~ Heritage Festival 2012 Photos and a good Photography Rant ~

GOOD OLD PHOTOGRAPHY RANT

Okay time for a good old rant about photographers/photography.  It really annoys me on FB when I see all of the posts and anger from "Professional" photographers regarding comments like: "You must have a really good camera" and how they like to laugh at people that say that.  I just find it so rude and totally stupid when photographers get bent out of shape about that comment.  Most of the time it is a true statement.  If you are a professional you ARE using a very good camera.  Just like a great cook isn't cooking on an easy bake oven.  Get a clue people, as professionals we WANT pro gear.  It makes our job easier and our images look great and the average person does not understand the technical aspects.  Sure we have an eye for it, composition and creativity that is NOT just the camera.  But please open plea to all photographers, when someone compliments your camera, smile and say thanks.  I am just so sick of seeing photographers make fun of the general public and get angry about it.

HERITAGE FESTIVAL - EDMONTON - AB - 2012

Jennifer and I went on Monday to the last day of Heritage Festival, the temperature was in the 30's and wicked HOT!!!  We enjoyed it though, seeing some cool displays of different culture and getting a chance to taste some things we don't get every day.  I think our biggest complaint was the LACK of water.  They had a TON of bottled water available to purchase, but we had our water bottles and the only place to refill was a small water fountain that was NOT easy to fill a water bottle at.  With all those thousands of people and a world that is suffering from pollution why would they not support people using water bottles to cut down on bottled waste?  Seems irresponsible to me.  Here are a few pics from our day there:

~ Summer Storm ~

Summer is doing it's typical ZOOMing by far too quickly.  I have been enjoying the time to relax and do photo shoots.  I have watched some good movies and getting excited to go see batman.  Today there was some crazy weather in the area.  There was a tornado watch out for the area and a few funnel clouds were reported but none touched down apparently.

Here are a few pictures from tonight's sky.  :)  I am going to go watch some Breaking Bad and relax with my cats. :)

~ WORKS FESTIVAL 2012 and Canada Day ~

WORKS FESTIVAL 2012

The WORKS is one of my fave festivals in Edmonton.  However I hate when it is on, because it's one of the busiest times of year for me.  Wrapping up on school does not give me a lot of time to go in to Edmonton and check out the WORKS....however this year my friend and amazing artist Wil Yee was there as a featured artist.  He put a proposal in and was doing an outstanding project there, a lovely mosaic mural.  He asked me to submit a piece and I was honoured to a part of this.

I was able to swing down to the WORKS on Canada Day with my friend Sonny and see the final mural.  Sadly the piece I had done was rained on and damaged, a few other panels were damaged from rain and the elements, but overall it is one impressive work of art.  Quite impressed with Wil's work.  Can't wait to see what he cooks up next.

Canada Day

I got to hang out with Sonny and we went to the WORKS and saw Wil's work, then we went to go play pool and discovered the place we wanted to go was closed.  So we went to grab food at Cafe Beirut and then a little walk by the river valley then I decided it was time to head home to the kittens.  As I drove home I saw fireworks going off over Mundare and then as I got in to Vegreville I could see them going off over the town.  Fun times. :)

Here are some pics from my Canada Day:

~ Abandoned Kittens puts life in perspective ~

This weekend turned out to be quite an emotional experience for me.  I was out doing a photo shoot with my good friend and fellow photographer Mac Sokulski.  We were shooting two lovely ladies and had just wrapped up on a location and wanted to find a quiet road to do the next part of our shoot.  We had 3 vehicles so we drove outside of Edmonton and took a side road.  I was following a model when she stopped and asked if that spot was ok.  For some reason I said we should move on.  So I took lead car and they followed.  I arrived at a junction and Mac was riding with me, we decided to take a right turn.  We drove a few roads and eventually I asked Mac if the spot we were at was good and he liked it.  I quickly pulled over and we started getting geared up.  As we were doing this I started to hear some loud meowing coming from ditch ahead of us.  Mac was closer than I was so I called out "is that a cat?" and Mac went closer to the sound.  He called to me there were kittens.  I went over, my heart racing, not expecting to see something that would upset me like it did.  There in the ditch was a pile of tree limbs, in it were 3 small kittens.  Turns out they were about 4 weeks old.  My guess is some HEARTLESS, evil, horrible, (I can't find the right words) person dropped them off there and never even gave them a chance.  It was a HOT day and they needed food, water and LOVE.  Only 2 were alive, so Mac and I grabbed them and we took them over to show the models we were with.  We had water and were able to get one to drink.  We quickly wrapped up our shoot and drove back to Edmonton, kittens in hand.  I stopped at a grocery store and grabbed some food for the kittens.  We went back to Mac's place and his amazing wife took over operation rescue kitten.  Mac and I had an engagement shoot to go to.  It was such a tough experience for me, I just felt so horrible to know people could do that.  These two precious kittens were never even given a chance and yet they were so strong.  Doing their best to live...it just hit me hard.  This world is such a terrible place.  The area we found these kittens was a RICH place, HUGE homes, people rich with money and worldly wealth.  Right next to them were 3 kittens left to die and it just hurt my heart.  I have had some good cries and maybe even a few more yet to come.  It just felt like God meant for Mac and I to find those cats.  We could have easily took a different road.  I don't think any one of us can take credit for finding them, it was just meant to be.  I do feel happiness and joy for the rescue, to see these kittens now in Mac's home and getting water/food and most of all love.  I know that I could have the best house money can buy, the best cameras and gadgets but my cats, my family, my close friends are the things that are REAL and matter most to me.  Treating others with love and respect is so important.

When I was growing up we heard this song a LOT as a kid in church.  This weekend I was just reminded of it.  The part of the song that says:

God made the little birds and flow’rs,

And all things large and small;

He’ll not forget his little ones,

I know He loves them all.

Our world is so full of bad things, that I think the little ones are the most precious part of our world.  The little ones make life special.  A kitten 4 weeks old, is so small, so tiny but pretty much 2 REALLY tall photographers were reduced to mushy guys by these little ones.  This world is so full of greed and people only thinking about themselves.  It is sad to see the little ones suffering because of our actions.  I am so very happy that Mac and his family took these little kittens and are going to give them a loving home.  I think the names are so awesome too.  The little female is going to be called FUJI (Mac's xpro is a Fuji) and the male is going to be called EOS (for the Canon that Mac also uses).  Just so glad for finding these kittens and for how it really made me think about life....about my life....about the world I am in.  Those little ones taught me so much....they also made me feel closer to God.  Remembering that even God loves the little ones and I know HE loves me too.

NBA RANT, Myriam Edit, last day of classes

NBA RANT

Looks as though the evil Heat will win a Championship....with their BIG 3 superstars.  I am a Laker fan and realize that sometimes the Lakers have brought in superstars and won Championships that way.  However, a guy like James just ruins it for me.  I really have a strong dislike of him, so not happy to see him win a title.  I don't mind Wade, but the rest of the team is bleh! :)  I hope the young Thunder can somehow make NBA history and win the next 3....one game at a time boys.

LAST DAY OF CLASSES

Today is the last day of classes for the 2011-2012 year....YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Now just final exams, LOTS and LOTS of paperwork.  Then I can shut off the brain and grab a camera or two and go crazy enjoying summer.

Todays blog edits feature the LOVELY Myriam!! Hoping to track her down for a shoot soon.  :)
-Randy

We ♥ Photography Group

We ♥ Photography

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Weluvphotography/ is the LINK if you want to check out a new photography group on FB.

I decided it would be fun to create a fresh group and see how things go.  I really enjoy having fun with photography and realized I wanted to have a group that I can share my love of photography with.  The sad thing about photography and the thing I have constantly disliked is the fact that some photographers LOVE drama.  So I went with the name We ♥ Photography because I want people who love photography to be a part of the group.  You can be a noob, or a pro, I want you to join.  What I don't care for is the person with a camera that has the attitude of being better than everyone else.  I really believe that everyone's favourite photo is the one they plan to take tomorrow.  We are all out searching for a great photo.  It's why we love photography.  I wish someone would make a group called We ♥ Drama and have all the photographers who wanna be mean and nasty to each other join it.  They can all rant about all the people buying DSLR's and how it's killing photography and bash each other over and over.

We ♥ Photography will feature photo themes where members can go out and shoot on a theme and share their work.  Hopefully do some group shoots and just be a group to hang out and enjoy the world of photography.  :)
-Randy

My Dad

My Dad

My Dad is awesome.  He is quiet.  He is caring.  He cuts down trees.  He is a cowboy.  He loves God.  He loves me unconditionally.  He is always there for me.  He can play 1 song on the piano.  He is a Pastor.  He loves the Bible.  He always prays for me.  He had prostate Cancer.  He loves hockey.  My Dad always cheers for the underdog.  He loves licorice.  My Dad took me to my first Oilers game.  My Dad got me my first car.  My Dad always made me macaroni when I was home sick.  My Dad and I share the same middle name.  I love my Dad so much.

So it's Fathers Day and I wanted to reflect on my Dad.  I basically feel lucky to have had the parents I have. As a teacher I see a lot of young people that are living in tough situations.  I feel blessed that I had a loving home and had 2 parents that loved me so much.  Giving love to someone is the best thing in the world.  It seems a lot of parents have become so selfish that they forget about the love a family should be sharing.  A healthy family is not necessarily everyone having an iphone, or the newest console, or having a HUGE house to live in, or a massive SUV to drive the kids to a soccer game in.

It was hard when I heard my Dad telling me he had prostate Cancer a few years ago.  I really hear the stress and sadness in his voice.  But he is through that and has been successfully treated and hopefully will not have cancer problems again.  Again I feel SO blessed for having a Dad like mine.  He has always supported my interest in Art and photography.  Without his support I would have never become a teacher, artist and definitely not a photographer.

THANKS DAD and HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!! :)
-Randy

~ Almost 40 Reflections ~

June 10 has come and gone and I am 39 years old.  Looking back I can say wow, what a ride.  Lots of crazy adventures and a lot of encounters with a variety of people.  In lucky 2013 I will turn 40 and enter a new phase of life as a 40 something.  People sit there and say it's just a number, but the more you add on to your life the more a person learns (hopefully) and well, this is my place to ramble, vent, or just babble on, so here I go!

The day before my birthday weekend I was faced with a random internet rage moment when a guy that was on my friends list on FB started doing some really strange things.  At the same moment another person sent me a private message basically telling me I was the reason for a photography group I started was failing.  Fun times online.  In moments like that I ALWAYS hear the Headstones in my head.  The song "Smile and Wave" will always be my anthem for stuff like this.  Drama comes to everyone in life, some people seem to just look for it.  I personally am lazy and don't care much for it.  I'd rather be having fun and enjoying life.  I especially enjoy being with friends, people that share a common love.  For me, mine is photography and when I created this group it was drama free and without this kind of stuff.  However from talking with other photographers it sounds like SO many photography groups have it and seems unavoidable.  Photographers can sure be mean towards each other, something I don't get.  I love photography and want to share the love with others....I think the big egos and attitudes are stuff I just don't understand.  I have always tried to help out other photographers when I can.  I share knowledge, tips and whatever else I can to encourage them.  Then I get random drama and people pointing fingers at me.  Basically to quote a famous Lethal Weapon line. "I'm too old for this $@&!" I think that is it.

I plan on just leaving the group as quietly as I can.  I don't need to create more drama by trying to stay in it and fight it out or "defend" myself.  I have my life to live and it goes much further than social media and online drama.  I want to have real experiences and those are the ones where I am out shooting, not arguing with other adults online.  I had an experience early on in my photography where I was a part of the online canon forums and there had a LOT of drama and met some REALLY rude photographers.  I was younger and got caught up with it all.  Not realizing most of them were trolls and wanted me to react and respond....somehow people like that get fuelled by using the internet to create issues.  I soon realized that the solution was leave.  After doing so I never looked back and was a MUCH happier guy, I also went out and shot a LOT and got better.  Now I think if I were to go back I would prob find the same people still there creating problems and I don't miss it at all.

I am looking forward to the next part of my life, 39 is my age and I plan on making this summer and the rest of 2012 a great year for myself as a photographer.  Looks like new possibilities and hopefully make some new friends.  I think my goal is avoid drama, smile and wave and leave it in my dust.  Have already planned some pretty amazing shoots, just need to wrap up a year of teaching so I can focus back to my photography this summer.  Thanks to all that supported me on my Birthday.  Anyway, I gotta get to bed now, I am an OLD guy!!! :) heheheh Good night!!!
-Randy

Spring Fever

Leaves are showing up on the apple tree outside my office which signals that spring is ready to rock.  +25 this weekend in Edmonton is the forecast.  I am loving it and cannot wait to go outside and shoot pictures.  I have some Grad shoots coming up this month and a few next month.  Then a few weddings this summer.  But I do have a lot of openings to shoot, so if you would like to go outside and get some portraits then let me know.  Contact me on my website: www.randypond.ca

Happy Wednesday!! :) I will leave you with some edits of Breanne from a spring shoot we just did. :)
-Randy

~ What a Weekend ~

This weekend was quite the weekend.  It had the news of MCA's death and with that came a lot of sad feelings.  What is crazy is I had just started to get back in to their music.  I had just downloaded the Hot Sauce album off itunes and was loving it.  Then MCA passes and it just kind of hit me that the Beastie Boys sound would never be the same now.  Maybe realizing I am old too hit me and that life is fragile so what we do here and now is so important.  The things we say and do, the love we put out in to the world.  In the style of music of the Beastie Boys, so many rappers have HUGE egos and it's all about the violence, hoes and showing off bling.  The Beastie Boys were just so unique and to me they were true artists.

Jenn and I went to Edmonton and saw the new Avengers movie at a new VIP Theater (18+) and we were totally impressed.  No annoying teens being loud and stupid.  No wall to wall people and just a fun time, HUGE seats, lots of space, also it was a pretty amazing flick.

Then I also moved a computer down to my man cave, so when Diablo 3 drops I will be able to chill in the basement.  Then right at the end of the night I got an email from adobe informing me my CS6 was ready for download.  :)  So now my CS6 is fully operational!!

Well, I will end the blog with some Olivia edits.

RIP MCA
-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

~ New Edits, CS6 ~

CS6

So the new photoshop drops May 7th and I made my pre-order on mine yesterday.  I have been using the beta and loving it.  There are some really cool new features which I am in love with.  The new blur filters are great, the tilt shift one is by far my fave.  They created the look to mesh better with lightroom, blacks and greys, it just looks great.  Colour images pop out awesome when I am working on them.  It also will allow me to edit video, although I have not tried that yet.  I used my teacher cred to get the educational discount....so I am excited to use this program to create this summer.

New Edits

Here are a few new edits of Susan and Tatiana edited this week.....have a good finish to the week everyone.
-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

~ Monday!!! ~

Quiet Weekend

Not much going on, spent a relaxing weekend at home with the wife....resting was the theme of our 10 year Anniversary.  Did not do much so not going to write much today.  I have a few idea for blogs this week, hopefully they will be more interesting. :)  Just going to post 2 new edits and wish everyone a great week!!!
-Randy

~ Friday ~

Busy Month

April has felt really busy.  Lots going on at work.  Been doing a LOT of planning and thinking about my photography.  Really want to be taking more pictures as the weather is getting nicer.  My goal is to get a new camera soon so really hope to get shooting so I can soon attain my new camera.  I am so happy to welcome Friday here.  This weekend I am hoping to do some celebrating of my 10th Wedding Anniversary with my lovely wife.  We were both quite busy this week on our actual Anniversary date, we were exhausted and did not do much.  

Not much to say today other than I am happy I have a PD day at work today.  No students....yay!!! Here are some Susan edits(FRESH OFF THE PRESS)....happy Friday!!!

~ 10 Years today!!!! ~

10 YEARS TODAY!!!!!

Seems like time has flown....to be here waking up to a 10 year Anniversary.  Life speeding by and a Wednesday that will be busy with work.  However as busy as life gets and as busy as it seems, it is all manageable and tolerable because of that 4 letter word.  :)  LOVE!!! :)  

There are times when life stresses you out, times when you feel angry at the world....but having the support and love makes a world of difference.  I am not going to get all emotional and write all my feelings down about love.    The reason I love art and photography is it expresses visually the things I struggle to say with my words.  So rather than me trying to wax eloquent about my feelings, I'll post some images that are special to me and make me think warm and fuzzy thoughts about my amazing wife.  

~ Alberta Voted no Big Shock ~

I basically threw my vote away but it did not go to the Wildrose Party.  I knew PC would win so I really wanted to go for something besides a Conservative Party.  I am tired of the direction AB has been going on in past years.  I would love to see another point of view, but sadly in this province that is wishful thinking.  I am really thankful PC party won, WR party frightened a lot of people I think which is why they did not win as expected.  I have always supported the Liberal Party and liked their healthcare ideas best so they got my vote.

Enough of the politics.  Yesterday was not a good Monday, the weekend rocked but yesterday is easily forgettable and I hope the rest of the week turns around.  Tomorrow is my 10 year Wedding Anniversary, wife and I are too busy to do much to celebrate it during the week.  So this coming weekend is reserved for all that ♥ and romance!! :)

Here are some recent edits from some shoots, happy TUESDAY!!! :)
-Randy