This is Krista.  Pretty girl huh?

Many of you already know, that Krista is a big part of a “William Ainsley Wedding”.  She is my second shooter, my assistant….but most importantly, she is my wife.  That’s right, for those who don’t know - we are a husband and wife photography team!   Krista has such a great eye for the details going on around - and is crazy with candids.

I recently was told that I had to was lucky enough to do some headshots for Krista, for a few of her fitness projects that she does as well.  I am not sure if she likes my work, or if she likes my prices…..either way, I am pretty happy with the results from this quick shoot.

It also a great opportunity to show you guys my better half, and a large part of the images that you will receive on your special day.

I’m filing this post under “Hottie”.

Now first - I hesitated on writing a blog post such as this, for fear of assuming a title of having a “man crush” on Mr. Chase Jarvis.  (The title was just a hook to get you reading - Although, I think someone at my table admitted to a man crush on him - right Luca?).  I want to make it PERFECTLY clear that I did not wait in the back ally by his tour bus, or sneak under any of room service’s trolley carts to his room…..but I am a fan.

A few weeks ago, I jokingly called out to Chase via Facebook/Twitter after someone was requesting an appearance in their city by saying “Since peeps are making requests, how about Toronto?”.  Surprisingly, he re-tweeted my comment mentioning that he was going to be in Toronto in November.

Long story short long, Chase was here thanks to CAPIC doing a talk about social media.  I followed up with Chase via email, and he sent me the details on where to be, etc.  I snatched up a ticket and headed downtown to check him out at the Gladstone hotel.  The talk was incredible, filled with relevant information and stunning imagery.  Chase’s usual goof and wit made it seem like the room of 150 people was like 10 people.  He danced to his rendition of a Madonna song - and always had a beer close by to keep things light.  I much prefer speakers that have beers in their hands, than laser pointers.  I guess that is why I sucked at college.

Flatteringly, (is that a freakin word?) Chase even used me as an example - which scared me a little.  In the middle of his talk he stopped and called out “Where is Adam…..Where is Adam Belnap…….?”

*Gulp*  I raised my hand.  Chase then came down off stage, shook my hand and in front of everyone and said “Nice to finally meet you”. 

So that is really the point of this blog post.  I have finally made it because I have had the blessing hands of Chase Jarvis touch my forehead, and therefore I am officially a better photographer than all of you.  Yeah - right.  That’s not it at all.  (And just to eliminate the creep factor - he didn’t touch my forehead at all….we just traded swine flu through a hand shake.)

Chase was using me as an example for his lesson, to show that through social media it has connected Chase and I, regardless of any status.  That social media puts you out there, affordably, and officially so that you can be recognized and acknowledged.  Chase has looked at my work, simply because of social media.  Chase even joked about watching my son take his first steps on skates by way of Facebook.  So yeah - maybe I was an example for Chase’s lesson because I am using social media to connect with people…or maybe the guy just thinks I am a stalker, and wants to be nice to me out of fear.

At the end of the night, Chase signed my book “To Adam, so great to finally meet you in person.  You inspire me, Chase.”  We got a picture, chatted for a second and then…….whoa, whoa….yeah you read that right.  Chase said I inspire him…..are you calling horse jizzunk on that as well?  Yes, maybe he was referring to my use of social media, however it is nothing to be inspired on compared to what he does and how many followers he has.  Or maybe he was talking about my photography……..LOL….Okay, I am laughing at that too.  Okay CJ…if you are out there, are you full of poo?  I appreciate that it makes me a big wheel….but really, you are full of poo.

Oh crap - I sound like a needy 13 year old girl at a New Kids concert. 

I saw Chase’s sidekick Scott taping the talk, so hopefully they come out with a video on it - because it is really a must watch.  Besides, how else am I going to proove that we are best friends? 

In short - there are a couple things that I realized about Chase after that talk:

1. He is taller than I pictured.
2. He is nicer than I anticipated.
3. His realness makes him smart and cool.
4. His book is kick ass. 

You gotta check out his book.  It is a collection of…are you ready…of iphone pictures!  There is a tonne of pictures, high quality images taken with a low quality camera.  He preaches that the best camera is the one that is with you, and that stunning images are everywhere.  This book prooves….it.

Find more about the book here- and buy it, and the app, and a t-shirt…and buy his other book, and send him a tweet, or a facebook, or a blog post, or an email.  Tell him Adam sent you. 

A couple pictures from the night:

That’s it.  That’s me.  I am a Photographer.  I capitalize it, because it’s a title.  And I say it because I believe it. 

I am reading a blog post, by way of the exceptional Zack Arias on FB, by Cheryl Jacobs.  Okay, well - I have not finished reading it yet, but that is because I got stopped in my tracks.  I got stopped at the part where she wrote:

“Learn to say “I’m a photographer” out loud with a straight face. If you can’t say it and believe it, you can’t expect anyone else to, either.”

I’m a photographer.  Many of you know me as such, and not by my day job.  I have all the “stuff” that is a photographer.  I have studio lights, flashes, big and small.  I have stands and booms, and softboxes and dishes.  I have cameras as well - two of them to be exact.  I have all the gear - and even the “duct tape” that the professionals use (Called gaffers tape).  I am legit……ummm…right?

A few months ago, my family and I were having a mini vacation in the Collingwood area of Ontario.  While the kids slept in the hotel room bed, I started this exact same blog post.  However, I never finished it.  I guess deep down - I was not convinced.  I knew I wanted to be a photographer, but I was not ready to call myself one…regardless of how many “paid” gigs I was getting.  I guess I thought I was faking the funk. 

So then today - I read this blog post here.  There is tonnes of advice in this article, that could almost make me cry.  It is hitting home.  I am done worrying about finding a style, or about what gear I DON’T have (Except for this).  I am only going to worry about taking my pictures, and hopefully people love them.  What does that mean?  For me - personal projects.  Lots of shooting.  New ideas.  Investments into new concepts.  Meeting people.  Finding people.  Shooting people.  I am not a guy with a camera.  I am a photographer.  Anyone want their picture taken? 

 However, the biggest thing of this entry is simple.  Be what you want to be.  Convince yourself of that, and make it happen. 

Maybe I always was…..but today, I am a photographer. 

A few weeks ago, while trolling facebook….I saw a callout for something I had always wanted to do. 

Months ago, I had met Leanna Gosse at a workshop that we attended together in Toronto.  I remember sitting at the workshop eating my lunch, and this girl was wandering around - just taking funky detail shots.  She was looking at every corner, every wall, every ledge - looking for optimum spots to shoot with.  I was instantly impressed with her passion to get every last awesome shot.

So her status on facebook one day was that she was looking for a second shooter for an upcoming wedding.  September was going to be a busy month for me - but I had to act fast, and see if she would let me second shoot for her.  I had never second shot before, so I was a bit nervous - and totally would’ve understood if she had wanted someone with more experience in that respect.  But she said yes!

For those of you that don’t know - a “Second Shooter” is simply another photographer that helps the primary shooter for event coverage.  This usually includes splitting up some of the required pictures, taking shots of the details of the day, or candid moments that the primary photographer might not be able to grab because of his/her other duties.  Further, it is important for the second shooter to make the day easier for the main photographer.  Carry bags, get things that are needed, make arrangements behind the scenes, or hold lights and set up gear. 

It sounds like a bad job, eh?  All the grunt work?  NO WAY!  I had a blast with Leanna.  She lined up amazing pictures, had everything organized and easy to use - and was so great to see her work.  I think we collaborated well, and covered the day very well.  We shot alot - I think we went through almost 45 gigs of pictures!   I was so lucky to be able to work with her - I learned a lot, and loved seeing another photographer at work.  The one thing that I learned the most was to get more comfortable shoes!  (JK)

Also - we included a photobooth, which was a blast….and is defnitely something that I am going to try to incorporate more of.

So check out Leanna’s stuff - she is amazing!  I am currently trying to wrangle her up to do some shots for us…so get in line!

Holy Moley!  I am so sorry for the delay in putting up a recent post…..but I have some exciting news!

We have a studio!  Yes, we have been busy the last couple of weeks (but mainly this last week) with the details of what will be our new space.  A couple evenings, and all this weekend we have been painting, moving, and re-doing what will be our new studio space.  Check out this panoramic shot of the studio, and read on:

Okay, Okay….with this shot, it doesn’t look like much to some of you (and thankfully to others you can see the potential that this place has).  Here is a breakdown of where we are at, and some of the changes you will see from this picture into the finished product.

• All of the pink, purple, or any other funky colour has been changed to white.  In this picture, there is a dark purple wall behind me that has changed to white as well as the yellow/pink/purple wall on the right is now white. 
• The double doors that go into the small room at the right hand side, is actually an old elevator shaft that has been converted into another room.  We are going to be making this a change room - but also used for make-up, hair, and wardrobe. 
• The rainbow that has been painted onthe edge of teh floor will be gone - some how, some way. 
• Underneath the second window bank, is going to be our sitting area - leather couch, chairs, pillows, etc. 
• The brick wall at the end of the studio will be a small gallery, and occasional seating as well.
• To the right, in front of the change room will be a table and chairs, for client meetings, proofing, and the occasional desk. 
• Where I am standing to take this shot is the (ironically) the shooting area.  It is approximately 30′x 15′, with obviously a lot of room to move around the entire studio to shoot.

Anyway - just wanted to let you know what I have been up to.  Fitting this in after work, and on the weekends has been exhausting - but I will try to update this as we go along. 

On a side note:  Krista and I shot the most amazing wedding last weekend for Dorothy and Mike, and will blog about it soon.  There is just too many pictures that we love!  Stay tuned.

Meet Scott Mackinnon….and choose to either live vicariously through him, or follow his lead.  Heck, maybe even somewhere in the middle. 

Scotty Mack is a friend of mine from high school….way back when.  Although we have not seen each other in over 8 years, we have kept in touch from time to time via facebook, email, etc.  Scott has lived in Hawaii for the last 5+ years - and has recently taken on a project called “Myxtraordinary - 1 Year, 1 Life, 1 List”.

You gotta know a bit about Scott first.  You know those people that say extravagant things, have extravagant plans - but never actually does it?  Scott is not that guy.  For some strange reason, if Scott told me he was going to the moon, I’d believe it.  Many times I think that we discount those people that tend to brag about their dreams and goals - rather than do them…..but the difference is that Scott doesn’t brag about it, he does it.  And he wants to include people too, which instead of wanting to turn our backs and say “yeah, okay” - we want to watch, believe it - and sometimes even wish we were there!

I have not gotten to know Scott very much since our fork in the road.  My life went to babies, marriage, and busy cities……his to surfing, hiking and meeting people in paradise.  (Not saying either is bad - have you seen how cute my kids are?).  When I think of Scott, part of me thinks of the movie Cocktail….but with more adventure, and less mack-daddying.

Anyway - Scott has saved money, to experience one year in a way that no one ever has.  He has a list of accomplishments and goals, covering each week of the next year….ALL OVER THE PLANET!  A different place each week.  That includes boar hunting, signing on open mic nights, shark diving, paragliding, and climbing.  (Seriously check out his list - as it is impressive!).  Check out his thoughts, and his list here.

It is inspiring to see someone representing what we all struggle with.  We have to choose to create our life into something that we are proud of, full of no regrets, and full of excitement.  It has definitely got me thinking.

Anyway - Scott was on his way up to Toronto for the first leg of his plan, so I begged him to take 20 minutes or so for a photo op.  I just wanted to get a good portrait, and to grab the “superhero-ness” out of him…..but instead I connected with a good friend.   I cannot wait to catch up with him after his 50+ weeks of adventure!

 (Photographers Note:  this was my first attempt at using a full CTO gel on a 580EX II bare.  The first shot - the flash was not used)

It’s the middle of August already?  WOW - summer is flying by…and I am letting it.  I have been so swamped with so many exciting things - that it is tough to set aside some time for anything but a nap.  With the weather finally shaping up - I am looking forward to some time at the beach, as well as the Jason Mraz concert this weekend with friends.

I have been meaning to dedicate a post to a fun little photo shoot that Krista and I did for our 5 year anniversary.  At the beginning of this month was our big milestone - but with kids, and all the coming and going - we were excited to have a nice night in. 

We started with an amazing steak dinner - with all the trimmings.  It was so good - one of my favorite meals for sure!  Then after we put the kiddos down, we set up the paper, lights and camera to have some fun with a little photo shoot.  Here is some quick samples of our fun little shoot. 

Remember is are not fully edited!  When GQ and Vogue comes knocking….I will re-do these….ha!

First of all, if you want to find more about Dave and Charlotte, as well as their workshop, check them out here.  (Or visit www.daveandcharlotte.com).

I have to STRONGLY encourage you NOT to take this workshop.  I am a very selfish and jealous guy, so please do not take this workshop as it will make you a better photographer, get you amazing images, and get you thinking of ways to get better.  I want to keep this little secret to myself, so that I get better than you….so please, if you are a photographer in my area.  Do not take it.

But seriously….I am totally kidding.  Take this workshop.  It was awesome, and here is my take.

So, I was very nervous about taking this workshop.  I am not sure why I was nervous, because I knew that it was going to be worth it.  I was excited about getting the opportunity to shoot beautiful brides, beautiful details, and beautiful venues.  I was also excited about the chance to talk to successful wedding photographers that were totally cool, totally real, and totally genuine in trying to make me a better photographer. 

So we met at 10am at Berkley Church on Queen St. E in Toronto.  As I parked, I was almost in tears as to what a beautiful building this is.  Unfourtuantely, we did not get to shoot directly in the church as there was another event happening.  Instead, we were shooting in various awesome adjascent areas.  There was a court yard, a roof top, a bridal room, and a reception style hall.  All with great details and backdrops to shoot with.

The first part of the workshop was Dave and Charlotte talking about various topics such as blogging, social networks, slide shows, and marketing.  They also brought in as a special guest photographer to also speak and help by the name of Bryan Caporicci.  Someone told me that he was in his early 20’s….which just made me want to punch him in the face for being awesome.  Early 20’s?  Jeepers - I was so far from being awesome when I was that in my early 20’s.  I am quickly going to add Bryan’s website (here) to my bookmarks and stalk follow his work.

Then after lunch….It was on, like donkey kong!  Everyone dove into their camera bags like we were a S.W.A.T team ready for a drug bust.  LOCK AND LOAD!  We divided into two groups to allow Dave & Charlotte and Bryan to walk around with the groups and share some ideas, techniques, and real-life wedding situations.  That was a huge highlight…as I saw first hand what a couple different lighting options can do in various situation.

We divided into groups of two (one to shoot, and one to assist) and got a few minutes with each model for our very own creative time.  My partner Brian (his website is here) was great, and I was lucky to be partnered with a photographer with my taste, (and love of gear).  He was a huge help…and we had fun, and fun with our models.

I will keep the details of the locations until my next post - when I post the edited pictures.  Although I am spent from the day, and still have so many things running through my head from the workshop…I think I am going to try to get some quick edits done tonight for your feedback tomorrow.

So today was a great day.  An awesome workshop, from awesome people.  Check out Dave + Charlotte, but remember….they are ONLY my friends now, not yours….and the workshop is ONLY for me, not you.  *nudge*

So I put up a Craig’s List ad today for a wedding photography.  Advertising my services in discounted forums like that is not really my type of gig.  However, I do understand that it is not my full (and awesome) packages….it’s pretty limited - but I do think it is a pretty sweet deal for those budget brides.

And I don’t say “budget brides” in a negative way.  My and my wife did our wedding on a budget, and I honestly think it was something out of a wedding magazine.  (I am not bias either!).  I think that our ability to source high quality products, facility, and vendors - allowed us to literally have the wedding that we dreamed of.  (Yes…I was involved!)

Perhaps that is a part of why I got into wedding photography myself!  I loved the elements of the day, and the special moment that it represents.

So….I thought, why not put a discounted package on Craig’s List for people just like me?

Let’s see how it does…..

AB

I wanted to make some adjustments to my site, pictures, blog, etc, etc - so I decided that I would take a week off from the “real job” to work on these adjustments.  Well, very happily - the family is getting in the way of me accomplishing my plans.  No offence to any of you guys but it is so great spending days with my kids and not worrying about anything else. 

But, I was going through some pictures that I am going to be reworking, and re-adding to my website.  I thought that over the next few weeks I would just randomly post about past events/shoots that I have photographed.

This batch of images is from a shoot that a couple fellow photogs and I put together.  We ended up calling this shoot the “Frostbite” shoot because the day was so incredibly cold.  I can’t remember exactly what it was that day - but I think the temp gauge on my car said -14 degrees Celsius.  The shoot took place in downtown Toronto, around St. Lawrence Market and the Union Station/Skywalk.

In short - we took a couple models (one of my favorites, Erin) and her friend (one of my new favorites, Ian) and set them up with some Profoto gear.  It was a great shoot - and I hope when it gets warmer we can shoot them again.  I think I am going to need to put a section on my website just for all my pictures of Erin!  (You gotta admit though…she deserves her own section!)

I think we are going to get together soon again - and set up another shoot.  Stay Tuned!