~ 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

~ 20/365 Romancing the Cold ~

49ers win today!!!!  They get to play in the Super Bowl!!!  Looks like Ravens and 9ers!!!  I love it.  Today's photo is of Kelsey and Kyle, a couple that drove out to Vegreville today for a couple portrait session.  The good news is they are a great looking couple in love, the bad news, it was -25 today.  We gutted it out and it was a successful shoot and I am thrilled to show them off as my photo of the day.  -Randy

~ 19/365 My First Bible ~

This is a picture of my first bible.  I was given it on my Baptism by my Mom and Dad.  Not feeling the greatest this weekend so without further ramble here is the pic:

~ 18/365 Weekend is Here ~

Happy Friday, here is today's 365 picture from my 1st shoot with Melissa.  Hope everyone has a great weekend!!! I want my Oilers to win and my 49ers to win!!! :)

-Randy

~ 17/365 Ice Ice Baby ~

Came home to shovel the driveway and saw these hanging out on the side of the garage.  Had to snap this as my picture of the day.  Really tired, not much to write about today, so here is the 17th pic of the day, I'll let it speak for me.

~ 16/365 I'm a Scientist ~

Today was a day I tried to include my cats, 2 of them kind of cooperated, the other bloodied me up and never made it in the shot....lol.  This tshirt is a present from the wife, I always joked with her in any argument that because I taught grade 7 science that I was a scientist.  She laughs at me and found this tshirt at Old Navy for me.  I love it, hehhee, had to make it a 365.  Not happy with the final edit of this, really sloppy photoshop.  :)  Composite shots are NOT my specialty.....but they are still fun.

-Randy

~ 15/365 Sunset on a warm winter Day ~

A WARM winter day, ran out after school to shoot this. Now heading to BP's for Pasta Tuesday. -Randy

~ 14/365 An Apple a Day ~

Today was a good old Monday, feeling tired and just wanting to get it over with.  Got home and was not sure what would be my picture of the day.  Seeing this bowl of apples just seemed perfect, nice and easy.  So I set up to shoot an HDR, shot 7 exposures for this shot.  Then edited it using photomatix pro.  Added some presets in lightroom and here is the 14th picture of 2013.

~ 13/365 Nahla Peal on a Quiet Sunday ~

Today was a tired day, sat around watching episodes of LOST on Netflix, I never watched this series and there is all 6 seasons on Netflix, so seems like a good show to watch without having to wait until next week for the next episode.  I did a lot of cuddling Nahla today, so seems fitting to make her my picture of the day. Hoping this week brings me a new energy boast!!!
-Randy

~ 12/365 Tired ~

Today I am feeling completely tired and exhausted.  Lots of naps and cuddles of cats.  Went out in the cold to snap this image.  Not really much to say, just really happy with life.  Love the new camera and the experiences that photography brings me to capture beautiful images.  Love waking up every day looking for beauty.  -Randy

~ 11/365 Shooting in Edm at Darcy Evans Photography ~

I was excited to go shoot in Edmonton with a great model, Christina.  I worked with Christina many years ago when I was just starting out as a photographer.  She is a super talented model with a lot of creativity.  When she gets in to the zone modelling you are in for a treat as a photographer, it's a pleasure to see her in action.  Darcy Evan's kindly allowed us to shoot in his studio.  Here he is in his land of creativity posing with the lovely Christina.  She has shot with Darcy a few times, you can check out more of Darcy Evan's work at: his website and see the amazing work he does with people and pets.

~ 10/365 The End of a Day in 2013, by Lazy Pond ~

Today was a long day, from a long week.  The first week back after Christmas holidays is rough for everyone.  Students and staff, we're all exhausted and our semester is about to end.  Today, I was not sure what my 10th picture would be.  I love photography because sometimes you just have to wait for the picture to happen.  Today I knew when I arrived home that the light right outside my door looked about right for today's picture.  I grabbed the wide angle lens and snapped a few shots for an HDR.  Here is today's picture, from a tired and lazy photographer that didn't want to travel anywhere.
-Randy

~ 9/365 Lost keys day, Grip arrived ~

The day started out quite stressful, lost my keys (car, house, the important kind) and had that on my mind all day.  Came home and searched and searched, thankfully I had a spot I couldn't check, because the wife had the car I wanted to search.  When she got home I found my keys, they had slipped under one of the seats.  I also saw a postal notice that a package had arrived.  I went and picked up the package and it was my new battery grip all the way from Hong Kong.  I decided my pic of the day would be of my grip on my new camera, which meant my old camera got in the mix of my 365.  I expect it to be dominated by my 5D but I think there will be times the 7D and possibly the 40D get in the fun!!! :)  Happy Hump Day!!!
-Randy

~ 8/365 Winter Sun ~

Today I was so tired at work, felt like I could just sleep for days.  Fighting off yawns constantly.  I am sure many people can relate to that feeling.  Not going to write a lot (yawn)......hehehehe....here is my picture:

~ 7/365 Orange Monday ~

7/365
Back to work today, realized I'd have limited light. Saw this yummy looking orange at work and decided to make it my subject. I thought adding the phone would show how we've changed as a society to see the world through technology. Sometimes the world gets blurred outside of our use of technology. :) Deep thoughts for day 7 of my 365. -Randy

~ 6/365 Snow shoot ~

I have loved shots of people outside when it's snowing, but when the snow is falling, it's always tough to find someone willing to model.  Today this morning it was snowing HUGE flakes and I sent a text to a local model to see if she was able to come out on short notice.  She got ready as quickly as possible and we drove to a spot, sadly Mother Nature did not cooperate and the snow was just finishing off.  That did not stop us from getting some beautiful winter pictures.  I am quite pleased with the results.  :)  Here is my 6th picture from my journey through the year 2013.

~ 5/365 Moxies ~

When we lived in Edmonton we had a date at the Moxies on Calgary Trail, it was a place we liked to go from time to time.  We ended up there tonight for an awesome meal, we're both crazy full now and home to cuddle some cats and watch movies.  Hope everyone had a great holiday, this is our last weekend of holidays before going back to work on Monday.  Here is my 5/365 picture.

~ 4/365 Mr Finny ~

Last time I did a 365 I started out with a cat picture.  This year started with a sunrise and then 2 portraits, I knew sooner or later a cat would end up in my 365.  Finny is my little dude and follows me every where I go in the house.  When I saw him laying down on this blanket by the front window, I knew what my picture was going to be today.  Last Friday for me before going back to work in 2013.  Enjoy the weekend.

~ 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.

~ 2/365 Sabrina ~

A new year and with the new year a chance to work with a new model.  Sabrina's from Vegreville and works out great for us to work together and do some creative work.  She came over for a mini shoot today, I was impressed with her posing ability, she really changes poses up frequently and is able to come up with a LOT of awesome looks and expressions for the camera.  It was a lot of fun to shoot with her, I knew right away from the first set of photos that this picture would make my 2/365.  So without further babble, here is day 2 of my 365.  Looking forward to tomorrow, a location shoot in the city of Champs with 2 lovely ladies.
-Randy

~ Day 1/365 ~

In 2010 I completed a 365 project.  This year I am going to try and complete another one.  I have a beautiful new camera to start it with and I am so excited to share images from a year of my life with you.  I decided instead of a cat picture for day one, that I'd wake up early and head out to capture the sunrise.  It was worth it, I was able to watch the sun come up on a new year.  That is a first for me, to go out and shoot a new year's sunrise.  I shot this as an HDR, 7 exposures and used Photomatix to edit it, as well as LR and CS6.  Not sure every day will be as impressive as a sunrise like this, but that is the fun of a 365, you never know what a day will bring.  Happy 2013 everyone.
-Randy

BEST CHRISTMAS EVER, and Reflections on 2012

BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so happy, I was able to pick up a new camera, the Canon 5DmIII.  It's a full frame and my first time owning a digital full frame.  I am thrilled to own such an amazing tool.  I still believe that skill of photography comes from the person using the camera.  But this camera opens some creative doors to my work that my previous cameras were limited to.  It's just a fun new experience of photography for me.  The Canon 5D series has always been one I knew I loved, but convinced myself it was out of my league price wise.  I have not shot a lot with the 5dm3 but I am loving how the full frame captures the story of a picture.  It is an amazing camera and looking forward to 2013 when I start another 365 project.  

REFLECTIONS ON 2012

I look back on 2012 and realize there was some really rough times.  It seemed like a year of stress and problems related to photography.  I started thinking today that it sort of makes sense why there is so much drama in the photography world.  I believe that art and photography has a LOT in common with romantic and intimate relationships.  Art and photography usually comes from the heart, for me it does at least.  Sharing art is exposing your feelings and emotions, it is a creation from you and when it is not respected or appreciated it can feel hurtful.  Many people get jealous of other people as well, much like a boyfriend can be jealous of his girlfriend.  I look back on 2012 and realize I had my feelings hurt by situations and people I was working with.  I look to the road ahead and realize I need to be more careful about who I work with.  The friendships can be fun, but it is a much more enjoyable road when you can travel it with people who have mutual respect with whom you can trust.  When I started out as a photographer it was my camera and I and as the new year is dawning on us, I feel excited that I am back to this, a new camera and myself.  I am going to enjoy my 365 and focus on growing my skills, I will still be helpful to others and collaborate, I am just going to be smarter about it.  It may sound mean, but honestly, the people not interested in being mutually respectful or kind to me are going to be left behind.  I have a passion for photography and being creative and I wanna travel through life with people interested in the same.  People that don't care for how I live my life or do the things I do can just please go away.  I am turning 40 this year, not interested in drama or conflict.  Let's just take our cameras and shoot the world and create beautiful things.  If you're in to bringing me down, or not wanting to enjoy photography, I'd prefer you just go away.

In closing, I'd say 2012 I learned a lot about my friendships and saw some friendships I thought were real crumble.  Rather than being depressed about it, I feel excited.  The good friends are still standing tall around me and I see the future of 2013 exciting and full of possibility.  Thanks to those that have supported me throughout the year of 2012.  Your kindness has been bigger than you can imagine.

Looking forward to 2013!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Leaving you with some images taken with my new camera.

~ 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

NO HOCKEY, NHL Lockout Solution

Like many other fans of hockey, I am getting tired of really rich people fighting over a giant pile of money.  I have a fun idea for a new solution....my idea is new and I am sure it would never happen but hear me out.

Basically since the NHL and NHLPA cannot seem to want to share tons of money and the 2012-13 season looks pretty much dead, I think that Canada needs to step up.  Americans have the NFL and we have the CFL.  The CFL is a great league for Canada and the players do not make a lot of money but watch a CFL game and those guys are playing their hearts out.  So why not ignore the NHL and create a professional hockey league for Canada only and open professional hockey up to new markets?  I think it would be awesome.  Keep the NHL cities:
VANCOUVER
EDMONTON
CALGARY
WINNIPEG
TORONTO
OTTAWA
MONTREAL
and you could add places like:
HAMILTON
possibly another TORONTO team
SASKATOON
HALIFAX
REGINA
or any Canadian city able to put up a decent rink and fit the market.....

It would be awesome to have a Canadian league and if the USA wanted to start their own they could. Make it a North American league but have the regular season be played in our own countries.  No regular season play vs the other country.  Have a champion from each country and then each champion team could play for the league Championship.  So every year there would be a Canadian team play a USA team for the big trophy.  :)

I would make it so that each player no matter what their skill enters the league making a base salary.  It could be like $200,000 per player (cheap by todays NHL) this would include guys like Crosby and Ovechkin.  Now I realize in the real world they'd never take less....but who needs them?  Take who ever wants to play for that money and start a new league.  The league would have achievements  similar to xbox where you unlock achievements and get a higher gamer score.  Each player could then select an achievment to try and unlock each season based on their personal playing style.  Sample idea:

• score over 50 goals 
• penalty minutes etc..... for enforcers
• assists
• total points

The details about what the achievement would be and how much of a bonus payout would need to be worked out.  But the idea would be each player makes a GOOD salary and has potential to make more $$$ based on their performance.  It's just a silly idea but one that I wish would happen.  I am sick of where the NHL is at, it's nothing like the hockey I watched as a kid and the players are just all overpaid to the point I care nothing for them.  I used to LOVE Wayne Gretzky as an amazing player, the money he made never even was something I knew about.  When I think Crosby, Ovechkin and other elite players all I think about first is how rich they are.  Good hockey players?  YES they are, but do they deserve that much money?  I don't think so.  Just my thoughts about hockey. :)

- sad fan, Randy

Here are some new edits:

~ 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

~ 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

~ Amazing Grace ~

My Spiritual Thoughts on a Tuesday

I was raised in a Christian home....to two wonderful parents.  My Father is a Seventh-Day Adventist Pastor and will soon retire.  I have to thank my parents for raising me in a loving and safe home.  They showered me with their love and showed me a great example of how to live my life.  I was blessed by this but I have found so many ways to slip and fall in my life.  I know that some of my actions have hurt the ones I love and there are times when I felt like I hit rock bottom.  However it is amazing how even there God can reach me and I have felt re-energized and loved.  I wish more people could feel that connection and it's not something you need to go to church every week to find.  In fact I do not recommend people look for God in a church, where some people can be lucky and find Him there, I think going to nature is the easiest way.  Find a quiet place to go, watch a sunset, look at wildlife.....climb a mountain and have a spiritual moment and connection with a power greater than yourself.  I find nature is always a connection with God, my photography has and always will be a spiritual moment/connection I have.  Even when I shoot people, buildings, cars or anything of beauty I find a connection to God.  Well, that is about as spiritual as I can go for a Tuesday. :)
-Randy

~ Calgary Model Shoot ~

I was invited by my friend and fellow photographer Michael Legge to shoot a model that came up to Edmonton with a group of other Calgary models.  I was able to get some sweet pictures of Leigha Marie using an alienbee 800.  I did not use any modifiers, just shot with a bare strobe, powered by the incredible bulk of the vagabond II.  It was a lot of fun and she is a beautiful model.  Hope to post some of the natural light shots soon.  Happy Tuesday.
-Randy

~ Sometimes nothing goes right ~

THE "PERFECT" CONDITIONS

So after work I went outside and noticed everything seemed "perfect" for a shoot I had been planning.  The vision I had was of some muscle car and a model outside at sunset leading in to the night.  My plan was to use my strobes and light the car and model at sunset and take numerous shots then layer them in photoshop later and create an awesome shot.  The weather was warm, no wind and few clouds.  It looked like it would be the best time for this idea.  When I got home I contacted my friend Ryan who had the connection to the car.  He informed me his brother would be able to come who owns an awesome mustang.  I was pumped, not one but two great cars for the shoot.  I texted the model, my photographer/model friend and she was excited too and we had a plan.  But due it being so last minute she was not able to make it.  Ryan and I decided we'd just shoot the cars and still go ahead with the shoot.

RANDY IS AN AIRHEAD

Ryan roared up in a sweet Mustang and I grabbed what I thought was all my gear and we roared off.  We got to a GREAT spot and the sun was just setting.  I set up and got my camera out and stands and then realized what a dumb mistake I made.  I left the vagabond II at home (my battery to power my lights) along with the Alienbee trigger that fires my lights.  So I left Ryan to shoot the one mustang and his brother kindly drove me back to get my gear.  Of course we lost a LOT of light.  Getting to my place did not take long in such a powerful/fast car.  We get out to a new location closer to my house and I set up again.  Then as I go to shoot, I see the trigger on my camera is not working.  Hmmmm, the battery was dead.....yeah......not impressed at this point.  Ryan's brother had to go to work so I lost the chance to shoot his sweet car.  We then ran to 7-11 which was closer and they did not have the battery I needed.  So it's like 9:30pm by now and we raced to Wal-mart.  They had it but when I go to pay, the lady at the till is unexpereinced and when her tape ran out on her register she was unable to replace it.  We had to wait for the supervisor to come and change it for her (more delay).  Finally, I buy 2 batteries and hope that I will have one on hand the "next time" I have one die.  We got back and by then I was tired and annoyed with myself.  Not a good combo for a successful shoot.  My last mistake was during the shoot I kicked my tripod half way through which ruined my concept.  I was layering the images in photoshop and the moment I kicked it, I ruined the effect I was going for.

I guess it goes to show the sometimes when things seem perfect, you need to be prepared to deal with the crazy stuff that goes on.  In this case it was all self inflicted.  Good thing it was a just for fun shoot and I can laugh a bit at myself.  A good example of a fail for my photography memoirs.  Here is a pic from the shoot....not really what I had in mind but considering the problems I created for myself, I am shocked I got an image to post.

~ Love this shot ~

Lysa by Franck GOMEZ

This is a lovely image, saw it today on 500px and would love to shoot a model with a similar outfit some day.  Please go to check out more of this amazing photographer on 500px.  :)  Inspiring images.

-Randy

Random Friday Thoughts

Well, it was a really tough week for me and here I am on Friday feeling kind of sad.  There are some amazing things for me to feel happy about, but I am just feeling a bit down and out and gut kicked.  Definitely need to do something soon to get myself out of this mood.  I really think a photo shoot would do that but sadly I don't have any plans to shoot this weekend.  I think I will venture out at some point with my camera and shoot some nature/life.  Even if it just the cats.  I think I might be in a strong need of stepping away from portrait work and just do more nature/life for awhile.  I am having a hard time dealing with people lately.  Just feeling under appreciated from people these days.  I know it is just the mood I am in, but I really feel like moving in to a cabin in the wild and ceasing contact with people....hehehhe.....I just think I am almost at a breaking point with my patience.

The good news is it's Friday and I can work out my issues and hopefully get re-focused and ready to rock with a more positive attitude for Monday.  I am excited for some upcoming photography work and new people to work with.  I am fortunate to have some amazing friends and yet it's the flake friends and shallow people that I am allowing to drag my feelings down.  I need to put my blinders on some days and FB and ignore some of the things I see.  Either that or delete some "friends" that do not fit the true definition of a friend.  Sad part is if I deleted all the FB "friends" I might be only left with 5 or 6, hehehhe and I do like to share my photography with people so I'd be losing that enjoyment I get over sharing my work with people.  I guess there are lots of other places to share my work and maybe I should consider having an extended break from FB in an attempt to re-gain some of my sanity from dealing with some of the craziness there.  In a world where everyone is connected with social media and technology it seems strange a person can feel so alone.  I think I am in that boat lately and it sucks.

Okay, enough of this pity party blog......I'm going to switch on positive mode now and put my smile on even if it's a tough act.  I'll post some recent pictures taken out in the local country side.  :) Enjoy and HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  :) :)

~ 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. :)