Diane Schuller, Your All Occasion Custom Photographer

You know, one of the things I have never liked whether I’m in front of the camera or behind it, are forced poses. I know I’m not alone in this because others I have talked with have said the same thing. I often cruise around Flickr partly because I get inspiration from some of the talented people there but then there are times I really get aggravated by what I see. I just came from Flickr and was tickled pink to see some really delightful images such as this or this or this moment.  But then I came across an image that just about made me want to throttle the person who took the photo. It was one of those forced ‘portraits’. You know the type I mean; when the people in the photo are choreographed where to put every part of their body, what direction to look, and to like it or not. Well the one that absolutely drove me to write this rant is a maternity shot. So many maternity shots are so contrived anyway which is why I don’t care for most of them but this one focused on the mom’s belly and her little boy, maybe 8 or 9-ish, had his hand on her tummy and he wore such a deep facial expression of discomfort and annoyance. I felt so sorry for him. He obviously was entirely uncomfortable touching his mom’s belly in that way PLUS the photographer had him without a shirt! Talk about making the poor kid feel insecure and awkward. That did not look like a warm, spontaneous moment to me that’s for sure; quite the opposite. Just sayin’.

Okay, so you get the idea. I dislike those stiff and unnatural poses so much. My clients never have to endure such things. I’m about making clients feel comfortable and at-ease and getting the real moments, the special interactions that come naturally or spontaneously. While I’m at it, I should also go on record saying that I really dislike those ubiquitous poses of infants where their head is being held up with their bent-backwards hands and other similar unnatural poses like hanging from a net. I love to see or take images of infants showing them naturally, not all contrived into pretzels.

Yes, a photographer will need to give direction and guidance to bring out some of the fun or special moments but it should not be so forced that the people in the resulting image look plastic or in pain. I’m just sayin’.

I don’t like to subject you dear readers to a rant but this just gets my goat, as the tired old saying goes. Never fear; much more uplifting posts are coming next. Oh, and fair warning: I have a few posts lined up so there will likely be one-a-day this week primarily for the ‘biz’, which is the main purpose for this little spot on the ‘net.

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If you would like Diane to take photos of you, your family, or your pets without any forced or contrived poses, contact her to book your session.

Twas the day after Christmas and all across our land, was hoar frost and snow twinkling like diamonds beneath the sunny Alberta skies — and only about 12 below. How often have you read that I love what I do? I know, but I so love this job and most especially because of meeting really special people like this. But before I even had a chance to meet this delightful family in person, as I drove up their driveway and turned into their yard, I had to stop my vehicle to take this shot. An image like something you’d expect to see in a calendar isn’t it?

Once inside, all four family members were a true delight and with such warm, inviting smiles. The lady of the house has exquisite taste and has done an amazing job of decorating — a beautiful woman with beautiful taste. This recent addition to their lower floor is a hand carved authentic saloon.

A friendly game of poker.

Everywhere I turned there were so many interesting items in their home to take in and the laughter and warmth added to the feeling of home. And, as you can easily see in the next set of photos, despite heading outside, there was warmth everywhere this family went. Even if the sun had not been shining upon us that day, this family creates their own sunshine!

Maverick was enjoying the snow too!


Thank you N for having me out to your family’s beautiful country home. Yours and your family’s warmth and hospitality were the best! I hope you enjoy this sneak peek.

BONUS: As I do with all my clients, if this post receives 15 or more comments from different people, this family will receive a complimentary 8×10 gift print. To make it easy, use the [email a friend] link to share this post with friends or family.

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Diane is an on-location lifestyle photographer using natural light to reveal the true essence of people as well as their pets. Visit Diane Schuller Photography to view her portfolio and for more information. Diane serves all of central and northern Alberta, particularly Grande Prairie & area plus Edmonton, Alberta.

When work, commitment, and pleasure all become one and you reach that deep well where passion lives, nothing is impossible.~Unknown author.

The year is not over yet and, despite the snow and cold, I still have a few photo shoots scheduled but things are slowing down as winter blows in and people prepare for the holiday season. I’m excited this week. I’ve been contemplating and planning for 2010. There are a number of changes coming up that I’m really quite excited about sharing with everyone. I’m also going to share some images from 2009 in future posts this month — a bit of a wink on the year that will soon slip and slide its way into a fresh new year.

When I began upon this photographic journey year before last, I had no idea it would grow and evolve the way it has. I’m so fortunate. I’ve met some wonderful people, shared special moments and milestones, and have grown along the way. When I began, my focus was on capturing special moments between people while avoiding the cheesy or posed shots. Somewhere along the path this year, I shifted to more of those posed shots though I still managed to keep the cheesy ones at bay. In recent weeks as I’ve been putting together my plans and goals for next year and the future, this is one thing that needs to be addressed. Although I fully realize some people do want posed images, I plan to coax those from my repertoire in 2010. Sure, I’ll continue to accommodate those clients who want the occasional posed image, but I plan to focus far more on my original love and talent at capturing the emotions and unique relationships of my clients. I plan to tell their story through images. This is quite different from what many people think of in terms of portraits. I want to capture those special looks on people’s faces, or a certain body language that only those close to them really know, a certain stage in a child’s life, or the unique way a person looks or react to their loved ones. Those are the moments I’m after. It really is a type of storytelling, which isn’t a complete surprise when you consider how many years I’ve spent writing about people. This is nothing to be fearful of; quite the contrary. What it means with me going back to my original focus is that my clients will have portraits that are more of a treasure — these will be heirloom images capturing a chapter in their life. Capturing these chapters through images excites me. I can hardly wait to get back to my original journey — it’s much like having gone on a hike and taking a different path than originally planned — taking the well worn path rather than that special one where fewer travel. No harm done, saw some great sights, and still ended up at the same destination. I simply plan to take that special path where fewer have travelled. Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best, “Do not follow where the path may lead.  Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.”

Wherever you go, go with all your heart.  ~Confucius

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Diane captures special moments and emotions of people as well as their connection with their pets. Visit Diane Schuller Photography.

M and K brought their two beautiful dogs along on Saturday’s photo shoot. We met at Saskatoon Island park and had most of the park to ourselves. The lake is not entirely covered in ice yet but it won’t be long before the entire lake is solid. Can you tell how windy it was?

Tucker, the all black Lab cross, was constantly on the move as you can likely tell in a couple of these shots and by how K is working to keep him still  M and K have such rich dark brown eyes but with the glare from the sun on the snow, squinting was inevitable. I’d love to capture them with different light to really enhance their eyes because this cheerful couple are both so attractive. They both have such a warm and genuine smile as well.

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Bonus: As I do with everyone, if this post receives 15 or more comments from different people, this handsome couple will receive a complimentary 8×10. To make it easy, you can use the [email a friend] link to share this post with friends or family.

Diane is an on-location lifestyle photographer using natural light to bring out the essence of people as well as their pets. Visit Diane Schuller Photography to view her portfolio or for more information.

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.

Please Note: This was a limited time offer and the offer has now been closed. Please check in regularly or join my Facebook photography page to learn of future casting calls. Casting calls are always time limited.

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Are you pregnant? Or do you know someone who is? Consider this my official casting call to anyone who is expecting a baby between now and the end of October for maternity sessions.

I have not yet had the opportunity to photograph a mother-to-be and would so very much love to add you to my portfolio. I wish to photograph the expectant mom using natural light in natural surroundings. I’ve been studying top maternity photographers and have gleaned many wonderful ideas for showcasing you in the most flattering ways. You and I will do a pre-session consultation so we can get to know one another, you share your preferences with me, and I can share my vision with you. I won’t put you in any unflattering or uncomfortable poses. Together, we’ll capture your maternal beauty and unique personality.

As with all my creative sessions, your maternity session includes our pre-shoot consultation, travel to your home or location of choice, my time & expertise during the creative session (for up to two hours), all of my post processing afterwards, and a private online viewing gallery of your proofs approximately one week after our session. Visit my website to view my portfolio and to find out more about this casting call, click on the “Specials” tab when you arrive at my website. I look forward to hearing from you and documenting this important time of your life!

Please contact me by using the “Contact” form (located in the dark grey navigation bar near the top of this photo journal) to book your session now, or to arrange for a gift certificate for someone you know! First come, first served! Limited time offer.

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Diane is an on-location lifestyle photographer anxiously looking forward to photographing mothers-to-be. She is not limited by location, serving central & northern Alberta and B.C.

Here is a sneak peek of a photo shoot I had the pleasure of doing this past weekend. It was a grand family gathering celebrating three significant family milestones. What a warm family and I felt honoured to be chosen to capture their special day. Have I ever mentioned how much I love what I do?  :)  This first young lady turns 90 in a few months!

This is a lovely traditional Norwegian Wedding Cake, kransekake. As you can see, it’s a work of art and a beautiful tradition.

There was all kinds of food all day long and Bison was a juicy, delectable feature at mealtime (as well as Arctic Char and a huge variety of tasty foods). I took a lot of photos of the details but this, after all, is simply a sneak peek.

This little gal ended up in a lot of images — she loves the camera! Here she poked her head out of an inflatable toy and, looking up at me, was a willing portrait study.

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Diane is an on-location lifestyle photographer serving all of central & northern Alberta & BC. She loves what she does and that includes capturing all your special moments. Visit her online portfolio.

This is a catch up sneak peek. I did share one image from this photo shoot a week ago and the clients already have their proofs online but I thought I’d share a trio from this one anyway. This family was so full of smiles and laughter; what a delight to photograph them on such a special occasion: their mother’s 95th birthday!

[caption id="attachment_1091" align="aligncenter" width="750" caption=""One very happy family -- look at those smiles!""][/caption] [caption id="attachment_1092" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption=""More smiles and one of those lifestyle moments.""][/caption]

Of course, I couldn’t resist sharing another photo of hands. I love the connection of youth held so tenderly with the character of an elder.

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Diane is an on-location lifestyle photographer using natural light serving Grande Prairie plus central & northern Alberta. Visit Diane Schuller Photographs.

Oh my gosh peoples — this has been my busiest week ever photographically speaking. And talk about a wide range of experiences. I can’t yet share many sneak peeks because I must, must, must finish editing one from last week first. It’s interesting sometimes the people I meet. I was exposed to some intriguing people and, if I was still active full time in freelance writing, oh goodness did I encounter stories this week. One of which I must keep quiet until the magazine is on the news stands, but at least I can share a photo or two (this is from the magazine shoot I did). Then it’s back to finishing an earlier photo shoot so one of my clients can finally see all their selected proofs. Oh gosh, I love what I do and do what I love. Tell me what you love to do!! I LOVE to meet people and capture their stories (Love it!).

This guy has a great vision! I could spend all kinds of time with this sustainably-minded family. What a great evening that was (above). {This one isn’t SOOC; I did a bit of a vintage treatment to it obviously.}

This 14 month old boy is already a savvy Saskatoon picker! No, he wasn’t one of the subjects of my photo shoot but I couldn’t resist quickly moving over and squatting to get a shot of him.

One day he’ll be able to pick n’ run like his older brothers!

Doesn’t her calf look like a buffalo calf? This family runs their cattle operation in a highly sustainable way, raising them and finishing them on lush (rotated) pastures rather than sending them to feedlots. This is just one aspect of their amazing life. I could write oodles about this family — not to mention everyone else I’ve had the pleasure to shoot. Did I mention I love what I do? Oh yea, I did already.

This is a long weekend here in Canada. My dear husband has headed out to Edmonton for the weekend (missing him already) though I have another photo shoot over the weekend. Have a truly enjoyable and fulfilling weekend everyone!

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Diane is a lifestyle photographer serving Grande Prairie and the entire Central/Northern Alberta regions. She loves to capture your stories whether they include people, pets, livestock, cars, hobbies, families, children, couples — oh heck — everyone!! Visit Diane Schuller photographs.

PS: Since I live so close to the Alberta – BC border, I also have happy clients who have had me come to photograph their horses and livestock in Dawson Creek, BC.

I’m trying to finish up editing and adding some artistic touches to the shots from the classic car photo shoot. I’m nearly done and, although I’m saving the best ones for the client’s reveal, I simply had to share a few more. Here is some classic car candy — enjoy!

QUOTE: “I think that cars today are almost the exact equivalent of the great Gothic cathedrals: I mean the supreme creation of an era, conceived with passion by unknown artists, and consumed in image if not in usage by a whole population which appropriates them as a purely magical object.” ~ Roland Barthes, 1957.

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Diane is an on-location lifestyle photographer who embraces the opportunity to take such fun photos whether it’s cars, people, pets or livestock, people at work, life on the farm, or children & families having fun and making memories. Visit Diane Schuller photographs.