~ Summer 2021 Update ~

 SUMMER 2021 Update

Here it is summer of 2021 and I have not updated this blog in ages. I have been working on a post that goes into more details about my year of 2019 but for now I'll just give a quick overview.

September 2019 I was diagnosed with cancer, I started aggressive chemo and was hospitalized for about a month before they let me go home to finish chemo. I took the year off of teaching to recover and of course during that time COVID19 hit hard and the planet went into survival mode with people not allowed to gather. 

I started teaching in the fall of 2020 and now here I am finished one of the hardest years of teaching I have ever had. Thankfully I am vaccinated x2 with the wonderful phizer vaccine. It has been stressful at times and I did have to quarantine once because I was a close contact with a covid positive person in my class.

I have not touched my camera much, I am hoping this summer I can start shooting some new pixels and doing more photography!! Really going to try and get more physically active as I packed on some serious covid pounds....also due to a thyroid issue too. 

Anyway, this wasn't a super exciting blog post but glad I was able to post something. These aren't new photos, just some I have shot since recovering from cancer. Posted from my FLICKR. First pic is my ringing of the bell to celebrate finishing my chemo.

So if anyone that's reading this wants to shoot some photos with me, please contact me and let's create something awesome. I need to get out and adventure with a camera again!

-Randy

~ New Year 2016 and a blank canvas ahead ~

New Year is in full swing now and lots of people have already broke their resolutions which is why I don't like to make them.  I do enjoy thinking about the future and the creative opportunities that may come my way this year.  Every year is exciting to think what images I can capture from life.  I do love art and I am going to try and continue with my 52 week art challenge.  So here are some random things off the top of my head I am considering for 2016....

• working on putting together my art and photography to possibly have a showing of my work at a venue some where 
• PAINTING, I say it every year but I want to get the paints out and finish a few of these 
• This one is the same every year, but shoot some new faces and collaborate with some new creative people (photographers, artists)
• Game!!! I need breaks from the camera, I like to play some MTG (Magic) or course hop on the console (xbox one) for some fun.  My gamer tag is Phocus on xbox live if you wanna add me.
• Get stronger spiritually, doesn't have to be church all the time but I want to spend more time connecting to my God and building that one on one connection to Him

I have not really shot yet in 2016 so I'll post some recent edits from a shoot with the beautiful Russian Canadian Galina!!! :)

~ Mural Mosaic Vegreville ~

The town of Vegreville is going to be the first of 150 towns across Canada to get murals created by the talented minds of Mural Mosaic  and on May 20th, 2015 it was revealed.  The mural was made up of 1500 tiles that were painted by community members and many of the students attending schools in Vegreville.  The mural is located on the wall of ATB and will join together with the other 150 murals to create a larger image.  Recently elected MLA Jessica Littlewood was there to represent the Alberta Government.  It was a fun day and some very cool art.

I teach art at the High School and was able to paint a tile and have my students be a part of this amazing experience.  Of course I shot some images. Here are a few of my favorites from the day.

~ Friends ~

I got to do some photos with two friends.  Using mostly the sigma 35 art and a bit of the 85 1.4 rokinon lens we went to Festival Place in Sherwood Park and walked around taking pictures.  It was a last minute photo shoot but sometimes those are the best kind. :)  Have a great Tuesday!!! :)

~ Destiny Spring 2015 ~

It's been a LONG time since I blogged so I am getting to it.  It's spring now and May long weekend is coming to a close this evening.  I got to see the new Mad Max movie with a good teacher friend, did some attacking weeds in the yard.  Didn't do much for photography so this blog post is about it for tonight.  Awhile back I shot with the lovely Destiny.  She met me in Edmonton and we explored the river valley on a warm spring day.  These are some of the shots we captured.

I was using the Sigma 35mm 1.4 art lens I added to my gear list.  I am loving this lens, it's ability to create mind blowing bokeh is something I adore.  I also love the sharpness and reliability it has.  Most photographers can admit that when shooting at apertures like 1.4 you're bound to get some soft shots as it is a VERY shallow DOF.  I have beyond happy with the results from the shoots I've done with this lens so far and I cannot wait to shoot more with it this summer.  I will try my best to keep more images flowing on the blog and excited to share my outdoor adventures this summer.
-Randy

~ 2015 Is Here ~

2014 Thoughts 

I have neglected my blog long enough.  I really need to start writing again on here.  2015 is here and well in to gear.  Looking back on 2014 I can say I am always going to view this year with sadness as I said goodbye to a precious friend, my cat Scully.  I got to spend about 15 years of my life with her as my cat and it broke my heart when she suddenly got sick and we knew her time had come.  2014 wasn't all bad, I had some really amazing memories doing photography and worked with some talented photographers and models doing creative work.  I also started shooting with a new camera, I picked up a Fuji Xpro1 and I really am loving this new type of non DSLR size camera.  A lot of photographers I know of use this camera line and their results are too awesome to ignore.  I admit I use this camera as an every day camera.  My canon still takes the workload of my shoots but the Fuji is just a fun and amazing little camera to pack every where I go.  I want to give a huge congrats to my friend Roxanne Lavallee, a talented photographer who just finished a 365 for 2014 and has decided she wants to continue it for another year.  I have done 2, one in 2010 and in 2013 and I know how much of a challenge it can be.  She is starting her 3rd I think and it is a joy to see her daily images.

2015 Thoughts 

Now there is a new year ahead of me and I am looking forward to new adventures and moments in creativity.  Just before Christmas I started shooting an Angel theme that I am doing in studio.  So far I have worked with two models on that project and excited to shoot more along this idea.  I said it last year that I wanted to do more visual art and I failed at doing the work I imagined myself doing.  Time goes so fast and I realize if I want to do more art that I need to force myself to get to it or it is never going to happen.  I guess this better be the time to start at is, so hoping the blog might be a place I can share my journey with my return to some art.

For now I'll end this blog with a few images of my last shoot of 2014 with Sean and Clarrisa.  It was inspired by the movie True Romance but with more of a classic gangster look.  I dig the Bonnie and Clyde vibe and these two were fun to work with.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!  Thanks for following my work and blog.
-Randy

~ Canon 5dm3 and Fuji xpro1 with Katelyn ~

I had a fun summer, did as much photography as I could fit in.  As summer ended and I went back to work I decided I would buy a used Fuji Xpro1.  I have been wanting one for a LONG time, the problem is I am a Canon dude I wasn't sure I was ready to add another brand to my photography addiction.  I asked a few friends for some advice and I found a used xpro1 and decided it'd be a good investment.  After shooting with it I am so excited by the perks of using such a small camera.  I knew having a small body would be fun compared to lugging around heavy gear.  I love the lightweight feel of it and the way it works.  It's totally fun as a photographer to use and it has made photography really exciting to explore with this little camera.

When I was a film shooter I always shot with FUJI film so yeah, it's a LOT of nostalgia to use a FUJI camera.  I also am thrilled with the combo of my Canon and the Fuji.  I can see myself using both a lot now.  I will try and post more from my adventures with this fun little camera.  Here are some samples from a recent shoot with the lovely model: Katelyn


FUJI XPRO1:

CANON 5Dm3:

July 2014 Model of the Month - Candace

What do you love the most about modelling? 
I love how Modelling makes me feel. When I am modelling I am reminded that I am way too hard on myself and how I look. I am gorgeous and I can feel empowered by that knowledge.
What is the most challenging thing about modelling for you?
Most challenging this for me would be trying to have more than one expression.
Do you prefer color or black and white?
I love colour. Although black and white does have a certain timeless feel about it.
What tips do you have for models that are just starting out that you wish you knew when you started? Do not be afraid to be comfortable in your own skin. Your clothing size does not determine how good you will look in your portraits!
Do you prefer shooting in natural light or studio light?
I love Golden light, so I prefer shooting in natural light for sure.
Where would be your dream location to do a photo shoot?
Anywhere warm really. I don't think I have a real dream location in mind though. A good photographer can make any location look amazing!
What kind of music do you like to listen to when you are at a shoot or getting ready for a shoot?
I love to listen to any sort of Pop or Hip hop when getting ready, Iggy azalea is my weakness though. What color is your favorite? I adore Green and everything about it!
What social media do you use? Feel free to shamelessly plug yourself or stay secretive.
I love Facebook. It has helped me connect with some amazing individuals, and reach a broader clientele when I was running my photography business.
What would you say is your biggest strength?
I would say my biggest strength would be the ability to see good in people even when they cannot see it in themselves, and to be able to see past looks and love people for their personality, uniqueness and individuality.

~ 361/365 Scully ~

361/365

Scully melting in to the blanket getting cuddles with her Mom.  365 is almost done, so had to get a shot of a cat in before it's a wrap. :)

-Randy 

~ 342/365 Christmas is coming ~

© Randy Pond Photography - www.randypond.ca
342/365
More Christmas lights and bling. :)  Was a cold weekend with a theme of me staying warm.  I also did a massive shift of the basement studio layout, photos to come I hope when it's all said and done. -Randy

~ 337/365 December Selfie ~

© Randy Pond Photography - www.randypond.ca
337/365
Realized my hair was long from Movember so went to get a trim, so here is my December selfie.....I am so close to ending this 365!!! :) -Randy

~ 311/365 MO BRO UPDATE ~

© Randy Pond Photography - www.randypond.ca
311/365
So here is a MOBRO update.....my MO is slowly coming in, I admit my inner wookie is slowing down.  Today we had our Remembrance Day Ceremony so I was all suited up.  This shot is a tad out of focus but I think I look better out of focus anyway, har har.  -Randy

~ 307/365 Winter Sunday ~

307/365
Winter arrived in Vegreville for another year......lovely winter day, warm, snow melting on the street.  I am pumped for some winter weather. :)
-Randy

~ 300/365 Finally MADE IT TO DAY 300!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ~

© Randy Pond Photography - www.randypond.ca
300/365
DAY 300!!!!!!!!!!!! How's it going, hard to believe I've shot 300 days in a row and only 65 left.  I know there have been a LOT of cat photos, but I am still pleased with my progress.  Cats are a big part of my days, so only suitable they make it in to my project.
-Randy

~ 284/365 Kitty!!!!!!!!!!!! ~

© Randy Pond Photography - www.randypond.ca
284/365
Have not shot a kitty in awhile.  Feeling a bit better, sinus cold is getting beat, hoping to be better this weekend.  -Randy

~ 280/365 Fading of the Fall ~

© Randy Pond Photography - www.randypond.ca
280/365
A warm fall day, took this shot as I was about to join students at Special Olympics.  Good old Monday, went to the gym and then did more exercise after.  -Randy

~ 262/365 Selfie Thursday ~

© www.randypond.ca

262/365

Got a haircut today from VJ, then came home and fell asleep after eating on the couch.  TFIG tomorrow.  So tired. -Randy