Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Laura & Tyler Tie The Knot


Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as the rain stopped just in time for Laura Franklin & Tyler Shortt prepared to leave the church. July 26th saw the village of Burritts Rapids come to life as family and friends gathered for this happy occasion.
Laura, relaxed and thoroughly enjoying her wedding day climbed aboard one of the beautiful International Trucks from KTC. Later she and Tyler would leave the church to travel to "Grandma Tallman's House" via an antique international truck.The antique theme was carried on as they both enjoyed a 1935 Teraplane for their photos by the beautiful Rideau River.
The day was exactly what Laura & Tyler and their families had wished for. Love, laughter, family and friends all gathering to celebrate this beautiful couple. Having known Laura, since her days in Warrior basketball, it was especially touching to see the radiant bride that she had become.

To view the images from this day go to Recent Weddings.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Photography Is Exciting


One of the things that I love about photography is the opportunity to be constantly learning new techniques to improve your work. In the DWF Forum, Bruce Dorn, a lighting genius has a great thread going on "Off Camera Flash". This captured my imagination and in going to WPPI Conference in Las Vegas I was even more convinced that this was something that I wanted to bring to my clients.

Like anything else in life that is worthwhile, there are risks taken, money spent and a definite learning curve. Having purchased my Lastolite Ezybox and Hot Shoe adaptor for my Nikon D800 flash and the Elinchrom Wireless Transmission System, I was ready to go.
I love using backlighting in my scenes, but the downside of this is that the people facing you then are underlit with dark holes for eyes and a lack of vibrancy. Light can be thrown back onto the subjects with the use of reflectors or on-camera flash, but this gives a very flat light and although the eyes come alive. the contours of the face and modelling of the face are lost.
Using off camera flash and balancing the flash with the camera's exposure reading gives you the modelling of the face, highlights, midtones and shadows and also gives that catchlight to the eyes which gives light and energy. Balancing carefully the output of the flash gives a natural and beautiful image.
Brooke and I worked at it in our last wedding and were thrilled with the results. (Mind you the results did not come the first time - did I say there was a long learning curve?) Recently I photographed the engagement session of Rebecca and Steve, with wonderful sunset backlighting and with this new system was able to capture what I am truly proud of. (It didn't hurt that Steve and Rebecca were very co-operative and supportive subjects.)
Ahhh! it's wonderful to feel the excitement of working on something new.

What A Wonderful Surprise!


Yesterday, as I was spending some quality time with my newest grandson, Wyatt, I heard the sound of horses' hooves on the driveway and people talking. To my surprise, I had an Olympic horse and a World Cup horse walking down my laneway. Jill Henselwood and friend, Sue Hobin were out for a hack on Special Ed and Black Ice. Jill, in her laughing manner said, "I'm getting my horse ready for the Olympics and thought I'd come over to jump some of your cross country!"
This had all of us in laughs, as we remembered that Jill in earlier years would bring green hunters out to participate in the local one day event at Elchris, on the edge of Kemptville put on by the Oxford Downs Pony Club. She was always such a good sport and even won the trophy for "Novice" one year. Our property had bush trails with varying degrees of difficulty for cross country schooling and even used to host events when it was "fun" and not over regulated as it became.

It was also wonderful to see an Olympic rider out hacking along the country roads, to give her horse a mental break in preparation for the Olympics. For Jill, Sue and I it was a moment of past memories and excitement for Jill's future as she prepares for Beijing.
Drop in anytime girls! You made my day!!!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Sheri & Scott's "WOW" Wedding


Sheri & Scott after all of their carefull planning were hoping for a wonderful wedding. They were not to be disappointed. Saturday, July 12th started out perfect and ended the same way.
The 'men' were impressive and settled into their game of poker, reminiscent of Scott's stag night, while the 'women' were esconced in the Chateau Laurier overlooking the NAC where their reception would take place.
Great details, such as the custom purses for each of the women, custom designed and created by Christina as well as the beautiful invitations, showed that this was a "hands on" affair by all.
The vintage Rolls Royce, drew many appreciative stares and the couple enjoyed spontaneous horn blasts and shouts of "well wishes" as they toured Ottawa.
From the elegance of St Mathews Anglican church in the Glebe to the delicious meal at the NAC this was Sheri and Scott's dream come true.
To view all of the images from this wedding go to Recent Weddings

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Celebrating Seniors


Sugarbush Studio announces a new segment of photography for SENIORS starting in September 08.
Senior photography, for students entering their graduating year of high school is designed to capture the personality, interests and attitudes of our graduating students who are completing their high school education.
A "Seniors Session" will include an appointment to discuss interests, clothing choices and possible locations for the photo shoot and a photographic session.
The sessions themselves will be relaxed with a definite bend towards the look of the fashion magazines of this group.
"Ambassadors", representing the high schools of North Grenville, St. Michaels and North Dundas will receive special discounts and benefits on their Senior Packages. If you wish to be considered as an ambassador to represent your high school either e-mail me at betty@betty-cooper.com or call 613 258 3986.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Love The Expressions


Babies are wonderful with their unique expressions that cannot be dictated by anyone but themselves.

It was such fun to have Lyne and Todd, whom I photographed their wedding return with Audree, little sister to Brianna.

Brianna, photographed at 6 months is now two and an energetic and talkative little girl. Audree, sitting on her own had many beautiful expressions, but these two just made my day.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Way To Go Jill!


For those of us who have been following the work of Jill & Bob Henselwood of Juniper Farms it was no surprise that Jill has been named to represent Canada at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Jill and Special Ed have been on a direct path upward since the World Equestrian Games in Germany. The piece of art above was one that I created to commemorate these games.

This dynamic pair then went on to win the Gold Medal at the Pan American Games and now they're off to the Olympics. Jill and Bob, you have my sincerest congratulations on your achievements to date and best of luck for a memorable and successful Olympics.