Diane Jarvis-Schuller

We live in a digital world but that doesn’t mean there is less value in having albums. In the past couple months I have conducted a poll and also have been asking the question to people about whether or not they get their digital images printed. I was shocked at how many people not only didn’t put their photos in self-albums anymore but that most of those people didn’t even get their images printed. Their images remain on hard drives and some are on discs.

I knew there would be some people who don’t get their images printed but had no idea that so few people bother to get their images printed out.

As my business has evolved, I have begun to realize the importance of offering my clients the opportunity to have the images I take of them put into books or albums. When you can bring a tear to someone’s eyes when they see their family in a beautiful album, it doesn’t take too many times to realize how much people do value albums – even in this digital era.

I’m now promoting the use of albums as much as possible. I’m making it easier than ever in my business for people to have a lovely custom created book or album from their photo session. On my Facebook business page I’m also trying to encourage people to get the images they take on their own cameras printed and either placed into an album, or a photo box.

I realize there are armies of amateur photographers ‘out there’ who are doing so-called photo shoots, passing themselves off as pro photographers, and then giving a disk of (usually terribly un-edited) images for people to do with as they please. That’s a shame because they are bastardizing true and quality professional photography. I definitely love that most people have their own camera and take all kinds of photos. That’s excellent! I hope that all the favourite photos on people’s memory cards and hard drives would end up being printed out. Going back to those amateur photographers. Rather than pay an amateur the small amounts they charge (while undercutting true photographers), I would rather people take their own photos or get a friend to take their photos and use their money to get all their images printed out and purchase an album to put them in.

I still love pulling out my parent’s wedding album, my mom’s photo albums, even my own wedding album and flipping through the pages and memories. If we don’t get our pictures printed and put into albums (or photo boxes), what will happen if the hard drive crashes? What will happen if the disks are corrupted or damaged? What will our children and grandchildren have to look through and enjoy? Sure we can still watch the images on slideshows and computer screens but nothing beats having those images in a physical album.

So yes, I do love albums.

In my business, I don’t just give away a disk of images. I do make it possible to purchase some of the digital images but that’s definitely not my priority. I also love creating the custom made albums and books my clients order. It’s a beautiful feeling to hand over a lovely work of art that I know the family will cherish and hand down as a family heirloom.

I hope you will reconsider all those images that are sitting on your hard drive or on disks. Little by little, why not start getting them printed out and placed into albums. It even feels good to hold an album in your hands. Give it a try!

“While many baby photographers do offer the files for sale, many custom photographers don’t. It’s a matter of quality control from start to finish. They realize cutting corners on that is a disservice to their clients.” ~ Lauri Baker, professional photographer.

“Photographs never forget!”

Need a meaningful Mother’s Day Gift idea? Give the gift of memories by giving a gift certificate for a personal photo session with you and mom! Or ask about gift certificates for mini-sessions (with a mini price tag!) Leave me a note or use the contact form at my website. Everyone will be jealous that you gave the best gift!

Gift certificates come in pretty gift wrapping. It’s all done, just add your card.

“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will live as one.” ~ John Lennon

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.}

“… why are you trying so hard to fit in, when you’re born to stand out?” ~ Oliver James

My mother always encouraged my individuality and when she wasn’t encouraging it, she faithfully stood back and let me forge ahead to adventure, experiment, and learn from that path. I embraced that same approach when raising my son. My mother wisely valued individualism in its many manifestations. I’m so glad I’ve followed her lead. Individuality comes in many forms, and attempts to squash individuality come in many guises. As a person who makes her living creating art, I am continually finding myself in a position where I am justifying to others the value of art (and photography  – fine custom photography — is art). Art, regardless of the medium, is something that should be valued because it is unique, one-of-a-kind, and therefore has a higher value because of the quality components involved in creating that art. Those components include the person who created the art as well as everything else that goes into its creation.

That brings me to an article I strongly urge you to read. The article “Art and Mass Production” by contemporary artist photographer Roberta Murray, is well worth the 5 minute read. She makes such valid points for all of us to seriously consider. As she concludes in her one page article, “In order for people to believe in and value art, it has to start with educating society on the value and importance of art. But maybe even more than that, it has to start with individuality being valued.”

“The man who follows the crowd will get no farther than the crowd. A man who walks alone is likely to get places no one has ever been before.” ~ Alan Ashley-Pitt

Whether you are purchasing original art (painting, sculpture, custom or fine art photography for example), attending live theatre or dance, or purchasing hand made crafts YOU are supporting art and individuality — bravo.

Liz Carpenter’s quote is one that is near and dear to me. I used to be a prolific letter writer. It began early in life corresponding with cousins, a few of my Aunts, and several pen-pals. In later years when I moved away from Edmonton, my letter writing migrated to long handwritten letters to my mother and my son. Since my mom died, I have likely only written half a dozen handwritten letters. It’s a shame because there is a real joy in receiving a handwritten letter — just as much as sending one. My mother kept every letter I wrote her and now I have them tucked away so I can pull them out and re-read them. Re-reading those letters is like re-living what I was doing at the time and reliving how much enjoyment my mother got from my chronicles of life, gardening, and other joys. There is a real art to writing letters and, unfortunately, in this current digital age, most people don’t know how to pen a well written, informative letter. Worse than that, most people simply don’t write letters anymore. Do you write letters?

Don’t forget to spread the word — and to get Your entry in — for the fun pet photo contest. It’s a fun contest that is wide open and REALLY WELCOMES submissions from the general public. Ordinary snapshots mean a lot. Show us your pets! Deadline for receiving entries is only days away: March 31, 2010.

Have a fulfilling weekend everyone!

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

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

A potpourri today. With this first image I love the story it tells.

The next one simply shows how pigs are meant to be raised, not crowded in concrete pens where they can’t move or breathe fresh air, or do what pigs are meant to do.

This family walks the walk. They are a great example that it is fully possible to raise cattle in a sustainable way. This was an excellent assignment.

I sure miss waking to the sound of a rooster crowing …

A few images from some of my freelance editorial assignments. Enjoy.

PS: I often forget to remind readers but each week the newspaper that I write for also posts my environmental columns online after the paper goes out in print. Here is last week’s Everyday Earth Wise.

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Diane is a freelance photographer serving the Grande Prairie and Peace regions of Alberta and BC from her rural residence near Hythe, Alberta. She is available for commercial, environmental, editorial, and portrait assignments. Contact her (above) or visit her website to view her portfolio.

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All photos on this site are Copyright © Diane Schuller, All Rights Reserved. It is illegal to copy, download, take screenshots, or otherwise use these photos without the express written permission of the photographer. Thank you for your respect.

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.

… and a few zzzz’s too.

Then she caught me admiring her.

As you can see from this second photo, I took this through our double-paned living room window.

All photos and text are Copyright © Diane Schuller. Please do not copy, download, or take screenshots. If you’d like Diane to take some great photos of your pretty dogs, just give her a call!

It’s been a hectic and eventful weekend so far. I’ll spare you the mundane details but will share a tidbit or two anyway. Took our 6 year old Australian Shepherd in on Friday to be neutered. Poor guy. Our neighbour was arrested and I literally spent hours on the phone doing interviews with the media that afternoon.

What was left of the afternoon media scrum. CBC’s satellite still up. Missed the roaming helicopter.

That caused me to be late in getting my environment column in on time — first time ever that has happened. Speaking of my environment column, the newspaper that it originally appeared in has closed down as of year-end but they have another paper for the rural community and my column will be a new weekly feature in there.

For those living in my neck of the woods, watch for my photos to appear in future issues of Peace Country Sun newspaper. The first 3 images, including the one above, will appear in the January 15th issue. Let me know what you think!

Since I was feeling a bit of cabin fever, I decided to take a long drive and look for some photographic inspiration. Found several different subjects but Mother Nature provided me with the best inspiration.

“Observe the wonders as they occur around you.” ~ Rumi

One final note. As some of you know, I’m a strong proponent of setting and attaining goals. I’m not much of a resolution-maker and I do feel there is quite a difference between the two. This year I actually have made a few resolutions and am pleased to report that I’m well on my way in keeping those resolutions. The main one is spending far less computer/online time and far more time living. I can’t tell you how refreshing and invigorating it is to spend so much less time on the computer. I tried it in the past but my frame of mind was not where it is now. I’m thrilled to say I’m actually in love with this ‘found’ time I’ve been experiencing living real life by drastically reducing my online time. I think more of us should take this on. I’ve missed a lot and I plan to make up for it in 2010!

So what has been inspiring you lately? Or, have you made any resolutions or set goals? Are you embracing those goals/resolutions? I know you can do it!

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Don’t forget to add yourself as a fan on Facebook. Facebook fans will be eligible for some nifty rewards this year!

I often laugh when I read blog posts, emails, or Facebook comments from people who think it’s cold where they are. Cold really is relative though isn’t it? Last month we had a real cold spell where the temperatures, without taking into account ANY windchill factor, was in the minus 40s. We’ve just been through a week of minus 30 and colder weather (that’s minus 20 and colder for the Americans). Again, that is before any windchill factor is taken into account. My poor dogs don’t like this weather either. I have to take them outside numerous times during the day, bundling up like a Goodyear blimp, each time. They can’t take the cold on their feet more than anything. I take them to do their business and to have a short run but then they too want to rush right back inside. I have to take my glasses off because otherwise the metal sears the cold deep into my forehead. Unless you’ve lived this life, people have no idea how bitter the cold really can be.

The one positive thing about this bitterly cold weather is that I’m compelled to hunker down and do a lot of cooking of comfort foods. Things like homemade stew, homemade soup, hearty ribs, home baked beans, you know the sort of thing I’m talking about. Another reason some of us cold weather folks gain weight — lots of hearty winter food and very little chance to move around much. Well, I guess I’d better quit writing about the cold and get busy working on my next environment column. I hope you’re all keeping warm if you live in an area where it’s cold.

What’s your favourite cold weather food or ritual?