Happy New Year

Wishing Everyone A Safe And Happy New Year 2011!!!

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Now Playing at the forest kineto theatre

The Tourist

Jan. 1,2,4

All seats $5  Doors open at 7:30 Showtime 8:ooPM

20 Things I Learned

Many of you picked up a new computer or wireless router for Christmas during  this past holiday season – so I thought I would pass on this very cool little site to help out with getting more out of your new toy…I mean investment!  This site thoroughly goes over: The Cloud, Internet ID’s, Web Apps, Protecting Your Privacy, and so much more.  You can check it out at 20ThingsILearned.com

The Winner

Many of you were curious to know the winner of the Turkey & Family Shoot – so here it is…Beth Woods from Forest area became the proud owner of a 15+ kg Turkey this past Christmas Eve, will post her family picture after she sets a date :D  Congratulations Beth!

Enjoying The Season

Enjoying the season with family and friends, and feeling blessed to really know it’s true meaning!

We Are Here

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Watch What You Give For Christmas!

Help For Photographers

Sarah Petty of The Joy Of Marketing gives free teaching through online webinars on a variety of topics for photographers.  January has a whole new line up, check it out HERE, and sign up it’s free – kind of like a Christmas Present from Sarah herself!

Win Your Christmas Turkey & Shoot From Captured Innocence!

No, it’s not a turkey shoot !  It’s so much easier!  All you have to do is “Like” the Captured Innocence Photography Facebook Page and leave a comment, OR - If you Already “Like” Captured Innocence Photography? Refer Someone – be sure they note “referred by” in the comments section. The more referrals, more chances to win!

Draw Will Happen On December 24th!  Have Fun!!!

www.facebook.com/capturedinnocence.ca

A Social Network Christmas

A social media twist-telling the story of the birth of Jesus – Enjoy!

Spudz

Spudz is yet another really good gadget for photographers.  The company actually goes beyond the field of photography with their products, but the product I wanted to show you is specifically for photographers.  It’s basically a lens cloth, but a very smart lens cloth.  Not only does it come in it’s own handy packaging which can be clipped to your Shoot Sac or Black Rapid etc., but the cloth itself is actually 18% grey!  Fantastic for getting your lighting right in those tricky situations.  You can check out Spudz at Alpineproducts.com

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Due Date

All Seats $5  Doors open at 7:30pm  Showtime 8:00pm

Dec. 17,18,19,21

Local Bluewater Recycling Notice

Due to our weather conditions over the last couple of weeks there have been some missed pick up dates.  Bluewater Recycling has posted the following additions for local pick up:

Special Collection Notice!

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Attention: Snow Day

After careful review of local roads conditions with the Ministry of Transportation, the Ontario Provincial Police, and local roads crew, the Bluewater Recycling Association regretfully announces that, as a result of the state of emergency in place in some areas and continuing adverse conditions, the following routes have been cancelled or postponed. The changes affect the following areas:

December 13th
Oil Springs
Bluewater (Parts of the Lake Area between Hendrick and Centennial Rd.)

December 14th
Lambton Shores (Thedford, Arkona, and area)
Strathroy-Caradoc
Southwest Middlesex (Ekfrid)
South Huron (Part of Stephen area between Highway 81 and the Goshen Line)

December 15th
Middlesex Centre (Delaware)
North Middlesex
South Huron (Except Huron Park)
Lambton Shores (Forest)
Perth East (Ellice)
Strathroy-Caradoc
Morris Turnberry

These areas have been postponed for a special collection on:

Friday December 17th
Oil Springs area,
Strathroy-Caradoc area (Wednesday Route)

Saturday December 18th
Thedford and Arkona area,
Strathroy-Caradoc area (Tuesday Route),
Ekfrid area,
Stephen area missed on Tuesday,
Rural parts of Morris Turnberry
Monday December 20th
Bluewater Lake area missed on Monday.

The rest of our vehicles are currently out for regular collection, however due to the hazardous snow conditions currently in effect over the area, it may be possible that some areas will be missed on Wednesday, December 15th. We recommend that you keep your material until the next scheduled collection, if possible. Thank you for your understanding.

We apologize for any inconveniences this may have created. If you have any questions or concerns please call extension 228 or check our website frequently. Thank you.

Last updated Wednesday, December 15, 2010 10:04 AM

2005 Bluewater Recycling Association. All Rights Reserved.

Alex & Leah

Winter wedding photos in the newly landscaped central area in Thedford.  It was chilly, but well worth it as Alex and Leah celebrated their marriage this past Saturday.  The Bride was dressed smart with an added touch of cozy – striped toe socks.  And the Thedford Presbyterian Church looked Gorgeous with the massive tree and a bounty of meaningful Christmas Poinsettias.  Rev. Dr. Christine O’Reilly preformed the ceremony followed by a very intimate dinner downstairs put on by the ladies and gentlemen of Knox.  Special thanks to Anne Marie Zavitz-Low for assisting at this wedding.  A very thoughtful and classy day for the young couple!  Congratulations Alex and Leah!

Music by The Trans Siberian Orchestra  “Carol Of The Bells”

White Out!

It’s been off an on white out conditions in our area, and not only did the children get a snow day from school, but my hubby couldn’t make it in to work either due to road closures – Yeah for me!

So, it’s a day for hot chocolate – and playing with the snow blower!  Earlier today I was blowing out the sidewalk and our son came up to me with his little blue shovel and says “Hello Mommy, you look like you could use a little help” – he got rewarded later for his hard word with a little fort by Daddy!

Family Fun Time

How to you get 2 adults and 7 children to sit for a family picture during the Christmas Season?  I don’t think there is a clear cut answer to that question.  But, in this case, these little ones were fantastic!!!  We kept the shoot very brief, and were rewarded with some bright happy smile…and then the lollipops came out!  Great Job Ferrier Family!!!

    

Web Server Issues

Sadly we are having some server issues and I am unable to make posts that require any content, even the size of a very small image.  Problem has gotten worse since Thursday.  So I wait with the rest of our little village….or maybe this gives me a good excuse to visit a Tim Horton's with Wi-Fi :)

Cutting Back On The Holiday Hydro Bill

Hydro Bills have absolutely gotten out of control lately!  Transportation fees are a huge contributing factor on the bill, and then of course there’s our HST to add things up too.  Well, with lemons comes lemonade right?….Enjoy!

This image was posted on Worth1000.com.  A fun sight filled with themes and contests for photographers and post production artists at all levels.  The coments below this read: “Since everyone is "going green". The new tradition is to catch fireflies to light up our tree this year!!  Please view full :) and thanks to Katinka Kober for the jar photo :)”

Great Imagination And Skill To Pull This Off!

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Now Playing at the forest kineto theatre

Morning Glory

Dec. 10,11,12,24

All Seats $5  Doors Open at 7:30PM  Showtime 8PM

Photoshop User TV

I have enjoyed the tips and tricks of this online program for probably a couple of years now.  It’s filled with great tutorials and insider information for Photoshop and Lightroom users on every level.  Each week the guys put together several tutorials, a contest, and of course, show off the latest Photoshop User Magazine.  What’s more…the cast includes Canadian, Dave Cross, who each week proudly wears his Canadian attire :D.  Episodes can be downloaded as well for review.  Check it out at PHOTOSHOPUSERTV.COM

Roll Over Santa Baby!

Meet little man Austin!  This adorable little guy came by this morning for his photo shoot as he prepares for his very first Christmas!  Austin also decided to show off this morning by demonstrating his first roll over – Congratulations little guy!!

   

Spider Camera Holster

Another great tool I found last year while researching lens carrying options was the Spider Camera Holster.  Unfortunately it wasn’t exactly a lens holding unit, but actually works better for those who specifically like to carry more than one camera instead of changing lenses.  The Spider Camera Holster like the Black Rapid, allows you to take the tension from your neck by putting the weight at your waist.   In addition the Spider Camera Holster has the optional side padded belt, though, the spider mechanism itself can be used with a regular pant belt.  One issue the Spider was able to overcome in comparison to the Black Rapid is the ability to mount your camera onto a tripod without disassembling the product – though – chances are, if you’re wearing a Black Rapid, you likely aren’t using a tripod.

 

Photographer Gift Ideas

Just another gift idea for the photographer in your life.  Actually this is a bit of a double hitter but similar concepts.  The concept for the Strap Buddy is to use the camera strap that comes with your camera, I would say at least 90% of DSLR owners use the included camera strap, the strap that attaches on the top two clips of your camera,and rarely feels comfortable.  Black Rapid came out with a way around this with their RS-4 Black Rapid and special attachment.  Then they bettered themselves by coming out with the, Women's version, the RS-W1 that crosses more comfortably in the front.  Both of the products are fantastic, well built, and consumer friendly.  It’s a good concept, and the makers of the Strap Buddy seemed to have a similar idea, (though I can’t say I know much about their safety features like Black Rapid) creating their attachment, and supplying it, as a stand alone product.  The downfall of course comes if you are wanting to put your camera onto a tripod at  some point, you would need to remove the attachment button whether using the Strap Buddy or Black Rapid product.  On the up side however, the Black Rapid product does offers the user an easy detachable clip, several safety features, and a number of add-ons,  putting  the Black Rapid product way ahead in my mind as the product to get whether you are a hobbyist or pro. ….Stay tuned to see the product I would suggest ( after much research! ) for those who use the hand strap rather than included camera strap.

At The Races

Like any area of photography, sports photography has its on set of challenges.  Being able to find and focus in on your subject in a split second, and getting that tack sharp action can be your biggest challenge.  Here are a few tips on getting your action shots – maybe even some shots of the kids as they are racing around at Christmas this year!

1.  Know your sport.  The better you know your sport ie. hockey, the more you will understand the game, and be able to anticipate the players next move.

2.  Increase Your ISO Settings.  Higher ISO settings will allow you to use higher shutter speeds when lighting conditions are less than ideal.  Be careful not to go too high though or you will have grainy images.

3.  Fast Shutter Speed.  Be sure to use faster shutter speeds ie. 1/800 sec  and higher.  These images below were all shot at 1/1600 sec F4.5 ISO 400

4.  Take Lots Of Shots.  It’s Digital – so go ahead – Take Lots!  Chances are by doing so you’ll catch something amazing!

  

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Special Note:

just a heads up - Many may not realize this, but kineto also sells cards for $20 that give you 5 admissions for the price of 4!

Now Playing at the Forest Kineto Theatre

Megamind

Dec. 3,4,5,7

Doors open at 7:30pm – Show Time 8PM

Reece Prints Baby Fingerprint Jewellery

Recently I met with a Mommy who had a really neat pendant style necklace on.  When I asked about it I found out that it was made locally – it was fingerprint jewellery, a fingerprint impression of her little baby girl.  That fingerprint - a moment in time permanently preserved in a silver fingerprint jewellery charm.  She said she had received a certificate to have this done at her Baby Shower, it was such a neat thing, and made a really nice piece of jewellery.  If you are interested in getting something unique and meaningful for yourself or a new Mommy you know - check this out.  Thanks for passing along the information to me Angela!

Reece Prints     sburdett1@sympatico.ca   519.332.4286

Precious One

It was so nice meeting this precious little one yesterday.  She is simply adorable, with her perfect ivory skin, bright blue eyes, and tiny pink smile – it was certainly a time to capture innocence.  Thank you for bringing your Mommy and Daddy by little Victoria!

Compare Cameras For Christmas

If you are looking at picking out a camera for Christmas and are trying to narrow down the options to choose the camera that best suits your needs – Snap Sort will be a huge help for you.  Snapsort allows you to Explore, Sort, and Learn more about the cameras on the market.  Once you have narrowed your options down with the snapsort information, simply type in the camera models you are looking at and click “compare”.  You will then be able to view the detailed differences between the models and giving you the overall score to which camera is superior.  Snapsort.com

Make A Christmas Memory

It’s Christmas Time, and there is a fantastic option for making a memory with your family.  U-Cut Christmas Trees located at 3241 Napperton Drive in Strathroy not only gives you the option of cutting your very own Christmas tree, it also offers you and your children the special treat of meeting real reindeer!  The trees are plentiful, so you have lots of options to choose your perfect Christmas tree.  Then enjoy feeding the reindeer and seeing these beautiful animals - they love the attention !

Hours: Sat-Sun 10 am –Dark   Mon – Fri 12pm – Dark

For More Information Call 519-245-1549

Arkona Fire Fighters Christmas Dinner

Well, it was an on again off again dinner for the firefighters of Arkona last night as some were just getting ready to add the salt and pepper to their potatoes and…the alarm went off!  Eventually those who were able to come back, took part in their annual Christmas dinner with their partners.  Prior to the call there was a more relaxing time, as we were able to catch some shots in full uniform.  A snazzy looking bunch!

Arkona Seniors Support Red Fridays

It was coffee hour in Arkona out at Orchard View Apartments this morning; and everyone was dressed in Red.  The seniors are doing their part by supporting, and showing their appreciation for the troops by getting decked out in red for  Red Fridays.   It was a beautiful site to see as I walked into the common room this morning, not one person there without red on!  To learn more about Red Fridays, visit the website at RedFridays.ca and see some of the ways you can support Red Fridays below as well.

Here are some of the ways you can help spread the word of Red Fridays.

1.) Learn as much as you can about supporting our national treasure - our Canadian Troops. Visit us often.

2.) Wear a red shirt or display a ribbon. It doesn't have to be ours, it can be any.

3.) Join our SUPPORTER LIST and exchange links with your website.

4.) Get us to help your event/organization/rally

4.) If you're a corporation, we need your support - Contact Us!

5.) Organize a Red Fridays day at work or school or in your community. Let us know so we can help!

6.) Wear RED on FRIDAYS and every Friday share with others the reason why!

7.) Attend Red Friday Events and meet the people and military people behind the scenes.

8.) Most importantly, spread the email story to your friends and associates. Share  this wonderful website with others.

A Warm Sunny Reminder

This past year I had the pleasure of having the team John and Kerri of Heenzy Photography come on board during 3 of this years wedding.  Kerri does the post processing behind the scenes in this husband and wife team, and in October we finally met as we all went out for a few hours taking each others family pictures.  I thought today would be a good day to post pictures from a warmer, sunnier day !