~ 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:

~ Photo Books ~

I have been doing some revamping of my services and have decided to offer photo books now with my sessions.  For more info check my website to book a session and get some beautiful images in a photo book as well as on a DVD.  I am really looking forward to giving my clients the combo of printed work and digital files. There is something special about seeing work in print as opposed to on just a monitor or on facebook.

~ Diablo 3 THIS WEEKEND!!! ~

Blizzard announced an open public beta weekend for Diablo 3.....I cannot resist.  I need to try it out.  So excited for this game.  So, after work today, DIABLO!!!!

Sharing a recent edit of Myriam, happy Friday!!!!!!!!!!
-Randy

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

New FB GROUP for Randy Pond Photography

A New Focus For Randy Pond Photography

MODELS

When I started out in photography I was able to develop a stronger portfolio due to working with some amazing models.  We shot TFP/TFCD (time for print and time for CD) and it allowed me to get more paid work as well as increase my skills.  Models bring a lot to a shoot, they do not only enjoy working in front of the camera but as any photographer will agree, a good model is essential to creating a great photo.  Just being "pretty" is not enough to be a successful model.  Lots of people have natural beauty but lack the ability to pose, take direction or even just independently work without direction.  Every photographer is different and a model needs to be able to work with all kinds of photographers.  I have shot with beginning models to experienced ones and most always for TFP.  I never used to come up with really creative ideas for a shoot, I would mostly just ask a model to bring lots of outfits and when the day of the shoot arrived I would just spontaneously go out and shoot.  I am wanting to create a new outlook for myself so this is what I came up with:

• starting right now, I am going to be cutting back drastically on my TFP/TFCD work.  No longer will I be shooting just to shoot.  My shoots will be planned and have a creative theme and will hopefully collaborate with other creative people to make the work stronger.
• I created a new facebook group that is closed.  If you want to join I will need to approve you.  Within you will be able to discuss ideas, share ideas and hopefully be a part of a shoot.  This will be the best way to get a chance at doing TFP with me.
• I will be more selective as to who I work with for TFP.  If an idea for a shoot does not fit my theme then I will be charging for the shoot.  I will offer very reasonable rates to models wishing to get work shot for their portfolio.  More news of that will come in my blog and be listed on my website.  Stay tuned, as this is all new I am going to be offering more info in the near future.
• I will be featuring my projects on my website to showcase some of the things I am shooting.  So check out the site soon to see this new work.

I really want to be a better photographer and feel that this approach will result in better work for my portfolio.  I also feel like the time has come for me to focus more on the business side of Randy Pond Photography and offer new sessions, products and ideas to clients.  I look forward to showcasing new ideas and directions for Randy Pond Photography in the near future.  I will NEVER stop shooting TFP but it is just going to be more strategic and limited so that my work will benefit and so will the people I choose to work with.  

-Randy

I will leave you with some recent edits:

~ Sunday Shoot and a good weekend ~

I had a fun great weekend.  On Sunday I hosted a shoot with the lovely Susan and her sister Carla and their friend Kelsey.  It was too cold outside for outdoor pics, so we stuck to the warmth of the studio.  I missed getting a picture of it but they broke a record for bringing the LARGEST suitcase of outfits.  I usually want models to bring lots of clothes but this was tons!!! :)  Which was awesome, but I doubt we even scratched the surface on all the outfits these ladies had at their disposal.

Susan and I had shot YEARS ago and it was great to be able to shoot with her again.  She is such a stunning girl with just a natural presence in front of a camera.  Carla is tall, has great eyes and just kept pulling off great poses.  Kesley's smile was vibrant and she was just full of positive energy during the shoot.  All 3 were easy going and the shoot just kept going smooth.  Finny loved having 3 models to give him attention.  Although he slept during the last part of the shoot.

My hockey update:  So during the shoot I missed seeing the Penguins get spanked by the Flyers.  LOL....I am happy that they lost and by the looks of things Sydney Cindy Crosby had a melt down.  This just makes him appear less and less like the next Great One in the League.  Wayne would of never done the things Sydney did in that game.  What a joke and poor role model to any young hockey players watching that.  When the reporters interviewed him after the game he looked like he was about to cry.  Also when they asked him why he just didn't skate away from all the craziness he looked confused.....hope Flyers get the brooms out and send the Penguins golfing.  On a final note, GO KINGS!!!! Jim Houghson's Canuck's won't be going to a cup final this year from the looks of things, unless they all of a sudden pull of some magic.  Good thing too, I don't think Vancouver wants more riots.

Okay enough hockey talk......here are some edits from my shoot with 3 lovely ladies. :)

~ Sunday ~

Sunday today and I get to shoot with Susan Gerth today.  I have not shot with her in a LONG time.  Very cool that she is coming out today.  Wish the weather was nice but I will make the best of it.  Also some good news for people using iphones and ipads.  I have a mobile friendly website now.  Check out www.randypond.ca and see the new look from your mobile device.

Short blog today, just going to share a picture of Elisha Chambers taken a few years ago in Edmonton, I did a re-edit of it today. :)  Hope everyone has a good finish to their weekends.
-Randy

~ FRIDAY!!!! has arrived new website features and NICOLE!!! ~

Friday is here and hopefully this means the stress of this week will dissolve at the end of today as the weekend arrives.  I am excited to announce some new features on my website.  Randy Pond Photography now can be viewed in HTML5, what this means is my website now works on the iphone and ipads.  I am also going to be refreshing my portfolio and adding a lot of new work to the site as well as some better information as to what services I am going to be offering.  This may take a few weeks, months, not really sure but the one thing I know is I am going to be making more changes and trying my best to fine tune this photography thing so it starts working for me.

Short blog today, going to share some pics from a recent outside shoot with the lovely and talented Nicole.

~ Playoffs started awesome ~

I am quite happy THRILLED that the Flyers won, coming back from being down 3-0 vs a talented Penguin team at home is impressive. I am also thrilled that a former Edmonton Oiler scored the game winner vs the Canucks. Good old Dustin Penner puts in a goal that helped the Kings take a 1-0 advantage against the #1 Team in the playoffs. Okay that is enough hockey news. Back to the real world. I am really busy with work, maybe slightly stressed even. But looking forward to the weekend. This has been a VERY short week with all of the things I need to get done. Friday is so close and still a TON to do, so I will keep this blog short and sweet and post a few pics from a quick shoot I did yesterday. Thanks to Joanna Hall and Gabrielle D. for coming out and shooting this model with me. It was windy but still so much fun to be shooting outside.

~ Heat Wave Today ~

The weather today is supposed to be closed to 20!!  I am going out shooting this evening around 6pm and excited to enjoy some warm weather.  Should be good without too many insects.  Last summer was the worst for shooting outside with millions of skeeters always ruining shots.  

On a HAPPY note my Edmonton Oilers beat out the Blue Jackets and got their 3rd straight #1 draft pick.  The 2012 Draft Lottery gave them like an 18% chance and they got it.  I was loving it when they pulled the Oiler logo from the envelope and announced Edmonton would be getting the NUMBER ONE pick!!! :) While the  Calgary fans are in turmoil because their team is garbage, at least Oiler fans look forward to what is coming.  I guess their is a reward for being patient while your team rebuilds.  Not feeling one bit sorry for Calgary fans today, hahahha.  

So the 2012 Playoffs begin today.  Not a Flyer fan but I totally want them to beat the Penguins.  NOT a Crosby fan or a Penguin fan here.  In the EAST I am cheering for the Senators.  WEST, I am going for anyone but the Canucks (not a fan either) and hopefully someone like San Jose or Chicago wins....kind of indifferent.  Anyway, playoff hockey is always fun to check out, but without the Oil I am not heavily invested in any team and while most likely be a casual (at best) viewer.  With weather like this I would much rather be outside with my camera.

~ SPRING ~

Spring is here and I am excited to go out with my camera.  Not going to write much, just share some current spring time images from recent adventures with my camera.

~ Spring and Summer and $$$$ ~

CURRENT EVENTS

• Figured I would update my blog and write about how excited I am for spring and summer.  The winter was a disappointment.  I wanted lots of SNOW and I got basically NONE and that was sad.  I hope the summer brings fewer mosquitoes.  Last year the bugs were a nightmare.  I edited SO many of the little bugs out of my pictures.  
• I am on spring break, spending time cuddling cats, playing MW3 on the xbox and just enjoying time at home.  
• I am hoping to go see a few movies (Hunger Games today I think)

$$$$$$$ MONEY $$$$$$$$$

Money is so important in the world we live in.  When I started taking photos I was just doing it for the pure joy of it.  Most of my life my art has been about seeing people enjoy my work.  It has always been extremely difficult to ask for money.  I am always torn in trying to figure out the price to ask a client for my work and this can be an issue sensitive and open to debate among other photographers.  I understand that photography is everywhere now.  iPhones are in everyone's pocket and so many apps can do some really cool photography editing effects.  So many people take pictures and places like facebook are FILLED with profile pics of people holding their cellphones in mirrors.  So where does someone like myself fit in?  I don't really know to be honest.  

These are a few of my key skills I think relate to photography:

• 5 years of University have taught me to be creative and to use my artistic skills.  I have a B.F.A. (Art) and a B.Education which both allow me to think creatively and problem solve and teaching has allowed me to get more skill working with people and knowing how to relate to them
• Years of doing artistic things, my entire life, not just University I have been drawing, sketching, doodles and mark making any chance I could get
• Technology, I am a freak about it....mostly love Photoshop, editing and am self taught.  But have been spending YEARS learning how to use it and hours upon countless hours working in it
• Actual camera experience.  I am old and my memory is fading, but I was around 14 when I got my first camera.  It was film but I loved it and have been always using a camera on and off since then.  I got REALLY serious when I purchased a digital about 9 years ago.  

So when people hire me for photography they are getting all of this skill and experience.  So how much is that worth?  It is hard for me to put a price on it.  Just this last week I was thinking how $100 does not really buy a person anything anymore.  Friends of mine just went down to Calgary and paid over $160 per seat to sit by the glass and watch their fave team lose to Columbus in a shoot out.  That did not include the fuel, food and any other expenses at the game or on the trip.  This was a hockey game, not photos that will last for years and years.  Photographers have to pay high prices for gear and charging low prices basically is an insult when you consider the prices being paid for cameras and lenses.  So what should people charge?  I have been told I charge too low...however I struggle and I am honest basically no one wants to pay me even my current prices which in my opinion are LOW already.  Maybe in a world where cell phones and digital media people are not seeing the value in a professional photograph?  I don't know, but I am sensing that more and more people are not wanting to pay for professional images.  A few friends that do photography seem to indicate to me they are getting less work.

I am not sure where I sit now on this topic of money.  But I would like to ask that if you admire my work, or enjoy what I do to please help me out.  Tell your friends, I do not advertise a ton and have always relied on word of mouth.  In the last few years my paid work is really disappearing.  I am starting to think I could charge $5 a shoot and still not find a client.  Cheap seems to be the growing trend.....I really do now know.  Hence this blog post that has a theme of confusion because I do not know what is going on with photography and money.  If anyone has thoughts I would be GLAD to hear them.  

Cheers,

 -Randy

Monday Morning Rant and Full Frame Dreams

I have not posted a blog entry in a long time.  So I figure I should update and give a good Monday morning rant.  Today I will be ranting about photographers.  I know a lot of people that do photography at all different levels.  Some are professional shooters and some are just ones that are total noobs.  One of the biggest things I dislike about photography is when some photographers get a God complex.  They start looking down their nose at other people for not knowing everything about photography.

I am so tired of hearing complaints from photographers, things like clients wanting to "just photoshop that out", or "how the camera takes nice pictures" and the list goes on.  This is probably the main reason I would never want to go "professional" in the sense of doing photography as my main source of income.  The professionals I know make photography seem like the worst profession to be in.  Most make their clients out to be villains that are just out to rip them off.  It is seldom to hear good things from photographers, most of the things I hear are complaints about other photographers or their clients.  Where is the joy?  I think some of these photographers that have these issues need to find what made them happy in photography in the first place.

In the work I do, I try and enjoy every part of it.  If I am at a wedding and someone approaches me and wants to talk about my camera or what I do, I enjoy that.  If someone asks questions and wants to know how I shoot, or what techniques I use I am MORE than happy to share that knowledge.  I love photography and it makes me happy.  Here in Vegreville recently I have made some great photographer friends and we all share a mutual love for taking pictures.  We get together quite often and shoot.  There is no big ego involved and it's for fun and the love of photography.  I wish more photographers could let go of the need to run others down and make it sound like they are such Gods when it comes to photography.  Lets face it, most people do not care or understand that we know so much about our craft.  They just will look at our images and either like or dislike the work we do.  Get over yourselves, I have been humbled every time I go online and see so many people from professionals to amateurs that make my photography skills look like junk.  I don't need to walk through life with this attitude that I am some kind of a big deal.  Every time I see a FB status update or post about this negative stuff it drives me a bit more mental than I already am.

Okay, now on to a more positive note, I had a friend let me use her 5Dmii this weekend.  I have actually NEVER had a chance to shoot full frame.  I have to admit I always knew that full frame was awesome.  The part that held me back was price.  But looking back I should have decided instead of a 7D to just wait until I had the money for the full frame.  However, I am still happy with my cameras, but wow....the full frame just looks amazing.  I have made the mental shift already and don't think I can avoid going full frame.  I am making goals already to make sure to save and get myself the new 5Dmark3.  It might take some time but I will try and add this camera to my collection asap. The summer of 2012 would be a LOT of fun shooting full frame, but I will have to see how it goes.  Since it is a new camera the price is going to be quite high and I think I have a few other bills and things that will take priority over a new camera.

Well HAPPY MONDAY everyone, thanks for reading this far, lol...if you did.....here are some images taken full frame of Nicole. :)

~ Rant about Beliefs ~

This picture pretty much sums up why most people dislike hate Christians.  I was raised in a Christian home and attend the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.  My Dad is a Pastor and I grew up attending Church.  I have been able to see the GOOD and BAD of organized religion.  Sad to say there is a LOT of BAD in it.  So many people think it is their duty to go out in to the world and impose their beliefs upon their fellow human beings.  In doing so though, they hurt and damage other people so much that the person they intended to help is turned away.  This woman in the picture above is extending her hand to shake the man with the sign and he looks like he will not even touch her.

To me being a Christian is all about love.  Loving others.  Not going out and judging people and trying with works to make people think you are so good and amazing.  So many good Christians act like good people but secretly have so much sin.  I have always preferred to walk this world and do my best to have a strong relationship with God and do as much as I can to love others and help them.  I don't believe God wants me to be running around pointing fingers at everyone.  God is a LOT more powerful than I am and HE can work on the lives and hearts of others.  He does NOT need me to be a wrecking ball and hurting others by throwing my better than you attitude in their faces.


I really like this picture because there has been so much damage done by "Christians" and it just shows that some people get it.

if you're wondering who these "Christians" are take a look:

Now if more Christians would stop attacking others for being evil and cared more for others like this:

Then the world might start becoming a better place.

~ Good Song ~

It's FRIDAY!!! :)  Excited for a short week next week.  Going to Teacher's Convention Thur and Fri in Edmonton next week.  It will be so AWESOME to get away for a bit and have a short week of teaching.  I hope to take some pictures while I am in Edmonton.  This is a beautiful song I wanted to share.  Added it to my site tonite.

COLD!!! Winter has let me down.

So far winter has not given me any satisfaction.  It started with the LACK of snow.  Looking outside and seeing the world blanketed in the beauty of white is one of my favorite things about winter.  We started with warm weather and no snow, the world was brown and dirty looking.  LOTS of ice everywhere to slip and fall on.  Then shortly after going back to work in 2012 the temperature decides to drop like crazy to -40ish and we still have a dusting of snow out there.  Makes me sad.  Hopefully the snow will come.  If it is going to be this cold at least give us snow winter!!!

For those of you COLD, here are some HOT pictures from my 2012 shoot with the lovely Tatiana!!  She brings the heat.
-Randy