Studio J

Mallory, Courtney and Madison trekked into the bush, over hills, rocks and gullies – all in their sandals! – to create some sweet images for their mom.  I was completely impressed and appreciative that they were up for serious hiking and had the perfect attitude to get this done.   These 3 laugh easily together and show a natural closeness, without coaching.

Mallory used to go to Silverlake summer camp, where my daughter Kayla went.   . . . . yes, they’re still jumping in the cold lagoon before breakfast every morning!   Thanks for pulling this all together Mallory!

Courtney is at my old school – Brock.   I wish she could have experienced Alphie’s Trough, the best campus pub ever  ( a beautiful ski lodge style building in the woods on the Niagara escarpment ).   Sadly, they turned it into a faculty lounge ( Booooooo!!).   So glad Mallory nudged you into unleashing your hair Courtney!

Madison has a totally infectious grin and attitude.   She radiates good humour.   She could read a phone book and make me laugh.

A slideshow of their session:

There was a crowd –> 6 of us hanging out at my studio for Jill’s fitness session.   Jill’s amazing trainer, Lorne King of Absolute Health and Fitness was there.  . . . . . and 3 photographer friends came out to help me with on location studio lighting (and some extra gear!).   Thank you so much John, Rene, and Heather !

She’s not only full of energy, up for anything and fun to photograph,  Jill is amazingly kind and always doing things for others.  Thanks for a really cool session Jill !

No steroids.   Lots of raw foods.   Mostly vegetarian diet.   Weights 3 times a week with King Lorne.   Lots of cardio.   Incredible focus on training and diet.  = G. I.  Jill

Clients become friends.   . . . . friends you can ask for help.   Here’s some photos from my friend Aaron’s headshot session.   When my partner Denise had a job interview approaching with RIM, she wanted an inside scoop on how to prepare (she’s smart that way).    I called on Aaron, who has done his share of interviews, looking for the right people for his team at RIM.   . . . .  could Denise ask some questions?  . . . get some interview tips and advice?

He gladly offered tips and advice  . . . . and then some.   A few days after their 1st conversation, Aaron was on the phone again, this time running a mock phone interview for her.    Real help.  Practical advice.  Good information.   .  .  .  .  and a good chunk of his time, freely given, at the drop of a hat.
That didn’t lead to the RIM position.   . . . . but it prepared her well for that RIM interview  . . . .  which prepared her well for another interview . . . .  more on that below!

When Denise’s position as a hardware engineer (designing circuit boards for industrial automation networks) ended several months ago, we were worried.   Our friends, Julie and Bruce were there, the moment they heard about it.   Offering help and advice.   Access to a professional network.  Helping her focus on positive, practical, effective steps.   Instead of fear.    I saw that same level of thoughtful initiative, when I 1st opened my portrait studio and Julie said, “we want to be your first clients.”    Here’s my favourite from that 1st session as a pro:

There is something special about helping someone with these important parts of our lives.   Our livelihood,   our health,  our family.   I’m not naming everyone who has helped here.    ….. just saying,  cheers to you, my friends, your help and support means a great deal to me.

. . . . and where all this is leading . . . .   my engineer will be designing again – software and circuits – this time with locomotives and the train industry.  Congratulations Denise!!   It sounds like a great position and a really cool company with a great attitude.
Here she is without an engineer’s cap (where will I find one of those?):