10 things...

Here are 10 things you might not know about me:

1. I am a huge football fan - that is soccer for those not in the know. My team - Manchester United. I know, I know, but I've been on the wagon since...well, since forever. Ryan Giggs would be my favourite player. 34 years old, left footed and still blazingly fast.

2. I shave once a week. Why? Well, to be honest it just hurts to shave. Really no other reason. By day 6, I start to look like a lumberjack.

3. I don't sleep well before weddings. Generally, I spend the Friday before a Saturday wedding prepping. Going to our shooting location, checking the light, charging batteries, testing equipment etc etc. Those things usually don't bother me, what usually gets under my skin is wondering what new pose or interesting idea I'm going to try as I want, ultimately, each couple to have some very unique photos for their album. When the camera clicks its first shot, the nerves are gone and it's game time.

4. I broke my collarbone walking my dog when I was 13. Well, more like a slow jog. Embarrassing. She wrapped my legs and arms up with the chain so that I couldn't put my hands out to break my fall. I had to wear this really geeky strap that made my arms stick out the sides for like a month. Hey, it's hard for a kid at 13.

5. I shed a few tears when my childhood dog died. Me, along with everyone else in the family I suppose. I loved that dog. Loved it. She was the best and so smart. I wasn't mad at her at all for #4.

6. I am a self taught photographer. No BA or BFA. Once took a college course, but I had read so many books by the time I took the course that I didn't get much out of it. The teacher was so mad at me for not taking notes. That is to say that I wouldn't be afraid to take another course or am not up for learning, because I learn new things every day and am fully aware as to how much more I have to learn.

7. I once got stopped by the cops for doing 113km/h in a 50km/h zone. Ticket was like $365. The reason - late for an early morning tee off.

8. My favourite movie is Braveheart. Being of partial Scottish heritage, this movie made me want to go out and buy a sword screaming at the top of my lungs..."Freeeeeedommmmmm!" I've seen this movie like 100 times and every time I watch the movie I get chills on the back of my neck. Especially the scene where William Wallace rides in to the village on his horse just after they kill his wife.

9. I can sing all the words to Johnny Cash's song Boy named Sue. I love all of his songs.

10. I love to have my Tim Horton's coffee (2 cream, 1 sugar) with a raisin teabiscuit. Each one seems to make the other taste better. Weird. Maureen thinks I'm nuts.

I'm going to tag Derrick Rice, Andrew Geddes and Sam and Mary to see if we can keep this going. (see previous post for their blogs).

Enjoy your day!

Who do you stalk?

I get asked from time to time who's blog I follow. I would more or less consider it blog stalking, because I'm checking their blog every morning over my cup of java and oatmeal.

This is my speed dial of bloggers:

Jessica Claire - jessicaclaire.net
She is a superstar shooter, living in SoCal. Primarily a natural light wedding shooter, she has a way of capturing everyone in a very fresh, clean way. I love her stuff.

The Becker - beckersblog.com
Again, a great wedding shooter living in the golden state. I enjoy his images, but moreover enjoy his free spirited approach to blogging and his don't care attitude about expressing his opinion. Lover of all things Apple.

Chase Jarvis - chasejarvis.com/blog
A wonderful commercial and stock photographer. Do a youtube search for this guy, you will love how he accomplishes his shoots. Just amazing. I love this guy.

Jenn and Steve Bebb - bebbblog.squarespace.com
Oh my, are these guys amazing wedding photographers. I have so much to learn from them. They are based in Vancouver Canada, and were voted one of the World's Top 10 Wedding Photographers in 2007 by American Photo. Stellar, stellar, stellar. Just wish they'd blog a bit more (much like myself). Recently Jenn paired up with Jessica Claire to shoot Gary Fong's wedding (an industry icon himself, no longer shooting weddings) If you only had 1 blog to check out today, pick this one.

Chris + Lynn Jakksa - chrispluslynn.blogspot.com
International wedding and portrait photographers based in Vancouver. They are a wonderful husband and wife team, who so easily capture emotion, but are unafraid to tackle the elements and low light conditions to create truly one-of-a-kind images for their clients.

Nate and Jaclyn Kaiser - theblogisfound.com
Wonderfully talented duo who put a wicked spin on what might otherwise be considered fairly mainline photography. Brilliant in their approach. Brilliant in their execution.

Jeff and Julia Woods - jeffreywoods.typepad.com/
Can you believe this guy used to work 2 jobs to support his wedding photography passion. Such was his talent and mental strength that they now rightfully charge a premium dollar for their premium product and service. Currently, one of my fave photographers to stalk.

Jasmine Star - jasminestarblog.com
Only 2 years in biz and this girl has already taken the wedding photo world by storm. Learned by some of Cali's best and brightest (Mike Colon, David Jay, The Becker...), she has created her own niche and is now taking names.

Bludomain - bludomain.com/blog.cfm
My current web hoster. Wonderful product, fun, funky blog.

Nick Onken - http://www.nickonkenconnection.com/shoptalk/
I like this guy. Cool. Laconic. Collected. Great imagery. Talks about more than just photography. Currently has plans to write his own travel book.

***UPDATE***

Hey, how could I forget my Ottawa brethren?! Sorry gang. Some e-props for you.

Derrick Rice - derrickrice.com/blog
Check him out! He's only been in biz a few years (correct me if I'm wrong D) but his burgeoning photography business is taking Ottawa by storm. He's an East Coast lad whose pics and personality please all his clients.

Andrew Geddes - andrewgeddes.blogspot.com
Andrew is another talented capital city photographer. By putting a new spin on traditional wedding photography, he is helping us shape photography in this great city. Have a look at his latest work.

Sam and Mary - smphoto.wordpress.com
Great stuff from this duo. Creative, intelligent portraiture really set these guys apart. I love their lifestyle sessions and hyper-realness to their imagery.

For the rest of the Ottawa photographers out there, you had better hop on the blogging train. It's such a great way to connect with clients. I think Susan Stripling said it best "People come to your website once, but they visit your blog daily". Keep it updated, and folks will keep coming back to see what you're doing in your life and what new, unique ideas you've added to your brand.

If you have a few spare hours...or days, go check them out. All do amazing work in their own field and are very involved in giving back to the photographic community. Some do workshops, some give out their secrets and what made them successful on their blog, some show you videos on youtube. All are educational, but moreover all are interesting and fun.

Enjoy.

It's here!

'nuff said.







[sigh]

Simone & Chris!

Maureen is always bugging me that I never post enough images on my blog...so what better wedding to start with than that of Simone and Chris! They are a genuine couple blessed with wonderful family and friends. The event was taken care of and planned by the wonderful staff at Marry Me Productions. Call them if you need some help with your big day - they are awesome and will help you make your day stress free!

As for the day itself, it could not have been more perfect - there wasn't a cloud in the sky and the setting sun over the Ottawa River left nothing to the imagination!

The beautiful dress:


and shoes...


The bride getting into a vintage car!


The glowing bride with her father on the way to the church! Doesn't she look gorgeous?!


I love the perspective of the old car and the bride as she heads into the church.


Notre Dame Cathedral. It's such a magnificent piece of historical architecture. Because it's so popular with the tourists, a sign must be posted to keep them out during the ceremony!


The newlyweds sharing a kiss in the old car...


I love me my reflections!


The bride bathed in amazing light on the way to the formals!


Vintage shot of the B&G holding hands during the formal pics. Love it!


The boyz...


The girlz...


I love the following sequence of the bride. She has the most stunning smile, which lights up her entire face. Maureen took these shots as I was goofing around with the guys. These are stupendous images and some of my absolute favourites!!!






The bride in her magazine cover pose...(ah-may-zing!)


Bride and Groom on the terrace of the Chateau Laurier as the sun sets over the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River. A lovely ending to an amazing day!


We had such a fantastic day not only shooting pics, but of just being with you on your wedding day!


PS - Stay tuned for the slideshow.

Jen & Jit!

Way back in June, I had the pleasure of shooting Jen & Jit's wedding. They got ready at the Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata and the ceremony was at the Canadian Golf and Country Club just outside of Carleton Place.

They are an awesome couple who just love the Ottawa Senators! I mean, huge Sens fans! What better year could you ask to be a Sens fan than this one, with the boys making all the way to the Stanley Cup final?! If you are paying attention and know a little bit about the Sens, you will see some similarities between them!

A nice shot of the groomsmen with the newlyweds.



And the gorgeous ladies!



It got a little dark and drizzly before we headed out to the ceremony, but we were able to make use of it. This shot of the guys has so much mood...



A neat perspective with one of the tech buildings next to the hotel.



A silhouette of the bride in the hotel. Love it!



Since you can't change the weather, you may as well use it. I went outside in the drizzle to get this one of Jen. If you look closely, you can see the rain drops coming down (click on the image for a larger version).



A close up of the bride...she's just sparkling!



I love this moment between them...



Guys, everytime I'm around you both, I always feel so welcomed and it seems like we've been friends for a long time. A pleasure and an honour to be with you on your special day!

Check back for the slideshow!

Heather & Geoff!

Way, way back in May, we had the chance to shoot Heather & Geoff. Geoff is the strong, silent type, while Heather bounces around and is full of spontaneous energy. He is definitely the yin to her yang!! An awesome couple to be around, along with all their family and friends. They got ready, dressed, married and had their party all at a wonderful place called the Bean Town Ranch. It is a wonderful ranch, perfect for a wedding with a country flair. Complete with horse drawn buggy, beautiful ponds and great service, it's something that you should check out. The owners Genevieve and Guy are both wonderful people who know how to take care of you!

A neat shot of their very original cake, or should I say cakes! Yum!



Heather looking stunning in her dress!



And some detail of the back of the dress...



A shot just after I caught Heather's parent's sneaking a kiss. Her dad is quite a ham!



The camera loved the groom...



A nice shot of the ranch at dusk.



A nice, intimate shot of the newlyweds...



I love this one of Heather. What a great expression!



This is in the same spot where Heather and Geoff got married. I love the backdrop, and the late afternoon light!



Here is a ***SLIDESHOW*** of their big day! Enjoy!

Walker Family!

A few weeks back I had the chance to shoot an amazing family! They all came ready for action and had lots of ideas for the shoot. They were so fun to hang out with, and it felt like I had known them all for a long time.

Just a nice casual pose with the gang. As soon as I saw the dry creek bed, I knew we had to make use of it.


What family photoshoot would be complete without a shot with Grandma?!


The girls. Aren't they gorgeous!?


Dad and two of his favourite gals...


A BB signature shot! I've said this before, and I'll say it again, you guys sure make my life easy...


Thanks so much for hangin' with me gang! It was a lot of fun to be with you and I hope to do it again!