Feb 28 2011

Today was my first day working in the studio. Karina needed some new art pieces for her place and I wanted to try using the studio so here we are. I have to admit that my subjects were great behind the camera and every shot seemed to turn out amazing. This is just one of the 200 I took today.

After I finished my studio shoot, I was asked if I could do a photo shoot for a lady in an art program at UBC. I was pretty hesitant taking pictures of someone else’s art but it was a really great experience. It’s nice to get paid for doing something that you’re passionate about. Hopefully she’ll call me back for more!

Feb 27 2011

I look at this picture and have no thoughts. It’s a weird feeling to have but I’m going to post the picture anyways!

Today was snowy, gloomy, and cold so the inspiration was not coming to me very easily. I’m accepting that it is ok to have days like these.

Feb 26 2011

I spent the last few days reading through photography books because my camera has been in for repair. I’m slowly learning bit by bit how to take a decent photo but the more I read the more I realize I have a lot to learn. I’m eager to continue to explore photography!

Photography makes me really excited and seems to be on my mind all the time. It’s a way for me to live in the moment and enjoy the world as it is in that second.

My digital camera is now back in action. It’s nice to have it home again!

Feb 25 2011

We spend most of our lives hiding our imperfections and we continue to paint over them every single day because that’s what we are told to do. We’ve built this idea in our head, whether personally or through society, that we aren’t allowed to have flaws. We aren’t allowed to be anything less than perfect to the world and we work so hard each day to achieve this.

No matter how hard we try to paint over who we are eventually our imperfections will start to show. What if someone else sees these ‘imperfections’ as being what makes you strong, courageous, and beautiful? Would you be able to see it too?

Feb 24 2011

This was my inspiration to get outside and go for a run today.

I’ve been sick for almost three weeks now and I’ve been dying to get outside to exercise. Today I babysat Ella while Kara was in class and got up the courage to attempt a run just to wear her out. The two of us managed to run an hour and a half and then played at the offleash for as long as she could handle it.

This is exactly what I wanted to do after the run too. She’s got it all figured out.

Feb 23 2011

I visited the Bloedel Conservatory today for a garden tour  with a botanist. My friend, Erin, and I were the youngest by far but enjoyed it just as much as the rest of the group. You don’t have to be a certain age to enjoy the beauty of plants!

Photo was taken with my iPhone.

Feb 22 2011

For a women who never thought she would live past 30 my Mom has done pretty well for herself. It was her birthday today and I’m sad that I couldn’t be there to celebrate with her (even though I was there on the weekend). I hope she had a wonderful day and was treated like gold. Love you Mom and Happy Birthday.

The camera is officially booked in to get fixed so photos will be taken with my phone or point and shoot for the time being. Photoshop extras might be played up a bit over the next little while, why not try it out now since the camera is out of commission?!

Feb 21 2011

My computer and my blog have been a bit of a journal with the picture of the day. I took a look back over the last few months re-living my memories and photographs that went along with it and really enjoyed it. It’s nice to reflect back when I have so many things to be thankful for.

Today my camera got damaged in transit on my way back to Vancouver and will be sent to the hospital tomorrow. I’m hoping that it will come out fully recovered and my pocket book won’t be damaged too badly. For the next few days a point and shoot will have to suffice.

Feb 20 2011

41 022 fans made it out to the Heritage Classic today. It was bitter cold but somehow Kiersti and I managed to stay warm (or pretty warm considering) throughout the entire game.

Boots, two pairs of socks, three pairs of pants, snow pants, two thermal layers, a sweater, a vest, windbreaker, down jacket, jersey,  scarf, toque, sleeping bag, hand warmers, and two blankets. It was a lot of stuff to carry but boy did it make for one toasty warm experience.

As a proud Canadian and a huge hockey fan, I found this to be an experience that I couldn’t miss. It almost gave me the same feeling as being back at the 2010 Olympics (that feeling is pretty hard to beat!). This was the kind of hockey that you are willing to fight the elements that Mother Nature throws our way to watch. Big thanks to Justin for allowing Kiersti and I to be there in person rather than watching it on TV and for allowing us to show Section N Row 36 that we are tougher than all of them when it comes to the weather!

This was a game I’ll remember the rest of my life. Why?! Because it was a classic..

Feb 19 2011

Nothing like good friends, beer and homemade pizza to cure a cold.

Pizza credits to my Dad. He makes one amazing slice of pizza.

Feb 18 2011

It was minus twenty three tonight and I was outside taking pictures of two of my favourite things: Calgary and the Flames (or at least where they play).

I give Calgarians some major credit for being such a ‘hardy’ bunch of people. It’s bitter cold and there are still people outside taking a stroll – now that takes some guts. If we can find strength to do that, we can find strength to do pretty much anything.

Feb 17 2011

Today I spent the evening planting seeds for my personal and community garden.

There is something so rewarding watching plants germinate (or in my own words ‘hatch’). When you are stuck in that deep dark hole and can’t seem to get out, watching a plant grow is what guides me out and keeps my spirits lifted when nothing else can.

Feb 16 2011

This is the second outing with the wide angle lens. I’m still learning how to use this lens to it’s full capacity. The snow from the night before created some beautiful landscapes to take photos of.

This week will be dedicated to working with my Dads lens before I go back home.

Feb 15 2011

First shot with the wide angle lens. It’s overexposed and I didn’t get a chance to retake the photo because the snow blanketed downtown the second after I finished my adjustments. Calgary, you need to work with me a little more if you want decent shots!

I will attempt a night shot again before I head back to Vancouver. Hopefully it won’t be overexposed and out of focus.

Feb 14 2011

Valentines Day 2011. Mostly spent in bed trying to get over my cold but was still a good day. I got spoiled as always and the people I surrounded myself with today helped lift my spirits. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day (in terms of the cold!).

Feb 13 2011

Even the dog seems to be into photography. She sure missed it while I was gone.

Feb 12 2011

Justin and I are stepping into the Canucks nest tonight and are both really hoping for a win. The flames better suit up or else I might have to have a stern chat with them after the game..

The sun just came out two hours before puck drop. I think this means good things for the flames.

Feb 11 2011

It’s hard to take pictures in the pouring rain but I stumbled upon this fire extinguisher and had to make it happen.

Feb 10 2011

Picture 41 of the year. A picture a day to represent where my life has been. A picture to document all the moments that have led me to where I am today.

So far, a year filled with amazing moments to pack away in my memory box. It wasn’t a good day in the sickness recovery phase, but the people around me kept my spirits high when I needed it the most. This is a day I want to add to the memory box. 

Feb 9 2011

I’ve been sick the past few days and the only thing I can think about is getting back outside and exercising. It’s becoming an important part of my life, almost like a friend that’s consistently there to cheer me up. A friend that pushes you until you can’t take anymore and one that shows you that inner strength that you didn’t even know existed.

Exercising is my drug. Marathon 2011, I’m chasing after you.

Feb 8 2011

I forgot why I’m still in Vancouver and was reminded that it isn’t just to take pictures of flowers.

Feb 7 2011

 

Blossomed, bloomed. dropped. All in a days work. It may have been short lived but the birds (and myself) enjoyed everything that the flower had to offer.

Appreciate the beauty that you have in your life; that person, that thing, or that memory deserved to be in your life even if it’s just for a short time. In a split second it will all be gone and you’ll be left with an image of something wonderful.

Capture it. Remember it.

Feb 6 2011

Even the deck struggles with the rain.

Feb 5 2011

This picture makes me remember the innocent days of when I was a child. A time when I believed everything I heard and I trusted everyone I met. When an image like this would be filled with little fairies falling asleep on the petals.

Sometimes it’s nice to go back to that place even if it’s just for a short time.

Feb 4 2011

Again. Dance parties are clearly my favourite.

My apologies to neighbours.

Feb 3 2011

Alvins (pre) Birthday Celebration. Let’s just say he’s one lucky guy to have so many great ladies in his life!

Happy Birthday Alvin, I hope you have a wonderful day (or two). Lets get our dancing shoes on and hit the town for the actual birthday.

Feb 2 2011

Gastown feels a little like Europe. This just sealed the deal.

Feb 1 2011

Springs always comes early in Vancouver. While Calgary is suffering through –25 Celsius with windchill that brings it to some number people in Vancouver can’t even imagine, I was outside going for a jog in my shorts (no big deal!). I laugh to myself when people here are all bundled up and still look cold while I’m having the best run with some pals from my volunteer group.

Calgary, as much as I love you, Vancouver wins out in the warmth department. Spring is quickly approaching which means workouts are moving outdoors!