Diane Schuller, Your All Occasion Custom Photographer

“The fence that makes good neighbors needs a gate to make good friends” ~ Anonymous

Think of all the beauty that’s still left in and around you and be happy! ~ Anne Frank

Check out some of the previous posts — especially the last one with some lovely canine photos.

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

• It’s time to book for fall portraits!
• Be sure to take photos of your child(ren) as they get ready and head back to school.
• Sign up for my monthly newsletter for tips and ideas with your own photos.

“To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring – it was peace.” ~Milan Kundera

Pretty much sums up my afternoon — I desperately needed a break.

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

I had the pleasure of photographing a truly wonderful couple and their two dogs. Although there are some incredibly fun photos of this playful couple, I’m posting some of the quiet moments first.

This first trio of photos I put on a sample storyboard — just thought these three fit nicely together. I wish I had more ‘play’ time because I love creating storyboards and putting together design pages. For some I use templates I have purchased and others I design myself. This is a nice little sample though, don’t you think? The perky little dog is Chewy and that noble looking Great Dane is Eva. The handsome couple are A & S.

I had such an enjoyable time with this couple. They were also a delight to photograph. I’ll likely post a few more from their session in a day or two. For today, here is one more photo of Chewy and one artistic photo of Eva.

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

It’s already time to start booking for fall photos. I will be taking a very limited number of bookings this fall so contact me today to ensure you get a spot. I will also be running a special for all 2010 clients who wish to order Christmas cards for this year. Watch my newsletter and this photo journal for details.

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 think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.” ~Gilda Radner

Those of us with dogs, cats, or any pets feel the same as Gilda.

If you have learned your pet is nearing the end of its life, consider a Pet Bereavement Session in which I tastefully and thoughtfully capture the special bond between you and your pet.

Since time can sometimes be compressed when we learn of a terminal diagnosis, I do my best to accommodate an emergency session if it’s deemed necessary. I understand that special place in our hearts we have for our pets so I’m particularly aware of how a pet bereavement session can be comforting for creating a beautiful keepsake of your pet. The session is dealt with compassion and sensitivity. Images from these sessions are not posted publicly unless requested by the family.

Please share this information with your friends and family (the “email a friend” button below to the right will make it convenient). If you would like further information regarding the Pet Bereavement session, please contact Diane (using the contact tab above).

{Available anywhere from Edmonton north for Pet Bereavement, in the Grande Prairie region, and north as far as Grimshaw.}

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Photographs never forget. I can help you keep your memories alive. Contact me at photos @ dianeschuller . com (remove spaces) or use the contact tab above.

In recent months I have been making a point of ‘drawing out’ from some of my subjects. My tendency is always to capture people fairly close up, filling the frame. Several months ago, I decided I’d make a point of taking more photographs from a distance. I’m enjoying the results.

As I have been working on preparing images from one of last week’s photo shoots, this particular image (above) really appeals to me. I think, partly because the couple and their dogs have their backs to me in a purely natural way, but also because the distance gives this a sense of ‘watching a story unfold’ are reasons why this one appeals to me so much. It was also taken early on in the photo shoot before the sun rose too high in the sky (later on the sun became quite harsh). I like this one so much that I’m tempted to order it as a sample canvas print. Funny how certain images appeal to each of us in different ways.

The three dogs were so entertaining — I chuckled my way through the photo shoot with all their antics. This is Hank cooling off in the lake. He’s not swimming; he goes in and then lies down in the water with both head and tail up out of the water.

Note: If this post receives 15 comments from friends and family, this couple will receive a complimentary 8×10 of their choice because of your support! To make it easy, use the [email a friend] link to share this post with friends or family.

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Photographs Never Forget!

The book has arrived! My copy of the 2010 Paws for Charity Art Book arrived and I’m so pleased to be included in this incredibly worthy cause. Many thanks go out to Sara Harley for all the work and dedication with this project, now in its second year.

I warned you all that I’d be mentioning this book every chance I get throughout the year to help encourage sales. Don’t forget the proceeds from the sale of this book and the sales of the greeting cards go towards the chosen cancer charity (a different cancer charity is chosen each year). Many of us have been touched by cancer in some way whether it’s a family member, friend, or coworker. There have been several of my own family members, including my beloved mother, who died of cancer. I’ve been extremely fortunate to have survived cancer, nearly a full ten years ago and continue to remain cancer free.

The book is available either in softcover or hardcover, but I highly recommend purchasing the hardcover for the small extra amount. Many of the artists have made their images available as greeting cards which also make a great gift, but are equally worthy to use yourself as gift or notecards. So, I hope you will consider supporting the Paws for Charity 2010 Art Book. I’ll provide links below again so you can learn more.

• About the 2010 Paws for Charity Art Book project
• Diane was the featured artist last week, April 30, 2010
• The 2010 charity recipient
• To preview and purchase the book
• How to order the greeting cards

I do not receive a penny from sales — my photography simply appears alongside other artists’ work in this book. I hope you will help get the word out about this project (book and the greeting cards). Tweet about it, blog about it, link to this post or directly to the Paws for Charity site, mention it on Facebook, any way you can.

Playing around with some colourful images from the archives. Enjoy.

I love photographing horses whether they’re simply hanging out, showing off, or working. The same can be said about photographing dogs and people

This one was easy to capture. She’s our 11 year old Springer Spaniel. It doesn’t matter to her that the water is barely above zero and that the water is so cold it numbs fingers within seconds (if held in the water). I love how the water ripples and bends the light and reflections. Something magical about water. I hope you’re having a magical weekend.

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In addition to custom on-location photo sessions, Diane will also license images for any use including advertising, corporate, promotional, editorial illustration in magazines and books, web, media, presentations, decor, and retail products. Please contact her for details and a quote.

I’ve spent the better part of the day working on a custom flush mount album. I’m still learning how to be proficient at creating these gorgeous products so it takes me a lot longer than it takes others. I’m also so darn fussy about the details that I tend to “measure twice; cut once” over and over again. I’ve made some of these in the past but, because I don’t make them frequently, I am rusty each time I begin again. The end result is always so beautiful but boy-oh-boy it takes me a very long time to create them. So here is a preview of the one I created today. It’s a gift for my husband.

Unfortunately to put together my mosaic of each spread, I was not able to get them all in order no matter how much I fiddled with my software. So here is a peek at what the full page spreads basically will look like. I did not include the cover but when the album arrives, I’ll take photos of it for you. I added a light black stroke around each spread so you could see what the 2-pages look like opened up. (I also see from my preview here on the web that they look over-sharpened — the album itself definitely is not over-sharpened but it’s late and I wanted to post this sample for you.

Here is a separate sample of the first 2-page spread so you can see it a bit closer.

So what is a flush mount album anyway? Press Printed Albums are flush mount albums with thick lay-flat pages and no middle gutter.

Unique to Press Printed Albums, the inside pages are printed on either Art Watercolor, Art Linen, Art Recycled, or Pearl press paper and adhered to heavy black cardstock. The ones I’ve ordered so far are all on the gorgeous Pearl finish. This allows each spread to lay flat with a thick and rigid look and feel. Pages are printed as full spreads and not cut so imagery and design elements are not lost in the center of the book! Press Printed Albums are available in fixed lengths of 20, 40, or 60 sides (10, 20 or 30 spreads) and are available in 6×6, 6×12, 8×8, 10×10, 12×6 and 12×12 sizes.

All Press Printed Albums are available in a full line of cover materials including floral, mineral, suede and book fabrics, as well as many leather options including vintage, alligator and standard bonded leathers, and as a premium genuine black leather. The very popular custom photo covers are also available with Lustre or Metallic photographic paper, and Fine Art Canvas or Metallic Canvas. All cover materials can be padded as an option. All covers are wrapped around masonite providing a heavier, more substantial album. Photo custom covers are made with a photographic or canvas print that is laminated and adhered to the masonite cover.

I have shown photos before of the press printed books & albums. I’ll be sure to take photos of this one when it arrives. See what a beautiful keepsake you can have from your photo session when you hire a custom photographer? Although the press printed albums are most popular for weddings, newborns, and graduation, ANY occasion or any time is ideal for such a quality keepsake. These are quality heirlooms you’ll be proud to display and pass on to family. {Don’t forget Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are coming up very soon.}

UPDATE: Today (Monday, April 12th) the tally shall be counted and a winner announced! Winner to be announced by 4:00 PM MDT.

Here are the finalists for your voting pleasure!

Let me tell you how EXTREMELY difficult this was, narrowing down to these finalists. You are about to see the finalists but I’ll warn you: there are more than originally planned. There were so very many worthy entries and my helper and I spent a great deal of time ‘discussing’ which would make the short list. I don’t know if I could do this again — I wanted many more of the entries included. Some of the ones that particularly hurt to leave out were ones that had such heartwarming stories about their rescued dog or cat. I have a huge soft spot for rescued pets and the people who rescue them. Oh boy, this was tough, and I have to thank Steve for all the time spent with me in selecting these finalists. Thanks Steve! So let’s get this show on the road!

VOTING RULES:

1. Voting is open beginning immediately until Midnight MDT on Sunday, April 11, 2010.  Make sure to tell your friends, family, neighbours, the postman, ANYONE to vote for your entry!  Post it to your own blog, your facebook status, or tweet about it … get the word out there!
2. Each person may only vote ONCE for their selection. No Anonymous votes are allowed and I will be monitoring IP addresses to be sure there is no hanky panky so please play fair I reserve the right to disqualify any entry due to suspicious activity.
3. HOW TO VOTE: Place your vote in the comments at the end of this post and PLEASE, to help me tally the votes, begin by using the number (#1, #6 or whatever) of your vote, before leaving any comments.
4. HOW TO GET TWO VOTES: There IS a way that each person can get Two (2) votes for your selection. Here’s how: Go to Diane’s Facebook page and become a follower. Once you become a follower, come back here and add an additional comment beginning with “FOLLOWER”. (If your blog ID is not the name you use on Facebook, please let me know your real name so I can confirm it.) If you are already a follower at Facebook, you are already eligible for this second vote — please use the “FOLLOWER” in your second vote.
5. The finalist with the most legitimate votes wins! So vote and send everyone you know over to vote for your entry as well! Good luck!

COPYRIGHT: Please note that these images are not to be copied, downloaded, or to be taken by screen shot. They are copyrighted and owned by the respective owners. Please respect their copyright — thank you.

Here are the finalists, in no particular order:

#1 – Max

“This is Max, my 6 yr old corgi.  Max has been a huge part of my life, helping me get involed in dog sports.  Because of him I have had the opportunity to learn and grow with him and to be a better owner/handler for him as well as my aussie.  He was also my entry into species appropriate diet and learning about more natural health care.” ~ Loved by Kirsten Sharninghouse

# 2 – C.C.

“C.C. was the kitten of a stray that was killed by some stray dogs. He was barely weened. He wouldn’t let me near him, so I started leaving milk, and soft food. He started sleeping in my chicken pen & eventually let me pet him. I took him in and have loved him ever since. My husband called him chicken cat while I was thinking of a name, so I just went with C.C., short for chicken cat.” ~ Loved by Susie Jones.

#3 – Carbo

“Here’s my “little man,” Carbo. He was the sweetest, most special dog. Head-on shots of Carbo show his fantastic flying nun ears and soft brown eyes, but this is my very favourite photo of him – soaking up the sun and breathing in the fresh & crisp winter air.” ~ Loved and remembered by Kelly James.

#4 – Galen

“This photo of Galen captures the very essence of his personality.  The snow sticking to him is from his zooming around and sticking his head in snow banks.  He can be so silly one minute but then he can look like a wise old soul the next, as in this picture.” ~ Loved by Christine Ravetta

#5 – Buster

“I chose this because it is such a sweet shot of Buster and he is the sweetest of dogs…when he isn’t destroying things.” ~ Loved by Toni Johnson

#6 – Morley

“I picked this photo, as it’s very recent and Morley looks very proud and majestic.” ~ Loved by Nathen Jantzen.

#7 – Sophie

“Sophie has been with me a long time now. I adopted her when I was single, and she was with me at times I felt very alone. Everyday she ran up to greet me at my car door when I came home from work. If I go for a walk, she follows me, howling the whole way, except when we’re headed in the direction of home. She has been with me through my marriage and birth of two sons. She curls up with me at night now because that’s when she can have me to herself again. I picked this close up image because it reminds me how close she sticks to me, and how dear she is to me. I love her so.” ~ Loved by Shelli Bond Pabis.

#8 – Sami and Bella

“Pick up Sticks” is Sami the Australian Shepherd and Bella the harlequin Great Dane. “The two dogs were playing with the one big stick. Sami decided it was hers..and thus defended it with snarls and growls and more..and big Bella (although 3 times the size of little Sami) – backed off and ran away. Those of us who were watching were having a good laugh. Somehow and eventually – Bella got the stick from Sami…at which point Sami spent a good 10 minutes leaping up in the air to simply get her teeth around it…which she eventually did..and the two of them trotted on together sharing that one big stick.”  Loved by Marcie Scudder.

#9 – Jesse

“Jesse is a service dog pup we raised for Pacific Assistance Dogs. His enthusiasm and energy resulted in him ultimately flunking out of advanced training, but his smarts and boldness meant that he’s gone on to train as a narcotics detection dog, specializing in cell phone detection work in the Florida prison system. We miss him!” ~ Missed by Andrea Pratt

#10 – Sebastien

“This is a photo of Sylvester. He’s not my cat. He belongs to my best friend and her son. My girlfriends son has an issue with self esteem. Sylvester is his confidant and the two are inseparable.  Who says cats can’t see into the heart and soul only has to look into those eyes …” ~ Admired by Monica de Moss

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So those are the finalists! I only wish we could have included even more. Thank you to EVERYONE who entered. This was such a difficult process and there are still at least a handful that easily could have been included. Every entry was so worthy. So get your vote in and spread the word. There are only a few days to vote and the one with the most votes wins the contest! Don’t forget if you become (or already are) a follower of Diane Schuller Photography at Facebook, follow the instructions how to place a second vote! Good luck everyone!