Speedy Muffler/Photography

     Ah yes, the digital age... everyone is a professional and super deals out there but be careful. All is not what it seems.  I just saw a Facebook ad for family portraits.... 45 minutes/2 photographers/ 60 digital edited images all for only $500.  At least that is better than the one 3 years ago.... $20 for 20 minutes !

Shades of lining up at Sears or Walmart and standing in front of that colourful backdrop.  The reality is that to be a portrait photographer you have to know your subject which (a) takes time and (b) takes experience.  Not everyone can quickly relate well with everyone in the group from granny to the kids and then to the grandchildren..... I try to get to know them a little over the phone but basically you are a stranger parachuting into a family or dealing one to one with someone who has their own fears and/or issues with the camera.  It isn't just about having a good camera or a little experience with that black box.... it is all about making a connection.  Whether your subject is a little child or a lovely slightly older woman.  The first group of images are often tossable.... you are establishing that rapport.  So yes, you might end of spending much more time with that person or group.

Here is a portrait of a lovely woman who was making some big changes in her life and wanted to celebrate them.  She wasn't looking for acres of out of focus grass in front of her or angled, "artistic" shots with weird colours.  She wanted a portrait which showed her beauty and her soul... and those great eyes.  I think she got what she was hoping to portray. And that is why they call it a portrait.

Wedding Weather

     Every couple pray that the weather gods in the mountains will smile on their celebration.  Even when you travel all the way from Minnesota with 20 family and friends and have your heart set on getting married at Quarry Lake here in Canmore.  Then you find out that you have to book the venue ahead of time with the town and there is a wedding at 2pm...... so you dash up there at 4pm just as the other wedding leaves.  Great ! Now if those clouds will just hold off but alas, it is not to be. These brave souls stood out there with horizontal rain and gusting winds.... umbrellas collapsing and huddling photographer.  Good thing those Nikons are weather resistant and I carry a towel.  And a good thing that Kara and Max and I did the photos before the ceremony when the sky was blue and the clouds were awesome..... so here are some images from that day.