Happy Birthday Bogart!

I had a special guest in the studio yesterday! Please meet 8 year old Bogart. Not being to familiar with the breeds and the world of showdogs, I asked about Bogart. Owner Katherina Dueck told me "Bogart is Canadian/American Champion Mokie's Tinseltown Legend. He is an 8-year-old Briard (an old French herding breed) who has won multiple titles in the show ring and at agility and performed with the Superdogs for many years." Katherina wanted to commemorate his 8th Birthday. She had no formal pictures of Bogart, and I understood complete why not, as soon as they entered the studio. Katherina had with her groomer and handler, Shawna Wiebe,and her arsenal of personal dog grooming products including everything from bobby pins, hairspray, brushes and the all important blow dryer! Grooming didn't just begin at the studio but apparently took an entire week of prep time! The session took approx. 2 hours in length. We stopped frequently in between for grooming and "blowing out" Bogart's beard. It took the three of us, Katherina directing, Shawna grooming and handling, and me trying to get the shot and stay out of Bogart's way should he choose to exit the "scene"!

Katherina's newest addition to the family, Alphie, also a Briard, got in on the picture taking.
Alphie (aka "Mini Me",his call name) is " Deja Vu Popsakadoo From A to Z "(His registered name) and he is almost 4 months old. Bogart's not his dad, but they are related. He's too young to compete, but will make his show ring debut in Brandon this November.

Special mention for the talented Trina Gallop who made Bogart's Birthday Cake.

Shawna and Katherina groom Bogart before the session.

Chicago Aug.2010 Highlights

Our entrance into Chicago. Very S-L-O-W. They have these great boards that post expected travel times to a certain location. The first said we would be at the circle in 44 min. 25 min. later we came upon a second board that said we were now 40 min. away...HUMMMM...I know I'm on vacation but the math isn't adding up.....

Buckingham Fountain at evening

Road Trip! Six days vacation- where to go for some family fun and a little R&R? My husbands answer to this question seemed to be- Chicago. 2 days drive down , 2 days back, gave us a couple of days in the big city. I can't say it was all that relaxing as we did full days of sightseeing and walked well in excess of 20 km per day! By day 3, I found myself "rolling" out of bed and literally dragging myself across the hotel room floor to make it to the hot shower to ease the pain in every one of my protesting muscles. My only consolation, my much younger sons seemed to be experiencing the same issue! I knew I should have implemented a serious family work out vacation prep program about two months prior to the vacation schedule. It was best just to park the car for the couple of days and walk to the multiple attractions in the downtown area.

We stayed right Downtown at the Blake Hotel. A wonderful hotel with high ceilings and amazing bathrooms and a great concierge nick named "Showtime". He always asked where we were going and when we came back, where we had been. (I wondered if he really could keep track of all the guests comings and goings!)

What were the top 10 highlights of our trip? Here are just a few:

****Buy a "Go Chicago Card" You get to visit multiple locations, access the hop on hop off double decker & trolley rides downtown and best of all you bypass people waiting to get into the attractions because you have your tickets already!

Things to see,

1. Buckingham fountain. (FREE) beautiful during the day and at night it lights up in various colours. (Below)

2. The Art Institute - Don't forget to rub the lions tail just outside the building for luck! They have an amazing miniatures display! (Below)

3. Sky Deck at the Willis Tower (Formally Sears Tower) -You get to stand out in a plexi-glass

box 103 floors up and overlook the city.

4. Visit Transformer 3 filming sets. (Free this month) You have to get lucky finding the locations. The boys enjoyed this the most. Above and below scenes from the movie filming.

5. The Pier-(Free) If you love boats it's the place to be. Lakeshore drive has an amazing walking path all along the waters edge. you can also rent bikes or Segways.

6. Architecture Tour by boat- Really good- a Must do!!!!

7. Tall Ship Windy - The best!!!! Excellent adventure on a sailing vessel. My sons got to help hoist the sails! As well, it was funny and entertaining as well as educational too! You get shown artifacts from sailing vessels of the past. If I could remember this guys name (Below)-The rest of my family can't remember it either-I beg understanding for having "vacation brain"- I would say, way to go______ great job!

8. Navy Pier -(Free)-Just if you wish to go on rides you are expected to pay. (I did get reprimanded by an employee for using a tripod at night there.) Apparently that's not allowed.

9. Millennium Park-(Free) Go at night to see these amazing water fountain towers that have faces that change projected on them. Very safe very busy even in the evenings.

10. Walking downtown from Navy Pier to Magnificent Mile (Great shopping!)

All in all it was an amazing trip from this photographer's experience. Lots of architecture and such contrast from old to new, and unique locations and attractions to photograph. The people of Chicago were also really friendly and always willing to help with directions, etc.. I think I'd do it again...

Josée & Shawn married!

Friday, July 23rd turned out to be a sunny, bright, and HOT day. Can't ask for much more (except maybe a couple of degrees cooler) for a beautiful wedding day.

Josée and Shawn are a super couple. Josée was such a beautiful bride and Shawn was a real "tropper" in his suit in 30C weather for all the outdoor shots we took. The couple choose some great locations including Kings Park and St. Vital Park for their formals. Because the wedding was on a Friday, the parks were quite empty and we were able to "Play" a little more freely with our cameras in the space we had. After the afternoon formals, the Reception was held at the Niakwa Country Club. Special highlight for us was the "moves" the couple performed on the dance floor!WOW too fun!

Paolo and I just want to thank the wedding party for their patience and fun spirit through out the day! (One in particular, for sure, who being 7 months pregnant, would jump on a hill high into the air for a picture!) Have a wonderful Honeymoon Josée and Shawn and all the best in your life together! It was a pleasure sharing your special day with you!