WORKSHOP ONE: SWEET SUCCESS | {workshops} | april 2012

On the weekend of March 24th and 25th, I taught my first photography workshop. It was an incredible weekend! I enjoyed it immensely and the feedback from participants has been amazing!

The two-day workshop introduced new photographers to the basic fundamentals of photography and how to use their DSLR cameras. It was fantastic to watch the participants - who all came in using auto mode - start to put the information together and ask questions that told me they were getting it! They all left knowing how to use their cameras on aperture priority, shutter priority and manual mode - just like a pro!

We spent the first day in the studio discussing everything from what makes a DSLR different from a point and shoot, how a DSLR will give you those "wow" images, to capturing actions shots and using depth of field in landscape photography and portraits.

On day two, we spent the morning in the studio talking about focusing, composition and post-processing. In the afternoon, we headed to Church Road Park for a live photoshoot with our fabulous model, Megan. It was a chilly day and the sun was high in the sky - not a cloud in sight. I was hoping for a little cloud cover, but the clear blue sky gave me an opportunity to show the participants how to deal with bright sunlight. Time of day is key in photography, but you can't always pick and choose. I gave away a few "secrets" and now all participants know what to do when faced with a bright sunny day! Sunny...what was that rule again?

The emails and comments I have received are wonderful. I thank all eight participants for making my first workshop a great success. I'm working out the details for part II, which will include a full day out in the field.

I plan to offer the Basics for Beginners Workshop again in the near future. If there is anyone out there interested, feel free to get in touch or become a fan on facebook. I will keep you posted on the date and event details.

I want to take a moment now to showcase a few images taken by the Basics for Beginners Workshop attendees. Please note: NONE of these images were taken on auto mode!

Congratulations guys! Great job! You are all well on your way to becoming better photographers. You have the knowledge and evidently the skills, now it's up to you where you take your photography!

Best of luck from one photographer to another!

MELISSA + DAVID | {maternity session} | march 2012

"The decision to have a child is momentous.

It is to decide forever to have your heart  go walking outside your body."

I came across this quote online a few months ago. How true are those words?

Having a baby is a life-long adventure. You carry a baby under your heart for nine-months and that child has your heart for a lifetime.

I have known Melissa and David for a few years now. I know how excited they are to be expecting. Needless to say, I was so pleased when they asked me to photograph their baby bump. During their maternity session, I could see that joy of becoming parents shining through in every image.

Baby N is expected to arrive in mid May. I can't wait to meet him!

MEET MEGAN | {portrait photography} | march 2012

My blog has definitely been neglected these past couple months. Not a good way to start the year hey! That's OK, I'll make up for it during wedding season. It's going to be another busy summer and I'm really looking forward to it!

Between grads, portrait sessions in the studio, organizing material for my workshop and planning a wedding, it has been a busy couple of months. Yip, I said planning a wedding. Our wedding! Feels very strange, let me tell you. I've been a wedding photographer for over ten years. I've watched many Brides nervously prepare to meet their husband-to-be at the church and smiled to myself when I catch a Groom spinning his new bling around on his ring finger, trying to get used to the new feeling. As Tom and I prepare to say our I dos, I realize exactly how each of them felt. It's a mixture of excitement and sheer terror. Just kidding. Although, I'd be lying if I denied being nervous. Tom and I will be leaving on a jet plane (I know cliche) on May 11th. We will exchange vows on a white sandy beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica. And, both of our families are coming with us!

Anyway, getting back to the reason for this post. I will be hosting my first workshop for beginners next weekend. It might be basic, but there is a lot of information to cover. Photography is both an art and a science and I'm going to show my attendees how awesome art and science can be together!

The workshop includes a hands-on photoshoot. Attendees will have the opportunity to work with a model to practice new techniques and experiment with aperture, shutter speeds and composition.

Meet Megan. She will be our model! We met recently at Church Road Park. It was a bright sunny day. These image were all taken with natural light - a little out of character for me. Its very rare I don't add a little fill. Megan has beautiful eyes and the sun lit them perfectly. It also gave her a little sun-kissed glow. It was the perfect day for shooting during the winter months. In my opinion anyway.

THE BASICS FOR BEGINNERS | {workshops} | january 2012

Are you passionate about photography, but don't know where to start? I know exactly how you feel. I remember those days! I bought my first SLR (film at the time) when I was sixteen. I was so excited. My dream of being a professional photographer was within reach. I soon realized buying a "fancy" camera, didn't make me a photographer. I had to learn how to use it first!

I've been asked many times over the past few years, if I would offer a photography workshop or one-on-one class. I'm excited to finally announce that I will be offering a Basic Photography Workshop in March.

Not everyone that buys a DSLR wants to be professional photographer. Many of you may just want to take better photos. That's cool. But, why invest in a prosumer or professional camera ($$) and leave the dial on auto? There is so much more you can do! Don't be intimidated by those other buttons. My workshop will not only show you how to use your camera, but also how to improve your photography using composition and how to shoot like a pro in manual mode.

WORKSHOP DETAILS

The Basics for Beginners Workshop is designed for any photographer just starting out. It will be a fun and interactive learning experience with 10 hours in-class training and 2 hours in-field. That's a total of 12 hours of fun with yours truly. ha ha. Don't run yet :D  It'll be fun, I promise!

The Basics for Beginners Workshop will take place March 24-25th. The cost of the workshop is $250. Class size is limited to 12 students.

For information on how to register, please contact me via email by clicking "contact" above or through my website.

WHAT WILL BE COVERED

- Basic Camera Operation

- Shooting Modes

- ISO

- Shutter Speed

- Aperture

- Shooting in manual mode

- Composition

- Digital Storage + more

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

An SLR (Single Lens Reflex) or DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera and at least one lens.

1-ON-1 WORKSHOPS

One-on-one lessons are also available for those who can not make the workshop or prefer a customized lesson plan to meet their individual needs. Please contact me for details.

MERRY CHRISTMAS + THANK YOU

It's Christmas Eve again and the giddiness has started. It's hard to believe I'm writing my last post in 2011. Time sure flies! First and foremost, I'd like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. I hope you are all celebrating with family and friends.

It's hard to find the words to explain what an mind-blowing year this has been for me. I'm living my dream and for that, I am thankful! I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of the fantastic people I've had the chance to meet and/or photography this year. Thank you for yet another amazing year. I thoroughly enjoyed every wedding, graduation, photo shoot and studio session. Thank you for the likes, comments, feedback and continued support from clients, readers, friends, family and fellow photogs!

2011 was an awesome year, but I'm pumped for 2012. My to-do list is filled with many new projects and exciting adventures. Some of these new projects, including photography workshops, will be announce early in the new year. 2012 will Rock! But for now, I'm off to do one of my favourite things - spend time with my fiance and family, eat sweets and do the robot shuffle whenever requested (inside joke).

I leave you with a few more images from recent Christmas sessions.

Merry Christmas to all. Enjoy every second. See you in 2012!

MARY-JANE | {first photoshoot} newborn session

She's here! Deidre and Gary's little girl arrived on December 1st. Meet Mary-Jane.

DEIDRE + GARY | {a precious gift} maternity session

Its a special day, week, month for Deidre and Gary. They're expecting a baby! In fact, today is the official due date! I haven't heard yet whether baby arrived on schedule. I met with Deirde and Gary in early November for a maternity session. Since then, I've been spending alot of time in the studio photographing little ones of all ages. Over the past month, I've thought of Deidre and Gary a few times. They have lots of giggles and smiles to look forward to! During our maternity session, the couple were glowing. I think the happiness they felt shows in the images we captured. Take a look.