Autumn Creek Photography

January - good eats

2012-01-30T11:25:00.000-05:00

Another good habit I have been working on is reducing the amount of processed food that I eat. This trickles down to the kidlets and hopefully starts good habits for them as well. We introduced the kids to a quinoa and black bean wrap last week that went over much better than expected. Only one wouldn't eat it lol. We've reduced the convenience foods going into their lunches as well.

I've started making oatmeal on the weekend, then reheating though out the week. Haven't made the kids try this one yet :) I was eating the most nutritious little packet oatmeal that I could find and then googled steel cut oats one day and decided to make the switch. It's not really that much extra time out of my life and the benefits are worth it.

I've been adding flax seed and ground flax seed to everything lately to amp up the nutrition

Steel cut oats close up. Bet my horses would like them lol.

This little bowl fills me up pretty darn good.

Mmmmmmm brown sugar and cinnamon :)

January - Healthy eating and getting those darn vitamins down!

2012-01-29T19:37:00.000-05:00

I'm terrible at taking vitamins and supplements. I have very good intentions and plenty of them in the cupboard. But then there's the whole remembering to take them part. And worst of all - the swallowing gigantic pills thing.

I've tried so hard get what I need from my diet but after logging my meals on sparkpeople for the last few months - it's quite evident I don't get enough calcium or fibre in my diet. So I take a calcium magnesium supplement that is throat chokingly large. Seriously, why can't they make them smaller and tell me to take 10 of them? So I force this one down, and also some Omega 3's...mmmm fish burps! But I still needed a multivitamin.

I was in the health store (For The Health Of It) and mentioned I needed to get some multivitamins.... but did they have anything smaller? Something that I could take two or three of instead of gagging my way through one?

They have chewables for big people!! OMG!!! I was so happy!

The kids always laugh when they see the size of MY vitamin compared to theirs.

Take us to your leeeeeaderrrr!

heh heh....

What are you taking pictures of out there?

Um....nothing....

In the meantime, I'm going to try to find one of these pill cups for the cal/mag pill and the omegas- see if that helps any.

January - empowering little girls - good habit! and a rant lol

2012-01-26T14:57:00.000-05:00

Late last year I read a book recommended by a friend.

It really opened my eyes to how I was falling into a dangerous trap, one I swore I'd NEVER fall into. I was a 'tomboy' when I was a kid. Which apparently means I was different from what other little girls were.

This WAS a picture of me and my brother and all the fish we had caught one day. But I got pissed at him one day and cut him out of the photo.

I loved fishing, I had Barbies but I cut all their hair off and they mostly were tossed off the horses. We always played the same game where Barbie was a mean owner and she got thrown off, kicked in the head and trampled. The horses were where it was at I tell ya.. My Barbies are long gone but Prince is still around. My daughter couldn't find him at her dad's in time to have his photo taken though. But alas, a google images search brought up - his twin!!

I coloured my horse's hooves black with magic marker for some reason. He can't have black hooves with white stockings, duh. Even considering that lapse in judgement, he's a far cry from the god awful sparkly Barbie horses of today.

What the hell is on it's feet? A forelock dragging on the ground? With sparkles lmao!

In my defense, I did also provide her with Breyer's (Arabian of course) as well as old faithful Prince

When I was pregnant with my second child and found out we were having a girl, I swore my daughter would not wear pink. Purple was as close as it was gonna get.
Um yeaah. That didn't last too long. I was never subjected to the marketing that she is subjected to. We had country cable - channel 8 (and 13 if the weather was good.)

Since reading this book, I no longer call it the girl's aisle/boy's aisle in the store. I was really appalled that I had started even calling them that. I now practice saying "Colours are for everyone" I don't buy shirts with the word "Princess" on them anymore.
We go down ALL of the aisles in the store when the kidlet is in a browsing mood. I always laughed at how barfably ( great word) pink those aisles were but now I make fun of Barbie. I point out how ridiculous she and her Brat friends are. How bright pink short shorts are not what Equine Veterinarian Barbie should be wearing to the barn.

At least she has boots on so she doesn't get her pretty little pedicure squashed by an errant hoof. And why the heck is that damn horse so small? How can Barbie get kicked off the darn thing? How will it trample her, will it simply stab her with a carrot? Where's the fun factor?

ha ha ha - Barbie's heel got stuck in the sparkly mane

This year I am working on empowering the young ladies in my life. Good habit.
Working on this good habit has made me think of my comments about myself while within earshot of the little people. My appearance, my weight. Eeep.
I can't believe I've had to tell the kids they don't need to worry about their weight (because somehow this is now an issue for 7 year olds.) Just keep eating healthy and you're getting lots of exercise, you're fabulous!

But then I go and speak poorly of myself, which is the biggest factor in my influence over them I'm sure and it also makes my other empowering comments sound like complete bullshit. Because obviously I don't believe them either. So I need to start to change how I think.

I eat healthy but somehow think that if I just lose those 10 damn pounds my life will inexplicably become better. Which is the opposite of what I'm trying to teach them. Colour me hypocrite.
And besides I know better. Once I lose 10 pounds I'll find something else to obsess over. Like my hair colour. Seriously, why can't I get ash brown????? It goes brassy no matter what brand of ash brown I try!

I do have a point lol and this is what started this blog post :

Last week my daughter told me that she can't wear her bangs off her face. She was thinking of growing them out. I asked her why not and she told me "I look ugly with my bangs off my face" I respectfully disagreed but she insisted. I asked her where she heard that because kids don't come up with that shit on their own. A friend at school told her that. And now she believes it.

My little ball of awesome now thinks she is flawed somehow.

This exchange shot me straight back to grade 4 when my best friend was angry with me and made a comment about my appearance. "Well at least I don't - insert degrading comment here- " Until that day, I had no idea that this part of me was.... well, an issue. But I sure as hell have remembered it every day since then. I opened up and told a former 'amore' about this and he thought he should weigh in on the topic. Which only reinforced my self consciousness. I also then stopped sharing personal feelings because they generally were treated with the same disregard for my feelings. Plus he added a whole lotta other things to my list of things to be self conscious about.

Now I'm getting over it. I am me, I am OK. I am apparently lovable despite my hideousness LMAO. But I also do not speak of it. It's like the Voldemort of my life. That which shall not be named. I live in fear now that naming it will either cause people to nod in agreement or maybe just notice for the first time LOL. My super wonderful guy would likely laugh and hold me if I told him He'd make me feel all warm and squishy inside like he always does. But I'm not taking that chance. Ignorance is bliss.

As I thought about all these things, scrubbing the bathroom sink (wash your own effing spit down after brushing!!!!) fuming about how assholes or angry off hand remarks can shape how women feel about ourselves, I caught my appearance in the mirror and saw the edge of my tattoo. I was reminded of WHY I had gotten my tattoo for my birthday. I called my daughter in and had her read the tattoo. She had seen and read it before and asked why I chose that. I simply said it was a favourite Green Day lyric and a phoenix. I didn't think she would understand the meaning behind it. Now, I believed she would.

I told her my story and how this friend's comment has affected me for over 30 years. How we can't let other's careless comments affect how we feel about us. I explained to my daughter that I felt so strongly about this, that I had it tattooed on my body. I think it hit home for her.

Now I just gotta keep reminding myself too. <- good habit

January - Meal planning

2012-01-09T15:50:00.000-05:00

With my new larger household, dinner time was hugely stressful for me. Bad Habit. Before it grew to double the size I used to just wing it. Cereal for supper wasn't all that uncommon. And not particularly healthy. Bad Habit.

But when you squish two households into one, addressing everyone's likes and dislikes, meat eaters and vegetarians (good habit) and my desire to try new interesting things...

OMG. It. Sucked.

And thus the weekly meal planning began. Good Habit.
My kids are used to my cooking, which tends to use alot of herbs and spices. My step kids came with their own idea of what tasted good.

Their idea of good doesn't include broccoli or onions or mushrooms or cauliflower or....well anything I like..

I really miss these things and I'm soooo sick of corn and mashed potatoes.

So it began with bland (in my eyes, delicious in their eyes) meals on the weeks they were with us, and I did my own thing on the weeks they weren't with us. This carried on for awhile and then I started slipping an different meal in now and then.

If it was accepted, in the binder it went!! So far it's working well, and meals are less challenging and they aren't complaining much. Unless there's mushrooms in it. I still leave the more creative cooking to weeks when it's just my kids because it's just less stressful this way.

Meal planning leaves us with far less waste than before as well. If one recipe calls for green peppers, then I can find another recipe later in the week to use up the other half of it rather than finding it at the bottom of the crisper next month. (Or at least I think that's what it was)

I also base the week's meals on what's on sale in the flyer this week. Ooooo broccoli's on sale!! Yeah...ahem...well...

I can plan preparation time around what is happening each night, baseball, tap dance, ballet, piano lessons, school functions. I know some nights are gonna be slow cooker nights and some are gonna have time to prepare it after work. All this equals a much happier and content me.

Kidding.

Kids are eating healthy, no processed foods and I'm not spazzing over meal preparation. And the grocery bill is smaller!

I took no photos for this post. It is a total cheat on the 365 blog.

January - resolutions - ha ha ha

2012-01-08T18:47:00.000-05:00

I love the new year. I've always been so optimistic about the year to come. It lasts until about the time I put that frickin' tree away. Which was eight days ago.

I used to make resolutions but I made them too big and too hard to accomplish. Instead in 2011 I attempted small changes until they became habit. I intend to do the same this year - baby steps!

Finally I was seeing some progress! And it started with making more lists ha ha.

I'm a very structured person, I don't do spontaneity well. I'm a compulsive list maker (good habit? Bad?) and completely lost without my them. I wake up Saturday morning and make my lists.

There's the meals for the week list - based on how busy each particular night is, who has what event on what night, available prep time for each meal etc. Thank god for the Mom Calendar!!!

Then the grocery list needed to make these meals, the 'other' shopping list for non grocery items and my weekend 'to do' list. This is my Saturday morning coffee/me time.

There is O'Darby's in the coffee in my favourite orange mug :) As I said, this is "ME" time

Then I'm armed and ready for the week!

And sometimes, like this week I lose my list by Saturday afternoon and I wander around aimlessly hoping to find it. I made another. But I know I'm forgetting something...

January - confessions of a recipe hoarder

2012-01-04T11:00:00.000-05:00

I have a habit of collecting recipes. Bad habit.
And then they would sit in a huge pile and I never actually make them. Or make them and can't find them again.

Well that is a bit of an exageration...it was more like:

I tried to have them in an accordian folder, divided by course. It just wasn't practical.

I tried writing them out but I hate writing these stupid things out and they ended up being illegible chicken scratch with iffy measurements.

I tried typing them into the computer on some kind of recipe template. But I just hated doing it, I didn't like any of the templates I found - and thus, I did not. They accumulated. And they drove me crazy as I tried to declutter my life and simplify things. <------Good habit.

SO I sat down one day and went through them. I gathered up the tried and true recipes and put them in a photo album.

The kind with the sticky backing that holds an 8x10.

This way I can trim the recipe down to a size that works, put more than one on a page and I don't have to write a bloody thing down!! Except maybe little notations if I make alterations to the recipe.

WINNING!!!

Only tried and true recipes go in that album, which sits in it's cheery little spot in the kitchen.

The pages can be removed to make the recipe and they wipe clean if I make a mess.

(Ha ha *IF* I am hands down the messiest cook in a kitchen. )

Anywoo - off topic - yes, so uh then I went through all the loose recipes I had and purged the ones that I was not likely to make, or the kids wouldn't eat, etc. We try 1 or 2 new recipes a week right now and my stack is dwindling, and I'm feeling rather empowered. If they aren't a hit, they go in the recycling bin - if we like it, it goes in the album.

I still have a handful of magazines and cook books to go through, but it's nothing like the mess it was. One a week I'd grab a handful and go through them. And yes, I rip pages out of cookbooks then off to the recycling bin. I don't buy them anymore, I understand my weaknesses now lol.

I do however, have a serious addiction to the LCBO magazine. I've realized my love affair with it has nothing to do with the recipes. I've only made a handful of them, and they never made the cut. Also, almost most every recipe has at least one damn ingredient that I'll never find in rural Ontario. So why do I hoard them? THE PHOTOGRAPHY!!!

OMG, it is so beautiful it makes me want to create each recipe!
At least this realization has helped me to part with them. I still drool and ooh and ahh, but then they go to the recycling bin. I'm left inspired to work on food photography - speaking of which, that's November's theme!!

A new year and a 'new' blog

2012-01-02T13:39:00.000-05:00

I haven't been doing such a good job keeping the blog updated, but it is one thing that I want to do more of in the new year. I will once again attempt a 365 photo blog. That said, I know me and I know I need to be realistic about it ha ha! I plan to have monthly themes to guide my way so I have a challenge and will force myself to think outside of the (my) box. I won't be able to post everyday so I don't even plan to try. I'm just gonna do my best. It won't be any fun if I'm stressed out about it right?

My life has changed so much in the past year. My household has doubled in size and I am stretched pretty thin some days. Unfortunately the first thing mothers tend to do is give up OUR things. Stuff that makes us happy. So rather than be miserable, I'm making time for me again, doing stuff I love.

Playing martyr doesn't do anyone any good, and it doesn't teach my kids how to live a full, happy and balanced life. My life is so full of joy these days and I'm thankful for everything I have been given, but I also know I need to make my interests a priority too. I have a wonderful man who allows me to do just that without ever feeling guilty about it.

I thought about starting a second blog and keeping my business and my personal interests more separate but then I thought, when you hire me - you get something you can't get from any other photographer
- ME!!
LOL, so you'd best like me and my style if we are going to be a good fit :)

So here's to a new year, the view from my lens and my heart. Speaking of my lens, - here's to my little bits of Canon heaven, with no colour correction I might add:

Conan and Harold!!!

And Mac and Conan!!

Yes, they are both named Conan and I not-so-secretly love my 5D over my 5D Mark II. I know it should be the other way around, but I never shoot video and the files are so much freakin' larger and last I checked I wasn't shooting billboards so I really don't need all them megapixels. It also pulls magenta on me all the time - as seen above lol. I need to sit down and do some custom settings on it one of these days to fix that.

And the 'other' lens. Yes, I love it too but it's not the first one I grab unless I need it specifically for something. Thank goodness for lens hoods huh? I beat the hell out of those things lol.

January's theme is Good Habits!! Hi ho, off we go :)

Goodbye 2011!!

2011-12-31T13:59:00.000-05:00

2011 rocked. It was without a doubt the best year of my life. Nothing spectacular happened really, I didn't win the lottery or anything. My business was still on hiatus. But it was the year when I stopped being scared of being me, stopped feeling helpless about where life was leading me, my finances, what the future will bring.
I read some great books that helped put things into perspective.

I plan to read her other titles as well - written in easy to understand language

I re-read parts of this one whenever I feel I need to let go of stress

Fairly basic, dated advice but still reinforced things

Meh, had some new thoughts on the current state of finances

but again reinforced what I need to work on

I think I read this book faster than any other, could not put it down :)

There were so many others I read just for pleasure; I think I've read more this year than any other. My significant other likes baseball and football - 'nuff said. I don't watch much tv so I snuggle in beside him with my book and I'm happy as a bug in a rug.

I had some friends who were even more inspiring than usual - you know who you are ;)

I got out of my own way and my significant other not only accepted it, he encouraged it. I'm not sure how he puts up with me, but I've finally figured out that he loves me. ME. Just plain little ol' me. It was a very empowering year. I started making good choices for myself mentally, physically and financially.
I've got a long way to go, I still worry too much, I still fall back into old habits but I recognize them for what they are now. A facebook friend posted this blog today and reading through it, I realize I've let go of alot of these things.
30-things-to-stop-doing-to-yourself

There's still some to work on, and I plan to do just that. My life is a work in progress :)

So.... good bye 2011 - I expect 2012 to be awesome too. I will accept the challenges and embrace all the little moments. I can't wait!

Prom 2011

2011-05-27T22:28:00.000-04:00

Not your usual prom pictures - but we aren't the usual family lol.

Well, they started off kinda typical. At least the first few shots :)

Then things sort of went off track...

And back to typical prom images again...

A darn fine looking kid if I do say so myself :)

We had to veer wildly off course for the last part of the shoot :O))

Robins and Snails :)

2011-05-24T21:24:00.000-04:00

There's a robin family on my deck again this year, three chicks and two very attentive parents.

Two of the three chicks (are they called chicks??)

The Canon 100mm 2.8 macro is a great lens...unless you need to focus quickly - it hunts alot before hitting a focal point. I usually just manually focus it instead. The snail was faster than the lens' focus was lol. Mind you, it was swaying in the breeze and I was shooting handheld with a wide aperture at 1600 ISO..the sky was getting dark quick with the incoming storm

Finally got his goobery little eyeballs ;)

Spring - Rain drops and Flowers

2011-05-22T11:26:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you just gotta break out the macro and play a little :)

I can't recall the name of this plant - I just bought it, and it's such a vibrant purple - the wind was blowing the petals around

This is a new plant I bought as well - it's some sort of spirea, but it's leaves are so pretty and fern like - and pink tipped :)

Some little violet thing...beats me lol - it came with the house

My "some kind of house plant" that is happy to be outdoors because now it will actually get watered sometimes. My thumb is not very green.

Name escapes me (imagine that) I mostly purchase plants for their foilage, because that's what you see most of the time lol.

Raindrops on the hostas

And the prettiest flower of them all :)

A few more from Taylor's Session :)

2011-05-14T18:14:00.000-04:00

Here's a couple more from Taylor's (and Jake's) session

Lucky Like Contest Winner

2011-04-30T21:26:00.000-04:00

I had the pleasure of photographing the lovely Taylor this afternoon :) She was the winner of the "Lucky Like" contest on Facebook (be sure to come on over and check it out - there's sure to be some Facebook only deals there!) She was just the sweetest thing! More to come, but for now - a quick sneak peek!! A big shout out to Makeup By Alyssia for getting our winner picture perfect - not that she needed alot of help!!

An afternoon of Terror!! For me anyway :)

2011-03-14T19:16:00.000-04:00

It all began innocently enough....a trip to the Conservation Area to feed the critters

This is how I like birds. Far away from me. I am terrified of them. Unless they are served with mashed potatoes.

Then we went to another section and I was shooting through the fence. He thought I had food and scared the crap out of me. I kept shrieking and jerking away from the fence. I was sure he was going to peck my lens and get through the fence somehow!

And then his creepy little friend came along. I'm going to have nightmares about this thing.

Gack!! I can't believe I was within a foot of this vile thing.

Kickin' it back into gear :O)

2011-03-14T14:11:00.000-04:00

First day of March Break and I'm lucky enough to be able to share it with my girl. She has decided to be a cowgirl today - ha ha!

Part of "Kicking it back into gear" is getting back to basics with our family's nutrition. We are doing our best to kick processed foods out of our diet. I'll use up what I do have stocked, but anything we now purchase won't come in a box or can. Here's today's lunch for the girl.....And yes, I realize the ham and ranch dressing are processed lol - starting small :O) Excuse the blur - was shooting handheld at 1/30 F3.2...didn't seem worth a trip to get the tripod lol.

And my lunch....avacado!!!! YUMMMY!!

The cowgirl was pretty content with lunch :) again...blur....handheld at 1/20....

Kindergarten Graduation

2010-06-25T07:47:00.000-04:00

My baby graduated Kindergarten today - a few from the ceremony. Growing up way, way too fast.

Longest Day of Golf

2010-06-23T08:15:00.000-04:00

I was honored to be asked to be a part of this year's Longest Day of Golf held in Walkerton. It was a rainy, thunderstorm filled day, but it didn't dampen anyone's spirits! They hit the milestone of $500,000.00 raised to date! Here's a few of my favourite images that captured the spirit of the day...

Hitting the $500,000.00 milestone!!

This one cracks me up, ha ha - classic

The final number on the sign when I left last night...

This morning the final update is:

$63,657.45

Eeeep!! Ballet Rehearsal!!

2010-06-09T18:44:00.000-04:00

My munchin had her ballet dress rehearsal tonight - aren't they just the cutest????

She was VERY serious here, lol. She couldn't see us in the audience because of the lights and I think that bothered her alot.

Great job ladies!! Can't wait to see it again at the recital :O)

Some random shots of the girl..

2010-06-08T08:02:00.000-04:00

A couple after school pictures :O) I love that she likes being photographed now...no more screaming and running away, lol.

My baby

2010-05-08T13:37:00.000-04:00

Oriole Attack!

2010-05-08T13:34:00.001-04:00

This oriole dude had some serious issue with my van. He pecked it, and pooped all over it, lol.

Thanks for the mess buddy...

Mama doesn't look too impressed. She thinks he's an idiot too.

Frosty Morning

2010-03-06T20:47:00.000-05:00

A few quick snaps from a frosty morning while feeding the horses.

It was really 'misty' and surreal this morning....hope it's the same tommorrow morning :O)

A frosty E-session!

2010-02-07T17:36:00.001-05:00

Brrrrrrr! It was a downright chilly shoot for Kate and Josh - At one point I couldn't press the shutter because I couldn't feel my fingers! Just a few of my favs....what a beautiful couple!

ps......I'm glad the wedding is in JUNE :O)

My little ray of Sunshine :O)

2010-02-06T14:36:00.000-05:00

My littlest one, her smile can brighten my darkest mood - I love you so much sweetheart!

Help a guy out?

2010-02-05T14:21:00.000-05:00

It'll only take you a couple seconds to click on the link and vote!! The entry belongs to a great young man, he'll be awesome with the grand prize camera. Give him a little love below:

http://www.ypgphoto.com/2010/final/walkerton-on-luke-albert-2/

Good luck Luke!!

Stuff

2010-02-03T20:28:00.000-05:00

A few snaps from my walk today

Winter :O)

2010-01-31T17:16:00.000-05:00

Some OLD travel pics!

2010-01-25T13:28:00.000-05:00

I came across some old pics that I took in the Bahamas and Ottawa...

First - the fountain at the entrance to Atlantis in the Bahamas

This one was downtown Ottawa - I liked the reflection of one of the parliment buildings across the street..

2010-01-21T20:29:00.002-05:00

Rob and Laura

2009-12-04T19:40:00.002-05:00

Rob and Laura are two of my favourite people ever! It's rare that you come across two people more perfectly suited for each other than they are. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day!

Little Lucas - just ten days old!

2009-12-04T19:38:00.001-05:00

Lucas was a sweet little ALERT boy for our session :O)

A catch up post or ten, lol

2009-12-04T19:22:00.002-05:00

The Fabulous Fawn!! One of my all time favourite shoots.

A recent shoot - will share more soon!

2009-08-19T14:11:00.000-04:00

Working on a new website...

2009-08-05T16:14:00.001-04:00

I've been slaving away over a hot computer for awhile now, getting a new website up and running. It's got nice big images Hope to get it unveiled sooooooon!

Yikes, it's been way too long!!

2009-08-05T16:08:00.004-04:00

I can't believe I've gotten so far behind on the blog.....Bad Tina, 20 lashes with a wet noodle!

Ok, so here are some recent favs to share...

The Prettiest Girl in the World...if I do say so myself...

2009-06-11T19:10:00.002-04:00

Testing out some new blog customizing....

2009-06-08T16:36:00.007-04:00

Essay Winner - Entrant #2's Session

2009-06-08T11:56:00.007-04:00

Had the session with Entrant #2 in the Blog Contest - lovely lady - those eyes!! Had a blast, hope you did too!

Just goofin' around

2009-06-04T12:35:00.005-04:00

My daughter and I were goofing around on the weekend, playing catch.

Then she needed to show me a new pose she'd been working on....

And another....

Laura & Rob - E-session

2009-06-02T13:20:00.002-04:00

What a great couple - We got to shoot at this cool little cabin by the river, where the groom grew up. I can't wait for the wedding!!

A few more of the contest winner...

2009-05-27T10:38:00.002-04:00

I hope she enjoyed the shoot as much as I did!

The Blog Contest Winner!

2009-05-23T19:09:00.005-04:00

The Diva for a Day Winner had her session today. Lots of images to process, but here's a sneak peek!

My daughter has been stricken with PCS

2009-05-22T13:36:00.002-04:00

Well it's actually been plaguing us for some time now. Other than a severe reaction to a camera pointed her way, it doesn't seem to affect her otherwise.

And the winner is.....

2009-05-13T15:14:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to our Diva for a Day WINNER!!!

Entrant #6 wins a professional makeup application, an extended studio and outdoor session, an 11x14 print and 15 low res. images for online use, additional prints discounted 25%. Congratulations! I look forward to working with you! I will be in touch shortly to set up our session.

A second Photographer’s Choice prize is being awarded, based on the essay portion. This prize consists of professional make up application, choice of a studio or indoor session and 10 low res. images for online use.
It was a very difficult decision but I am pleased to announce that Entrant #2 is the winner of this prize!

All entrants were to receive a half price session fee and a 5x7 but because I feel you are all so awesome, I’ve bumped it to a free mini-session and 5x7.

I will be in contact with everyone shortly!!

And the finalists are:

2009-05-06T14:23:00.011-04:00

Entries are in!! It's time to vote :O)

*please note, this is NOT a beauty contest. Entrants were asked to submit a small essay about what makes them unique. I'm looking for a fresh face, with a unique personality to go with it, so the 'essay' is very important. Who best represents the fresh, fun and unique face for Autumn Creek?

Images with other people in them were cropped, and all identifying personal info has been blocked out.

The finalists are as follows, in no particular order:

Entrant #1

"I'd like to submit my girlfriend ***** to the diva contest, The rules do not say that she herself has to write the essay and because i believe she is capable of doing well i've decided to suprise her with this. Her name is ******, she is currently 16 years old and attends ***** Her hobbies include horse back riding, hanging out with her friends, and photography. Her dream is to attend college in Alberta for professional photography and to capture memories that are truly beautiful in a picture. Her most amazing physical feature has to be her eyes, almost like a mood ring they change color with her mood, blue when she is happy, and a hazel brown when she is upset. I believe she can do well because she is an amazing girl both physically and mentally."

Entrant #2

"My name is ********, I'm 17, 5'9 and I go to ******. I would love to win the Diva for the day contest because photography is so fun and unique itself! I absolutely love your work! When I was younger I took pictures all the time! I love capturing memories and I have always wanted to get professional pictures of myself taken. To explain to you a bit about my self I will start with the things I appreciate most. Family and friends are the most important things in my life, along with school. My goal is to work in the medical field someday. Math and chemistry are my two favourite subjects (which is weird). I play basketball at my school as it is my favourite sport and my height comes in handy! I am involved in Gymnastics at ***** coaching children from ages 1-12. I love coaching and spending time with kids because they're so silly to be around. As for being unique, I have a great time making people laugh and just being myself. I am out going, fun, and funny! I tend to think out loud and end up sounding ridiculously stupid. When I'm hanging out with my friends I try to have a good time just laughing and acting like a goof. Something quirky about me is that I am not afraid of the dentist or doctors. I do not mind getting needles, and most people think that makes me weird. Another thing I really like doing is just sitting and listening to music after a hard day working at *****. It makes me relaxed and pumped up. These are just some of the awesome things about me :) "

Entrant #3

"My name is ******, and i would just like to let you know that writing about yourself is actually a lot harder than i thought. ;p so i guess ill start it off with some background information. I have 2 sisters , and 2 brother that are all younger than me. I grew up in the city, and then moved to ****** so its kind of weird not being around as many people , cars , and all the malls, which i miss dearly :). Although I love make - up , getting my nails , and hair done , and having a huge collection of clothes , I wouldn't classify myself as a "girly girl". I'm the type of person that's down for anything , if you said you wanted to go skydiving , id be the first to say " I'M IN!" :D. Also, i love all types of sports, and will try anything that involves physical activity. i love it so much. :)All my friends are amazing, and since i was having a difficult time with this , i decided to ask for second opinions. They say i'm caring and a good friend because i'm always there for them no matter what the situation is. Also if some kid was sitting by them self at school , id probably be the first one to ask them to join us. I'm a very outgoing and social person. I love talking and being around people. I plan on taking french all through school so i can one day visit France, and be around a different culture. Being as ambitious as i am, i get a lot of things done fast, but when it came to this it was defiantly a last minute thing because it took quite a lot of thinking. I really would like the opportunity to do the "Diva for a Day" contest because I think its such a cool idea and it would be an amazing experience."

Entrant #4

"Hello, my name is ***** and I am wanting to be taken in your photoshoot. I have always loved shining in the spot light and being noticed. But I have never been noticed on wedsites, or actually winning a contest before. I want to show off my inner beauty and to be a diva for the first time. I love pictures with a passion and for the first time, I want to be the girl that is in the spot light. I will always respect your decision of who is the featured in your photoshoot. Thank you!"

Entrant #5

"Well for starters lets give some fun facts:
1- I love peace and harmony, The Beatles and nature is my bestfriend
2- I love people and am super friendly
3. I'm a cheerleader at **** and its become my favorite thing.. ever

4- Acting and music are also some of my favorite pass times

My name is ***** and im a grade 11 sudent at ****. Ive seen autumn creeks photography page and many of my friends have been photographed there, i've always been interested in getting some pictures taken but ive never known how to go about it, so when **** ever changing facebook updates let me know about this contest it seemed like the perfect opertunity to see that happen. Well theres really not alot to say about myself other that whats been said so, Vote *****! Thanks :D"

Entrant #6

"I'm ******. Something unique about me is that I have a generalized anxiety disorder but, I don't let it stop me. I used to go to a smaller high school now I go to **** where I'm involved in Student Council, drama, choir, and run spirit commitee. I work as a webcam correspondent for **** which means I get to talk to "famous" people and it looks good on a resume. I've never done much with make-up so this would be a really cool prize to win. I found out about this through ****'s facebook and decided to enter just because the pictures look amazing."

Entrant #7

"My name is ***** and I am currently a grade ten student at ******. I enjoy dancing, friends and school! (surprising eh?) I believe I am very unique and special. On December 12, 2008 I was diagnosed with type one diabetes and it has changed my life forever! I am currently taking 6 needles a day, on top of seven finger pricks to test my blood sugar. I'm alot different than the average teenager. I can't eat sugary foods- no donuts, pop.. nothing! It's very hard, no one really can tell that I have this disease. (which is good I guess! ) Im happy with my life and I feel I am very blessed. Im a very smiley person, I barley ever stop! :D I've realized you can either be happy- or sad. I'm not letting this stop me!! I would really apprechiate this opportunity. Thank you for your time and reading this!! :)The photo that i have included is my favourite. ( IM IN THE MIDDLE!!) It was taken a few days before my diagnosis.. and my two best friends are in it"

Entrant #8

"My name is *****, which is kind of unique because my name is so rare in this area. I'm currently finishing my last year at ******. My friends love that I'm easy to talk to and can always find away to make them smile, either telling them something funny or doing some totally stupid. I'm a easy person to get along with but I sometimes seem to fall and other things because I'm kind of a klutz. I've been told by some people that I have a beautiful smile and supposable light up the room, when I decide to smile. I'm more of an easy going kind of girl that just kind of goes with the flow. My older brother always told me to live like to the fullest, so I tried to do that."

And darn it, I wish EVERYONE could win. Good luck ladies!!

Contest is Closed!

2009-05-06T07:51:00.000-04:00

Whoohoo! The entries will be up soon!

Entries are coming in - I'm so excited!!

2009-05-05T13:12:00.002-04:00

Ooooh, I'm soooo excited. What a lovely bunch of entries I've had so far. We're down to the wire!! Get your entry in!

I also wanted to add a note - when the poll is posted, all personal information about the entries will be blacked out (names, school, etc) As a parent, this is really important to me.

***If you have not received a reply back after sending your entry, please resend or email without the attachment! I've been watching my spam folder but sometimes they still get lost, lol.
I have sent a reply back for each entry.

Only 2 days left!!

2009-05-04T09:16:00.001-04:00

Only 2 days left to enter the contest!! Get your entry in!!

Announcing the DIVA FOR A DAY Contest!!

2009-04-16T16:17:00.004-04:00

Spring has sprung, and Autumn Creek is ready for a fresh face! And it could be you!

The Grand Prize winner will receive:

Makeup done by a professional make up artist
An extended session including both studio and outdoor locations
3 clothing changes
11x14 print from the session
15 - low resolution digital files on CD for sharing with friends, facebook, your ipod, etc.
Additional prints at 25% off
and of course...be featured on Autumn Creek's website and marketing materials!
Over $400 value!!

Rules (because we have to have some)

- open to new clients only. Sorry my past lovelies, but it is a fresh face contest.
- open to high school students only. You MUST be enrolled in the 2008-2009 school year.
- open to any school, but you must be able to travel to Walkerton for your session.
- you and/or your parent must sign the model release
- you must submit your entry before May 5, 2009. Which ends at 12pm. Midnight.
- your entry must include a NON-PROFESSIONAL picture of yourself and here's the kicker...an essay!!! ha ha, yes I'm that rotten! Don't worry it's a short one, not so much an essay as a blurb between 50- 150 words. So what's it got to be about? YOU! Tell me something that is unique and different about you, what makes you, so awesomely you? Celebrate your inner diva. Stuck? Ask your besties why they love you, and go from there.
- entries without photos or essays (or both, lol) will be disqualified.
- voting will take place beginning May 6th for a 1 week period. If there is any hanky panky weird voting going on, the finalists will be voted on by a panel of professional photographers to keep it fair.
- session will take place in late May.
- ALL entrants will receive 50% off a session fee and free 5x7 (a $70 value!) just for entering

Submit your entry now!!! Email picture and essay to: autumncreek@wightman.ca and put "Diva Contest" in the subject line.

Diva for a Day Contest Coming Soon!

2009-04-14T19:22:00.002-04:00

Just a little teaser....working on a "Diva for a Day" contest.

Grand Prize will be worth over $500 to the lucky winner!!!

Stay tuned to the blog for more details....

Home from LPE

2009-04-04T15:23:00.001-04:00

What fun :O) A few of the first model that I've finished. Had a great time, met some amazing people - what a blast!

It's YUMTASTIC!!!

2009-03-01T10:46:00.002-05:00

One of the best parts of living in Canada....the Milk Calendar!!!! http://www.dairygoodness.ca/en/consumers/mymilkcalendar/Recipes/milk-calendar-2009-recipes.htm
Ok, not really but it's great perk :O)

Always simple, always tasty....make January 2009's recipe the other night and it was AWESOME. Super yum! Give it a try!

http://www.mymilkcalendar.ca/recipeSearch/showrecipe/recipeid/2111/fromsearch/false

They even have a video, lol
http://www.dairygoodness.ca/en/consumers/mymilkcalendar/Recipes/milk-calendar-january-2009-recipe.htm

The BFF Session - Limited Time Only!

2009-02-28T10:10:00.002-05:00

A new year begins

2009-01-02T08:12:00.002-05:00

I can't say that I'm not glad that 2008 is over. While many wonderful things happened business-wise, I met some wonderful people and I had the opportunity to photograph them...but the loss of mom, and all the emotional turmoil that surrounds a loss - made the year a tough one. I know it gets easier (or so they tell me) and maybe after April, when all the 'firsts' are over with (first Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc) things will get a little easier.

So for 2009 I'll continue to try to live in the Now, accept what comes my way, whether good or bad, as something that just 'is' as it is.
Man, Eckhardt Tolle( http://www.eckharttolle.com/eckharttolle ) would be proud of me, lol!!!

Alright, let's rock this thing called life!

The 80's Party

2008-11-28T21:20:00.003-05:00

When the studio is finished, I plan to have an open house during the day and at night....an 80's party. I've been dying to have this party for a few years now. I am a child of the 80's...big hair, leg warmers, bangles....so I've planned a party complete with the 80's tunes...but really, what was the 80's music all about??? THE VIDEOS!!!
So with thanks to my friend Carolyn, I found the ultimate 80's video collection. 372 hits and misses from the 80's.
Check 'em out...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdB7s9SyB6w&eurl=http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=260306318320

From Guns N' Roses and Bon Jovi to Madonna and Wham! (complete with exclamation mark!)
I CAN'T WAIT. Prizes for best costume...I'm totally rev'd!!

Yikes, where did the time go?

2008-11-12T11:59:00.002-05:00

I'm so far behind on the blog - like the rest of my life I guess, lol!! Busy season to begin with, then add in that it's my husband's business's year end, trying to get the studio done to handle the current weather...and heck, how about I add in another photography course???

ROFL....ok well, keeps me out of trouble I suppose! I hope to share some recent client images soon :O)

So I shot Hilary Duff this week...

2008-10-17T06:59:00.002-04:00

Ok, so I didn't really but....It was amazing how much she looked like HD from certain angles. Hope to share more soon...back to proofing!

And now, the images!

2008-10-11T09:11:00.006-04:00

A few of my favourites from our day!

High School Seniors

2008-10-07T16:24:00.002-04:00

Who really wants to remember their last year in high school with a boring cap & gown picture??? Or those, uh, party pics....you know the ones, lol! Not really you at your best!

In other parts of the world, high school graduation is a REALLY big deal with senior photo shoots, families throw parties for their grads, they send out announcements and their yearbooks even have custom photography, not picture day!
Here in Canada, we seem to do the same boring thing, year after year. I mean, seniors are elderly aren't they? That's what I always thought!!

Well, I don't like the status quo, so I asked the lovely Autumn to recruit some friends and they showed up with a van full of clothes (and even a full length mirror!) We had a blast!
I wanted to show our local high school seniors how much fun it can be, and how they have creative input into how their images end up. It's all about putting YOU and your personality into them.

I'll post some of my favourites from our session shortly. And a big shout out to my ladies for helping me out - you guys rawk!!

WDSS High School Seniors

2008-10-06T14:00:00.003-04:00

One of the first ones I pulled off the card from yesterday's high school seniors shoot....more to come!!

Kissed by a boy!

2008-10-05T22:30:00.003-04:00

I got kissed by a boy today and it totally made my day - how handsome is he? He even helped me carry my tripod.
Then I was hugged by his sister! Glad to know I didn't torment them too much today!

What a gorgeous family!!

Warm Up

2008-09-24T22:50:00.005-04:00

First night back to gymnastics and my girl needed some warm up, lol. Good thing I suppose because when she got to gymnastics she got very shy and wouldn't participate :O(

Woot! Woot!

2008-09-17T13:37:00.002-04:00

Give it up for the new logo!! I drove myself seriously mental with this thing. Who'd have thought something so simple could irk me like this??

Fallen leaves, fallen leaves, fallen leaves on the ground!

2008-09-17T11:32:00.002-04:00

In an ode to my daughters favourite song by Billy Talent "Fallen Leaves", it's time for a Falling Leaves Special!!

Call and book your session before October 15th and I'll waive the session fee!! Take advantage of the GORGEOUS weather and foliage that Autumn brings.

Hey, I didn't name the business Autumn Creek Photography on a whim....I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Autumn!!! So let's get out there!!!

A day at the lake

2008-09-02T06:53:00.003-04:00

We took off yesterday afternoon for the lake. Last day of summer, and we hadn't been there yet! Hopefully our busy lives will slow down soon so we can enjoy more days like this. Took our dog for her first swim and her first boat ride on my MIL's house boat... There was no gentle entry for Kali - she just jumped right in off the boat! She really loved the water and went swimming with us off shore too.

She wasn't happy when the rest of the gang when upstairs. I mean, what am I? Chopped liver?

Photographer's Child Syndrome

2008-08-26T23:20:00.004-04:00

It began innocently enough...a quiet walk along the river with Kali, a celebration of her 1st birthday. I asked my son to come along and he wisely bowed out. So I headed out, 1 year old pup, 4 year old girl and what the heck, I should take my camera along...

The girl's 'poses'

Oh yes, she thought of these all by herself!! Insisted on them!!

Snagged one of Kali...she looks nervous, she knew this wasn't a good idea either.

Caught one flower shot. The girl had me tied to the leash at this point.

More 'posing'

Then she said she needed to do some jump 'poses' for me. Between the dog dragging me down the trail on one arm and the girl on the other arm, camera slapping against my chest, I was ready for my glass of wine, which I'm now enjoying, lol!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY KALI!!

A few favs from this weekend's shoot

2008-08-19T22:52:00.004-04:00

A few favourites from this weekend's shoot.

Birthday Girl

2008-07-24T15:32:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was my daughter's 4th birthday. She had a friend over and they were busy playing upstairs while our family was out back. I could hear them coming downstairs, and thought "hmmmm, the birthday cake is sitting on the kitchen table" Then it got quiet. Mothers know quiet children are generally up to no good. My husband called them outside, where they giggle and pretended not to know a thing.

But we noticed the purple smudges around their mouths and I asked them to stick out their tongues.
Guilty!

The evidence.

Funny enough, they didn't really want much cake once the candles were blown out...

Painted sky

2008-07-24T10:37:00.004-04:00

The sky was beautiful last night, had to stop and capture it.

Growing way too fast :O(

2008-07-15T20:28:00.000-04:00

A couple pics of the kidlets...I can't believe they are both getting so big. 15 and 4 years old, both needing haircuts :O)

Ka-Boom!

2008-07-06T16:44:00.000-04:00

A composite of the fireworks at Southampton on Canada Day :O)

Wheeee!

2008-07-06T15:52:00.000-04:00

(pretty self explanatory)

Selective reading...

2008-07-01T15:14:00.000-04:00

One of the signs leading into our property where we camp. Unfortunately, some hunters can't read..... I know most are respectful of private property, it's the few bad apples who spoil the other hunters' reputations. And quite frankly, I don't care if you've hunted there for the past 5 years or 50 years. When it was up for sale for over 2 years, you could have pony'd up the cash to buy it and kept hunting til your hearts content. I have this 'thing' about my kids getting shot while we enjoy our down time. Hey, that got kinda 'ranty' I like it.

Bada dada da, I'm lovin' it!

2008-07-01T15:09:00.001-04:00

RUN KALI RUN!!! She looks so hilarious when she gallumpfs at me.

I am LOVING this new camera/lens combo. Check out these backgrounds, how YUMMY!

A more flattering picture of my husband, rather than the awful 'Bobby Orr lunchbox" one.

Conan the Second and Harold arrive!

2008-06-24T21:21:00.000-04:00

The new camera (who I affectionately call Conan II- you know, switch the vowels around) and "Harold" the hunk of burning love 70-200mm F2.8 IS USM arrived today. They are scrum-deli-ious!

Attack of the Canvas!!!

2008-06-24T21:15:00.000-04:00

I ordered a canvas of the lovely wedded couple, and when it arrived, placed it on a bar stool in my kitchen to 'keep it safe' until I could deliver it to the 'back home' reception. Which was great until the our Rhodesian Ridgeback pup walked in. She didn't know those people were in our house, on our chair!! She went ballistic! Barking, growling, lunging at...the canvas. It was hilarious!

Storm Comin'!

2008-06-08T22:01:00.000-04:00

A view of the storm coming, and some rain on my windsheild :O) I love storms!

Time for a few more zoo pics

2008-06-03T21:07:00.001-04:00

Had time to post a few more from our Toronto Zoo visit. A couple of my favourites :O)

Studio news

2008-06-02T22:02:00.000-04:00

The studio is coming along. Final sanding of the drywall was to be today...but uh, a no-show! LOL! So I'll be ready to paint it in a few days, and pick out flooring. I've got some sample ordered for the walls, getting really excited to have a nice space to display and work out of!

A trip to the Toronto Zoo

2008-06-02T22:00:00.001-04:00

Took a day trip to the Toronto Zoo to meet up with some friends, and see what I could photograph. Not a lot this year! The animals were at the back of alot of their pens. I have a few others but for now, I'll just share my jellyfish :O)

a few of my favourite things (not giving them away like Oprah!)

2008-05-26T21:46:00.000-04:00

Just playing around for me today. No stress - except for my usual subjects, lol.

Home again!

2008-05-14T07:50:00.000-04:00

It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks, including a fabulous trip to Jamaica where I was able to photograph my niece's wedding. Seems weird calling her my niece when she's only 10-12 years younger than me - makes me sound so old, lol!!

I wish I was able to photograph gorgeous, fun people like this all the time - it was such a blast!

A little more macro and a snapshot

2008-04-28T21:59:00.000-04:00

a few more macros and one that makes my heart melt. She had to grab her FP camera and come along with me :O)

Macro fun

2008-04-28T21:57:00.001-04:00

Went out around our river property with the macro lens. Nature is so amazing up close and personal

A few new...

2008-04-25T07:35:00.000-04:00

Managed to snag one of my son.

A trip to the conservation area with my dd and her friend. I'm terrified of birds, mostly geese, swans and chickens. This guy was way too close for comfort. Thought he was going to peck my lens

Doing some yardwork

2008-04-10T17:30:00.000-04:00

My daughter was getting some help from Kali while raking. All was good until teeth found fingers.

Back in the Saddle part 3

2008-04-10T17:28:00.000-04:00

Back in the Saddle part 2

2008-04-10T17:27:00.001-04:00

Back in the Saddle

2008-04-10T17:23:00.000-04:00

Finally got back on the camera today. Two of my favourite subjects, and some flowers. Everything shot with my 100mm macro. Didn't feel like changing lenses.

She sleeps!

2008-03-21T14:28:00.000-04:00

A rare, rare moment. Man I miss naps. Well, I still take them - just wish the girl would!

Today's Adventure

2008-03-21T14:21:00.000-04:00

What started as a quiet walk in the woods with my pooch, turned out a bit different when I stepped off the trail. I was looking for a trail through the swamp that has tons of birds on it to photograph. But I usually take that trail from the opposite direction and no one had been on the trail in some time. So I managed to get myself lost in the woods! At first it was kinda funny, I mean how could I get lost in the woods that aren't very big with a river bordering one side, and the town bordering the other side. But after an hour, I wasn't laughing. The snow was thigh deep and my boots were full of snow. Plus each time I'd sink in, trying to protect my camera, the dog would come bounding over and jump on me.

Figured I'd better at least call my hubby and let him know where I was lost. 5 minutes after calling him, I found the trail so now I just look like a dork!

These are pics from BEFORE we got lost, lol!

Therapy

2008-03-17T20:20:00.001-04:00

Needed a little camera therapy today. The girl (and our other daugher, Kali) It's been a really rough day. It sucks having to come to terms with terminal cancer. All those things I've been thinking in my mind, but have to say outloud now. I wish it wasn't so, I'll miss you so much mom.

#? of 366, lol!

2008-03-05T09:39:00.000-05:00

Get in the picture!!

2008-02-26T09:56:00.000-05:00

The 366 blog seems futile these days.

My stepmom is battling metastatic kidney cancer. Her kidney and adrenal gland were removed, but the cancer spread to her lungs and liver. Chemo has not helped, it continues to grow. At Christmas, she wouldn't let me take her picture. She said her face was too red and puffy from the chemo. I respected her wishes. In January, the next chemo drug made her hair start to fall out and she was horribly ill from it. She stopped treatment, yet her hair continued to fall out. I asked if I could take her portrait with my dad. I don't have a picture of the two of them together, other than an awful wedding polaroid from a mile away. She once again refused, always an excuse.
Now the cancer has spread to her bones, she's gaunt and tired, kept mostly painfree at home. But she can't keep food down and will likely be re-admitted to hospital today.

You have no idea what I would give for those photos right now and in the coming months. For all the photos that she avoided over the years.

There's always an excuse to not be photographed. Too fat, no make up, need to have hair done....trust me, I'm the queen of avoiding the business end of a camera. But you know what? How you look right this moment, is how your kids and loved ones will remember you. They don't care if your hair is messy or you think you are 'unphotogenic' They love you for you. For you as you are right NOW.

Celebrate who you are. Jump in that photo with the kids, ham it up for the camera at the next party. These are moments worth capturing, these are the snapshots that your family and friends will treasure.

GET IN THE PICTURE!!!

I am doing this as a personal challenge. Anyone who knows me, knows when the camera is pointed at me, my hand shoots instinctively in front of my face. No more. I don't want to be remembered as the person always behind the camera. I want my kids to be able to have proof that I was young and hot, ROFLMAO!! Ok, that's a stretch but I bet I'll think that when I'm 80 looking back on these photos.

45/366

2008-02-19T07:53:00.001-05:00

40-44/366

2008-02-19T07:49:00.000-05:00

Totally cheating!! All taken the same day but I need to catch up, lol.

39/366

2008-02-19T07:09:00.000-05:00

And to make up for the previous post....still got some crazy hair going on, but a little more like her, lol.

38/366

2008-02-19T06:56:00.001-05:00

It's a Nick Nolte mugshot. My daughter will hate me someday for this. What the heck is going on with her hair?

35-37/366

2008-02-14T20:26:00.000-05:00

33-34/366

2008-02-14T16:02:00.001-05:00

Some more ProPs kids :O)