To Flash or not to Flash...

One of the most important things to consider when you're taking a photograph is lighting.  If you're happy to use the automatic mode on your camera, then the camera makes lighting decisions for you, but if you're bold enough to shoot manually, then you have control over whether or not to use a flash.

I was recently hired to photograph the interior of a home.  It was a beautiful, sunny day and I was able to get some great shots using ambient, or natural light, but I also used an on-camera flash to create a completely different mood.  I wanted to give my client some different options.

Take a look at the photographs below.  In each pair of photos, the first was taken with a flash, the second without.

Which do you prefer?  Which type of lighting do you think showcases the rooms better?  I'll be interested to hear your thoughts.

And here are a few more photos from this gorgeous Comox property:

If anyone is interested in more information about this property, it is called Midden Manor and is on the vacation@greatspots.com website!

Crashing Clowns and Muscle Men

What do Brazilian dancers, clowns, muscle men, politicians, and cool musicians all have in common?  The Comox Recreation Centre!  I was hired to photograph the Centre's Grand Opening on June 17th, and felt honoured to be a part of it.

Photographing events is satisfying on so many different levels; on a personal level, it's a thrill to be right in the middle of the celebratory energy that permeates such an event, and I enjoy meeting a wide variety of people.  On a professional level, I am always kept on my toes because of the technical challenges that event photography offers.

My favourite shot of the day was this one:

This couple shared a private giggle when I asked their permission to take a photograph.  They reminded me of a quote I read the other day, "Love at first sight is easy to understand; it's when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle."  Amy Bloom
(Now, these two could have been on their first date for all I know, or they may not even know each other's names... but it's a sweet quotation, nonetheless!)

It was an inspiring event.  Inspiring to think of what it took to make this vision a reality, and inspiring to think of the many people in our community who will enjoy it for years to come.  Congratulations to all!

Costco Opening | Comox Valley Photographer

Residents of the Comox Valley may be split on whether the new Costco is a good thing for our little town, but there was no denying the excitement in the air this morning during the ribbon cutting ceremony at their newest store.

I was hired to photograph the event, and was surprised at the number of shoppers waiting at the door at 8:00 am!  After a few speeches and a ribbon cutting ceremony, the happy throng was let loose to cruise the brand new aisles.

What are your thoughts?  Will you be shopping at Costco?

She's got legs! | Comox Valley Photographer

She's forty, she's a mom, and she's HOT!!!

No, it's not fair that she looks this good (in this little), but aren't we happy for her???

I know I am.  Especially because she showed up at my studio feeling kind of tired and drained and not thoroughly convinced that a 'Sizzle Session' at 10 am was such a good idea.

Turns out, it was a GREAT IDEA!!!  The photos we got are truly stunning.  (I'm limited as to  what I can share in this public a venue!)

Every time I finish a Sizzle Session I feel incredibly happy.  I know that the woman who has been behind my camera is going to see herself in a new and beautiful way.  We all deserve that.  Especially moms who put their bodies through so much during the childbearing years and then work hard to get back into shape.  Our efforts deserve to be celebrated.

I'm also appreciative of the sisterhood that I feel with women.  Just the other day, my mom made a comment about the fact that women of my generation seem really supportive of each other.  As a new business owner,  I have certainly found that to be true.  There is a genuine feeling of, 'You Go Girl,' among my female friends, and that energy extends to all of the fabulous women we meet.

So if you don't have any spectacular photos of yourself that really celebrate YOU, then come and get some!  Even if you hire a photographer other than myself, I would be thrilled to know that I've inspired you to take that bold step and book a boudoir session with someone.  You won't be sorry!

Beachcombers | Comox Valley Photographer

There aren't many schools that feel like a home from the moment you walk in the door, but Beachcombers School in Fanny Bay is such a school.  I had the pleasure of photographing their official opening last Thursday which included a drum circle, a few speeches of gratitude and a ribbon cutting ceremony.  Even though there was a slight chill in the breeze blowing in from the ocean, the atmosphere was warm, warm, warm!

Congratulations Beachcombers Staff; those are lucky kids to be learning with you in such an incredible environment!

Melissa & Todd | Comox Valley Photographer

On the eve of one of the most anticipated weddings of the century, (even though there are still 89 years left in this one!) I'm going to write about another fabulous couple who will wed this year...

Melissa and Todd met me for an engagement shoot on Easter weekend and we had fun, fun, FUN!  I'm not sure what they were expecting, but they both seemed a bit surprised to discover that they were actually enjoying themselves in front of my camera!  Perhaps it was because all they really had to do was 'be' together, and let me tag along. 

Todd and Melissa's love is light and fun and sparkly.  They laugh easily and their eyes literally light up when they look at each other.  It was a pleasure being in their company; listening to their love story and hearing plans for their summer wedding.

I don't think I'll be getting up at one a.m. to witness the Royal Nuptials, but if Todd and Melissa were marrying in the wee hours...I'd be there!

My first official wedding shoot! Vancouver Island Wedding Photographer

I love weddings.  I don't think there are enough occasions in our lives where we gather together and celebrate love.  Although I've enjoyed photographing many weddings as a guest, I'm new to the business of wedding photography.  I'm anxious to get my feet wet.

Needless to say, when a woman named Melanie called me last month to ask if I could photograph her wedding the following week, I was elated!  Melanie sounded very relaxed on the phone as she described her wedding to me: very small, uncomplicated, laid-back, and it was being held at The Old House Restaurant.

Things were happening so quickly that I didn't have a chance to meet Melanie, or her fiancee Kevin, prior to the wedding, so the first time I saw the bride was only moments before she said, "I DO!"
When Melanie appeared looking like a Greek Goddess, I think my smile was almost as big as the groom's!

I honestly couldn't have asked for a more perfect first wedding to shoot!  The bride and groom were not only beautiful, but also very kind and generous.  The guests were lovely, the setting was gorgeous, and the weather cooperated too!  I am so grateful that Melanie and Kevin trusted me to capture their big day.  I will never forget it.

If you like what you've seen, and you know someone who is getting married soon, please lead them to me!  Because this is my first season, I'm offering a 50% wedding-portfolio-building discount to the the first four couples who book their weddings with me.

$650.00 includes: 

3-4 hours of shooting, 

1-2 locations, 

a disc of high resolution images in colour and black and white with printing rights,  

and a complementary engagement photo session.

Congratulations Melanie and Kevin!  Have a happy life together!