Meet Haley, Haley and Haley. She had so much fun in front of my camera. And what a smart cookie! Include fun energy plus sense of humour, and you’ve one adorable girl.

About the 100 Pop-Up Kids Series:

By connecting with children in five minutes or less, my hope was to bring out a characteristic each child wanted to share. What captured my attention was the inherent intelligence and personality children displayed while having fun in front of my camera.

One of the things I love about this series is that kids were photographed no matter how they looked. Crazy-messy hair? Perfect! Wrinkled t-shirts? Fine by me. Portraits were created using a pop-up studio. No make-up, hair, or wardrobe stylists were used.

View the on-going Pop-Up Kids Series online by clicking here.

You’ll enjoy these posts:

• Matthew / pop-up kid in black and white
• Oh Cee-airrr-ahhh! / pop-up kid in colour
• Declan / pop-up kid in colour
• Budding Rockstar Under Bright Lights / child portraiture
• Gotcha! | candid children photography

The post Haley trifecta / pop-up kid portraits black and white appeared first on Blog of Dean Oros Photography + Design.

Did you know that even before flower bouquets were used by brides in weddings they were used in a different form of art? Flower bouquets were captured in paintings and on pottery as decorations as early as the 17th century and possibly earlier.

This past weekend I photographed a wedding with beautiful flowers. Their theme was consistant throughout the details of the day, and that is what caught my eye.

We say we love flowers, yet we pluck them.

It’s rather rare to come across someone who doesn’t enjoy flowers. There’s a lovely, somewhat mysterious quote by Anonymous about flowers:

We say we love flowers, yet we pluck them. We say we love trees, yet we cut them down. And people still wonder why some are afraid when told they are loved. – Anonymous

Flowers in Professional Photography

In the pro photography world, it’s said not to bother capturing images of flowers unless the image is… Exceptional. Spectacular. Phenomenal, et al. But what these “experts” neglect to consider is flowers have meaning to those that take the time to create and design arrangements and bouquets. It’s an art form. Flowers are one of the planet’s art forms, one could say. I’ve never attended a wedding without flowers (and I’ve photographed a large variety of cultural weddings). To those that grow flowers, to those that give them as tokens of love, of friendship, or simply to add the wonderful colour and scent of flowers to a room, they are special, and beautiful.

Floriography

The language of flowers, or “floriography”, is a means of communication, by people, through the use or arrangement of flowers. Interest in floriography was extremely popular in Victorian England and the United States during the 19th century. Gifts of plants and specific floral arrangements were used to send a coded message, allowing a person to express feelings which could not be spoken aloud in Victorian society. Armed with floral dictionaries, Victorians often exchanged small “talking bouquets”, called nosegays or tussie-mussies, which could be worn or carried as a fashion accessory. Fascinating!

Symbolism of Flowers

People use symbolism all the time. We surprise someone with a bunch of bright yellow flowers to cheer them up. We declare our love and passion with two-dozen velvety, red roses. We sense the personalities of different flowers and intuitively choose one over another to fit our mood or occasion.

This associating certain flowers with different meanings is called Hanabotoba by the Japanese. Specifically, plants were given codes and passwords. Physiological effects and action discerned by the color of flowers, put into words the impressions of nature. The presence of thorns and the height of tall plants and flowers, for example, have specific meaning.

Flowers are the music of the ground. From Earth’s lips, spoken with sound. – Edwin Curran

Flowers and Meaning

As flowers are the actual reproductive systems of plants, generally flower meanings refer to love, birth, unity, growth, and connection.

Following are some common symbolic flowers and their meaning. Try to see if you know their meaning before reading about each flower.

Amaryllis Flower Meanings
Symbolic of success won after a struggle. These were often given in recognition of a job well done – particularly in scholastics, writing, and artistic endeavors. Give the poet in your life a bunch of amaryllis and you are encouraging his/her creative muse. You are also recognizing his/her achievements in the arts.

Apple Blossom Meanings
Intoxicating by their very nature, apple blossoms are symbolic of heady love, peace, sensuality, and fertility. Apple blossoms (and trees) were honored by the ancient Celts as a symbol of love, and they would decorate their bedchambers with these blossoms to entice amorous nights.

Camellia Flower Meanings
With its delicate soft, round petals and gentle curves the camellia is considered a symbol of desire, passion, and refinement. It indicates a deep longing in the heart for your beloved. It is also a symbol of perfection and excellence. Give camellia’s to your sweetheart. Better yet, give some of these lovely flowers as a secret admirer!

Daffodil Flowers and Meanings
Daffodil’s have meanings of faith, honesty, truth, forgiveness, and forthrightness. They are ever vigilant in returning each spring, and with their return we are reminded that their beauty is capable of following on the shirttails of even the harshest winters (or tribulations). Give daffodils to someone when as a token of forgiveness or give them away as a token of appreciation for their honesty.

Dahlia Flower Meanings
Dahlia’s are spicy flowers, and their meanings range from a sign of warning, to change, to travel, to even a portent of betrayal. The varied symbolic meanings of the dahlia make this flower a wild card. Give to that unique, eclectic person whom you wish to compliment his/her wild side. Combine them with slender flowers like irises or tulips for a striking visual display as well as a combined symbolic message that says “temper your adventures with a kind heart.”

Lily Flowers Meanings
Lilies are the flowers of the spiritually advanced. They are also the totem flowers of mothers (especially new ones), fertility and nurturing. Lilies are also appropriate flowers to present during weddings as they are symbolic of unions, partnerships, and long lasting relationships. Give lilies to new mothers and brides-to-be; share the symbolism of these beautiful blossoms with them, and watch their faces light up with delight.

Pansy Flower Meanings
Pansies have long been flowers of remembrance. Indeed, they have often been placed upon memorial markers and stones to honor and remember those who are no longer on the physical plane. They are also a symbol of togetherness and union, and perhaps this is why they are so appropriate for remembering those who have passed from our lives. Their beauty is the perfect testimony to the love we have shared with others in the past. Keep pansies around you when you wish to remember the fond memories and kindnesses of loved ones who have passed from this earth.

Rose Flower Meanings
Rose meanings vary according to color. On the whole, however, roses are symbolic of deep love, concentration, intelligence, balance, and passion. They are also sometimes seen as a message for healing, revitalization, rejuvenation and courage. Roses are very complex in their features, and so therefore have complex meanings. More than just Valentine’s Day favorites, roses bear the mark of honor, devotion and intense commitment on many levels. Give roses only when you are serious about your intentions. Click here for more rose meanings, including color symbolism’s of the rose. You may also like symbolic thoughts about rose tattoo ideas here.

Sunflower Meanings
The way they move their massive heads to meet the sun make them a flower of spiritual attainment, flexibility, and opportunity. They are also symbolic of good luck, wealth and ambition. Give sunflowers away to someone who is working toward a goal and needs a big break in their lives. They are also an excellent housewarming gift as the receiver embraces new opportunities in the form of hearth and home.

Tulip Flower Meanings
Tulips are also voracious sun seekers (like the sunflower) and will sway their heads in crazy contortions seeking out the best angle for light. This makes them a symbol of opportunity, adjustment, advancement, and aspiration. They are commonly thought to represent attainment of spiritual awareness too. Because they are from bulbs, and return every year (like the daffodil) tulips are symbolic of resurrection and determination.

You’ll enjoy these posts:

• To Spring / conceptual / William Blake
• Update | Website Upgrades
• The Persian Connection | wedding anniversary photo-session
• The Brides’ Ballet: Tell Us Which You Prefer and Win a Fine-Art Print!
• Symmetry in nature and life / article

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As an example, what attributes make a person’s face more attractive than another? Is it subjective or is a symmetrical face considered more attractive? Is it perceived perfection or imperfections? Perfect symmetry, it’s said in science, is a sign of strong genes.

Portrait of young girl. (© Dean Oros Photo + Design / Images of a Promise)

As I see it, symmetry begins in nature, which in turn shows up in human function and how we express ourselves via art, music, architecture and our process of discovery. It’s how we function in life. You’ve heard the expression: “The ebb and flow of life”, or Sir Isaac Newton’s third law of motion in physics: “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.”

In fact, I’d say there are different types of symmetry. They interact and are related to each other, much like chemistry’s periodic table.

One example of nature’s incredible symmetry is the human brain. It has two physically separate, symmetrical left and right hemispheres. Though they communicate with each other via the corpus callosum, they process information differently, which effectively complement each other to allow harmonious function. In very broad terms, the right hemisphere takes the world in via pictures, movement and sound, while the left hemisphere views the world in a serial, methodical and linear fashion.

Jill Bolte Taylor is a neuroanatomist – a brain scientist who studies the anatomy and physiology of the brain. In 1996 she experienced a stroke, and documented how, over the course of four hours, her brain functions shut down one by one, until she was left as “an infant in a woman’s body.” The functional symmetry of her brain experienced life-threatening disorder. You can watch Jill tell her fascinating story on TED Talks here:

Oxford mathematician, Dr. Marcus du Sautoy, said “Symmetry is the way that plants and animals communicate. It is an indication on meaning in the natural world.”

If you find this interesting you may want to read Dr. du Sautoy’s book, Finding Moonshine: A Mathematician’s Journey Through Symmetry.

Symmetry and by extension, patterns, are some cornerstones of life. Perhaps, next time you decide to look, you may see symmetry.

You’ll enjoy these posts:

• Happy New Year | Coming in 2012
• Flowers in art, secret languages, symbolism, meanings / article
• To Spring / conceptual / William Blake
• Sun shines on a sunflower field / Hungary
• Winter Series | holiday season greeting cards in the store

The post Symmetry in nature and life / article appeared first on Blog of Dean Oros Photography + Design.

“Inspiration is for amateurs – the rest of just show up and get to work.”

Here at the studio, we honestly don’t believe that. Inspiration comes at you even when you’re not looking for it. Being receptive to inspiration when not seeking it, is the key.

You’ll enjoy these posts:

• On The Ecstatic Truth | fiction and documentary in photography
• Favourite Quote | “snapshots”
• Jack Layton | Final Words of Love R.I.P.
• Abstract Expressionist New York | Art Gallery of Ontario | Philip Guston
• Peter Drucker

The post Is inspiration for amateurs? / quote appeared first on Blog of Dean Oros Photography + Design.

Torontonians, aka residents of Toronto, are happy this week because of spring’s long awaited arrival. The warmth of the sun has finally shone on our fair city. Many people could be seen wearing shorts and t-shirts, myself included.

To Spring

William Blake (1757-1827)

THOU with dewy locks, who lookest down
Through the clear windows of the morning, turn
Thine angel eyes upon our western isle,
Which in full choir hails thy approach, O Spring!

The hills tell one another, and the listening
Valleys hear; all our longing eyes are turn’d
Up to thy bright pavilions: issue forth
And let thy holy feet visit our clime!

Come o’er the eastern hills, and let our winds
Kiss thy perfumèd garments; let us taste
Thy morn and evening breath; scatter thy pearls
Upon our lovesick land that mourns for thee.

O deck her forth with thy fair fingers; pour
Thy soft kisses on her bosom; and put
Thy golden crown upon her languish’d head,
Whose modest tresses are bound up for thee.

You’ll enjoy these posts:

• Impressionism in Photography
• Flowers in art, secret languages, symbolism, meanings / article
• The Beauty of Images and Words on Paper: more valuable than ever
• Conceptual Stock Photography and Managed Rights
• Beauty Where You Least Expect It

The post To Spring / conceptual / William Blake appeared first on Blog of Dean Oros Photography + Design.

To subscribe to the Dean Oros Photo + Design Studio e-Newsletter click here.

The Dean Oros Photo + Design Spring Newsletter has been your favourite to date. Thank you.

I was happy to receive email from several readers who enjoyed their weekend read. Thank you very much! Your feedback helps to deliver relevant content you’re interested in.

You tell a story as effectively with words as you do with your images. I look forward to receiving your quarterly e- newsletters. ….Mythili

You work speaks to me – without knowing why, often I am awed by your capture of what for me is powerful beyond identifiable adjectives. Thanks so much Dean. ….Elizabeth

Nice stuff man! ….Rory

To subscribe to the Dean Oros Photo + Design Studio e-Newsletter click here.

You’ll enjoy these posts:

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I learned a long time ago in my film and TV days that every story has already been told. The challenge is to tell it differently, with an original voice.

Click here to view the embedded video.

This especially applies to maternity, baby-bumps and newborn photography. Strive for natural beauty and story in documenting this beautiful time. There’s more to the new life you’ve brought into the world, then wrapping your baby in a blanket curled up on a bed or couch.

Some time ago I wrote a relevant and helpful article on maternity photography entitled: No Cheese with my Maternity Pics Pleez! It contains useful information on how to prepare for your maternity photography session. It’ll make the session even more enjoyable, and will allow you to be in the moment. If you’ve commissioned the Studio, we will also spend as much time as you need during pre-photo session consultations to bring out the best in everybody. We’ll work with you and guide the photo session to capture not just your body, newborn or toddler, but a piece of your personality and the journey of creating a family.

Get in touch today and we’ll tell your story in all its natural beauty. We serve Toronto (Canada) and surrounding areas. We travel to you, too.

You’ll enjoy these posts:

• Haley trifecta / pop-up kid portraits black and white
• Matthew / pop-up kid in black and white
• Oh Cee-airrr-ahhh! / pop-up kid in colour
• Declan / pop-up kid in colour
• Wishing you peace and joy this Holiday Season

The post Be Original / not a copy appeared first on Blog of Dean Oros Photography + Design.

We’ve designed new half day photo-walk workshops guaranteed to stimulate and educate the photographer in you. We’re excited about what we’ve in store, and are celebrating!

On Facebook? This is for you:

That’s right! Like us on Facebook, and save 80% on your next workshop.

Not on Facebook? Not to worry. You can save 80% as well. Click here.

For a limited time only.

See you at the next workshop.

You’ll enjoy these posts:

• My First Camera: Photography Workshops for Everyone in Toronto
• MY FIRST CAMERA Workshop Sale Extended for 1-Day Only – UPDATE: SOLD OUT
• Photography Workshop Sale

The post Do we have a photography workshop for you! appeared first on Blog of Dean Oros Photography + Design.

To help you get started, you can own it for as little as $85. That’s 50% off! Place an online order and use promotional code BeautifulWinter during checkout.

Click here to view in our Store Gallery.
Use promotional code BeautifulWinter to save an incredible 50%.
Limited time offer expires in two weeks. *

This is a photograph meant to be viewed in a large format. We love to show it off, so get in touch to see it in person.

* Limited time offer expires May 1st, 2013. Sales tax and delivery will be added to your order.

You’ll enjoy these posts:

• Presenting Winter’s Lifesaving Station 1 limited edition and loose prints
• Is Monday your first work day of the week? Start it with a sense of calm.
• Just take a time out | personal
• Serenity
• “The Leuty Pier” limited edition prints

The post New Artwork Now Available / special introductory pricing appeared first on Blog of Dean Oros Photography + Design.

The interesting point for me to remember is that in 2003 I was only shooting with medium format and 35mm film. Digital photography was in its infancy. So, these pictures have a bit of history, as they were captured on film, but enhanced digitally.

Golden sun shines across a sunflower field in Hungary. Agriculture is important to Hungary’s economy. Hungary produces wheat, corn, sunflower, potatoes, sugar beets, pigs, cattle, poultry, and dairy products. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is in the family of Asteraceae. It has a strong central root system and several rich side roots. Its stalk is strong and depending on the type it is 1.5-2.5 metres tall. Sunflower is the one of the most important industrial crops in Hungary and has the highest annual production in the group of oil plants. The oil produced from sunflower is mainly used for food purposes, but is also an important raw material for margarine and soap manufacturing. The by-product arising after cold pressing is rich in proteins and is used as an animal feed. “Green” fertilizers and other feeding materials are also produced from sunflowers.
(© Dean Oros Photo + Design)

I also remember most of Europe was experiencing a heat wave, and I prayed as the miles passed that the air conditioning in my host’s Lexus (which he imported from Canada), would not die out. We put in a lot of mileage all over Hungary during my stay. I was researching Hungarian wines, and visited both small and large wineries. And as a side note, there are wonderful wines produced in Hungary that do not make it to Canada.

My host, Laci, was a Hungarian-Canadian TV journalist. We produced a one hour documentary together about Dora De Pedery-Hunt during her 90th Birthday, 4 years before she passed away in Toronto. Dora was a Hungarian Canadian who designed many of Canada’s coins. The documentary is part of Omni Television’s Signature Series. You can view more about it here.

What I didn’t know prior to my arrival in Budapest was that sunflower production is a mainstay of Hungarian agriculture. Acre upon acre of sunflower fields adorned either side of our country road driving. Sunlight shimmering across vast fields of tall sunflowers is beautiful to see.

Though I didn’t make a lot of images from that trip, there is a small collection in the studio store. I’ll feature some of them on the blog in the coming weeks. Or, you can visit the Hungary Collection in the store here.

You’ll enjoy these posts:

• Flowers in art, secret languages, symbolism, meanings / article
• Symmetry in nature and life / article
• To Spring / conceptual / William Blake
• Happy New Year | Coming in 2012
• Winter Series | holiday season greeting cards in the store

The post Sun shines on a sunflower field / Hungary appeared first on Blog of Dean Oros Photography + Design.