That look your husband gives you the day AFTER your Anniversary….

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Bini

Now – I know there are plenty of women whose memories resemble that thing we drain noodles with – but its far more common, and perhaps slightly funnier, to blame men for all the missed birthdays and anniversaries that we endure with a pasty smile.

So when I heard about SendOutCards – I thought what an easy way for anyone to make sure their friends and family receive cards on time – no more belated birthday jokes!

No shame in sending ourselves cards!

Truth be told – Im not much of a card person for friends & family – but when I think about my clients, sending them a card on their Anniversary, the 1st birthday of their child, or another important date in their lives – SendOutCards sounds like the perfect choice.

I spoke with Nadia Salvino of SendOutCards and she explained how you can schedule the cards in advance and even include gift cards! WOW! Instead of having to remember to find a card, buy a card, write a card, mail a card – every other week – I can spend an hour and schedule all my cards in advance knowing full well that my cards will be mailed on-time with a Canadian PostMark!

But before I try anything for my clients – I like to try it out myself – so I sent myself a birthday card (hey after all my birthday is coming up soon and Im sure the only cards I will get will have dried macaroni glued on them).

In a couple days – I found an exciting letter in the mail. The writing was so neat and clear – the stamp perfectly aligned, the return address was from me and not some generic PO Box or Corporate Address. It was like I had mailed the card myself – the old fashion way.

Personal Messages, Photos, Scheduler, Mailing Addresses - Need I say more!

I choose a cute sheep – I love sheep – love scottish sheep – love kiwi sheep – ive even got a shepherd for a dog just in case one day I get a sheep. Inside the card I had written myself a message in a simple font I liked. I added a photo of my hubby, kids, and dog and signed off with a personal message that has alot of meaning to me.

To continue to play on the sheep theme – I included a photo from a trip to New Zealand we did when the kids were young. We had alot of pit stops along the drive (again, young children) and we only came across a road full of sheep once on that trip – but we were too busy with yet another pit stop to be actually delayed.

On the reverse of the card – are the addresses, SendOutCard info, and a reminder that the paper is recycled! I saved gas buying this card and Ive saved a tree as well!

SendOutCards will be something Im going to try for my clients – but I know lots of folks who do make a special trip up to the card store for friends & family; this option now lets them do that shopping 24×7, easily add mailing addresses, schedule the cards, and best of all – add photos without having to BUY photos as well!

Now – Hubby might never forget our Anniversary; of course this wont help him find his socks, the car keys, or the healthy food choices in the fridge veggie drawer!

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.

My Favs from 2011

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Bini

I take Chinese New Year very seriously – i love chinese food, love Jackie Chan, love the clothing, art and furniture, and – in fact – my grandma grew up in Tientsin and my mother was born in China. Besides – living in the Vancouver area – embracing chinese customs is part of being Canadian (along with the other cultures that thrive in our wonderful city).

So I decided that celebrating Chinese New Year allowed me a bit of grace when it came to selecting & publishing some of my favourite photos from 2011. Besides – its still January – that counts – I still have our Xmas tree up – that counts (ok counts for a bunch of stuff – not necessarily all good!) – and some parts of the day still resemble winter – that counts too.

So over the next few days I hope to post some of my favs from 2011. How do I pick them?

Im picking them for their impact on me – did I grow, learn, change, celebrate, come to terms with, impress (me that is!)? These photos have changed me somehow as a photographer and a person. But to make things simple – Im also just picking one per month….hahaw!

January BC Scotties Women’s Curling Championship

It was a priveledge to be the photographer for the BC Scotties Women’s curling championship held in January 2011 in Cloverdale, BC. The top photo is of course the winning team – Team Scott – the two photos below capture the seconds of time that changed their fate: assuming the game was decided – they stand off to the side – and then – holding their breath – one change of the rock – and the winners switch side. It was exhilirating to watch these women perform with passion and team spirit.

BC Scotties Women's Curling Championship

February Valentine’s Marshmallows

I started working with Kimberley’s Kitchen in 2010 – these exquistely delicate rose-flavoured heart-shaped marshmallows are part of her Valentine’s day line of products. Of course, they are also the perfect, locally made, unique wedding favour. The best part of being a product photographer is that nothing goes to waste – after the photosession – I get to eat what Ive photographed.

February Valentine's Love Marshmallows

Spring Portraits In Studio

Working in my studio, I had a fun afternoon working with these two best friends. We had a million costume changes and attitude changes that included Canucks Shirts, Wigs, flowers, and more! Its the start of my studio sessions and I continue to renovate my mini-studio to add more backdrops, props, and other features! Working in such a limited amount of space – Im thrilled with how well these full length laying down images turned out!

Best Friends Portrait Session

Spring Portraits Outdoors

These warm spring photos were done in April when the ground is still a little wet, the weather unpredictable, and the grass still tall & dry. We explored riverways, train tracks, bridges, and fields. The natural light that day was fabulous and it glows from Bahare’s face. I love how this could easily be a spring or fall portrait in Vancouver – you can sense the chill from her jacket, but feel the early warmth of a spring sun.

Fort Langley Spring Portrait

May Pre-Wedding Portraits In Studio

Prior to their wedding, Michelle came by the studio with her fiance and had some engagement style photos taken. These images would be used at their wedding – its a nice touch – often couples use these photos as their Guest Book. Studio shots are coming along nicely – yeah!

Pre-Wedding Formal Portraits

June Wedding Photos at Stewart Farm

This couple decided to hold their formal wedding photos a few days in advance of their wedding. All dressed up – we met at Stewart Farm, White Rock and caught the wonderful warm glow of a summer sunset. Claire & Martin explored the farm, the barn area, the dock, and the apple trees all the while I caught their love, laughs, and silliness. For this shot – I had the bride getting ready for one shot when I walked around her and found the sun shining through her veil – BAM! – it was like she was floating towards the sky on golden wings.

Stewart Farm Wedding Photography, White Rock

July Wedding Photos at Queens Park

A wonderfully hot summer day caught Cindy & Kevin sharing their marriage with their children. The boys had been patiently waiting for the girls to arrive in their limo – a private moment of support & cheer – and the wedding took place in the Rose Garden. Afterwards we zoomed down to Starbucks, shared their favourite drinks, and then came back to Centennial Lodge for the celebration & crazy dance party! This photo is just one that shows how much support, fun, and love this family had for each other.

Queens Park Wedding, New Westminster

August Engagement Photos at Stanley Park

A few weeks before their wedding, Amy, Adrian & I all met for drinks down at Coal Harbour before starting our multi-hour, super fun trek around Stanely Park. We wandered around the city skyline, every beach along the way, trees and grass and rocks and even a few animals! We had a mini-kissing session where they practiced how to kiss for a camera – I dont think they minded doing homework – and ended our evening just around sunset back around Denman & Davie. It was so easy to work with Amy & Adrian because of their own self-confidence and deep love for each other. To me this photo appears as tho Ive snuck upon these two lovers in the forest and her expression is one of “He’s Mine!”.

Stanley Park Engagement Photos

Fall Engagement Photos at Whytecliff Park

These two are getting married in Sechelt 2012 so we planned their engagement photos for an early fall shoot and luckily we had great weather. Down at Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver, we explored the rocks, found a salmon, climbed mountains, and trees. I love this photo – its all about the love Nicole has for Ivan, and how goofy Ivan can be (oh and a little shy in front of the camera). Looking forward to their wedding this summer!

Whytecliff Park Engagement Photos

October Halloween Sugar Skull Makeup

This past Halloween, I worked with Kyla Charney (MUA/Stylist) and Christina Hall (Model) to create a Sugar Skull . The cape is gold & white and not at all suiting the makeup – but in my mind’s eye – i knew a cape was the right choice for the last set of photos in our session – so I used what I had. By switching the photo into Black & White and adding some additional texture to the image – I created the moody mystique that I had felt that night. Improving on my photoshop skills this year has allowed me to take great images and turn them 180 degrees. I love that this photo feels like both an elegant portrait of a woman and the haunting stare of something darker. (woops – thats the poet in me!)

Sugar Skull Image Magna Vita Photography 2011

November Wedding Kisses

Minh & Alex were wed on a blustery day in November at Cecil Green House, UBC Vancouver. The CGH is a gorgeous location with deep rich browns, classic architecture, elegant furnishings, and the perfect spot for rainy day weddings with ample outside covered spaces and conservatory. With a tight schedule for wedding photos – we took all the family and group photos straight away after the ceremony. Then after the lunch reception – I spent about 30mins outside with the bride & groom and captured their quiet moments of love. From this photo – you would never guess what the weather was like – but its really obvious how much love these two have for each other!

Wedding at Cecil Green House, UBC Vancouver

December MUA & Model Headshot Portfolio

In December, I was working with Nikki Ali (MUA/Stylist) and 12 models. We created headshots for each model for Nikki’s portfolio – but, as a bonus, each model received a CD of images that I took in addition to the regular makeup / hairstyle poses. Working with 12 models in my tiny studio, until late on a Sunday, taxed my creativity, my skills using my lighting setup and my organization skills keeping all the model releases in order, the photos catalogued correctly, and final images sorted, grouped, and presented. Highlighting the natural beauty of each model and the skill of the MUA was fun and relatively easy. But to create a handful of creatively different and yet flattering poses for each of the 12 models under such tight photographic constraints (15 mins each) was thrilling. I love how this photo exudes personal confidence in her sensuality – almost a moment of voyeurism – a stark contrast with how nervous and shy the model was actually feeling during the shoot. This photo is proof of her potential (grin! and of mine).

Model Headshot Image Magna Vita Photography 2011

Christmas @ Kimberley’s

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Bini

I don’t really cook – sure – I make breakfast, lunch and dinner – but i dont COOK. Love to watch Ramsey as he trailblazes through kitchens, and ive watched the odd cooking show – but its just something that never connected for me.

So at Christmas whilst everyone else is whipping up these incredible desserts to wow their Party Hosts with – I am stumped and hope my delicious appetite will score some points. But this year – I am thrilled to be able to show up with more than another black box of waxy chocolate!

Kimberley’s Kitchen doesn’t create just marshmallows (but it would be okay if she did) – she creates a wide range of delicious, home made, locally/ethically sourced treats for any time of the year.

For my neighbours, friends, and family – I have treated them to peppermint & eggnog marshmallows, almond butter crunch, and shortbread. The rest – well – we enjoyed the marshmallow / hot chocolate kit with the fire roaring and a newly opened board game.

If you are looking for a special treat – something unusual – something incredible – try something created with love and packaged like a pro!

Place your orders here: Kimberley’s Kitchen

Look what Santa brought me today!

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Bini

OOOh – it came. Well the first part came today. I know im getting more packages but they will be arriving just in time for Christmas.

Today’s packages were ordered for Just-in-Time for a party this Saturday. We are attending a friend’s Holiday Gala and I hate to show up empty handed – after all I will be leaving full. So this year, instead of bringing yet another Wine Bottle Opener, Cosie, or basket full of tiny jams that no-one sells the rest of the year – I wanted to bring something fresh, home-made (uh but not from my wreck of a kitchen), super yummy, and tastefully presented.

And dont think home-made has to look cheesy like something Aunt You-Know-Who would wrap up in last year’s tinfoil and wax paper. I want my home-made gift to look like a gift, feel like a gift, and of course taste yummy. All the fancy of store bought gift – without that store bought (Yeah another box of holiday cheer we dont actually like) feeling.

So here are some quick snaps from my early Xmas present. And like Christmas – the way I believe in it – presents should be shared! So – if I show up at your house on Saturday – you get to have some of this. If I dont – hurry and order your own Hostess Box soon from Kimberley’s Kitchen!

Marshmallow Sliders & Hostess Gift Box loaded with Yummies

Halloween with Kimberley – A most unfortunate photoshoot!

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Bini

I met Kimberley last year and its forever changed how I understand (and eat) marshmallows….I used to think they were only for burning on the campfires (i like mine black & scaly) or floating in hot chocolate.

Kimberley’s Kitchen makes marshmallows that are meant to be eaten – and tasted – and enjoyed. Oh sure – you can scald them and burn their flesh – but you would be missing out on the pleasure of actually tasting marshmallow. Of course, Kimberley loves to experiment with flavours and is very creative with colour.

Chocolatey Yum

So what does that have to do with me? Besides my new found fancy? Well – I had the pleasure of photographing Kimberley’s products (with the requisite amount of sampling of course). A full calendar year of marshmallows, cookies, and brittle, and more… Kimberley’s Kitchen has many mouthwatering treats for everyone. And best of all – they are locally made so every ingredient was specifically chosen to meet Kimberly’s standards of excellence.

Mini Pumpkin Sliders

So why was the photoshoot unfortunate?

Well – there I was with a stack of plump, fluffy marshmallows, the camera ready and the kids chomping at the bit for samples. Now, I dont know how other professional photographers get their food products to stay put, lay flat, stand tall etc – but I found that nibbling a bit off the back of the pumpkin kept it upright.

Large Pumpkin (Cinnamon) & Mini Ghosts

But when I moved it the other direction – it would fall backwards – so a few nibbles to the front – and presto, I had a system… Of course, I cant show you the rest of the photos as the photoshoot took a rather sad turn for the model. First it was her backside, then her front, and the stem from her pumpkin top, her tender right side, and no sooner had my flash recycled, but my model was wholey gone, devoured. Only sweet white powder remained on my fingers as evidence. I still blame the mini ghosts.

Halloween with Kimberley's Kitchen

Oh well – Halloween only comes once a year – but I can always get more marshmallows and with the holiday season (yes the Xmas one) – there will be flavours like peppermint to dream about…..

Magna Vita Photography

No moment exists except within our own memories

Category Archives: Commercial Product Photography