New DVD Slideshow

Attached is a video featuring the clients who have booked me at local private school (I'll be having this running at my booth this weekend at their annual winter fair).

Just a sample of what your customized DVD from a session might look like - your photos, your music and different effects of course, these are all custom created with the personality of my clients in mind!

Beautiful Fall Days

Not all of my subjects are human!

We've been blessed with fantastic weather this week, and I took full advantage driving to Paris, Cambridge, Guelph, Erin - and of course my own backyard in rural Burlington which is where I found these beautiful creatures.

These horses were very friendly, in fact getting them to "act natural" took lots of waiting! At one point five of them were all up at the fence hoping for a nose rub (or more likely a snack). Kinda like the start of each "human" photo session with kids, it usually takes 10 or 15 minutes to get past the point where children feel that they need to pose and we start having fun. That's when the best shots happen, when everyone forgets that I'm snapping away!

Lakeside Senior Session

Aren't these two sisters beautiful?

We had a great time down on Bronte Rd. in Oakville a few weeks ago, a location with a great balance of nature, architecture and urban detail. The weather threatened to let loose - that "prestorm" sky is absolutely perfect for portrait images in its softness and hue. The session lasted about two hours, sure enough the rain started to fall just at the end.

These fall skies are great for outdoor images, especially later in the afternoon when the light is softer. There are still some October and November dates left!

Hanging out at Ancaster Mill

I had a blast with these two sisters a few weeks ago, they obviously enjoy each other's company! These photos were included in my newsletter that went out to subscribers yesterday. If you'd like to receive regular updates on session availability, new products, photo tips and specials - you can subscribe by clicking on the box to the right (if you're reading this through an RSS feed, click on the title of this post to get to the blog).

Have a terrific weekend!

Catching up on Portrait Session posts.....

Oh dear, I let myself get a little behind in posting...

Here a few images from a July session with two adorable sisters. I had the pleasure of photographing them last summer too, they've grown so much!

'Cause It's Our Birthday!

A big birthday weekend in our house, mine today (let's just say it's a multiple of five that I'm celebrating) and tomorrow is my daughter's Sweet Sixteen. She'll soon be driving, just two years of high school left - it all goes by much too quickly!

I'm in the mood for sharing presents, and this one is for new clients (if you're a past client, you'll still get your usual $50 referral credit if a new client mentions that they heard about me from you - so please pass this post along to friends and family!).

Book a session for a date up to and including September 13th, 2009 and you'll get a $100 photo credit bonus.

Here's the fine print:

- based on availability, there are just a few dates left on my calendar at http://www.theintrepidlens.com/index2.php?v=v1#/calendar/

- session to take place in the Burlington/Oakville area

- usual session fee applies, paid at time of making your booking

This special expires at midnight, Monday August 24th.

Outdoor Headshots for Book Cover

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of photographing Diane at Pier 4 along the waterfront in Hamilton. Although this summer hasn't been what many of us had hoped weatherwise, the cloud cover that morning gave us fantastic natural portrait lighting (helped a bit by off-camera flash when we were in the shadier areas).

Diane was in need of images for her website and for the cover of her upcoming book, and had a clear idea of what she would like these images to portray. She brought a number of outfits and accessories (along with her warm smile!) something that I suggest for all photo sessions to give you a variety of looks to choose from.

I encourage you to visit Diane's websites, she's a fascinating woman with diverse talents and interests. I'll be sure to let you know when her book is published!

Diane adds:

"I love the shot of me on the stairs with my feet up and against the railing. I am going to use this shot for the back cover of my new book called "Living on Go". A true account of 10 promptings I followed, the adventures and outcome of each prompting.

I am having a hard time deciding what shot to use on my website www.unlockingyourbest.com.

As a certified IIPA iridologist and one of five instructors in Canada my business www.choicesforhealthandharmony.com has expanded to corporate speaking, teaching and training seminars".

Diane Elms CCI, CCII2006 Iridologist of the YearMember of Canadian Association of Professional Speakers

www.choicesforhealthandharmony.com

www.unlockingyourbest.com

www.phoenixrisingcenter.com

Photos from Village Square Session

Most of my outdoor sessions take place in parks, lakeside, in backyards etc., but if you're looking for a spot with architectural interest Village Square in downtown Burlington is a lovely spot!

K. and I were down there recently for session (you'll recognize her from the multimedia slide show in the previous post, which can also been seen here on YouTube).

Due to its popularity with wedding photographers, Village Square now requires reservations and for any photo sessions - let me know if I can check into availability for your photos!

Something New - Multimedia Slideshows!

I spent a fun morning with K. recently, she was helping me out with getting ready to introduce my "Senior/Teen" sessions. Isn't she beautiful? K. is heading into high school, loves basketball and loves kittens (you'll see proof of that, it was hard for her to part with the little cutie we found!)

Here's a slideshow that I've put together with images from our session. These customized slideshows include images from your portrait session, your choice of music (or I can select for you) and can be shared with friends and family over the internet. A great way to document your family & children!

These slideshows are available as an add-on to any portrait session (and I can create one from a past session too).

Photography Books for Sale

I have lots of photos to share with you from recent sessions, they're coming soon! In the meantime I'm still in purge mode in my office and this week am offering a wide variety of photography books for sale.

Please let me know if I can give you further info on any of the following:

The Digital Photolab (Advanced Black & White Techniques using Photoshop)
George Shaub ($46. 95) price $15

Painterly Photography (Awakening the Artist Within)
Elizabeth Murray ($19.95) free (a gift to me, and a gift to someone who would like it)

Better Picture Guide to Black & White Photography
Michael Busselle price $10

Better Picture Guide to Lowlight Photography
David Daye price $10

Better Picture Guide to Landscape Photography
Michael Busselle price $10

Better Picture Guide to Photographing Colour, Composition and Harmony
Michael Busselle price $10

Better Picture Guide to Still Life & Close-up Photography
Michael Busselle price $10

Photo-Imaging (A Complete Guide to Alternative Processes)
Jill Enfield, ($29.95) price $15

Start with A Scan
Janet Ashford and John Odam ($52.50) price $15

Special Effects Photography
David Daye ($48.95) price $10

Nature Photography Field Guide
John Shaw ($24.95) price $10

Photo Tinting
Ed Krebs price $3

The Digital Printing Handbook
Tim Daly ($24.95) price $10

Photographer’s Market Guide to Building Your Photography Business
Vik Orenstein ($27.99) price $10

Still Life, A Guide to Professional Lighting Techniques
Roger Hicks and Frances Schultz ($52.95) price $10

Extra July Newsletter

Just put out an extra newsletter this month 'cause there's so much to share!

New Digital File Options
DVD Slideshows
Holiday Cards '09
Updated Portrait Galleries
Last Minute Session Availability

Let me know if I can add you to my distribution list. I don't share your contact information with anyone, and you can easily unsubcribe anytime.

sandy@theintrepidlens.com

Celebrating S's Birthday

I met this lovely family last week, S's husband purchased a session with me for his wife's birthday (thanks for putting me on your wishlist S!)

More from B's session

I'm behind with posting, photos from other sessions coming soon!

Session with Miss B

I just love when teenaged girls let loose and be themselves! Joining "B" on the session was my daughter Suzanna (they're good friends, and they know how to enjoy a good laugh together!)

More to come later this week....

Fine Art Sample Sale!

I've participated in LOTS of art sales over the years, from the One of a Kind Show, to exhibits at private art galleries and a good variety in between. It's important to always show a good selection of images, and I've always come prepared with professionally matted and framed images to each exhibit.

The reality however is that clients almost always purchase an image as a custom order, be it a different size or a frame to better suit their home or office decor.

This has left me with a healthy inventory of images over time and it's time to retire some of them to make room for new work!

All are printed/matted/framed with the same care and attention as custom orders - but this special pricing willl apply "as is" for each item.

So if you're looking for an image fill an empty wall, to give as a gift or just have to have it - this sale might be right up your alley!

To view the available images, visit my website at http://www.theintrepidlens.com/. You'll see three boxes on the first page, click on the right most box for "Fine Art Site". Then visit "Sample Sale".

By clicking on the info box at the top of each image, you'll be able to see size & pricing information (and you can even pay by Paypal directly from the site). An image will be taken down as soon as it has sold.

These prices are for pickup from me in Burlington, ON Canada, please contact me for delivery pricing. Canadian delivery only.

Regular print prices apply to images that are still being issued (I don't anticipate holding another sale like this in the future, most of my fine art sales are now on-line "print to order" purchases/custom orders so I rarely have inventory on hand of current images.

Please contact me with any questions at sandy@theintrepidlens.com, or at 416.888.4230.

Session just opened up for this weekend (June 27th and 28th)

Instead of going up north for the weekend we'll be staying in town - and the weather forecast looks great (at least for Saturday, it's too early to tell for Sunday).


Sessions available Saturday & Sunday, morning or afternoon (one session each day, but my time is flexible).

Other dates available:
Monday June 29th
Tuesday June 30th
Saturday July 4th


Please let me know if you're interested in booking a session (within 25 km of Burlington).

sandy@theintrepidlens.com

416.888.4230

A Friday Smile

(view blog for attached graphic)

I'd like to believe that the photographer can take some of the credit for a great image! :-)

Have a great weekend everyone.

Just Because....

this is beautiful!

Seeking Teen Model

I'm introducing Senior Sessions (huge in the US and catching on here in Canada) in the next few months and I need a few models for my portfolio.

I'm looking for one more teen 15-19 (male or female) who would be willing to model outdoors for a few hours in Oakville or Burlington this summer in exchange for five images (high res for printing, and low res for putting on Facebook).

If you know of any teens who might be interested, please have them email me at sandy@theintrepidlens.com

How Much Cuter Can You Get?

I wanted to play with a black & white conversion this evening, and selected this photo of H. In this photo he's waiting for his birthday cake with anxious anticipation!

New Mini Sessions June 6th and 7th

As an alternative to a full session (1 - 3 hours, minimum of 50 proofs), I'm offering new Mini Sessions on selected dates. Shorter duration, smaller price but my same commitment to capturing your family with humour and enthusiasm!

Mini Sessions include:

- up to 45 minutes of shooting
- 15 to 20 proofs posted on-line for 10 days

2 Pricing Options:

a) Session fee only
$75

(prints a la carte, regular pricing)

b) Package price, including:

A CD or five retouched images
(your choice)
Printable up to 8 x 10 size

$300

June 6th location is Lowville Park, Burlington
3 slots at 9, 10 and 11 am

June 7th location is Bronte Creek Provincial Park, Oakville
3 slots at 3, 4 and 5 pm

$75 payment is due at time of booking, balance for packages due on session date.

Please email me at sandy@theintrepidlens.com if you're interested!

Starting the '09 Outdoor Session Season Right!

A lovely family, great weather, gorgeous location - it just doesn't get any better! These photos were taken at beautiful Lowville Park in north Burlington. Isn't little Miss N. delicious? Just four months old, she was a real trouper!

I'll be holding a few mini-sessions in June at Lowville park, details will be posted in my monthly newsletter coming out next week. If you're not signed up just fill in the registration box to the right on this blog (on the actual blog site, you won't see it if you're getting this post in a reader. Or email me at sandy@theintrepidlens.com if you don't see it).

Spring Cleaning - of Photo Stuff!

That familiar feeling is creeping over me, the desire for a organized and tidy workspace to help usher in spring.

I'm a minimalist at heart and pretty darned organized to begin with, but I find I've accumulated some items that I'm just not using, don't anticipate using and thinking that someone out there might be able to enjoy.

So - if you're an aspiring photographer and want to be kept updated on the offerings as I empty out my cupboards please let me know at theintrepidlens@cogeco.ca and I'll put you on a distribution email list (you can cancel at anytime if you're no longer interested in the updates). Some items will be at a set price, some going for the best offer, and quite a few freebies too!

I'll indicate for each item whether it can be shipped, delivered locally, picked up from me etc.

Here are a few items to start:

1) Instructional CDs and DVDs

Some of the British photography mags that I've purchased over the years include a CD with Photoshop & general photography skill tutorials. Although they came out when older versions of Photoshop were available, the lessons are still pertinent i.e. burning/dodging, contrast, depth of field etc.

I have 20 of them to give as one set (published by different magazines) for free (or almost free).
First person to reply that you want them, gets them.

Free if you're local to me in Burlington and can pick them up.

$10 if you need them shipped (Canada only) please email me asap that you want them, and if I confirm that they're still available please send $10 via Paypal to cover the shipping (padded envelope, and there's a bit of weight to them).

2) Tripod - Slik U7700 (retail new $69.99 at Henry's)

I've literally used this once, bought it to use as a travel tripod but found it just wasn't heavy enough to take a pro-weight camera plus a long telephoto. However, it will do the job nicely for anyone with a consumer weight camera and normal lens (and most definitely for a point and shoot!) Remember that you'll get the best results at lower shutter speeds & low light with a tripod (and most definitely needed when you want to get yourself into the photo too!)

Price is $40, picked up from me/meet me a reasonable distance from my home in Burlington

Item description:

http://www.henrys.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ItemsDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&departmentId=10408&categoryId=10453&itemID=41687

3) IOmega 250 MB Zip Drive

Item description:

http://www.amazon.com/Iomega-Zip-250-External-Drive/dp/B0000300QN

Includes one 250 MB disk. Has been used (just once for one set of files, I use a different backup format), label on disk was written on.

$50 picked up from me
$70 shipped (Canada only). payment by Paypal



Back to my sorting!

Other ways to follow The Intrepid Lens

You might already get my monthly newsletter (if you don't receive it but would like to just click on the subscribe box to the right on my blog page, or email me at theintrepidlens@cogeco.ca ) with news, photo tips, monthly specials etc., but sometimes I add a last minute special just to spice things up!

I might post it here on the blog, on Twitter, or on my Facebook page....sometimes all three.

If you're a "Twitterer", I'm at http://twitter.com/theintrepidlens

(and I'll follow you back of course!)

On Facebook, sign up as a fan of The Intrepid Lens at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/The-Intrepid-Lens/25455171452?ref=ts

Happy Mother's Day weekend to all moms!

Sandy

Two sessions available at RBG - Cherry Trees in Bloom!

I visited the Royal Botanical Gardens this morning to check on the cherry trees - they're magnificent and should be for a few days yet!

Two sessions available - this Friday May 8th, or Monday May 11th. I found a spot in the park that's outside of the admission gates so no entry fee.

Call me at 416.888.4230 if you're interested.

More Apple Orchard Photos

I'm loving these storyboards!

All new photos on my Portraits website

To help get me geared up for the '09 outdoor photo session season I went through last year's session proofs (and a few from '07 too) looking for all new photos for the website.

I was smiling as I remembered so many humorous moments from our sessions, what a great year it was! Here's one from a fall session - it was quite chilly that day and I'd given this lovely family some of those handwarming packets. They sure were doing the trick, too well in fact - those little warmers kept finding their way into the photos!

http://www.theintrepidlens.com to check out the rest of the new images.

What's Apple-ing?

Last fall one of my favourite clients invited me tag along for her younger son's birthday party held at Chudleigh's apple farm in Halton region (Ontario, Canada). Not only is it great fun when I get to photograph C.'s family, it gave me a chance to take some photos to show potential clients a possible location for an outdoor photo session.

Here are some photos from Hudson's birthday party, more to come later this week!

If you'd like to book your photo session at Chudleigh's they open for the 2009 season on July 1st. Not only do they deliver you to the orchards to pick your own apples, they have a straw maze, a petting zoo and a bakery that you have to visit before you leave (for those of you not in the Toronto area, Chudleigh's pies are beyond delicious!)

I'm baaaaaaack!

This walking thing is going very well, in fact I even drove for the first time in two months yesterday. I never thought a little freedom would taste so sweet!

Although I still need to go to physio for awhile yet, I'm on track to toss aside the cane within a few weeks and START WORKING again! Only someone who loves his/her job with passion would be so excited (these photos of a lovely young lady that I photographed last fall will give you an idea of how much I'm looking forward to picking up my camera again).

Although I'm sure that I'll be ready sooner, I'm opening up my booking calendar starting May 16th to be sure that I'm in top form. A great month for outdoor sessions with the beautiful spring flowers, cherry and lilac blossoms - what a gorgeous time of year!

Website (with calendar) at http://www.theintrepidlens.com/

Email me at theintrepidlens@cogeco.ca for info/to book.

Feeling like my old self again......!

Walking Again (well, kind of!)

After a very long 8 weeks, 2 days and 6 hours I'm finally walking without crutches following my leg surgery! I've replaced the crutches with a cane which makes it much easier to get around (plus I now have one hand free to carry things, that's been the biggest frustration).

I'm on target to be walking without assistance in a couple of weeks, and should be back to work within 4-6 weeks. Looks like I might not miss the spring flowers at the Royal Botanical Gardens after all this year.

My husband is wondering when this huge silly grin might fade from my face....it might just be there for awhile!

New Storyboards

New storyboards, more examples on my website at http://www.theintrepidlens.com/.

These are fun to assemble, lots of possible configurations!

"Legless" for not too much longer!

I finally have the go-ahead from my surgeon to start "walking" physiotherapy. In about six weeks I should be able to get around without crutches or a cane, and I'm thrilled!

And what's high on my list to do first?

Hug my family without those annoying crutches in the way!
Start portrait sessions up again for my very patient clients.
Photograph spring flowers at the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Spend a few hours with my camera at a client's gorgeous property (see previous post below).
Grocery shop at Longo's and Burlington's outdoor market, and cook up a storm!
Take my daughter out for driving lessons. Hmmm, am I ready for a teenager on the road?

So far physio has gone very well. Not much pain at all, the hardest part is that when I put my "bad" leg to the floor my foot tickles so much I can hardly contain the giggles! I'm told that this is normal - not a bad symptom to have in the grand scheme of things. Always better to be laughing than crying....

When a Photographer Can't Photograph

Or, as my husband asked "what are you thinking about all day while you're laying there?"

It's been almost 6 weeks of bedrest following my surgery. Next week I'll find out how many more months of this I have ahead, and whether the 2nd surgery is required. This is far from over - so I'd better continue to keep my mind occupied!

What have I been thinking about?

• I'll admit to a few bouts of self pity, but generally my spirits are high - and mostly I'm so grateful that the tumour was found when it was (before my leg snapped) and that it was benign. And grateful that my husband and daughter look after me with selfless love and great patience, I'm truly blessed and I remember that every day!


• I wonder about the lesson I'm to learn from this experience. When came through my last major health issue about seven years ago I left a well-paying, steady income to leap into the career I had always desired. It hasn't been easy establishing a new business, but that experience seemed to me to have a very clear lesson - that life is short, and I had to follow my heart to be happy (which is ironic to me given that it was a cardiac issue!)


• I'm still working on what lesson I'm to learn this time. Patience perhaps? I think I've done really well on this one, but I suppose next week's news will tell me about just how patient I might need to be! :-)


• Photography, and more photography. I just cannot get enough. I'm looking at other photographers' work, listening to audio blogs about the creative and technical, thinking about all the locations I'd like photograph when I'm able to again, imagining all the beautiful faces that my wonderful clients give me the privilege to photograph. There's never a moment that I regret leaving the corporate life behind (well, I do miss a regular paycheque and the benefits plan from time to time if I'm being honest). I know that I made the right decision seven years ago. Maybe my lesson is to fully appreciate what a gift the last seven years have been. I may have been given a rather challenging body to live inside of, but overall I'm one very lucky woman.

Using my time constructively

There's not too much I'm able to do from here in bed as I recuperate - but I was able to design my new website! Check it out at http://www.theintrepidlens.com.

Happy "Almost Spring"!

Something new to view....

I've been working hard (and with much enthusiasm) on a new website. Just a few more days..... (this has been so much fun!)

Cabin fever has set in good and hard....

First I have to let you know the great new that the bone tumour removed from my leg in early February was benign, the news couldn't have been better! Now a rather long road to recovery, still a few months of not walking as the bone heals and the options for bone reconstruction are evaluated.

Which leads to the matter of cabin fever. Don't get me wrong, I'm extremely grateful for the results of the biopsy - but staying off my leg for a rather long time has its issues! It's been almost four weeks of sticking mostly to my bed, and cabin fever has set in something fierce (I think the 16 C degree temps outside today haven't helped at all, I would dearly like to be out photographing on a day like this).

I tend to be a very positive person and I'm trying to make the most of my time but the worst of this is the FOOD CRAVINGS! All of a sudden I'll think of something that I would love to eat, but it's just not accessible (normally when this would happen pre-surgery - I'd just make a run over to our local Longo's and get the required ingredients). And on top of it today, I keep thinking I can smell the desired food which makes me crave it even more! Would you believe taco salad and Nutella on toasted

So, when I'm finally given the go-ahead to walk again, you'll likely find me at the grocery store - or in the kitchen (making food to sustain me when I'm out shooting!)

The happy side of bedrest....

It's been a week since my surgery, and all is well! I still have at least three weeks left of not using my right leg - but there are definitely upsides to all this lounging around.

1) I don't have to cook. In fact, my family brings me lovely meals to eat here in bed (thank goodness I have less of an appetite right now, otherwise this lack of activity would soon show itself in all the wrong places!) And yeah for chocolate, it cures just about EVERYTHING!
2) Rediscovering how much I love to read.
3) I had no idea that using crutches would build up my upper body muscles so well. Bring on the sleeveless tops this summer!
4) I get to shower sitting down, how very relaxing.....
5) I'm learning lots of interesting things (check out http://www.ted.com)
6) I don't have to shovel snow (who am I kidding, my kind husband insists on doing it himself even when I can use both legs!)
7) My husband and daughter who are always good at getting me laughing, continue to be good at getting me laughing through all of this.

Thank you for all the notes wishing me a speedy recovery, I'm grateful for your kind wishes! The next time I post I'll know the biopsy results, keeping my fingers crossed......

Planning my Escapism

I wish it were for a vacation (somewhere far away from these frigid temps!) but alas no.... I'll be having surgery on my leg on Feb. 9th, and won't able to reply to emails or voicemails for at least a few days afterwards.

Sure it'll hurt, and nobody likes to spend time in the hospital but what I'm dreading most is how to occupy myself during a month of recovery with very limited movement permitted! I've always been terrible at sitting still, and am often multi-tasking. And the thought of not holding my camera for weeks makes me quite unhappy!

So, I can read. I can write. If I can find a way to manoever to the TV room, I catch up on some shows and movies. Maybe a few phonecalls each day with family and friends. Maybe altogether 3 or 4 hours a day?

As I think about the other 12 or so hours that need to be filled, I get a warm feeling as I think about what the internet can bring to me (and so happy that I invested in a laptop instead of a desktop computer). I'm going to:

- look up goofy YouTube videos (I'll need a laugh or two)
- read lots of blogs (most of them will be photography related, what can I say - it's an addiction!)
- do on-line tutorials (probably all Photoshop)
- Google obscure words just to see what comes up
- look up info on remote destinations and plan my dream vacation
- drive my husband and daughter totally nuts (in this tech age instead of ringing a bell - I'll Skype them whenever I need them!)
- communicate with the outside world on the aforementioned Skype, or Twitter, or Facebook or good old email
- think about all the things I am grateful for (and there are many!)

- and most importantly try not to be a total pain in the neck!

I'll look forward to seeing you again on the other side :-)

P.S. Please do share if you have a blog I can check out, if you've found some funny videos on-line, etc. Four weeks seems like an eternity stretching ahead of me!

Valentine's Promo - Deadline January 31st

Two blog posts in the same day....I must be feeling a bit guilty for neglecting this blog for weeks on end!

Gift Certificates for a photo session were very popular this past holiday season, I enjoyed designing cards specifically for each recipient. These also make a great Valentine's Day gift, and I've been creating a few templates to be further personalized.

And until January 31st, for every $200 worth of portrait services purchased on a Gift Certificate I'll add an extra $50 print credit for the recipient. The bonus will be reflected in the value of the Gift Certificate.

Can I design one for someone special in your life?

Time to shop for a side table?

My publisher in the US let me know this week that they released four of my images to a Canadian furniture store to be sold as framed art posters. Couldn't tell me who, so perhaps some sleuthing is in order? The thrill of seeing my images somewhere outside of my own home never diminishes!