Like To Model? Do You Want A Free Photoshoot?

To take advantage of this great weather we are having, I have decided to offer a Free Photoshoot to one lucky person. The value for this great experience is $350.00.

I am hoping to shoot on location and want to create some awesome, transformation type images. This means photographing images that you have always wanted to do or try, but have never done. I am hoping this is going to give us a great challenge to get creative and make amazing photographs.

I will supply an amazing MUA (makeup artist) that will help to get the “look” you want.

Ok, here are some basic rules:

Area to cover - One hour drive from Huntsville, Muskoka Ontario (Im looking to promote the awesome local talent)

Model Release: The winner will be required to sign a basic model release. (Normal procedure) 

Model Bag: If you go to this blog post on how to How to Prepare a "go to bag" you will find all the information that will help you put a modeling/photoshoot bag together. 

If you are selected, I will be in contact with you via email and we can start the creative process. 

You will be given selected final professionally edited images that can be used in your own portfolio or personal use. 

Now lets get to how you can win this great offer. 

I really want to see your creative ideas, concepts and styles you are interested in. The most creative and enthusiastic reply will win.

In the comments section below, tell me your vision and why you want this shoot. 

If you want to add images to help get the ideas across, go for it.......... It will help us to see the exciting challenge ahead and decide on the winner. (hint: the more creative the better the chance)

The winner will be chosen by myself and a few select judges from a Fashion Editorial Publication, an Online Fashion and Style Magazine Editor and one of New York's top Fashion Photographers. (I am calling in some favors for this one.....)

The deadline for submission is Midnight, May 31st 2013.

Helpful Links:  Pinterest Photoshoot Ideas and Inspirations .  A few of my favourire fashion sites CaliKartel and Fashion Gone Rogue

Dont forget to share this with friends that may want to get in on this awesome offer.........

Huntsville, Muskoka Flood of April, 2013

Flooding in Huntsville, Muskoka - April 2013

A little out of the ordinary to what I usually photograph. This was classed as a "State of Emergency" for the region, I thought that documenting this catastrophic act of nature was indeed needed.

The first set of images below are from the first few days of the rivers and water levels rising. Roads were being washed out and the downtown area of Huntsville was becoming extremely flooded, causing damage to local restaurants and bars that are on the water. Also as the "Big East River" swelled its banks it created flooding to not only the local lumber factory but also the main highway. Hwy # 11 Southbound was the first to be closed as the water totally covered the road. It wasnt long before the Northbound lanes succumbed to the rising waters also.

Click Images to Enlarge:

The next set of images are from the peak of the flood. The waters crested, creating total closure of the main North / South corridor called Hwy #11. The traffic did however get detoured through the town of Huntsville and back on to the highway without too much bother.

Click Images to Enlarge:

These last few images show the water levels and damage created in the downtown area of Huntsville, Muskoka. As you can see, the docks are damged and the water is so high to cause damage to the surrounding buildings.

Click Images to Enlarge:

Don't forget to comment, you guys know how I love hearing from you. .....xx

5 Inspiring Photography Ideas

A to Z Photograph Collection:

This is a fun project to try and can be completed within a few different time frames. It can be shot all at once during a photo walk, over a weekend, a week or even as you shoot other projects. Starting with the letter A, find interesting items, locations or even a different perspective to shoot the object. Work your way through the alphabet and finish at the letter Z. Its an excellent way to train yourself to be aware and observant of your surroundings.  

Once completed you can print and frame the images, make a book, or just use it towards your artistic portfolio. 

So go on, get out there and find that image that starts with the letter A. Be creative and put that “Apple” down, look around.

These three images are from a quick walk around inside my garage.

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Photographing Colors Collection:

Similar to the A to Z project, this one gets you thinking about colour. Your project will have wonderful images all of the same color for each collection. So, lets say one day is the color green. Everything you shoot will have all the hues of green in them. Another day it can be blue, again all things blue will be your focus today. By the time you have finished you will see colors and hues in a whole new way, you will also have an amazing collection of colorful photographs ready for that book.

A few images from my Red Collection

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Photographing 100 Strangers Collection:

Here are a few ideas to tackle this project. The first one can be approached as a street photographer, creating candid images of strangers while walking through your town or city. To make it more challenging try and capture the story behind the image. For example, photograph the scene that has your “stranger” in it showing the events leading up to it or after the shot is taken. Maybe a woman carrying her shopping bags, deciding which store to go into next. It could be a man on his lunch break, but still engrossed in his laptop. 

The second idea can be more of a portrait collection. This may help your confidence because of the fact you will want to ask the stranger if you can take their photograph for a project you are working on. You may be surprised by how many people are flattered that you want their image. Just be polite and smile, this will make things go so much easier. 

By the end of this collection, you will have some great images of everyday life on the street. You may also find that photographing strangers is exciting as well. 

A few examples from my street collections:

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Photographing A Day in the Life:

This is a great idea to create not only awesome images, but also to tell an amazing story. This project can really get your photojournalistic juices flowing. Pick someone who you think has an interesting life. 

Ask them that you want to document and tell their daily story. They obviously need to be cool with you following them around for the day. It can be someone you know well or even someone who you think will make a great story. Your images will document their daily routines, weekday or weekend its up to you. 

You can be as thorough as you want to be and photograph almost everything that is happening or keep it to the basics. 

The goal is to show their day through your eyes and with your objectivity. Once completed you can gift them a photo-book with the images you choose that they are going to love and show their friends and family. 

At the end of this project, you will be paying attention to the small details of everyday life, no matter how mundane they may seem.

 

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Photograph A Black and White World:

See the world without color, just different levels of light and dark. 

This is a wonderful way to improve your composition skills without the distraction of colors. Look for scenes with contrasting elements of lights and darks, or scenes that are distracting with many colors. If your camera can shoot in B & W mode, turn it on. Photograph people, objects, buildings or a combination of these, once the color is gone you will see things a whole lot different. You are going to notice shapes and textures more than ever before. To make this even more challenging try to combine it with one of the other projects ( except the color one of course) 

For amazing tips and tutorials on B/W Photography Digital Camera World

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I hope this has helped some of you if you experiencing photographers block or are just trying to think of a project to tackle. They will all help your photography improve and make you see the world in a whole new way. 

Just remember, they are your visions and your photographs so get out there and take some amazing images. 

Love the feedback and comments from everyone, so don’t forget to leave some below.

Wedding & Bridal Hairstyle Photoshoot - Behind the Scenes

A fun behind the scenes video from a recent wedding & bridal hairstyle photoshoot. Many thanks to all involved.  Dont miss more like this click here:  Subscribe

Hair & Makeup: Tasha 

Video by Barrington Orr  

Model: Virginia

Music: "Weekend Weddings" by The Golden Hours

How to Install Lightroom 4 Presets Bonus Free 5 Pack of presets

Here is a quick video to show you how to install those awesome "fashion" presets into Adobe Lightroom 4.

Thank you to all the new subscribers I will be posting more how-to videos on the topics that have been requested. If you have'nt signed up yet,  now is a great time. If you want any particular topic covered , just leave a note in the comments. 

Click here for upcoming videos