This is not a weight-loss bootcamp!

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Bini

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of taking some time off work, family, house, and taxes – BUT – I wasnt relaxing on a beach somewhere (besides thats just not me!) – I was taking Christopher Morris’ Small Strobes BootCamp at Vancouver Photo Workshops.

Shazmin VPW Small Strobe BootCamp

Ryan VPW Small Strobe BootCamp

Chris’ teaching style is very relaxed but he doesnt skimp on details. I love the hands-on discussions on the merits of different modifiers, what works – what doesnt, and also – how to create a few of your own DIY modifiers. I would recommend his course to anyone looking to learn about using speedlights or just have the opportunity to shoot on location with him.

Shazmin VPW Small Strobe BootCamp

Ryan VPW Small Strobe BootCamp

Saturday started off with some chat about speedlights & modifiers, whats new & hot (ie where to spend your money in case you were lacking in ideas), and by afternoon we grouped up and headed out to New West to a boxing arena for some very cool on-location shoots.

Ryan VPW Small Strobe BootCamp

Sunday morning we were back at VPW and we focused on simple, but effective lighting setups in the studio with a few great models (the other models were more difficult to work with as they were US – the photographers!)

Devan VPW Small Strobe BootCamp

VPW Small Strobe BootCamp

By late afternoon we settled in for some photo sharing & analysis. The most interesting part of sharing our photos was how each of us captured the same models but with our own perspective and style.

Shazmin VPW Small Strobe BootCamp

Devan VPW Small Strobe BootCamp

Looking forward to more classes at VPW and taking donations towards travel photography trips if anyone is feeling generous.

VPW Small Strobe BootCamp

Devan VPW Small Strobe BootCamp

Oh Ya – and thanks to Kat Siepmann Photography for my new profile photo!

Bini Ball, Magna Vita Photography (photo credit: Kat Siepmann)

Sunrise Past Sunset

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Bini

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of hanging out with Colton & his parents for a “Family Day Out Experience” in Gastown. Considering we live in Vancouver – the weather is as predictable as NOTHING ELSE in the Entire World. Seriously – weather in BC is sunny, hot, raining, cold, humid, snowing, sleeting, windy, freezing – and thats just on one day!

So when our morning finally arrived – I was thrilled to see the icy wind part the clouds and shatter our dreary day with a perfect sunrise! I hit downtown before everyone arrived to get a good parking spot, scope out the location (previously scouted but you never know when something changes), and just relax a little.

Here are some incredible shadows I caught from the bridge going from Main Street over to the park and a Vancouver Skyline with the nosiy railyard.

MagnaVitaPhotography 2012 BiniBall Gastown Vancouver BC

Gastown Sunrise Train Yard

I love this sculpture – he was still engulfed by the icy-shadows when I arrived but a bit of fill-flash brought out the details! I like how he is about to eat Vancouver.

MagnaVitaPhotography 2012 BiniBall Vancouver BC Skyline

Vancouver Skyline

Some days I drive, some days I skytrain to Vancouver – just depending on the assignment I have. Waiting at the Skytrain for a ride home – I caught some gorgeous reflections in the late night rain.

MagnaVitaPhotography 2012 BiniBall Surrey BC

Surrey Skytrain Gateway Station

Here I am waiting for the skytrain to pass. Its the Gateway skytrain station and I know this area receives alot of bad press for the less than stellar activities that occur here (the heart of Whalley), but, just like wandering around Hastings & Main, I never felt out of place, threatened (ie all my camera equipement) or uncomfortable. One day I will tell you a Tale of Melacca!

Surrey Skytrain Gateway Station

This is NOT what the tax man is expecting me to include with my T4

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Bini

I know! I KNOW! Its almost March 31st. I will wait until next week to Panic. And im not even sure if Ive got the right towel! How did February get here so fast!

Family Day Out Experience - Relaxed Family Photography in Cool Locations

Dear February – I had so many plans for you that included – basically – nothing but the quiet, contemplative, structured review of my income, but overwhelmingly, my expenses from last year. A slow, slip-by-slip of paper receipts, scribbled & scrawled on, invoices with giant, red PAID stamps, and my trusty excel spreadsheets. But alas…..

The best part of any Corporate Event is getting paid to eat!

Food, Live Music, Dancing - Im always on the Guest List!

Its not even Valentines day (as if that matters to my calendar-deficient hubby), and I still havent done anything tax related! I know the tax man doesnt care about headshots, birthday-suited babies, family adventures, or corporate functions – but ive been so busy with all these fun projects these last – uh – I want to say couple of weeks – few days – and more is on its way…that Ive neglected my tax-time duties.

Soft, Snugly, Babies...I get to kiss & hold them...pass them back when they cry

Yes I know – its all good – I love the photography, I love the editing, I love getting my customers out of their comfort zone & showing them the other side to their natural beauty…

HR Consultant Headshots

Modelling is One Portfolio Away

But still – it wont count for points when March 31st comes around and the HST form is late. Oh well – I guess there are plenty of hours between bedtime & the morning alarm. In the meantime, here are a few snaps from the last few sessions!

Twins - double the kisses - double the fun!

But if you see the tax man coming my way – please invite him over for tea so I have a few extra seconds to prepare my books! I wont panic yet, because ive got some really exciting projects for the rest of this week.

I wont panic yet.

Nope.

Not one little bit.

Ok – maybe a little.

Magna Vita Photography

No moment exists except within our own memories

Monthly Archives: February 2012

This is not a weight-loss bootcamp!

Sunrise Past Sunset

This is NOT what the tax man is expecting me to include with my T4