Sand in everything...

Today was spent working on some of the outdoor concepts that some of the models wanted for their portfolios. Joined by Lacey (student photographer), Katlyn, Nikki an Ashley I headed to paradise beach. The day looked good but the wind picked up and sand ended up in a lot of places. We did have a pretty good day out on the sand and was able to cover quite a bit. Lacey was also shooting as was Kat so I am interested in seeing the results from each of them.

We covered a lot on the sand and it was soon time to pack up and head out. I needed to go the airport and get the passes I needed for the airshow for everyone and check out where the preparation room was that we would be using. I also ventured out onto the airfield to see they way things were laid out. The wind was high and clouds were moving in. I hope it is just a small thing rolling through and it would be gone quickly.

Tomorrow would be a full day…

One more than the other...

With preparation for the upcoming airshow on the weekend I was busy and somewhat scatter brained. Not that this is unusual in itself but I think I was more out there than usual. Two models came in from Alberta to work with us on some of the shooting that would be taking place over the next few days. Katlyn has been here before but this time she brought with her Nikki who comes from the Calgary area.

Today was spent in the studio working on some of the project work and to just generally get in some studio time. Katlyn has been working on her skills as a photographer and I like the progress she has been making since I first ran into her. Anyway the day went along nicely and I am sure that Kat was able to grab a few more pointers.

Nikki was an interesting person to work with. Well toned and tanned (the tan can be a problem in some work) and I am wondering which direction one can go with her. Enthusiasm is certainly a strong point with her as is some of her ability.

But, tomorrow is another day…

80 years and the 19th hole...

I have spoken often about my Mom and how I am indebted to her for all the love and support she has given me these past 51+ years. Today my mother turned 80 years old but I think she only managed two rounds of golf this past week…

Boy, to be out there golfing and enjoying life is the way to spend your time. Only executives, rich people and my Mom can do that. Travel and knitting… She is a wonderful woman so full of life and love.

Happy Birthday Mom… thank you so much for being you and for putting up with me for all these years. The worry, anguish and anger I have created have all boiled down to a hug, a kiss and an “I Love You son…”

Rain killed it...

Brigitte and I went to the fringe tonight… I know it had rained the night before but the acts were the same, vendors were the same but I won’t fault the festival all together as we did not go to any of the side shows… all in all I was not impressed. Will go again next year but will maybe get someone to drop us off as parking is severely limited in the area. I will take the rain as the reason the show as not up to the usual standards as years past…

I will give it another go next year…

Another one to another...

Kendra showed up at a wedding… no she did not crash it but was a friend of the bride who had both Stylist and MUA skills. She was in charge of making the bride look amazing on her special day and she did just that. We talked as she worked and as I photographed about the industry and the work I do in the studio. I mentioned she should call me or find a time that would work for us to have coffee and talk about it all.

Well, the day came and here she is in the studio tonight. I will be making use of her work as a stylist and MUA but also as a model. Something she has thought about for some time as a lot of young women have. Kendra brings with her a dream and desire to succeed. I never promise anyone success but will work with them and with others to give them some of the tools they need to find their own style and path.

We will see more of Kendra as time moves on… as a model, a stylist and a make-up artist… Welcome aboard Kendra.

From one to the other...

I first met Jessica when she worked on the makeup crew for a shoot I was doing with a model from Red Deer. She took her time but the result was super. She did two other up-do’s to the makeup through the course of the day and with minimal work was able to change the models look significantly. While I look forward to her work again as an MUA she also was able to pull it off in the studio as a model.

Her look is natural and while she does have a unique problem with her back the ability and effort she exuded in the studio was wonderful. I could see where some poses would be a problem but with careful work and seeing which way worked the best I managed to find the angles that would work and used the problem to the advantage of the model and myself. Jessica will be back again as an MUA but also as a model.

Along with Jessica in this sitting was Ashley. This is a girl who wanted to try out the whole studio experience. While she lacks the knowledge and practice others have had by the end of her sitting she began to adapt very easily to the work. I use hand signals a lot as sometimes it is easier. The signals are always given with the left hand and are easily seen and interpreted by the model without having to look away from the lens. My left hand is always on the lens for focus and zoom and my index finger is very adept at getting the message across.

Any person I work with can tell you that keeping an eye on the lens is one thing but keeping them there while watching for hand signals is not that hard. If I am in a high noise area like traffic or if the music is loud in the studio the hand signals are definite and informative. Both Jessica and Ashley learned this quickly. I look forward to working with them again in the fall.

My weekend is over, back to the task at hand along with other things. Major birthday coming up in the family and my youngest and her family are moving into, or should I say are unpacking from moving into their new apartment. I am happy for them both and little Addison will be happier I think.

Don't forget to breathe...

While getting away with family and such like on the Annual Family Camping Get-Away, it is always nice to get home. There is always something very comforting and familiar with one’s home and I always love to return there. Now you must understand I love the getting away part too. Some of the planning was left a little late for this trip but everything went very well and everyone (except for Miss Jam Tart) was there. I enjoyed the company and I enjoyed the kids… I may also have enjoyed watching my kids dealing with their kids much like I had to so many years ago.

Some people call this parental revenge but I like to refer to it as a combined effort to raise and nurture the family and render what assistance when one can. I also like to load the grandkids up on treats and watch them go… OK, I will lean to the revenge side. But it is very interesting to see how each of my children deals with the things that are placed in front of them. Watching each with their children is sometimes entertaining as there is not a lot I can do.

The trip went very well and even on the last night when it began to rain, it was still enjoyable. Brigitte and I went back to our trailer and played Cribbage. She won then I won and it was then the rubber round. The race was close but Brigitte was (as she so eloquently put it and sang it as well) “I am the champion…!!” I looked at her with a dumbfounded look and she simply broke into hysterics. These were in itself funny as the tears rolled down her face, her attempts at breathing between the bouts of laughter were nearly in vain.

Eventually she was able to relax and not laugh quite as much but it is always such a joy when her face lights up as she laughs then eventually will turn red and then blue if she is not able to recover as quickly.

The weekend was fabulous and I look forward to the next one…

As a note... I did not know this before but a favourite entertainer and what you might call philosopher was born in Moose Jaw. Some of you will remember his radio show which was soon adapted to more modern TV with Bill Cosby when "Kids say the Darndest Things". Rest in peace Mr. Linkletter.