Tanya and Adam Wed- Ottawa Valley Photographers

Intimate ceremonies always touch our hearts!

Tanya and Adam were wed at Tanya’s Father’s home in Killaloe. The couple shared their vows and a sand ceremony with their family and friends. The waterfront property is GORGEOUS! The ceremony finished with a BANG as the couple set off a cannon that is on display at the home. Most of the formal pictures were done on this property and a few followed at the reception venue. We were happy to share in their day and Wish this couple a great future!

Vendor Love:

Hair: Trends Salon in Barry’s Bay

Bride’s Dress: Sinders

Bridesmaid’s dresses: Katherine Mullen Bridal

Suits: Moore’s clothing

Flowers: Killaloe Flowers

Decor: Ursula Jeffreys, Marie Dombroskie

Tent and Chairs: Valley Tent and Party Rentals

Caterer: Daryl Schroeder

DJ: Red Rock Music (Cam Gavin)

Jackson Family has a new addition!

It continues to amaze me that we are so blessed to do this amazing job…and share so many wonderful experiences with our clients!  Last year Jenn and I had the pleasure of sharing a very special wedding with Amanda and Brody

Congratulations Amanda and Brody on the newest addition to the family, he is beyond adorable!

Katrinna and Ian’s Couple Session – Ottawa Valley Photography

Katrinna and Ian are a couple that love the outdoors. On a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, we headed to their home on a beautiful property in Golden Lake Ontario. It is often referred to as the “back farm”. The property offers heavily wooded areas, fields, trees, rustic barns, and even a stunning pond. Such a  Beautiful piece of land and perfect for this couple’s photos. The bugs were out in full force but it did not stop Kat and Ian from letting us capture their intimate moments on camera.

Our second location was another piece of family waterfront property just a few minutes away.  We captured the couple in their Canoe and on the dock at waterfront.

You can see the LOVE and PASSION between these two so easily! We are very excited to capture their special day in late August. It is going to be such a FUN wedding!

A 2014 Review

Hello Everyone, It is Lisa here with a recap of 2014.  We have not be blogging as much as we usually do and maybe a quick recap might help you all understand why.

2014 was one of the worst years of my life personally, We lost my wonderful mother-in-law (Jenn’s Mom) in January after a short but amazing battle with cancer, and we knew this year was going to be hard.  Sharon was the foundation of this family and her loss is felt every single day.  She was one of the most amazing selfless, hard working, loving woman I have ever had the privilege of knowing, but I didn’t just know her to me she was a second mom.

In February my Papa Valmond passed away and with the emotion still raw from Sharon’s passing and my own Mama not well enough to attend the funeral with us it was another difficult day.  I have so many fond memories of summers with my Papa and visiting Camp Robin Hood.  Papa taught me how to use a CB Radio when we would drive together, and our summers on Lake Simcoe and our walks to the Soviet Union. (It was actually a Salvation Army Camp down the road that when I was small I called the Soviet Union) It is difficult to say goodbye even when you know someone has not been well for so long, and the distance of miles make for a lot of guilt that I should have visited more often but now can not.

We then watched as my own Mom’s health declined once we were told we had exhausted all treatment options and there was nothing else they could do. Her 18 year battle with Cancer would soon be coming to an end.  You might think that when you expect it, it is easier but I disagree, it isn’t. I was truly blessed to have such strong, loving women in my life and to have lost them both was devastating. I still cry often and feel like I can not breath sometimes as the pain is overwhelming.  It sometimes feels very lonely not having my Mama to ask advice, or call with good news and sometimes, I have even forgotten and called my mom or Sharon to ask them a question and it is not until I have dialed the phone that I remember…and then cry.

You would think that would be as much loss as our family could handle but unfortunately we had to stand by as Jenn’s beautiful Granny lost her battle with cancer as well. Granny was also an amazing woman, I am proud to have know her and loved her and been part of her family, our son is named after her beloved Carson and I will always remember the way she teared up with pride when we told her we were having a boy and he would be named after Carson. She loved her grand children and great grandchildren very much the way only a Granny can. We miss her very much. I can’t imagine having to face the last year with out the one person who is my rock, my strength and my best friend my dear husband. Robert I could not have made it through without you, so thank you for being there and dealing with my crazy without complaining. I love you more than words!

In just one short year the entire dynamic of our family has changed, so you can see why I am personally glad to say goodbye to 2014…however professionally for Jenn and I 2014 was a very successful year at Special Treasures Photography and we had some amazing clients who not only let us be apart of their special days, and life events they made us feel like we were part of their families. Thank you for blessing us with so much success that we can continue to do what we love.

To Jenn, you have been my friend and more important my sister when I need one the most, thank you for everything you have done and the things you don’t even realize you do but I know I can always count on you! Yes Keith it is me on the phone…thanks for letting me have my sister when I needed her.  I am so blessed to not only do a job that I love but to share every step with you!

I hope that 2015 brings a much better year for my family especially my children who have been through so very much but have handled it amazingly…Darcey, Brooke and Carson, I am so very proud of you all.

To my other sister and brother-in-law, Jackie and Steve, thank you being there through this crazy year, I can’t imagine how much worse it would have been without the amazing family that surrounds us so thank you for being amazing.

Happy New Year Everyone, I hope you are all blessed in 2015!

A Special Wedding Day For a Beautiful Couple…

Laura and Travis were an absolute delight to be around, and their special day was such a testament to the Love that they share.

We started off by capturing all of the details of the Bride and her girls getting ready at Brown’s Salon and the Bancroft Inn & Suites to follow. Then we headed to the ceremony at St. Paul’s Church. The sweetest little white church we may have ever seen. The couple shared their vows in a very intimate ceremony and marked their union with a sand ceremony as well. It was Beautiful.

It was scorching hot but the breeze was definitely a great addition to the day. After the ceremony the couple and the wedding party stopped at the Bancroft Eatery & Brew Pub  for a drink before we headed on to our formal location at the park. We ended formals and started the dinner and reception at the River’s Edge Golf Course.

We wish this couple the absolute best future together and had a great time being a part of their day. Congrats again!

    

Love Heats Up a Cold Day Outside… Stacey and Curtis’ Wedding Day.

It was a cold day outside, but love warmed the hearts of all who came to witness Stacey and Curtis wed. We had the honor of capturing the ceremony and formal pictures of this couple’s special day. Our local Eganville Legion was transformed into a very elegant venue and it was a very intimate ceremony. There was a sand ceremony that bonded the family together. The children in this family are absolutely priceless… beautiful inside and out. It was great to watch the day unfold and to be capturing the special moments during the ceremony.

The formal photos were taken at a family farm near Golden Lake. It was a beautiful location despite the freezing cold temperatures. The rustic setting made for some very timeless photographs. The wedding party, family, and couple all braved the cold to get as many formal shots as possible outside. We did spent sometime in the farmhouse warming up and taking photos as well.  I know it meant a lot to the couple to have this location for their memories of their big day.

It was a beautiful day and we wish this couple the best future together.

Julie and Billy’s Intimate Wedding Left Us In Awe!

Julie and Billy were such a fun couple! From the moments before to the moments during their Wedding we were in absolute awe at their approach to being Wed. It was a unique wedding that was held at Spectacle Lake Lodge.  Both the Bride and Groom were always completely in the moment. I could see them taking mental images of their day and soaking up all of the Love and warmth that surrounded them via their family and friends.

There was much to love about this wedding, from the bouquets and boutonnieres to the ceremony set upon the beach… it was such a free-spirited event. The Bridesmaids wore their personal choice of a black dress and the Groomsmen wore their own suit with matching shirts and Skinny Ties… So So Awesome! You could tell that everyone who stood in the wedding party was chosen for their role in this couple’s life. They all meant so much to this couple.  Both the Bride and Groom’s family was equally as important to the union and while getting ready at the cabins by the water, I watched Billy share a hug  with almost everyone who walked by.  The couple’s dog Bear was even sporting a tie for the ceremony and later an evening tie that was just the type of special touch that this wedding presented. Everything was elegant yet very meaningful. They had soaps made as favors and even the soap was a custom scent! We were very sad when we got home and realized we left them behind at our seats!

Julie and Billy  gave one another thought out gifts before the wedding.  I delivered them both and felt honored to capture these special moments. Watching the expression on Billy’s face as he opened his was priceless! I think he truly enjoyed having a personal photographer that day. Although he did tease me A LOT he also let himself be open enough that I could capture who he is. It is always a challenge to get a Groom to let himself be captured in the moment, and when Billy was in the moments of his wedding day he was an open book.  I really enjoyed being able to see his friendships with his groomsmen too. Lisa says the same about working with Julie and her girls. It was like they were completely present for every part of this special day.  Again, It was an Honor to share in the getting ready portion of this day.

Saying “I DO” came next. The commissioner, Amber, was the perfect person to officiate this wedding.  This is the second time we have  had the chance to work with Amber and, just like the first time, she completely organized every part of the ceremony specifically for this couple.  She allowed the ceremony to bring their Love to life for all of their guests to witness. I would recommend her to any couple who are looking to have a custom-made ceremony.  I went searching and found her personal website. I just have to share it! http://www.algonquinweddings.com/  The ceremony was set on the beach and in every picture that I have that includes the wedding party, I can see the excitement and involvement in their faces. They were standing up for a couple who was meant to be together and they knew it.  Bear sat upfront with the Parents.

Formals followed shortly after the ceremony and that is when I really got a feel for where this couple gets their values. The family photographs were more candid than posed, even when we were posing them for traditional photos.  There was no staged moments to this wedding and it was very heart warming! There was a special moment that stands out for me as a photographer. Although I only include one picture of the bride with her grandmother in the blog, please note that there are so many more. I captured a connection between these two women that I have yet to capture at any wedding.  Two very connected souls had a special moment during their formal shot together. I still get teary just thinking about the moment.  I can’t even explain it in words but it was absolutely beautiful.

The couple and their entourage got their formal pictures taken on a little path that lined the water. It was a very tranquil setting with greenery that left openings for the waterfront to peek through… Just gorgeous. It was a fun experience for us and the group was easy to work with. They were just themselves as goes par with the rest of the day. Friendships as strong as these make for great photo ops!

The couple shared some special moments in front of the camera and even got in a canoe for a photo. It was amazing to see everyone on their toes ,worrying about the bride, as she headed out in the canoe. I know this was a dream come true for Lisa because she loves being out on the water herself. It was about capturing the couple as themselves and this beautiful bride felt herself out on the water. I almost forgot to mention that she wore moccasins as her wedding shoes. They were a perfect addition to her outfit and another statement to her individuality…  Another reminder of how much she wanted to be “herself” on the most important day of her life! LOVE IT!

Spectacle Lake Lodge was a great venue for an outdoor wedding, The dinner was held indoors and the staff put together a very intimate area for the couple to display their union. The meal was fabulous. The best Bison we have ever had. I believe all of the main course meats were cooked in a smoker… it was a meal that left you wanting more… no matter how full you became. During the dinner one of the Bridesmaids, Dasha, hosted games for the bride and groom. It was an absolute riot! The speeches were very moving and brought the couple’s personalities into the spotlight. Everyone who spoke seemed to speak about how this couple goes the extra  mile in friendship and in their own relationship with one another. That gives us so much happiness and excitement for them to share a future together.

Overall, this wedding was as down to earth as the couple. It reflected their past, present, and future together. It showed the importance on everything that is meaningful in life and, without sounding to corny, left us in AWE of LOVE itself. We wish them the best future together and know they are a perfect match for each other! Congrats … and Billy after reading this I hope you don’t think I was TOO CROSS (haha… he really liked poking fun at me) !

An Exchange of Vows at Waterfront… Jen and James’ Stunning Beach Wedding!

Jen and James are two people who we will always remember.  We have been absolutely in LOVE with them since the first day they met with us. Their engagement session was a really good indicator that this couple was full of youth, fun, and passion for one another!  We couldn’t wait to share in their special day and be witness to James’ sense of humour again. It seems like there is such balance in this couple’s relationship. There is so much laughing (I mean gut busting laughter) and joking around. Then in a second the couple is “on their own” in a huge crowd of family and friends in absolute LOVE with each other. The same goes for the entire day from a photographers perspective. We got the best of both funny and romantic with these two!!! The wedding party was amazing to work with as well and just complimented the couple perfectly.

It was easy to see that family was very important to this couple. The day was based around a union of two very impassioned souls and their family and friends. It was so nice to see the importance of  family throughout the day!

The Wedding took place at one of our favorite venues in the valley… The Sands on Golden Lake.  As always the team there did a spectacular job at making sure everything ran smoothly. The ceremony site was set up uniquely for this couple and I have to say it was breathtaking! The couple exchanged vows beachfront on the beautiful lawn. There was a sand ceremony that marked the day.  I saw many tears as I looked around the crowd in between shots. And you could feel everyone’s excitement the entire time.

Formal Pictures were done on the beach and across the road in a field that we have definitely made much use of this wedding season.  During the formal pictures the couple’s puppy posed for some shots with the Bride and Groom and was very happy when he saw the couple after getting out of the car. It is moments like those that make us love what we do even more… the moments that let us appreciate a couple for who they are at heart.  James was so funny as almost every serious pose called for a “blooper” or “goofy” one.  I included a few in the blog but please know that there are many more to be seen!

Overall the day was overcast with peeks of sun every now and again. It was very dark in the morning and it did look like rain was coming.  It was the first time this season that I was a bit panicked upon leaving the house and getting in Lisa’s car. The day before had delivered much rain but not this special day!!! The couple got to celebrate their outdoor union of marriage and pose for some wonderful photos with us! THANK YOU MOTHER NATURE!

To Jen and James: We are so glad that you choose us as your photographers! I think we really had a great working relationship and we got to see and appreciate your Love story so deeply.  I think my cheeks were sore all the way home from laughing so hard!  Your day was a little peek at your real life relationship and we definitely are excited for you to have a wonderful future together. Congrats!!!

Jason & Melissa Say I Do…A Family Affair!

I am going to start off this blog with a quote from Lisa:

“Jenn and I love what we do…we say that all the time!  We think every wedding we shoot is special, and we are really so honoured that we have been invited to be a part of a couples most special day.  However, being part of Jason and Melissa’s wedding was even more special since it was a family wedding!  Not only did Jenn and I get a front row seat for this amazing day but we are so lucky to welcome Jason’s beautiful bride Melissa into the family! ”

This day was clearly so abundantly special. Both of my brothers were groomsmen in this wedding, one being Lisa’s hubby. The entire day had such a high energy feel as we took photo’s. I have to say that Melissa and Jason are two of the most laid back people I have ever met. Their LOVE for one another is so real and present in every conversation, picture, and memory of the day. There was never any need to be stressed or worried about anything… One part of the day just flowed into the next as wedding day unfolded.

The girl’s got ready at Melissa’s Parent’s home, which also was where the ceremony was later held. I stayed with Lisa and took photo’s for awhile and then headed off to grab some pre- wedding shots of the groomsmen in Eganville at the couple’s home.  I think at many times I was holding my camera “snapping away” with one hand and doing up buttons, fixing ties, collars, suspenders etc. with the other! I definitely witnessed some laugh’s as the boys had a few beer to celebrate the occasion. And this may be the only time of the entire day when I could see some “nerves” present. Jason was definitely feeling a few nerves for a couple brief moments during the “getting ready”.   It was such an honour for both of us to be so involved in the pre- ceremony events.

When returning to the ceremony site, I remember feeling butterflies thinking about what Melissa would look like… and honestly when I saw her come around the corner…. I was speechless. She was even more breathtakingly beautiful then I had thought she would be. And I already had high expectations!!!!  The dress was so perfect for her!  The couple shared their vows in front of their closest family and friends.  Melissa even had some tears during hers!!!! It was beautiful! Their was a sand ceremony to mark the couple’s union. Pastor Annette did an amazing job at describing the love these two had for each other and all other parts of the ceremony.

After the ceremony formals took place on the same property. It was full of rustic gardens and had a waterfront view. We also did some formals at a property close by that was an open field in front of a beautiful landscape of water and rolling hills.  The ring bearer and flower girl were so full of personality and were very cooperative with all of the business of the day. The little ring bearer was absolutely a riot and always made us work very hard to get the perfect shot. What he didn’t realize was that all of the little faces he was making were  wonderfully cute memories to have as well.

The Bride’s parents were so accommodating throughout the day, and I know they put so much work into the ceremony and  cocktail hour(s) to follow. Melissa’s dad was even mowing grass the morning of the wedding to make sure everything looked perfect.. and that it did!!! Great Job to both families and all of the friends that helped bring the day together!

The reception was held at the Eganville arena, and was quite a sight to see. The lime green and raspberry colours transformed the hall. There were (what seemed like)  an infinite number of trees lit up with twinkling lights. During the first dance we could really see the intimate bond between these two individuals.  We often tell the bride and groom at every wedding that they need to look at each other during the first dance so we can get some shots using different lighting techniques etc. When I told Jason this he said ” I won’t be looking anywhere else because that is the only place I want to look”.  This couple was perfectly matched for one another.

We would like to note that Sidewinder was the entertainment for the evening and did an amazing job!

To the Bride and Groom:  We wish you the best future filled with as much Love as we witnessed on your Special Wedding Day. Lisa and I  are very lucky that in this case we get to watch your future unfold. CONGRATS!

Life’s a beach… Julie and Jody’s Wedding

This Wedding was a very memorable one…. right from the night of the rehearsal I could see an absolute excitement about the Groom.  Even though the Wedding day was very HOT, and Jody (like most men) , would rather have been not taking a zillion pictures… His love for his Bride was shining through. He was an absolute gentleman and I loved watching him pick up her dress, shoes, or flowers, without even asking. His concern was her comfort and happiness and it melted our hearts.  He got very emotional during the ceremony and it was honestly the highlight to my day… We just knew this couple’s journey was so dear and close to his heart.

When we met this couple their Daughter was just a baby…. and on the big day… we realized how much she had grown. It was so great to see how their love was also expressed through her. What a wonderful unity to capture!

The day itself, was HOT HOT HOT, and sunny. But it was a perfect day for a beach Wedding! The couple was married at The Sands on Golden Lake, one of our personal favorite venues in this area, and their formal pictures were done along the shoreline and across the road in a field that belongs to The Sands as well.  Before we started shooting the wedding we took some beautiful pictures of the Spa ( which we will include in a blog at a later time), and after we were done it really struck me that this location was so perfect for this couple. It is so intimate and serene…. peaceful and fulfilling. It feels like a perfect place to start the rest of your life together.

Before the Ceremony began, we captured a few images of the bride and her ladies getting ready.  Lisa and I fell in love with the Bride’s shoes and the Dress immediately….  Then the Bride and Groom’s little 2-year-old princess showed up and the excitement in Julie’s face when she saw her daughter made me want to cry. It was beautiful.  We realized shortly after that the flower girls would be 3 little 2-year-old princess’ and fishy crackers were being passed around frequently as they awaited the Ceremony to start.

The ceremony was very personal and intimate. It highlighted all that we love about our couple. It was an emotional ceremony and it was great to be a part of. I love watching and capturing the couple’s daughter walk up to her mommy and daddy several times throughout the ceremony. I loved that she was just left to be a part of the union! Beautiful!

The formal pictures were  very easy to accomplish because of so much love, friendship, and cooperation from the entire Wedding party. Such a great group to work with! During the private couple photos, again in the heat of the day, you could almost feel this couple’s energy. It was truly like time stopped in those moments and they just felt the Love they needed to feel for these photos to be real.

Julie and Jody we were honored to be there capturing your moments and we wish you a lifetime full of many great memories and much love!

Pure Bliss… Dana and Tyler’s Big Day

Dana and Tyler’s beautiful Waba Garden wedding was like watching a fairytale unfold.  There were so many things to love about this wedding!  From the elegant hall decor (Even custom wall drapery sewn by groom) to the unique ceremony sitting plan, it was a wedding to remember.  Dana and Tyler are two very like souls whom, from the time that we meet them, were planning their stunning do-it-yourself masterpiece which happened on the couples 8th Anniversary!  Every piece of the wedding embodied their love and symbolized what brought them to this day.  Lisa had the luxury of shooting the ceremony from many, many, many  feet above the ground in a cherry picker.  While she seemed very calm and collected, I am sure I saw a little tinge of green in her cheeks…haha!  The formal pictures at the Garden were stunning.  Unfortunately the rain meet with us and for a brief moment Lisa and I were worried about being able to fully capture the day.  Luckily for us the sun was shinning in Renfrew.  With such a stunning couple it was not hard to create beautiful and dramatic images.  Therefore, we had just enough time to highlight all of the couples special day.

I had a minor set back during the early formal shots.  As a result of being so consumed by the moment, I was unaware of my surroundings and fell…..saving my camera but not my head.  I pressed on and didn’t let it stop me.  However we took a detour to the hospital that night before coming home.  A few stitches and a concussion taught me a very important lesson as a photographer.  BUT I GOT THE SHOT!!!!!

During the dinner the speeches told an important story about the couple.  It was clear they have been in love since very early on in their relationship and value loyalty, commitment, friendship and their love for one another.  There were so many nice things said about the couple and it was evident that they have both made a lasting impression on many people’s lives.  The first dance was a moment “Stopped” in time.  It is always an honor to capture such a loving first dance.  There were two highlights during the other first dances.  The first being the father daughter dance.  It started out as a slow dance to “My Girl” and then became a medley that Dana and her Dad could “Rock Out” to.  It was hilarious to watch and so fun to capture.  As the second highlight, Chris Kyte was featured singing a song for the groom and his mother.  It was a surprise for Tyler and there was a lot of emotion present in the room.  And can I just say we were excited to find out AMBUSH was the band for the evening.  It was a really fun experience!

We would like to wish this blissful couple much happiness. It was great to be a part of your special day.  Dana, You were breath-taking.  Your entire wedding party looked fabulous and I still can’t believe you did all their hair!

Introduction to Photography’s Photowalk in Eganville’s Beautiful Centennial Park with Ottawa Valley Photographers

Thank you for attending our Introduction to Photography class.

We just wanted to take a moment and say thank you because we had such a great time meeting so many people who shared our passion for photography and wanted to learn more about their cameras.  We honestly didn’t know what to expect from the class that we held at the Bonnechere Union Public Library during the month of June, but we were overwhelmed when we had 29 students arrive!  It was such a pleasure to meet you all and Jenn and I are very much looking forward to all the future plans we are making that you want to be involved with.  We really can’t thank you all enough for your feedback as it will help us improve the classes we offer, and it let us know what other types of photography you are interested in.

Many of you want to be involved in a photography club and we really LOVE the idea and we are working on the possibilities of a local photography club that could meet once a month.  Until we can get the details organized Jenn has set up a Photography Club hosted by Special Treasures Group Page on Facebook which you can find here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/580115972028968/ We would love to see your photos and feel free to ask questions, we want you to be involved!

We ended our classes with a photo walk to our beautiful Centennial Park in the heart of Eganville to practice what we had learned.  Don’t forget you can post your pictures from our Photo Walk on the Photography Club group page too!

Stay tuned as we are planning Photo Walks to the Geo Trail and to Shaw Woods, we will let you know the details.

We wanted our students to see things differently than the whole picture and pick out some details that would make beautiful photos from our Photo Walk

Don’t forget you can contact us anytime with questions and suggestions, and we are looking forward to our future Photo walks and will post the details as soon as we get them all sorted out.

Love the details and textures that are found in the bark on the trees in the park.

 

Happy Canada Day ~ Ottawa Valley Photographers Celebrate with Family

It is no secret Canada Day is my favorite holiday.  Canada Day has always meant the official kick off to summer celebration!  As a kid I always enjoyed my town’s Canada Day festivities, Morin Heights always had lots going on and as kids we always enjoyed the live bands and huge bonfire.  I have always enjoyed taking my kids to celebrate around our town.

My son really enjoys the bike parade every year, and spends a few days planning how he is going to decorate his bike in festive red and white.  This year was no different.  There were a few activities for the kids to enjoy at the youth centre.  They played games, some of the prizes at the games were mustaches which the kids had fun with…and these awful looking teeth, which are really funny for little boys!  The kids could have their faces painted, and who doesn’t love a dunk tank!  Is that wrong that we take so much pleasure in making someone fall into ice-cold water?

Summer Fun, and family is what Canada Day is all about!

What Canada Day celebration would be complete without fireworks?  Everyone loves fireworks and we always enjoy them from Nanny and Papa’s deck, we have a great view and avoid any crowds…it’s perfect.  This year Eganville and the Bonnechere Valley Township Fire Department did a fantastic job!

Thanks for a job well done, we can’t wait for next year!

Fireworks!
The Perfect end to our Canada Day Celebration

DeRailed Band Photo Shoot ~ Ottawa Valley Photographers

It is no secret that our family and music go hand in hand,  so it probably comes as no surprise that Steve and close friend Chris are working on recording a CD!  It is a long process to get a CD ready for recording and Steve and Chris have been writing their own music, and lyrics…I have been lucky enough to hear some of the songs they are working on and so far I am loving it.  I am probably the one family member with the least amount of musical talent, but I take pictures and band promo shots were needed, so this is where I could help…Jenn has more musical talent than I do but we still rock the photos better than we would rock the recording studio so this was our way of doing our part and being able to help out.

The band is called DeRailed…so, we wanted to do the pictures on old railway tracks but finding them in Renfrew County is really hard to do. (If you have any suggestions where we can find some please leave us a comment or email us: specialtreasuresphotography@gmail.com) We luckily have a great piece of land where we hunt every year and there used to be rail tracks that ran right along the edge over an iron bridge (It is actually an OLD wooden bridge so I have no idea why we call it the Iron Bridge!) It made a great location for pictures.

Thanks boys we had a great time helping get your promo shots done and are so honoured to be a part of this awesome adventure!!  Can’t wait to hear the finished CD!

LOVE is in the AIR

This busy wedding season has gotten off to a great start. Love is certainly in the air. We have kicked it off with Colleen and Eugene’s gorgeous church ceremony and  formal photographs. The couple was a delight to work with. Eugene has to be one of the most down to earth men that we have ever met and Colleen was radiant both inside and out on their special day.  We have also chosen to include a few different images from two recent engagement sessions. Both of these couple’s are getting married later this summer and we can not wait to be a part of their special moments!  Three very different couples who are all so deeply in LOVE!  It is very inspiring to us to be so close to the True love that makes the world go round. It is our hope, always, that we capture the essence of each couple individually…

Special Treasures Photography is Looking for High School Reps!

Special Treasures Photography is looking for High School Reps from the class of 2013 and the class of 2014!

We are so excited to offer this special program for area high school students.  High school students are energetic and love photographs so we want you to help spread the word about Special Treasures Photography.  We will give you the chance the chance to earn credits toward a full session and your digital gallery of images, just for sending referrals our way.  The High School Rep program is open to any students from our area high schools in Renfrew County!

What is a High School Rep?

 

Senior Reps are students who represent Special Treasures Photography in exchange for credits toward the cost of their own senior portraits. You will be an exclusive spokes-model for Special Treasures Photography. All you have to do is show off your portraits to your friends and family.  It’s that easy!!!  With each referral you’ll also earn credits toward your full session and your full gallery of images on DVD.  It is possible for a rep to save hundreds of dollars on the cost of their own senior portraits by referring their friends and classmates to our studio for senior portraits.

When your family, friends or classmates have their portraits done at Special Treasures Photography, we ask them who referred them.  When they give your name, a $25 credit is applied to your account for each referral to the studio. This referral credit applies directly toward the cost of your own full portrait session and your entire gallery of images on DVD

For example, suppose you refer five friends to Special Treasures Photography…you will receive a $25 credit for each friend, for a total of $125 credit toward your own pictures!  Refer 10 friends and you have $250.00 in credits!

So, the more people you refer the more credits you get for your own pictures!

This is an exceptional opportunity to have your portraits taken AND save a TON of money on your High School Senior portraits.

All we ask of you is that you help promote our work to your family, friends and classmates by handing out your Rep Cards to everyone that needs their picture taken and posting your images on-line!

What Do I Get For Being a Rep?

 

• Free Mini Session

• Referral Cards

• 5 Watermarked Images to use on Facebook

• 1 Facebook Timeline Cover Photo

As a REP you receive a FREE mini photo session from which we will print Rep Cards of you to give out to your friends and classmates.  You will get at least 5 watermarked images to post to Facebook and use as your profile pictures.  You may also post the images to other social media sites you use.  Please contact us for more information and a full description of the High School Rep program.

How do I get chosen?
Fill out an application and tell us about yourself. The more your personality shows through, the better. Our decision isn’t based solely on your grades or activities/clubs you are involved in. We are just looking for someone who is outgoing and willing to work hard as our High School Rep.  High School Reps are chosen based on the information you provide in your application. We are looking for a variety of students who want to show off their personality and are comfortable in front of the camera.

What if I Still Have Questions?

Please feel free to call us: 613-628-9222 or e-mail: specialtreasuresphotography@gmail.com

You can also visit our website: http://www.specialtreasuresphotography.ca/ or find us on Facebook

PLEASE NOTE: You must have your parent/guardian’s permission to participate, we are happy to meet with them and tell them all about the program.

It’s Wedding Weekend at White Tail Golf Club – Ottawa Valley Wedding by Special Treasures Photography

Well the weekend is almost here, the first long weekend of we love the think of as the summer season.  Affectionately know to Ontarians as May 2-4.  For two friends it is their wedding weekend, and they have been busy planning their Special Day!

Jenn and I went to do a walk through of the venue they have chosen for their formal portraits with the wedding party and we are thrilled to be shooting at White Tail Golf Club in Eganville.  It is such a beautiful location.  So Mother Nature please take note…sunny skies would be appreciated this weekend as we capture some beautiful images of this wonderful couple.  Colleen and Eugene, we are really looking forward to spending the day with you and are just so thrilled with this gorgeous location you have picked.  Thank you to White Tail we appreciate you making room for our group.

About White Tail:

Whitetail Golf Club is one of the finest golf courses in the Ottawa Valley.  They offer an exciting golf experience matched with friendly service in a beautiful, full-service clubhouse.

The golf course includes 18 challenging holes, measuring 6500 yards, carved into the rolling hills of the Ottawa Valley, just outside the town of Eganville, near Renfrew and Pembroke. The scenic view from our licensed clubhouse and patio is breathtaking and refreshing – The perfect spot to relax after a great round of golf.

White Tail Golf Club has won the Flag Staff Reader choice award for the third year in a row!

Visit their website for more information: http://www.whitetailgolfclub.ca/welcome.php

See you on the course!

Drawing with Light: An HDR Experience in Our 2nd Photography Class

As a follow up to Lisa’s blog last week, I thought I would blog once again about our Photography course. When I initially read the course outline and realized our second class was going to be on HDR photography (High-Dynamic-Range) I was slightly disappointed. As a photographer I love to learn but I also tend to put myself in a box from time to time. Learning HDR was outside of that box. I had decided it wasn’t for me  after  learning about what it was and seeing other photographer’s work. I always enjoyed the images and respected them creatively but I had decided it wasn’t something I was going to learn. Now  what happens when you cut yourself off creatively as a photographer?  You do not realize what you are missing!!!!! I made a conscious decision to listen and learn the HDR for the “only reason” that it was in the course curriculum. I was absolutely inspired by the end of the class. I LOVED IT! I see what Lisa had been excited about in the past when she would create these beautiful HDR photos. The technique really does allow you to have more control then I originally thought and clearly takes skill to master. In the photo’s below you will see that we used the trial version of Photomatix pro (due to the watermarks). I have a feeling I will be indulging in the full version at sometime in the near future. We also used CS6 to process  HDR images and I practiced using CS5 when I got home.

The weather was beautiful and because Algonquin is beside Pembroke’s gorgeous Marina, we had a chance to get some really great shots. Again, Angie Wren was very helpful and informative while teaching HDR in an understandable, inspiring way. Overall this class surpassed my personal expectation! It Got me thinking outside of my box again!

What Should I Wear for my Portrait Session?

We get asked this question often so I thought I would take a minute and give you a few hints to help you look your best for your photographs.  For family and individual portrait sessions try to find outfits that you are comfortable in, if you are comfortable you will feel more relaxed during the session this will result in better photographs.

Remember to choose your clothing that reflects the location and the season you have chosen.

For families, co-ordinating colours and out fits work well.  Try and avoid wearing all the same colour or matching everyone’s outfit. A peek at our Pinterest Board “What to Wear – Ideas for Sessions” will help.

Here are a few other tips:

• Wear pants that hang long.  It will make you look taller and more slender.  Your pants will also look better if they start at your hip line.
• Avoid shorts and capris pants; these make you look much shorter than you are.
• No prints or patterns.  The prints and patterns that are considered very stylish today may be out of style in 6 months from now. By wearing solid colours you are less likely to look back on your      photos and say “Why did I wear that?”
• Avoid clothes with logos and/or writing.
• Blouses that end at the hip; this give a nice definition to your shape.
• Men may tuck in their shirts, but women should avoid blouses and shirts that tuck in.
• Wear tightly woven garments.  Sweaters and other loose knit fabrics will become see-through in      flash lighting, which will show your under garments.  This does not make for a flattering      photograph.
• Avoid dresses and blouses with high waist lines like the Empire style or tops and dresses with belts or gathers as they flair out.
• Dresses should be a straight cut without a defined waistline this will give you a slimmer look.
• Try and avoid white, it can make your skin look pale and washed out.
• Have a look on our Special Treasures Pinterest Board for a few ideas.  We have an entire board with lots of ideas for the entire family. Click Here.

If you still have questions feel free to contact us: specialtreasuresphotography@gmail.com

A Winter Family Session in Ottawa Valley

I love family sessions!  I love the challenge of capturing kids.  Kids are busy little people, who often don’t want to just sit and smile, the younger they are the more of a challenge they are, but I love it.  Kids are fun, and the truth is I get to act silly for a couple of hours making funny faces and telling silly jokes or stories to get their attention.  Getting adorable shots makes it all worth while.  A special thanks to A & P and the entire L family, we had fun with both of you and your children are just adorable!