~ 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!!! :)

~ 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

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.

~ 228/365 Gotham Slumber Party ~

© www.randypond.ca
Gotham Slumber Party theme, was created by these 3 creative ladies.  Thanks to Samantha Woods for contacting me about the shoot.  My studio has never seen so many awesome props.  Lots of fun, excited to share more images from this fun shoot.  I have always loved comic books, so this one was a lot of fun to shoot. -Randy

~ 208/365 Dani ~

© www.randypond.ca
208/365
It has been YEARS since I 1st shot with Dani, was nice to connect on a shoot again.  Last time was a group shoot, this was our first time shooting 1-1.  She is a super cool model that just seems at home in front of a camera.....almost like she's modeled a few times before, hee hee.  :)  Thanks to her for a fun shoot. -Randy

~ 205/365 Wall Walking Model ~

© www.randypond.ca
205/365
This has to be one of the coolest poses I have ever seen a model pull off. :)  Huge props to Leanne for this shot.  I suggested she try and get a leg up on the wall and she went all spidey model and just free styled it.  :)  Really had a fun day, shooting with 2 models....just too bad Sherwood Park Toyota gave me some terrible customer service today.  Other than that today rocked! -Randy

~ Two Calgary Models 200/365 ~

© www.randypond.ca
200/365

I was so lucky to shoot with 2 awesome Calgary models.  Jadeyn and Tatiana were so kind to fit me in to their busy schedules for a shoot.  :)  I was so happy to be able to spend a HOT summer day shooting around Calgary with these ladies. -Randy

~ 186/365 Summer Day at the Leg Pool ~

© www.randypond.ca
186/365

Got to shoot 2 lovely ladies today down at the leg grounds. :)  Two former roomies!!! :)  Beautiful warm summer day and some pool photos. -Randy

~ 159/365 Last 30something shoot ~

© www.randypond.ca
159/365

I couldn't ask for a better last shoot before going "over the hill" and turning the big 40!!!  These lovely models came out on a cloudy then sunny then cloudy then sunny day in Edmonton!!!!  Thanks to them all, Nikki and Cheryl I've known a LONG time, makes me feel even older when I think about it.  :)  It's been a great weekend.  Happy to have had today to be outside shooting. -Randy

~ 153/365 Myriam and Angela in Edmonton ~

I couldn't pick one model for the pic of the day, so I decided to go with a 2 for 1!!! :)  Enjoy, happy Sunday.  Only one more Sunday left as a 30something for me.  Hoping to grab some awesome pics next weekend too!!! It will be my birthday weekend!! -Randy

~ 124/365 May the 4th be with you ~

May the 4th I decided to make it special and hosted some friends and models over for a Star Wars themed shoot.  We had a lot of fun and the shot for my 365 is of the lovely Galina in her hot pink Star Wars tshirt.  Loved the shirt and colour.....plus her pose is awesome too.  Thanks to everyone that was involved. -Randy

~ Fitness Shoot 49/365 ~

49/365
Got to shoot two friends that are workout partners today.  I had shot with Patricia Walroth before and this was Katie's first shoot.  It was a lot of fun, I wish them all the best this year in Calgary as they go to a Fitness Competition.  :) -Randy

~ Schoolhouse Shoot 2013 ~

~ 21/365 Snow and Cold ~

21/365
Tried to get some snowing shots with Sabrina, but the snow wasn't really visible.  Really happy thought with this shot.  Brave model, lots of cold and wind......-20ish!! -Randy

~ 3/365 Rooftop ~

3/365 Brought me to Edmonton, AB, to shoot with 2 new models.  Druantia and Samantha....two very similar ladies in looks.  I did get confused at times.  It was awesome to shoot at the location we were at, a really OLD apartment building overlooking the river valley.  Samantha got us permission to shoot up on the rooftop.  My first time being on a rooftop for a shoot, I loved it.  The old building was such a classic place to shoot.  Here is the 3rd image of my 2013 adventure.

~ Thanksgiving Weekend ~

Most people take this time of the year to reflect on what they are thankful for, so I figure I will put down some things I am thankful for.

I am thankful for life, thankful for creativity....without the chance to imagine I would be a very sad human being.  I enjoy seeing the creations of my fellow humanity.  Music, movies and all the amazing images created by artists all over this planet.  Of course I am thankful for my family and friends....and the real friends that have shown their support and kindness to me.

I hope you all have a good thanksgiving weekend.

Here is an edit from a shoot with the lovely Danielle Lucier.  Short and simple blog post today. :)
-Randy

~ May the 4th be with you ~

May the 4th be with you!!

A fun time of the year for Star Wars fans to express their nerd love of Star Wars!!! :)  I am going to make sure to watch an episode today!!! In honor of my fave series of movies and culture. :)

Thanks Lucas for making Star Wars an awesome franchise!!

Should be a star wars edit, but too tired, maybe later today I will do one....but here is Kelsey!! :)
Happy FRIDAY!!!!
-Randy

~ Some late night rambles ~

Some Late Night Rambles

I should be sleeping but wanted to ramble about photography and some of the trends I am seeing lately.  I shoot a lot of portraits and have worked with quite a few models.  Some range from new models to really experienced models.  One thing I have noticed not just in my own photography but just in general is that most of the styles and looks of models/photographers I like are mostly located in Europe.  North American photography seems all about just showing "sex" and not really beauty.  Some photographers and models in North America seem to consider this to be artistic and beautiful.

So many models go for this look in North America

There is nothing wrong with the whole Goth/Pinup stuff, I don't mind shooting it but it's not really my thing.  I really like shooting more natural stuff, natural light.  I prefer a model with no facial piercings and she does not need a ton of ink all over her body. This is the kind of photography I LOVE and I see very little of it over in North America.  I am hoping to take my own photography in this direction as soon as I can.  I realize I need to go full frame to get this style so I may have to wait a bit before I can get the look I want to go for.  But I already sense from using a 5DMII that I can achieve this look with enough practice with a full frame.  I just hope I can find the right models to work with to get this look.  I really want to take my photography more in this direction.  Which does not mean I only wanna shoot this forever and ever, I just need a break from the usual stuff I have been shooting and try and challenge myself to do something different.  These photographers have work I just LOVE.

Ann by Grimafust Ubaovin

Dasha by Artur Saribekyan

~ Beautiful Monday ~

2nd blog post of the day!!!  It is going to be a lovely day and I am wearing shorts!! First time of the year and loving it.  The weekend was a lot of fun.  I had the chance to do two shoots.  One of a young woman who is going to Toronto this summer for a beauty pageant and needed some promotional shots.  The 2nd shoot with Breanne, a lovely young model that was willing to go the distance to get some fun shots in some "gross" water.  I really wish Vegreville had some nice clean lakes or water to do photos in but sadly we do not.  But I am still pleased with the results.

The 2nd part of the weekend I loved was being able to play the beta release of Diablo 3!!!  That was a BLAST and so much fun to go back and remember those amazing times I had playing Diablo 2.  Now I cannot wait for May 15th when it releases.  Also, so happy the sniveling Cindy Crosby and the Penguins got the boot from the playoffs along with those rioting Canuck fans and their team.  I am really hoping the Senators can go far....would be fun to see them win a Cup.  

As for the election, I am not 100% sure who I am voting for, but I am 100% sure it is not going to be for the Wildrose Party.  They are pretty much scary nutballs and I would not throw my vote their way.  They almost had me but then Lake of Fire dude and I am better cuz I am white dudes scared me away....that and their leader seems sketchy.  I liked the Liberals and how they came out swinging.  Hopefully it will be a PC win, even though I want Liberal I doubt they will get enough support.  Oh well, just hoping Wildrose loses.

Here are some edits for your Monday viewing pleasure:

Top of the Morning to you

Been a long week, starting my 2nd night of parent teacher interviews.  3 hours in the gym meeting parents after school.  I am looking forward to the weekend.  Not going to write much today, just tired and can't wait for today to be over.  I will share some recent edits from shoots and say Top of the Morning to you.
-Randy