Jack o lanterns

We always have fun carving our pumpkins for Halloween.  We’ve been big into Thomas up until now, and last year we had the puker too!  This year Amy really designed her own, the details were just a tad tiny though, so there were some adaptations made!  And Bradley, he decided to go with the Mario theme this year.  Have a safe and happy Halloween everyone!

Colours Of A Rainy Day In Arkona

We have so much to see in our little village with the Fruit and Dairy farms in abundance!  And on a day like today – a cool rainy day – it is just incredible to be able to see some of these beautiful sights as the rain drops down.  I stopped by to Brown’s fruit farm – Red Barn Fruit Farm this morning, and didn’t even get out of the vehicle due to the rain – these are some of the images I saw.

For Your Listening, and viewing pleasure...

Little Flower Girl Princess

Just getting into the final steps of Matt and Jen’s wedding pictures and had to share this little princess. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen such beautiful blue eyes!

The Love Dare

This year for our anniversary I gave my husband the book/journal - The Love Dare. It was a gift for him, but it is also a gift for me. The Love Dare is a series of "dares" for 40 days that will strengthen and challenge you in your marriage. Ralph and I are not having any issues or struggles in our relationship, I am very blessed - however, it is always a good thing to challenge yourself to grow, and I for one, want a marriage that is healthy,for our sake, and for our childrens. We are only 3 days into the journey, but I am finding myself continually thinking about the challenges through the day, and in a very good way. Are you up for the challenge, pick up a copy, and start the Love Dare with your spouse, you won't regret it!
Read A Sample Chapter here: http://thelovedarebook.com/love-dare-sample-chapter.pdf

Captured Innocence Public Facebook Page

I guess I should have done this some time ago, but I have finally put together a public Captured Innocence Photography Facebook page.  Basically this allows me to post pictures without people  having to go through the “ask to be a friend” routine.  It is also now an extremely easy address, check it out at: www.facebook.com/capturedinnocence.ca

Wedding Package Up For Bid!!!

Many of you know about the  tragic loss of little Kaeden Brown in early September and the foundation that has been set up in his name that will support a scholarship program from the high school he would have attended.  In order to build the scholarship fund, there are, and will be a number of events to include community involvement to support this. 

On November 14^th at the Lambton Shores Arena there will be a Kaeden Brown Foundation Night With the Predators

http://thekaedenbrownfoundation.com/KBF%20&%20Predators%20poster.pdf

All are welcome and encouraged to attend this Junior B Hockey Game where in addition there will be a silent auction take place. 

Captured Innocence Photography will be taking part in this event by offering a Bridal Package up for the silent auction.

This package is available to new couples, as well as couples who have already booked with us during 2010 or 2011 in order to help raise as much money for this foundation as possible. 

Here are the details:

The package is the “Captured Memories Package” with an additional Tribute Video included

See www.capturedinnocence.ca for more details

The package is valued at $1249

Note:  If you have already booked your wedding for 2010, please take advantage of this offer, the money is going directly to The Kaeden Brown Foundation.  Please feel free to contact me for more details.

Matt & Jen's Rainy Day Good Times

With so many different ways to get the Bride and Groom to kiss at their reception, this couple decided to put a little twist on things: Sing us a love song, but if the judges give you a thumbs down - it's tequila time!

Does God Exist?

A Smart Young Man had the answer, watch till the end to find out who he was as well!

Lightroom 3 Beta Version

Well, Adobe is at it again, updating, and upgrading.  The most recent of the upgrades is Lightroom 3 – this is still in the Beta version, so don’t expect to use it without some bugs here and there, but if you are interested in giving feedback, or trying it out for a while (till approximately April 2010 when the full version comes out) then click here, or go to Adobe.com and follow the links.  The new version seems to have a number of new additions and upgrades, I am interested to see the advances. 

Mercury Innovation!

These are my absolute favourite rechargeable batteries – and I go through a lot of batteries.  Unfortunately, I was not able to find them for the longest time, but thanks to Michael Andrew, who also uses these batteries, he managed to source them out after a long drought as well!  These are AA Batteries with 2700MAH, and they only cost around $8 for a pack of 4 – an Extremely Good Deal!!  These batteries are now available again through a store on Amazon.com, just follow this link:  Mercury AA Batteries

Twin Pines Orchards & Cider House

If you are looking for a great outing with family or friends, this is one of the nicest places to go, and you always go away with a great feeling about it.  Just think, you are spending time outdoors in the clean fresh air,  surrounded by hundreds of trees, and wandering through intertwined paths that leaded to hidden discoveries.  It is a wonderful family event, especially if you have you children, they even offer wagon ride tours through  the orchards.  Age does not matter though, Twin Pines literally has something for everyone, and once you have finished taking in the waterfall, walking bridge, and many paths, take a break inside the cider house!  This is the central point of the orchard with it’s very warm homey look of wood and glass, with lots of crafts and yums downstairs, and the winery upstairs!  Visit their website at: www.twinpinesorchards.com

             

Just The Way You Are!

A recent wedding of Billy Joel fans! Congratulations Kevin & Candice!!

Workshops and Photographers

Yesterday I had the opportunity to take part in a Lighting Workshop in a beautiful area here in Ontario.  The backgrounds, the architecture –everything – other than the HUGE amount of road kill we saw on the way there – it was a nice sight seeing trip.  The group was small, which wasn’t a bad thing in any way, and I was able to pick up a few new tidbits to pack in the brain.  And as with any learning experience, there is going to be stuff you need to sift through, toss out, and keep, but in the end if you gleaned some information that’s helpful then it was worth it.  In this case I actually found some of the side information i.e.. book printers etc, to be the information I appreciated the most.  The mini shoot was good, and I enjoyed the walk about, but what I enjoy most about it all, was watching others work – beginners and pros alike.

Farm Life

I grew up on a farm…and seriously felt sorry for those kids growing up in town, or especially the city!  I mean the wide open space – it’s one of the greatest things!!  Well, I now live “in town”, and as a parent I see things a little different, I can be a little over protective :)    I still absolutely love the farms though, and it’s so neat to see my nieces and nephews out on the main farm doing way way way more than I ever did-I would say my experience was more fun – these guys have fun, but they also have a Great work ethic, and are always on their way to feed, or milk, or one of the many other jobs that needs done daily with their parents. 

This past Monday on Thanksgiving, I stopped in with the kids to see the new baby donkey.  She is so cute and fuzzy!   This is the first baby donkey I have ever seen –it’s pretty amazing - so I thought I would share this adorable little creation!  (please excuse my exposure issues, it was actually kind of dark :) )

Hurricane Katrina – Family Portrait Sessions

This looks like such a neat opportunity.  I have had so many great opportunities to be involved in community non profit events and activities this year and have enjoyed them so much, it never ceases to amaze me how we can use our gifts in everyday situations, no matter what it is we do.  There are many Great programs out that offer family pictures to deserving families, and this is yet another – for those who have lost some of their most precious memories with the disaster of hurricane Katrina – Pictage is involved in an event that will be providing hundreds of families with charitable mini portrait sessions as part of PartnerCon New Orleans!  Check out the Pictage Blog for more details!

Shutter Speed Tutorial By Michael Andrew

If you’ve followed this blog at all you will know that I really respect the teaching style of Michael Andrew.  He has lots of tutorials online, along with a forum for individuals to come, ask questions, post their work, get feedback etc.  Here is just one of his tutorials you can find online:

Beautiful Little Ava

I had the pleasure of meeting new life again today!  Some people have the thrill of travelling the world, some rub shoulders with the rich and famous – I have the utter joy of being able to capture new beginnings – new relationships, new life!

   

Lighting Secrets Workshop

This year I have really chosen to invest a lot into equipment and intellectually taking in a ton of head knowledge – I definitely think it has been more than worth while.  This is the second  workshop I will be taking part in this year.  This is really kind of funny, I had never heard of Davide before a friend of ours-Glen Teeple from The Music Room passed on this information.  Davide’s work is exactly up my alley – so I was intrigued right away.  Not sure if there is still room, but if you are interested, feel free to take a look at the link for the workshop below:

Group of 6 Workshop with Davide Greene.

http://www.elora.me/

For developing and experienced photographers.

October 18, 2009   2 p.m. - 6 p.m.  Location: Meet at Davide's Gallery

5 Mill St. East Elora,ON N0B 1S0   Map

Davide will share with the 6 participants how to create great images in outside and inside locations plus studio using natural light, flash, small reflectors, inexpensive improv lighting and studio lighting. A model will be provided.
This workshop will be a very small group hands on experience. Davide will also make time to directly answer your questions during the workshop.

** Limited to just 6 Participants which allows Davide to give you plenty of one on one time during the workshop.

*** This is Davide's last local workshop so don't miss out.
Cost: $97.00 in advance Register Early! We expect this workshop to sell out quickly.

**All purchases and registrations are final. if you can not attend you can have your registration transfered to another person.

Mike & Donna

Mike & Donna tie the knot in a real western kind of way! What a beautiful service with many personal touches. This was truely a unique wedding full of amazing details. Thank You to Wendy Smith - www.wendysmith.ca - for a fantastic job as second shooter today as well! A very bronco wedding - Yee Haw!!!
Happy Thanksgiving Weekend Everyone!

No Reason To Laugh!

You’ve heard the saying “Laughter is the best medicine” – Well, it’s Friday – Take Your Medicine And Laugh A Little :)

Ps. The little Giggler is Selah, this was taken after church a few weeks ago.

DJ Services

I have the opportunity to work with a number of DJ services throughout the wedding season, and I have to say I have yet to come across one that I don’t like.  There are different options of course, some work strictly by laptop, some  are more old school (which actually so far is the safer bet I think), most come with lighting set ups as well.  This summer I have met some incredible DJ’s, and most recently I was fortunate enough to work with Bill from Hunter’s DJ Services out of London for the second time.  This guy is professional, and aims to please his dancers!  I have a few DJ services listed on the pro page of the main site where you can find links to other services you may need for you event, but just as a personal referral, check these guys out – you won’t be disappointed!

Creative Wedding Cakes

For those of you still looking for that perfect wedding cake.  Check out  www.Toxel.com  to see some very Unique ideas !

Kaeden Brown Foundation

Many have recieved the letter from Marty Meadows  as the Kaeden Brown Foundation was initially formed.  The foundation is to fund a scholarship that will be awarded to a graduating high school student from North Lambton Secondary School (the school Kaeden would have attended). The candidate selected for this scholarship will have a similar philosophy of life; will be a hard working, spirited student, with a love for the outdoors. This scholarship is designed for someone with a zest for life, a can-do attitude and an all-around team player. The scholarship will be awarded to someone planning on enrolling in a post-secondary education in the fish and wildlife or agriculture field. In this way, Kaeden Brown will live on in every person who recieves a helping hand with this scholarship. Kaeden will live on to be apart of their lives and their future.
Donation Information:
please make cheque payable to "Kaeden Brown Foundation"
mail to:
Brent Brown
RR6
Strathroy ON, N7G 3H7

Wedding Videography

Strangely I don’t often get the chance to work along with a videographer at a wedding, and I can’t recall to date ever working with such a good one.  Mike Stanisic of Director’s Cut Videography was great on Saturday – I actually felt kind of jealous at one point listening to the fun he was having with the wedding party – I wanted to be one of them too!  From a photographers point of view he was excellent as well, we were able to bounce off of one another creating  some incredible memories !  Great working with you Mike!!

Mark & Leanne

Yesterday I had the pleasure of capturing the memories of Mark and Leanne’s INCREDIBLE wedding day! I had a pretty good idea in advance that this couple were going to be fun, But, with the weather looking the way it was, and the bride having individual itinerary’s…as mentioned to Leanne last night – Brides and itinerary’s often means – Stressed Out Bride!...well, it was anything but!! First let me describe the Bride in 3 words – Beautiful, Organized, Sweet. And the Groom – Handsome, Gentleman, Mint , and Both – Very Very Cool!
Here is a quick overview of this incredible day!

PS. For those interested - There was a videographer at the wedding as well, who was absolutely Fantastic! http://www.directorscut.ca/

And Incredibly The Weather Cooperated Too!

Ring Shots

I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before but…I Love Ring Shots!  I always look forward to the chance to do something different and unique for each wedding that typifies the couples unique day.  I’ve been putting together some advertising books lately, and thought I would share one of the pages I’ve set up…all about the rings!

This Is It

Last night we took the kids and one friend each to see “Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs” at the theatre as Amy’s special birthday treat.  It was a really good, fun movie, and the 3D effects made it even better – I am loving the new technology of the latest 3D movies!  Of course while there we got to see quite a number of previews, one of which was the Michael Jackson “This Is It” movie.  There could be much said about this, I mean, there are so many opinions etc out there.  Personally, I just think this guy has one extreme dance talent, and I love to watch people who can dance…I have no talent in this area!  The movie itself I’m sure will come out on DVD at some point, but for right now, it is out for a 2 week limited release world wide starting the end of October.  It appeared to be a recital of the tour that never will be, though I’m sure there will be much more thrown in.  If you are interested, check out www.thisisit.com .