I have kept these images under wraps for a while….almost a year I think…until after Greg and Ally’s wedding.  These shots were from their engagement session, and although a little less traditional than what some are used to…..I love them!

(and just you wait until the post about their wedding.  Get your reading glasses on, because it’s going to be a long one just in all the special details of the day….)

When we shot their engagement session, we stumbled upon an attic as part of the old bank and library that historic to where they live.  I had full access to shoot in this very rustic place, and will definitely shoot there again.  The light was not on our side though, as the beautiful natural light quickly died before we even really got warmed up!

This was an awesome night for me with Greg and Alison.  I remember that I had to remind myself to put the camera to my eye, as we just enjoyed talking and catching up from when I knew Greg in high school.  Then after the shoot, we sat down for some great sushi and some cold Saki (did you know that it tastes better cold?)……excited to have accumulated new friends, and the opportunity to be part of their special day.

P.S.  They are pretty freakin’ hot too, eh?

This week, we booked an awesome couple - Nicole and Andrew.  This is one of those times where it would be nice to have a fast forward button, so that I could shoot their wedding TOMORROW.  Unfortunately, we are going to have to wait about 11 months….but I am so stoked.

We have had so many awesome weddings this year, that this sort of feels like January.  It’s a couple weeks after Christmas, and all we can do is look forward to the next one - and be excited.

Nicole and Andrew are awesome.  During our initial consultation, I decided to take a few snaps of them as well.  We were at a cool location down at the waterfront in Ajax - and just walked, talked and shot.  It was a nice change of pace from “Let’s meet at Starbucks”.  From the get go, it was like I had already known them…

Anyway - here is a couple quick shots from the evening.  I am looking forward to heading down to McMaster University in the next few weeks to shoot their engagement session at their Alma mater!

Check back in a year for their wedding shots too - I predict it is going to be something you don’t want to miss.

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by a small company from my old stopping grounds.  TAS Communications in Belleville contacted me to help them take a creative portrait for a newspaper ad to showcase the nationally recognized accomplishments of their team.

Any excuse I have to put in some face time with the parents, smell the aroma of the Bay of Quinte, and take pictures - I am there.

As many commercial jobs go - there is always tight deadlines, so I immediately started working on sample composites to show them my early vision.  On one of my trips that way, I did a drive by - and took a picture of their building through the window of my car to use for the mock ups.  Thankfully, they liked the direction - and we were off to the races!

We met for about a half day - a very cold day - and tried a few poses and arrangements.  A big “shout out” to Amy, who helped me as a light stand and as a creative director for them.  When I get HUGE - she is my first call to recruit as a CD!

After the shoot, we made selections and retouches in a matter of a day……then we worked on the design of the half page ad - and in less than a week, Voila! 

It was such a pleasure working with a client like TAS.  Check out the copy - and the actual paper below!

I have been back and forth on some funky packaging ideas for sometime now - and have used a variety of options for the presentation of disks and prints.  I purchased a bunch of these little CD folders a while back - and really, really like them.  They are often my go to option for my CDs that are included with our portrait packages. 

I love that these are recycled, and the colour matches our logo!  We added a little ribbon - and voila!

“ Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.” – Imogen Cunningham

Last week, I had the pleasure of shooting with Melissa…….

I am not going to bore you with my typing (because if you peeked at the images below - you are not listening to me anyway).  Melissa is definitely one of those GORGEOUS models that makes a photographer look good.   As I joked with her, “I am just pressing a button.”  Check out the shots of Melissa below, isn’t she beautiful?

And no - you cannot have her number.

P.S.  Melissa is a vetran cheerleader for the Toronto Argonauts.  If you would like an autographed Argo Cheerleader calendar from Melissa - they are $10.  Let me know, and I will figure out a way to get it to you.

Krista and I had an awesome time during Natalie and Andrew’s maternity shoot.  It is always great to meet new people, and in this case we left meeting some really GREAT people.  Have you ever met someone, and after you leave - you just sit back and think “Wow, they are just good people.”  That is how it was for Krista and I. 

…add to that fact - that Natalie ROCKED IT!  Look at these pictures…she is stunning! 

P.S.  I think “Adam” is a great name - FYI. 

The weather was touch and go for a bit this weekend, for Daniela and Mike’s wedding at Viamede Resort on Stoney Lake.  It could have been a tornado, or a blizzard - as nothing would have stopped this wedding from being perfect. 

Krista and I had such a great day shooting their wedding.  It was such a treat to take in all the scenery, all the great details of the event, and see all the people so happy to witness Daniela and Mike’s special day.  We really have the best job on the planet to be able to be a part of our client’s important events.

This one was extra special - as Daniela is a close friend of mine, and co-worker.  When she got engaged, I had to shoot this wedding.  They are a gorgeous couple - don’t you think?  I was going through their pictures today, looking at a few sneak peaks to edit for them, and as I was scrolling through I found a shot of Mike, holding their son Brandon as he first saw Daniela at the end of the aisle.  The smile on his face was so warming - and you could tell by his eyes that to him, there was no one else around.  Then, I scrolled to the next picture (which Krista had taken at the exact same time) and it was of Daniela, with her Dad, and her first glance at Mike and baby Brandon.  I don’t think I have ever seen Daniela’s eyes so bright, and her smile so genuine…..I think they were both holding back a tear or two.  I can admit - just seeing them on my computer screen got me a little choked up!

Thank you so much guys, for including us in your special day.  We will never forget what an awesome day it was.  Congrats to you both, and we can’t wait to see you soon!

Jasmine Star (http://www.jasminestarblog.com/), one of the top 10 wedding photogs in the world, prides herself in “keeping it real”.  Her blogs, and tweets, etc are not just about her photography - but sometimes about her dogs, or her kick boxing classes, etc.  She blogs about her life. 

It got me thinking.  Should my blog be just about photography, William Ainsley Photography the business, or about anything and everything? 

Well, you won’t be seeing any updates about my kickboxing classes…not that I have anything against kickboxing aerobics….I just don’t do it.  But I thought to myself, …what are you buying?  When reading this blog - what are people looking for out of me, and out of their research on my site?  What do you want to know? 

Yes, the pictures are important.  However, I think that when you are looking for a photographer - you are looking for someone you can relate to.  Someone that you want to spend your wedding day with, or someone that you want in your house taking your portrait.  With that being said, it is important that I “keep it real” on my blog too!  You gotta find out more about me, before you want to hire me!  Who knows, my HATRED for kidney beans just might be the deal breaker!

The other great thing about opening these blog posts up to more options, (aside from the greater frequency of random information from my life), it allows you to watch me grow creatively, and hopefully as a person as well.  I watched a video today where the speaker was a very successful published writer - and spoke about the constant fear that creative individuals have when worrying about not doing as well as their last success.  She mentioned something to the tune of “My best work is behind me” as the wrong way to think. 

Of course, as a very proud father - my best work is already created.  However, providing for them, teaching them, guiding them….and more importantly, realizing that they are watching me - is always the work in progress.  It is the best gig!

Creatively- my best work is in front of me.  I guarantee it.  I am sure Jasmine felt the same way.

Until next post - I am off to kickboxing class!  (100% kidding).  But first, what do you think of this shot (below)?

WOW - I apologize for the lack of posts.  It is officially my mission to do more updates, I promise!

Thursday night, I had a great client consultation with two best friends, Dorthy and Diana.  We had been trying to get together for sometime, and it was so great to finally meet them both!

How great is it that two best friends, are sharing their wedding planning?  I think it is awesome, as they have literally grown up together since they were little - that it is only natural that they share the same taste in the details of their special day.  As I spoke to them, both of their days (one in September and one in May ‘10) look like they are going to be extra special, and gorgeous.  They are both going to be beautiful brides!

One thing hit me during the consultation though, that I thought it was important to share.  It was a little bit eye opening for me.  I was asked “So what do you love about photography?”  WOW, I don’t think I have ever been asked that - and worse - I don’t think I have ever communicated it to anyone, especially myself!  Luckily, my most natural answer and quick response was “Catching the moments”.

Now doesn’t that sound like a scripted Sunday School answer, eh?  I promise you it was not - that is why I am so impressed with the question.  I have never given much thought to why I love photography….I just loved it.  Sure, I love the pursuit of the great picture, or I love learning about new techniques and gear, and I also love (REALLY LOVE) the interaction with my clients/friends.  But most of all, it is the moments.  The feeling that you get when you can look at the back of the camera and see a genuine laugh, or cry, or that look in someone’s eyes when they are totally in love.  It is the best part.  Catching the moments. 

I get chills when I think that potentially my pictures could be locking memories.  A couple could look back on their wedding day, or their newborn and get all the same feeling that they had on that day.  That it could possibly inspire them to relive that moment, and happiness, and love.  That is the best part - catching moments. 

So a big shout out to Diana, who got me thinking these past few days.  Do I love photography?  Yes, of course - but that is just a mechanical process….I love the feelings that I get, and can give, by catching moments. 

To your future moments,

Adam