All Work But Lots of Play | Chilliwack | Family Photography

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Bini

Its been a long anticipated camping trip – our first of the year – and an annual tradition.

Normally though – we are camping in the snow & the kids are decked out in rain gear all weekend! And yes – taking photos is now a Full-Time job – but being on my schedule, on my terms, with my subjects – its all play!

This year, our good friend S.R. invited us out to PegLeg in Chilliwack. What the heck? Well – Its a sand / gravel bar that is accessible at certain times during the year for a limited period for 4×4 vehicles. People regularily go out & dirt-bike, atv, fish, camp and otherwise have some fun.

We wander through sleepy streets & arrive at the access point – a steep incline to the Fraser River – cross the Fraser – and then huge banks of sand & gravel, some wispy trees and deadheads.

Easter Camping in Chilliwack

It was a terrific weekend of sun, sand, water, food, fires and general camping fun. The kids have been waiting for ages to destroy their car-seats (car seats cant be reused after so many years) – and although we werent planning on burning them – a forgotten chunk of charcoal had us parents rolling our eyes and saying oh well!

We met a beaver couple – one quite bold even with Fenrir leaping like the coming of the end of days – another quite shy and would jump off his log at the first sign of the flashlight or Fenrir’s barks. But their knawing sounds kept us entertained as we played our evening card games.

PegLeg Chilliwack Fraser River Camping 4x4

Easter Egg Hunting in the Sand & Sun

We ran into a local, Mr O.F, and he wowed us with stories from the present, the past, and maybe even a few from the future. He kindly shared some of his agate stones he found (he makes beautiful pendants from them), took us to tour a local horse farm, and setup his silhouettes for some target practice. The kids (and me!) were surprisingly good since we havent practiced in ages and in fact the kids have never used a shotgun & these ones had quite the kick! Chris – well – Chris is awesome at everything – even when he isnt

It was an awesome trip – the kids are anxious to return but even I was feeling a bit socialized out with all the rubberneckers checking out our truck and worse – the lack of privacy for our privy!

Cant wait for our next trip – hope it has as few bugs, as many friends, and even more fun family time together.

An inebriated man, a 100 ft tow cable, and a frigid Fraser River | Chilliwack | Photo Journalism

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Bini

When we left Peg Leg in Chilliwack BC, an inebriated man was being tied to a 100ft tow cable and sent out to walk across the Fraser River with waters rising up past his chest level to rescue a pickup truck stuck for the 3rd day.

Friday

We arrived on Friday, March 29th 2013 at PegLeg with the waters low, and the fields of sand & river rock quite uninhabited considering the predicted warm weather for a long weekend! We noted a few trucks were crossing over a portion of the Fraser to the island in the middle without difficulty but still – the waters were rising above most of their tires. Nevertheless life was calm & uneventful all day.

Saturday Day 1

By Saturday afternoon around 4pm we noticed a pickup truck stuck in what appeared to be the deepest point in the crossing with its nose pointing towards the rushing waters and its rear sticking out like a duck’s tail. From our angle, it appeared to be an older pickup with a modified flat-bed or box. It did appear to be a work truck and we can only hope it was the owner taking it out for the weekend and not an errant employee!

None of the other trucks on shore appeared capable of towing this driver out. Eventually a tractor approached across the river.

Day 1 PegLeg Chilliwack Fraser River Truck Rescue

We realize that the truck isnt just a pickup when the tractor attaches the tow-rope to the front of the truck & it spins around revealing the massive trailer! We can also see that the truck apepars quite new and rather expensive! Multi-attempts to haul the truck & trailer out of the water are unsuccessful – more than one tow-rope shears under the strain.

At this point a tow-truck arrives. But without the help of the tractor, he seems unwilling to cross. But even the tow-truck has issue with the cable and the wire snaps across the river & with repairs required – the rescue is delayed. The sun is getting lower on the horizon - a chill is floating across the water – and many of the people involved have been in the frigid waters for hours now.

With the tractor attached to the tow-truck attached to the pickup – some headway is finally made. The pickup is parked on the far beach but cannot continue. As the sun goes down, only the trailer is successfully rescued that night before dark.

Day 1 PegLeg Chilliwack Fraser River Truck Rescue

Sunday – Day 2

Another glorious day and a few trucks become stuck in the river but are successfully rescued. Alone on the far shore sits the pickup truck with the hood open and exposed. The tow-truck makes another attempt to resuce but falls victim to the river as well – driving on the wrong side of the magical safe-line. A second tow-truck approaches to rescue the first. Another long walk in the frigid river to connect the two trucks together. We continue to watch the drama but our desire to help is swayed by the continued failure on the part of others and the risks to our truck financially and personally if we attempted a rescue.

Monday – Day 3

Its clear now that the water levels are rising and its not a pattern of the tides. What was once all a gravel bed is not streaked by veins of the Fraser River criss-crossing across the beach. Now – there is no question – we cant attempt a rescue. Our heavy truck easily sinks into the loose gravel and sand. If we had a long cable to cross the river with – it would be easy to tow the truck out – but who tows us out? Where is the tractor? Where are the other tow-trucks?

There are 3hrs before dark. Onlookers stand on the beach staring at the abandoned truck. Most of the campers have left as the only access to PegLeg is getting deeper under water. The tow-truck driver now has a very long cable – estimating around 100 feet – and some fellow drinks his last gulp from his beer can, tosses it on the ground, wraps the huge tow cable around his slim body, and steps out into the river. Its not long before the water catches the tow cable; battling the frigid waters, the weight & drag of the tow-cable, the strength of the current, and the failing light, our hero starts out.

Day 2 PegLeg Chilliwack Fraser River Truck Rescue

This is the last view we have of the truck before we head home. We dont hold alot of hope for our hero or the truck. By tonight – the entire bank this truck is clinging to will be submerged. But – from the tales we’ve heard this weekend – this is just one of many rescues that occur in this area every year!

PS – for the sake of the business – I have removed obvious signage from his truck.

Wedding Season is much like Vancouver Weather

Posted on March 2, 2013 by Bini

There are lots of days where I wish I was somewhere hot & sunny, a dry breeze with sand beneath my feet, some exotic flora hanging above me in a canopy of cacophony – but Im here in Vancouver (ok the New Vancouver – Surrey!) and laughing about how horrendously vicious the rain is today. Rivers are coursing across the landscape of roads and fields like veins on my Great-Aunt’s hands. And just the other day it was sunny and warm (hey i mean for February in Vancouver (the new Vancouver – Surrey!)) and I was out in the yard ripping through the overbrush before the spring new growth kicks in.

Our weather is all over the place and Im finding weddings are too!

Winter Wedding Romance Fairytale

I think the only month I havent had a wedding was February! But with the new family day – who knows!

Pender Island Dreamy Fall Wedding

Weddings in the fall are spectacular with an intensity to the colours that are startling. Winter weddings bring their own sense of calm & inner peace – maybe because you are more willing to resign yourself to a rainy day – but there is something quiet and reassuring about a winter wedding. Spring is just a tease with weather so unpredicatable you cant even be sure on the same day how things will fair by noon let alone 3pm! And summer – well – last summer was more like spring! The sun was blistering hot some weeks and then pouring rain the next!

Summer Love Summer Wedding

I dont know what this year’s weather will be like – our January & February have surprised me. Im looking forward to whatever comes our way.

Sunny Spring Wedding Days

In the meantime – a common event at this time of year is Wedding Shows! If you are looking for something fun to do this weekend – come check out the Willowbrook Wedding Show in Langley – at the Mall! I will be there Saturday March 2nd and Ive got some great door prizes. Hmm – I’d better pick up some candy/treats – if nothing else but something to help soothe our tongues from all the chit-chatting about your wedding plans!

I still have some dates open for this summer, fall and winter – but I will also be booking for next spring!

5 Things to Ask yourself Before you Meet your Photographer

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Bini

Did you use a wedding planning calculator to plan your wedding budget? If so – you may be overspending thousands of dollars and losing out on the things you value the most!

How can that be? Wedding calculators are exactly that – a calculator that has a formula inside! Which means you better have a formula wedding!

Who decided that you should spend nearly half your budget – yes 50% – on the reception venue & the food? Who said that you should spend the same percentage on flowers no matter how big or small your budget is? Where does this calculator take into account your guests who love to drink & dance but would be happy with appetizers and not a full service dinner?

If you want to make sure you are spending the money on the things YOU want, you have to prioritize the key elements of your wedding day. If you dont – your calculator will tell you to spend the same amount of money on your wedding day music as your wedding day flowers. Which one do you think is more important?

Rank these key wedding expenses!

Venue
Food
Photography
Entertainment (Music, PhotoBooth, Gifts, Other)
Decor
Videography
Cake
Open Bar
Flowers
Stationary (Before & After)
Dress / Suits / Rings
Makeup & Hair
Wedding Planner
Officiant
# of Guests
Honeymoon

Once you have decided what is important – you can start to assign dollar values. After all – if food is quite low on the list, you know you dont need to get the most expensive catering option being offered – saving thousands of dollars in wasted food! The wedding calculator doesnt even take into consideration the day of week or time of year of your wedding – cakes may be cakes but some flowers will cost alot more or not even be available.

But how do you decide how important your wedding photographer is? If you use the calculator – it will generate a number based on your total wedding budget. That number has no information about number of hours of coverage, number of photographers, albums, prints, images – nothing! – its only a number and suddenly you are shopping for a wedding photographer that costs X because your calculator told you photography was only worth 10% of your budget.

5 things you need to ask yourself before you meet any photographers or even start searching for them on google.

Vancouver & Lower Mainland Wedding Photographer

Spend as much or as little on your Wedding Photos – Only you know how important they are.

1) Do I want to have my wedding photos on my iphone or tablet & show them off to friends for the next couple months? Or. Do I want to be able to print a canvas to hang over the fireplace, a couple nice 8×10′s for the grandparents, and an album of my entire wedding day?

2) Do I have a few family members coming & most friends – none of which really want a group photo – what would they do with it anyways? Or. Is my wedding the family reunion where Im going to reconnect with all my cousins and Aunts and I know that its important to have family photos with everyone. In fact it may be the last time my grandparents will be able to travel and I want to create a portrait of them and I?

3) Do I expect about 50 or 75 guests at my wedding and its going to be a short ceremony and then a nice dinner – I probably dont need a photographer all day? Or. Are there going to be at least 100 guests, lots of dancing, a firebreathing magic show, some games, tons of opportunities for candid photos & an incredible setting for photos?

4) Do I need to have lots of photos of myself getting ready - after all im doing my own makeup & hair, and my dress is a simple gown? Or. Do I want to remember how much fun my bridesmaids & I had getting our hair & makeup done, putting on the dresses, sipping champagne, and gabbing about the guys – plus getting photos of the shoes with the red soles, my veil, my dress, my earrings, and even my garter? Do I want photos of my fiance getting ready and opening that card I made for him?

5) Am I happy with just a couple photos of my fiance & I standing in front of the reception hall where we got married – maybe by the trees or the flowers? Or. Do I want to have me & my fiance looking out across the lake with the sun in our hair & the bridal party leaping off the pier? Do I want to have photos of the two of us where we first met, how he proposed to me, and how my girlfriends all reacted when they saw the ring? Would it be awesome if I had a photo of the guys pushing me on the playground swing or going on a helicopter ride to the top of the mountains.

By answering these questions – youve already decided on your budget for photography – regardless of how much you have allocated for your entire wedding. Thats because youve assigned a value to photography – just like you assign a value to having the lasagna entree vs the Alaska King Crab. There isnt a right or wrong answer – its all based on your wedding – what events you are including, how many people are coming, and how you want to remember the day, your love, and your relationships.

So when you start researching your photographer – you can now be clear about your needs and the photographer can offer you a package not based on Price but on Service!

number of hours coverage
what events are being covered
number of photographers
number of locations for the photos
how you plan on using the photos afterwards: prints, enlargements, albums, websites, emails
style of photos: photojournalistic, candid, group poses, details, romance, traditional

Remember – the wedding calculator is just a formula and your wedding is unique. How much or how little you spend on each vendor should be a result of you deciding whats important for you – not what everyone wants you to spend.

And here are some prices to help you understand how you may value photography…. These images were all captured for the bride & groom who wanted to celebrate their love for each other allowing for approx 2 hours of photography in multiple locations.

If these images are the style you are looking for – you will want to allow for at least $1950 in your wedding day budget! Now that was easy! Do you have more questions – need more feedback on photos to understand style and options – lets meet for drinks & talk about your wedding. Its that easy!

Spend as much or as little on your Wedding Photos – Only you know how important they are.

The Garden of our Love | Queens Park, New Westminster, BC | Wedding

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Bini

June 1st 2012 | Queens Park, New Westminster, BC | Wedding

more photos coming soon!….

The Garden of our Love

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 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

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

Why Me? Testimonials….

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Bini

There are tons of photographers in Vancouver. Its amazing and yet scary at the same time. We have some incredible learning centers, a very art-centric culture, an amazing city to photograph both urban and natural, and the people who live here reflect all these characteristics. So how do you pick a photographer? How do you avoid becoming overwhelmed, giving up and just picking Uncle Ive-Got-All-The-Toys to do your photos?

I dont have a clue. I can’t even keep track of all the photographers out there for when i need an assistant or second. Honestly I would be at a loss to try to pick – with styles and budgets and everything in between – so how do you pick a photographer and actually be happy at the end of it?

When I need advice – I generally ask a friend….

I know that if I ask a friend, whether is for photography, a good hair salon, or the best home-made treats, I will get all the dirt – the good, the bad, and the ugly. My friends will tell me more about the quality of service, customer service, honesty in pricing than I could ever find out from just web surfing….

So here are some of my friends – some new, some old, some you may even know – and how they feel about my services as a photographer….

Hope this helps with your decision making process. And dont forget, ask questions and always meet in person before making major photographic purchases. You really do need to like the photographer enough to smile at them all day

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Minh N: Bini is an amazing photographer! The pictures that Bini took at our wedding captured everything that’s in my memory and more! There were precious moments that I, as a bride, missed, but Bini showed them to me!

Bini had such a great eye for details and was invisible while she’s working the candids – I never knew where Bini was or whether she’s taking pictures during the ceremony and the reception. Yet when it came to taking group pictures, Bini was cheerful, energetic, and so efficient at gathering and organizing people. We are really amazed how well her photos captured everything so beautifully and naturally. There are stunningly beautiful and precious photos that we will treasure forever. We are glad to have the photos to tell our stories for us.

We are extremely happy that we chose Bini, it was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding!

Nancy B: I was just recently married July 22 2011 & Bini was one of the photographers at my wedding. I was very impressed with her work. She captured every moment there was to capture. She put in alot of effort in so many ways. Directing mass groups of people, prescopeing out locations for each group of people, chaseing around the impossible to photograph guests, putting her own unique spin on images to give a real creative look, and so much more. I would definately recommend her to you for your wedding. What ever it is you want she will make sure you get it.

Mona S:I got married on July 2nd this year and Bini was my photographer. She gave it a 110% and did a fantastic job. She made sure she knew what we wanted and we are extremely happy with the pictures.

New England Wedding: It is my pleasure to know about you Ms. Bini. The photos you’ve shared are really amazing and it was captured perfectly. Do you offer this only to wedding ceremonies?How about on debuts?birthdays?anniversaries? {bb – yes – everything!}

Alisa S: My husband and I cannot stop thanking by Bini for her talent and hard work on our wedding photos. Over a year later, we are still impressed by how magical everything looks. Thank you for capturing such beautiful memories for us!

Zahra: Our wedding was held in May 2011 and Bini captured everything so beautifully. Ours was an indian/Muslim wedding with lots of people and she was SUPERB at directing everyone for the portrait pictures. She was also prompt at editing and delivering the pictures since I was super excited to see everything!! I love my wedding pictures! Thank you Bini for making our special day extra special!

Maggie & Corey: We were very pleased with all aspects of Bini’s work on our wedding photography this past June. From her selection of scenic locations to her incredible creativity in assembling our photo album, everything turned out just perfectly. We are so happy with the way that our special day was captured; we’ll have beautiful memories to look back on for years to come. Thanks again Bini.

Adrienne: We were married November 2005 and Bini was our photographer. Six years later as I look back at the photos, they are just as beautiful as the work she does today. She really listened to us and created a photography plan that meshed with what we had in mind. The end result were timeless photos that captured the fine moments of our day…Thank you Bini….

Kimberley M: Bini has taken amazing photos of my family for a Christmas card portrait and for our daughters’ birthday party. Every time she has managed to capture the essence of the day so beautifully and skillfully edits the images. She often has some preliminary images very soon after to give you a sense of what they will look like and she has provided the complete set of images very quickly (with many photographers you can be left waiting for months). Above all, she is a wonderful person to have at your event and manages her business with the utmost professionalism. I would highly recommend her!

Bahare P: I first met Bini when she worked my Carribean themed backyard Bridal Shower last summer. She got to work right away! I felt like I didn’t see her the whole night, but after she had the most amazing shots to prove it! I never thought I would look good in Candid photos, but Bini proved me wrong. The true essence of that night was captured in her photos, and when I look back at them, each photo tells me a story of that particular moment. I am so happy! I didn’t think having a photographer at my bridal shower would mean so much to me in the end, but those were some of my best memories, and I am thankful that Bini captured them!

Bini and I met again almost a year later to do a one one on photo shoot in Fort Langley. I am pretty sure I got tired before she did! She keeps working and working, and does it with an amazing attitude. She’s the photographer that will tell you when your hair is a little out of whack, or you need to fix your shirt, just to make the photo that much better. Her high contrast style with punches of bold colour really make for a great photo.

I truly look forward to work with you again Bini, you are not just a photographer to me, but also a friend!

Michelle B: If you are looking for a photographer who is very flexible and has a creative eye for detail, Bini is your lady. I booked her for my wedding festivities last month, and she did an immaculate job caputuring the action at hand. As planning a wedding can be very hectic at times, you need a photographer who you can rely on. Whenever I needed to talk to Bini she was very easy to get a hold of unlike some of other wedding personnel I had to deal with. She was always quick to have the pictures edited and burnt onto a CD for pickup or drop off. Bini is very professional in what she does, without a doubt I would book her 100% for any event I might have in the future as well as recommend her amongst my family and friends.

Susan B: Bini was a wonderful experience right from the start! From our initial meeting to her constant follow up, I was always assured that she would be there. Bini’s has displayed her ability to handle multiple settings and capture moments during corporate functions, family functions, and just for fun pictures that I’ve requested of her. In each setting, she’s able to bring her professionalism and a fun and relaxing presence. I’m really pleased with Bini’s work and she is definitely my photographer of choice!

Michelle S: I first met Bini when I was modelling for one of my good friends, Nikki Ali, as she was updating her make-up and hair portfolio. Bini was very easy going, full of smiles and an overall pleasant person to work with. I expressed my lack of modelling experience at the time, and she was completely understanding and helpful in return. She made me feel comfortable, and was able to help and direct me throughout the photo shoot, and I can definitely say I learned a lot. I was able to incorporate the tricks and guidelines she had suggested into our second photo shoot, as she took a series of photographs for my Miss BC competition and also for my singing portfolio. I would definitely recommend Bini to anyone looking for a photographer as she is able to capture people at their best! She continually showed me my photographs as we went along to make sure I was happy with the results, and to see if there was anything that we had missed. She shows a great deal of passion in what she does, and interest in her clients. Bini is eager to learn and expand her portfolio, and I cannot wait to work with her again in the future!

Magna Vita Photography

No moment exists except within our own memories

Category Archives: General

All Work But Lots of Play | Chilliwack | Family Photography

An inebriated man, a 100 ft tow cable, and a frigid Fraser River | Chilliwack | Photo Journalism

Friday

Saturday Day 1

Sunday – Day 2

Monday – Day 3

Wedding Season is much like Vancouver Weather

5 Things to Ask yourself Before you Meet your Photographer

Did you use a wedding planning calculator to plan your wedding budget? If so – you may be overspending thousands of dollars and losing out on the things you value the most!

Rank these key wedding expenses!

5 things you need to ask yourself before you meet any photographers or even start searching for them on google.

The Garden of our Love | Queens Park, New Westminster, BC | Wedding

June 1st 2012 | Queens Park, New Westminster, BC | Wedding

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

This is not a weight-loss bootcamp!

Sunrise Past Sunset

My Favs from 2011

Why Me? Testimonials….