Bounce Card Testing

Canon System with 430 and 580 flash, tested Arkona Bounce Card in comparison with Gary Fong Lightspere (cloud) and Origami.
So yesterday I received my new flash and Gary Fong Bounce Cards...and I know, some of you may know all about the Gary Fong Lightspere's products, I've used them for quite some time myself - BUT - this is a comparison test - and you may be surprised. You see a month or so ago I designed a very well made and durable bounce card, made of heavy duty white vinyl on the one side, and a a black velvet on the back. The unit is attached simply by thick black velcro sewn into it adjustable to any flash.
The test pictures were all taken with a Canon 50D using a 24-105mm L lens, and the 580 EX II on apeture priority and white balance set to flash. Two reasons why I prefer my bounce card over the Gary Fong system - 1. and this is a HUGE plus - it fits completely flat in your camera bag during travel and 2. there is no fiddling to try to get it attached, it's just slap it on - easy!

Durable Vinyl Flash Card

Gary Fong direct to ceiling

GF 45 Degree Origami

Gary Fong 45 Degree Angle

Gary Fong straight on with cap

Not Too Shabby For a 6 Year Old With A Point & Shoot Camera!

Amy has been working on winning a photo contest this summer - yesterday she was taking some pictures of footwear. She is getting quite good with her composition! Not too shabby for a 6 year old with a point and shoot eh?!

New Web Gallery Posted

Still no were near being at a caught up point in posting weddings to the web gallery, but this was a quick start this evening! Click below to view!

Riding Adventure

Today was a wonderful family day! We were invited out to see the grounds were an upcoming wedding will be taking place - a beautiful location in the family's backyard - perfect for this animal loving couple. We knew in advance that the kids would have a chance to ride on Rudy the pony, and see Merlin their beautiful white horse. What a thrill for the kids, and I got to enjoy meeting the Brides Mom, and walking around the property to get some neat ideas in advance!
It was drizzling, which later turned into rain, so I decided only to use the little point and shoot, nice, because the kids were able to shoot video of each other riding this way as well :)

Awaiting Their Big Day!

Just a few shots from tonights engagement shoot! This is going to be a cool wedding day!

Michael Andrew Workshop - Click To Play

Kari & Fraser - Click To Play!

The Oxford Family - Photo by Matt Nicolosi

As a Mom, some of the events in life hit so close to home...even if they are occuring miles and miles away. Last night while reading the blog of the amazing Matt Nicolosi, I came across his pictures of the incredible Oxford Family. I can't even find the words to tell you of the situation, instead, please follow the links attached, the slide show by Matt Nicolosi, and the Oxford Family site: http://www.prayfornateoxford.com/ - And please remember to pray for them!
www.mattnicolosi.com/slideshows.Oxfords/iframe.html

Kari & Fraser

Amazing-Super Cool-Awesome!

I mean, WOW-what else could you say about Kari and Fraser. These two had plans and their plans were to enjyo their big daym and not only did they do that-they made sure everyone else enjoyed it too! And to add some gravy to it- the wedding party!! These guys could be written about as the perfect supporters by Dear Abby - always there at the couples side, and ready to join in the fun!! Thank you for a wonderful day!!

It Snowballed Into A Great Canadian Workshop!

Ok, so it didn't end up happening in Canada...but, it was still completely awsome! One of our group was not able to attend due his passport being at home, which he didn't need for the planned workshop in Arkona. Another finally found her passport in...well, an interesting location, after believing all was lost, and she wouldn't be able to attend :) But in the end, the three of us Brian, Wendy and myself, were able to have the amazing experience of learning and creating with the maven in a small group - and amazing doesn't even begin to describe how incredibley helpful this one day workshop was. I was litterally beaming from ear to ear with information gained within the first 45 minutes!

I'll post more later, it's been a long week with a family tragedy and different stresses, but also a week of growing, in so many ways :)

Never Stop!

A photographer can never stop learning, you stop, and you get boring, and who wants boring wedding pictures? Well, it's here - the workshop starts tomorrow, and I am Excited. Excited to learn new and creative techniques during this all day workshop; Excited to meet other photographers; and Excited to meet and learn from the maven himself - Michael Andrew! WOW - I mean really - WOW!

Saturday's Gentlemen

Just had to add these - I mean are these some good looking gentlemen or what?

Rob & Joanne

They are married! This is my hubby's sister and her groom - Rob, all slicked up to celebrate with family and friends back her in Ontario. Rob and Joanne were married last month out in BC, where Rob's family lives, and then came home to visit and celebrate all over again. An hour prior to the get together though, Rob and Joanne and I took off to Spring Bank Park in London to get a few wedding photos to add to their collection. Congratulations!

Ryan & Haley

The Beautiful Ryan and Haley! You never knew what the weather was going to do earlier today-but it didn't matter-the decision was made to have their ceremony indoors - which ended up being sooo wise, not due to rain, but due to the heat! Bear Creek Golf And Country Club did an amazing job changing the setting from ceremony to reception, the guests were happy, and I'm sure those handsome men in their tux's felt so much better in the comfy air conditioning too!
A couple so much in love, it was a pleasure to be part of their Big Day!

Online Wedding Couple Websites - FREE

There are a number of these sights out there - and really - I think in our day in age - what a Great Thing. Couples can design their own webpage, post pictures, and even use it to collect their Guest Book with RSVP. If you are planning your upcoming wedding, and want to give an extra treat to your guests, and save a few dollars by avoiding all those stamps - check it out!
This one is located at www.momentville.com

Amy's Pictures

Live Action - "Fat Bees Are Good" Picture

Bradley - today's model!

Amy has been telling me for a while now that she wants to be a photographer when she grows up, so that she can stay home with her kids like I do-what nicer thing could you have you child say to you??? Ah, but I have more to brag about.... So today Amy decides to put her words into actions - people and nature shots seemed to be the primary focus to begin her interest in - and wow - I think she did REALLY well for a 6 1/2 year old!!! And she didn't even get stung trying to get so close to the bees - but it's ok Mommy, cause the fat bees are good bees right?!

Family Times

I had an adorable blue eyed, blonde hair little man bring his family by today. We had a relaxing shoot, with beautiful weather, and the little "T" man did excellent. I'm sure you are going to be a Great Big Brother - glad you all enjoyed the shoot, looking forward to going through all of your pictures!

Awesome Arkona Bounce Card

I am so excited to "play" with my new bounce card! This is GREAT - it's made of vinyl, and straps on with thick velcro, so will work with any flash. I've wanted one for a while, but just tried to make due with my Gary Fong - great for many situations, however not all of course. But of course I couldn't complete this blog without saying, this is the handiwork or my neighbour Ann Marie - a professional pattern maker for Tender Tootsie - Thank you Ann Marie - It's Perfect!

3D

So tonight after we got home, Amy and I took off again and went out and picked a nice chunk of sweet cherries! We are so fortunate to live were we do, surrounded by farms all all types! So, to top off our cherry picking experience, I thought I would send it out as real as could be...in 3D!
And for those wondering, here's a Great link for a cool Photoshop action. It's the 3D action - and as you can tell - yes, you will need your 3D glasses to view properly.
http://www.chrisfawkes.net/3D.atn

Bubbles

Bubbles Bubbles Bubbles - This is one shot I'm going to work on creating some interesting stuff with. This shot was actually taken on my mother in laws point and shoot sony. She and my husband and kids where in the backyard blowing bubbles - And Me WITHOUT My Camera! So I quick ran inside and picked up her camera - and I've gotta say - I still love the sony's!