Diane Schuller, Your All Occasion Custom Photographer

Meet my tree hugger. Some people might call me a tree hugger because of my strong views on caring for our planet and ourselves, but most people don’t think of dogs as tree huggers. Well, if we take the term literally you can see one of my dogs truly is a tree hugger. I’m sharing this because, the dog in this photo is actually very unwell at the moment. We rushed her to the vet yesterday and, though she’s not yet out of the woods (no pun intended), she seems to be likely making a recovery. The other reason I posted this particular photo of her is because this photo has been picked up by Canwest and will likely be printed in The Edmonton Journal this week.

Since I brought up the environment, I realized I haven’t shared links for my environment column, Everyday Earth Wise, for a long time. It does appear in print each week in the Peace Country Sun newspaper and then a week later, each column is posted online. Here are a couple of the recent columns you may be interested in, but you can always view the archives online to check out other topics:

“Tips to Becoming a Lifelong Clothes Pegger”

“Serving Up Some Compost Tea”

“Greenwashing is Everywhere These Days”

Speaking of trees, they are already beginning to change colour. You know what that means! Fall photo sessions are the busiest time of year. Since they are popular and because I really limit the number of photo sessions I take on, dates book up quickly. If you’re thinking of having a fall photo session, contact me today to book for your colourful autumn photo session (whether you’re one person, a couple, or a family — and yes, we can definitely include your dog(s) or horse(s) too!).

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Photographs Never Forget!  Keeping memories alive with custom portraits and albums.

I can’t help but post just a few more images from the July 17th wedding (located near Bezanson). I really enjoyed myself and being around such warm and fun-loving people must have been part of the reason for that. Sandy & Travis live on a lovely acreage and I love that they also included horses in their ceremony. As all the guests arrived, there was a pair of draught horses hitched to a large and comfy wagon to transport people from the vehicle parking area up to the ceremony location. Once one wagon full of guests was delivered to the ceremony site, the horse drawn wagon headed back to pick up another group of people.

The bride arrived by a lovely horse drawn carriage and, after the ceremony, the bride and groom were taken back to the receiving line area in that same well appointed horse drawn carriage. The Patterson’s horses were beautifully groomed, their tails plaited with flowers coordinating with the wedding colours, and also had hearts (in the wedding colours) applied to their barrels (that’s the side of a horse). Here are a couple images of the bride and groom as they were being driven away from the ceremony site to the receiving line area.

And this one I added a vintage touch, especially because it reminds me of riding off into their new life together as husband and wife (instead of riding off into the sunset ).

If you have followed the previous posts of this wedding, you’ll know that this couple and their friends and family are definitely a fun-loving bunch. See!

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Photographs Never Forget! … keeping memories alive with custom albums and portraits. (I’m looking forward to putting the album together for this fun and loving couple!)

Art is another way of keeping a diary. Each diary and its contents mean something different to every reader or viewer.

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Who says livestock and horse photography can’t be considered fine art?! Bah humbug, of course it can. This exotic looking Scottish Highland cow is a prime example of how a photo can be transformed into fine art. Plus, when printed on canvas or fine Hahnemule art paper an image such as this becomes a beautiful work of art enhancing anyone’s home or office.

Sometimes simplicity is the key to high impact.

This draft [draught] horse study is one of my favourites after being turned into a work of art through mixed media including photographic texture. I can imagine this printed on canvas, enlarged to beyond life size, and hung in a prominent place on someone’s wall in their home or office. What a conversation piece! {{NOTE: I have recently opened up an online storefront where you can purchase prints, matted & framed, or canvas gallery wraps of some of my work. You’ll recognize some of these images at my shop. Feel free to share the link with friends.}}

Some of you may recall my recent post discussing the value of purchasing original works of art. Whether you consider something from me or from any other artist, when you support original works of art, you are making an investment that you can treasure for years to come but also supporting the future for all artists. Some things are well worth saving for — art is one of them.

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Diane can also create original fine art from photographs of your pets, horse, or livestock. She also creates fine art from a wide variety of subject matter. Get in touch and find out more.

The creative act lasts but a brief moment, a lightning instant of give-and-take, just long enough for you to level the camera and to trap the fleeting prey in your little box. ~Henri Cartier Bresson

I am looking for an Arabian horse model for a casual outdoor photo shoot to expand my portfolio. This casting call is for a purebred Arabian horse in healthy condition. The photo shoot will be done in the privacy and comfort of your residence (or boarding stable).

I will require a signed model release from anyone who takes part to allow me to use the images for my portfolio.

There will be no cost for the session and owners of models will be compensated with a gift of approximately six to ten digital images (a total value of $625). If you or anyone you know is interested, please email me at photos @ dianeschuller . com (remove spaces). I will be selecting one model for certain, but would consider a second. To be considered for this opportunity, please contact me right away to discuss the details. If you know of someone with a purebred Arabian, please send them here! This is a limited time offer (offer expires April 15, 2010 but photo shoot will occur later in spring, likely May or June).

Eligible locations: Grande Prairie, Alberta and surrounding communities; also in the Dawson Creek, BC & surrounding areas. Special consideration will be given to communities in the Grande Prairie – Hythe corridor (Beaverlodge, Wembley, etc.).

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Diane is an on-location Custom Photographer. She takes great pleasure in photographing people, places, pets, and hobbies too!

Diane’s website || Diane’s photography page at Facebook

We’ve all heard that excuse before haven’t we, as we try to place the blame on someone else for what we do on our own.

Some time ago Kelly over at Design Ties (another creative Canadian) gave out an award and the topic for the post was Seven Things You May Not Know (about me). She’s so darn nice that I’m going to play along and, even though I won’t be passing it on to anyone in particular, each of you is welcome to do so should you wish to play along. I love her most recent home office makeover — I really covet that white leather chair in her new and inviting space. Now back to my corner of the world.

1. Most people know I love animals and care very  much about their well being. What most people don’t know is that I also love horses and they were once a huge part of my life. In fact, my first two jobs after high school were working with horses: galloping and caring for race horses and then training show horses for a lovely family south of Edmonton. I smile coyly  and say nothing when people who really don’t know much at all about horses start talking like they know it all.
2. I long to live near the ocean yet have been isolated on the prairies my entire life.
3. I don’t hesitate to report people if they are treating their animals cruelly or if they are not feeding or otherwise providing proper shelter for their pets or livestock. I wish more people would do so.
4. I once saw two guys beating up another kid (teenagers) and I stopped the car, got out (didn’t know what the heck I would do if the guys turned on me) and actually got the thugs to stop. I waited until they moved on before driving away. I think about that kid a lot and this happened about 24 years ago.
5. I had my picture taken with Lorne Greene when I was ‘just a girl’. And yes, I actually was a fan and watched Bonanza every Sunday night! Speaking of being a fan, I was also a real big Katy Keene fan (a Bill Woggon creation) and was even a member of the fan club. Does this count as two?
6. I absolutely hate the so-called ‘reality’ shows. We once went over two years without TV and the so-called reality shows make me want to get rid of it again.
7. I never hold a grudge.

Did you notice I didn’t include anything photography or writing related? That’s because you know most of that! Speaking of which, the next post goes back to business. Thanks Kelly, I had fun horsing around!

So glad you asked about that. I do have specific policies about that included in my “Client Info” tab under “Policies and FAQ” posted above and on my website, as well as in my “Welcome” package that I send to all my clients. I’ll respond with more clarification in this open letter. What I share here pertains to most photographers, not just me.

I love it when clients want to show off their images. That’s why I encourage displaying beautiful prints in your home and office. In this electronic world, the unfortunate thing is that some people assume the moment an image is online, it’s ‘free for the taking’. This confuses me because we don’t think that when farmers display their produce at the market; or clothing retailers hang their designer items on racks; or the local restaurant puts out their lunchtime buffet, that we can simply help ourselves and not pay for what we take. Yet when an artist or photographer displays photos online, some people feel it’s okay to take it.

I sure don’t want to be a big boob here but since you’ve asked the question, I’ll publicly respond with some important considerations. Pull up a chair and your favourite beverage while I begin to unravel the maze of considerations. Just as Maya Angelou says, “If we know better, we do better.” So I’m offering this so everyone will know better and be able to do the right thing.

Here are a few things to know about photographers in general plus my personal policies:

1. Please DO ask your photographer what their policy is regarding taking photographs from their website or blog, if they don’t already have that information posted. Most photographers don’t allow it – I definitely do not allow it. Most photographers use our blogs to promote our work and, as a courtesy to our clients, we also like to share a sneak peek from the recent photo session.

2. Please always remember that © is for copyright (the originator of the work owns the rights to the work whether it is words, images, or music).

3. If your photographer does allow you to use photos from their website or blog, please DO include the full name of your photographer (or the business name), including a link to his/her website – or at the very least to include the url so others can find them. Plain and simple that is a polite courtesy. In essence, the photographer has provided you with a sample to use.

4. I have recently implemented a new policy, specifically to accommodate clients who may want to share images with friends & family in online venues such as Facebook, a private blog, or other social media. With my new policy, for every image that a client orders a beautiful print, I will email a low resolution, watermarked version of that photo suitable for sharing in any social networking site, at no additional fee.

5. When a photographer does provide you with an image(s) for sharing in this way, DO NOT crop out their logo/watermark! In my policies, and with most photographers, it is clearly stated not to manipulate the photos. Removing a logo/watermark is definitely manipulating the photo.

6. Please DO NOT edit the picture. An important part of a photographer’s work is also involved in the darkroom or the digital darkroom. If you are a digital scrap booker or someone who loves to learn and use digital software, that’s great, just don’t experiment with the photographer’s photos. You may think you can do a better job or maybe you are experimenting with things like selective colour, please don’t alter the photographer’s image. Not only is it insulting but, for those who know the photographer took the picture, they will assume the photographer did the digital editing and I can guarantee none of us want our work altered in any way. Alter your own images please.

7. Please DO NOT take scans of a photographer’s photos and then try to print them. Not only is this illegal but the resulting quality is drastically lost and reflects very poorly on the photographer. If you are trying to save money, perhaps you should consider getting a neighbour or relative to take your photos and have them printed at a retail establishment. With custom photography not only are you paying for the considerable amount of time the photographer puts into every session (and editing process) but you’re also paying for expertise, packaging, one-on-one customer service, a higher quality print product, and the costs of doing business.

8. Don’t forget, a professional photographer whether s/he works full time or part time, as I do, is a business person. We have all the costs of doing business that other entrepreneurs have including office supplies, product samples, office equipment, photography supplies and equipment, marketing, insurance, shipping costs, professional development, and a wide range of other expenses. When someone helps themselves to photos we have displayed online, it is no different than shoplifting from our store.

“If we know better, we do better.” ~ Maya Angelou

I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of positive experiences this past year with my clients. I know some photographers are not as fortunate as I have been with some of the experiences they’ve had with their clients, in terms of photo shoplifting. Unfortunately over at Flickr I’m no longer posting photos because of the high incidence of theft.  I’m so glad you asked this of me because it gives me the opportunity to openly share my thoughts and policies with you. Even if you have hired someone else this past year to take your visual keepsakes, I hope you will adhere to the photographer’s policies with respect to the images they display in their online store/gallery. We can’t sell our products and services if we can’t safely display our wares.

That nicely segues into the ideal opportunity for me to thank each and every one of my clients particularly this past year – THANK YOU! My business has grown by leaps and bounds considering I have chosen to keep it as a part time business. I have new and exciting things to offer my clients coming in 2010 and I look forward to capturing more of your special moments through my lens!

This post and all photographs on this blog are Copyright © Diane Schuller. All Rights Reserved. That means it is illegal to copy any part of this or to copy and use any of the photographs for any purpose whatsoever. If you wish to reprint this information, you must contact Diane Schuller to make a request. You are welcome to create a link in your blog or website to this page, however. Thank you for respecting my copyright.

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MORE INFORMATION:

Protect Your Online Images plus  Posting Photos Online (especially of children).

Diane is an on-location natural light photographer serving Edmonton & Grande Prairie, Alberta. Visit Diane Schuller Photography.

Winston Churchill said it best,

“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”

These horses may be covered in mud and already have the beginning of their winter coat but to me they and this image are the epitome of life’s sweet ordinary. Taken on a recent trip to Edmonton, before the snow fell. (Since I was showing them mud and all, this photo is entirely straight out of the camera without any adjustments to colour or exposure — au natural.)

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Diane loves to capture life’s sweet ordinary through her lens, whether it’s people, places, or horses! Contact Diane (use the contact tab above) if you’d like her to capture visual keepsakes of you and your life’s sweet ordinary.

I’m still very weak but at least I can sit at the computer for segments of time. I thought I’d share a few horse images from my archives. My peonies have begun to bloom, the last lilac bush is in full scent, the penny-shaped leaves of the quaking aspen flutter and wave at me, and the scent of fresh mown lawn (hubby is busy) comforts me today.

For the horse lovers out there, I’ve been reading the inspirational words and admiring the amazing artwork of Kim McElroy for several years. If you enjoy inspirational poetry or soulful prose and love equine art, I recommend checking out Kim’s website or her Spirit of Horse blog. 

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Diane is an on-location horse photographer based near Grande Prairie serving all of Alberta plus northern / central B.C. Visit Diane Schuller Photography.

Although I no longer have horses, I adore them and am thrilled to bits every opportunity I get to photograph them. These are all clients’ horses — I’ll have to dig out some of the old photos of my  horses one of these days and scan them to share here.

Living in the country seeing wildlife is a regular, often daily, occurrence. This morning, however, my  husband and I saw something we’ve never seen before: a mule deer doe with triplets. Yes, three little fawns in tow. No I didn’t take any photos because, even with my 300mm lens, the resulting photo would have shown a lone deer as a spot on the photo with three tiny specks … you know one of those photos where someone says, “if you look really closely you’ll see ___”. So, I chose simply to watch them with our binoculars until they slowly made their way across the field. Triplets! Oh, and more horse photos to come soon.



Diane is an on-location lifestyle horse & livestock photographer serving Alberta & central/northern BC. Visit Diane Schuller Photographs.

The other day I was in the yard, camera-in-hand (surprise surprise) when my dogs began to bark like crazy. Moments later three horses and riders showed up from behind our garage. It was our nephew, his wife and daughter. It was midday (the worst kind of light) and they wondered if I’d take a few photos. Naturally, I was delighted to oblige!

These are two of the images from that day though I took scads. The midday light causes such bad shadows and/or blowouts as you can see. I’m going to play around with a few of the images and hope they like the ones I show them. The second one below could have been a dandy despite that harsh light but he sure was handsome. I’ll need to lighten up the shadows on this one for sure to show more of his beautifully structured head.

Diane is an on-location lifestyle photographer based in the Grande Prairie, Alberta area. This includes horse & livestock photography. Visit Diane Schuller Photography.