Diane Jarvis-Schuller » life

Colour and Sunshine :: Grande Prairie Custom Photographer

Diane — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 05:37:58 +0000

It’s been a very stressful week and it really didn’t need to be.

So I’m taking some of my backyard sunshine and sharing it with you.

How does that feel? I hope your weekend is light as this butterfly’s wings, as colourful as the clothes hanging on my line, and as sweet as the market honey.

Thank you to all you wonderful people who stop by and visit, leave your notes, and for my colourful and loyal clients. I am so grateful for each of you.

~~~
Photographs Never Forget!

Knowing Our Strengths

Diane — Sat, 15 May 2010 06:23:18 +0000

All my life I’ve been a person who has embraced constant learning and most of my learning has been self taught. It began with how to train dogs, then horses, and how to draw the animals I loved so much. I dove into Grant MacEwan’s books to learn everything I could about animal husbandry. My career in business was the same way: continually taking courses & workshops, honing a range of business skills, including professional fund raising. Everything I’ve ever had an interest in, I’ve read voraciously and have incorporated hands-on practice. As I get older, the learning curve seems to have this tendency to slow down the process though I continue to be nearly obsessed with learning how to do new and different things. But I refuse to simply skim the surface — I want to learn how to do things and do them well, in-depth. Settling for, “It’ll do,” or “that’s good enough,” simply is not within me. Anything I do, I must be-or-get very adept at or there’s no point in proceeding.

That takes me to my photography. When I decided to get serious about my photography, that growth curve swung so swiftly that it nearly caused whiplash! That’s a good thing. My self education in using the more advanced features in Photoshop, however, moves along at caterpillar speed. I need to take a great deal of time packaging it up with plenty of practice to really fine tune those more advanced Photoshop skills. It’s such a great feeling when I finally am able to accomplish one of the more complicated elements. It’s so gratifying that I’m now able to create some of my own designs for my boutique products such as the press printed books and cards. But all of these things go hand-in-hand when running a photography business in this digital age. Despite forging ahead with new and interesting aspects of learning, it doesn’t hurt to slow down to realize something else that’s just as important: knowing our strengths.

In photography, if we remove all the aspects in the digital darkroom, my strengths are in capturing vivid colours, quiet contemplative expressions, the spontaneous moments, and the details found in Mother Nature. Earlier today I realized I haven’t focused much lately on acknowledging my strengths. I have been so busy devouring, chewing, and swallowing all manner of new tasks related to my business that I haven’t slowed down enough to soak in what I am already good at; what comes almost naturally to me. So today I’m slowing down long enough to inhale, acknowledge the importance of knowing my strengths, and taking some time to revel in those strengths.

What are your strengths? Take some time to consider them and appreciate them this weekend.

Hard work without talent is a shame, but talent without hard work is a tragedy. ~ Robert Half

I believe that life is a journey, often difficult and sometimes incredibly cruel, but we are well equipped for it if only we tap into our talents and gifts and allow them to blossom. ~ Les Brown

Anniversary Celebration in O’Brien Park :: Grande Prairie Alberta Photographer

Diane — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 15:37:31 +0000

Imagine having a daughter-in-law who arranges a surprise photo shoot for your 30th wedding anniversary to recreate part of the day! Then imagine a warm, smiling couple who are still very much in love. This is the same tree they stood before on their wedding day, but 30 years later. Just as strong and well rooted as the couple standing in front.

Yes, they hold hands without anyone prompting or suggesting it! I took way too many of these ones but just couldn’t help myself! A really warm couple — a warm family.

And having fun is definitely something they seem to do with ease — it just comes naturally to these two. Thank you M for planning this special day and thank you to the anniversary couple for allowing me to share this part of your special day. It was an honour and such a pleasure! I hope you’ll enjoy your sneak peek and the proofs that are yet to come.

ALBERTA RESIDENTS, SHARE THIS POST: If this post receives 15 or more comments (from different people), the client receives a free 8×10 print! (To make it easy, you can use the [email a friend] link to share this post with friends or family.)

~~~

Diane is a natural light, on-location lifestyle photographer serving central and northern Alberta and BC. Visit her portfolio at Diane Schuller Photography.

What Do You Believe In? … That You Can’t Prove?

Diane — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:54:14 +0000

I promised to answer that question and, since I’m taking a break from my heavy workload, now is a great time. When I took time to ponder my response, I came up with multiple responses but I’m going to share the response that first came to my mind. I believe in intuition especially mother’s intuition. There have been many times in my own life when I’ve had some intuition and, more often it seems, intuition tends to be a form of prescience of bad news or an unfortunate incident. I can think of times when I’ve had a bad feeling pertaining to someone and that turned out to be the case. I can think of having a thought about one of my cousins who I hadn’t been in touch with for years. She and I kind of hung out as kids but then went our separate ways as adults. She came to mind out of the blue one day, I had a bit of an image of her in my mind, and a terrible feeling deep in my gut. A week later I learned she had been killed and that happened on the day I thought of her. I remember my mom telling me of incidences where she had some kind of intuition that I was in danger — she was right each time (once was a bad car accident I was involved in, another was a time of great sadness for me, and another time was a horseback riding accident). So, I do believe in intuition — whether what is being intuited is good or bad.

I can’t write a post without leaving some form of image so here’s a beautiful and healthy rooster. My mom really liked chickens, ducks, and geese and I do too. I love the soft cooing sound they make when they’re content. Enjoy!

What are you doing for your Christmas cards this year? Why not hire a local photographer to have some customized cards made to send to friends and family? It’s definitely not too soon to be making your booking.

Pride in Workmanship

Diane — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:38:49 +0000

One of my mother’s legacies is definitely that she taught me to have pride in everything I do, whether it was doing the laundry or managing a career. I’ve lived my life that way, in the same manner that she set the example for me to follow. One of the reasons I have a fascination with old architecture, vintage furnishings, wood boats or canoes, or anything that has been made by hand is simply that I understand and appreciate the work and effort — and often love — that went into those creations.

On a recent photo shoot, I was thrilled to see how the client’s barn, built in the early 1920′s was still standing and being kept in such fine condition, despite not having been used for decades. As with so many things built back then, it was erected by men who took pride in what they were doing and how they were doing it. It had to last because that building is what their life and income depended upon. Two buggies, one a going-to-town democrat and one a work wagon were positioned prominently beside that old red barn. I was informed that my client’s uncle had built both of them recently, fashioned after some parts he found on the old farm. When you look closely, the workmanship is flawless, the materials nothing but the best (intended for longevity), and the finishing shines just as the love he smoothed into it as he worked on those beautiful horse drawn buggies.

As some of you are aware, in recent months I’ve had to make some major changes with respect to the printing of the images that I have reproduced for my clients. I won’t rehash all the problems but they all relate to a lack of pride in workmanship — not on my part. As much as I enjoy the process of taking photographs, I glean even more pride when the final image is produced for presentation for my clients’ walls or coffee tables. Ultimately I found it necessary to send all my images out to a US-based printing partner, even though it means I’m paying more due to the added exchange on the dollar plus higher shipping costs. This is a partnership that I can see being long term and the reason is pride in workmanship. I am so pleased with the quality of product being returned to me from this printer and consistently so. They actually care about the quality of what they produce so I can, in turn, feel the pride I expect to feel when I deliver the final product to my clients. I am so glad I found a company that shares such a strong sense of professionalism.

Why don’t people teach pride of workmanship anymore? Why does it have to be a rare thing to experience or find?

Morning in the Peace

Diane — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:03:22 +0000

{Recipe at the end of this post.} I live in a region known as Peace Country thus the reason for my title. Living in the country does have its benefits, though I still long for the day we can return to the city. What I will miss are my beloved barn swallows. I love those birds and they are truly one of my morning delights.

A few days ago Roberta Murray tweeted that she noticed the hummingbirds are beginning to migrate south. I see that occurring as well (remember that I live north of the 55th parallel). My yard is currently a smorgasbord of sources for hummingbird nectar: tall blue delphiniums, maltese cross (lychnis), beautiful spires of fireweed, a vast array of lilies, coral bells (heuchera), and believe it or not, hummingbirds have been seen taking nectar from the holes in our birch trees created by the sapsuckers. I had to force myself indoors this morning knowing how much work I had waiting for me — but watching the hummingbirds and all the other birds was so entertaining and relaxing.

Most years, although we do get robins, none of the babies make it to fledge from the nest (because the squirrels & magpies eat them). For some strange reason, we actually have a couple families of robins that made it (though I was quite diligent about getting rid of magpies this spring) and they are a delight to watch.

"Fireweed grows wild and hummingbirds love it; one reason why I intentionally grow it in my garden. Besides, it's beautiful."

I’m grateful for the feedback from some of you regarding upcoming topics. With the topic of posting photos of children on online photo sharing sites, that is a very long and involved discussion with multiple aspects. For that reason, I may discuss it in segments in a series of posts. It’s something I’ve been aware of for a very long time, in fact, I no longer post any photos of children at Flickr. Photos of children will only appear here and on my website. I’ve discussed in previous posts how people use sites like Flickr to actually search for photos and then help themselves to them. I won’t get into the topic today but will discuss it in upcoming posts. Yesterday, Shutter Sisters, had a discussion on the topic of having children’s photos on Flickr if you’d like to begin thinking about the concerns of posting children’s photos to online sharing sites.

Oh, before I log off and get back to work, I have a killer recipe to share with you (I know, what’s up with me?). All my life I have been a fan of egg salad, whether on its own or in a salad. Not everyone makes it … well … as tasty as it could be. Although I do have an old standby way of making it, today I made a similar version with a bit of a twist. It’s killer! I have to share it. I never use a recipe for anything and always go by eye so these amounts are approximate.

DIANE’S EGG SALAD

4 hard boiled eggs, peeled and sliced into small dices

Approximately 1-2 Tbsp finely chopped celery

(Optional: 1 finely chopped green onion)

Pinch of your favourite seasoning salt

Pinch of fresh ground pepper

Dressing:

2 Tbsp. mayonnaise (not that awful low fat stuff)

1 Tbsp. white vinegar

Secret ingredient for killer egg salad: about 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Mix dressing to emulsify, adding more liquid if necessary. It should not be runny but just barely moist enough to hold the egg together.

Now add the emulsified dressing to the egg mixture, stirring only enough to evenly coat and not to mush the egg. Serve as is on a bed of greens or in fresh rye (or bread of your choice) as a sandwich. It’s killer! Enjoy.

Life’s Sweet Ordinary

Diane — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:33:09 +0000

There was a time I would never have considered photographing something from a garden or nature, or anything for that matter, that I felt was less-than-perfect in presentation — like this delightful, blousy oriental poppy. Although strongly drawn to its colour, texture, and beauty I would have given it a pass simply because the quack grass has grown and intertwined among it’s slender stem and frilly bloom. Yet now I feel that is what gives this so much more appeal. The ordinary becoming sweet in its position in life (not to mention in this overgrown garden).

Here is another of life’s sweet ordinary. Although today I’ve chosen to use nature’s sweet ordinary, it applies to people as well. Perhaps that is why I’m so drawn to lifestyle photography more than any other. It’s all about life and seeing the beauty from within rather than focusing on perceived perfection or striving to manipulate people into uncomfortable positions and poses.

“Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it” ~Confucius

I have a busy day ahead preparing for my upcoming trip to Edmonton. I have some writing to be completed, phone calls to be made, paperwork, dogs to walk, laundry & ironing, then tomorrow it’s pack, dogwalk, and get ready for the six-hour drive to the city. Have a great weekend and may you see the beauty beneath the surface!

PS: For everyone who is participating in Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photowalk on Saturday, have a fantastic time! (many communities still have some openings available, believe it or not!)

~~~

Diane is an award winning short story writer and a photographer serving Grande Prairie & northern Alberta. Visit Diane Schuller Photography.

Taking Photos of Your Dog / Pet (Rewind Wednesday)

Diane — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:37:19 +0000

Kelly and Victoria at Design Ties are beginning a concept called Rewind Wednesday. The idea is to spend more time enjoying summer (away from the computer) therefore replaying a post from the archives on this day. I’ve decided to participate with their inaugural Rewind Wednesday.

TAKING PICTURES OF YOUR DOG / PET (from April 7, 2009)

Taking pictures of your dog, cat, or other pets are often similar to taking photos of your children. As promised here are a few simple, yet basic, aspects to keep in mind when taking pictures of your family dog(s). If there is interest, in future I can provide information to address more advanced approaches. These six tips will form a good base to get you started taking better snapshots of your family pet.

Have an assistant, whenever possible. If you have a friend or family member you can put them to work in playing with the dog or pup or by acting as a distraction with a toy, for instance. Squeaky toys are good for getting dogs to perk their ears at attention and for directing which direction the dog faces.
Turn off the flash and turn the beep feature off on your camera. Take your photos in a brightly lit room or outdoors so the flash is not necessary. Many animals become leary of cameras when the beep goes off every time the shutter is released. You don’t want your pet worried about the camera — you want him/her relaxed.
Forget about posing! Attempting to pose a dog, especially with the dog looking straight at the camera, most times is so lifeless and lacks personality. The best photos are those where you capture your dog (or your kids) at play, concentrating or showing curiosity over something, or even relaxing after a long run or playtime. As mentioned, if you have some toys or treats with you, you can toss it out to get the dog moving or playing. When you forget about posing and simply allow your pet to be itself, not only will you capture personality but you’ll also find you enjoy these the most because the real essence of your dog/pet is captured.
Turn your camera’s setting to continuous mode. Whether you have a point-and-shoot, a DSLR or a 35mm film camera, you will have that capability. This allows the camera to take a continuous stream of photos while keeping the shutter pressed, hopefully so you don’t miss some unexpected shots especially if your pet is moving.
Take lots and lots of pictures! Don’t worry so much about perfection. Be more concerned about capturing special moments. If you have a digital camera, you have the luxury of taking all kinds of shots without having to pay for developing/processing. Simply delete the rejects after downloading them to your computer and hang on to the good ones (be sure to get them printed).
Get down! This one is key. When you get down to the pet’s level (again, this is important for photos of children too) and preferably the closer the better, your images will immediately improve. If you have a DSLR, you can get even better results by attaching your zoom lens. This will allow you to be further away (out of their face), less intimidating, and to still capture those close up shots. Ideally, you want to nearly (or fully) fill the frame with your subject. You don’t want your subject to be a blob or dot in the frame.

The dog’s face fills the frame, concentrating on his eyes. He’s not looking directly at the camera (distracted) and the camera is not in his face because a zoom lens was used. The only thing done to this was to sharpen it slightly after downloading to the computer.

It doesn’t matter that this dog is not facing the camera — the image tells a story: she is hanging back while the other two are off hunting (typical of this dog). Taken down at the dog’s level and she nearly fills the frame.

Here the dog is captured playing in the snow (with snow flying). It doesn’t matter that the other dog’s head snuck in — it shows curiosity. Again, the dog mostly fills the frame.

Here’s a shot taken after the dog had sufficient time to play and wear off energy. He’s keeping still yet his attention is elsewhere (a distraction) and has that ‘posed’ look.

PhoDOGraphy: How to Get Great Pictures of Your Dog

How to Take Great Pet Pictures: Recipes for Outstanding Results with Any Camera

Copyright © 2009 Diane Schuller. All Rights Reserved. It is illegal to copy any part of this post or the photos without the written permission of the author. You may link to this page from your blog or website.

Diane is an on-location lifestyle photographer (dogs, pets, families, children) serving Grande Prairie & Northern Alberta/BC. Visit Diane Schuller Photography.

5 Things of Beauty

Diane — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:41:47 +0000

Honesty
Refraining from gossip
Helping someone else, just because.
Warm summer rain
The innocence of children

The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes. If you foolishly ignore beauty, you will soon find yourself without it. Your life will be impoverished. But if you invest in beauty, it will remain with you all the days of your life. ~ Frank Lloyd Wright

Diane is an on-location lifestyle photographer near Grande Prairie, Alberta serving all points in Alberta and northern BC. Visit Diane Schuller Photography.

Family

Diane — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 23:43:19 +0000

The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another’s desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together. ~Erma Bombeck

The top one was desaturated with some copper tones and some soft blurring added. The bottom one is a simple black and white conversion (though I always play with the blacks, the clarity, point curve and such) — after fiddling this is my black and white version. Do you have any preferences for which processing you prefer on this sister portrait?