Cute - Saskatoon photographers

Being cute is so tiring.  Hope you are all having a fantastic Monday!

Faces behind Umbrella photography - Saskatoon photographers

These are the faces behind Umbrella Photography here in Saskatoon (http://www.umbrellaphotography.biz/blog/).  I went to photography school with Sharee, and was so excited to photograph their family.  They, in turn, did our family photos, which I can't wait to share!  Their girls are so cute.  Here are a few favorites from our session...

 

Photoshop classes - Saskatoon photographers

I have had some interest in beginner Photoshop classes.  If this is something that is of interest to you, please email me what you would like to learn:  memoriesbymandy@shaw.ca.   

Here is a sweet shot of two beautiful little 1 year olds.  

Then & Now II - Saskatoon photographers

A couple of weeks ago I started doing a series called 'Then & Now', showcasing some of my work my first year in business, and comparing them to shoots I've done recently.  I absolutely love to photograph weddings, so I thought today would be a great day to showcase a 'Then & Now' wedding series.

This was from my very first wedding I ever shot alone.  OK, well I did bring my mom along as my assistant, so I wasn't technically alone, haha.  This couple was so lovely, and I did get some great shots.  Lets start with a safe one.  Go stand over there in the shade and kiss.  This is what you get....

Nowadays I rarely get the actual kiss.  I much prefer to get the moments right before and right after the kiss.  

  
I call this one the 'grandma shot'.  It's looking at the camera and smiling shot.  The one that grandma is going to want for her fridge.

Choosing the perfect location, and showcasing both the bride and groom are ideal for the 'grandma shot'.  I love this one from a wedding I shot this last summer.  The pose is really traditional, but the location is far from it.  

This shot is probably one of my favorites from my first wedding.  It is pretty darn cute!   

I do however prefer something a little more artistic, and showing a little more detail in the shadows. My Photoshop skills with black and whites sure have improved:).  

Soaking it in - Saskatoon photographers

I love this boy to pieces.  My little man is already 7 months old.  I soak in every single moment I can with him:).  

 

Lest we forget - Saskatoon photographers

Today is the day we remember all of the soldiers who fought for our freedom.  I did a little Google search for World War 1 images.  Here is what I found.  Some are a little hard to look at, others are so interesting.  I have no way of knowing if these are actually from WWI, but either way, they are history, and so intriguing. 

The dangers of Christmas lights - Saskatoon photographers

We have all seen it...  That cute shot of the baby wrapped up in Christmas lights that would make such an adorable Christmas card to hand out to all of your family and friends.  While I get asked to do this shot all the time, it is somewhat bothersome to me.  First of all, tying your baby up in anything just seems wrong and very dangerous.  I don't care if mom and dad are right there watching. What happens if mom and dad leave the room for a couple of minutes and the child finds something to tie themselves up with (hey, mom and dad did it to me for that photo shoot, and it was so much fun!).  While these risks aren't worth it to me, it was brought to my attention just how dangerous Christmas lights are. 

In an article published by CNN, it outlines the dangers of Christmas lights.  The information is actually jaw dropping and will force you thoroughly wash your hands after handling them, let alone let your small child put them in their mouths.  While you can read the full article here:  http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/12/10/christmas.lights/.  These stats were the most shocking to me:

"Manufacturers do not hide the fact that lead is part of the PVC insulation that insulates Christmas light wiring. Lead is used legally to stabilize polyvinyl chloride so it does not crack or crumble with age. The lead also acts as a fire retardant....   Dr. Trasande said: "Even at one microgram/deciliter -- the lowest level in a person's blood stream that we can detect -- that level has been associated with cognitive impairment in children." In the four brands of lights tested, Quantex found surface lead levels far exceeding the CPSC's recommended children's limit of 15 micrograms."

I have thrown all of my light boxes out, however, I've been told it states right on the box that lights should not be handled by pregnant women and children and any adult handling them should wear gloves. 

Why yes, that shot is quite adorable of the little kids all wrapped up in Christmas lights until you find out the dangers of handling them.  Photographers, if you have a client request this, please, please educate them in the dangers of handling Christmas lights.  And to the general public, please don't let your children handle Christmas lights, and never ever tie your child up in them, no matter how cute the photo op.  Now that you know the dangers, please pass along this very important information to everyone you know!  Children's safety is number one, and it's our responsibility as photographers to keep our clients safe.

As a photographer, I can't do a post without a photo... so here is a shot of one of my adorable little clients....

   

Regulars - Saskatoon photographers

This five-some are regulars on my blog:).  I'm sure those of you that pop by on a regular basis recognize them.  

This hot mama is the owner at Just for You day spa here in Saskatoon (& Regina).  If you have never been there, you must go!  It is like heaven on earth.   My hubby and I went there for a treatment on our anniversary and the reno's they've done are fabulous.  I can't say enough great things about them!

Anyhow, this family is seriously so much fun.  Watching these kids grow is just so special.  Their personalities really shine through, which I think is why this is my favorite session to date.  I must also point out the amazing wardrobe choices!  Great work mom:)!!!  I could have posted every single shot from their session, but I won't.  Here are just a few.