Life Health and New Year

Hello, I have purposely been out of touch or should I say made to be out of touch.
So many things happened in my life and therefore the life of my craft as well.
It would be too long to detail everything. Let's just say, I am getting a new lease on life .

My family, my work and my creativity are re-inventing themselves.

I am not so sorry to say, I will be on an introspection adventure for the next year and maybe even 2.

I am re-thinking practically everything i have worked for and lived for the last 10 years of my life.
I think I am coming out of this all smelling like a rose... or maybe a gardenia (a little more subtle)

I know what my ultimate goal is but I have no idea what road I will have to take to get there.

Forced to move quite suddenly and then having major issues with my vision. my whole world was thrown off its trajectory. Not just me but my whole family. This couldn't come at a worse time we all thought.
It's never the right time to have to re adjust to everything. Just like it's never the right time to start having children. We all know that it is a major life changing situation and no one likes change. And how do you prepare for something you've never done before.  Right?

My vision will take 2 years to settle and so, I will take that time to RE... Re-examine my goals, re-invent my career, re-new my beliefs, re-acquaint myself with my self, re-focus my photography.

I am hoping that my destination will be what I see in my mind photography wise and life wise. But before I create any more Tattle Tales Story books, i want write a few pages in my own story book.
So this end of year no looking back, and no new resolutions for 2014.
No pressure... That's a first!

Let's see where life takes us :)
Wishing all of you out there to find yourselves and change something

Merry Chrristmas, and Happy New Year

Désirée

Accréditation en portraits d'enfants et de nourissons

Salut tout le monde!

Depuis que je me suis membre de l'association des Photographes Professionels du Canada, l'année passée, un des buts que je m'étais fixée pour cette année 2013 était de réussir une accréditation.
Ceci signifiait d'être reconnue par l'association.

Et bien voici mon but accomplit!

Je suis très fière et heureuse d'annoncer que j'ai mérité une accréditation en photographie pour enfants et nourissons.

J'ai ajouter à la page le communiquer de presse en anglais et j'ai aussi ajouter les 10 images qui ont été acceptées.

Je n'aurai sûrement pas put accomplir cette étape très importante dans la poursuite de me parfaire sans l'aide et l'appui de mes collegues photographes. D'assister à nos reunions mensuelles s'est avéré être toute une discipline et m'a aussi fait prendre conscience de mes mauvaises habitudes ! En ce qui concerne la photographie bien sûr...

Je continue à relever des défis qui m'ouvriront la porte à d'autres accréditations dans le futur.

Merci à l'association PPOC et aussi à tous les membres du  PPOC!

Accredited in infant and child photography

Hello all!

Since joining the Professional Photographers of Canada last year, one of my goals for 2013 was to achieve an accreditation from the PPOC association.

Well, goal accomplished! I am proud and excited to announce that I just received my first accreditation from PPOC in  infant and children portraits. The official press release is posted below with details as to what this entails.

I have also posted the 10 images that were accepted.

I certainly could not have done this without the guidance and support of my fellow photographers at PPOC. Going to branch meetings every month has proved to be an incredible discipline and eye opener in regards to my photographic habits.

I am striving to achieve another accreditation as it just pushes me this much further.

Thank You PPOC and PPOC members!

Cathy and Don's Wedding at the Royal Ambassador

Here are some teasers from Cathy and Don's wedding from July 29th,
Congrats you two!!
Enjoy!

Picture This Badge - Update Story

This was the original story from March 2nd 2012. 


"Last night, I was hosting the Camera Badge night for our 1st Caledon East Girl Guides here at the studio.
I had spent some time planning the evening centered around the 8 criteria required to get the girl guide camera badge. I wanted to make it fun and hands on so the girls remember more and have fun learning. I decided to cover the theory part first so we can do the fun stuff later.

Not even realizing why, I had chosen for the hands on part,  #4 on their Girl Guide of Canada sheet which was "Use five pictures to illustrate a children's book or a poem".  It did require a bit of research. But this is what we did.

After printing a few short stories, poems and fables,  I set a simple scene at the studio with white background and a few props as a base. We had a fence, some flowers and a butterfly. I picked out a few more props, and accessories like hats, feather boas, umbrellas and suitcases that the girls would be allowed to use.

We made 5 teams. Each team had to read their story or poem together and decide on 5 pictures that would illustrate what they had just read. Then, they prepared with a few props and we proceeded to taking the 5 pictures. Each girl got to take at least one of the pictures. so they experienced holding and shooting with a professional camera hooked up to the studio strobe lights. And shooting looking through the viewfinder...

After everyone had their turn shooting and being in the picture, I got all the photos printed. They each received their five pictures and their printed story. They took those home to physically cut and paste, decorate and put in their scrapbooks. 

The irony of it all is that I picked that particular activity because I thought it would be the most fun for them. I wasn't even realizing that this is the type of "pictures" I love to do. Illustrate a story with pictures is what I do all the time here at the studio with the Tattle Tales and even when I cover a wedding or event. This IS really what it is all about isn't it? It's all about the story... I haven't just been saying that. I have been meaning it too.

I had just as much fun as they did. It was an absolute joy to see their faces all lit up throughout the whole experience. 

I was also very pleased with how they left the studio. All tidied up and clean. Thank you girls!

I really hope this gives you a good sense of what could be possible to do with a camera :) "




Now here is the update:


The girls went on to complete the other items required to obtain their "Picture This" badge. And now a month later, we get to see the work of one of the teams. 


Here is the story of team: Isabella, Paisley and Stephanie. By Stephanie

Their story was "A child of spring"  They illustrated it beautifully!
They decided on their 5 images, went on taking pictures of each other and put it all together in their scrapbooks.

Here is another example from the same team.

This is how Paisley put her story together. 

It is really quite rewarding to see the finished story ! 

I hope to host "Picture This" again next year :)

Now on with the Pathfinders and their "Camera Crazy" badge .

Thank you to all the beautiful girl guides!

Desiree

Do kids still use their imagination?

I was having a conversation with a Mom and Grand mom about how we as children used to have to provide our own imagery.

We used to play outside a lot more and in doing so, we invented stories in which we were all participating as characters. Mostly they were super heroes or thematic representations like a mom, a teacher, a pirate etc.... We did not consciously know this or even cared. the only thing we knew was that it was fun.

When friends were not available or when we couldn't go outside, I remember reading a lot. We had at our house, those large illustrated books that were big and heavy. As soon as I started reading, I embarked on the adventure. I imagined I was part of it. I am not so sure our kids get much chances to do this any more.

I think that subconsciously, I kept the special places from those adventure books that were close to my heart alive. Now, I have the chance to share all this and maybe give the opportunity to a few kids to experience the joy and the fun of role playing. Of course at my studio it is done with flair... The kids come in, get costumed, step onto a scene and play. While doing so, they get photographed. I must admit; I have just as much fun as they do throughout the whole thing.

Tattle Tales Portraits are about being the illustration in the story. I try to bring to the experience the way I felt while reading my big books. I have had very favorable feedback from the children and from the parents too. And now, the children can be their own illustrations.  have their own story books with their name and images inside.

See for yourself the different stories your children can be part of...

Happy Imagining!

Desiree

P.S. You're in luck. There are three different themes on throughout March Break

How I taught a small group what I truly love to do

Last night, I was hosting the Camera Badge night for our 1st Caledon East Girl Guides here at the studio.
I had spent some time planning the evening centered around the 8 criteria required to get the girl guide camera badge. I wanted to make it fun and hands on so the girls remember more and have fun learning. I decided to cover the theory part first so we can do the fun stuff later.

Not even realizing why, I had chosen for the hands on part,  #4 on their Girl Guide of Canada sheet which was "Use five pictures to illustrate a children's book or a poem".  It did require a bit of research. But this is what we did.

After printing a few short stories, poems and fables,  I set a simple scene at the studio with white background and a few props as a base. We had a fence, some flowers and a butterfly. I picked out a few more props, and accessories like hats, feather boas, umbrellas and suitcases that the girls would be allowed to use.

We made 5 teams. Each team had to read their story or poem together and decide on 5 pictures that would illustrate what they had just read. Then, they prepared with a few props and we proceeded to taking the 5 pictures. Each girl got to take at least one of the pictures. so they experienced holding and shooting with a professional camera hooked up to the studio strobe lights. And shooting looking through the viewfinder...

After everyone had their turn shooting and being in the picture, I got all the photos printed. They each received their five pictures and their printed story. They took those home to physically cut and paste, decorate and put in their scrapbooks.

The irony of it all is that I picked that particular activity because I thought it would be the most fun for them. I wasn't even realizing that this is the type of "pictures" I love to do. Illustrate a story with pictures is what I do all the time here at the studio with the Tattle Tales and even when I cover a wedding or event. This IS really what it is all about isn't it? It's all about the story... I haven't just been saying that. I have been meaning it too.

I had just as much fun as they did. It was an absolute joy to see their faces all lit up throughout the whole experience.

I was also very pleased with how they left the studio. All tidied up and clean. Thank you girls!

I really hope this gives you a good sense of what could be possible to do with a camera :)

Désirée

In Studio Be !

What a concept. All for the mind body and soul under one roof! And so close to home too...

Even when you have achieved a pleasing place for all of your being, I guess it's an art to stay at the top of your physical, mental and spiritual form. To take care of yourself everyday in all aspects, would probably demand all your day. It's great to have a place like "In Studio Be" where you can do bits at the time.


From Yoga to acupuncture and from meditation to coffee talks, Theater classes, Massage therapy, you name it... All well organized under body. mind or soul. You really need to see their programs so well done. Soul Events, body events, and art events


So far I have seen the space and I am very impressed with it. I am a big fan of the concept as well. Check it out for yourself and maybe even try it out.I am planning another visit next week.  This time to actually try out the infrared sauna and the whole body vibration machine.

Will talk about it!

Between photo sessions

Between photo sessions, I like to learn things. These days, mostly social media and new tech stuff...
This week I am learning how to build a welcome page on face book.

As usual, a long process... I do like to learn on my own. but even with help the little details are not always apparent. Trial and error plays a big part...
Check out the page and let me know what you see.

Have fun
Desiree

Want a free Tattle Tales session with prints?

There is a perk for finding a good find ! When you buy a voucher for a Tattle tales session through Living Social, and then get three friends to buy it too, yours is free... Sounds like a good deal to me...
Hurry. The feature will be on Living Social until Friday only.

Tattle Tales being featured again!

This time in Brampton on the Living Social site. Here is the link. This feature will not last long. Two days only.

The image on the feature is of the angels on a cloud theme, but the voucher you buy is valid for any the of the Tattle Tales sessions that are already scheduled. As long as you schedule your session before the voucher's expiry date.

Hurry before the deal ends. Oh, and if you tell three friends and they buy vouchers, yours is free. 

The next few scheduled themes are: Angels on a cloud until the end of February, then Birthday surprise - the balloon set and then March break... We have three different themes scheduled during March Break. But that's another BLOG...

See you soon

Have a great day :)

Désirée

QR Codes... What fun!

This is really a lot of fun and great advertising.
Read to the bottom to see really cool ones.

You may have seen this before.

 or they can look like this 

This is a QR or quick response code. 

The QR above is Wedding Stories URL The one on the right it a URL to Your Eye on Photo

They were originally invented by in 1994 Denso Wave  for use in the automotive industry. Denso has since released the patent and we are now all able to use QR Codes thanks to them. You can read more about them here

One needs a reader or scanner to decode it . There are apps widely available for smart phones and tablets that allow you to read the codes. These QR codes can be a coupon, a message or a link to a web site. They are now seen everywhere and are great to link your written material with your internet business. For example: In a magazine add you can add a QR at the bottom of the add to be scanned as a coupon. Or the Qr can contain all the information you would normally find on a business card. 

But wait... how does one get one of those??? There are many places where you can find help. To know more about QR codes, to generate your own, and to find a lot of resources. This is a good place to start. QR Stuff 

These codes have only been around a short time and are already undergoing a transformation. As you can see with the code at the top of the page. They can look pretty plain. There are graphic design companies that now specialize in personalizing your codes. I have seen a few on line but this one inspired me the most Be Q rious Custom qr code design. 

I have only starting seriously looking into those last week and here is my latest creation

 

Tattle Tales URL

 

      Your Eye on Photo URL

It was a lot of fun to do. Try scanning these with your smart phone. See where they take you. 

There are hints below each one. 

Going to work on one for Wedding Stories by Desiree

Aren't we lucky to be around in this age?  Just love all this new stuff :)

See you next time, 

Désirée

Maternity shoot

They are due soon!!!
This is the latest photo session at the studio.
Making sure we get some images with white and some with black background in anticipation of the one year Baby Art Book
We are looking forward to the newborn session after this. In a couple of weeks :)

Happy Groundhog Day!

Good Morning to all!
It is always nice to hear that Spring is fast approaching even though winter has not been a hard one this year.
This is what our Wiarton Willy has told us this morning ;)

In the spirit of renewal, the studio will undergo a change of scenery today. The Angel set is going up in anticipation for tomorrow's sessions.
We still have room for this one and the costumes are all pressed and waiting... See a preview and read about how to prepare for the angels on a cloud,

Let the transformation begin !

I wish you all a nice day :)

Desiree

New baby photos

Part of her "Growing Baby" - "My First Year"  These are her 9 months photos.

 

I made sure we shot on white at each photo session since the beginning "Growing Belly" session so we can design a storyboard that would include a photo from each of the 6 sessions.

Only one more session to go. Her 12 months. Cannot believe how fast this has gone by !

Good WINTER morning!

Hello everyone,

What a beautiful winter wonderland scene this morning...

It was not fun driving to work though, even for my little 3 minute commute. I hope everyone got to work safely. the roads are getting better now but still be cautious.

The calls to redeem their vouchers have started to come in. The wood's fairy is number one on the charts... It is on of the themes scheduled during March Break

Remember, it's first come first serve and there are only so many sessions available per theme. We could allow for more sessions per day, but being the only photographer here, I like to give a very personal service to each and every little one who comes to play on my sets :)

The buck-off feature is on for 2 more days. I will keep you posted at the end on how many deals sold.

I wish you all a great day

March break preps already?

Yesterday, I was talking with a Mom about March break... Already? well yes, if there are tickets to buy or reservations to be made, it's time to book now because you might not find what you want if you wait too long.

She had a point.

This is why I decided to offer three different Tattle Tales themes during March break week. And if you take action now, you can buy your session for up to 3 children through the buck-off promo for only $69 and that includes prints.

DON'T DELAY, buy your voucher, then call the studio and reserve your session or sessions. There are no limits.  And each vouchers qualifies you for one session and the print package with it. But remember, first come first serve.

I do not know how many vouchers sold up until now, but I know there are only 3 days left...

Enjoy the rest of the day!

Desiree

First Tattle Tales sessions to book

Good afternoon everyone!
In trying to keep up with Sarah's blogging...
A little reminder for all who already bought Buck-Off Vouchers.
You can look up the planned sessions dates on our calendar.
The first sessions start on Fridday. This theme is"Starry Night". The next one after that is the "Angels on a cloud" on February 11th and so on. The calendar is planned until October 2012.
You have lots to choose from. The sessions are reserved on a first come first served basis and there are a limited number of sessions per theme. Keep in mind that most themes will not be featured again this year.
So call promptly after getting your vouchers on line.
905-584-1999
toll free 1-877-767-1999

Have a great day
Desiree

Our winter newsletter

Our winter newsletter went out on Friday. Those of you on our list should get it today or tomorrow.
We got lots of new stuff planned at the Studio. New features, and collections are in the works and it's all in there. Among other things, Your Eye on Photo will now host TATTLE TALES BIRTHDAY PARTIES with lots of goodies...

To those readers who would like to receive the newsletter by mail or by email, please drop us a line via our contact sheet. We will gladly send you a copy and put you on our mailing list.

Sad to see Sarah go

Thank you for your company today Sarah, It was enjoyable and insightful. I am glad you were there. You made the frustrations of tech glitches bearable.
It was fun to reminisce about the old days of photography as I was relating some experiments we use to do in photo school :)
You thought me a lot too... Until we can make a day of taking nice photos of you and Leo... Keep smiling :)
Désirée