I’ve written posts before about photographer’s rights, but as a writer as well, I am amazed at how people give no value at all to the rights of writers. Without professional writers there would be no history books, no newspapers, no news at all, no novels, no books of poetry, no comic books, no children’s books, no textbooks, no how-to books or reference books, no greeting cards, none of it. Protecting, or even enhancing, copyright laws is vital. With the Internet, people have become numb to or choose to be ignorant regarding the rights of the creators of words, photographs, or music. All of these works are created by someone and those “someones” should be compensated for their work, not forced to work for free.

Even if you know nothing about copyright — in fact, especially if you know nothing about copyright — this very short video puts copyright issues in very simple and easy-to-understand terms. I urge you to please watch it, understand its importance, and support the copyright of writers and artists of all venues. Please.

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For those who may not have seen my original post on “Posting Photos Online”, it deals with every person who posts photos on the Internet, whether it’s Facebook, Flickr, or other venues.

“Listen” being given away over at Kelly’s blog — go enter!!

Since my recent posts are mostly about my recent trip to Hawaii, I thought I would put this one here as a welcome to those who are coming from Kelly’s lovely spot on the web (to the first handful who arrived earlier, I’m sorry I didn’t have a welcome post before you arrived). As part of my introduction, I welcome you to scroll down and see some of my images of all subjects but if you’d like to see some of the equine-only ones, simply go to the menu bar above: click “Categories” and then select “Horses – Livestock” from the drop down menu. That way  you will see some of the more recent posts/images of horses. Or, visit my website to see a few more of my equine images listed in my “Gallery” under “Pets-Livestock” (I am currently in the process of setting up a specific area for my fine art prints so if you’d like to see more, let me know and I’ll point you in the right direction.). Let me know what you think. Enjoy!!

“Power Pair” by Diane Schuller, shown as a 5×7 matted to 8×10 (this is how “Listen” will look when sent to the winner over at Kelly’s blog.

And don’t forget, if you’re interested in purchasing equine art, I ship anywhere. Please contact me if there is something that catches your eye and we’ll work something out. I’d love to help you add some beautiful equine art to add to your home or office decor.

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Diane’s photographs have appeared in two recent gallery showings as well as being included in publications such as Trot magazine, Dog Sport, Dogs in Canada, Country Guide magazine, Canine Review and newspapers Hythe Headliner, Peace Country Sun, and The Edmonton Journal.

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“The wind of heaven is that which blows between a horse’s ears.”  ~Arabian Proverb

“A horse is the projection of peoples’ dreams about themselves – strong, powerful, beautiful – and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence.” ~Pam Brown

Coming Soon: Horse art in feng shui!

“If nothing ever changed, there’d be no butterflies.” ~Author Unknown

I am so excited to announce some changes to my photography business that are now in effect.

COMMERCIAL:  As some of you are aware, I have been doing some commercial and editorial photography (for magazines, newspapers, and businesses) and I have made the decision to focus much more on this commercial aspect of my business. That means I will be giving priority to and pursuing more of the commercial photography opportunities both locally and nationally. If you, or someone you know, is seeking photography for your business I hope you will keep me in mind and refer me to friends or their businesses. Coverage of corporate or family events will fall into this category and I look forward to continuing to photograph events of all kinds. Special commercial rates apply.

FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY: Another aspect of my photography that I will be pursuing is fine art photography. One of my canine photos appeared in a fund raising book for cancer in 2010 plus I had two gallery showings of my photographic art with plans to sell my art as home & office decor (prints, canvas, and matted or framed options). Changes will soon be made to my website to reflect this additional focus and I will be seeking out additional opportunities for gallery showings in 2011 and beyond. To that end, if you know of any business that may be interested in hosting a showing of my photographic art (one month or beyond), please let me know and share my website with the decision maker for the business (there is ‘something in it for them’ when they host my photographic art).  As I recently announced on my photo journal (blog), in December my equine photographic art was featured by an Ottawa designer and will be featured again later this month on her design blog (details coming up on my photo journal/blog). Also, to help provide exposure and offer feature artwork, I’m proud to announce I have opened up an Etsy shop. At the moment the ‘shop’ has less than a handful of items so next month once there is a better selection of stock on the ‘shelves’, I’ll provide a link plus another link where you will find some of my other available photographic art.

EQUINE & PET PHOTOGRAPHY: The third important change to my business will be a re-focus to the subjects that got me started in photography to begin with and that is equine and pet photography. Commencing 2011 my portrait photography will re-focus to a specialty in photographing horses, dogs, and pets — as well as the connection with their people. Some of these will fall into the commercial category for breeders or ranch owners needing professional photographs for advertising and promotional needs; others will simply be those who love their pets and want beautiful photos of them.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN REGARDING ALL OTHER LIFESTYLE PHOTO SESSIONS?:

Although I am shifting my business focus in the areas noted above, I will continue to take on lifestyle sessions for individuals, couples, and families where booking dates are available.

I am very excited about the growth of my business and successes for the future. I hope you share in the excitement with me and will let others know about my business.

It was great having the month of December off and I’ve already hit the road running in January! What a busy year it was in 2010 for my photography business. Many new and creative progressions are coming for 2011. Thank you to all of you who have supported me and believe in me! I am very grateful to each of you.

“I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn’t photograph them.” ~ Diane Arbus

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Diane is available for a wide variety of commercial and editorial photography assignments. Diane also serves the entire Grande Prairie and peace regions of northern Alberta as an equine, pet, and dog photographer though she is always available anywhere in Alberta, BC, and beyond.

The workshop begins at 6:30 PM tonight at the Grande Prairie Public Library. For details click  “How to Take Better Photos of Your Children”.

See you there!

Moms and Dads in the Grande Prairie area, mark your calendars for this upcoming (free) workshop.

I will be conducting the workshop, “Picture it: How to Take Better Photos of Your Children” at the Grande Prairie Public Library.

This two-session workshop held on Wednesday evenings October 13 and 20, 2010 will be centered on taking better photographs of your children.  I’ve designed this workshop for the average person with a basic camera (not professional photographers) to provide you with the tools you need to improve upon the photos you take of your children.  Whether you use a point-and-shoot, digital SLR, or film camera, you will learn simple and easy techniques for taking memorable and delightful photos of your children through all stages of their life.  Dig out your camera’s instruction manual prior to the workshop — I will be asking you to reference it during the workshop.

Plan to attend — there is no fee for attendees! Get together with a friend, family member, or neighbour, for two fun and educational evenings.

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Photographs Never Forget!   Creating artistic memories.

“Change always comes bearing gifts.” ~Price Pritchett

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

“Not on one strand are all life’s jewels strung.” ~ William Morris.

Mr. Morris had a great point. I’ve had so many diverse experiences in my life and have travelled along numerous side roads that I feel I’ve picked up some of life’s jewels Mr. Morris spoke of in that quote.

Lately, I have been so busy and working such long hours that I’ve become incredibly tired. I’ve also realized that I’ve been so bogged down with work I’ve really allowed myself to forget about posting anything other than work notes here, even after promising I’d begin posting more about me — the person behind the camera.

While my computer is busy backing up, which takes nearly 2 hours, I’m taking a much needed break to have a wee visit with you. I’ll try keeping it fairly brief though since I like keeping my posts fairly short and as sweet as possible [insert a silly grin here].

As I mentioned earlier, that photo of my tree hugger was picked up by Canwest and the journalist informed me it will appear in next Friday’s (August 27, 2010) edition of The Edmonton Journal in their lifestyle section.

Since I’ve been so busy and working so many  hours, I’ve been getting antsy for some fresh air, exercise, and simply getting away. I had a trip planned for Edmonton to take a photography workshop next weekend but had to cancel because my husband’s relatives will be coming to spend the weekend with us. I’ve been wishing I had a small little Tab trailer or a tent trailer because I’d love to take a week off and drive down to see my dad and camp along the way. He was honoured a few weeks ago by having the air terminal named for him and I’ve been wanting to go down and get photos of him at the terminal.

These are my darling little barn swallows. This was taken early one morning and I loved the silhouette with the soft hazy sky as backdrop. Early morning is when they line up on the power line to preen and chatter. This morning ritual warms my heart.  The one thing I will really miss when we move from here are the barn swallows. We only have two families of them each year — we open up the attic of our old garage plus one of the empty granaries for them to nest in. I love watching the antics of the young once they fledge. They tend to play and cavort much like human teenagers — well teenagers who aren’t obsessed with phones, video games, and the like.

This last photo is one I took on my last trip to Edmonton, my home town. I love that city. I was on my way back to our condo from my son’s home and decided to take a walk in the river valley. Although I took numerous photos of the walk itself, of some boaters on the river, and all sorts of other interesting features along the way, this is one of my favourites. There was only a hint of light left just as the sun was about to slide over the horizon. I loved these new (well new since I lived there) benches the way they’re shaped like a treble cleff on the ends. I also loved how they were catching the last of the day’s light so took a couple quick shots before the sun slid away.  And now it’s time for me to slide away until the next time. G’night and thanks for popping by — you’ve been great company.

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Photographs Never Forget!

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.

The Beaverlodge Area Cultural Society is one of the major attractions in Beaverlodge. They support a very active arts community and conduct a variety of workshops in many different art forms. My gallery show opens on June 27th and continues through to July 23rd, 2010. If you are in the Grande Prairie / Beaverlodge area during that time, I hope you’ll stop by. You’ll find the building quite interesting as well, not to mention their lovely gift shop and tea room.

Oh, you’re probably curious about what the theme is for my first gallery show: “life’s sweet ordinary”.

“Photographs Never Forget!”