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!

What I Have Learned

I have been fanatical about watching the Olympics for the past 14 days. And over and over again I am blown away by the determination of our athletes. These people have single-mindedly focused on getting to these games for the last four years to the exclusion of so much else.  They have sacrificed, suffered and challenged themselves for the chance to compete and win.  And win they have.  Our country, with our small population has gone head-to-head with bigger and more dominant countries and we are holding our own. We are tied for gold with the top two. And yet there is criticism about our athletes performance. To me that is a travesty.  They have brought home gold with a huge helping of pride. And I for one, couldn't be happier to be a Canadian.

Jillie

Imagine your mom taking the time to let you play during a photo shoot.  Imagine getting to be the ballerina princess that you know you are. Jillie's mom did just that and we had so much fun. I have never had a 2 year old perform like this!  She has serious star quality. Here are a few of the shots. Thanks for playing!

My Story

I’ve always been fascinated by how portraits connect us with ourselves and the people we love in a powerful way. Done right, portraits can stop time as they capture who we are, capture our essence and reflect our emotions.

When my daughter was born, the power and importance of stopping time and building a legacy became even more important and personal for me. It became more real for me how easy it is to forget the little but important moments of our lives. Already I have forgotten so much. And those memories are lost to me forever. Those tiny losses tear at me because there are things she did that I can’t see anymore and I can’t always remember how old she was when she reached certain milestones. It’s the simple, candid moments that express who we are and are easy to lose connection with. I love to capture all of these moments - I call them “the Good-the Bad and the Ugly”. Because that’s life! We’re not perfect and I hope to never be perfect. Because in those moments of pure joy, tears, frustration and love, we show our souls. And we begin creating our legacy.

Time is fleeting and life can changes quickly. I have seen many losses, both personal and through friends and family. And they remind me how important it is to capture our memories. Imagine not being able to recall what a loved one looked like at a given age, or at all. Imagine not being able to show your children what their Mommy looked like; how Daddy looked at them, so full of love or how your beautiful dog ran through the field with them where they grew up.

Now imagine the feeling of capturing those moments. Imagine creating a photographic one-of-a-kind collection of artwork that reveals yourself and who you are. Imagine creating your families’ story over time. A story that you get to see, reflect on and enjoy everyday - it’s there in your home, and in your heart. It communicates to our loved ones how important they are to us.

Chipperfield Photography is passionate about stopping time, capturing essence, and building legacy. We all have an essence that is worth revealing and communicating to the people that we care about. It is love - expressed now and in the future.

New Headshots

I had a fantastic session with Lindsay last week and created some awesome shots that will hopefully help her get lots of work! Thanks Lindsay - I had fun rockin' out with you!

An Evening of Stories in Song

In late December, soprano Stefanie Rose-Airey performed here in Calgary along with baritone Michael Hope. The concert was fabulous and not only was I fortunate enough to hear her sing again, but she asked me to photograph her performance. The church was quite dark and intimate, lending to the romance of the evening. Here are some of the shots we loved.

The Raven

I love the things that kids say. They are learning so much, but sometimes the wires get a bit crossed. This was one of my faves; uttered when we were driving around one day. And what I love most about it, is that she isn't self c0nscious when she makes a mistake. Usually she laughs uproariously about it and we giggle over it for days. We can learn a lot from kids.

Dropped out of the blogosphere for a while...

...but I'm back! The Christmas season always kicks my butt a bit and I just realized how long it has been since I have connected on here. I have been doing lots of work and playing with some really cool new stuff - I just haven't been sharing. So I'm going to try and catch up over the next bit with some long over-due blogs.

I had a busy Christmas break and was fortunate enough to get a chance to work with Stefanie Rose-Airey; an incomparable singer who will be taking the world by storm. I was also fortunate enough to do some work for Chris Kerson (an immensely talented actor). There is no bigger compliment to me that an actor would come from New York to work with me for his headshots when there are SOOOOO many amazing photographers in the big apple. Thanks for all your support and know that it is returned one hundred fold. Here are a few shots from their respective sessions.

Break a leg with the upcoming role Chris!

Subway

This is my first real multi-media piece that I have created around my NY experience last year. I love the textures and layers - it brings back the immediacy of the feeling of being there.

CJ, Tik and Cricket

'Twas the month before Christmas and all through my house, not a portrait was hung and I felt like a louse. My child is 4 and the dogs nigh on 8. If I don't hang one now, it may be too late. Away to my camera I flew like a flash. Ripped off the lens shade and hooked up my flash. My little ones were nestled all close to each other, jostling for position like sisters and brother. When what to my wondering eye did appear? But a heart wrenching portrait of those I hold dear.

Whew!

On Top of Everything

My good friend, Laurence Seton has very recently written a book about how to get and stay organized. Now, I know there are hundreds of books on this very topic on the market, so what makes this one different? It works. And it is so very simple to use. Ask anyone who knows me - I am chronically scattered. I have tried lists, organization programs, 2 palm pilots (i thought the 2nd one would be different...), mind mapping, divination...all to no avail. I have been using Laurences' program since July (so that's over 4 months people - a record for me!!!) and not only am I still using it daily; it is still working for me daily. It is brilliant and we need to share it with the world! Did I mention it is simple? The heart of it is a wonderful word document. That's it! And the book not only tells you how to set it up but so many ways to integrate it and really exploit it. Perfect for the chronically scattered - like me!

Check it out at:

http://ontopofeverything.com/

Some play in the middle of work...

I was in the middle of working on the cutest layout for Luke EVER when I thought - hmmmm....what if I add stained glass wings to him. And then it turned in to a bit of a gothic thing. And then some stuff REALLY didn't work, but a few versions later I came up with this. And I think it's pretty freakin' cool. It could just be me. But I love his imperious gesture - it seems almost angelic.

November Intro to Photoshop

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 4 lessons over 4 weeks, in order to give you some time to play with what you have learned during that week. The best thing about the self-paced format is that you can rewind and listen to my melodious voice teaching you a section over and over until you totally grawk it! 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. 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!)

Lesson Dates - Four Thursdays starting November 5. (November forum group)
The classroom will be open for posting,help and discussion until January 31, 2010.

Cost: $90 CAD.
Payment must be received to get your log-in info. For your convenience we accept email money transfers or Paypal.

What's the Email you will use?




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

I’m so looking forward to seeing you on your journey in to the fabulous world of digital imaging, where anything is possible.

Some new play...

It's the case of the showmaker's kids go shoe-less. But in this case, I have display images all up in my client area. But do I have any shots of Carter around our house? Few and far between. All my energy goes in to creating art for my clients and at the end of the day I get blocked on what I want in my own home. Part of the problem is that, when I can do anything - where do I start? So I bit the bullet and started. I have created 4-20x30 pieces for my living room. Now that I have done all the work on them, I think one of them will have to go in a different area because the colour is so different from the rest. But I will make that decision when I get them up and replace it if I need to. Here they are. And when I get them up in the space and finalized, I will post a shot of that!

These wonderful dogs need a home!

This was passed along by a good friend - please - if you have considered getting a dog (or 2 :) ) or if you know someone that is, please take a look and pass this along. Thanks!

ANY PET LOVERS LOOKING FOR TWO LABS? Subject: Seeking Home for 2 Family Dogs- Two gorgeous labs trained Cookie and Coco Contact: Katherine kjmorris74@yahoo.com We are moving overseas in just 2 weeks. Unfortunately, I have still not been able to find a good home for Cookie and Coco . We ' re not able to take our beloved doggies with us and I ' ve been desperately trying to find a home for both of them ' together ' . They were raised together and pine without each other. The Lab rescue have already said that they would probably separate them, so this is my last resort. Recently I tried to take Coco out in my car alone and she TOTALLY refused to even get into the car without Cookie......!!!! She absolutely pulled back on her haunches until Cookie was by her side. Both doggies are in great health, have been spayed and have ID chips implanted under the skin. Cookie turned 3 December 10th and Coco turned 3 April 1st. Cookie is my mellow-yellow, and just loves her tummy rubbed. Coco is adorably funny and lives for her "ball." She also loves the water...... Cookie loves lots of attention. Both doggies are loyal and love to walk. They have been raised with my 3 kids running around all over the place, and have survived Sammy ' s constant hugging and love of ' dress-up ' , so they are fantastic family dogs.. This is by far one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make, but under the circumstances I have no choice. Please, please forward these pics to all your friends. I want to find a great home for these fabulous doggies. They are just adorable and it ' s heartbreaking to let them go. In a perfect world, I hope that we could find someone local so that we can still keep in touch and visit them. I pray that someone somewhere can help us keep Cookie and Coco together, and love them just as much as we do. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. kjmorris74@yahoo.com

October Classes are starting soon!

The October round of classes is going in about 2 weeks - sign up now! In fact - anyone that signs up by September 30 will receive either a free Snippets class, or 10% off your registration! Come play with us! Tell your friends!

Check out my new Ning Site!

I am so freakin' excited! I have a new Ning site for all my classes. What is Ning? Well - it's a social network that seems to be geared for artists. What does it do for you guys? It lets you take classes, interact with other members in your interest group and most of all, you can see tons of cool stuff on there!

The September classes start this week, and I know you guys are busy with the start of the school year. But seriously! Sign up! It's going to be a lot of fun.

Rockin' Out Photoshop Classes!

They are here, and they are fabulous! More Photoshop classes than you can shake a stick at...and there are more on the way. Check out the teaser video above for a glance at what is to come and then sign up! You'll be amazed at what you can create!

Check out the class info below for all the goodies:

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 4 lessons over 4 weeks, in order to give you some time to play with what you have learned during that week. The best thing about the self-paced format is that you can rewind and listen to my melodious voice teaching you a section over and over until you totally grawk it! 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. 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!)

Lesson Dates Thursdays Sept 10,17,24 and Oct 1. (September forum group)
or Thursdays Oct 8,15,22 and 29. (October forum group)


Cost: $90 CAD.
Payment must be received to get your log-in info. For your convenience we accept VISA or MC, email money transfers or Paypal.

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

I’m so looking forward to seeing you on your journey in to the fabulous world of digital imaging, where anything is possible.

Allie and Bryce

I was so honoured to photograph my sister's wedding in Victoria earlier this month. They chose an amazing location at MacAuley Point Park overlooking the ocean. From start to finish, their wedding was perfect for them (including the choice of ring bearer!).

Here are a few sneak peeks of your images - enjoy Hawaii and I can't wait to share the rest with you when you return.

xoxo always!

Wow...

is August really halfway over?
(a little self indulgent whining here...bear with me)
I feel like this just walked up and slapped me in the face. Between my sisters wedding (which was wonderful), replacing my computer and numerous other incidents, I feel...done. I should (there is that evil word) be relaxing and enjoying the summer. But it seems like everytime I have some time off with CJ and D, the weather isn't co-operating. And I would just love to have some fun in the sun. So excuse the big blurt here but this summer doesn't feel like sunshine and roses. There seems to be a lot on the go but nothing really getting done. I am in a place of transition which is a really good thing and is a lot of work and emotional energy as well. Reinventing oneself to any degree is always a challenge! So bring on some BBQ,golf,sprinklers and sun. I want a couple of weeks with some fun before the crunch season hits! And check with me tomorrow - I will so be over this. ;)
Anyone else feeling this way? Hit me back to let me know I'm not alone in this!
xoxo
Jen