Pages

Showing posts with label portrait. Show all posts
Showing posts with label portrait. Show all posts

29 September 2022

~ Memories of 2019 and ALEX SHOOT ~

 THINKING BACK TO 2019 and SHOOTING WITH ALEX


MEMORIES FROM 2019

So it was in the end of September 2019 I was hospitalized with what I knew was a football sized mass inside me. I soon was told that it was cancer. It was a life shattering and altering thing to face and it was a difficult road to follow. Thankfully I got so many prayers, people supporting me that I never expected. I am truly blessed and humbled by it all. My hope is to try and give back to others the love and kindness shown to me by so many. 


SHOOTING WITH ALEX

This week was a challenging week of work and I got home today with the plans to get into my studio and do some photography. Thankfully this model Alex came to shoot but things did NOT GO smooth. Due to covid I haven't used my studio gear and when she got to my place my trigger batteries all died and we had to zip out to get new batteries. Then the main trigger would not wanna work....which was frustrating and as I tried to get it working, Alex got my older backup trigger to work. We were short on time so we shot what we could. It was sure a blessing to do something I loved like photography again. The pandemic really shut things down for my photography as it did for mostly everyone. I am so rusty and made a lot of rookie mistakes but it was fun to shoot again. Here's a few shots from todays shoot. 






03 August 2022

~ Summer 2022 Update ~


A Moment of Growth

I was having a summer where I was praying a lot to God for some inspiration and direction to take my talents and creativity. Within a day or so of praying I got a message from a very good friend, more about this message later. This friend visited me when I was sick, brought me food when I was in the hospital and most importantly kept me in his prayers. Not only did he pray for my health and healing, he got his church prayer group to lift me up in their prayers. I came out of cancer and was faced with a pandemic....my photography was mainly portrait based for so many years. I always love nature, landscapes and seeing it around me was always beautiful. When I started my photography the lenses I wanted to shoot animals and nature were so expensive as they were massive zoom lenses with a LOT of glass. Ok, that backstory is over, back to the message. My friend was able to purchase a Sigma 150-600 lens, which was on sale. He shared this with me and after discussion with my wife, we decided this would help me get going in a new direction with my photography. I called Vistek in Edmonton and turns out they only had 1 lens left and I was able to pick it up. I have always been happy with Vistek and their customer service and was glad I could support a business local to me.

 This image was the first thing I shot when I got home from Edmonton yesterday. I want to share more on my BLOG how this lens and I will work together to showcase how God has gifted us on earth a taste of heaven. Teasers of heaven are all around us, we just got to be open to seeing them and realizing that our Creator loves us and all these things we find beautiful are gifts from Him.

Thanks for reading this and I hope it inspires you to pick up a camera and look for those gifts. God is the ultimate artist and creator. I give Him all the praise for the gifts he gives me and the beauty around for me to capture with my camera.

-Randy


~ Flowers ~ New lens.

19 September 2018

This wild and crazy world....

So I have finally started year 21 of teaching and still loving the challenges and learning I experience every day.  There is a LOT of potential for changes in my life right now but looking forward to what these changes will bring.  I love photography but lately I've been actually doing what I have said I would do for years, which is to pick up a pencil and some art supplies and create some art.  I added a link to my website to showcase my creative side more.  It's felt good to mess around with art and create without the camera.

I am trying my best to not worry about the world but it's been crazy.  Make America Great again and it looks like a dump.  The climate change that so many try to ignore is looking quite real.  So many terrible storms and wild fires.  It's tough to stomach news lately with the nutty things happening.  I am thankful for art, music and creative people.  Thankfully there are people trying to make the world a better place with their talents.

I will drop a few pics here of recent things I've been doing with my camera.  Gonna try and share more art as well.  Stay tuned and if you're reading my BLOG a huge thanks as I am a terrible writer and hoping posting a blog or two will help with that.  The photos in this blog feature a model I love working with: DESTINY and we shot them late summer out in Vegreville.  It's always fun to collaborate with her.  She's always been a great model and friend to work with.  She got me some amazing Oiler players to give me autographs!!! Spoiled photographer here!!!!

-Randy




~ Destiny ~ ~ Destiny ~ ~ Destiny ~ ~ Destiny ~ ~ Destiny ~ ~ Destiny ~

30 August 2016

~ End of Summer 2016 ~

I almost never got to shoot my END OF SUMMER 2016 edition.  Really busy getting back to work so I will share some of the quick shots I got of the model.  Thanks to Angela who met me in Sherwood Park after her work and on a cloudy and rainy evening.  Here are the shots, hoping to blog some summer work from summer including the Wil Yee wedding in BC!!!!

Thanks for stopping by to check out the BLOG!!!!
-Randy
~ Portrait ~ ~ Portrait ~ ~ Portrait ~

21 October 2015

~ Wedding Photography ~

This summer I was able to shoot a few weddings with my good friend and professional photographer Olivia from Images by Olivia.  She is a super talented photographer and together we had a blast shooting this wedding at the start of Sept.  Weddings are always a fun time seeing the couple enjoying the day with their family and friends and the special moments that unfold.
-Randy


20 October 2015

~ Fall 2015 ~

It's been a very long time since I've written anything on my blog.  The summer has ended and now fall and my teaching life is in full swing.  It's been a rough year, marked with the sadness of losing our newest cat Mulder at such a young age and right when the summer began.  I still find my happy place is behind a camera and being creative.  Without art, without imagination this world would be a very difficult place for me to exist in.  Social media to me is meaningless without images, I love photos and don't care if they are mine or belong to another photographer.  There are so many talented photographers out there.  I spend a LOT of time on 500px looking at works that humble me and inspire me.


Every year before I go back to school I attempt to do a photo shoot to mark summer ending and just get my last few pics in with warmish weather and natural light before hiding out in studio for the winter.  I will share here some photos taken of the stunning Vickie.  Hopefully I'll BLOG more as I have neglected this blog for a VERY long time.
-Randy


~ Vickie ~
~ Vickie ~ ~ Vickie ~ ~ Vickie ~ ~ Vickie ~

18 May 2015

~ 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


~ Destiny ~ ~ Destiny ~ ~ Destiny ~ ~ Destiny ~

17 November 2014

~ Movember 2014 and some Wedding Images ~

I realize my blog has been quiet, so here is an update to what's been going on in my world.  This school year has been REALLY busy and I have not had a whole lot of time for photography.  I did shoot a wedding recently with a young couple at Fort Edmonton at the start of November. (pics below)

I have also started growing a MO for Movember.  I have not been promoting it as much as in previous years.  I would appreciate any support.  Go here to donate: RANDY'S MOVEMBER PAGE

Winter is here now and I am hoping to capture some lovely winter scenes to share on the blog.  I also have a plan for some studio work this winter.  The theme I want to do is angels. :)  I have always loved the game Magic The Gathering, there are some really cool cards with angels on them and the art is amazing.  I have always thought it would be cool to do something photography related of angels but I find it SUPREMELY cliche and cheesy to have a model wearing those fake wings.  I always told myself if I did an angel theme it would need to be something composite so the wings looked better than just fake strapped on wings.  So if you're a model interested in being part of my Angel theme then please contact me. :)
-Randy



~ H&A Wedding ~
~ H&A Wedding ~
~ H&A Wedding ~ ~ H&A Wedding ~ ~ H&A Wedding ~

02 July 2014

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.


~ Candace ~ ~ Candace ~ ~ Candace ~

17 June 2014

Model of the Month for June 2014 - Vickie

What do you love the most about modelling?
 It’s continuously a challenge against myself to improve and become more versatile. Experimenting with body positioning that feels abnormal and of course seeing what the photographer does with the original photographs for editing is always exciting.
What is the most challenging thing about modelling for you?
I’m still incredibly new to modelling, and I think one of my biggest struggles is facial expressiveness.       Trying to convey a story based on your eyes especially while staying relaxed can sometimes prove difficult for me, but it’s just one of the challenges I love about modelling.
Do you prefer color or black and white?
Although black and white can sustain more raw emotion, I’ve always loved colour in my photos there’s just so much more life to them that way!
What tips do you have for models that are just starting out that you wish you knew when you started?
Get comfortable! It helps a ton when you’re in a shoot when you feel relaxed and at ease and it always shows in the photographs. Whether it’s practicing alone, or in the mirror while listening to your fiercest music, feel out where you feel comfy with posing, angles, and then just experiment from there. Also, I find if you ever need a little inspiration it’s never too far away with all the endless tutorials on the internet. J
Do you prefer shooting in natural light or studio light?
Oh, that’s a tough one because I love both! Natural lighting makes everything so beautiful; however, the possibilities when you add studio lights are far more limitless! This year I had the opportunity of working with a ring light and I would highly recommend giving it a whirl to anyone!
Where would be your dream location to do a photo shoot?
An underwater shoot would be something that I have always been intrigued to do, somewhere in crystal clear ocean water, perhaps somewhere in Australia or New Zealand. I also have a huge fascination with reptiles; getting the chance to shoot with some wilder critters would be rad!
What kind of music do you like to listen to when you are at a shoot or getting ready for a shoot?
I adore listening to 90’s hip hop so usually a lot of Wu-tang, Big L, Atmosphere, A Tribe Called Quest, Dilated Peoples, Boot Camp Clik, and typically I mix in some Lana del Ray as well, it just gets me into an amped up mood to shoot!
What color is your favorite?
It would have to be a shade of blue, blue is such a tranquil colour and when you get the right shade of turquoise, such as a rich glacial lake or a tropical ocean I find it so serene and gorgeous. 
What social media do you use?  Feel free to shamelessly plug yourself or stay secretive.
Instagram (@vahickster ) is by far my favorite! It allows me to find people who are interested in similar things as me, like snowboarding, wakeboarding, hiphop, and modelling.  I get to see a great mix of hilarity, and I get inspired for all sorts of things through other people’s concepts and photos.  There’s also far less negativity strewn about as well in comparison to things like Facebook and Twitter, but as any modern day little lady does I am on most social media platforms. 
What would you say is your biggest strength?
I laugh at myself quite easily, so when I’m at a shoot and something turns out a little bit more strange than planned, I try to just go along with it, and make the most of the oddities. Sometimes that strangeness and uniqueness makes for the most captivating part of a photo!


~ Vickie ~ ~ Vickie ~ ~ Vickie ~ ~ Vickie ~

30 December 2013

~ 364/365 Jasmine ~

© Randy Pond Photography - www.randypond.ca
364/365
Almost done.....1 more picture to go and this 2013 thing is O-V-E-R!!! :)  I am lucky I got to do the first shoot ever with the beautiful Jasmine North.  I think she'll get to shoot a lot more.  It was an honor to hang with Jasmine and her sister in my studio and do some photography before the new year arrives.  -Randy



~ 364/365 ~

~ 363/365 FINNY FOR THE LAST TIME in 2013!!! ~

© Randy Pond Photography - www.randypond.ca
363/365
Spent the day with a terrible headache......watched football and happy to see that the Saints and the 49ers made the playoffs!!!  Hoping one of my 2 fave teams makes it in to the Superbowl.  Thanks to Finny for being my model since my brain felt in pain all day and I couldn't think of a good idea for the shot of the day. -Randy


~ 363/365 ~

16 December 2013

~ 348/365 New Glasses ~

© Randy Pond Photography - www.randypond.ca
348/365
A rare photo of the wife, she got new frames and allowed for this portrait. :) -Randy


~ 348/365 ~

03 December 2013

~ 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


~ 337/365 ~

24 November 2013

~ 328/365 Galina ~

© Randy Pond Photography - www.randypond.ca
328/365
Got to shoot it up with Galina Ermakova today out in Vegreville.  Was a short shoot but always an honor to work with her.  :) -Randy


~ 328/365 ~

~ 327/365 XBOX ONE ~

© Randy Pond Photography - www.randypond.ca
327/365
My friend Lloyd Sonny Verreault came out and we got our geek on with his xbox one, since mine is still in Cowtown. :P  Have to say I wasn't impressed with the MASSIVE download time, we had to watch a movie instead and wait until morning before we could play some next gen COD!! But it was worth the wait and I cannot wait for mine to arrive. :) -Randy


~ 327/365 ~

20 November 2013

~ 324/365 Movember Day 20 ~

© Randy Pond Photography - www.randypond.ca
324/365
Day 20 of Movember.  Hoping to raise some more before it is over.  Please donate here: mobro.co/randypond and THANKS for your support!!!  This is a picture of my Mo!!  My kitty Nahla is NOT impressed by my Mo!!! -Randy


~ 324/365 ~