I recently photographed one of the best babies EVER! Why was this baby different? She was only a few day’s old. I took so many awesome photos of her, in the end I wanted to steal her! LOL I wanted to share one of my favourite photos with you. I had a anniversary party at the studio, and borrowed a ice bucket/stand from a friend. It was still at the studio the next day. I thought …… hey why not?
ICE ICE BABY
11 years ago I purchased a home from Michael Leclerc. Michael has kept in touch and every year I receive emails for my birthday, christmas and his fund raiser golf tournament. I’ve never really been interested in golf until I took up the sport this year.
This is Michael’s 20th year raising money, and I was happy to take part for the first time. The tournament was held at the beautiful Quarry Oaks just east of Winnipeg. The weather and the company were excellent! Breast Cancer sent out two volunteers to help out and I was pleased to spend the day with Mary ann and Gisele. They brought pink ribbons and everyone was pleased to pin one on.
My contribution was to take team photos at the putting green, but I wanted to contribute a little more. Each team had a chance to win a family portrait session and a 8×10 block mounted print. There were 17 teams in total, and a couple players on the same team tied, so I ended up giving out 19 portrait sessions!
The buffet dinner at Quarry Oaks was excellent and most people went home with a prize including me. I won a Jets golfing umbrella! I could have used this umbrella on the links a few weeks ago as I didn’t have one in my golf bag.
Michael awarded Breast Cancer with a cheque for 1700. Way to go Michael, keep up the great work!
Quarry Oaks putting green
Michael presenting 1700 cheque to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
Gisele + Mary ann
When you think of the word Diva Delight, what do you think of?
ok…get your mind out of the gutter!
Diva Delights is actually a bakery in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. The cookies and crisps coming out of this bakery are delicious. I know because after photographing the whole process I was sent home with product. I really don’t know what are in those crisps, but they are highly addictive. I was mesmerized by the process from start to finish. I think if I wasn’t a photographer I could have been a pastry chef. I worked in a bakery in my early twenties decorating cakes, and I loved it. I could play with icing all day and make it look to good to eat. I’ve made lots of birthday and wedding cakes for family and friends.
After speaking with Angela the owner of Diva Delights, I was surprised she took the same cake decorating courses I did. It’s so nice to see a hometown girl make it big. Diva Delights is in Costco. Check out all the product baked right here in Winnipeg. I photographed some product for packaging and I must admit it was pretty kewl to see my images on a cracker box in costco….
Thanks to all the people who attended my open house/23rd anniversary wine and cheese. In conjunction with First Friday’s in the exchange and outworks gallery. It was great to meet some new friends, and see old friends too! Thanks to Diva Delights for supplying the crisps. They were delicious! I took a few portraits, and was surprised at how many people DIDN’T want their portraits taken, even if it was FREE! Here’s a few of the images taken that evening….
23 years ago today I registered my business name. I was still working full time as an photographer with Bristol aerospace. That was the job of my dreams! (I was laid off in 1994) It’s been great and sometimes challenging 23 years, but I wouldn’t change a minute. I’ve never really celebrated that fact that I’m in business. So it’s time that I do. My studio is part of outworks gallery, a collective of artist who share 5000 sq feet of space. The studio is about 2400 sq ft. This way it’s affordable to have an awesome space in a desirable area. In Winnipeg, we have First Friday’s in the exchange. Artist open their studios for the general public. Here’s the link as to what’s on for Sept 6
http://www.firstfridayswinnipeg.org/uploads/4/6/2/3/4623182/sept.6_guide_first_fridays.pdf
I’ve decided to take it a step further and have a celebration, so I hope you will join me!
Invitation for open house
Do something you love and you never work a day in your life!
I had the pleasure of photographing a 11 year old girl who wants to be a model. She came to my studio with her older brother. I think she’s beautiful and looks like Cameron Diaz ! 
Summer time would not be complete with going for lunch with friends.
June is a talented artist who also created my logo. We met at Women Business Owners of Manitoba and became friends. You have to check out her web site http://junebugdesign.ca/
We decided to go for lunch and check out a art gallery in the exchange district of Winnipeg.
I’ve been to Shawarma Khan a few times. Owned by Obby Khan a Winnipeg Blue Bomber. It’s great fresh food, and I love it! June and I were chatting about blogging, and artist blocks. I thought, why don’t I do more photography of just everyday life as a photographer. I’m always taking photos with my iphone, so why not share more. Can you guess what the close up is? Maybe there is a sideline business of food art!?
I had the pleasure of photographing this beautiful home for a Marion Dawson – Sutton Group Kilkenny Real Estate, Winnipeg, Mb. The first time I saw the backyard my jaw dropped! I didn’t know Wpg had such gorgeous yards. Maybe my numbers will come up in the lotto as I just love the backyard!
On June 6 I had my eyes lasered to correct my vision. Kind of a scary procedure considering what I do for a living. I’ve been thinking about it for the past 3 years, and finally got the courage to go ahead with it! I’ve worn glasses most of my life. As a kid I can remember hiding them in the garden and saying I lost them….LOL There are many places you can go for this procedure, but I wanted the best. Dr. Michael Wiens of image Laser eye centre is the top dog in Winnipeg. I know 3 people who have had the procedure and are thrilled about the results! I’m excited that my normal range is crystal clear at the moment, and over the next little while my distance and close up will improve 🙂
I’ve always known how precious our eyes are and no camera lens can replicate the detail we can see. Which is why HDR is so popular.
What is HDR you ask?
It stands for High Dynamic Range.
We can see detail in shadows and highlights. Camera lens do not have the range our eyes do. Which is why your photos never look as good as you remember! But with the beauty of photoshop you can create wondering images the way they were meant to be seen!
This is properly exposed for the outside, the interior goes completely dark.
This is properly exposed for the interior, the outside is overexposed….
The is how we actually see, but the camera lens can not capture the full range of highlights and shadows. With photoshop we can merge different images to see the full range just like how we “see” it. Nice to see beyond the glare of glass in a photo, and proof your eyes are the BEST lens 🙂 
Happy Thanksgiving!
Back in 2001 I purchased a home and was dating an American. He wanted to decorate the front door area. So we drove to a garden market and purchase corn, pumpkins and gourds. I thought he was crazy! American’s have a way of being a little over the top for holidays. I must admit I really loved what we created. I still decorate the front entrance way. The house has changed over the years but giving thanks this time of year hasn’t changed.
I’m truly thankful for all the great people that have come in and out of my life, for they have shaped me into who I am. They say people come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. I wish you and your family, and the friends who treat you like family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.