Brien and I travelled to Edmonton to create an engagement set for an old friend, and someone new! Jordan used to work for me at my past media company – devbox, and I was thrilled to find out he wanted us to share in his special day in 2010.

We met on a crazy windy day on the Strathcona tram, which allowed us some great vintage photo opportunities. It was the final run of the day, so the conductor gave us access to the tram station for a few minutes – I think they resulting photos turned out great! Throughout the day we explored some graffiti on Whyte Avenue, and slowly made our way to Rutherford house via my old haunt; the Sugar Bowl.

It was great to see my old stomping grounds again, and I can’t wait to photograph their wedding in 2010. This one will be special, as we are getting our first commercial opportunity to use the video side of our new gear, as well as play with some great HD stabilization equipment.

This great couple drove in from the Brooks, Alberta area to create an engagement session that reflected their love for rural roots.

As luck would have it, behind my house is a set of old farm buildings and abandoned vehicles. Derek was adamant that we choose a “Chevy” truck for the background (hate for Fords run deep?), and the rusted carcass left in the field gave great visual texture for their set. We chased the sunset to grab the last remaining bit of light for the day, resulting in warm, backlight images. Stay tuned for more of this couple as we shoot their wedding in 2010.

Taryn came to me after seeing Steph & Brad’s wedding photos, what a great referral! Taryn and Jon wanted to include their dogs (which are like family) into their engagement set, so we got a few shots with their mix of doberman, rottweiler and chihuahua brood (who were very well behaved for the camera). Kudos to both of them as they braved the chill of a Lethbridge October evening to get some great shots. They are such a great looking couple, and naturals in front of the lens, they made my job easy.

Ian & Amber, our couple for the day were certianly easy to work with, what a great looking couple! My job was to hang back and capture candids with the long lens (wedding paparazzi) which was a ton of fun. I started the day at St. Pat’s for the ceremony (beautiful setting, lots of stained glass and pale contrasting tones) and then off to Henderson Lake and the Galt Museum for wedding party photos.

This was the first wedding of 2009 for me, and was a great warmup for some of the solo couples I’ve booked through the year. Ian & Amber are off to Thailand for their honeymoon, for a well deserved break.

I hope to work with Tanya again in this capacity, it really was low stress, high quality results.

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These two are naturals in front of the lens, needing very little direction to get some great material to show their parents overseas. Sugwon mentioned that they didn’t have photos previously, so I’m excited that this level of photography will be well received as they send electronic versions away via email, and commission a large print or two for themselves.

Here’s a few frames from our session at Lethbridge’s “Sugar Bowl” tunnel and walkway.

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Technology is driving the convergence of video and still cameras, and as a result – many photographers find themselves able to explore their composition and client skills in both mediums. New SLR cameras from Canon and Nikon ( and soon everyone else) are able to capture high-definition video that rivals many dedicated setups. Its a little unsettling at first to witness artists filming video with a still camera body, but as we’ve seen in recent movies (like “Slumdog millionaire“) – this gives the videographer an element of stealth. People react differently to a video camera than a simple still camera.

Do I feel still image photographers can make the leap to video? Nope. Its an entirely separate craft, which requires individual training – but many of the existing skills are transferable, so the learning curves will be short. Respected Vancouver photographers “The Bebbs” are currently offering workshops to help that transition after testing early release copies of Canon’s 5D Mk II.

Videographers are also adapting their equipment to maximize 35mm still lenses, and the result is amazing. One look at Stillmotion’s recent showreel is proof that innovation pays off in spades. We are in early times, and video on an SLR isn’t perfect (video requires manual focus, yikes!), but I look forward to what the next 6 months have in store. Its only a matter of time before Lethbridge sees quality like this!

[video://vimeo.com/2542789]

Stephenie is a graphic designer for the University of Lethbridge, and recently agreed to her long-time boyfriend Brad’s proposal to move things along nicely. Having an art background, Steph was great to work with and had an appreciation for my approach. This couple was so open to new suggestions – it makes my job a breeze!

I look forward to shooting their wedding in August at Brad’s family farm in the Coalhurst area (near Lethbridge, Alberta).

I leave you with this sneak peek from their session.

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Taking the big plunge in 2009? Lethbridge wedding vendors are gearing up for two events in January – Litwin Photography’s “Lethbridge Bridal Show”, and Paterson Photography’s “Bridal Extravaganza”. Both events promise fashion shows, décor demos, samples and a chance to meet local vendors up close and personal.

Lethbridge Bridal Show

Set for January 11th, Litwin’s event promises a 20,000 square foot trade show (10am-4pm) and fashion shows at 10:30pm & 2:30pm set at the Lethbridge Exhibition Grounds. Local vendor Bells & Bows will be offering a wedding gown as a door prize. Tickets are $5.00 individual, with discounts for groups.

Bridal Extravaganza

Following a different business model, Paterson Photography has assembled its January 25th show at the Yates Memorial Centre, free of charge. Paterson’s “Extravaganza” offers two rooms of displays and a full-blown stage production showcasing looks from local vendors. In addition to food samples, there promises to be a $1000 door prize for one lucky bride.

Calgary Wedding Shows

A quick two hour drive North from Lethbridge will net you two additional shows for you to take in.

Bridal Fantasy

Originating in Edmonton, but now expanding to the Calgary market – Bridal Fantasy is slated for January 18, TELUS Convention Centre in the same trade show / fashion show format. Tickets are $18 each.

The Wedding Fair

If you haven’t completley exhausted your feet by the end of the month, you can catch “The Wedding Fair” held in Calgary’s Round-up Centre, January 25th (the same day as the Lethbridge “Bridal Extravaganza”). Tickets are $15.00.

Tips for Attending Shows

This is your chance to meet multiple vendors face-to-face. Think of a list of questions beforehand and bring ‘em along so you can give each vendor a chance to answer the same questions. Often discussions will bring up things you haven’t thought of, so bring a pen and paper to add to the list as the day progresses.

Wear comfortable shoes, and bring a big bag for all the loot you can grab from vendor tables. Often vendors will have show specials – so a chequebook is handy too!

Regardless of which show you attend, be sure to check out vendor websites and portfolios to do some additional research AFTER you come home.

The possibilities are limitless. Rooftops, urban streets, fields, mountain lakes, industrial buildings are only a few examples. The idea of destroying a wedding dress was introduced in 1997 by the Hollywood film Sunset Beach, although Las Vegas photographer John Michael Cooper has brought the idea into the wedding maintstream.

For today’s blog post, I thought I’d share a video clip  of this “Fearless Bridal”, “Rock the Frock”, or as we call it – “Trash the Dress” session. I hope you enjoy, and perhaps get a few ideas for your own session!

[video:http://vimeo.com/1820162]
Video Credit: Stillmotion

It never hurts to start planning ahead of schedule – after all, a wedding can be an enormous undertaking that involves both of you. Rather than scour Google for some hit-and-miss resources, we’ve compiled what we feel are the most innovative, credible and full-range wedding planning websites on the ‘net.

1. The Knot
   A giant resource for pretty much everything wedding, “The Knot” is a great starting place to gather reception ideas, wardrobe, hairstyles, accessories, photography – you name it. This should be your first stop.
2. Wedding Mapper
   Have guest from out of town, and a couple of locations planned for your day? Build a custom, shareable map that you can simply email, without confusing Uncle Frank or Aunt Ruth.
3. Wedding Paper Divas
   While much of your communication will be done online, to save cost and bring the immediacy of the ‘net to your advantage – nothing says “class” more than a proper, wedding invitation. A tangible invitation is simply more personal, and won’t get caught in your guests “junk” folder.
4. Beaucoup
   Looking for unique wedding and bridal shower favours? Beaucoup has an inventory like no other
5. Cabel on Wedding Design
   Ok, not quite a resource for everything wedding, but a fascinating write up about how self-professed “geeks” decide to take a left turn on their wedding design. Beautiful!
6. Brides.com
   A runner-up to the more established “the knot”, brides.com has great wedding dresses and planning ideas.
7. Wedding Bee
   Follow the blogging activity of 20 real brides spread across the world, sharing ideas, diy projects, research, and their personal wedding stories. 
8. Offbeat Bride
   Planning something a little more for you, and a little less for mom? Follow these couples as they shirk tradition and do their day their own way.
9. Something Old, Something New
   Join Mackenzie Sala as she reports on products and inspiration for modern weddings
10. How About Orange?
    Feeling a little crafty? Take a look at some of the great projects planned on the “How About Orange” blog.
11. Etsy
    No list would be complete without the handmade artistry of the Etsy catalogue. Make your day special with a low-run, artist-produced special little something.