So as some as you may know, I also sell my fine art prints for you to enjoy in your home or office; they also make GREAT gifts for someone that may be a bit hard to buy for, has everything (like my dad), and they are getting something unique! Not just a mass produced item from a major retailer that sold another 100,000 units of the same item that week! Print pricing is as follows and does not include shipping as you advise me at time of purchase if you would like to pick up, use Canada Post or a Courier; then shipping charges are added to cost of prints. 5x7 $10.00, 8x10 $25.00, 11x14 $35.00, 16x20 $45.00, 20x24 $55.00 and 20x30 $65.00. Some of my framed art is now available for viewing & purchase at the Strathmore Chamber of Commerce.  I have never had a "sale" so lets see how it goes over!  Order and pay for your prints (electronic money transfer through major financial institute) by Friday May 4th and receive the following discounts!  1 print 10% off, 2 prints 15% off, 3 prints 20% off, 4 prints 25% off and 5 prints 30% off!  % off is of total order and any combination of sizes ordered is fine.  Should you wish to order 6 or more prints, please inquire within and we will make a "deal" on that as well!  Here are a few examples of prints you could order for your grad, mothers day, fathers day, birthday or just because for some brownie points!

Have you ever captured a rainbow in a photo?  A great photo with a rainbow can stop almost anyone in their tracks as to me, they are majestic.  The biggest issue is actually finding one to photograph, easier said then done!  So on top of always having your camera ready, you can learn to anticipate when and where a rainbow may occur.  See tip below I found on the Internet today, I just love learning something new!
To see one, you'll need both water in the air and bright sunlight. Rainbows commonly appear right before or after a storm hits your location, when it's raining nearby but the clouds have parted, allowing the sun to peek through. Rainbows always appear in the sky opposite the sun--so if the sun is in the west, look east for your rainbow.
Feel free to send your rainbow photos my way for me to post on my blog :)  Would love to share with everyone....email to cbethlehemphotography@gmail.com and just advise in the email who should be credited for the photo, aka your name ;)

Body By Vi...have you heard of it?  It appears to be the latest health trend for getting fit & fabulous.  Check out the link to the right "Body By Vi with Nicola" for more information.....some of you may recall Nicola was one of my free mini shoot contest winners that has lost over 100 lbs!  Pretty impressive to say the least.

Had a great time Friday night shooting an Indian Wedding Reception.  It was a fantastic experience as I have never had the opportunity before and can not wait to book my 1st full Indian wedding from Ceremony to Formals and Reception.  I love color and there is nothing that can compete with the beautiful elegant rich colors of all the Saris!  I am hooked...like a kid in a candy shop, would love to do one this summer so fingers crossed there is a couple out there in Calgary getting married this summer/fall or even winter that does not yet have a photographer!

Happy Friday everyone!  The weather here is certainly lacking but at least it's not -20 or snowing, so overcast and rain it is!  Overcast day's can actually make for some great outdoor portrait sessions!  Don't ever assume you have to cancel a session just because it is not hot & sunny out.  Granted, we don't want our customers to be cold with lips turning blue, but a cooler day with lots of clouds or completely overcast also makes for some great photos!  Check out the link below to a fantastic article with 101 photography tips, great tips for everyone.  Not just a reminder to actual photographers but always a good read for people before they go to their own sessions or just some basics before you pull out your point & shoot or cell phone at the next bday party or hike in the woods! 
http://improvephotography.com/1305/101-portrait-photography-tips-to-improve-your-photography/

A post before bed?!  It has been a long day, my little man has not been feeling well and myself sleep has eluded me lately even though the little one has let me sleep though the night, go figure; sigh.  Since I have messed around with my new flas a bit tonight (SB-700 loving it), my tip would have to be the obvious.  Read your manuals people, then read then again, then play play play and the lovely Internet here is a wealth of information so, Google it!  You will be amazed at what you learn if you just take the time to read your manuals, play around with things and seek advice!  You are not the 1st person nor will you be the last with something new or needing a bit of instruction.  A day without learning something new is a day lost!
On a completely separate note, what does everyone think about common courtesy?  I am personally a BIG FAN of it, the whole Karma thing; respect!  They all go hand in hand and sadly most forget about it in day to day life but in the professional world, especially where you are the talent, driver, advertising/marketing guru and don't forget sales rep all in one (plus about 10 other hats) if you are say the "owner" of the company of at the very least your paycheck would depend on your direct work and involvement with someone, would you not give it 110% and have a bit of courtesy?  Can you tell I have a bee in my bonnet?  Bzzz bzzz bzzz!  This brings to mind 2 different situations!  Last year I got a call from a lady looking to have photos done in her home, it was a Saturday morning and it was November; I know this as it was hunting season and Knox and I were in the middle of a field driving Mark's truck around while he was out hunting Bambi...sorry kids :(  I did not answer my phone as I was trying to keep a then 4 month old Knox from bouncing right out of his car seat as I navigated through he field but once stopped checked my voicemail.  Her photographer had cancelled that morning a few hours before the shoot and she was looking for someone to come in that day.  I was about the 4th person she called and here is the kicker, even though I could not go on that day due to where I was; she held out until I could make it the following weekend just because I actually called her back and explained that I could not make it that day on the short notice!  Insert common courtesy here...3 other photographers lost the job and any future work for this family because they could not even return her call to just simply say they were otherwise engaged!  I could not imagine myself.  I feel AWFUL if I do not respond to someone within a few hours, same day at worst even if the wee one is having a bad day.  The other situation that came to mind was where I among other photographers were being interviewed for an upcoming job that was quite large.  I knew there were people seen before me and going to be people after me and I am hardly a world wide in demand professional raking in 6 figures so I was fully aware I had competition; no problem; can't win them all.  All the regular pleasantries were gone through during my interview about liking my work, my great ideas etc.  And I'm sure all the other photographers heard similar things, again no worries; we all have different styles and pricing.  I knew a decision would be made within a few weeks and expected to hear 1 way or the other, common courtesy people; only takes a split second.  I actual even emailed the "middle man" after interview as there was something I could add on so to speak to the package I had offered and also to thank the middle man and the people interviewing photographers for their time and the opportunity to meet with them.  A few weeks pass by and no response to my actual email or even a separate email asking to either meet again to move forward or thanks for your time but they hired someone else.  So me in my little pink bubble thinks maybe I still have a shot since I have not heard anything!  NOPE, cruising around on the Internet tonight I see some photos of the event; another photographer was awarded the job.  Congratulations to them by all means, the photos were fantastic and obviously the better choice for these people; no worries at all.  What got me in the "middle man" could not even respond to my email or just send a quick note; someone else got it but thanks.  Where is common and professional courtesy?  Everyone is busy, I get it; trust me I get it!  But just 2 minutes would go a very long way in extending some courtesy.  So whether you need to extend it in your personal life, return your dad's call for petes sake or professionally; let that person know they were not the chosen one...start tomorrow!  Have a great night everyone...I guess morning soon as it is almost midnight; yikes!

Beautiful sunset from last night in Carseland, AB.  Spring and Fall really do have the best sunsets!!!

Who has been to Paris? Rome? Venice?  Well, I have not but have DREAMED of going for as long as I can remember.  And this year I have had a number of friends vacation in these places and the travel bug has hit an all new high so.....today Operation Gladiator (inside joke due to my love of the movie Gladiator) starts, lol.  I turn 40 in 2014 (wow!!) and have decided I am going to do everything in my power to save up the next 2 years to make this dream a reality!  And I figure since there is sooooo much to see, 4 weeks (1 week for every decade waited for this trip) should be the perfect amount of time to see absolutely EVERYTHING without being rushed.  And Knox will be 3 so much better equipped for the long flight and the even longer days.  I can already imagine all the amazing photos I will get...oooh; so very exciting...now to just make it happen!  Would love to hear about everyone's trips to any of these places and pointers of where to go, where to stay etc....anything and everything!  Help me plan Operation Gladiator!

Further to the post this morning about a tri-pod, make sure you check it before you leave! lol  There are 3 tri-pods in my home and I of course grabbed the one not exactly designed for my camera, it still would have worked mind you but it is "flimsy" for a heavy DSLR.  That was not even the issue, sadly as I was tightening everything up, the main clip broke and it's pretty much a prop now and no water photo's for today.  On the bright side, I did get a few old abandoned houses, some equine and great blue sky with big fluffy white cloud photos today.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!  With the warm weather now here, hopefully to stay in the Calgary area; I start thinking about all the spring & summer photos I want to take before the cold returns in the fall!  The first thing that comes to mind is water....I use to have an amazing waterfall photo where the shutter speed was slowed right down so that the photo had that great effect where the water was almost frozen or appeared more like a painting then a photograph.  Sadly I do not have this anymore as I have lost a memory card with a trip to Banff on it and a bunch of my Equine photos.  Not a happy girl about the loss but I will just have to take more :)  So if you have ever wanted to get a photo like that, 1st thing is to get out your tripod or buy/borrow one for your camera.  You can not do this type of shot without a tripod.  For this effect the shutter speed must be slowed down to AT LEAST 1 second and you can play with it from there and take several photos at different shutter speeds so that you are sure to get at least 1 pic you love with this effect.  Just please do not try it without the tripod, you will be disappointed.  It is imposable for even a SURGEON to stand and keep hands 100% completely still for this longer exposure.  So get your camera, tripod and head out and get some shots, I know I am going to.  If you like, email me your photos and I will post some of them here on the blog wall to see a few of the ones submitted.  Just be sure when you email the photo to also include a few bits of info like the camera, lens (if applicable) and shutter speed used and the name of course you would like credited to the photo.  Email photos this week to cbethlehemphotography@gmail.com

I just discovered a fantastic local company that makes the BEST Diaper Cakes and other amazing baby shower gifts!  These are amazing, check out these creations!!!  And the talented owner/designer Erin, is also a hobby photographer that I am doing a Trash The Dress with next month and I think she just may come along to a few weddings with me this year to back up shoot for some experience, can't wait!  The link has also been added to the right here, Erin's Diaper Cakes

What a beautiful day out already!  And the weather in this past of the world is suppose to be amazing this weekend....around +20!  Hello BBQ and getting the little on outside for some Vitamin D :)  And ironically, the 1st truly beautiful weekend of the year, and nobody has photos booked this weekend!  The sun will be shining and the natural light unbeatable but no photos on the agenda :(  Sigh, lol.  What are every one's plans for this weekend?

Here is a fantastic link for all Bride's...just in case you have not heard of it ;) 
Style Me Pretty http://www.stylemepretty.com/
It is the best place to find ideas, trends, vendors...just about everything you need for your wedding and even a few things you may not have even known you needed it until you saw it!  Happy surfing and stay pretty!

When taking photos of any type it is very easy for people to get use to taking photos just in automatic mode...cameras nowadays do a very good job in auto mode but step outside your comfort zone and start with even shooting in different scene modes like portrait & landscape to see the difference!  The more you understand your camera the better your photos will look.  When you have "mastered" the different scene modes, if your camera is equipped try shooting in S, A and eventually M modes.  S is for shutter priority, you control how long the shutter stays open.  A is for Aperture which indicates how wide open your lens is...the smaller the number the more wide open your lens is the more light that is let in.  The larger the number the narrower the lens is open and less light is let in.  Your camera guide will be fairly helpful, READ IT!  When you are done with the manual, places like Chapters and Indigo have hundreds of books that you can pick up and lastly of course, the Internet is a great source of information to Google questions!  Happy shooting :)

 Went out for a drive today in search of some new photos and to get the little man out of the house before we both went shack wacky!  Here are 2 Equine photos from my travels today.  No idea who the owner of these beautiful horses is as I just saw them while driving along and pulled over to shoot from the road :)  I love taking the photo's but I'm going to be the 1st to admit I have no idea if these are boys or girls and don't even get my niece Micaela started on color...she is a horse LOVER so she knows everything....she gets sooooo frustrated that all I know other than brown, white or black is I know what a paint looks like, lol....drives her nuts but hey, she is the one that owns them, loves them & rides them...I just take the photos!

My fabulous fuchsia Clover camera bag on the road again today...I guess on the tracks today!? lol  These are the BEST camera bags ever.... www.epiphaniebags.com

Knox up from his nap all smiles...does this mean a good few hours or is he just messing with me like earlier cause' he woke up all smiles and happy then but snapped his crayons shortly after! lol  He can be a little mischievous ;)

Had to check out the new things on Uncrate before logging off for a bit and found something pretty cool!  I LOVE music, have hundreds & hundreds of songs on my iPhone, I also spend allot of time driving and have a wee one that makes it hard to actually hold a phone....I think I may have just found the answer to my problem!  In ear bud design is perfect as I am very hard of hearing, especially on phones!  Wireless so I don't have to actually hold the phone or have it in my pocket and short wires that would easily tuck under my hair away from the wee ones fast little hands!!  We have a winner, I will add this to my wish list of a zillion things I am buying for myself when I win the lottery! lol
Plantronics BackBeat® GO wireless earbuds – incredibly small, amazingly light. No wires, no hassle, no compromise. Easily slips into your pocket, but still packs full‐on stereo sound. So you can listen to music, chat with friends, or watch movies on your tablet. Even play games on the go. And Bluetooth technology makes it a snap to connect wirelessly. Comfort? No problem. There are three sizes of cushioned eartips and two stabilizers for a secure, comfortable fit. Incoming call? Inline controls let you pause music to take a call, change volume, or skip tracks. Great sound in a small package. BackBeat GO. Get Going.

Apparently it is Wednesday??!!  It really feels like Monday though....Knox was not a happy camper this morning at all so he decided to delight my ears with about 2 hours of screaming/crying unless there was food in his mouth....finally got him down for a nap, fingers crossed it lasts at least another half hour or this day will pretty much be a complete write off, lol.  Then add in a headache with no Advil and Tassimo brewer on the fritz for day #2!  After 3 complete cycles is has not even given me a full cup of coffee!  Does this brewer does not realize it is messing with it's very own existence and the safety of others?! lol  Oh well, shall try again and hope for the best...maybe find some lunch while I'm at it before the wee on wakes up!  So who has checked out any of the sites I have linked to the right here?  Which ones have you been to and what do you think? 

Since the wee one is busy behind me tearing apart the kitchen....again...correction....as I type I can feel his cute little hands crawling up my leg as the chair and I both get used to practice standing, lol I decided to "mess" with my software!  I have not done photo overlays (super-imposing) for a few years, no idea why really?  So here are the 2 I just "made".....what do you think???  Please feel free to leave comments :)

After my post last night about the iPro Lens System for iPhone 4's, a friend posted a link for me to another company that makes some pretty cool camera "stuff" for the iPhone...yet another site I am now hooked on!  Can pretty much get the same "stuff" the iPro Lens System offers with even more gadgets!  Oh my....how am I ever going to fund buying new lenses for my Nikon and now these cool toys for my iPhone?!  So yet another page for you to check out is http://www.fourcornerstore.com/ which is also listed to the right here in my favorite places.  At this site you can even order a Holga iPhone Filter case for $25!  I am sooooo in need of someone to take away my credit card before the is an EPIC FAIL with un-supervised online shopping!!  And if you have not maxed out your credit card at Four Corner Store head right on over to http://uncrate.com/ where you will not only find the link for what I just posted above but absolutely everything cool that guy's (and ME) LOVE!  It gives you the link to a new $15k Canon, the new Adastra Yacht for a cool $15 million and everything in between like custom pig roasters, Marshall Amp fridges and the Brew Cave Walk In Beer Cooler for under $7k.....this is a site without a doubt that should have full adult supervisions while browsing!  You don't have to order up the $15 million dollar yacht to get in trouble here.  Hope you enjoy these sites and please, shop responsibly and buy stuff for me, lol!

Leave it to the technology world to now offer a lens kit for your iPhone 4!  Yes, you read correct...the people at Schneider Optics have developed the iPro Lens System which contains a fisheye and a wide-angle lens, even a pocket size lens case that houses the lenses when not in use, but also serves as a universal tripod mount and convenient grip!  When I first read this I seriously shook my head even though I own an iPhone as my 1st thought was "seriously"?  But then I went to the website and looked at the kit and now I have to admit....I want Santa to bring this for me but I do not want to wait for xmas.  I have been a pretty good girl so maaaaybe this could be a gift to myself in July for my bday, lol.  It's a gadget no doubt, it's new and cool and pertains to photography so I'm in!  So here is a shout out to the people at Schneider Optics, good job; and what will you think of next?!  And if you would like a iPhone 4 user and photographer in Alberta Canada to give a full review feel free to send one my way to demo ;)  If anyone would like to read all the details about this amazing little kit or order one (email me for my mailing address, I will accept a gift just this one time, lol) head over to www.iprolens.com

Just finished adding some more photo's here and also....taaaadaaaa, on the right here you will see something new!  Check out the link's of some of my favorite companies to check out.  There is a little bit of everything like Epiphanie Camera Bags that will absolutely rock your world, they are fabulous; I can not tell you enough...just order one!  They are so versatile it's unbelievable, they are in fact proper camera bags that fit your DSLR body, multiple lenses, charger, laptop, keys, cell phone, business cards etc...but that's not all....I can also fit my wallet, my little makeup bag, a pack of baby wipes, handful of diapers, spare sleeper...get the drift?! lol  My bag is the FUCHSIA PINK Clover, and well....I am in LOVE!!  I will absolutely be ordering another one someday ;)  This one was a gift from the BF, Mark...major brownie points that day, lol.  Other links you will find are The Media Group who are simply amazing to work with.  Anyone requiring any media related service....professional FB Page, Website etc....contact the Media Group; you will not be disappointed with them!  I started my own FB page and after 3 months was struggling to hit 100 likes.....now I am over 600 likes and it literally took off overnight once The Media Group got ahold of my FB Page and started working on it.

Above I mentioned the BF, Mark....well he had just come in the kitchen a few moments ago looking to make popcorn...we are both serious popcorn junkies; our dentist bills show it ;)  The little man Knox is fast asleep after a very long day with no nap so Mark was wondering if making popcorn would wake him as he said, and I quote "you know he has a nose for food like a bloodhound and could work at the border sniffing stuff out", lol....and he could, seriously!  I said go ahead, Knox is out COLD!  Within 60 seconds of the popcorn being done the cries started coming from down the hall, lol.  Luckily I got Knox right back to sleep.  Seriously though, the boy could work for border services at just 9 months old!  when he was only about 6 weeks old we were in BC for my best friend Krissy's wedding...again after a very long day Knox was out cold on the drive back to our hotel from the reception...Mark and I were a bit hungry so yup, the golden arches called....and guess who woke up the second the bag of food was in the car?!  Keen nose on that one :)

Have a fantastic rest of your evening everyone...think I will make my own popcorn now!

So earlier today when I was meeting with Brenda at Gold Standard events with Knox in tow, all was going well....then Knox (the little man he is already) started passing gas.  Knox is a particularly stinky boy, lol so it was not the best time in a closed in area for this.  Then just when I thought we were in the clear, it hit me; he not only passed gas but filled his diaper!  Again, thought I was in the clear as we had already dealt with a similar diaper this morning before leaving home.  Babies are babies, everyone knows that but lets just say I hope Brenda has a sense of humor and A) did not think I passed gas and B) did not have a meeting right after as I'm not sure the air would have cleared quickly, lol.  I had to take the evidence with me as there was no way I was leaving that diaper in a waste basket not my own and in just a few short moments my truck was in need of a new air freshener!  So Brenda, if you are reading this...sorry about Knox's passing gas in your office and even more sorry if you had another meeting right after! lol

Now, for the "photography" stuff.....

Just had a fabulous light bulb moment this afternoon for the next contest for another free 30min. mini shoot!  It will enable me to do a shoot I have been dying to do and give 1 lucky lady a free 30min. photo shoot complete with all edited photos from shoot on a disc!  Just have to figure out the location and get approval then I will announce the details of how to enter and what the shoot will consist of!!!  Stay tuned.....if the wee one takes a nap today I just may be able to post details today!!!

Just met with Brenda at Gold Standard Events, what a wonderful lady! Looking forward to working with Brenda and to anyone that would like to add on a Photobooth to my photography services for your wedding/event, Brenda's Photobooth can be added on to my services starting at just $400 for 2 hours complete with props, delivery/teardown, and your photostrips handed right to you at the booth! Can't wait to see who the 1st bride is to add this Photobooth on!!!

Christina Bethlehem
(403) 512-0096

Once the little man has his nap it's off to a meeting with Brenda @ Gold Standard Events!  We have been trying to line this up for over 5 weeks; finally will work out today but well worth the wait!  Now on to a tip and also a question asked by many....
Hands can be an issue in a photo, some people just don't know what to do with them and no matter where they are if your hands/arms are very rigid at your side or nervously clasped in front of you it will come through on most photos.  What to do?  The easiest thing I have found whether it be a child or an adult is to hold something.  Not only does the item bring a personal touch to the photo it also distracts you from where to have your hands and from the fact your photo is being taken.  So whether you are taking your own photos or hiring a photographer, encourage your subject to hold something.  "Props" are fantastic....it could be something as simple as a few flowers, a teddy bear for a child, maybe your hubby plays guitar, bring it to the shoot!  Not every photo has to show the subject holding something it's just a quick and easy way to put someone at ease and bring a more personal relaxed feeling to the session.  One last thing in hands, especially for the ladies....you do not have to have a $200 manicure but do be sure that your hands are moisturized, no chipped polish and clean up the cuticles!  This is especially important if you want close up photos while toying with shots of your hands framing your face gently.  With that in mind, your hands should just be lightly touching your face.....never actually fully rest the weight of your head on your hands, this forces all the weight up and around your hands thus creating a double chin or worse....triple chin!  And this can happen to anyone!  How you pose and camera angels are so very important!  I had a friend many years ago who had an absolutely AMAZING figure, not an ounce of extra weight on her and she was also very toned......basically the body all women envy.  Her hubby took some shots during their vacation and all of a sudden this woman with a body to die for looked like she had about 10-15lbs to loose in most of the photos!  Never ever stand completely forward facing straight on to a camera, turn your body about 45 degrees and then just ever so slightly turn your head to wards the camera and smile with your eyes for a nice natural photo!

Great quote I read today...."Amateurs worry about equipment, professionals worry about time, masters worry about light - Unknown" So does this make me a master of my own domain? (That is for the Sienfeld fans) lol.  I am always fretting about light so apparently that is a good thing!

Slight change of plans for today, meeting the bride from today this week instead so off to Papa Jones and Gramma Marg today with the 3 little ones after Knox has a nap or 2 this morning.  With their return from Mexico was hoping they would bring warm weather with them! lol  Oh well, spring in AB = better expect crappy weather and some snow ;)  Kids grow up fast, one day they can not crawl, walk or talk then next thing you know college/university applications!  Track each birthday through photos and remember to capture all the little details....candles on the cake, balloons & presents.  Take photos of your child close in with the bday cake and use natural lighting, easiest way for this if party is inside is to have a window behind the child :)  Keep the shots unique and not just the basic expected photos....the candid photos saying "cheese" are great but expected.  Take some photos showing the unique expression the child's face, get in for a close up and capture the child taking a huge bite out of that mouth watering cake!  If your using a professional camera (not a point & shoot) use a aperture of f/4, shutter speed of 1/125th of a second and for indoor photos use an ISO of at least 400.  No need to worry if you are using a point and shoot camera...it's unlikely many reading this would be using a pro DSLR.  The point & shoot cameras of today and FANTASTIC!  They have loads of built in features, some even are able to interchange lenses and the HUGE majority of Photographers will always have a point and shoot camera handy.  They are a great tool for fast and great photos.  Either way, get to know your camera.  Experiment with natural light, using the flash (I am anti-flash, just a preference).  If I can take a great photo using natural light and no flash you can guarantee I will.  Try different angels and poses.  Don't always just stand 10 feet away and have everyone looking right at the camera.  Experiment, experiment, experiment!  Google is also a great source for inspiration.  If you have a bday or some other event coming up you are not hiring a photographer for, simply Google birthday images, family photo images, etc and you will be returned more images than you can go through.  Happy Sunday everyone!

What a great way to end my Saturday....just "booked" a bride for engagement photos next weekend, wedding photos in May and a trash the dress session after wedding for May/June :)  1st wedding of the season for timeline as all my others that are booked are Aug/Sept and October!  So excited, can't wait for the engagement session next Sunday to kick start everything!!!!!  Thanks so much Amanda and Clifton, can't wait to work with you both :)

Very excited to be meeting a bride tomorrow to start going over coverage for her special day then Monday a meeting with owner of Gold Standard Events to look at being their preferred photographer on their vendor listing base!  Busy busy busy but so worth it!  And next week I will be securing my table at the Fall Bridal Expo 2012 in Strathmore on November 3rd which is being put together by Event-Full Elements.  If anyone is looking to get in touch with some fantastic wedding/event planners, cake makers or jewelery makers just give me a shout...I know a few people ;)

Epic fail on an update yesterday...that is not a good way to start off!  I will make 1 million posts this weekend now to make up for it, I know you are now on the edge of seat awaiting these fantastic blog entries ;)  So yesterday I had to start looking at "finishing" paperwork off for taxes for the BF who is self employed and not the most organized with paperwork, throw in a baby brain bookkeeper and hello; panic on the paperwork.  But alas, pretty much done and off to H&R Block next week.  We both owe, this I know so no shopping/vacation returns coming this way :(  Now.....me thinks a good photography tip for today considering the snow (Calgary & area, surprise surprise) should be based around that; so here goes!  After all the posed shots are done, in true line of having fun and doing a lifestyle shoot....use that snow!  Make a snowman, have a snowball fight; these will make memorable photos you will always cherish!  A ton of snow is not required for photos to have a great effect using the snow as a backdrop.  In other words, no need to go look for a 2 foot high snowbank to sit in.  Have your photos taken on a pathway where the light snow is covering the grass and just the edges of the pathway.  Don't forget the props!  A bright colored umbrella, snowshoes; anything you can think of will add to the photo!

For all my friends and "fans" heading to this new blog, thank you so much for viewing it!  If you could also take the time to "follow" it and even share using the Facebook & Twitter buttons that would be amazing!  The more traffic here, the more traffic to my photography page which means moving up in search results with the goal of more new customers!  Thanks so much everyone :)  Monster growling, Christina out ;) lol

Not all but the majority of women rarely like photos of themselves, it's just a fact!  We are our own worst critic no matter how many people tell you that you look great, you see the smallest little thing that may not even be there but oh it is to you.  This makes getting photos of yourself you not only like but LOVE a challenge.  Now of course the photographer plays a HUGE roll, don't get me wrong; it's not all on you but bottom line if you are tired the day of your photos, don't like your hair & makeup, hate your outfit and are just generally not thrilled; it's going to come through on the photos.  I am soooo lucky that I have not run in to this even once yet mostly because people are happy the big day for photos has finally arrived but also because setting the mood of the day starts with the moment you wake up.  DO....wear something that you feel great in, not something that someone else thinks looks great but you secretly hate.  If you don't like your outfit, it's going to show; trust me!  Further to that, an outfit can look great one day and bad the next, point in case....I have a pair of jeans I just bought in February.  I never wear jeans but wanted something other than dress pants or yoga pants to wear out.  I also had a baby 9 months ago and am almost 38 years old so standing in the dressing room with a pair of jeans put the fear of God in me!  But they came home with me and those jeans one day (when I am in a great mood) look fantastic!  I can honestly look in the mirror and go, not bloody bad for almost 38 and a 9 month old baby!  Then the next day, not enough sleep and cranky girl syndrome those same jeans can draw out "what was I thinking, someone is going to try and harpoon me thinking I am a whale"!  Seriously, wear what you feel GREAT in that day and know that you look great and you are going to have fun and get AMAZING photos!  Keep everything light and happy.  This is going to be a great day so give yourself plenty of time and don't rush.  Let your photographer guide you but please BE YOURSELF!  This is where in my opinion the whole Lifestyle Photography "thing" has taken right off.  We all know the structured portrait taken at a local department store and everyone is all matchy matchy, you have 1 or 2 poses and honestly if the background was changed you could place this photo in any given decade over the last 30 years easily!  Don't get me wrong, there is nothing at all wrong with having a "proper" completely posed photo in your arsenal but that's all you can get at a department store, nothing to show your lifestyle, emotions and who you and your family truly are!  I will always take some standard "posed" traditional photos as they absolutely do serve a purpose but there will be 10x more of true lifestyle ones when I am done which is why I do not do any studio work!  Let your true self come through and I guarantee you will have photos you love....walk along holding hands telling of something funny and right there is true emotion for the camera!  Let the kids play!  If I sit a child down and say look and the camera and smile we are going to need allot more than an hour to get a bunch of great pics.  We will get those ones but the ones that will melt your hear are going to be the spontaneous ones where the child is free to play and have fun and forget I am there.  For a full list of DO's and DONT's leading up to a shoot, head over to my FB Page www.facebook.com/christinabethlehemphotography and click on the drop down (7) and there you will find a note/document with tips for a photoshoot.  It covers everything from men's shaving/haircuts to what you can do about glare if you wear glasses and want to wear them in the photos!  Hope you found this helpful and as always...follow, share and comment on the blog.  I also look forward to answering any questions you may have :)

As this is a work in progress, things may change rapidly here without notice...was anything less really expected from those that know me? lol  So the "Photo Tip of the Day" box at bottom of blogs is now "Quotes I Love"....just put a few in this morning :)  Photo Tip of the Day will just become part of the actual blogs....oh, monster is growling; sucky run!

Don't forget everyone, I want this to be an interactive blog!  Leave comments on my blogs and photos, suggestions for anything you would like to hear about.  Contest ideas, questions you have about Photography or anything for that matter.  The more followers that not only read but interact the better!

So yesterday I had the opportunity of taking a few photos of a recent contest winner, Nicola.  The contest on Christina Bethlehem Photography was submit your worst photo in an email and advise why you "deserve" a free mini shoot.  Nicola, one of the winners submitted a photo from about 2 years ago right before she went on her personal journey of loosing weight and more importantly; getting healthy and feeling great.  Nicola without a doubt can be an insperation to ALL!  Nicola continues to live healthy and look fabulous every single day.  In her journey she has already lost OVER 100+ pounds.  In addition to all the obvious health benefits and enjoying life with her children, Nicola also wanted to reach a personal goal of getting in to a pair of the ever so coveted True Religion Jeans...

So yesterday we took some shots for her free mini session, which I quickly labeled "True Religion Meet's True Ambition".  Check out this before shot and a photo from yesterday.  Truly an inspiration to ANYONE wanting to get fit, healthy and look FABULOUS!  Way to go Nicola!!!!  To see the rest of the photos of Nicola from yesterday head over to my photography site

www.facebook.com/christinabethlehemphotography

Woohoo My First Blog! Can You Feel The Excitement??!!

So absolutely everyone is blogging for personal and business use.  Never though I would give it a try but hey, anything creative that also helps promote my business?!  Seems like a no brainer...so what took me so long??  It will likely take a bit for me to get the hang of this blogging thing so be patient and I promise you will get useful photography tips and a bunch of humor to lighten your day!  I can relate anything to photography so we will get in to everything from fashion to family...and right there is plenty for the humor side!  I am after all the self proclaimed "normal one" in a crazy family, a 1st time mommy to the amazing 9 month old Knox (today), over a decade of sales & marketing experience and a photographer quickly building her own business to be able to spend more time with my little man :)  I do hope you enjoy everything here and please take a look at my photography site www.facebook.com/christinabethlehemphotography
I just reached 600 fans this morning and am THRILLED!!!!  My goal is to reach 1000 fans by my birthday in July...you can help reach this milestone by "LIKING" the page when you are there!  Any comments about my work are always greatly appreciated on my page and comments on the blog here as well :)  I hear another cup of coffee calling before the little monster wakes up from his nap (he really does sound like a cross between a baby bear & baby dinosaur) when he growls!  Yes, I said growls....he does not to anything typical of what a baby is suppose to do....there is very little "babbling" but constant "growling"  which in itself is quite funny.  Have to figure out how to get an audio clip up so you can hear for yourself!  So have yourself a GREAT morning!  I am off to a great start myself with reaching 600 fans, no headache this morning and setting up a blog all by 9am!  Even getting peed on by the wee one at 6:30am can't wipe the smile off my face this morning ;)