Rocky's Big Starbucks Adventure

Rocky looking over the driver's shoulder in anticipation of the fresh coffee?

He's Back! Some of you may remember Rocky the dog from an earlier summer blog. Rocky is our "holiday day" dog-when our friends go on holidays we get the pleasure of having a dog and enjoy all the experiences that go along with being dog owners.  Of course, not owning a dog sometimes brings into question what exactly do you do with a dog? More importantly what do you do with a dog that is all of 2 pounds and a little larger than your hand? The last 2 days have been a bit of a snow storm outside and even sending him out to do his business is a little iffy- a few inches of snow is higher than his legs! Going for walks was not even an option.

This afternoon I suggested to my husband that we go for a drive to Starbucks for some coffee and hot chocolate. To my surprise Rocky's ears perked up and he ran to the front door. My eye brow went up-hmmm a dog that likes coffee? My friend had brought Rocky to our home dressed in his beautiful purple coat that she said he hates and usually won't move in. Wouldn't you know he practically jumped into that coat and made a be- line out the door. I began to think maybe this is not a normal dog, (not only that but taking a dog out for coffee is a little "outside the box" as well!)  Could he have done this before? He really seemed to know where we were off to!

  
Rocky discovered in the Starbucks parking lot that the front dashboard was actually quite warm, a good spot to enjoy the coffee.
Waiting in anticipation as I ran in to get the coffee's.

A little light reading on the caramel Macchiato.

Ah the life! Coffee, a warm place to sit in the sun and good company! Life is good!

Just makes me wonder Tee-Hee Hee- When his owners read this are they going to really be surprised?  Stay tuned for more Rocky adventures!

Pete and Leah,and Baby will make 3!

Christmas Holidays are a great time to spend with family. Even better yet, is to see family members who come home to visit for the holidays. Our family was fortunate have Niece, Leah and her husband Pete in from Alberta for a few days. Leah is only 7 weeks from giving birth to their first born. It was fun having them come down to the studio to capture the pregnancy. She just seemed to "glow". Congratulations you guys and all the best for the delivery! We'll be awaiting the good news! 

Sights and Sounds of Christmas 09

Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year! WOW-I can't believe how this past year has flown bye!!! The last month has been a bit of a blur, but in reflection, I was able to, every once in a while, spend some time in pursuit of the Holiday Spirit. What is the  "Holiday Spirit" you ask?

                   For me, it's feeling the warmth and laughter enjoyed by spending time with friends and family, seeing and hearing  sights and sounds of the holidays that some how trigger a fond, magical childhood memory. I thought I'd  share  just a few of the "treasures" I was able to enjoy in the past month. The first three images were captured at a Christmas party at Galbraith House Bed and Breakfast. Above is a collection of antique Christmas balls given to the owner by a relative. What struck me was how beautiful the display was but more importantly how much meaning it held for the owner.

My husband and I managed to sneak out one Sunday afternoon to the Conservatory at Assiniboine Park to enjoy the beautiful Poinsettia displays. I found one lonely stocking hung from a displayed fireplace-I loved the texture the whole scene.The brick, the wood and the stocking textures just seemed to create such a welcoming feeling.

I also spent a Saturday  photographing pet portraits with Pawsitive Image at the Pawsh Dog and met some wonderful individuals! -Oh, and some great Dogs too!!!! 

This weekend we were invited to attend the wedding of Melissa and Josh. The Hotel Fort Garry and the Crystal Ballroom were so beautifully decorated for the holidays!  Sharing in such an important day with friends was also beautiful thing! 

Here is wishing that you too get to spend some valuable time with friends and family and create cherished memories for years to come. Again, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 

Way Off Broadway 09

Someone asked me the other day, what kind of photography do you do? That's a big question as it really depends on the day! Somedays I'm a portrait photographer for children, and families and other times I'm involved in "shooting" events like this years  Manitoba Childrens Museum's, Way Off Broadway Dance Extravaganza . The Event is in support of the Manitoba Children's Museum and took place at the Pantages theatre on Nov. 8th. A number of business pull together dance teams from their staff and practice a dance routine to perform at the event. Through sponsorship and corporate support the Museum was able to raise in excess of $30,000.00! My compliments to Erin, Janet, Lisa and the rest of the crew that worked to make such a great show happen! Truthfully, it was a little difficult to photograph because you just wanted to watch the amazing performances!

 Scott Zielke and myself photographed the 3 hour performance on behalf of Studio 448. We took turns photographing from the floor as well as the balcony, using a number of different lenses and 4 cameras. A super fun challenge! Here are just a few of my favs from the show, if you'd like to see more here is the Link to the album on the Children's Museum site:  

 http://childrensmuseum.com/media-centre/photo-gallery/.

Looking for the Light and Colour at 4 p.m..

"I'm on the way to the grocery store" I yelled down from the kitchen at my son and his friend playing Rock Band in the basement. As I grabbed the grocery list off the counter I noticed through the windows of the back door, a flash of brown walking by the deck. Curious, I moved to the window and found  two Does and a Buck in my back yard. Hummm... I put the grocery list back down on the counter grabbed my camera changing to my telephoto lens. Part my my mind kept saying, they will be long gone-but hey, I had to give it a try. I went out the front door and around the back of the house and let myself out the back gate into the "back bush".  I stood  quietly in the tall grass (at times taller then my head) and stood  waiting, hoping to hear a tell tale rustling that would give me a clue as to their whereabouts. As I stood there in silence I began to think. That Buck had  a good sized rack, he was with Does, maybe this wasn't such a great idea, not to mention all the other scenarios, skunks, foxes, and all the other rodents living in the tall grass where I was standing. Nobody knew I was out there, I was suppose to be GROCERY SHOPPING!!!

 I didn't panic (I surprised myself) -it was way to peaceful standing there in the tall grass listing to the rustling in the small breeze. And as I moved to change my spot I noticed something else. A gleaming, a glitter, tiny spots of light dancing off the tips of the grass as the sun began it's decent in the sky. The tiny shiny specs changed as I moved up or down or to the side. Only in one spot could I see the beautiful glitter. I wondered could I capture this on film? I played with the exposure, stopping down in half stops. It was one of those  photography moments where you actually need to remind yourself to breath. (I know I'm not the only photographer that holds her/his breath when taking the shot hoping for absolute stillness)  Considering I was in tall grass in the back bush with no one knowing where I was- hyperventilating and possibly passing out was not an option. As I photographed, I also noticed how the colours appeared to be on the screen. Whites where coming out as soft blues and the oranges seemed so pronounced. I slowly (about a half and hour later) made my way back to the house and back inside to drop off the camera and reclaim my grocery list. My son came running up the stairs "So what did you Buy??" he said with enthusiasm. 

 "Some quiet time" I replied over my shoulder as I walked out the door to complete the task I had originally set out to do an hour before. Those deer will have to wait for another day..

Family Fun in the Exchange

I've had the best time photographing families over the last couple of months! Who knew I'd be showing families the back alleys and tunnels of our historic Winnipeg Exchange District! It does make a great backdrop-and the choices! Everything from different brickwork, iron work and colourful graffiti! This family was great fun and it's always exciting when a client is open to exploring a locations possibilities as well as editing techniques. Thanks "guys" -it was a memorable time together! Here are some of the moments.

Dylan-Holiday Pet Portraits

Holiday Pet portraits make the perfect holiday gift! 

 I love my job as a portrait photographer, especially when I have great subjects like Dylan. This past Friday afternoon  I had the pleasure of photographing Dylan (named after Mr. Bob Dylan) who is a Can./American Champion Saluki Dog. His owner and I were preparing for  The Pawsh Dog and  A Pawsitive Image Photography, Professional Holiday Pet Portrait event. It runs Sundays, November 29th to December 6th at 133 Marion St.. To have your dog photographed call 415-7976 for an appointment. 

I will also be photographing holiday pet portraits at Paws on Portage Nov. 21st. by appointment. 

 If your dog prefers a more intimate setting , check out the pet portrait special at Studio 448 running  from Nov. 16th -Dec. 5th! (www.studio448.com for details.) Call 230-8194 to book your appointment today!