Snake Christopher

Chrissy Danielle of Snake Christopher

So...I've been a little out of commission these days, but I'm back in the game and here's some pictures to celebrate!

I was holding off to post these from a shoot in L.A back in July because I wanted to share her music with you. Here we go!

Check out the new video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ihrZogH84o

http://www.myspace.com/snakechristopher

I love shooting someone who is spontaneous, vivacious, hot as heck... and anyone who puts on a pair of cat ears. In fact, we went for lunch right after and she wore these to Panera. I think they're also in her new video. :)

gotta get me some of those

via Uber Twitter

Don't forget Snake Christopher plays the Viper Room this sunday the 28th in west hollywood! Come drink with us;)!

So Simple

So back in July I went to LA to shoot two singers and I've been sooo excited to share, but was waiting for the albums to be released.

Here's the first:

Michelle Carter-Leis

"So Simple" available on itunes!

http://www.michellecarterleis.com/

We shot in several locations--basically, our shoot was like playtime. We had a little tea party. Went to the park... you know, climbed electrical towers etc :)

Here's a few of my favorites.

Ok, she's a friend of mine so I can't help but be completely biased, but hear me out...

HER VOICE IS INCREDIBLE!!!!! Her music is authentic, soulful and refreshing, and the production by Michael Woodrum at Soundmoves Music Group in L.A is top notch.

http://www.soundmovesaudio.com/

I dare you to buy it ;)

New LOGO + macro

I'm testing out my new logo today--And a new website coming soon.YAY!

This little guy is a little random, but I was sorting through pics last night and wanted to share. I found him on my tent last summer. Grasshoppers always remind me of this incredible book I had as a child-- I just found it on Amazon!

The Butterfly Ball and the Grass hopper's feast by Alan Aldridge.

Anyway, The reason I mention that is because as a child I used to marvel at the detail in the drawings. I'm always surprised when I get home to edit macro shots. When I'm shooting I'm so concentrated on just getting it in focus (very challenging with a moving subject, shallow depth of field, and without a flash), that I don't have time to appreciate the intricacies. Bugs are cool :)

Belmondo

Daniela Belmondo is launching her new organic product line and I can testify that they smell heavenly. And though I haven't had a chance to use them yet, if they are anywhere as kind and gentle on your skin as is her presence, than Belmondo (Beautiful World in Italian) is sure to be a huge success!

You can book a facial here or contact her to order them.

http://www.belmondo.ca/blog/

photo notes:

These product shots are a great example of studio shooting on location. It just goes to prove that one doesn't need a whole fancy kit of expensive strobes. Once again I turned to my very reliable reflector and speedlight + umbrella on a light stand. I picked a shady area in a park and set up shop. It's all about balancing the available light with the flash :)

Belcarra Recoup

a very peaceful sunset off the Belcarra

I just realized that it's been almost an entire month since my last post...

I can assure you that there has been no slacking over here. I've been sooo busy shooting that I'm still dreaming about clicking away and I swear that my trigger finger was sore for a few days (thankfully recovered). :)

In fact, thanks to shooting for the new CRAVE book in addition to a few other gigs, I've set a personal record. I did 31 shoots + editing in 37 week days. It was definitely a good challenge--I felt like a picture warrior!

( since I vowed to take weekends off this year, I didn't count them--and I mean I do my darnedest not to touch my computer for at least 2 days a week. It's one of the best decisions I've ever made!!!! )


Anyway after a few days of recoup I've done some thinking about what made this work.

1)Thanks iCal for syncing with my phone, and giving me reminders with notes about the clients before my shoots.

2)Organized and minimal gear-Instead of bringing my whole kit, I had one basic kit with one big strobe, one back up speedlight and one reflector. IF the shoot was product or food I reorganized a little by adding a few mirrors and more reflectors. Otherwise I really made use of available light at every location.

3)Efficient workflow--I really have to adore Adobe Lightroom for making the editing and post process very efficient. I love the fact that I can keyword and add metadata before uploading to two separate external drives (for extra backup) and then go through and rate all my favorites and do what little editing needs to be done.

4)Supportive friends--to cheer along, give second opinions and even assist on shoots!

Alright! I'm excited for more!!! Who needs pictures?

i love candy

Jennifer and Lisa Caruck








Alright! Yesterday I mentioned that I'd post more from the shoot at Frankies Candy Bar. Seriously, this place was like my childhood heaven--enough sugar to get a biker-dude-man giggling like a school girl.
Owners, Jennifer and Lisa Caruck take this candy business to whole new level--
candy sushi parties (where the rice is of the marshmallow crispie variety and the fish is red and gummy).
Aside from the bacon flavored chocolate, my fav was definitely the bedazzled-Blinged out ring pop.
:)
In case you're slightly more health conscious, I did happen to notice that they carry organic sugar candies as well.

In case this really excites you--Did you know that there is a huge candy convention in Chicago every year? Ahhh my tummy hurts already...


This is a family run business that originated in North Van but now has two locations in Van:

2451 Marine Drive
West Vancouver, BC
v7v 1l3, Canada

phone: 604-922-8291
fax: 604-922-8291

Kerrisale

5305 West Blvd.
Vancouver, BC
V6M 3W4, Canada

phone: 604-568-3107

unexpected sweets!

So I'm at Frankies Candy Bar thinking I'll be shooting jelly beans and gummy bears (which I did, and I'll show you tomorrow), and this precious little thing is cruising around the store studying the inventory. Honestly, I didn't even change my lighting--just kind of grabbed these shots as she rolled by.

Peyton's mom and aunty run the stores-- posting more about Frankies tomorrow.

:)

TEAM in Training & Locks of Love TESS gets Buzzed!!!

BALDING FOR CANCER
Ok... so Tess Rafferty is a very brave woman!! Tess and my friend, Barb, are currently training for a triathalon and marathon with Team in Training--a very cool organization that supports athletes while raising money for Leukemia & Lymphoma.

Friday night they held a fundraiser to meet their donation goals. Not only was there incredible music featuring Rebecca Shoichet, Lauren Bowler, Aimee Ayotte, Randall Stoll, Bill Runge , and Courtenay Ennis and Tony Marriott...

they raised $12oo!

Tess donated her lovely hair to Locks of love-- public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.

http://www.locksoflove.org/doate.html
http://www.teamintraining.org/

SIMPLY FRENCH CAFE

So here's a little of what I've been keeping busy with!
I've been shooting for the new Vancouver Crave book!
It's been a lot of fun meeting new and established business owners--
clothing stores, jewelry designers, fitness classes, spas!!!

I'm doing my best to keep up with editing between shoots...
Here's one of the latest from a great new cafe in Point Grey. I had an incredibly smooth cappuccino and the soup of the day with a beet salad.
Isobel, the owner, makes everything from croissants to soup in house daily.
And if you're looking for your favorite french soap that you got when you were in Provence 3 years ago, it's likely that she'll have it! I would definitely recommend :)
http://www.yelp.ca/biz/simply-french-vancouver

on my way home

I actually didn't prepare for this night shot (there was no tripod action involved). We were sitting around the camp fire and I had already put my camera away and then... YES!!! my favorite occurrence, THE AURORA BOREALIS! O.k, this is a little embarrassing, but when I was little, like 6 years old or so, I used to think these dancing northern lights were Aliens coming to get me...and then , as to not be so scared, I convinced myself they were Angels instead.
Note the noise from the long exposure. I have yet to research this. I sense an overnight photography excursion in the near future!

BIG RIGS
Look what these guys had to go through...
to get here :)
THE OPEN ROAD...ahhh. I had a bonding experience with my itunes library
And then there were the fires! I got there just as they had things under control.


I'll be posting a bunch within the next little while. I've been shooting my butt off and I'm super excited to share!
Hope everyone is enjoying what's left of summer
XOXO

more from Alberta

THE PELICAN
THE OSPRAY





I know...Ir's already been a week since I left Alberta...still editing through (even here from San Diego Cali...)
Next up the northern lights and forest fires that I drove through from Alberta to B.C

hope everyone is having a great summer!