Midsummer Night's Dream

This is so not where I thought I was going with this piece.  But I love where it wound up.  

She is my little muse. An endless source of delight when it comes to creativity.  Maybe because there is no expectation on the final result.  I am completely free to explore and play without restriction.

This painting is loose and happy and the colours make me sing.

xo

Jen

I'm Published (again) in...

I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this magazine.  So to be chosen again to have a piece featured in it is such an honour.  And on top of it, it is one of my favourite pieces of all time. You can find this image of CJ, Tik and Cricket on page 119!

xo

Jen

Nico is Two!

Two years olds have so many amazing and intriguing qualities about them.  They are learning to communicate - and are learning to choose when they communicate! Choosing to say no.  Choosing to grace you with a look or a smile.  Many believe that this is a difficult age to photograph, but I love it.  I love that moment when you earn the trust - and get the look. Nico put us through the wringer, but at the end, I was completely exhilarated from his lovely energy.  

Here are a few preview shots from our shoot on the weekend.

 

 

 

 

  

xo

Jen

Christy and Al

I shared some of Christy and Al's wedding photos a few months ago, but wanted to share their final painted image. I love the softness with a touch of grunge. 

Such a lovely reminder of what a beautiful day they had!

xo

Jen

Zachary

layers art pictures personality paint canvas love

xo

jen

Pinkie

eyes luminescent bright light shining through reflecting what is inside where do the words come from what have i seen where do i extend to next pools of soul falling dropping like splashes on the page

the next pretty girl

xo

jen

Brooklyn

I was doing some housecleaning on my computer and came across these pictures from a year or two ago.  I was fortunate enough to be asked to do a Life Art album for a good friend's niece.  I had forgotten how much fun it was and how much I love how it came out!  This is something they will have forever - what an incredible legacy to pass down to Brooklynn when she is a bit older!

The Fitzpatricks

 One of my favourite things is when a client lets me play! Check out the composites that I created for this family.  I am especially having a love affair with the first one...

This year, I am also soooooo appreciative of being able to print even the largest images in house.  I can create a consistent look as well as keeping timelines under control.  I am no longer at the mercies of my various labs in this very busy photography season. Very, very grateful!

5 years old

My baby girl is 5 today.  Here is a piece that I created this morning to celebrate her in this coming of age.

Love you always baby girl.

Bina, WAGs and ME

For so many of us, our dogs are not only our pets, they are our children.  We talk to them, we pamper them and we open our hearts to them.  They are our family and our lives are changed by them. Sabina, William and Maggie are three such wonderful children.  They have wonderful stories of finding their ways in to their family and they couldn't ask for a better home.  Petra has started her gourmet dog food company in response to their needs and it is on it's way to being an overwhelming success.  I was so fortunate to work with Petra to capture the essence of her babies.  The four of them are featured on the Dreams and Inspirations page of her website.  However, my heart went in to creating the piece above for her. I love when I am allowed to play and create - thanks so much for that Petra!

Caiden - More Life Art!

So I've been busy creating more Life Art for little Caiden. Here is some of what I've been playing with. These first ones are from his one year session. All the background papers have been created from scratch to go with the layouts.

This next one is from his 6 month session. We've been jumping around a bit - but I'm getting close to having his year done! I love the little details like the butterflies, "grass" and footprints in this one. So much fun! More to come soon...

Photoshop Classes

They're here! And here is all the info you need to know. (And if you need more - email me: jennifer@chipperfieldphotography.com)

Welcome to Introductory Photoshop!

This class is designed to get you familiar with Photoshop and by the end we should have you comfortable with getting around in Photoshop, getting your pics in and out of Photoshop, as well as being able to do some basic work to make them look good too! The class is going to be 2 hours a week for 3 weeks in order to give you some time to play with what you have learned during that week. I strongly encourage you to play in the program. There is nothing that you can really mess up (that I can’t help you fix) and the more you play, the more familiar and better you are. Having said that – if you guys are all picking up the concepts easily, we will take the time to go in to more advanced stuff towards the end. But for now, let’s concentrate on teaching you the basics!

Here are some of the things you can count on learning:
· the toolbar (and options)
· preferences – how to set up PS to work for you.
· the work area
· the palettes
· navigating
· shortcuts, shortcuts, shortcuts…
· image size and understanding resolution
· cropping and scaling and image
· understanding colour modes
· saving an image (sounds basic, I know – but there are lots of options in here!)
· understanding image file formats (jpeg, TIFF, PSD – why are there so many?)
· making selections
· adjustments (brighter, darker, colour – all important stuff!)
· brushes
· an introduction to retouching tools (patch, healing and stamp tools)
· removing distracting objects in background
· intro to layers
· working with text
· basic image correction and retouching techniques
· filters (or let’s play with cool stuff!)

Class time: 9:30 – 11:30 Tuesday March 31, April 7 and April 14.
(We require 3 registered participants or else the class may be cancelled or changed)

Cost: $150+gst.
Payment must be received to hold your spot. For your convenience we accept VISA or MC, Interac or cheque in person or VISA or MC by phone or email.

Please call 403.263.6166. to register or email jennifer@chipperfieldphotography.com

The class will be taught on Adobe Photoshop CS4. This is the latest version of the software. If you do not own PS yet, you can download a 1 month trial online at adobe.com. This is a great way to see if you are really going to use all the features that CS4 allows. Alternatively, you can also learn on Photoshop Elements (a 1 month trial is also available at adobe.com). This is the baby version of CS4 but still will allow most users to create the images they would like to see. Many of the lessons can be adapted for Elements and throughout the class, if we have people using this software, I will let you know when you are entering territory where there will be shortcomings.

You can do Photoshop work with just a mouse, however, I HIGHLY recommend getting a tablet if you think you will be doing a substantial amount of work. Trust me – you will kiss me when you feel the difference. I don’t endorse any of the following stores, but Future Shop, Best Buy and Staples all sell the Wacom Bamboo. I like the one without the mouse – I have never used the mouse on it. It’s awkward.

This class is being taught interactively, online with the latest in webinar software. You can learn in the comfort of your own home without the hassle and time of travelling. To maximize your experience, I recommend an integrated headset/microphone unit. You can use your computers speakers and a separate microphone, but be aware that it can sometimes cause distortion. Alternatively, there is a conference call number provided and you can use your telephone. This is a long distance number, so if you have a long distance plan, perfect! If not, please be aware that you will be billed long distance charges.
If you have any technical questions about getting set up for the class, please don’t hesitate to give me a shout.
I’m so looking forward to seeing you on your journey in to the fabulous world of digital imaging, where anything is possible.

(and because this post wasn't long enough, here's more)

Photoshop for Scrapbookers (or how to create incredible layouts and learn some cool tricks!)

So you’ve taken the Introductory class, or maybe you already know your way around Photoshop. And now you want to learn how to play with layers, blend modes, compositing, text effects, selective colouring and so many more fabulous techniques. Well welcome to your new playground. Whether you want to do all digi layouts or create rockin’ Hybrid (digi/traditionl) pieces, have we got a class for you! In this class we will explore all those techniques along with making your own custom brushes, working with downloads from online sites and so much more. Join us for this uber-fun class and look forward to sharing your creations online with the rest of the class. Express your soul through art!

Class time: 9:30-12:30 Saturday May 2 and May 9,6 hrs.
(We require 3 registered participants or else the class may be cancelled or changed)

Cost: $150+gst. Payment must be received to hold your spot. For your convenience we accept VISA or MC, Interac or cheque in person or VISA or MC by phone or email.

All the technical info is the same as above - please read the Introductory class for more.

xoxo, Jen