Birston Photographic Arts

On the day of my birth...

2015-06-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

A day out with the one I love

2014-11-05T23:13:00.001-08:00

Manning Parks is one of my favorite places on earth. I am not sure why this spot holds such a special place in my heart but it does.

An Irish blessing for my new friend

2014-08-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

The Thing About Family - Chilliwack Portraits

2014-08-20T12:19:00.002-07:00

The Thing About Family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together. ~ Erma Bombeck

Hey Depression!! You sick bastard! Leave those kids alone...

2014-08-13T16:45:00.001-07:00

I can hardly believe a man that seemed like the happiest person on earth reached such a dark place that his only option was to take his own life. I have long said that the funniest people are the ones to watch for depression. They hide behind the laughter hoping no one will see the cracks in the facade. I say this because I might know a thing or two...about stuff. ;)

The feeling this has left me is indescribable. Like when you are around a "power couple". The ones that everyone says "Well if they can not make it, no one can" about. Meaning a lifetime of togetherness and love. So if the funniest man on earth who brought such joy to people felt it was time to check out....is there really any hope for those who suffer from depression? I hope so. I hope this brings more light to mental illness then the standard 15 minutes we tend to give such tragedies.

I was looking today at pictures of my dad...who was a very funny man (you know...when he wanted to be! lol) and I saw a picture of him dressed as an old woman for Halloween. I've seen this photo a hundred times but today my first thought was Mrs Doubtfire!! (the movie that made it okay for men to dress like matriarchs) This immediately made me both happy and sad at the same time. Two great men. Gone too soon. But damn they were fun....
#riprobin #ripdad #haveacrossdressinggoodtime

That's the thing about depression: A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious, and it compounds daily, that it's impossible to ever see the end. The fog is like a cage without a key.
Elizabeth Wurtzel
From the book: Prozac Nation

Every Family Has A Story

2014-07-24T23:21:00.001-07:00

Welcome to ours....

Lifes Blessings...

2014-07-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

If I could give you one thing in life, I would give you the ability to see yourself through my eyes.

Only then would you realize how special you are to me.

A Sneaky Family Shot

2014-06-26T15:38:00.002-07:00

I am a creative that is surrounded by people who do not like their photo taken. I consider this a curse. I wonder what I did in a past life to deserve this?? So on an fairly cold night we went up to the Hope Slide to take star photos however the stars were few and the wind was cold. I did manage to sneak one photo of a few of my favorites. I would love to do a family shoot like this though without being a sneaky pants!

Where I grew up.

2014-03-13T14:18:00.003-07:00

Some of my best memories as a kid were in a small town in Southern Alberta. The other day I decided to a walk down memory lane. These are a few of the memories I have of Picture Butte.

1) It was small enough for us to play hide and seek using the whole town as our playground.We didn't. We generally stuck to our hood. Once when I ventured out...I got bit in the bum by a dog.
2) June bugs jumped off the roofs of the downtown buildings at night to get the warmth of the cement below. (gross!)
3) My best friend was Marla who was very girly and would squeak each time she saw a worm. (they were NOTHING when compared to the big June bugs downtown! Honestly Marla! Grow up! haha)
4) Marla's house was considered the biggest "richest" house on the street...probably the whole town for all I know.
5) My dog Barney would sic on command and many of times would sic/chase Marla home because she got too girly/hoity toity. (What can I say...I lacked patience all the way back to the beginning!) And that dog was so cool! What I would give to have another Barney. Plus he was a drunk. True Story. A complete lush!
6) We Nicky Nicky Nine Door'd our way up and down the street every night. Each night surprised when we would get caught. Or me. Each night I would get caught because I was the smallest/youngest and usually did not even know the bell had been wrung until everyone went flying past me. One night the old Korean man Ninja'd his way over the back fence and had me by the collar, holding me in the air. My sister Lisa was very brave that night and came out of hiding to save my scrawny hide.
7) I used to sneak out onto the prairie to find discarded snake skins because I really really wanted a snake rattle. (Yes...I was a brilliant child, scarily so)
8) I was bit in the bum by a doberman pincher. In a yard I had run through a hundred times before. I got up, brushed myself off with a glance back to remember which yard that was and carried on my merry way. After dinner each night was the forced scrub down. I had forgotten all about the dog bite until my skinny butt hit the hot water and I subsequently hit the roof. Of course my mother over reacted and I was hauled down to the hospital for a tetanus shot.

I have a ton of memories so I went to look at the old haunt. If I could insert "Skidding Tire Sound" here I would. I had no idea how humble our duplex was NOR how a family of six fit into it. We lived on the right. On that front lawn was where on one Christmas morning Lisa and I had built a snow hill to go down on our brand new red plastic skis'. And it was right there, 20 seconds after we built it, that I broke my ski. I was heartbroken and Lisa was in her glory because her skis lasted until mom threw them out years later. It was also there, right at the end of the driveway where my sister Lisa the budding entrepreneur set up shop. She had a "Go Fish" station where you paid her money and fished for a number with a makeshift fishing pole in a bucket of water. When you managed to fish out a number you received the corresponding prize. The prizes consisted of all my stuffed animals. My sister is an Evil Carny Genius. I would have been sad about any of them leaving, all except Mickey Mouse who had a built-in radio. He hurt. Funny story that. But for later.

HOW did we fit? The neighbor next door was a bit of drunk if I
remember correctly. But I'm pretty sure a person had to be to live
next to our house. Four kids, 2 cats and a drunk dog.
Sounds blissful!

Our backyard to the right, second in. This lane way was for our bike races or the Nicky Nine getaway. If you ran to the end you would run right onto the open prairie and could probably just keep going...forever! At least that is what I thought. I learned differently when we drove out to BC for the first time and I had to be drugged to make it through Rogers Pass. (I can pinpoint the exact moment my fear of heights started. That too is a funny story. No joke...I did have to be drugged).

This is what you looked at when you got to the end of the lane way- the wide open prairie! (Hey Line Painter...Go home! Your drunk!)

This was Marla's house. (The rich house on the street! haha!) Marla's mom didn't like her daughter hanging out with me. I was the wild kid from down the road with the maniac dog. Plus I liked to "Craft" with all the toilet paper which made her scream. (one day in particular stands out!) Jeepers! Its called Art!!! (Everyone is a critic).

This driveway is where the Korean man had me by the scruff of the neck. Scary!!!! His house was on the right and he jumped that fence like nobody's business! I'm pretty sure I soiled myself.

Well. This was the hood. Lots of good memories, a great place to grow up. What I loved the most though was when a Chinook blew through town. I would flip my coat up above my head to create a sail and the wind would lift me up. That was spectacular! The picture below is the town. wow! So small. Fairfield Island is bigger!

Conjuring the essence of the Lord of the Flies

2014-02-01T16:21:00.000-08:00

"Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man’s heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy - The Lord of the Flies"

August 2013, Squamish BC. Taking a break from our explorations of town with its quaint second hand shops and coffee bars, my sister and I headed down to the beach. There was a sailing regatta off in the distance of Howe Sound but one skipper missed the tide. There were people everywhere on the beach, however for one brief moment they all cleared and the group of young men who were playing tag football came together in a huddle. The way the scene came together was surreal. For the second I put my camera up to my eye and snapped the photo they all turned as a group and looked back at me, as if I had stolen something from them that day. And then as fast as the moment happened it was gone, the beach filled back up and the football game continued. This is to date, one of my favorite photos.

It has been a long long time!

2014-01-31T00:34:00.000-08:00

Looking back I can hardly believe how long I have been without a blog. As I was attempting (in my stumbling ways) to make this blog look like my website, I was reading back at all the old posts. I realize I miss writing here. This is where I played indoors, and so I vow I will be here with a greater frequency. So many changes in the past two years. I am incredibly happy. I have so many great people in my life. This is one of them. He is my heart, my soul and the wonderful man that loads my dirtbike on to the trailer. Its all hearts and flowers I tell you!

Snow!! I'm pretending I'm happy

2012-01-14T12:08:00.000-08:00

The snow makes nice pictures but it does not bode well with me. If you look closely you will see the rain that always follows any snow we get in the Lower Mainland.
And to that I say "Snow....you stink!"

It would be nice to enjoy it. But on a lighter note: my street certainly looks pretty!

Dwayne Girvan - Lighting Workshop

2011-11-26T01:08:00.000-08:00

So it has been a very long time since I have been here. I am currently working on having a new blog/website built. I can hardly wait because I find this blog stifling and uninspiring. So please forgive me for not being here a bit more. These pics are from the Model Mayhem lighting workshop put together by Dwayne Girvan. Awesome Photographer and a wonderful teacher! Big shout out!

You can try to win at play guns...

2011-10-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

The Importance of Beer

2011-10-01T22:40:00.000-07:00

I would have thought that I knew the importance of beer to men...I mean...we've all seen it right? Its a cultural thing. Its about a cold beer on a hot day to wet your whistle. Quality time with your friends. An ale in the summer and a stout in the winter. I could go on about this beer or that beer...but I think THIS says it all.

And there you have it. It is not scientific but I think I might be on to something.

“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way.”

2011-10-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

"You know your in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams"

Dr. Suess

Modern Day Brady Bunch!

2011-08-24T23:02:00.000-07:00

A family truly blended. A family brought together by the love of two people. When I first met Miss C and Mr S, they had a baby on board and she graciously spent hours with me while I built my portfolio. Since; I have been blessed to be the person they call to capture their marvelous family moments. Each child they have brought together has a very unique personality and when together they created a fantastic atmosphere, even though I was the last person they wanted around! (And to think that I came seconds away from cancelling due to a very sour stomach and nasty headache). So two Advil's and a lot of laughter later, my headache was gone. I wish all families were this happy! My mom has a sign in her house that reads: "Now Remember...as far as everyone knows we are a happy normal family"

This crew is the real deal!

My Mommy took me to the Fair

2011-08-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

The Chilliwack Fair. Like all fairs' there is something for everyone. Candied Apples on the Midway, the rides, the animals...the smells (Good and Bad). I learned a lot about my mother at the Fair. Like apparently she wants two goats for her backyard. I told her when I won the lottery I would build her a house on the same property as me and she could have a goat. "No...lots of goats" she said. I told her how destructive they were and she said "That's fine...I planned on keeping them in the house anyways". Umm so now I know that the elevator doesn't reach the top floor. I have to rethink the whole lottery/goat buying promise. I think I'll get her a lamb. They are way cuter with a much lower "crazy" level.

It was a real treat to watch the rodeo. Whatever people think about it, good or bad it brought back so many good memories of living in Calgary and going to the Stampede. If you have not made it to Calgary for that event you should put it on your bucket list. Or as the cowgirls might say: The Barrel List...as in the barrel races!

A valiant effort to stay afloat.

2011-07-24T00:03:00.000-07:00

All we ask gentlemen...is that you play hard. The weekend cannot be deemed a victory if you do not go home with a bruise or two.

The Crime of the Weekend!

2011-07-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

My Mother said she learned how to swim when someone took her out to the lake and threw her off the boat. I said,

"Mom, they weren't trying to teach you how to swim."

Our Captain. (But I'm the Admiral so I totally outrank him)

That looks warm...

This is why the lake is so cold. Trust me on this one.

I'm pretty sure this guy pushed me in...

Could have been this one...but no. My moneys on the guy

Way down at the end is where the crime happened.
Some would say I am clumsy, I say I was pushed!

Body Image-Body Shimage!!!

2011-06-26T23:40:00.000-07:00

Why are we so concerned about body image? Is it not better to feel great? To laugh with friends and love yourself rather than fretting in front of a mirror and wasting the time you have? My dad used to say that he loved us "Warts and all". (Incidentally we didn't have warts so that was just mean to start a rumor like that!) Today I had an incredible day with a lady that spent a good portion of our phone conversations telling me all the things that were wrong with her and that's why she hated her picture taken. Whoa! (So I was half expecting a third eye and a hunchback...haha! Just kidding!) And look at this stunning woman!! Just look at her! So until she can see herself through the worlds eyes, let me show her what I see. Miss M is a stunning, brilliant and funnyyyy woman. And my emphasis on funny is no mistake. I felt so good when I left her company today that I took the long way home. The first "sunday drive" of the year with the top down, the music turned up and the sun on my shoulders. Such a great day!

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I've been a bad bad blogger!

2011-06-13T22:53:00.000-07:00

Riddle me this Batman...how can I be called a blogger when I do not blog? I should at least try to do it once a week right? My list of excuses are long: two family shoots, I restored a huge oak wine barrel that now graces my front door (its the only place it can sit outside to truly dry properly before I make a bar table out of it) I have almost finished the restoration of another antique chair, oiled my teak patio set, hiked several times, gone to yoga, watched hockey with the ladies...see!! I'm no slacker I can assure you!

Anyways...enough about me. Check this little dude out! He is so curious with the most beautiful eyes! I had to share a storyboard I made. Lets hope this blog template works for it. (Ohhh....I'm changing my blog page again soon. This one was built for photos and handles them HORRIBLY! Plus the developer never returns emails so boooooo! Bad press for you Sir!) Two days...game seven. I have no finger nails left.

The Love between Siblings.

2011-06-05T22:44:00.000-07:00

All for one and one for all
My brother and my friend
What fun we have
The time we share
Siblings 'til the end.
~Author Unknown

What I see is a glimpse of the man he will be...

2011-05-23T21:29:00.000-07:00

He's TWICE as mean as he looks...

2011-05-08T20:21:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...Mothers day. I feel so content and full from our Roast Beef dinner with all the trimmings that I have very little to say. Here is a pic of my cat Patrick who has many alias's. His first was Squitty. Part Squirrel part Kitty due to his huge tail. From there he gathered Bitty Squitty (from the song by Alan Jackson "its all right to be itty bitty"...but we sang "its all right to be Bitty Squitty, little red head in a big ole city". Then Ginger, Red Headed Step Child, Fatty Patty, Patrick O'Malley. Despite all his names several things have remained true his entire life. He's red, he's mean and he's twisted. He came out that way...I have no idea why he likes to inflict pain but everyone gives him a wide berth. (And NEVER blow in his face...just saying!) Well...off for my nap before bed. Have a great night.