A Review - Part 6E

Her description of the idea to me came across well and the idea behind it was to use her own paintings to hide an otherwise nude form behind it. She used her own art work to cover her body in a way that was both appealing and had value to it as an artistic form. The concept was good and the final images met with her happy approval. I was happy to be part of this idea and also happy she loved the results. It is nice when two people can collaborate on a project with success. Equally so a collaboration like this would also provide two minds working on a single idea and learning from the experience should it not work out the way it was imagined.

Some people consider the individual bodies as pieces of art. Either through tattoos or with their own individual physique. Ashley is one who has a bit of both. Her well defined form presents new opportunities in the studio with some of the project work and her few tattoos when captures add to the form. While I am not sure any more ink will be done that has no bearing on the work at hand. Ashley will be back in the studio in the New Year where more exploration of her form will be done in “Shadows and Light” as well as other sports related work. Bikinis in the snow comes to mind as that seems to be a very popular yearly sitting with Studio 5. Always well attended and a lot of fun…

A Review - Part 6D

Experience comes in many forms… Jamie has a top spot at Studio 5 with her love for the studio and being in front of the camera. Her desire to be a model is driving her to improve with each sitting and try new things. While she has restricted herself in the styles of work she does this has not inhibited her ability to improve and bring her work to a new and exciting level each time she is in the studio. I am also honoured by her request that I be her wedding photographer in 2011 when she and her fiancé are to be wed. I am certain that there will be a bit of the model in Jamie that will show up then as well.

Leigh brings an attitude to the studio which was once irritating but has now been realized as her way of striving for perfection. I have worked with her under some trying circumstances and in unusual conditions and not one shoot has failed. Each one has a new life to it and her work. The ability is only surpassed at the next shoot with some new angle or pose. I will be a pleasure to work with her over then next few years or so and bring her portfolio to the level she desires. She is a hobby model and enjoys her time in the studio. I will also be shooting her wedding when it comes up sometime in 2011 as well. Boy, booked well into 2011 with weddings…

A Review - Part 6C

Some new outfits came in over the past few weeks and a lot of the models wanted to work with them. Not everyone will get the chance but those who show the dedication will get first shot at anything that comes in. Kristen is one such person who still needs some coaching with facial expressions and being able to work outside without sunglasses. I will be setting her up for some shoots with a couple of the more experienced people who will help her along. A lot of practicing can be done at home. I have mentioned to some to use their camera or cell phones to shoot themselves as they practice. They also know that when they are ready or want to try some of the things they have practiced at home it is fairly easy to book studio time. At the moment there is a wait of about a month and that will vary.

One who is always a hoot to work with is Tasha. She brings a different style and attitude to the studio which seems to come across in her work. She has subtle expressions which will come across as innocent to impish with the slight change in the position of her head or a bit of a crooked smile. Tasha has been in the studio for nearly three years now and has worked as a model and has done some makeup work as well. I look forward to her coming in again to finish some of the project work she had started last year.

A Review - Part 6B

The month was very busy in the studio as well as my own life. Well ones life is as busy as you make it and with two weeks away in August it was time to get things rolling and do my best to get caught up. I worked with several talented people through the month both on studio skills as well as portfolio development. While I can only do so much I have been able to give several people some of the tools they need to go out and seek other opportunities. Some have been successful and others are still working at it.

Tremendous strides and hard work has been the key in the development of some of the people I have been working with then there were a couple who simply sloughed off their commitment and will not be returning to the studio at all. I will spend my time with those who want to practice and excel in the studio. While they still know that their chances are slim it would be non existent if they did not try.

We had a great opportunity to work with Alina who has been working as a model in the international arena. She liked the work we are doing and wanted to do some sets with us. So one of our MUA’s (Kendra) took charge of that duty as well as styling and we set out and did 3 sets of which one was a vintage look. Alina has been back since the sitting and utilized the studio for some photographic work of her own. This is an outstanding young woman and has a place in the studio anytime she asks. She is a pleasure to work with and such a dedicated individual.

A Review - Part 6A

September started out with the most elegant “princess” wedding I have ever been a part of. Over a year ago Mishelle had asked if I would photograph her wedding on the long weekend. She has been in the studio as a model as well as a student and I was happy to take care of that for her. The setting was elegant and glamorous and I was in awe when I walked into the venue. The décor was what I have only seen on television before and would be wise to take this time to get whatever readings and test shots in that I could.

With a bridal party of 17 (Bride and Groom included) it would be more of a challenge but you know I was up for it. This was a happy day for this young woman and everything went very well. I sincerely hope (as with any new couple) that their life is full of joy and happiness and they laugh and smile each day.

A Review - Part 5

My last day on the road… I called Brigitte and she sounded horrible. A nasty cold or virus had beset my bride which made me want to get home even more. Now when we spoke I was in Golden, BC and had pretty much said I would be staying there for the night. I refueled the van, bought a snack and a coffee and sat on the bench outside the store for a few minutes. After recalculating my travel time with a pen and paper then confirming it with the GPS I soon left Golden. Now when Brigitte reads this she will find out I carried on through the night and a few hours later I bedded down for some rest at a weigh scale just west of Calgary.

I awoke early enough and started on my way arriving in Red Deer at about 830 and had some breakfast. I was to meet up with Katlyn and do some field work with her and see this bridge she seemed to like to photograph. I had time to check out a few things in Red Deer and soon was on the road to join Katlyn at Big Valley.

We arrived and she recommended we head to the bridge first. This is an older steel arched bridge that supports one lane of traffic. It towers above the river and it was a treat to work around it and try to capture some of the angles. The sight that I liked the most (bridge pictures later…) was the view along the valley. Steep banks along one side that had been cut through the softer sandstone rock and what appeared to be a calm river flowing through. But the current under the surface was anything but calm.

We headed back to Big Valley and watched as the old steam locomotive brought in the excursion train. Apparently the train had just been robbed back in the hills by six gun toting bandits on horse back. Yes this is a tourist attraction but having seen these kinds of robberies on old western movies I think it would be kind of cool to witness it first hand. I was also treated to the historic value of Big Valley when I was able to walk through the skeletal remains of an old roundhouse. The concrete base to the turntable is still there and so are the service pits and walls but the support beams and roof are long gone. This is definitely worth a trip back to explore further. Thank you Kat for showing me this bit of history.

I felt the need to continue and set the GPS for home. I was soon on Highway 7 headed back toward home and it didn’t seem to take long and I was back in Saskatchewan and soon a few miles from home. I arrived home a good 24 hours early and was a bit happier when I felt the passionate hug of my bride. If it was not for her support this journey would not have happened. She was ill and I needed to be there.

A Review - Part 4

It was early and I was near the front of the line when it came to boarding the ferry for the journey home. I was looking forward to having coffee with my niece and programmed the GPS to help me find the way. I figured I would follow the path it lead me on and while GPS devices will take you the shortest way it is not always the sensible way… I came to a long line of cars about a mile before my next turn and figured that perhaps it was an accident scene ahead. So I sipped my coffee and had a sandwich as I crept ahead. I soon found out it was not a collision that slowed my progress but it was a line of cars waiting their turn to enter the USA.

I eventually made my way to the turn and soon headed north again to Abbotsford. I found Karen waiting for me at Tim’s and we had a delightful visit. We soon said goodbye but little did I know our visit would be a bit longer as Karen was soon driving me to an auto parts store to purchase a new tensioner pulley as the one in the van shattered. Here I was in Abbotsford with minimal tools (but had the ones I needed) and bent over the front of the van replacing a broken pulley. It took about 2-3 hours but I was soon on my way. Covered in greasy dirt, but I was on my way again.

A Review - Part 3B

I waited till the hour of 1200 noon for this photograph. Taken overlooking the Nanaimo Harbour...

A Review - Part 3A

Totally random image of yours truly as captured by

Krysta Knott when she comandeered my camera...

A Review - Part 3

Jon Sparks puts it as “God’s Country” but I do beg to differ… the Prairies is truly “God’s Country” as you can see it without obstruction and yet it still has hidden treasures everywhere… Needless to say but with the ocean, trees and amazing landscapes I was very happy to be here. My brother Jim and his wife Nancy were gracious hosts and I even shared my bed with Mac ‘n Tosh their two cats (or the boyz as has been noted). While this was a solo trip I felt the need to do I talked to Brigitte every night and we sent text messages throughout the day. I missed her presence but could feel her love.

I could not come to this place of beauty without plans to work with Rhea and Krysta. These are two excited young women who were conjoined at birth and I had the pleasure to meet last year when I was on the coast. While the plans were loosly put together (too many unknowns) I knew that the end result would be wonderful. Even the adventure of working on a patch of beach to later find the tide had slowly come in. This forced is to walk through waist deep Pacific Ocean to get back to dry land. The water was actually warm and we only had to detour around one jelly fish. I also met up with several others (Kristina, Sarah, Meaghan, and Taryn) and found my visit with each to be wonderful and the results of the work to be awesome.

A Review - Part 2

It is Monday (Aug 17) and I am setting out on a solo journey to Victoria. It is a long trip and likely the last one I will be able to drive through the mountains. I am certain I will make the trip again but not likely as a driver and certainly not being able to see what I want to see as I do so. Stops along the way included Calgary for fuel and a bit of lunch, some railroad features along the highway through Yoho National Park, Revelstoke and my first day ending in Kelowna where I will have supper with Brigitte’s step-dad and rest for the night. It was inevitable that stops along the way for photos and such would put me back a few hours but I arrived in Kelowna to a wonderful meal prepared by “Dad” and a nice sleep.

I carried on the next morning and arrive at the ferry in Vancouver at about noon. Took my place in line and was soon boarding the vessel. I was happy that the old van made it this far without a problem and was amazed at how the fuel economy was. Trip average so far for the old girl was 34mpg with the best value through the Roger's Pass.

A Review - Part 1

Where does one begin when you have been away from something for so long?





Along with brief reviews there is a selection of images from the past 4 months that will reflect some of the images I will maintain in my memory long after my sight dwindles...

It was Saturday and preparations were being made for the “Canada Remembers Airshow”. We had an opportunity to once again work with “Miss Mitchell” a B-25 bomber from World War 2. This machine was designed to destroy but its beauty as she slices through the air will bring memories to some and to others a lesson on world history. With two models from Alberta (Katlyn and Nikki) and two from Saskatoon (Mishelle and Kymberli) we had prepared to work in a vintage style with Miss Mitchell and something more open and daring with the presentation CF-18 Hornet.

The weather did not cooperate one bit for this final airshow. Rain had made the airfield soft and muddy and it would not be practical to host thousands of people on the field so Saturday’s performance was cancelled with hopes Sunday would be better. We still had the opportunity to work with several vintage aircraft and along with a Korean War era jet fighter Miss Mitchell stole the show for the crew here. Despite the rain and wind Kymberli braved the elements in her bikini to do a full series with a CF-18 on the tarmac.

It was a huge disappointment for everyone with the weather but through the organizer’s hard work a mini indoor show was held on Sunday with a fly-pass in an attempt to salvage what was left of a long standing and world class production. To those who “Walked for us all” I bid you a heart felt thank you and to those who paid the supreme sacrifice I am certain your souls are in paradise with the creator at your side. Many thanks to Vern G. for all his support and assistance in our production efforts, lets hope there is enough support to bring the show back.

HEY VERN...!!!

Yep you heard me Mr.G. I am back and will recap the last few months including the airshow that wasn't. Have been busy and along with moving and breaking my foot everything has been delayed for two months but more on that as well... Likely be updated before Santa arrives...

Want me to shovel the roof Vern???

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…