~ University of Alberta Botanical Garden Visit ~

On a spontaneous whim my wife and I went on a trip to the University of Alberta Botanical Gardens near Devon. We had a great time, it was a sunny and hot day. It was great to see a lot of the flowers in full bloom. We have gone before but later in the summer when flowers were not as healthy as they were in July. It's great to see these gardens and the updates they have been doing to the grounds since the last time we went. I love to photograph flowers so it was a lot of fun, by the end of the visit I was drenched from the heat. I still have a ways to go with my personal health. The exercise we got from walking around was much needed on my end.

Here are the photos from our visit:

~ 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!!! :)

~ 292/365 Candace ~

© Randy Pond Photography - www.randypond.ca
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Went to Edmonton today, on the way I did a couples shoot of a young couple in Sherwood Park and then stopped in to visit the big name Edmonton photographer, Candace Vanstryland.  Got a few shots of her before it went all dark in the land of the fading sunlight. -Randy

~ 291/365 Finny Time ~

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Kitty saves the Friday 365 pic as usual.  Good old Finny cat being so chill for a picture. Have a good weekend everyone.
-Randy

~ 279/365 Family Fall Photo Session ~

© Randy Pond Photography - www.randypond.ca
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This is Magnum, he is a well trained dog that was part of a family photo session I shot tonight.  He found this ball while exploring the area we were in.  I have 3 cats but definitely wanted a dog after meeting this dude. :) -Randy

~ 258/365 Summer Weather Sunday ~

© Randy Pond Photography - www.randypond.ca
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Got to do a 2nd shoot with Amber today in Edmonton.  Was a WINDY and really HOT day but managed to get some really fun pics.  I think parkades are a lot of fun to shoot in. -Randy

~ 173/365 3 Models ~

© www.randypond.ca
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Got away from Vegreville today to go out west to shoot with 3 lovely ladies.  Had to include this as my 365....as it was such a fun day and took some really fun pics.  Hope to work with this crew again sometime! -Randy

~ 138/365 Erin and Ryan ~

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I got a chance to take photo's for Erin's sister Megan and her new husband Matt.  This shot is of Erin and her husband Ryan.  I had the pleasure of shooting pictures of her wedding a few years ago.  It was nice to add their picture to my 365 project.  Such a good looking couple.  I am glad to see them still as happy as they were on their wedding day. -Randy

~ 59/365 Cat Therapy ~

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Goodbye February, on to March and more 365 adventures.  This is what I call Cat Therapy.....after a hard day of work I come home and let all the stress slide with a moment like this. :) -Randy

~ 58/365 Anti-Bullying Day ~

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Anti-Bullying day.....I have had too many friends that were bullied by other photographers.  Sometimes it's cause they are new, they don't charge enough or maybe it's just photographers that brag themselves up and act like they are God's gift to photography.....I have been bullied lots when I was starting out and I will stand up for anyone being bullied and made fun of by these photographer jerks that like to think they were born with a camera in their hands.  -Randy 

~ Schoolhouse Shoot 2013 ~

~ Renee Robyn ~

Renee Robyn is an outstanding model and photographer.  I have had the honor of shooting with Renee a few times and have to say she is one of the best.  She has such great artistic talent and uses it in front and behind a camera.  Those that know of Renee would agree with me that she is such a unique and talented person.  Check her out on FB and see some of the amazing work she does.

~ Holiday Family Photo Session ~

It was really really cold, but this family braved the cold weather and allowed me to shoot some pictures of their family.  It was a LOT of fun, the kids are full of energy and even with the temp dipping towards -30 it was a blast.  I couldn't feel my finger tips near the end but the results made it worth it.  I did get to warm up in the house so it was all good.  :)  Here is the animoto video I made for them from their session.
-Randy

~ New Look Website and Vegreville Landscapes ~

I recently got a new logo for Randy Pond Photography.  I decided to give my website a reboot and new look.  I am looking to add some new portfolio images and excited to be going in some new directions with my photography.  I really love the new logo designed for me by a great artist friend.  I think the colours are really represented by the landscape of Alberta.  Everyone that sees a sunset or sunrise in Alberta can relate to the orange and blue.  Also love the Oiler connection there too.

I have been enjoying running around the countryside of Vegreville shooting the sun coming up before work.  Here are a few of the current shots from earlier this week.  Not much else to share on the blog today, just excited for some snow this weekend. :)  I am also hopeful hockey comes back, even if they are all a bunch of spoiled rich kids and fat cat owners.  It's nice to have a Canadian sport to watch during the winter when there is nothing else on TV! :)  The last black and white was shot with the iphone, I really love it.
-Randy