An Honor And A Priviledge

November 7, 2008 saw me at Rideau Hall at the home of Governor General Michaelle Jean where six medals were presented in Commemoration of the Persons Case. The six recipients were awarded for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of Women in Canada.

It is a happy and exciting occasion for all of the recipients and their supportive family, friends and co-workers. Honorable Helena Guergis, Minister of Status of Women represented the government well and as always the Governor General brings a sincere and compassionate message to the recipients and those present.

I particularly enjoy Michaelle Jean's relaxed manner and hands on congratulations to each of the recipients. This year's award winners were Shelagh Day, Frances Ennis, Beverley Jacobs, Maureen McTeer, Mair Verthuy and Ben Barry.

For more information on these outstanding individuals click on Award Winners.

To view the images from this great day click on Images

One Of My Favorite Assignments

Each year, there is a beautiful home tour in Ottawa to raise money for the Maycourt Hospice. The best florists in the area are given a home to decorate and I am fortunate to have Joanne Plummer and her staff from Mill Street Florist perform their annual "miracle".

Once again it was a sold out event with 2500 people having the opportunity to see these outstanding homes decorated by the best.

The staff took an entire day to transform the Soubliere' Home into their Christmas wonder. Kathleen and Jean Pierre had heard about the remarkable work of Mill Street but they were

amazed by the creativity, uniqueness and flowers from around the world that filled their home.

To be able to view a tour of this exceptional home on the shores of the Ottawa River, click on Christmas House Tour 08.

Gone Country!

I was fortunate to be part of the Equine Photographers Network Fall Workshop, Oct 24-26. Our destination was Clark Farm, Hustontown, PA just west of Harrisburg. Photographers from Calgary, AB to Connecticut gathered to photograph working cowboys and cowgirls whose horsemanship was only surpassed by their desire to produce outstanding photo opportunities for all.

The most memorable moment for me occurred when Todd and three cowgirls, Dakotah, Diane and Tammy had rounded up a herd of quarter horse mares with their foals on a mountain ridge. Todd asked the girls to turn the herd to "face the photographers". With quietness and team effort they turned them all to face us and the late afternoon light that beamed like a spotlight from above.

For my part the instruction of portraiture, posing and photoshop skills was made easy by the co-operation of everyone involved. Carien Schippers who organized the workshop created a real win, win experience for all involved.

With the fantastic opportunities provided for us, I am anxious to start creating the Clark Farm coffee table book to commemorate the groups - Gone Country!

Congratulations Jason & Claire

This fall has been filled with great photographic experiences. One of these was the wedding of Jason & Claire which took place at picturesque Strathmere. The early October day brought warm sunshine and fantastic color. The two photos I have chosen here show the "real" in the word wedding. Honest feelings, joy, excitement and best of all love.

Jill Henselwood & The Men In Her Life

It is a rare occasion to catch Jill at home on Henselwood Farm with both of her special men along with her - Black Ice and Special Ed. Before she was off and running on the fall circuit which will end at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, I had the opportunity to photograph Jill, Ice and Ed for some of her sponsors. It was interesting to see the two horses vying for Jill's attention in the same image.

Although I have seen Special Ed more often on the television than actually at home, I was surprised at just how classic and refined this horse is. His head portrait is one of the nicest that I have taken. What a good looking man!

The Little People

My life has been filled with beautiful "little people" in October. Different sizes, ages and personalities but one thing they all shared - individuality! Each session was a new experience and I thoroughly enjoyed them all. Take a glimpse of our next generation.