love this shot – it is one of my favorites – it just tells the whole story, doesn’t it? Sometimes children are a bit jealous of a new baby in the family – as mom and dad pay more attention to the new one and I think this image conveys that somewhat. Don’t you just want to pick him up and hug him?

Joe and Angela saw him in the background with the zebra and started laughing – I went to adjust the background light – to illuminate more of him – and got just three images before he scampered away. This was one of their favorite images and I love it as well! What a wonderful ending to a great session!

What a compliment to me when someone comes from so far away to have me create their family memories – thank you Joe & Angela!!!

6 week old Carson Tyler is photographed!

Meet Carson Tyler – born April 30, 2008. He is a little brother to Hayley.

Hayley, I think, is very happy that little brother is here. She is a beautiful little girl who has been in the studio several times – starting with her newborn photos. Mom admits that Hayley is a “mama’s girl” who always tended not to want to be far away from mom during the photo sessions. This is a photo of Hayley at age 1. (By the way, we did get a beautiful portrait of her – I just loved this one because it totally captured how she was feeling!).

After just a few photos, Hayley said “done”. She didn’t want to be there – she wanted to explore the studio! I must thank Cherie and Galen for their patience when I was having camera problems. My Nikon D200 stopped working! What to do?! All professional photographers should have a back-up system. When I had the traditional studio I used top of the line Hasselblad equipment. I had 3 camera bodies, 4 lenses and 4 film backs. Back-up equipment sets the true professional apart! So, I went to get my Fuji S3 – put in fresh batteries, used my other lens – and back to photographing.

I love the gentleness of this image.

A wonderful photo of dad and son…

By the way, Galen and Cherie have been in the studio numerous times over the years – and when it came time to hire a photographer – they picked me! How cool is that?

But back to the photos of the new addition to this family – as always happens… babies fuss, they need to be fed, they cry, they need to be held, they need the soother, of course they pee all over mom or dad when you’re photographing them without a diaper!, sister or brother has a short attention span and doesn’t want to be there and mom and dad are trying to get both a newborn and a sibling to be happy and cooperative! That’s the unpredictability of photographing a newborn session. Thanks Galen and Cherie for allowing me to capture this special time of your life and here is my favorite image of the session – it says it all!

The smell of lilacs in spring!

Can you just smell them? The wonderful aroma is wafting through my office as I write this post. This morning I walked over the wet grass to cut some lilacs to enjoy (they’re much later than usual this year). My lilac hedge has grown and I had to reach way up to cut down some lilac branches – and when I looked up I was amazed at the lilacs reaching towards the clouds – and the interesting design of the clouds. Of course, you know what I did next, right? Yep – I went inside, got my camera and got some great photos. This was my favorite shot!

Lovely, lovely lilacs.

Cooking for Patty!

Patty Boge is a giver. She is a great cook – no – not just a great cook – a fabulous cook! She has invited me into her home on 3 occasions and each time I watched her cook up a storm (you should see her kitchen when she’s done!) all the while chatting with me, answering the phone, answering her daughter’s questions. She is amazing. And of course, after the delicious food has been eaten and some wonderful Shiraz enjoyed, she shares. She is the person that was instrumental in pushing me to get my new website done. She is the person that finally convinced me to purchase Lightroom! She is the person that inspires me to try things I haven’t done before. A great friend.

Back to cooking for her. This past winter I did something I’d never done before – I enrolled in the local Arts Council “Healthy Cooking Classes”. They were taught by Walter Zogar – a seasoned chef himself. He made the classes fun – and I came away with some fabulous recipes!

Anyway, I digress. You can read Patty’s version of my cooking on her Blog.

That’s me in my kitchen – caught unaware – but what did I expect – she is a photographer after all!

We ate on my deck – a bit chilly – but warmer than the house! It looks tasty, doesn’t it?

After lunch, we went inside, I turned on the fireplace and we talked and talked. I don’t know which one of us talked more! Again – she inspired me to do certain things I’ve been meaning to do – or too scared to do!

Patty made herself comfortable on my loveseat (it was cold in the house!) and I picked up her camera and took this shot of her. Beautiful lady, don’t you think?? Inside and outside! I love this photo!

So, as per Patty’s request – here is the recipe! (Thanks, Walter!)

ORZO WITH CHERRY TOMATOES, CAPERS AND LEMON

Cooking tip: This simple pasta dish lends itself to variation. Try it with different herbs, and silvers of spinach or replace the tomatoes with sauteed mushrooms.

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 garlic clove, minced (I use two – I love my garlic!)

In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomatoes and garlic and cook until the tomatoes are tender, about 3 minutes. Set aside.

In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup Orzo (I found it at Superstore in the Pasta section) with 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (I use chicken and the low-sodium variety), over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until the pasta is al dente (tender), about 7 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, until almost all of the liquid is absorbed, about 3 minutes.

2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
2 teaspoons capers, drained and finely chopped
1 tablespoon pine nuts, finely chopped
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Add the above ingredients to the Orzo and toss gently to mix. Add the tomato mixture and toss until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Spoon the pasta into warmed individual bowls and serve immediately.

P.S. I would love feedback from anyone that might have tried this recipe!

THANKS once again, Patty for the inspiration you are. I can’t wait to photograph your family!