By Dawn's Early Light

It's the middle of February and although we have been having a very mild winter and we shouldn't really be complaining ... I started to think back to a few years ago when I was in Jamaica at the Riu resort in Negril.  Aside from the perfect weather and the gorgeous grounds on the resort, I remember how wonderful it was to walk around with my camera in the morning while everyone else was asleep.  The subtle light in the early dawn, the saturated colors, being at the right location, having the right mindset ... all the pieces were falling into place for taking beautiful pictures.  Here inside the resort you can see the fabulous colors that the dawn offers.  While the ambient lighting is bathed in shades of gold and rose, the sky is a beautiful and calming blue.  Strolling along the resort I found that even objects that were otherwise photographically unstriking were transformed in the sunrise.  While everyone else was sleeping, there were things happening at this early hour that most were unaware of.  Someday I hope to go back to Negril, not so much for the sun and sand, but for the beauty of the dawn.

Happy Feet

After her wedding dress and ring, the bride's shoes have got to be one of the most photographed details the  bride owns.  I believe this has something to do with women's love of shoes.  This obsession seems to date back long before high heels and exotic brand names.  Buying and owning shoes seems to have some kind of supernatural effect on women, mood-altering (in a good way).  It's like the brain receives an onslaught of dopamine with every shoe added to the collection (yes, I believe that shoes are like a collector's item for women).  Unlike some other items in a women's wardrobe, shoes are very practical.  They can be worn many times (within the same week), they usually make a woman look more attractive, and I'm sure the right pair can make a woman feel like Cinderella.  With the multiple variety of colors, styles, heel heights, straps, flowers, flats, mules, etc., it's no wonder woman have so many pairs.  Curiously, I don't think the primary purpose of women's shoes is for attracting men. If it is, I think it's kind of a waste.  As far as I know, most men would be happy to meet a woman in an old pair of sneakers.  Don't get me wrong, we looove women in high heels and stilettos, but heck, let's face it - most men would be happy if a woman just gave them the time of day ! and if nothing else comes out of it, well, at least we know there is dignity in de feet.

(courtesty of Pinterest)

(My attempt at capturing this beloved art detail)

Winter Re-Treat

I was quite surprised to receive a call for a couple interested in an engagement shoot - in February ?  Remember - this is Canada, GTA area, and it's usually freeeeezing in February.  Before I could respond I found out that they wanted their session done at Cobourg beach - an hour east of Toronto, which makes it a 2 hour commute for me coming from Brampton.  I thought for a bit and considered - it has been an unusually mild winter, I don't really have anything important to do that day ... and I kind of need all the experience I can get, so I agreed to come out and do the shoot ...

  I met Christine and Stephen at the board walk by the beach.  They were very excited about their shoot.  I immediately felt their enthusiasm and started to get excited myself.  Eager to please, they were willing to do just about anything I'd ask to get the shots I wanted, which made me more eager to get shots that would please them (love the way how that works).
Needless to say we all had a great time and it was well worth the drive to Coubourg, which turned out to be quite a lovely town after all.  I would defnitely consider another engagement shoot there again ... heck, maybe one day I might consider moving out there altogether !!

  

Dream Job

If you could combine all the things you love to do together and get paid a handsome salary for doing it, what would you call it - the ultimate dream job !  A few weeks ago we were treated to an informative session with a gifted wedding photographer, Krista Fox (http://www.vervephotoco.com/index2.php).  Krista specializes in destination wedding photography.  Krista shared with us some of the intricacies of destination wedding photography, the good and the (believe it or not) bad.  Of course if you are reading this you are probably already in love with photography and if you love to travel as well, than you will probably be interested in doing a destination wedding.  There are many rewards to this type of photography and Krista was kind enough to share some of her experiences and images with us.  Now you might be wondering, "what could possibly be bad about jet-setting across the globe taking pictures of beautiful people during one of the most joyous celebrations they will probably throw in their whole entire lives ...", and you would definitely be justified in pondering such a deep, philosophical, question, but one such 'bad' would have to be one of the common pet peeves of the frequent flyers - airport lines and waiting times and searches and logistics and bureaucracy and ... well, you get the point.  All in all, despite the minor nuisances at the airport, destination weddings are definitely something all wedding photographer's should consider, and Krista is definitely someone you would want to be as your mentor.