Redhanded Photography Blog

[ I'VE MOVED - NEW BLOG !!!]

2012-04-04T10:42:00.003-07:00

PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE NOW MOVED MY BLOG-SITE TO:

http://www.redhandedphotographyblog.com

I WILL NO LONGER BE POSTING HERE ... SO. COME, CHECK OUT THE NEW SITE!!

THANKS SO MUCH!

~ Tawn

[talk: Editing IPhone Pics.]

2012-03-21T08:30:00.001-07:00

"How do I edit my IPhone pics?"

OK ... so, most of us have some kind of photo capability on our phones. I have an IPhone 4 and am finding an amazing freedom in its built-in camera ... I mean, who wants to lug around a massive SLR camera everywhere I go?? Not me ... and yet - to not be able to capture a moment because I'm camera-less? Nope. Don't want that either.

The truth is, you can capture pretty descent pics and edit them, share them, even print them (once they're uploaded) - all from your phone. But you already knew that, right? Of course you did.

But I thought I'd take a few minutes and just show you what it can do. Now, please bear with me. I have a habit of deleting original images once they're edited - so my choice of pics to show you the "before" and "after" of, are slim.

I've been using two apps on my IPhone for editing. First, Instagram. Everyone loves Instagram ... it's free and you can have "followers" who can see your images as soon as you edit and upload (great for family and friends) ... but I don't do that. I use it strictly for its editing capabilities - not for its sharing capabilities.

First - you need the app. Then you need to open it *grin*. Then, you need to choose an image from your camera roll (or take a pic with the camera in the app) and here's what it should look like ...

My pic. That's still on my phone. Christmas ... don't judge me. *grin*

Before you edit, it kinda urges you to crop your image. Here is where you can experiment because the app doesn't delete your original, it saves the new image on its own - so have fun. Try something different, a cool angle, a new perspective.

Here's a screen shot of what the pic looks inside the app. Those thumbnail pics are different editing options ... now - you don't have PS (PhotoShop) detailing, but they're still pretty cool.

Pick one, click the check mark ... and voila. The end result. NOW ... one thing I DON'T really like about Instagram is how it crops in a square ... cool for online, not so cool for printing. But whatever ... you don't have to crop if you don't want to.

Another original pic I found on my IPhone. Sun Peaks 2012 with mine and the "V" fam ... a group shot taken by some random skier-man. Not a bad shot ... but it needed to be cropped and lightened ...

So, I open Instagram, chose the image ... crop it. And pick "Valencia" as my editing filter.

And here you have it ... in about 20 seconds from start to finish ... Again - this is not a perfect image ... a bit blurry - but hey. I wasn't taking it *big wink*.

This is from Monday night ... my friend Shawna and I were off to see Lady Antebellum ... we were a wee bit excited. And we're kinda strange too *grin* ... The original:

... in Instagram (and I chose to NOT crop this one ...)

The result. Now. This is obviously not a perfect image (for so many reasons ...) - it's grainy, it's dark ... we look ridiculous. But you get the idea.

I also use Camera+ too ... it's an app, but you have to pay for it. It has more options than Instagram ... different lighting, plus editing filters, plus other things too ... It costs $1.99. Less than my fave vanilla-rooibos-tea-latte at 'Bucks.

Here's Hillary Scott ... letting me know that she "needs you now". Ahhh ... (drifting off here for a sec ...). So great.

... in Camera+, adjusting light/clarity.

... adding an editing filter.

And done.

Again ... these are NOT the best images to show the process with. But here are a few pics that I've done from my recent Phoenix family vacay ... just the final product. You can see ... it's a pretty cool thing.

Oh wait!! Here's one ... Josiah in the pool.

Um ... I didn't crop it quite right - but you get the idea ...

And I also did it in B&W without cropping ...

OK ... some finished pics ... some cropped, some not.

This one, I used the "blur" on, to focus on SIah ... kinda fun. And I like to have fun *grin*. This also proves you can catch great "moving" shots too, if you're on top of things ...

Or group shots ...

Or close-ups.

Anything is possible ... any moment, able to be captured.

And most of the time, pics that aren't so perfect are actually the most interesting ...

Here's a cool one ... I blurred the edges in this one too - using Instagram.

OK ... I could go on and on. But I won't.

So ... there you have it. A post on how to make the most of your IPhone pics.

Helpful?

(for all inquiries, please head to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch." Thanks!)

[family: Shawn, Erica & Kiddies.]

2012-03-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

I won't lie.

When a collegue emails me, asking for a session - I get a wee bit nervous. Why? Simply because us photographers like things done a certain way *grin*. What we take, how we take it, how we process and edit ... we know what we like and what we don't. But I guess the mere fact that she contacted me meant that she liked how I did things ...

So, yes. I was nervous. But excited.

Meet Erica of Erica Miller Photography.

She's pregnant with boy #3 ... and is absolutely stunning. I love what she chose to wear - her tights were killer ... and pearls and leather. Perfect.

Now, this was the first time I actually met her - but her hubby and I go way back to the days of church-youth-group. Oh how I love reunions *grin*.

Especially ones where I can take pics *bigger grin* ...

Their two boys, Zion and Vannden (how great are those names??), were super cute - and kept me running for sure. Family shoots always have an unexpected element to them ... you never know what you're going to get with young ones. But these two knew exactly what to do *grin* - Erica has them well trained ...

I mean, SERIOUSLY ... how cute are they??

Erica wanted a Maternity/Family shoot ... like most moms, she just wanted a few pics with her in them. And as a photographer, I'm pretty sure it means just a little bit more to her than most. See, when you capture other people's memories for a living - sometimes it stares you in the face how much you miss of your own journey.

So I just kept snapping ... and captured some special memories for this lovely family.

This photoshoot was pretty much a miracle ... we had already cancelled once due to poor weather - and the forecast for that afternoon was more rain. But it held off for us, and as I drove away when it was finished - it literally started to pour.

So there you have it ... the stunning Miller family. Wow ... so much fun that I pretty much would like another opportunity to snap them up again. Hmm ... she's now only 2-days from her due date ... a newborn session perhaps??

*GRIN*

Thanks so much, Shawn and Erica, for choosing me. So incredibly honoured and privileged to have been asked ...

For all inquiries, please head to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch". And stay tuned - the BIG relaunch of my new site is happening April 1st!! Can't wait to have it up ...

Have a great one!

[IHeartFaces: B&W 10th Place!!!]

2012-03-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

I am SO excited!

I woke up this morning and thought I'd check out the "I Heart Faces" page to see if any winners were announced. Honestly - I had gone to so many of the incredible sites and seen so many fantastic photos - that I really wasn't expecting to find anything ...

There were 985 entries.

And there it was ... MY image!!!

What does this mean? Well, the top image won a $100 gift certificate - 10th place doesn't win a prize per se. But I feel like a winner *grin*.

The judge was from Bebbs Studio. You can "like" their FB site HERE, if you're interested in their work. And see the Top Ten at the I Heart Faces site HERE.

On another note ... I'm working FERVENTLY on my new website. It's almost done - and you know how it goes when you're almost finished ... it seems like it'll never end. Now, I'm not a web designer - so the details are making me go cross-eyed.

And I'm my worst critic ... one moment I love what I'm seeing - the next - I think it looks like a non-web-designer made it. Yuck.

So ... the big launch is April 1st; I have a bit more time.

What else? I'm working on a photoshoot that I took of a friend-photographer and her family. She was 37 weeks pregnant and I really love how it's turned out. The problem - I took too many pics, so I have to continue to whittle it down *grin*. Not a bad problem, but a time consuming one *bigger grin*.

Ok ... that's it.

Have a great one!

[IHeartFaces: Black and White.]

2012-03-06T10:54:00.003-08:00

This week's I Heart Faces photo contest is the theme of "black and white".

UH. OH.

Do you have any idea of how many b&w pics I have? I LOT. So ... I chose six and started asking friends for their opinion ... got it down to four. Then two ...

Then down to one. This one:

This pic was taken of Brian & Oksana on the WAY to their shoot - the first pic of the entire session. The Vancouver skytrain ... full of onlookers. See? I told you that my shutter never stops ... *smile*.

So. What do you think? ...

(To check out other fantastic B&W shots, head over to the "I Heart Faces" site HERE.)

And for all inquiries, please head to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch" ... the site is going under some major "secret" renovations - and will unveiled on April 1, 2012. Stay tuned!!

[portraits: Melody Davis ... Photography.]

2012-03-05T07:37:00.001-08:00

Ok ... I've been on a bit of a hiatus - but I assure you it was all for very good reasons. One, of which, has been me filling up my 2012 season with wedding bookings. Meeting with new brides is one of my favourite parts of my job - so I'm pretty crazy-excited about being booked now from March through October already ... thank you!!

The other, has been sorting and processing a bazillion pics of my friend, Melody of Melody Davis Photography. Her and I were in Vegas just over a week and a bit ago. And on day three of our time away, we went out with our cameras and took advantage of the amazing sun ...

The session was FULL of laughing, a bit of random singing ... and most importantly - time.

It was amazing to continue to fine-tune my "directional" skills ... and let me tell you, it's always more nerve-wracking directing a professional than a client. Being able to articulate my vision to a client is imperative to capturing the shot. And my shoot with Mel was no different. I had a few ideas for what I wanted to get for her - and Mel completely submitted to whatever I wanted ... it made the whole experience smooth and for me, full of creativity.

I had a few ideas about movement ... images that show movement tend to make me stop, to take a moment to breathe it in ...

I rarely do "one on one" portraits ... usually there's an entire bridal party behind me, or a parent running after a wayward toddler. So this was a bit special - having nothing but the pace we wanted and the incredible afternoon light ...

... and some more movement.

Mel had modeled while she was overseas, back before she married Eric (have you heard of The Left? NO? Click HERE to hear her man kill it on the drums ... ). Yes, she's a rockstar's wife, a mother, a sister, a friend ... and she couldn't take a bad photo if she tried.

So ... yeah. Now during all of this, we were swapping roles, back and forth - she was busy snapping pics of me too. And it was NERVE-wracking. I actually feel a bit sorry for her ... because I am NOT comfortable in front of the camera, as she clearly is. It's hard to make "body shapes" as I don't have long limbs (quite the opposite) and ... yeah. I really just don't like my photo being taken *grin*. So the images that were taken of me will not be as "easy" as mine were of her ... sorry Mel *grin*!!

Anyway, I'm still super excited to see what sort of genius she came up with *smile*. She's an image-artist and I've never seen an image she's taken that hasn't inspired and drawn me in ...

Ok ... that's it for now *grin*. Back to working on my NEW site - coming April 1, 2012!

For all inquiries, please head to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch."

[talk: 2012 WPPI Conference.]

2012-02-27T09:14:00.001-08:00

Last week I headed to Las Vegas, Nevada for the 2012 WPPI Conference. My friend Melody of Melody Davis Photography and I were roomies at the incredible Cosmopolitan Hotel - and man, were we excited.

The plan was simple ... a few days away to concentrate on our photography businesses - take a couple of classes, mingle with a few people, and maybe even head to out to take some pics in the Nevada sun ...

I had thought that the trip was going to be about learning more regarding the technical part of photography. Instead, I left feeling like I learned so much about the TYPE of photographer I wanted to BE.

It seemed to me that so much of the conference was driven around the financial part of our businesses, as apposed to the reason why I fell in love with the art in the first place: the emotion and memories. It just didn't sit right with me - and that was a good thing. Learning, learning, learning.

** um. the raspberry creme brulee crepes above? Mel's breakfast ... she's a champion. **

More than learning about stuff, I learned about who I want to be - how I wanted to portray myself ... and maybe even more importantly ... how I don't want to. I realized the things that I don't want to do, the ways I don't want to run my business and what kind of images I don't want to take.

We attended a couple of classes, and listened to two great business women/photographers ... Jasmine Star and Jessica Claire. This was time really well spent, gleaning from their experience ... and again - I just kept feeling confirmation about where I'm heading, where I want to go. I particularly felt connected to Jessica who spoke specifically of her journey. She showed us, through a powerpoint presentation, her humble beginnings and how she focused herself to move forward. She was down-to-earth, she was family-oriented, she was talented. It was brilliant.

During the week, we brainstormed and I bounced so many ideas off of my friend Melody. Two brains are always better than one - and sometimes we encouraged each other, sometimes we suggested something else ... but it was the creative process in full-go. Fantastic.

Most male business owners have weekly or monthly meetings. Maybe they have a weekend conference or mandatory classes they take. But - I think women entrepreneurs just don't have this opportunity - unless they make it happen themselves. And let's be real - who has the time?? However, now that I've experienced it, I feel that every business-woman should be given the opportunity to stop their lives for just a couple of days and refocus themselves. Time set aside to have a new goal, to recheck their motives, to rekindle that passion they had for what they did ... it's probably what we all should be doing.

For me - the experience simply nurtured the deep need I have to be creative. Whether it was the La Reve show at the Wynn Hotel (yee gads, it was Cirque-inspired-genius), the perfectly presented crepes at the Paris Hotel or just walking down the main strip and marvelling at the architecture ... I found myself being drenched in new ideas and longing to go to the next level with RedHanded Photography. To make it stronger, better, without compromising why I started in the first place ...

On day three, Melody and I rented a car and headed out into the desert - and there I learned what it felt like to be a client *grin*. And no children as props *grin*, or hiding behind other family members. I felt what it was like to be alone in front of that intimidating lens.

We took turns directing and modelling - something I am NOT used to at all ... and something that Melody's done quite a bit of *grin*. A little unfair, perhaps, that my images will have her modelling expertise in them - while her pics will have me laughing and feeling self-conscious in most - saying "... Acccck. I hate being in front of the camera!!"

That time in the desert was invaluable - and we made so many fun memories. I have more pics and posts on that to share soon - and video *grin* ... we'll see if I can persuade Mel to share those with the world. Don't worry - she's got equally entertaining material of me singing "Crocodile Rock" in the car ... I'm not about to post anything without her permission for fear she'll do the same *laughing* ...

It was only a few nights ... and it didn't go by too fast or too slow. It was just right. Our hotel was perfection. Everything we ate was super yummy ... and the only clothes I didn't end up wearing was my workout gear *grin*. It's ok ... my shins needed the break.

** yes. that's a toe-ring. I don't even know if I can get it off ... **

So what now?

Well - I'm now looking forward to relaunching RedHanded Photography with its new branding and website. Why? Because I think it's important to always move forward, to have a fresh idea - and to continue to stretch myself creatively.

And I know my do's and don'ts: I don't want to be a photographer that loses sight of the love I have for it; for the love I have for meeting new people, and for the immense privilege it is to be chosen - for whatever it is that they've asked me to capture.

I don't want to be robbed of that by succumbing to "what everyone else is doing".

I don't want people to hire me because of cool-styling or props ... I want people to want ME to be their photographer because my passion is obvious and my work tells their story - not my own. I want to have earned the title "photographer" - not just because I chose this profession, but because it's WHO I am.

I don't want to ever think I know it all, and be afraid of trying new things.

I don't want to be busier - I want to be better.

And I did try something new, by taking every one of these pics with my IPhone. It literally stretched me and forced me to see things differently, and it actually got pretty fun.

So. There you have it ... fresh breath into my business, a new focus, a new confirmation ... and I can't wait to relaunch April 1, 2012.

It's gonna be a great day. No foolin' *grin*.

[iheartfaces: Hugs and Kisses.]

2012-02-19T22:57:00.000-08:00

Oh wow. I have A LOT of kissy-face pics *grin*. I mean - weddings, engagements ... it's mandatory, no?

But to pick ONE?

Yikes.

So ... here it goes ... my entry for "hugs and kisses". It was the moment right after the wedding where Dave, the groom, went and hugged his mom and sister. It was full of emotion - and full of love.

To see other fantastic entries, head to the I Heart Faces site HERE. And a special "thank you" to those who choose to leave a comment ... I read every one :-).

Have a great one!

[iheartfaces: Hearts.]

2012-02-13T22:02:00.005-08:00

This week's "I Heart Faces" photo challenge is titled "Hearts". With Valentine's Day this week, it seems like a pretty good choice. But if you know me at all - props are not my thing - so I figured that I'd pass up the challenge this week.

Then ... I saw my little guy at the lunch table today and he looked at me with a big closed-mouth smile. "I love you, Mommy," he said with a mouth full of grapes. And I promise, in that moment, I imagined this image ...

Hee laughed as I drew on him and then got him to give me a furrowed brow.

My little man ... now HE has my heart for sure :-).

For see other fantastic "heart" images, head to the "I Heart Faces site HERE.

Thanks for stopping by :-) ...

[contest: And the Winner Is ... ]

2012-02-11T21:27:00.001-08:00

Before I announce who won the 2nd part of this little contest that I've been running these last few weeks, I just want to say how MUCH I've appreciated your support! I know it was a royal pain, voting for the People's Choice Award ... but so many of you did, and so many of you did more than once.

For some, it even became a bit personal - and it warmed my heart *smile*. You wanted me to win so bad, but alas, I couldn't keep up with another competitor and I gladly claim a solid 2nd place.

One way I had wanted to thank my voters, was to hold my own contest - and award a prize for a random voter. Dawn was the happy winner of the Nicole Roberts Designs scarf, back on February 1st.

But so many were disappointed :-) ... so ... I wanted to do something else.

I chatted with Nicole, and have arranged a 2nd prize for another random winner. The rules were simple, if you voted for me over the last few weeks at the "People's Choice" page - all you had to do was leave a comment on THIS post. This was a new contest, so the comments on the previous post were not valid.

So ... there were 11 comments left ... and the winner?

Kristin E., lucky number 6!!! You have won a set of 20 PERSONALLY DESIGNED cards! They can be "thank yous" or maybe an invite for your child's birthday party. Maybe you want to have some spare "happy birthday" cards, personalized saying "love The E-Fam". The ideas are endless ... and Nicole will design to your request!

I'll be in touch, KE.

And again ... to everyone, THANK YOU! But I'm officially taking a break from contests ... and getting BACK to what RHP is all about. Photography ... ahhhhh yes. So much better.

*smile*

[contest: "RangeFInder's People's Choice]

2012-02-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

Ok friends ... ONE DAY. That's all there is before the announcement is made for the RangeFinder's "People Choice Award". I currently have 245 votes ... but the third place contestant has gained almost 200 votes in three days ... EEK.

I need your votes!!!

I had been trying to do another contest - but haven't gain more than 1 vote - so I thought I'd start FRESH, today. Here's the deal:

1. VOTE for my image.

2. "LIKE" Nicole Roberts Designs FB page.

3. click the Facebook icon at the bottom of this post to have this article posted in your FB status.

3. Leave a COMMENT on this post, letting me know you've done this.

If you have ALREADY voted, and are unable to re-vote due to having already voted - you are STILL eligible to win!! But you need to leave a comment after this post, to let me know that you have voted - either now, or before.

That's it!

And the prize?

This time, win a set of 20 PERSONALLY DESIGNED cards!!! They can be "thank yous" or maybe an invite for your child's birthday party. Maybe you want to have some spare "happy birthday" cards, personalized saying "love Mandy" (insert yours/child's/family's name ...). The ideas are endless ... and Nicole will design to your request!!! How fun is THAT???

The winner will be chosen through a random draw and announced tomorrow (February 11, 2012).

SO ... please.

PLEASE.

Go vote ... even as I've typed this ... they've gained another 2 votes.

Thanks!!

[weddings: Joele & Suzanne. Pt2]

2012-02-09T12:09:00.000-08:00

... now. Where was I? Ah yes ... the Hyatt.

There was a lot of "sssshhhhh" ing and "quiet, quiet ... " as Joele and Suzanne stepped in front of us. We all held our breath as we listened ...

They were surprisingly nervous ... and as it wasn't a "traditional" ceremony - it was really relaxed. It was perfectly perfect.

We weren't at all surprised when Joele and Suzanne got choked up during their vows. They had come through a lot this year, and their commitment and love for each other made them stronger.

They meant every, single word.

Man ... we were all just so happy for them.

A final prayer over the beautiful couple ...

The announcement of "mr. and mrs." ...

And a big round of applause *grin*.

Those rings look good on them *smile* ...

And then, Paolo. Yup ... he gets a new sis-in-law too, but I reminded him that I'm STILL HERE. *grin* ...

Out came the sparkling apple juice ...

And a "hip hip HORRAY"!!

And a few quick pics ...

After this, I put my camera away and celebrated with the family. Not long after, Joele & Suzanne got into their "formal" wedding wear, along with their bridal party, and headed out into the slushy January day for some photos with their photographer.

Like an idiot, I listened to them - and didn't bring my camera to their reception. It's true, I would've spend the night capturing every moment possible ... but I really didn't know what to do with myself without it *grin*. In fact, I brought my "point and shoot" but I only took 4 photos. FOUR ... ugh.

I demand a do-over, and I will be rebellious and BRING my camera *grin*.

Love you two, so much ... welcome to the family, Suzanne. You make Joele so incredibly happy, so incredibly content. He is better for having you, as we all are. And Joele, you done good, bro. You done GOOD.

I look forward to a lifetime of memories ...

And a couple of babies *grin*???

For all enquiries, please head to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch". Thanks!

[wedding: Joele & Suzanne. Pt 1]

2012-02-08T09:13:00.000-08:00

This is a different kind of post .... See. I wasn't the actual photographer. Well. I WAS - mainly because there was no actual photographer for this part of their wedding day ... but I was also the sister-in-law, instructed to enjoy myself and not take too many pics.

Ha. *grin*

See ... Joele and Suzanne opted to have a quiet, intimate ceremony with just immediate family as witnesses. They would be getting "bridal party" photos done that afternoon, with Suzanne in her "official" gown. There would be a party at "Brix" that evening to celebrate with family and friends ... but this part was just for family. It was in a hotel room at the Hyatt in downtown Vancouver ... it was quick, simple, stress-free and ... lovely.

I had all three of our children, and the room was actually filled with family ... but despite the small amounts of chaos - I was able to capture some moments that I hope Joele and Suzanne will treasure forever.

It all started with some coffee ... of course. Starbucks is mandatory, here on the Coast.

Family began to arrive in the hotel lobby. Right where the 'Bucks was *grin*. Convenient, for sure.

My darling children *eye roll* ... *GRIN*

We headed up to the 23rd floor (uh oh ... or was it the 24th? ... oh, who really cares *grin*.) And Suzanne and her family were there. She was glowing ... simple, beautiful ... glowing.

I don't know what your family is like ... but my in-laws are fantastic. It's ALL about "family" - and this celebration of Joele and Suzanne meant a lot of laughing, mingling ... almost to the point where we had to be reminded that a ceremony was about to start *grin*.

The boys. Um. I mean, "men".

And all of us ladies ... my hubby shot this one.

Then, the ceremony was about to start ...

But you'll have to wait for the post on that *grin*. Tomorrow. There are just too many more pics to put in this post ... so much love, so much happiness.

Come back tomorrow to check it out ...

For all enquiries, please contact me by heading to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch." Thanks!

[talk: Nikon D800 ... Investing.]

2012-02-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

One of the things that an entrepreneur must do, is continue to invest in themselves ... invest in what they're doing. And that can be a tricky thing because there are times where it feels like a bit of a gamble. Spending money to better yourself.

I have been waiting for 2 years ... TWO years, to upgrade my camera. My current camera is lovely - a D300S - and it takes wonderful photos. My only issue is that it has a cropped sensor, as apposed to a full-frame. It will be a superb 2nd camera wrapped around my neck with a prime lens ... oh. That excites me too ... having two beautiful cameras ...

So ... today's NIkon announcement has made me INCREDIBLY happy. The D800 is out - and I am ready to harness all of its potential and create images that are even better, even stronger, even more "in the moment" ...

I am so excited.

I've put my deposit down and am guaranteed to be first-in-line for this extraordinary full-frame, 36megapixel, lightweight ... stunning ... camera.

Now.

I just have to wait until March to get it.

** insert finger tapping here **

[talk: The Perfect Image]

2012-02-06T00:49:00.000-08:00

I enter the I Heart Faces contest almost every Monday ... and every week my images get critiqued - which I love. Sometimes I get a "high-five" ... sometimes I don't get anything *grin*. But that's the thing about photography ... it's all opinion, no?

The truth is, is that not every image "speaks" to someone. Everyone has different tastes - and when venturing out into the photography world as a career, it's tricky to figure out who you are as apposed to what everyone else is doing. What others want, as apposed to what you're able to offer.

I tell clients that I am a candid-style photographer. Posed, staged, propped images aren't my thing. Don't get me wrong - I ADMIRE those kinds of images, they are an art in themselves ... but they're not where my heart is. I like capturing moments as they are, rather than creating a moment to be "perfect".

Some may like this approach, some may not. *smile* That's ok. It's art ... it's subjective.

The I Heart Faces contest continues to be good for me, whether my image is chosen that week or not. I will continue to learn and grow, and be somewhat competitive - 'cause that's who I am *grin*.

For the times that my image has been chosen, it's been fantastic. For those times when my image gets passed up ... it kinda stinks *grin*. But I'm continuing to know who I am as a person, as a photographer. I'm continuing to love learning and gleaning off of others ... and I continue to fall more in love with the process of it all - and I'm pretty proud of my work.

My little angel-face, Katia Rose. No props. No staging. Or controlling the moment.

And I'm finding more and more, that for me - it makes a perfect image.

[family: Chris, Robyn & Kiddies.]

2012-02-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

After seeing my work on Facebook, I got an email from Robyn. Her little guy was already 2months old and she reallllly wanted to get some family pics done before he got too big.

Say no more *grin*.

I headed out to Abbotsford and met this lovely family ... Chris, Robyn, Eleanor and little Sam. They were great, right from the get go ... super easy going and giving me a few warnings about their uncertainties of their two-year-old.

*smile*

I have a two-year-old. There's nothing to explain.

So ... meet mama and son. A little man ... who looks ex-ACT-ly like his dad.

But it wasn't long into our shoot when Sam got hungry ... and then, in true boy-fashion, decided to let it all loose and needed a good change *grin*. Family shoots can be so unpredictable, but that's the fun in it.

So ... while Sam was getting taken care of - I turned my attention to little Miss Eleanor. A true two-year-old.

And with those stunning eyes, she can melt your heart.

But even little girls have their limit ... and it didn't take long for her to have had enough ... about 10 minutes in *grin*.

But Chris knew how to get those smiles back.

And then, Sam was ready and satisfied *smile*. A new outfit and he was all ready to go ... and see? Doesn't he look like his daddy?

With Eleanor still opting out of the photos, we got Robyn to join the boys ...

But Eleanor soon realized she was missing out ... no two-year-old likes to miss out *grin*. She had a book ... and then she didn't. She liked to change her mind ... she's definitely all woman!! *grin*

By this point, Chris and Robyn had resounded to the fact that their kids juuuuust might not put on the winning smile for them ... and they were so cool about that. I mean, what do you do? You get some super-fun-real-life pics, is what you do.

... ok. There was a liiiittle bit of bribing going on. "If you smile, you can have a chocolate," Chris said. "A choc-late?" Eleanor asked. "Yes," Chris replied. "One chocolate."

So ... this was Eleanor's attempt ... a little "blue steel" *grin*. And then - that's when Sam had had enough.

And Chris and Robyn? They just enjoyed it ... no frustration, no yelling ... such great parents. Such great people.

Then we headed outside, but it was super cold - so the plan was just to get one or two shots.

And then ... Eleanor was done. *grin*. Oh, seriously ... I LOVE two year olds. So much personality, so much so much so much!

Chris, Robyn ... it was so great meeting you and your beautiful family. Your easy-going attitude made the shoot a true pleasure, and the 170+ pics show just how much fun it was *grin*. Thank you for choosing RedHanded Photography ... hope to see you soon!

For all enquiries, please head to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch". Thanks!

[iheartfaces: O So Silly.]

2012-01-29T23:10:00.000-08:00

My hubby voted for this one ...

You know - I don't know about the other photographers, but I sometimes find these themes really tricky. The theme this week is "O So Silly". So I asked him ... "this one, or this one ... or maybe this one?"

He chose this one ... "It's the silliest. By far."

Now he's not a photographer ... he's not looking for clarity or perception. He wasn't looking for depth of field or amount of contrast.

He just thought it was silly.

So ... here's my entry. Meet Eli. The fun-nest, craziest, bravest little guy I know *grin*.

I couldn't set this shot up ... this was a "get-it-NOW" kind of a moment ... And that cricket? He was completely unharmed and happily went on his merry way after Eli's mom almost had a heart attack *grin*.

For other silly entries check out the I Heart Faces site HERE.

Thank you so much to all of you who leave comments ... I read them all :-).

[events: Suzanne's Bridal Shower.]

2012-01-26T16:07:00.000-08:00

This weekend, we're adding a member to the family.

My hubby's bro is getting married to the lovely Suzanne and this past Sunday all of us "sisters" threw her a bridal shower. You may remember this couple from THIS shoot and THIS one too ...

My sis-in-laws are incredible. Both are extremely talented and have such a vision for details. I, on the other hand, simply like to take the images of all their hard work *grin* ...

It was held at my mom-in-law's home ... and, in true Italian fashion, there was a lot of food. Skewers of bocconicini, grape tomatoes and a basil leaf, cups of fresh cut veggies with dip at the bottom ... there was cannelloni, marinated pork tenderloin, salad and yummy treats of home-baked cupcakes, meringues with cream and raspberries and a table full of bakery delights.

It wasn't a surprise ...

My one sis, Silvia, owns a party store called "Party On" ... she is dang good at what she does - and if you ever need any party supplies or help ... she's the one to call.

It was an afternoon of both sides getting to know each other, and celebrating the joy of having Suzanne in our family ...

We had a sit down lunch ... no body wanted to mess the table up, though *grin*.

My mom-in-law ... isn't she the cutest?? You'd never make another lasagna again if you tried hers. I've been married for 13 years and have NEVER made one. Why would I? She'll make us hers, any time. And it's perfection *grin*.

There were gifts ... lovely gifts.

Suzanne and her girls had gone to the gun range ... those things in this special box? The bullet casings *grin*.

... the perfect apron.

And slippers that dust hardwood floors *laughing* ...

I actually didn't get to stay for the entire thing *blush*. I had another appointment I needed to be at that evening, so I missed out on some of the fun ... boo. But I know that every girl there had a wonderful time, left well fed and had sore cheeks from smiling so much *grin*.

And I for one am REALLY excited about the wedding on Saturday. I will be photographing the civil ceremony - a small, intimate gathering. And then I get to party it up for their reception downtown, and be a "guest" ...

Joele. Suzanne. You've chosen well ... and I can't WAIT for you two to make the cutest Italian/Chinese babies EVER *grin*.

For all enquiries, please head over to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch." Thanks!

[iheartfaces: By the Book.]

2012-01-23T13:06:00.000-08:00

I'm not a prop girl ...

Man, there are photographers out there who do it top-notch. Me? I find it tricky to stage things and make them look ... honest.

Ah well ... I'll keep working at it *grin*.

But, for this week's "I Heart Faces" competition, the theme was "By The Book" and an image ACTUALLY came to mind. Probably because it's the only photo that I've ever taken with a book *blush*.

This little bundle was prayed for, for almost a decade. And when she arrived - her parents rejoiced and believed that God came through for them in a magnificent way.

She is already resting on His promises.

To see other fantastic entires, please head to the I Heart Faces site HERE.

For all my regular readers - and the new ones too - please take a moment to check out THIS POST for how you could WIN a Nicole Roberts Design cowl scarf by sending me your VOTE!! I've entered a small photo contest, and this voting section is the PEOPLE'S CHOICE - and I need your vote :-)! You must vote and leave a COMMENT on THIS POST to be eligible to win! Thanks so, so much!

[engagement: Aaron & Emma.]

2012-01-23T11:46:00.000-08:00

Every time I talk about these two, I feel the need to have a disclaimer *grin*. See ... this was not an engagement session ... it was a family-session, and it just happened that a family member was engaged.

But I LOVE couple pics. So I asked if I could take a few of them ... so. Please don't confuse this with any "official" engagement pics that they have done or will do ...

Ok. Enough of the disclaimer ... here's Aaron and Emma.

*siggggggh*

Aren't they lovely?

This photo makes me smile because I kept asking the family to move out of the shot, but they kept creeping back in. On purpose *grin*.

Emma's a model. Like, a real one *grin*. So she played beautifully in front of the camera. But I assure you ... she wasn't pretending.

And how brave were they? I mean ... imagine - the entire family standing behind me ... chirping and jeering. These two handled it like pros ...

So, yeah.

That's Aaron and Emma. And our 7minute photoshoot *grin*. Thanks, you two, for letting me snap these. You really are ... lovely (hmmm ... I need to start increasing my vocab, I think).

AND ... if you HAVEN'T vote for a chance to WIN of FREE cowl scarf from Nicole Roberts Design. I would love to have your vote - so please follow the CONTEST RULES HERE. Someone has to win ... it might as well be you :-). (If you're from far, far away ... I'll mail it *grin*!!).

For all enquiries, please head to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch." Thanks!

[contest: Who Wants to Win?]

2012-01-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

CONTEST. CONTEST. CONTEST.

I'm having a contest and YOU can WIN too!! I really, really need your help. And I know - it's a pain ... it's not something that you probably would like to do ... but I'm going to be brave and ask with a heartfelt "PLEEEEEASE."

See, I entered a photo contest. A real one. With real prizes ... like a new camera *eek*. And, like, a bucketload of photography gadgets and gizmos.

Oh how I would LOVE to win ... something. *grin*. So ... my images entered are being judged by professionals in their categories, BUT there is a "People's Choice" award.

Would you? Please??

If my readers could ban together and JUST VOTE for the SAME image that would be SO great. Please choose this one:

SO. Here's what I need you to do:

1. Head to this link: http://rangefinderweddingcontest.com/bin/Rate

2. Then you need to click "VOTE" under the image. At that point, they will ask for an EMAIL ADDY to verify your vote. Each email addy only gets ONE vote ... I know this is a pain - but if you happen to have a garbage email like I do (one that I use for junk mail and logins), then would you mind?

3. Once you give your email addy, you need to then go to that email's inbox and VERIFY. Click the link in the email - and it'll send you STRAIGHT to the voting page. There, pick the RedHanded Photography image shown above.

That's it. You only get ONE vote ...

And as a "Thank You", one of you will WIN a SCARF by Nicole Roberts Designs!! That's right ... the coveted scarf in OATMEAL. A little preview ...

*** UPDATE: DAWN BRALOVICH WAS THE WINNER OF THE SCARF ON FEB1.2012, BUT ANOTHER RANDOM DRAW WILL HAPPEN ON FEB11.2012 FOR ANOTHER FANTASTIC PRIZE BY NICOLE ROBERTS DESIGNS **

How can you win?? Simple ...

1. VOTE for my image HERE

2. JOIN my "RedHanded Photography" FaceBook Page HERE

3. JOIN Nicole's "Nicole Roberts Designs" FaceBook Page HERE

4. TWEET about this contest on your Twitter by clicking the "T" link at the bottom of this post.

5. CLICK the FACEBOOK link at the bottom of this post and MAKE THIS POST your STATUS.

4. LEAVE A COMMENT here on this site, letting me know that you VOTED & JOINED, CLICKED & TWEETED. If you're already a member of those sites, let me know :-)).

AND if you're NOT local ... no worries. I will SEND you the scarf :-))).

YAY!

Oh boy ...

I do love contests.

Good luck, and THANK YOU.

[family: Hank, Annette & The Gang.]

2012-01-18T08:54:00.000-08:00

There are a couple of organizations that I've donated my services to - a small way that I can help raise funds for their events. Annette bid and won the photography session I donated to LCS back in the fall of 2010. Now, due to circumstances, we were unable to get the session in before the expiry date of October 2011 ... but with some of her family being in school back east - well - I had to make an exception *smile*.

I'm so glad that I did.

We met at a location that had a large enough "under cover" area, should it have decided to rain like the weatherman had been threatening. But it didn't ... and so - the world was our oyster. Well. At least the park was *wink* ...

Meet Hank and Annette, a really wonderful couple. And let me just say - I LOVE this about my job. Taking photos of couples who haven't had their pics taken in years ... I know that for me, 13 years after we have said our "I dos" - photos are STILL important. Our society tells us that beauty is in youth, that looking a certain way - or posing like a rockstar - is how we'll want to be remembered and look back at our lives.

I just don't think so ... I think this couple are incredibly beautiful beyond words. They must have such wisdom, in that their family shone in friendship and love. These images show who they are ... and it excites me.

Ok ... I'm getting ahead of myself here ... but I just had to throw that in.

Again. Hank and Annette ... *smile*.

Most times, it's the mom who really wants the photos taken. And most husbands simply show up - and they know that this is going to make their wife very happy. Hank knew just that ... and did exactly as he was supposed to for those 60minutes ... what a good man *grin*.

Their four kids ... they're far from dull. Each one, full of personality and self confidence. I didn't even need to guide them, really. I was never quite sure what they were going to do next.

Levi, the youngest ... does a mean dinosaur. *grin*

Hanah ... she's not afraid to do the ridiculous ... and when you're this beautiful, nobody minds.

Derek? Every time I went to take the photo, I had to snap at least three pics to make sure I got at least one semi-serious one ... *grin*.

And Aaron? ... why, he was smitten with Emma. But more on that later ...

The truth is, I had to keep these guys busy or else they'd find something to do on their own. Like planking on the bleachers. You know ... normal stuff *grin*.

Yes ... they had so much fun with each other - egging one another on, just playing around. It almost made me wish I would've stuck it out for my own fourth kid. ALLLLLmost.

And Hanah is not going to be the "lone" girl for much longer. Aaron and Emma are engaged and it's just so lovely ...

Emma's already "family". It was obvious.

... and then ... of course. The random "picking-Levi-up" stuff. *laughing*

Whatever I suggested, they were full-tilt on. I was dying as they stretched ...

And Emma kept cheating *grin*. Smart girl.

I just love it when parents let their kids be who they are. Hank and Annette didn't try for a moment to make this session "perfect". They just laughed with their kids. It was so great. They even helped with "puttin'-out-the-vibe" ... *grin*

I don't know about you ... but perfectly perfect photos don't always tell the true story. I think that's why this series of images gets me so pumped ... you really get a sense of WHO this family is. They're a real team, real friends ... you can't help but think they're doing something right for their family to be THIS great ...

Hank, Annette ... and the gang, THANK you. Really. For taking a chance on my little advert at the LCS auction ... for being willing to try and do pretty-much anything ... for making my job feel more like play than anything else.

Same time, same place next year?? *grin*

OH! And there are a few more pics that I'm going to be sharing ... kinda a "mini" engagement session. Well. It wasn't even really "mini". More like a mini-mini. But Aaron and Emma were so stunning, I have to share them on their own ... Please note that I am not their hired photographer, and these are not their official engagement pics ... They were just a few that I snapped and looooooved *smile*.

Come back for more of those :-).

For all enquiries, please contact me by heading to my RedHanded Photography page HERE and click "get.in.touch."

Thanks!

[family: Preview - Hank, Annette and the Gang.]

2012-01-17T15:24:00.000-08:00

I really am looking forward to sharing this session with you - and am thinking I'm going to do it in two parts. It was a family session - more on how this session came about later - but one of the "children" is engaged.

Children. Like how I used that word *grin*?

Anyway - I will do the full family-shoot ... and then I'm going to do a little "engagement" post. Please note ... this was NOT their engagement shoot (I am not their photographer), but rather they're just a few pics that I took of these two on their own.

I'd just like to separate it from the others ... I'm weird that way *grin*.

SO - *drumroll* - a little preview of this family ...

Ah yes.

So much to show ... come back soon!

For all enquiries, please head over to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch." Thanks!

[iheartfaces: Family Fun.]

2012-01-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

This week's photo challenged is "Family Fun". Um. I meet so many great families all the time ... how on earth would I pick??

Eeny. Meeny. Miny.

Moe.

This pic is one I actually just took last week with a family who was FULL of personality. Can you tell *grin*??

Yup. Definitely "family fun".

Thanks so much for stopping by, and for those who choose to leave a comment - THANK YOU - you made my day *grin*!! And hey, why not come and check out other fantastic entries by heading to the "I Heart Faces" site HERE.

For all enquiries, please head over to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch". Thanks!

[iheartfaces: Best Face Photo of 2011.]

2012-01-08T21:30:00.000-08:00

EEK. I didn't even see this coming.

And yet - I must be on the same page as I Heart Faces .., because I completed THIS POST on my "Faves of 2011" in December, and this image was my personal favourite ...

So. Needless-to-say, when I Heart Faces's challenge was titled "Best Face Photo of 2011" I didn't even go through my portfolio. Hannah was my choice *smile*.

To see other fantastic faces of 2011, head over to the "I Heart Faces" page HERE.