Holiday fun with the son! What a Ham!

Fun shoot with my son! He's always good for a giggle. I was actually shooting for Mandy's film  assignment and checking exposure with my digital. I asked Calder if he would give me something to work with- I'm thinking next time I'll have to be more exact with the expressions I'm looking for. He makes it so much fun to be on the other side of the lens!!

Ebonie's day out!

I decided today, that if I was going to have a crazy day shooting - I was at least going to enjoy it! I had to complete 2 assignments on film. The first was Craig's assignment of photographing my hardware and the second Mandy's assignment on Light. Light- Light sources? types of light? Light weight? Too much indecision! She told me to go and have a good time with it- so I decided to  go to a familiar place where I have spent a few summer's working. Lower Fort Garry was a great summer job-however I must say it is way quiet during the winter months in comparison to the bustling summer months. Yep- Just me and the trees and the snow and -20C temps! Funny thing this shoot- I had set my digital camera to white balance in my house to photograph my hardware and forgot it was on custom. It was a little scary seeing my pictures coming out Sepia- I was brain storming for about 20 min. as to what was happing. Could cold weather really do that to my camera????? Good thing I remained calm and eventually figured it out! ( Tooooo Busyyyyy!!!!) How do you like my new friend- He scared me to death as I was taking pictures in complete isolation and he snuck up behind me and swatted  the back of my hair!(Didn't see him coming!)  I think he was so excited someone was visiting and I know it felt good to me to have a little company. I gave him a little attention and he in turn did a little posing for the camera. There I was talking to a cat, only after about an hour of solitude- reminded me of a Tom Hanks movie where he's the only one on an island and he talks to Wilson his basketball- at least I got a few meows in response! I had a relaxing shoot- sure hope the film pics turn out as well as the digital!

Nightscapes

This weeks board assignment was Nightscapes. It was really interesting as it was a real learning experience. I went to Waterfront drive and took the shot looking toward downtown. It took about 20 shots and 2 trips to get good focus. I went back the second time after I googled helpful tips. I think the key was to not only use the tripod but also to set a self timer as to avoid any motion. I did think any slight vibration will also effect blur and I was on a small lookout platform in strong wind. I also had attempted a Nightscape in my home and tried a few ideas with the Christmas tree. Not a great Nightscape but some cool zoom effects! I especially like the way the needles and ornaments appear to be rotating around the tree, and you gotta love the neighbors snowman!).

The people I've met along the way...

I had a moment to reflect a little this evening and I was trying to made some sense of the whole craziness of this school experience. Sometimes I find myself getting all caught up in the stress of getting assignments completed on time, essays written, grocery shopping done, my kids gym clothes washed,.... and the list (that is far to long) just seems all encompassing and far to overwhelming. So I tonight I wanted to dwell on the great points of the last couple of months(I can't believe it's even been that long!) I think the best thing about photography is that it can be social. I've enjoyed getting to know others in my class and I've been able to spend some time with a lot of great individuals shooting their pics over the last few months, here are some of the memories....

 

Winnipeg's Santa Parade

 

This evening a few of us went to check out the Santa parade.(Never been before!) Had a great time figuring out my new external flash-great photo opportunity! You should check it out next year-Couldn't believe how many people where there!

Persevere- Sometimes it pays!!!!

This morning a few of us went to Henry's photoshop on Regent and Lag. for their Grand opening.  The first 75 people in the store received gift cards in denominations anywhere from $10.00-$500.00. I actually dragged my husband along out into the freezing weather to stand in a line for 1 1/2 hours. I opened mine first and only got $10.00(Boo Ho) My husband, however opened his and got$100.00!!!! He kindly used it to purchase a camera bag for me for Christmas! I don't know that we've ever won anything that big! It was great fun getting to know others in line and the students from Prairie View did well cornering $195.00 of the $1,700.00 give away! 

Busy weekend!

WOW! Busssssyyyyyy! 

All weekend was a blur of working on assignments. Let's see I worked on a rough draft of an essay on Karsh's development techniques as they relate to what we know in the darkroom, worked on a shooting assignment for Ross, called same place different time, and my Creative imaging class where I need to do a series of photo's (at least 5) that explore a topic. I've chosen to explore women in their 40's and their identity from their youth till now. Should be interesting , I'll post the results in a couple of weeks.  The great part of the weekend is that I got to catch up with my high school friend who is now 7 months pregnant and is expecting twins. Here are some updated shots.