Sandra Finner Photography

I've Moved My Blog!

2011-04-14T12:02:00.000-04:00

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has followed my blog. I've had over 7000 blog views in the last year and I really, really appreciate you following along and making comments.

That being said, I've moved my new blog over to my new website.

You can read, comment and share it all at http://www.sandrafinnerphotography.com/

So update your favorites and thanks again for following me in my journey!

Much Love,

Sandra

Eenie, Meenie, Miney...Mo

2011-03-29T19:06:00.001-04:00

I've been going through a few of my more recent photos trying to determine my favorites. It's so fun to hear comments from people as to which ones they like. Sometime our picks are the same and sometime we are completely opposite in opinion.

This was one I liked and quite a few people agreed. I have more to post in the days to come. You know, when I get all that extra time I have coming to me.

Enjoy the sunshine!

Family Time.

2011-03-27T10:40:00.000-04:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I last posted to my blog. I've been somewhat on blog hold by all the newness around me and I needed to get some familiarity back. New camera. Loads of new software. Venturing into the abyss of website development.

That added with a much needed trip to the sunny south, planning a European vacation and my daughter's dance competition are just a couple things that have eaten up the time. Yup. Family Time. The best.

Today feels like a 'day one' again. I've given myself that time to sort through some of these aspects and although nothing ever happens as quickly as I'd like, it's back to work.

Oh! And Thank you tenacity... for your stranglehold.

Cuteness in Ribbons and Bows.

2011-02-28T16:32:00.001-05:00

The bride and groom are certainly THE most photographed people at a wedding but who can resist the cuteness of the flower girl and ring bearer as they head down the aisle?

There is such randomness to their decent. Zigging, zagging, stopping, running, on the verge of tears or acing their rehearsal moves.

The Forrest Gump anecdote on life 'you never know what you're gonna get' is an appropriate statement at a wedding and even more specifically with these little ones. But one thing for sure is they're going to be a 10+ on the cute factor.

Even funnier? The coaxing and coaching going on in the front of the ceremony by a couple people who have forgotten to exhale since the first note of the Wedding March.

We're Growing!

2011-02-23T11:49:00.001-05:00

Well Sandra Finner Photography is expanding...not me physically! ( :

As some of you may know from following me on Facebook and Twitter, I bought some new gear lately and my website development is in the works so this blog will then become a section of that. I've also added new editing packages which are pretty fun to work on and produce even more artistic photo options.

I also can't say [enough] how much I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE chatting with newly engaged couples that I've met and hear how excited they are for their big day. The excitement for me is also about getting to photograph those amazing wedding moments and I want those images to be perfect for the bride and groom.

That's a little of what I've been up to lately.

Stay tuned for the new company look coming soon. I hope you like it!

Immitation

2011-02-17T12:40:00.000-05:00

There is something wondrous in the way a little girl looks at a bride.

Right under my Nose

2011-02-15T08:57:00.001-05:00

Last week I had the opportunity to meet with Roxanne Crain, Sales Executive at the Museum of Civilization, to check out the venue for prospective clients. I was so amazed how fabulous this location is for a wedding. The walls of windows overlooking the Ottawa River and the Parliament Buildings, the incredible architecture and the displays of Canadiana scenery which would make a fantastic backdrop for any bride and groom's wedding photos. I actually came home and told Steve we should renew our vows so we can have a great big party there! He just LOVES my grand ideas. No seriously, he does.

There are so many beautiful venues in Ottawa that are unique for a wedding and this is definitely one of them. www.civilization.ca/facilityrentals

Have You Noticed?

2011-02-11T08:35:00.000-05:00

Click on photo for larger view

4am and Staring at the Ceiling.

2011-02-09T09:18:00.000-05:00

It's 4am. The house is black with the exception of the small yellow reflection on the ceiling from the bedside clock and a crack of moonlight peeking through the drapes. The sounds are typical. An ever so gentle snore.. no... breath beside me, the wind outside howling at the windows as if looking for a crack to get inside. And the odd clicks and clanks of our home that you seldom notice in daylight.

My eyes are open wide. Hyper caffinated wide open. Ideas are floating through my head like a ghost. Really awesome ideas that will help develop my brand, my website, my photography, my business. I was rockin'. "I should write some of this down RIGHT NOW" were the words that kept repeating in my head because when morning came I would have to update my to-do list and fill an already full schedule. But that warm and cozy comforter wrapped a little closer and my mind that was racing was now desperate to get some more sleep.

It's morning now. The house has new sounds. The coffee maker and the music on. The sounds of a keyboard clicking away. And a sigh from the person struggling to piece together those early morning thoughts.

Social Networking

2011-02-07T08:21:00.000-05:00

This weekend I attended a seminar for Wedding Event Suppliers of Ottawa about social networking. There are so many ways to grow your business and your online presence with Facebook, Twitter, About.Me and LinkedIn to name a few and the list is growing quickly. The key note speakers were fabulous! Michael Hughes of http://www.networkingforresults.com/, Carlo Lombard of www.progressiveshift.com and Lisa Larter of www.parlezwireless.com all demonstrated the power of growing your business online.

So that will be my focus this week. Build! Build! Build!

Just a Couple More...

2011-02-03T09:53:00.001-05:00

I attended a Pro Program social this week where fellow photogs from http://www.harrynowell.com/ showcased some of our more recent work. I had a couple additional photos from this weeks photo shoot at At The School House that I included in my presentation and I thought I'd post them on my blog. I have no idea why it pops into my head but as I'm posting them I imagine my son's Nonna saying [in the most adorable broken Englitalian possible!!] "You likey?"

If You Build It...

2011-02-02T14:44:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week I had a wonderful opportunity to work with some local wedding professionals on a promo project. With my friend Lou Truss of Lou Truss Photography and Chrystal Geoffroi of Chrystal's Cupcakes and together with Creative Bloom, Eternity Bridal, Karen Bennett, Charlene Bside, we spent the afternoon working on a wedding promo at At the School House in Munster. It was a great experience that we all benefited from and we were able to get some great promo shots for each of the ladies and for my website too... which is under construction and should be rolling out this spring. Here are a few shots from the day. Thanks to all the ladies for a really great day!!

Calm.

2011-01-31T10:52:00.000-05:00

Testing some 'Easy-To-Do' Photoshop techniques. I have a couple more that I'll post later in the week. It's so fun to play with this stuff! Stay tuned!

Not enough Hours

2011-01-28T13:48:00.000-05:00

With everything that needs to get done I would need at least a 30 hour day. My resolution to eat better this year is about the only thing that's remotely on track. January was going to be spent getting into a routine and from my vantage point, it's looking pretty dicey. I so wish that I could have gone to www.WPPIonline.com this year but given that I have more travel plans than money, that couldn't possibly happen. Next year I'm going for sure [she says in her somewhat unconvincing voice] if anyone else is interested in joining the fun. That should be a cakewalk to convince the Mr. ....it is Vegas by the way!! But for now I have to try to get used to all sorts of new software. That should be easy right?

Trees + Fences

2011-01-17T10:27:00.000-05:00

Simple. Understated. Lovely.

What to do? What to do?

2011-01-15T19:07:00.001-05:00

It's snowing outside. Super pretty but I don't want to go out. We're all just hanging around doing our own thang so I decided to try editing some pictures I took at Christmas while listening to music and thought this looked kind of Roxy Music-esque. People are digging this HDR effect lately.

Romancing Landscapes

2011-01-11T16:15:00.003-05:00

It's true that some of the worst weather conditions produces some of the best photography. When it's freezing cold outside there is a crispness to the landscape that I love to take photos of. Most people are heading inside and I'm bundling up my gear and heading out. It's not for everyone but if you like to explore and wander you can get pretty photos. The drawback is that you can't stay out too long - it's not good for your camera so it can be a real challenge.

I was out this past week when temperature hovered around -25 C and although I didn't see many people it was evident they had been there. I decided to forgo the tripod - a decision I sometimes regret after the fact.. but in the moment it seems right when my fingers start to freeze.

Sunday Morning

2011-01-09T09:46:00.004-05:00

The business of art is to reveal the relation between man and his environment.
D.H Lawrence

And They Lived Happily Ever After....

2011-01-02T15:22:00.003-05:00

Way-y-y-y back in the early 80's I moved to Ottawa, Canada. When I left my small New Brunswick town I said good-bye to my friends and family and took one last trip to see my expecting sister in law. I couldn't wait another day for my nephew to be born and the next day hopped a train to my future. Two days later Michael arrived in the world. His life began just as I set out to start my new life...Phase 2 we'll call it?

On New Year's Eve I was back in New Brunswick to be with Michael and Andrea as they celebrated the beginning of their life together as husband & wife. His Phase 2 perhaps? They're so cute and their love is beyond palpable. We had such a great night...lots of laughs and an awesome time with our families. I didn't want the night to end. Now I'm back home and going through my pictures and I can't stop smiling and feeling so happy for them as they begin their married life together. Wishing you both all the happiness in the world. Hugs from Auntie. xx.

Kindred Spirits

2010-12-17T19:26:00.000-05:00

I thought this was an interesting perspective.

Is it Wierd?

2010-12-15T19:35:00.002-05:00

...when your bank sends you a Christmas card? Does my bank want to be my friend? Do they want to remind me they're watching what's going on? Am I supposed to send one back? What would I say? "Dear Bank. Happy Holidays! This is my cat."

Job Shadowing & the UN-glamourous.

2010-12-09T10:38:00.000-05:00

It's been a very busy week on the home front so I've not had too much photography time. I did have the opportunity however to shadow Mr. Harry Nowell www.harrynowell.com this week for a corporate photo session. Shadow sounds like such a covert word doesn't it? Like I was lurking in the background spying on people. It couldn't be further from the truth. I was busting it. It took us about 4.5 hours of set up time to get to the point where he was ready to shoot and very UN-glam. But it was such a valuable experience and my most challenging photo experience yet. I got to see Mr. Nowell in action photographing staff & executives from the CBC and I wanted to do whatever I could to help him.
To Harry... Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

The rest of the week has been nose to the grindstone at home and doing a little practice shooting [basically anything] when I have time. Oh, the fabulosity* of it all.

* My made up word. Spellchecker went nuts. ( :

Happy Anniversary Blog

2010-12-03T12:06:00.000-05:00

I did it! I managed to blog my [photography] life for a whole year!

Can it actually be that long? I look back at the times I thought "Where am I going with this?" and more obvious " I'm such a dork" and those nagging "Who gives a crap?" moments. I know I'm not the only one who has them because you've told me, blogged me, emailed me, FaceBooked me and now ...heaven forbid even Twittered me. Yup I Tweet. Nothing too shocking but I've made some pretty awesome connections here in Ottawa, in the photography world and more specifically the wedding photography world.

So what have I learned in the last year by blogging? That the world is so connected. That I love taking pictures. I actually love people's reactions to the pictures I've taken. Mostly when they like them of course. That every single day I've had struggles. That every single day I've had successes. That the measure of my success is a personal thing and should not determined by anyone but me. That I love my family, my friends and everyone who has supported me and will support me in the future. I cherish you all fiercely.

If I can share some advice for photography ...and life? BE different. Be yourself. Trust your instincts. Walk away from the things that fail you and look for what lifts you up. Your passion will shine through when you are doing what you love. That said, I was going to post a picture of a cake but I just did that in my last post so I'll post a picture of my new shoes. Because they're awesome.

And I'm sure there is at least one girl out there (and maybe a few guys???) saying...Oooooooh-la-la!

Family Ties

2010-11-30T10:47:00.000-05:00

Life can get pretty busy when trying to balance home life, a day job and my photography. I've heard people say it's 'just taking a picture' but it's [tremendously] more than that. It requires so many dedicated hours to hone skills with my camera, meet with clients and work with the new technology. Even the word 'hone' sounds unpleasant doesn't it?

At times when it gets so hectic, I need to step back and revisit the reasons I wanted to pursue photography as a business in the first place. Relax. Focus.

Sort. It. Out.

So...a little family birthday party was just what I needed. So many laughs. BIG laughs! My son showing us how his shirt is busting at the seams now that he's roomies with Nonna and being spoiled with her amazing Italian cooking. My brothers and their families. My gorgeous niece. Her friends.
And taking pictures....just for fun.

Winter Bokeh

2010-11-26T11:23:00.000-05:00

The snow forecast turned to rain. Freezing rain. School buses were cancelled and my schedule was quickly adjusted. The weather has changed three times in the last 3 hours from rain, to snow and now it's in simmer mode. You know something is going to happen but it's any ones guess what and when. And so we wait.

But I did manage to capture a rather pretty bokeh earlier on.

Weather Forecast - SNOW

2010-11-23T23:14:00.002-05:00

I guess we won't see these little guys for months so I'll post one last flower to tide me over until spring. It's kind of exciting to think what I'll find to photograph as the snow begins to fall and where inspiration will come from. Stay tuned!

Networking for Ottawa Wedding and Events Professionals

2010-11-21T13:30:00.001-05:00

This week I attended "Networking for Ottawa Wedding & Event Professionals" arranged by Ottawa event planner Wendy Leung and her company http://www.beyondevents.com/. Wendy has a passion for organizing and hosting wonderful functions where people in similar industries can get together to network and showcase their businesses . I met many new people, some of which I will work with in the near future. The night was vidoetaped by Ottawa videographer Sylvain Renaud http://www.renovp.com/ and here is his recap of the evening:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7XvO6WWWxo

If you look really quickly about the 57 second mark you'll notice me chatting with Sylvain's wife Caroline who is also a videographer for their business.

It was a great social event and I'm planning to attend a few more that are scheduled in the next coming months. You should check Wendy's website to see what Beyond Events can offer!

Looking at Old Photos.

2010-11-15T21:51:00.001-05:00

There are tens of thousands of photos on my computer and I've been looking back at them recently to compare some of my old shots to my newer ones. I have definite favorites and then there are many that I liked but never really shared on the blog for no special reason other than being busy working on other things.

There was always something about THIS picture that I liked because I was trying to create a shot with a Tuscan feel. I managed a bit of grainy texture to it which only enhances the feel of the shot and I was happy the way it turned out. So this picture is much older than what I've been posting but I still like it's rustic Italian feel ...

I wonder if they always knew?

2010-11-06T08:56:00.002-04:00

That they would be each others 'forever' love?

Fall Family Portrait Session

2010-11-02T10:49:00.000-04:00

...and look who said he wasn't photogenic!!

This summer Ottawa had the MOST amazing weather that stretched on into September & October and that was probably a factor why the beautiful fall foliage was just a bit off. The leaves changed to reds and golds later than normal and fell off the trees faster than normal. But as luck would have it, I had a family portrait session booked just when the leaves were their most colorful. Connie's three teenage boys were less than impressed by 'leaves' [as their mom and I were] after being dragged out of bed on a weekend but they were good sports. Once they realized that they couldn't go back to bed, they rocked it out. The pictures were just easy & relaxed, like they were modelling for A&F and I love that. Thanks to the Evans family for an awesome shoot!

Wedding Reception - Jamie & Kyle

2010-10-23T21:16:00.000-04:00

Recently I did a shoot for a young family, their toddler and newborn baby boy. I was thrilled that they liked the pictures and asked if I would photograph their upcoming wedding reception. I probably said "Sure" but what I actually said [with my inside voice] was more like "OMG ARE YOU KIDDING I WOULD LOVE TO!!! Jamie and Kyle wanted to celebrate their recent nuptials with their family and friends with a relaxed and fun soiree. The evening reception was held on the top floor of the Crowne Plaza hotel with a panoramic night view of the Ottawa skyline. What was truly great was to see how much fun everyone had. I laughed so much I actually blurred some pictures. The night's lesson? Use my tripod!
Oh, and I think Uncle Jim might have proposed to me??

Thank you Kyle & Jamie for allowing me to be there for your really fabulous night! I hope you like the pictures.

...and ALSO important (because everyone else did) I would especially like to thank Marianne *smile*

Feasting My Eyes

2010-10-18T10:35:00.000-04:00

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. ~George Eliot~

Oh Dear! Oh D-d-d-dear.

2010-10-17T12:14:00.000-04:00

It seems there is a shortage of blogs about baby pigs lately. I'm not sure why that is.

Having Fun.

2010-10-13T09:25:00.004-04:00

I was busy this past Thanksgiving weekend with a wedding to photograph and a family portrait session but we still had time to get together with our families and celebrate. I took some pictures for our family and did a little fun shoot to keep the momentum going. Hopefully I'll have the wedding and family pics finished and posted soon.

How I See It - Don, Glenn, Timothy & Joe.

2010-10-08T22:39:00.002-04:00

Like their song says "I Can't Tell You Why" but I love them. I love their respect and dedication for musical precision and harmony. Their album "Hell Freezes Over" is a testament to overcoming obstacles and moving forward. They're probably #1 on my [non family/friend/health or normal grateful things] list but I didn't want to appear too groupie stalker-ish on the first day.

I took this with my Panasonic Lumix - Summer 2010

Summer 2010

How I See It - Lots and lots of Magazines.

2010-10-07T21:47:00.003-04:00

Yup! It's a problem. We got an IPad recently so I'm converting to online subscriptions for all my renewals. There MUST be studies where they've identified magazine buying as an addiction but I'm afraid to know. My basement is filled with old issues that I've read several times and go back to year after year. I've even scanned through old bookstores for vintage copies that I had when I was younger. I repeat: Yup! It's a problem.

How I See It - My Phone

2010-10-06T20:07:00.001-04:00

As far as technology goes, I do OK. I'm not sitting in the basement playing COD late at night or anything like that *wink* but I do love that in some random moment I can get an unexpected "hey! how r u"? or "lunch or coffee sometime?" text ...or that make-me-laugh-out-loud email from a friend and it can make my day. Gold star to that.

How I See It - Going Home

2010-10-05T21:19:00.000-04:00

I couldn't wait to leave. I still can't at times. I begin to miss the hustle of the city too much. It's tiny and rural and as unpretentious as a town could possibly be but it's home. It's also where old friends converge each summer, coming back to reconnect and reminisce about the 'good ol' days'. Geez...we're not THAT old!

Taken with my IPhone - Summer 2010

That being said, everytime I head to Canada's East Coast I fall more in love with the countryside. It's so beautiful. And I'm grateful I get to see it again and again.

How I See It - The Week Ahead.

2010-10-04T21:44:00.003-04:00

It's going to be a busy week ahead. I have a wedding and a family portrait session and my daughter turns 13! Then there is the part about 'giving thanks' (which I do every day anyway) so I don't really need a special day for that except I get to eat amazing food that other people have made so of course I'm thankful for that.

The next few years are going to be so fun, in between teenage angst and well... just about everything else. At least I have some idea what I'm in for. Sort of.

So back to giving thanks. This week I thought I would post really random photos of things I am thankful for [not including] family, friends and the expected roof over my head, bed to lie in.. etcetera.
Behold the beloved potato chip. *enter choir of angels here*

The Look.

2010-10-03T10:11:00.000-04:00

Over the last year of my schooling I've met such a fabulous bunch of people who share a common interest in creating images that inspire, excite and move their audience. We all have different points of inspiration that become more or less a genre that you become recognized for and I noticed that I was being referred to by my colleagues specifically as a 'landscape photographer'. Although I was happy people liked the images I was creating and I do feel a real connection with landscape I wasn't sure I thought of myself as specifically a landscape photographer. Because of that, I've been working to expand my portfolio to include several different genres. I am drawn to certain looks of portrait photography but I'm still learning and changing at this point. This morning I was looking through my albums and found this picture I took about 6 months ago of my son. He is in 4th year university and always seems to have this look to him that is pretty accurate to his life, like he's been hitting the books late into the night, serious, pensive, analytical. It's that look he has that makes me say " WHAT???" and this is what it looks like... exactly! But it's not everything he is, or will be.

A Place in the Heart

2010-09-26T12:16:00.000-04:00

Our family camp is nestled in the northern tip of New Brunswick and my sister and brothers and cousins spent our summers there growing up. Every time we go back it feels like the most special place on earth. We spent some time there this summer with my brother and sister and some of our children. All the girl cousins got to hang out like we used to do as kids. I took many pictures but I thought I'd post this one today. Each evening after dinner we'd go out on the boats as the sun set. Sometimes we'd try a little fishing and sometimes we'd just enjoy the serenity.

Here's to trying.

2010-09-16T11:45:00.002-04:00

Some people I know are pretty much Photoshop geniuses. I however am a Photoshop un-genius. Not that I wouldn't want to be that person that throws a photo in PS and has a jaw dropping high definition masterpiece in seconds but I'm just too 'attention deficit' to spend the time. If it didn't come out of my camera that way there's a good chance WYSIWYG.

However, every now and then I'll attempt a session of creativity. Today I made a little design, took a photo of it and then tried to make it all cool and stuff. I never know what I'll end up with because [I repeat!] I clearly don't know what I'm doing BUT because I did spend probably too much time on this I thought I'd post it anyway.

Today's lesson: If you've been thinking of trying editing software but are hesitant because you have no experience it obviously doesn't matter. It's fun. Who wouldn't want to waste an hour having fun?

Night Photography

2010-09-14T18:07:00.004-04:00

I took this pic of Harry in a dark passageway with great results

As I get more requests to shoot large events in banquet halls with various low light conditions, I thought a little specialized instruction might be valuable. I met with Harry Nowell who designed a course that concentrated on all the questions I had. It helped immensely and although I'm an ardent fan of gorgeous natural light, it really helped me understand how to work through the difficulties of photographing with unfavorable lighting.

Harry will be giving his 'Night Light' course in October which is listed on his website. If you are having difficulties with or just find this genre of photography exciting you might want to check it out.

Family Photography

2010-09-01T18:55:00.003-04:00

Recently I had the pleasure of photographing two families... each with a toddler and a newborn. Their story is pretty amazing because the two dads are brothers and the tiny cousins were born the exact same day only twenty minutes apart! Can you just imagine the grandparents getting the happy news and then the happy news again? Their heads must have been spinning!

The time I spent photographing them absolutely flew by. Big sister Ella must have said 'cheese' a hundred times for me while batting those gorgeous eye lashes. Her cousin Colin was still giving me his killer smile long after his baby brother was sound asleep. At the risk of having them escort me out, I could literally have taken pictures of them all day. But I think I'll leave that up to their grandma! I hear she's doing a great job all on her own. *wink*

Sign O' the Times.

2010-08-22T20:39:00.000-04:00

Recently we've been seeing the signs. The ones that hint that this beautiful, fabulous, amazing summer we've had is creeping slowly away. You know it's happening when the A/C has been off for over a week, the evening sky is dark by 8pm and you feel the need to cook a Sunday night roast dinner ... in the oven!

It's going to happen. It's going to leave us....

However this year's summer deserves a standing ovation for a truly spectacular performance.

Also, I had a photo session today with an adorable newborn and his family. If I can I'll try to post a couple pics later this week.

Wedding Photography

2010-08-15T15:45:00.004-04:00

Well I'm basically on cloud nine after a fabulous weekend shoot at David and Laura's wedding. I was asked by my good friend Lou loutrussblogcom.blogspot.com to assist her with shooting the wedding for this gorgeous young couple. To say I was excited is an understatement but it wasn't until I was actually there photographing did I realize what an honor it was to be a part of their big day. I'll begin by saying that Dave and Laura are first and foremost...simply gorgeous and in love and so easy to photograph. Their beautiful traditional wedding was personalized by what David referred to as "typical Laura". And 'typical Laura' is not typical at all. She's traditional and demure but she's also Broadway and Charleston. From the minute the couple were introduced into the reception hall, it became pumped on 1930's style swing dancing and musical productions. Jazz, jive and the jitterbug were rampant on the dance floor. Even the head chef peeked in from the kitchen to see all the excitement!!

I cannot even imagine a better wedding to be a part of for my first effort as photographer. I can only hope I can deliver photos that give them even a fraction of the excitement that I got from being with them on their wedding day. And I absolutely wish them a lifetime of happiness.

That being said, Sandra Finner Photography - Wedding Division is officially open for business. Yeah!

Dressage is F-A-N-C-Y. Oh yah.

2010-08-08T20:51:00.000-04:00

I've been on holidays with limited Internet access so I haven't had the opportunity to post an update until now. However, I had the chance recently to shoot a local Dressage competition and I wanted to post some photos. I'm the first to admit that horses make me nervous because they're so B.I.G. and they can stomp you out. But.. they are such amazingly beautiful creatures, especially when they are prancing around (like they do) in Dressage. It's so formal and fancy and demonstrates the incredible elegance and discipline of such a large animal. I had a hard time choosing photos because I loved them all.

World Wide Photo Walk 2010

2010-07-29T09:56:00.000-04:00

What do you get when you have 33,000+ photographers located around the world on a specific day with cartre blanche to photograph whatever suits their fancy? You get World Wide Photo Walk and I took part in it this past Saturday. The group from Ottawa was assigned a specific route to follow and we made our way around the Byward Market taking photos of random things that caught our eye. I managed to get lost a couple times but finally met back with the group for brunch for a review of our morning. It was pretty cool to see what everyone came up with and how they could see similar subjects with such different perspectives. I've included a couple shots that I submitted to the forum from the day.

How can I control my life?

2010-07-27T11:53:00.000-04:00

...when I can't even control my hair?

Perfect summer days...

2010-07-26T09:46:00.003-04:00

Weekends come and weekends go... but summer weekends are carefree, calmly and perfect in every way.

Zigging and Zagging

2010-07-22T11:15:00.004-04:00

My belief is that if you are pursuing photography as a career because you want to become insanely rich & famous with it, then you've most likely made a mistake. Most people who have had great success in this field have done it by continually pursuing their passion, their next fabulous photo, working doggedly to perfect skills and knowing full well that the journey is filled with obstacles. The financial returns can be few and far between.

It's also filled the most memorable of occasions. Those Ah-Ha! moments where vision, passion and learning collide to produce images that excite the bejeebee's out of you and validate your investment. As in any profession, you do the best you can, make judgements that don't always pan out, land on your feet, land on your ass! but always hope for the best. I'll continue to zig and zag my way along. My goal has never been about the pot of gold. It's about loving the labor.

Now I've gone and done it.

2010-07-18T09:44:00.000-04:00

Oh Oh! I think my camera is mad at me. Not my very lovable Panasonic Lumix. The older sibling. This week we had the most brilliant lightning storm and I knew if I was going to get the very best shots I was going to need more camera power. I hauled out the big guns (well in my world anyway!!) and carefully and skillfully added and adjusted all the paraphernalia required to catch a two second lightning bolt racing through the sky. I waited and waited and..there it is...click...NOTHING. Whatttttt?

Long story short, after 10 minutes of scrutinizing what I was doing and re- checking all my settings and hardware I could find nothing wrong. Now I'm thinking maybe karma was coming back to whack me in the touche for all the praising of baby point and shoot. I'd basically done nothing with my Nikon in two months and now I was paying for it. It's as if some deliberate act of defiance was being waged against me and there was nothing I could do. So today I'll post a brilliant shot my fabulous Nikon D90 captured that I doubt any point and shoot would ever have the competence to do. *wink* And I have made a promise to take the week and shoot exclusively with the Nikon and hope we can get this relationship back on track. Geez. So moody!

Lazy days of summer?

2010-07-12T09:09:00.006-04:00

I think I'm going to have to get a cape. My photography is keeping me in a constant state of discernment with innumerable things I've yet to finish or figure out. The least of which is how I am going to manage even half of them in a 24 hour day when they will guaranteed require three times that much. People have been asking us what our summer plans are. I wish I had some wonderful adventure of a island getaway with lazy mornings and careless afternoons but the reality is that our days are so jammed with to-do's and must-do's that it looks like our holidays may well be a few stolen hours on the porch, a round of golf or a leisurely stroll for ice cream or dinner on a patio.

We had one of those afternoons yesterday and it was wonderful. Steve and I shared a smile as we strolled around the Byward Market when Jordan confessed how she loved exploring the city without a plan. Hope so! That just might be the extent of our summer stay-cation.

Commonwealth Games and Guest Blogging

2010-07-05T10:24:00.001-04:00

As I mentioned previously, I had a great assignment a couple weekends ago where I got the opportunity to photograph an event for the Commonwealth Games Mission Staff. A group of about 100 team coaches and managers, medical and media staff, former Olympic athletes, executives, sponsors, RCMP and Coordinators were in Ottawa to review plans for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India.

There were days of discussions and planning but also they bonded as a group in team building events that were great fun like zip lining in Gatineau Park. My role was as photographer but they really made me feel like part of this big family that was working together to ensure the Canadian delegates have the best experience possible at the Games.

Harry Nowell asked if I would do a guest blog about my experience and he posted it to his website on Friday. Check it out! http://www.harrynowell.com/blog/

Blog block?

2010-06-23T22:04:00.000-04:00

I don't know what has happened. Writers block maybe? I've just been so busy that I just haven't taken the time to write on my blog. Not because I don't have anything to talk about. I should be in a writing mood but that appears to have escaped me lately. I've been more in a thinking mood, planning mood, doing mood, lying-by-a-pool-sipping-a-pina-colada mood ...but not much with the writing mood. That has to be the worst fate to befall someone writing a blog doesn't it? I'll be writing soon about my job last week working for the Commonwealth Games but right now...

....I'm feeling sort of like the cat.

Trying new things.

2010-06-11T23:24:00.000-04:00

I have been getting away from what I consider 'traditional' photography lately as I explore new creative ways of expressing familiar objects. It's quite possibly a short distraction, but who knows where I might find myself when a change in direction comes over me. This is a wee sample of what I'm referring to.

Pointing and shooting. And running.

2010-06-01T10:43:00.001-04:00

If anyone reading this blog is in anyway considering advancing their photography skills but don't have an expensive camera or can't afford to get one, I'm telling you you don't need one to start out. I'm becoming hopelessly addicted to my point and shoot camera to a point where my Nikon D90 is probably feeling a bit neglected, you know, if it had feelings, which it does. I just LOVE it! It was a wee bit expensive for a compact camera but it has so many features and is so portable that you can throw it in a pocket and go and never miss a chance at a great image. It's loaded with settings that allow you alot of the manual functionality of a larger camera. I've used compact cameras in the past but this one is winning me over big time.

That said, this past weekend Ottawa hosted the annual event simply titled 'Ottawa Race Weekend'. Runners, walkers and wheelchair atheletes from around the world come to Ottawa to participate. The route is certified distance and a Boston Marathon qualifier. Elite runner Arata Fujiwara broke event records clocking times slightly over 2hrs for a 40k run and amputee athelete Rick Ball of Orillia, Ont. set a marathon world record of just under 3hrs. There is also a half marathon, 10K, 5k and the family 2k during the event with over 40 thousand people participating this year. Some people sign up to run as true competitors, however a lot of others run for fun, for exercise, to appreciate life, to honour a loved one who may be sick or has passed away. They are brothers, sisters, moms and dads, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, grandmothers and grandfathers and friends. Many years ago Steve and I ran the 5k and now were planning to try it again next year in the 10k or higher. Here is a link to the event http://www.ncm.ca/ and some pictures I took with my little Panasonic. Most of the shots were taken very quickly moving through a crowd so I had no time to compose anything. They were all very random and quick. You have to love it when a camera tries this hard for you.

Sunsets

2010-05-27T13:46:00.004-04:00

If you ever take time to do any serial sunset watching you might begin to think that it never sets the same way twice. And if it looks similar, it seems a more perfect version of itself than it was before. I feel very lucky to be able to have the most amazing view of sunsets from my front porch each evening. Although I'd like to say I leisurely wander outside every single day to sit and watch the sky in all it's glory, the reality is that some days I'm folding laundry upstairs when I get a glimpse of it almost by mistake and I'm immediately mesmerized.

In the early nineties on my first visit to Mexico, I took the crowded evening 'milk run' into the city. The locals looked exhausted and the bus smelled of a hard days work. As we bumped along I felt the man next to me brush against my arm a couple times, each tap seeming more encroaching than the previous in our confined space. I was thinking about how to address him on it but when I turned, this elderly man with the most incredibly innocent look on his face was tapping my arm. In badly broken English he asked "Have you ever seen such a beautiful sunset where you come from?" I looked up to see the most perfect sphere of orange and red, that my jaw literally fell open and I was completely and totally gobsmacked. Wow...and WOW! How did I even miss that?

I often think of that elderly man when I see a sunset having a particularly brilliant performance. I say a little 'thank-you' to him out into the universe for reminding me to stop and look. This is the most recent one I took this past weekend...and thank you again Mr. Mexican man. ( :

Things that make you go Hmmmm....

2010-05-23T10:47:00.000-04:00

Each spring and summer we spend what I consider to be an obnoxious amount of time tending to the weeds in the yard. Preparing for the annual combat involves determining which methods of weed elimination we'll have to preform and laying bets as to which of us will be victorious..and to be fair, the weeds usually always win. I get irked when weed control takes us away from spending time with family and friends and doing things we'd much rather be spending time on. No one really wants to join you on your weeding experience either because most people are in the same boat, out in their yards with an artillery of gadgets and sprays trying to contain the little devils.

Lately I had to hear a story about a woman living in Africa. It could have been anywhere but I'm pretty sure they said Africa to attract a sympathetic ear in the way our parents used to talk about walking to school in winter, barefoot, uphill, both ways, minus 700 degrees. You know the one. Well as the story goes, she had a patch of dandelions growing near her house that she tended to everyday just praying that she could keep them beautiful bright yellow as long as possible. Dam! I'm such a sucker for that "flowers have a soul" story my daughter used to tell me when she was a toddler and she would well up with tears whenever one died. WAHHHHH!!! I'm killing the dandelions.

So this week I went out and took pictures and had some fun playing with perspective of this 'flower' with my v. cool point and shoot camera.... because tomorrow it's back to us vs. them and this year Steve is more determined than ever. Hello Vegas?

Taking care of business.

2010-05-16T08:54:00.003-04:00

There hasn't been alot of picture taking time this week because I've had my nose to the grindstone with business,business and more business. That eats up an extraordinary amount of my time trying to juggle that and tackle all the other 'goings on' in the household that keep all the feet happy. Feet happy. Happy Feet? Add in the reading material that has to be reviewed, editing, meetings, housework, an unusual amount of coffee, lunch and dinner dates ...and the evening 'ahhhhhhh time' with my hubby and kids and the week has quite frankly evaporated! No big surprise.

One pretty neat thing that happened this week is the gallery I've been dealing with saw a picture I did and wanted to display it. The owner called me to say she'd found the perfect spot for it in the front window so Steve and I drove up to check it out. Thanks Pat! You guys are so great. http://3yellowtulips.com/

We've also been doing some travel planning. The conversation went something like this. "Wanna go someplace?" "Sure!" ...so yah...that's coming together nicely.

But for now it's back to business. Here's a recent picture I took ...in the meantime.

A walk in the rain with Dave Trattles.

2010-05-10T15:58:00.003-04:00

He arrived in the room in a whirlwind. Late. Later than me! His crazy curly hair bounced in every direction and he spoke with energy that could light up a town. As he spoke, he seemed unaware of his charm, recounting the many stories about places he's been to and the people he's met. We listened to him talk about his amazing journeys; how he travels the world photographing people living their lives and the often hilarious experiences he's had in the process. His passion for photography.. and people.. are undeniable. His stories I realized are not about himself but of others.

We walked through the Ottawa market in the rain and cold. We talked to strangers. He listened. We listened. We took pictures. I used my point and shoot. I think I used the viewfinder once?

Yesterday, as we sat and chatted, I thanked him. For the opportunity to get a glimpse of his world. For reminding me about committment. For reminding me to trust instincts. For showing me a different perspective. For his opinion. And his humanity.

It was a whirlwind for sure, but an experience that I'll not soon forget.

Canadian Tulip Festival

2010-05-03T21:26:00.001-04:00

About mid-winter each year I start to wonder why I ever decided to move to Ottawa. It's so-o-o-o cold! BUT.. it's such a pretty little city with the Rideau Canal, the Byward Market and Parliament Hill as visual anchors; I just have to take one trip downtown and I'm reminded of at least one reason we choose to stay. The city is quite simply... beautiful. Another reason is all the unique festivals that are held here that attract visitors from all over the world. Each May Ottawa hosts the Canadian Tulip Festival, the largest of it's kind in the world. For people not familiar with the story behind the festival (here comes today's history lesson folks!) it developed from a gesture of appreciation by the Dutch royal family in the 1940's when the Canadian government hosted Princess Juliana of the Netherlands during the Natzi occupation of that country. When the family returned home they sent 100,000 tulip bulbs as a way of saying thank you. Since then, thousands of bulbs were received annually from the Netherlands. The NCC has planted hundreds of thousand more. In 1953, Ottawa photographer Malak Karsh and the Ottawa Board of Trade began the inaugural Canadian Tulip Festival and it's been going on ever since.

The Tulip Festival attracts flower lovers galore, not to mention professional photographers, enthusiasts and shutter bugs. I've been taking pictures here for 30 years and I never get tired of it. One day, I'm going to find some of the first pictures I took in the early 80's with G.C. Until then, I'll post a few from the past two weeks though I have many, many....many more.

For information on the Canadian Tulip Festival http://www.ottawa-information-guide.com/ottawa-tulip-festival.html

Me and my shadow.

2010-04-28T14:57:00.001-04:00

Finding time and subjects to shoot is as easy or as difficult as the limitations of your imagination. Some days, the business side takes precedence and I don't have any time to get out and shoot the things I want to... so I have to make due with improvising and have a little fun in the process. This is what I did one day while waiting for my daughter after school. The purpose of fun is to live it.

Working with Portraits

2010-04-25T09:22:00.000-04:00

As the practice continues on fine tuning my style and working with new techniques I've been dabbling a bit more in some portrait work. I like to find new ways of presenting a familiar subject and although it's so different than landscapes, it's actually pretty fun when you get results you're happy with on the first shot.

I have an upcoming session that will involve a more down to earth nitty gritty side of portrait photography that should be a really fun experience. In the meantime, Ive got a few sessions planned (for real!) that are coming up that will allow me to get the creative juices going.

I also wanted to say a big thank you for all the great phone calls, emails and comments I've gotten recently about how much you've enjoyed this blog. I'm always a bit shocked to think that anyone is reading it, especially those I haven't seen in years or those I've never met but when you tell me you are reading it everyday, I'm thrilled! Thanks so much!

Changing plans.

2010-04-21T09:01:00.006-04:00

Photographing anything while walking on crutches changes the whole experience. It's possible, but the process took so long I pretty much abandoned any plans I had because I found it was just too ackward to get around carrying my equipment. I re-focused my time working at my computer developing business ideas, my website and workflow management.

Although I was getting flustered, I thought it might be interesting to see if there were any websites out there of photographers working with different types of disabilities. After hobbling around for a week on one foot I imagined what it would be like to have to do that all the time or to operate a camera without an arm as an example and how that might change a persons perspective and attitude. It would also be interesting to see what kind of pictures I would find, if any. Surprising or not, there is an actual website called Photographers with Disabilities http://www.photographerswithdisabilities.com/ and Rolling F Stop.. rollingfstop.blogspot.com/ which talks about adaptive equipment and how hard it is to find. You have to really appreciate what people are able to accomplish when they have to deal with adversity in any degree.

I also had to look into other things I could photograph. I decided to work on portraits and this is one of my favorites from the week.

Update: This blog is appropriately named! I had to change my plans because I'm having trouble with Lightroom...so I'll post a pic I took a month ago! Thems the breaks.

Humbling Encounter.

2010-04-15T17:05:00.007-04:00

I've met some pretty cool people in my life but I'm kind of struggling to put into words my experience yesterday and how truly honored I was to be able to meet Steve McCurry. Mr McCurry has worked for many years with National Geographic and is known world wide for his incredible portfolio although he's most famous for his 1985 cover picture of Sharbat Gula, more commonly known as 'Afgan Girl'.

Having grown up in a household where National Geopgraphic magazine was akin to great works of art (because we didn't have any of those!) he's a bit of a superstar to me. OK seriously, the magazine was on display in order of month & year in our family room book shelf. When that filled, the older issued were moved to the basement where the order remained precise.. and the issues pristine. If you knew my dad, he was the absolute poster child for clutter so this was one of his obvious exceptions to the rule.

That withstanding, it was the most transcendent experience for me, listening to Mr. McCurry talk about his travels to Afganistan, India and the Far East. About countries in turmoil and at war, about nomads wandering without a home working for pennies a day to survive. The photographs were breath taking. The stories equally so. It's as if I held my breath for the 45 minutes he spoke.. not wanting to miss a single word. I've barely been out of North America. How can the world beyond me be so barbaric and inhumane yet so beautiful and innocent?

I encourage you to check his website. http://www.stevemccurry.com/

I've also included a link to an upcoming tv episode about his return to Afganistan to find Sharbat with little to go on except the photograph he'd taken of her as a child. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/finding-the-famous-afghan-girl/26ia2d14

Oh Captain! Our Captain!

2010-04-11T20:55:00.003-04:00

Interesting Fact #1 - The number of NHL players to play 1000 games. 251.
Interesting Fact #2 - The number of NHL players to play 1000 with the same team. 44.
Interesting Fact #3 - The number of NHL players to play 1000 games with the Ottawa Senators. 1.

He's our distinguished hockey captain Daniel Alfredsson. Alfie is an incredibly determined player who has donned the Senators jersey since 1995 and has made himself known and loved in the Ottawa community both on the ice but also with the very generous commitment of his time off the ice. Steve and I decided that we wanted to be there as he was honored for this huge milestone in his career and got tickets to the game.

And because I'm such a genius, I would bring my camera and get some great shots to post on my blog! Well, that was until I was accosted by a very amply proportioned security lady who told me to lose the camera or she would show me her dark side. You mean that wasn't IT? Yikes.

I missed out getting many shots, including one of Cuba Gooding Jr. who is filming a movie in Ottawa with Christian Slater and is a big hockey fan (apparently) and was at the game.

That's OK. I was there for Alfie.

Interesting Fact #4 - Some cameras are apparently NOT allowed at Scotiabank Place.
Interesting Fact #5 - Number of times I've feared for my life? At least 1.....now.

A gentle reminder of perseverance.

2010-04-07T17:12:00.007-04:00

If you don't know it by now, my dad was, and still is, my biggest hero. Ever. If there was ever an example as a real super hero, it was him. He was the utilmate doer of good and humblest of humanitarians. Among the many volunteer positions he held were President of the Red Cross Blood Donor Society in New Brunswick, executive positions in Minor Hockey and Little League Baseball, with United Commercial Travellers where he worked tirelessly raising money for handicapped children and with Camp Chaleur so hundreds of kids could go to summer camp. He met with provincial gov'ts to increase benefits for senior citizens, was treasurer of our church for as many years as I can remember all while working a full time job. Even raising his own 6 kids he didn't hestitate to accept when asked to manage the household of a second family who were unable to do so on their own.

Alternatively, dad also spent every spare moment at the cottage, at the camp, at the ski hill, biking, hiking and camping with his family. He rarely missed a play, a concert, a hockey game nor a night around the dinner table; he never raised his voice or spoke a mean word. My siblings and I did however understand quite clearly that 'daddy don't take no crap'.. though it was in a manner that only the gentlest of souls could do. His friends were true and lifelong. And his camera was ever present capturing it all.

So yesterday I found myself struggling with a project I'm working on. Nothing was going as easy as I expected and I found myself remembering that person from whom I always got strength. Memories of a man who only looked onward and upward; who could find extra time when none existed and inspiration in the simpliest of things. I needed some of that right now! How bizarre was it that almost at THAT moment, my brother phoned to tell me that he had brought some of my dad's old cameras from home for me to have. It was exactly the boost I needed to check myself and get going. As Steve and I went through the cases, he stopped and smiled. There, tucked in a pocket of his camera bag was a small picture of me at about 5 years old. He had cut it out and saved it there all this time.

And in that moment, I felt inspired beyond belief ....and that my hero was watching over me.

The Girl named Lou....

2010-04-02T09:33:00.000-04:00

We've all hear of the Johnny Cash tune "The Boy Named Sue". Well I have a girlfriend named Lou! We basically talk non-stop about photography when we're together and she's really fantastic at it, especially when it comes to shooting people. To be fair, she does have the MOST adorable little girl who is often her subject but I've seen alot of her headshots and they are wonderful.

Well Lou is doing a children's portrait session at Kid Kaf in Ottawa on April 26th and you should drop in and get a really cute professional portrait of your child done. I'm going to kidnap my nieces and bring them in as a surprise to their mom. Shhhhhh! *wink*

Check her blog below for more info.....Maybe we'll see you there?

http://loutrussblogcom.blogspot.com/

Making adjustments.

2010-03-29T16:23:00.001-04:00

I've been tweaking some pictures that I took just to see what the effect looks like. It can be fun, but it can be quite time consuming. I wanted to post a couple to get some feedback. I would welcome any comments you have.. be it yah or nay. Be honest. If you hate it, tell me. It's not something I would do to a portrait, but I find it interesting. It's fun trying new things and I'm always trying to improve.

Feel free to comment on Facebook or send me an email at: Sandra@sandrafinnerphotography.com

Getting there...

2010-03-25T18:32:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I took some time to go through my vacation shots. I mulled through the lot deciding what I liked and what I loved and what I wanted to throw away. I'm very hesitant to delete much and usually revisit them a few times, looking again for new and interesting aspects in each picture. What I noticed is that despite my passion for landscapes, I took loads of family pictures and I can see the improvement I'm making when photographing people.

I resist shooting in 'auto' and prefer to use mostly natural light. Despite the challenges of sticking to that, I know I've learned much more about my camera. I also learned that great pictures don't happen everytime, but 'learning' always does. I have a better understanding what I like. I know what I aspire to. And sometimes you just have to give yourself the freedom to love a shot just because you do. It's maybe not what anyone else loves, but a personal preference. It's like hairstyles in the 80's. What were we thinking?!!!

Photography has many moments of trial and error, but it's half the fun of getting where you want to be.

My new baby...

2010-03-23T14:13:00.002-04:00

I shoot Nikon and I love, love, love my camera for it's pure greatness. I haven't seen a camera review site out there that doesn't love this l'il puppy (yah! I said puppy) and give it great marks for it's abilities. To me, it's a precious little gem that is exactly perfect. It's like the little engine who could.

I read lots of blogs where people spend WAY too much time fretting about the big brand names; who has this, who has that. They leap frog each other year after year with new developments in technology so it's dumb to even care unless your intention is always having the latest and greatest. That being said, there's a new kid in camera town. I just picked up a Panasonic Lumix that is so super great I cannot tell you. It's a great little point and shoot that you can throw in your pocket and take anywhere. You won't have to worry about the cold, heat, (sand!) or anything that can damage your more expensive camera. It's very fun to play with and it's capabilities are pretty spectacular.

You can check it out at: http://www.dpreview.com/news/1001/10012605panazs7.asp

I'm ba-a-a-a-a-a-a-c-k!

2010-03-18T21:36:00.001-04:00

I'm back from a nice little break to the sunny south. At least I believed I was going south until I got there. It was pretty chilly - only in the low 20's. I'm thinking next year we might go to the Carribean to get some really HOT weather in the 30's. I took lots and lots of family pictures but I'll have to get into my business planning and creative photography this coming week. Good to be home.

Younes Bounhar

2010-03-08T15:57:00.004-05:00

In the past few months since I’ve begun my blog, I have met so many talented people that share a love of photography and who have had some pretty incredible experiences of their own trying to establish themselves as professionals. I’ve gotten the chance to hear their stories. Some of them have been incredibly successful. Some of them still struggling. All of them real and passionate. I really love to hear about the travelling they've done, the experiences they’ve had, the people they've admired and had the opportunity to work along side and learn from.

For the past two weekends, I've had the extreme pleasure spending Saturdays with Younes Bounhar http://www.younesbounhar.com/ Younes is an internationally respected photographer, who despite his initial reluctance to believe he was artistic, now creates the most amazing artistic photographs. He has an eye for capturing incredible landscapes and architecture, seeing a unique and creative perspective on a simple subject and he has traveled the world doing so.

Younes is a frequent contributor to Photo Life magazine and his photos have graced their cover, he's written several technical articles and his upcoming travels will take him from a personal journey to the Moroccan desert, to a photojournalist tour and workshop in the Arctic. Recently, he had the huge privilege of guest blogging on Art Wolfe’s website (yes! Incredible…THE Art Wolfe from Travels to the Edge!!) this month. Now that’s good company to keep in my opinion. Maybe someday!

The amount of information packed into two days was invalueable and I also have a new appreciation for architectural and landscape photographers and the punishment their bodies go through to get 'the' shot. I was so tired carrying heavy gear around all day (I actually fell asleep on my friend's couch!) but the experience was fantastic! Thank you so much Younes!

Caught in the In-Between

2010-03-05T08:38:00.000-05:00

It isn't that I haven't got lots to blog about. I seem to be caught somewhere in the in between. I'm in between jobs. In between desks. In between floors. My day job has me on a computer on the main floor keeping all my accounting programs running and my files filling the dining room table. My new office in the basement is somewhat of an evolving headquarters for my photography. I can't quite to seem to cut the cord on the upstairs. I'm afraid to completely move everything in fear of losing the accounting records...and that would be completely tragic. I must say, I'm beginning to feel somewhat like the Robin Williams character in the movie Mrs. Doubtfire, running back and forth between the tables, switching costumes and trying to remember what to do next. I can't tell you the number of times in a day that the ONE thing I need is on the other floor.

For example, right this minute, Jasper the cat is stretched out beside me on the floor, claiming the spot on the floor where a huge beam of sunlight hits the carpet....and my camera is where? I'm going to attempt to go get it without disturbing him...and maybe cancel my gym membership at the same time.

Team Canada gets the GOLD

2010-03-01T20:54:00.001-05:00

The world was watching as Canada and the USA men’s teams faced off against each other in the Gold medal hockey game of the 2010 Olympiad this past Sunday. It was a nail biter right until the very end, although Canada reigned supreme with an overtime goal by the incredible Sidney Crosby and came away with the GOLD! What a way to wrap up the games for all Canadians. People in Vancouver say that the party went on well into the night.

We watched the game at our friend’s place and I took some pictures off the TV with Steve’s i Phone. I've gotta get one of those!!!

Winterlude 2010

2010-02-23T11:09:00.002-05:00

When I stepped off the Via Rail train at the Ottawa Terminal 30 years ago I said a quiet ‘hello’ to a city that would set the stage for a new chapter of my life. I smiled up at the midday sun and quickly noticed the streets were void of any trace of the mid winter landscape I had left behind just 12 short hours ago. Much to my chagrin, it didn’t take long before the temperatures plummeted and the winter blizzards I had hoped I’d left behind had all but paralysed the city. Local government offices, schools and banks were shut down and workers sent home on the few arteries leaving the downtown core. The Queensway was nowhere near its present size boasting only two lanes in either direction and Kanata and Orleans, primarily rural farmland.

One of the highlights of that first winter in Ottawa was the Rideau Canal. It had in recent years been groomed as a skating rink, the world’s longest, and for previous two years was the setting of a new festival called Winterlude. I bussed to the canal almost daily to skate the length between Dow’s Lake and the NAC.. and back. That actually happened by mistake the first time when I realized I’d left my boots in the change hut at the NAC and had to skate back to get them. Then it just became my ‘thing’.

Included in the festivities was a competition to have individuals or groups apply to carve ice sculptures at Dow’s Lake. I joined a group of my friends from Bell Northern to chisel a sculpture that on paper was so elaborate and intricate, the gang felt certain we’d win top prize. I believe the final statue ended up being a canoe but we had a ton of fun out there. These days Winterlude is one of the largest winter festivals in North America and for three weeks in February attracts visitors and ice carvers from around the world. People are so happy to be outdoors with family and friends but believe me, the happiest ones are usually around the BeaverTail or the Poutine stands.

..and I always giggle (to myself) when I catch the odd skater realizing they’ve left their boots somewhere.... very far away.

Merci pour votre patience

2010-02-19T10:04:00.000-05:00

Okay, my last post is lost somewhere out there in techno land. Silly me actually believed that the switch from my computer to the MAC would be easy and I'd be up and running in a day. Not so fast cowboy!

It's taken a bit longer than anticipated to get all the data transferred but hopefully in the next day or so I'll be at 100%. Maybe our server people in Vancouver are out enjoying the Olympics and really, who can blame them? So I'll keep plugging away and hopefully have everything back to normal really soon. I appreciate those of you who keep checking back in and leaving nice comments. The blog is getting hundreds of hits a week so thanks for coming back to check in!

I've also got some very exciting stuff going on here in the background. The website is under construction, business cards are ordered, workshops with expert photogs scheduled AND most exciting to me....I've been SO lucky to be getting email updates from my friend's brother Doug Stacey who is the trainer/physiotherapist for the Woman's Canadian Olympic team in Vancouver! I am happy to report the girls are super psyched and having a blast! I'm hoping after he gets back to London and the dust settles that I'll have an interview and pictures that I'll post. All in all, it's been busy and thanks for checking back in. A special shout out to my unbelievably awesome hubby who I seriously could not do this without *heart*

In the meantime....a cute little winter pic and GO TEAM CANADA!!!

Dale Smith Gallery

2010-02-11T19:04:00.000-05:00

Last week, I had the chance to visit my old stomping grounds here in Ottawa. It’s a small area that borders on Rockliffe Park called New Edinburgh. I popped into a gorgeous little gallery not far from my old apartment to see an exhibit featuring Andrea Crabbe, a graduate of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. She has such a cool, unique style as a painter and I was anxious to see her work. She also happens to be engaged to my nephew Michael so that makes her even more brilliant in my books.

Dale, the gallery owner, was lovely to chat with and she invited me to a vernissage for eight young artists/photographers from Canterbury High School here in Ottawa whose work is now being displayed. It’s really a terrific thing she is doing for these students; offering them an opportunity to acquaint themselves with all the undertakings of an “authentic exhibition experience”. If you happen to be in that area you should try to check it out! And perhaps I’ll be inviting you all to MY gallery opening in the future!

For the time being, I’m up to my eyeballs in photo management, developing my website, getting business cards and furnishing my office, managing the admin for my husband's companies and all the regular mom and house stuff... ...but it’ll happen.

Big ‘MAC’ Attack

2010-02-08T17:05:00.000-05:00

By all accounts, I should be satisfied with the present arsenal of hard drives, wide screens and hyper speed technology that finds itself positioned strategically throughout our home, having grown up in the age of ‘rabbit ears’ sitting atop our single television to view as many channels. Wow, I just had to take a moment to reflect. At times, the only chance to alleviate all the snow from the picture was to assign a runner to continually move the ears back and forth to gain some type of clear reception. That person was often commissioned the task of standing there for an entire program holding the ‘ears’ so her four older and much bigger brothers could comfortably sit and watch their program. Hey! Wait a minute!

OK...I digress. Well today I am blessed to finally crack open my Christmas present, my very own iMac. I can barely contain myself. I’m so anxious to have my office/studio finished with its HUGE window delivering the most beautiful panoramic view of the countryside. Again, the hallway was great but WINDOWS! iMac and I are about to embark on this journey together. It’s like she and I are going to be partners for a long time so I think she needs a name. I’d like to introduce to the world Ms. Macaroni Corday...Mac for short, 3+Ghz at full tilt and she’s lovely.

Finally, a Vroom.... with a View. 

Hockey Day in Canada

2010-02-01T12:40:00.000-05:00

If you ask any red blooded Canadian "Who invented hockey?" and you’ll hear a non-equivocal “We Did!” although versions of hockey can be traced as far back as ancient Greece. Canadian ice hockey however was thought to have originated amongst the Odawa First Nations people in what is now Algonquin Park. You’ll be hard pressed to prove that ice hockey doesn’t have its strongest roots here in the Great White North. Our forefathers, our parents and our children hold the tradition of playing hockey as sacred in Canada so you better not try to imply that it’s not our game without the possibility of gettin’ a good ol’ Canadian smackdown as retribution!

As a way to commemorate our sport, we Canucks host the annual Hockey Day in Canada celebration. Outdoor rinks and frozen ponds all over the country bustle as the young and the not-so’s don their blades for a game of shinny in celebration of our beloved game. In Ottawa, the city hosts a pond hockey game on the world’s largest skating rink, the Rideau Canal, between the Ottawa Senators alumni and some NHL hockey heroes. On Saturday, Steve and I went to check it out as his buddy Shaun Van Allen was playing for the ex-Sens. It was close to being the coldest day of the year but the guys didn’t disappoint us. They were having a blast despite the weather. Even with the oldest player, I could still see the glint of an 8 year old boy who once played on an outdoor rink shining through. I only slightly froze my fingers taking these shots.

Cool Compositions

2010-01-28T23:28:00.000-05:00

Every once in awhile when I’m setting my camera up for a shot, I'll take photo that was not my original intention however it becomes a serendipitous reveal. One of my photos from a past shoot was in fact, just that. This is one of my favourite mistakes. I love how the reds and blues pop off the page admidst the overexposed background. I've since tried to reproduce this type of shot on purpose and it's harder than I expected.

Beautiful Things

2010-01-27T08:56:00.006-05:00

Everyday as we go through life we have experiences that make us thankful. I just decided to blog a few of my favorites.

1. Kissing my kids good night
2. Holding hands with my husband after 20 years together
3. Chatting with my mom
4. Family.....and friends
5. New shoes
6. PJ’s
7. A rainy summer night
8. Laughing
9. Taking a picture of a meal I made because it turned out awesome.
10. Dancing
11. Kitchen parties
12. Karaoke
13. A day at the beach
14. Chips
15. Porches
16. Our Tassimo machine
17. How our cat says 'I love you' in purrs and snuggles.

Feel free to share some of yours ....

Check. 1.2.3. Check.

2010-01-25T19:12:00.005-05:00

Fact #1. There aren’t many genres of music I don’t like. I’ll play them all, dance to them all, sing them all. I’m not a super fantastic singer but I’m OK. At home or out driving, there is usually music on and I'm happily humming along with whatever song is on. I’m not fussy whether it’s a Top 40 hit or a classic blast from the past, I sing them all. I’m not one of those people who drive and TALK to themselves though. They’re weirdos.

Fact #2. I know ALOT of songs. Alot. Even if I’ve never heard a song before, I’ve usually got the chorus down by the end of my first listen. As far as my dynamic range goes, I doubt I’d get though an American Idol audition without Randy Jackson giving me a sympathetic “ I don’t know dawg, it was a bit pitchy to me” but I’ll always have a song to sing.

So when I was asked to shoot Jonathan Becker’s CD release this past week at the Manx on Elgin I jumped at the chance. Music and photography! Could it get any better? Jonathan songs are based on his personal experiences and views of the world, although he sings with the gentleness reminiscent of James Taylor. He was introduced by the equally talented Keturah Johnson who sang with a Janis Joplin edginess. She cracked up when she broke a guitar string halfway through her set but sang the next song a capella until they were able to get her a replacement. I’ve posted a couple pictures of the night. They’re both scheduled to perform at the Rainbow Club in Ottawa in the next few weeks so I would suggest you check them out if possible.

A triple bonus was that we got to hang out with Joey & Julie and devour massive chocolate brownie & ice cream desserts. Good times.

Photo Shoots and Kids. Lesson # 1.

2010-01-20T10:42:00.014-05:00

In the past, whenever I took pictures of children, they were uaually my own two cuties or my family and friend's little ones. It was typically a casual setting and I'd snap away, standing in the background trying not to be too obvious. I'd wait until later to review the shots I captured. Actually, when my son was a baby I'd have to wait a week for the film to return from processing! I'd select a few great shots that would be framed or sent along to grandparents.

Fast forward to present day. My first ‘official’ shoot of a newborn and a young girl. The beautiful little Violet, only two months old, did not care that mom and dad were trying to capture their bright eyed beauty in a portfolio of magnificent photos to treasure as much as they do her. She really only wanted to sleep.

Abby on the other hand, was only giving up that gorgeous smile if I was able to ‘catch’ her. There would be no pose. No negotiations. She could care less about my shutter speeds. All I knew was the faster I set it, the faster she went.

And to that note, I learned a lesson about taking pictures of children 'professionally'. You have to think VERY fast, and move even faster. Slow-w-w-w-w-w right down, and then run-n-n-n-n. Expect the unexpected. Predict the unpredictable. Be creative. Be quick. Be patient.

...and I wouldn’t advise on planning a big night out for yourself to celebrate your success if at all possible. You just might need a few extra z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z’s.

Busy. Busy. Busy.

2010-01-13T10:25:00.001-05:00

Whoever thought January was a slow time of year, should follow me around for a few days. It’s been a crazy busy time for me, especially the last week, hence the lack of new blogs to read. However, it’s been so much fun getting to do all the things I’ve done, so bring it on!

First, and foremost, the studio is almost done! How great is that! I’m just selecting paint colors, doors and lights and I should have a working space by the end of the month, thanks to the truly amazing work by ServiceMaster Restore in Ottawa. The work they’ve done and the experience we’ve had has been nothing short of fabulous and I ‘VERY’ strongly recommend them if you are thinking about doing any renovation job. I’ll post some pictures of my new space soon!

Secondly, my photography classes with Harry Nowell. I’ve had some great ‘in class’ sessions and a full day workshop at the National Gallery learning creative techniques, color, and composition that just left me giddy for more. He’s SUCH a patient man and he ensures that the assignments are understood, with several recursions of technique. Add to that, a fun night out with a group of established photographers sharing successes (and some failures) which was invaluable to me, despite the fact the heat went out in the venue and we were all huddling together to keep warm. What a great excuse to strike up a conversation. I don’t think I could have planned it better.

Then there was my day out with my photography buddy/girl/friend Lou! Again, I made a few contacts with some Ottawa photographers who have been very forthcoming with helpful information trying to assist those of us ‘on the rise’. I had a great chat with Kathi Robertson, a Montreal photographer who I’ve known from Jordan’s young modelling days and has recently relocated to Ottawa. I’ve touched base with her about possibly shadowing her for a session or two, very happy to schlep her bags around and move lights just to gain more insight into the business, so we’ll see where that goes.

I hope...I hope...fingers crossed.

Back to assignments for this week. I also have my office job that I have to attend to or Steve might upgrade my pink slip to 'fuschia'.

I’ll post a few pics. I hope you like them

Things that make me go Hmmmmm?

2010-01-07T11:59:00.002-05:00

I have always been a big believer in fate and that there is a reason why we exist in this world. I’m often musing about what my own purpose could be and the reasoning about that purpose in respect to the things I do, places I go and people I meet. One curiosity I have is.. why all of a sudden have I met so many people named Harry?!! In all my years in this world I’ve only met one person named Harry. One. Now all of a sudden my direct neighbour is named Harry, my best photography buddy/ good friend’s son is Harry, my photography teacher at Algonquin in September was named Harry and now my new photography teacher is also named Harry. Is that JUST a coincidence? Which makes me ALSO wonder “why do I analyse things so much”? Freeman Patterson, my photography mentor and fellow New Brunswicker, wrote in his book “Photography and the Art of Seeing” that the ability to see things and make connections, is to be genuine in sight. Yeah me, maybe I just have good sight? A small digression, but back to Harry. I’ve begun my classes and at first report, it’s excellent! Our group met and we had a super informative night. I’m so looking forward to the full day workshop!
....and just because, I wanted to share a night picture I took of downtown Ottawa. Every Christmas the National Capital Commission lights up Parliament Hill and the downtown core with thousands of lights. Steve and I took Jordan and her friend to see it before Christmas and I drove past it again last night. So pretty.

Winter Landscapes.

2010-01-03T12:37:00.003-05:00

Although I'm a diehard summer lover and can't spend enough time out in the sunshine, I adore the scenery during winter time in Canada. The landscapes are stunning after a snowfall, especially out in the countryside where large evergreens are adorned with snow and you can see a blanket of untouched white across acres of open fields. There have been days when I didn't have my camera with me, that I'd pull over to the side of the road and just stare at the view, savoring it like a nibble of the most decadent chocolate. Other times, I'm lucky enough to get some really pretty shots. I hope you like this recent one.

The journey continues.

2010-01-02T00:08:00.000-05:00

I sat at my desk this morning and turned the page on my calendar. January 2010. I sat for a moment thinking of all the things that have happened in the last year and wondered what adventures lie before me this coming year. I’ve spent time this past fall planning and developing my new business, attending classes at Algonquin, deciding how I want to set up my studio and of course, taking lots of pictures.
This year I have HUGE expectations. January is already shaping up to be a busy month. Studio construction starts, I have to set up my brand new iMac that Santa brought (I heart you Santa) and I’ll start classes with Harry Nowell, not to mention all my other mom jobs and work jobs that have to get done. Steve and I sat in a coffeehouse this morning chatting over sausage and eggs about expensive camera equipment and beautiful places I’d love to visit and photograph. He assured me that we’ll take a look at what I’ll need and figure it out. Such easy words. Such comfort. Here’s to a new year of figuring it all out.
As we drove along in the snow I asked him if I could stop and get a picture.
Day 1, 2010.

Have yourself a Merry ‘little’ Christmas?

2009-12-28T13:16:00.000-05:00

There was really nothing ‘little’ about it, to be honest! With a full house of family and friends (some that came as far away as Ireland) , some guitars and drums, just a ‘couple’ bottles of wine *wink wink* , and lots and lots of food and the merriment began! There was dancing and singing until the wee hours and we all survived yet another Christmas in the country. Now begins the power nap until New Years Eve and I’m sure it will start all over again.

As my mother in law lovingly proclaimed...”We are blessed”.

We certainly are.

Santa Baby.

2009-12-22T09:35:00.000-05:00

One thing I’ve learned very quickly is that once into photography, you can spend ‘alottamoulah’ adding to your vast array of peripherals. There is always something that you need/want... and your equipment costs can add up rather quickly. My prof at Algonquin had a bag of equipment that he unpretentiously calls his “go to” cameras (yes,plural) and lenses for his job with NRC which would amount to a small fortune. I've been trying to educate myself on the different types of equipment so I don’t get all starry eyed on the overly pricey items which the very nice salespeople will try to convince me to buy and I don't need. That being said, I wanted to send out a message into the universe to Santa. There is a box in my closet.....and I will love it with my whole heart.

2009-12-16T20:26:00.000-05:00

I sat in the Westboro coffee shop sipping latte and listening very intently to my new friend Harry, a professional photographer living in eastern Quebec , talking about his photography business and trying to absorb as much information as I could about developing my photographic skills and my new business. I realized very quickly that I could probably sit there with an intravenous coffee drip for the next four hours to stop my mind from collapsing into a fog! We barely cracked the surface of what there is to learn. As we’re chatting I’m telling him about my mild dislike of a certain Adobe product which shall remain nameless and how I’ve been struggling with said product. He reassured me that even with his years of experience he still doesn’t use all aspects of the software. It was I think a very nice way of saying “give yourself a break”. Well I’m happy to say that in the last few days, I believe I’ve turned a corner and have started to do some editing that I don’t dislike too much. How’s that for being positive?!

small town. BIG HEART.

2009-12-14T08:37:00.000-05:00

How much do I love small towns!? There is something about a tiny rural community that has been in existence for 100’s of years and is home to a handful of families, most of them with the same surname. The people may not have all the amenities available in a big city, but when given an opportunity to celebrate an event, they have a collective spirit that is unrivalled. It’s as if the entire community wraps its heart in a huge bow and hands it over to you. That’s what it was like this past weekend when the Olympic torch went through Almonte, a small village near Ottawa where my husband’s family grew up in and still lives. Steve, Jordan and I (armed with my Nikon!) headed out to be a part of the festivities. They served up hot chocolate and a free lunch at city hall, carollers sang Christmas songs and puppets from Puppets Up! which is another really cool event Almonte hosts waved Canadian flags with all the excitement of a child at an amusement park. The falling snowflakes were so big they seemed to take up your entire palm but that only seemed to heighten the enthusiasm. Peter Trus, the young hockey player & torchbearer could hardly hold back the tears when the crowd broke out in “Oh Canada” as he tilted his torch to the awaiting Elizabeth Manley. I was so happy my daughter could experience this historic event “small town style”.

The company you keep....

2009-12-11T08:55:00.001-05:00

It seems like, on a daily basis I am humbled at how amazing my family and friends are. They all have such different stories. Their personal successes range from attaining corporate hierarchy to having grown the perfect rose and just about everything in between. I just know they are wonderful to me. One such person is my dear, dear friend Betty Anne. This woman is an angel. There isn’t a person who knows her who has not been touched by her kindness and huge heart. And boy is she talented! She decided a few years ago she wanted to paint more and decided to take it up more seriously. Anyone who has been to my house will know her ‘covered bridge’ painting that hangs in my family room. She was looking at some of my photos the other day and asked if she could paint one. I think that was Monday? Thursday she sent me a picture of the finished product. Amazing! And thanks BA for the extreme compliment!

Looking for a sign.

2009-12-09T08:06:00.000-05:00

"Hmmmm" I say. Today is the last photography class for this semester & my final assignment is due. We have to present our portfolio, showcasing our work over the last 4 months, and... we're having the first BIG snow storm of the season. What dad would have refer to as a "doozy". "Hmmmm" I say again. Is this a test? Is it a challenge from Mother Nature asking me "How badly do you want to get to where you want to be"? followed by "Is what I have to show any good"? and "Can I make this happen for me"?
Somedays logic has no place in a dream. It's a a roadblock to success. It stopped me from pursuing my singing career with the Eagles, from marrying Adam West and becoming Mrs. Batman and even getting my childhood dream job at Mr. Hooper's store. OK, OK, my point being, I believe you can't sit back and wait for your dreams to come true. If you truly want something, you have to make it happen despite the storms that face you. One day I was out snapping away when I said to myself "Is this stuff any good? I just wish I knew." At that very moment, I looked down at the ground and saw these painted words starring back at me. Some days we find our inspiration in the most unexpected places.

We're moving on up! ...or down I guess it is.

2009-12-07T08:50:00.000-05:00

Ok, how happy am I!? I've had my office at a desk in the hallway for the last 5 years. It's a very nice hallway and it has served it's purpose but it's really small & I've spilled over into the dining room with paperwork and files. The great news is that we're are getting our basement finished and I'll now have my own office/studio! Yeah! I'm trying to decide how to appoint it but I know it will be fabulous. I've attached a pic of my present space and my new unfinished space. It's so big! The possibilities are endless.

So that was basically painless.

2009-12-04T08:06:00.000-05:00

Did you ever have one of those days when you did something and then hold your breath thinking something unforseen would happen because of it? Well that, as my dad would say, "is where we are today". It's day 2 and this blog has not shattered my world. I don't know why I thought it would. I actually had such awesome comments from my family. I love that my husband Steve is sitting over there on the right as my first supporter. Always my cheerleader. Always in my corner. Today, I can exhale. Back to my assignments.

There is no looking back now....

2009-12-03T11:49:00.000-05:00

Well today is kind of a big deal for me! I've embarked on a new career path. I'm studying to become a professional photographer. Like all of us, I have no idea what the future holds but I'm so excited by my decision to throw caution to the wind and go for it. Anyone who knows me knows I have jumped into many endeavors over the years. Some, I was a rock star! Some, not so much. All of them, I gave my best.

Today is the roll out of my BLOG which will chronicle my journey, to share my experiences with my family and friends and maybe inspire even one person to pursue something they were passionate about. This is my one small step...this is my walk on the moon.