I just came in from editing some head shots from my first “Girls Night Out” Home Decor Party. It was a chance to mingle with some great ladies in town(who are way too hard on themselves about their looks..they are all beautiful) and GIVE AWAY some FREE home decor items to my fantastic hostess, Rhonda. Rhonda is always great at hosting home get together’s but “Girl’s Night Out” has a twist. Instead of cleaning your house and kicking out your hubby, you bring your friends to the studio. There we visit, eat( of course) and each guest gets a free “head” shot to use on facebook, blog, email, etc. The sales from the evening (both photography AND home decor) count towards the hostess rewards! It was fun not to be editing, or paperwork, but to mingle with good company and call it work. Thanks Rhonda! Well done!
Lethbridge/Taber Portrait Photographer~Girls Night Out July 29, 2010
Amazing Workshop! July 14, 2010
One of the best ways to learn in this business is to learn from other photographers. In March I had the opportunity to attend a workshop with Nichole Van, and award winning photographer in the United States. Spending 3 days in an small group with Nichole was invaluable to me. She is a fantastic teacher as well as someone who really understands the technical side of things. She is now offering lighting workshops as well, and of course those are in my plans for the future. Any aspiring photographer would do well to check her out here. As for me, I’m trying to apply what she taught little by little to improve myself. She wrote an absolutely fantastic manual with the workshop that I still haven’t even had time to go through. 
Lethbridge Wedding Photographer/Thank Goodness for Friends June 24, 2010
I need to give a shout out to five wonderful women, some of whom I’ve never met in person, but each who inspires me. I truly consider each one a friend. Just a word, an idea, a listening ear can make a big difference in this crazy ol world, and I thank them for that. If we could all live a day like these girls with giving cheerful attitudes, the world would be a better place! So Radelle, Crystal, Jan, Heather and Angie.(see links at right) .. a HUGE thank you! And Hug You! Apparently we are all (except those who say 11 hours is too far to drive for butter tarts) having a photography hen party in my studio. I think this is something I’m looking forward to more than Sunday dessert….
Facebook June 23, 2010
I have had rumblings in my heart again about being a working mom. Those of you who linked to here from a facebook ad, please comment or email me and I will contact you. Photography is a wonderful thing. Like all things, moderation must be used .
Teen Photographer/Thank goodness for Rain June 22, 2010
For those of you who don’t live in this area or watch news from here, it’s been raining here lately. A lot. And a few of us complained about it. A lot. So.. after a wonderful weekend in Waterton Lakes National Park both playing and photographing in actual sunshine, we had another day of …you guessed it. Torrential downpours. The first official day of summer, two girls home from school, and so much water that the merging rivers in Medicine Hat caused massive flooding, bridges out and the Trans-Canada highway was under water. What were we to do? Hang out in the new studio, of course. Larryssa is doing some work experience for school at the studio and I couldn’t be happier to have my daughter learn the ropes! As working does some times for us (already have material for my next post…stay tuned)..we started playing with the camera more than filing in the office…and thank goodness for a rainy day. I absolutely love this shot of Larry(as half the world calls her).
Lethbridge Children’s Photographer/A great day June 20, 2010
Just spent the day with my “baby” and her two buddies. Willing models, that ‘s for sure and I’m loving what I got to try. I realize my daughters eyes are shut, (I never said I was perfect..just out for 5 minutes with an anxious husband waiting in the car) but this is the only one I did with the windmills..the rest have awesome sunflare. We live where 80 mile per hour winds are the norm, so I thought I’d get some windmills in the shot.. and of course today was finally sunny and calm. Even in the mountains. Great weather, great girls, and a camera in tow.. what could be better than that?
Lethbridge Grad Photographer/Dear. Mr. Blog June 6, 2010
Dear Mr. Blog
Please accept my apologies for not spending much time with you lately. It’s not that I don’t love you, it’s just that Mr. Studio Renovation has been calling on me lately, and well, he has some certain appeal that keeps me going back. I really do mean to keep in touch with you. That’s what photographer’s do. They blog. They also shoot, edit, organize, prepare to present, present, upload, file, bank, and promote. So..that being said, I’m not sure where I found time to squeeze in my little visits with Mr. Studio Renovation, but I did. And I have no regrets. He’s changed a lot since I first met him. In fact, I plan to spend most of this week with him on a one on one basis. I’m sure though, by Friday, when everyone else comes to see him, he’ll pay me no attention whatsoever. Until we meet again.. I’m posting Alanna. Enjoy your time with her. I will be back!
Lethbridge Photographers/A day of Barnwell Dirt May 18, 2010
I hope by the title you didn’t think this was a link to the juiciest gossip in town (which I don’t necessarily know anyway). It’s my excuse for not touching my editing yesterday. Technically speaking, most photographers with storefronts have Mondays as their day off , just like hair dressers. I try to do the same, but inevitably, I find myself sneaking over to the computer in between loads of laundry. Sometimes becsause I’m behind. Sometimes because I just shot a session that I know will be great. And sometimes I do it because it helps me avoid doing other chores that need doing. Not yesterday though. The call of the “wild” was too overwhelming, the sun too warm and I needed a fix. So I caved. I actually spent the majority of my day with my hands in the good ol’ dirt. There were weeds to pull, flowers to plant, a garden to get in, and a lawn to mow. Mostly though…there were things to think. (sounds a little Dr. Suess-ish) There is something about spending time working out there that turns your heart and mind back to the Big Gardener, the one that gave us the weeds, and the birds that are waking me up now at 4:30 a.m. So.. to those grads who had a great weekend and are anxiously awaiting their proofs… I do apologize, but I had a date with God.
the last of the tulilps in my yard... now on to the flowers that love the heat!
Taber Wedding Photographer/Professionalism May 14, 2010
There seems to be an attitude out there that some photographers who work from home aren’t professional. While this may be true in some cases, I know, and will stand up for, those who chose to be a mom first and foremost and, managed to fit in the second most rewarding career as well. That being said, I don’t think taking one set of decent photos and having someone say “hey, those are great” warrants hanging up a shingle and saying you opened shop. Those of us who have been in this business awhile know that there is much more involved than meets the eye. My biggest considerations in calling someone a professional are these: 1. Even though they may have a “specialty”,do they continue to learn new techniques, strive to get better, and join professional resource & educational groups such as PPOA,PPOC or WPPI to learn from other pros, take classes and learn the business end of photography? 2. Do they act professional , even though very personable and down to earth? Are they on time? Are portraits delivered and presented professionally? Is the quality of the finished product evident that they take pride in what they do? 3. Again, along with acting professional, do they treat other professionals, well, professionally? The last thing I want to do is put down another photographer. There are several in my small town, some with main street studios (funny..all men, all on the same side of the street.), some of them work from home and do a fantastic job of every shot they take. Regardless, any photographer becomes a better photographer when they help to improve and inspire others. Unfortunately, there are some with the “crab in the bucket” feel that want to get to the top while stepping on everyone. Every photographer out there will meet someone like that. Ignore them. Do your thing. Be inspired. Be creative. Be professional.
I am proud to be a member of WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) which provides ongoing learning opportunities for it’s members. I also highly reccommend searching out Professional Photographers whose work inspires you and registering for their workshops.
