Speers Photography - Calgary Photographer

New business - Portrait Photography in Calgary

2010-08-11T16:23:00.000-06:00

After much thinking, working, looking, and considering - my business is going about a slight change in direction and will have a new name. I've registered the name Alberta Portrait Inc. and will be concentrating on Family portraits, personal portraits, baby and maternity photography, as well as my standard business portraits and head shots.

You can learn more at my site AlbertaPortrait.com

Up in the sky

2010-05-08T10:39:00.007-06:00

Just a few shots of construction photography from 8th Avenue Place in Calgary - fun doing industrial photography like for clients like SuperMetal - the company doing the structural steel for the building. This is the second time up here - at least they had an elevator this time. Carrying all my gear up to the the 38th floor wouldn't be fun.

FTP for Mac - Transmit is the only answer worth looking at

2010-04-29T17:40:00.004-06:00

I've been using Transmit (by Panic) and have always loved it. Of course, its Mac only - which is as good a reason as any to get a Mac; being able to use this for FTP. Now they've released the latest revision - Version 4 - and I'm really impressed.

Okay, if you're not technical - FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, which is the most common way for web designers to get files into a web site.

For those who use FTP - this version is the "feline's posterior"; if you get my meaning. Version 4 added the ability to use the Mac desktop as the interface for logging in and transferring files (and manipulating them too) even when Transmit isn't running. I've seen other utilities that try to do this - but Transmit is the first I've found to make the process truly transparent.

Once installed, you can have a simple icon in the menu bar that shows your favourites. Pull down to the site you want to work on (it has to be in Transmit's favourites first) and it opens up as a folder, just like it was ON your computer. I modified a page on my site (SpeersPhoto.com) with my html editor just like I do on my computer. Saved the file, closed the folder, all done. Sweetness.

There's a few great features with the full program as well, including being able to use Transmit's built in text editor to work on files on your site, as well as being able to use any html editor on your site for editing. There's also syncing files in a folder on your computer with those online - great if you make changes on your site locally, and then want to upload those changes once you're done making changes rather than risk making fatal mistakes on your live files.

There's a bunch more this program will do, all good. And the interface is really nice. I really pity PC users who have to deal with all those really badly done FTP clients - I've dealt with a bunch of them over the years, nothing I've tried comes close to the ease of Transmit for the Mac.

Its only $34 for the full version, and $19 for the update. Worth every penny either way.

Encana building photo

2010-02-27T23:27:00.002-07:00

While I was dropping off something at a friends place, noticed all the lights in the Encana building being built in downtown Calgary.

Teresa - business portrait

2010-02-08T12:48:00.004-07:00

I got a call recently to photograph mortgage agent Teresa at her home. We did a series of shots - but we both really liked this informal looking photo taken in her dining room - looking into the kitchen. Turns out she was also a Calgary Flames fan. Had a great time doing photos of her and her sweet little dog.

Posing for the "photogencially challenged"

2010-02-07T09:53:00.004-07:00

Just did a video and article on Posing for the Photogenically Challenged for my Portrait dedicated site - the premise is that when people were young, they didn't really care about the camera and were naturally photogenic. As they get older, some people become shy and awkward as they become overly self aware in front of the camera. This is a learned habit, and if it can be learned, it can be unlearned. This isn't a definitive guide to posing, but just some first steps to learn to relax and be natural in front of the camera, plus a couple of ways to just look better. You can read the full article at: www.albertaportrait.com/articles.php

Posing

2010-01-20T22:06:00.002-07:00

This is a pretty funny video of Kelly Ripa "posing" for photos, and yet there is some truth to what she says here. I'm not really a fan of her's, just came across this one as I'm just about finished a video and article on "posing for the photogencially challenged."

Ashley in a box

2010-01-01T00:59:00.004-07:00

I was fortunate to work the other day with model Ashley on a short video production and photoshoot (more on that in an upcoming post.) Playing around the warehouse we found this cabinet that I thought would be a fun place to put her for a shot.

We did this strobist style using a 580ex II (hotshoe style flash triggered remotely) on her, and another one pointed towards to the roof to pull some detail.

Christmas Day - pictures of ice and water

2009-12-25T15:13:00.004-07:00

Christmas day 2009 - decided I needed to go for a walk and see what pictures were waiting for me. I live in Calgary near the Bow River and that's where I headed figuring the ice on the water always makes for something interesting to look at. While I was wondering around beside the river, one of the many people out walking their dogs through the area stopped and asked "What are you seeing?" Interesting question - not "what are you shooting."

I replied that I was seeing "shapes and forms, shadows and textures, stillness and movement - I like the contrast of the still ice and the motion of the water."

A few executive portraits

2009-12-21T19:43:00.005-07:00

Had the pleasure last week of photographing RBC Investment Adviser Warren Armstrong and his assistant at the their downtown Calgary offices.

Cantaloupe shot

2009-12-07T23:26:00.004-07:00

A piece of cantaloupe, a martini glass, a hammered aluminum bowl - grab the camera and see what comes out. Nice photographic diversion in the afternoon.

Family shots

2009-12-03T22:09:00.004-07:00

A couple of shots from a recent family session I did in their home. They loved the shot of their son hamming it up. Very fun working with each of them - which I knew even before taking out the camera.

Kiva.org

2009-12-03T17:30:00.002-07:00

I just did my first loan through Kiva.org to help a woman in Cambodia to buy seeds in order to become self sufficient. You too can help entrepreneurs in developing countries to move forward through these micro-loans.

Erin in the studio

2009-11-22T22:06:00.004-07:00

A couple fo the shots I did this weekend with Erin who is studying contemporary dance and ballet.

Business portraits - three looks

2009-11-17T09:43:00.005-07:00

Worked with recent MBA grad and entrepreneur Loreen Sherman to get a new look for her for a variety of uses - great to have the time to work with someone so willing to try things out of the ordinary for their business. The top shot was your straight up headshot done with soft box and rim light. The second was done using a hotshoe flash on a stand and set to very tight light, while the third was natural light in a corner of some space I'm using - strong backlight. So far that is everyone's favourite.

Busted watch

2009-11-15T19:33:00.003-07:00

I was out doing some family portraits the other day, everything went pretty well, got lots of nice shots of them. Packed up my gear and was headed home when I checked my watch - I have no idea how or when this happened. It was fine on my way there, I checked the time to make sure I wasn't late. I don't remember hitting anything while I was there or getting back into the car. Must have tapped it just right on the edge of some furniture and it just smucked my poor watch. Sad. Really liked this watch - not the most expensive in the world, but did spend a fair amount on it at the time.

Thoughtful words

2009-10-09T14:04:00.001-06:00

While I'm not a religious person as a rule, I did find this quote to be very good advice and something we should all aspire to:

A portion of John Baillie's A Diary of Private Prayer . . .

Teach me, O God, so to use all the circumstances of my life today that they may bring forth in me the fruits of holiness rather than the fruits of sin.

Let me use disappointment as material for patience;

Let me use success as material for thankfulness;

Let me use suspense as material for perseverance;

Let me use danger as material for courage;

Let me use reproach as material for longsuffering;

Let me use praise as material for humility;

Let me use pleasures as material for temperance;

Let me use pains as material for endurance.

Music promo shoot - behind the scenes

2009-08-27T15:30:00.003-06:00

Did a little taping of my shoot with AMP Radio's Rockstar 2010 winners Frankie McQueen. In the back of my Yaris, I fit a suitcase with three mono-lights (a White Lightening and two old Elinchroms), a "golf club travel bag" that I use to haul all the stands, soft-boxes and umbrellas, a backdrop stand, my camera backback which holds my 5D, spare body, 5 lenses, two flashes, cords, etc., a bag of reflectors, a bag with the drop cloth I used for the background (which blew out by the lights) and a bag for the camcorder, and still had room in the front seat to pick up my friend and assistant for the day - Dave.

These are a couple of shots from the day.

Loved the arc of skylights at the top of the atrium.

Wisdom by Andrew Zuckerman

2009-08-12T12:40:00.004-06:00

Gorgeous photos and essential wisdom from those who've experienced life and have made a difference, photographed and produced by New York photographer Andrew Zuckerman.

We should all take these lessons to heart - and for the photographers, be inspired both by the photography and scope of this book, which includes a DVD with the interviews.

The Trailer:

Also see the web site for the book if you want to learn more and see the "making of" - great for us photographers. www.wisdombook.org

Rebuilding my commercial photography site

2009-07-16T20:08:00.003-06:00

Wow, was that a lot of work. The design part was easy. So was assembling the parts. Rearranging photos was okay. Then came the tweaking. And more tweaking. And then some more. And corrections. But now I can leave it alone for a bit. At least until tomorrow when I'll look at it and say "Hey what if I....."

Family portraits

2009-07-08T10:20:00.005-06:00

Although most of my work is commercial photography, I still often do family portraits. These are a couple from a session I just did. I'd shot the couple a few years ago, very fun pair wanting more than the usual staid shots. Same thing now with the new baby, and I have to say I've never seen an eight month old willing to put up with that long a shoot; she was a champ. I'd told them beforehand that babies usually don't do well on long shoots, and we might have to split it up to one or two extra shoots, but three hours and she was fine. Of course, she wasn't in front of the camera the whole time.

Rock, Paper, Scissors

2009-05-22T20:26:00.003-06:00

Did a picture a while ago, thought I'd show it off again. The idea was to send a custom piece to the design firm, Rock Paper Scissors. Discussed the concept with the wonderful model Rupi Sood about the concept - I wanted to make sure I was respectful of her culture but still have fun with the idea. Fun shoot, several hours to get natural looking armpits.

Seeing best colors when looking at photos on web sites

2009-05-03T22:01:00.002-06:00

If you want to see the best colours for photos on web sites, you have the best chance using Firefox 3 or better and going to http://news.datacolor.eu/en/archives/2009/02/get-your-colors.html to turn on the ability to use ICC profiles.

2009-05-01T14:58:00.006-06:00

A few recent shots from sessions.

These two are of Nathan Rogers, an excellent Canadian singer/songwriter based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He wanted an "industrial feel" to the shots. That's a very sharp Japanese sword he's holding, by the way. Not an ancient one, but pretty lethal in any case.

Here is one of the shots I did of international speaker and business coach Don Steirer.

Strange collisions and other accidents

2009-02-13T16:45:00.002-07:00

The collision between two communications over Siberia this week (http://tinyurl.com/cxu2v9) brought to mind some pictures my dad had of two tracked vehicles in the Arctic. He was flying by in a helicopter and photographed one heading south, and one heading west, they got closer, then collided. In the middle of nowhere, they hit each other. Last picture of the two drivers standing and presumably arguing over whose fault it was.

I remember stories of one tree in the desert in Africa that got hit repeatedly by military drivers - it was the only tree in hundreds of miles.

Then there's these pictures of Strange and Stupid accidents.

Also found this listing of Weird and Freak Accidents. Like the woman who was crushed by a car falling from second floor of a parking garage.

Amazing.

half a Nikon D3

2009-02-05T19:16:00.001-07:00

Interesting pic on TokyoBling's blog about a Nikon D3 cut in half for display.

http://tokyobling.wordpress.com/2008/12/17/nikon-d3-cut-in-half/

Bed and Breakfast

2009-01-27T20:49:00.003-07:00

I was staying and shooting at the wonderful Bilodeau Bed and Breakfast in Kelowna, BC last weekend, this was one of my breakfasts. After shooting it, I gobbled it down and it was good. Of course I was stuffed, and then Sid said most people share it. Still, really enjoyed my stay with Sid and Emily.

New page for event photography

2009-01-07T16:39:00.003-07:00

I've added a page to my site specifically for promoting event photography. You can see it at event_photos.speersphoto.com/ (Yes, its event underscore photos). If you're an event manager or event planner, please check out the page.

Me on Parliament Hill

2008-12-14T21:49:00.002-07:00

Traded shots with another tourist - if you can see it, there's a Tim Horton's coffee in my hand - how Canadian is that? From my http://www.justoverthehorizon.ca project.

Posted via email from Speers Photography - Calgary

Newer shots

2008-12-14T21:13:00.006-07:00

A couple of shots of Jen Nguyen who modeled for me and stood in my booth at a trade show.

The owners of Centini's Restaurant in downtown Calgary, shot for a magazine layout.

Love that bottle of wine!

Twitter, twellow and me

2008-08-13T16:27:00.002-06:00

Well, joined the twitter gang - kind of neat to see what people are doing and thinking throughout the day. The constant updates of what people are doing - of course - is a great anti-productivity tool. But does give you some insight to what is happening in people's lives. From the mundane like what they are about to eat, to the humorous, to the scary (tales of lost cats on moving day, etc.)

Along with that is twellow.com where even more information and updates are available - if you're looking for people who identify with Mac Geek or musician, you can find those people who twitter on twellow. Found Henry Rollins - punk/rocker who influenced many up and comers. (However, his posts are not always suitable for family entertainment.)

My alter ego "Hardwire Speers" (I play music as a solo songwriter performer when not doing photography) has a twitter account you can check out.

Print winner from Speers Photography

2008-06-11T21:50:00.002-06:00

Last week I had a booth at the SOHO trade show here in Calgary. As part of that I gave away a print of a photo I'd taken (see right) of lightening over a pile of rocks on a green field.

The shot was mostly luck, and no, it's not a "combined shot" built in Photoshop - I did some colour and tone adjustments but otherwise was what I caught in my camera.

The winner of the print was Bill Webster of Speedpro Signs on 14th St SW in the Beltline district.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and saw my work. And thanks to Jen for manning the booth while I was wandering around shooting pics of the tradeshow and the excellent speakers giving presentations.

Me and The PM

2008-05-14T15:57:00.004-06:00

Some days you get little treats while doing a photo shoot. A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of being the photographer for the Colin Brown Awards ceremony where Preston Manning was presented with the Freedom Award. Flying in was Prime Minister Steven Harper to present the award - something very few in the audience knew. While I was shooting, I had the opportunity to have my own photo taken with the PM.

Whatever our may be feelings about the Conservative Party in Canada (and the various offshoots it spawned) - Preston Manning is one of the most intelligent people I have had the honour to hear speak.

Contests can be bad deals for photographers

2008-01-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

"Entries may be published by Sponsors and/or their designees, licensees or affiliates (the "Authorized Parties") in magazines, on websites, or in any other medium, at Authorized Parties' discretion. By participating, all entrants grant a license in the Entries to the Authorized Parties, and acknowledge that any Authorized Party may use the entries and a name credit in any media now or hereafter known, without restriction, including commercially using the entries to the fullest extent possible worldwide in perpetuity. Authorized Parties will not be required to pay any additional consideration or seek any additional approval in connection with such use."

I added the quote marks and bolding of the last sentence. This was copied straight off the rules for The Great Outdoors Contest being run by Photo District News (I've always thought it was a great magazine - until now), National Geographic Traveller (again, I always assumed they were a good organization), and also sponsored by Waikoloa Beach Marriott Hotel, Budget car rentals, Jacks Diving Locker, Bogen Imaging, and Hawaiian Airlines.

It comes down to, any one of these companies can take any entry - your entry - and use it for thousands of dollars worth of advertising, and YOU PAID FOR THE PRIVILEGE with your contest entry fee.

They do not have to do anything other than give you a photo credit. You've spent thousands of dollars (most likely) on camera(s), lens(es) and computer gear, thousands of hours learning to use it all, untold time getting the photos, and all you get is a credit on an ad you'll most likely never see and no-one is likely to notice your name.

Most contests are really good, but read the fine print - this kind of usage grab is just bad for you and for the photography industry. Even if you never want to shoot professionally - your images have worth, don't give it away unless its to friends or worthy causes. Companies that can afford to pay for photography (which is a very small percentage of the advertising budget) should. Don't let them get away with this kind of abuse of talented people.

On getting paid

2007-11-26T22:47:00.001-07:00

Love this rant by writer Harlan Ellison on getting paid.

Now On Squidoo.com

2007-05-02T19:04:00.000-06:00

Fun new service, part blog, part eStore, part fun spot, I just loaded up a page at squidoo.com/bestphotolessons to see how it works. Seems to be very popular, there are lots and lots of pages with how to's and DIY information. Check it out. You can even start your own page very quickly.

musician Patrick Molloy

2007-03-25T09:30:00.000-06:00

Patrick Molloy is a talented singer/songwriter who has been living in Calgary although he's heading back to the east coast in the near future. I had the pleasure of helping him out with photographyand designing his web site - check out his great tunes at www.patrickmolloy.com

New site enhancements

2007-03-06T23:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, the danger of being a designer - gotta change the site once more. Check out SpeersPhoto.com and see the new look and content.

Photography lessons

2006-12-28T00:52:00.000-07:00

In case you're looking for some lessons on how to use your digital or film camera, I've set up a site called BestPhotoLessons.com There are lots of free tutorials, tips and techniques to learn the basics of photography.

Left handed coffee pot

2006-09-26T10:47:00.000-06:00

Yes its true. If you have a coffee pot that continually spills when you pour your fresh cup, try pouring with your left hand. It just seems the way some pots are made, they have a slight lean to the lip and/or the handle is just off. Using the left hand just works a bit better.

File this under odd but true - this is the second coffee pot I've had that seems to prefer left handed use.

No, I don't really think there's a conspiracy by left handers to drive the rest of us nuts with things like this.

Her real meaning

2006-09-18T10:36:00.000-06:00

Today's Dilbert cartoon is a great - showing how body language can be totally opposite to the message being communicated. Something I often tell people about my photography is that I do pay attention to body language, I want to make sure the marketing message your company has is communicated at all levels, including how staff and management appears in a photo.

If you're supposed to be a strong leader who is open to your customers and staff, then why would you stand with your arms crossed which is a closed and defensive pose. By crossing your arms you're protecting your heart - something a person who is afraid would do. There are other things to watch out for when posing for photos as well. Take the popular "cup your parts" pose - holding your hands together in front of your crotch, protecting your genitals. What do you suppose that communicates?

If a picture is worth 1000 words, then you need to make sure they are the right 1000 words.

British study on design for increased profits

2006-07-31T19:27:00.000-06:00

The British Design Council has a post on their site regarding design and marketing. Companies investing in design (beyond basic slapped together ads) are twice as likely to see its turnover grow compared to companies that don't. As well, a £100 investment in design saw a return of £225. The studio also shows a marked improvement on their performance in the markets in bull and bear times as well as having an 83 per cent increase in their market share compared to the British average of 46 per cent. I'm sure the figures for north America would be similar. You can read more here.

The "Bad Guys" seem to have won.

2006-07-21T10:23:00.000-06:00

A Patt Morrison LA Times opinion piece is just one more example of how terrorists seem to have won the battle in the USA. Photographers all over the US - and sometimes in Canada too - are getting harassed for taking pictures in public places. This harassment is against both the claim of being "the home of the brave and the free" as well as several portions of the bill of rights. No matter, "since 9/11" is the refrain of police, security guards and general citizens all over that "great land."

So, forget the fact a terrorist would use a hidden camera or shoot from inside another building or car - someone taking a picture out in the open "must be dangerous."

So obviously the US would be more secure if everyone had to stay in their homes, except to go to work, be at work or come home from work. Possibly to go shopping - although that can be done online now so its not as necessary. Anyone just "out" must be dangerous.

Another one (Search engine that is)

2006-05-29T11:20:00.000-06:00

You'd think most people would believe Google is the top dog and its not worth trying to compete. And then you get an email inviting you to list your web site on something like theGokodo Web directory. They have a couple of features other that straight web directory; and it is a directory - not a crawling search engine, at least right now. There's a dating component, travel and social bookmarking - which lets you log in and let others know about interesting sites you seen lately. This feature almost takes one back to the early days of surfing where you just follow links around the web and find all kinds of interesting ideas. Well, good luck to the Gokodo team.

Joining the Startup Nation

2006-05-26T08:58:00.000-06:00

If you're just starting up your business or looking to expand it and you don't already know about StartupNation.com, I'd suggest going there and finding out more. They offer podcasts, resources, lists of ways to improve your business, and a forum for like minded entrepreneurs to ask questions and give feedback. Great place to go.

Image and branding

2006-03-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

I've been working like mad to rebrand my photography site and have spent a lot of time considering the subject of image (instead of my usual contemplation of images). I gave a speach at a business club the other day that likened how the look of your marketing – such as you ads, web site, logo, etc. – is much like your body language when you're doing a presentation.

When you're talking face to face, the words you use are only seven per cent of the communciation the other person recieves. Thirty eight per cent is the tone of your voice. The remaining 55 per cent of the communication you project is your body language.

So obviously visual clues make a huge difference to the person you're communicating with. The message: make sure your marketing is not like wearing jeans to a black tie dinner (or a three-piece suit to a rodeo.)

Great quote

2006-03-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

Read a great quote last night -
"Branding is all about presnting yourself to the world in a way that makes it easy for people to know who you are, what you stand for and why they should care." Bob Barker - author of Branding Yourself Online.

This is a subject I've been thinking about as I rebrand my photography company to do commercial, industrial, advertising and corporate photography.

More changes

2006-03-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

Well, like I don't tinker enough, my commercial, industrial and editorial photography site speersphoto.com has been through a major rebuild and I've been getting some really nice responses from people about it. Loaded lots and lots of image and I think its a really good improvement.

Engagement photos are a great way to get to know your photographer

2005-02-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

If you haven't thought getting your engagement portrait done was important, you might consider a couple of things. First, you get to know your photographer - you become more comfortable with your photographer and as a result your wedding day portraits are better. As well, you photographer gets to know you and can figure out how to communicate with you on a more personal level - which again results in better wedding day photography. As well, one new idea is to have your engagement photo mounted with an oversized matt which is used as a "guest-book" at your reception - people love signing it and you have a great memento of your wedding day. And, if the photographer doesn't offer to shoot your engagement photo as part of the package - if you ask he or she will probably throw it in just to get your wedding (it certainly never hurts to ask.) One last thing with engagement portraits, if you're unhappy with your photographer at that point - it gives you enough time to find someone else.

2005-01-19T16:27:00.000-07:00

Clothing can make the shoot when getting a family portrait done. The best group portraits have eveyone wearing the same or similar colours. Solid colours are best for groups or individuals as paterns take attention away from the face(s). As for specific colours, medium toned colours in blues or greens work well. Dark colours and black are okay. White isn't bad but unless the light is soft like an overcast day, in the shade or in the studio, white can wash out in the prints. Long sleeves are better, but if you have to wear sleaveless - make sure you don't have an uneven tan on the arms such as a "farmer's tan."

2005-01-10T22:04:00.000-07:00

BlissWeddings.com - wedding planning site. Found this site today and thought you'd like to see it too. They several downloadable forms and information packages in pdf format as well as other resources for planning your wedding.

Looking "hand"some

2005-01-06T20:49:00.000-07:00

Lets talk some more about posing - specifically hands. You've seen the pictures, people standing around, hands clasped in front of them like they're ten minutes late to go the bathroom. Some photographers prefer this to people "with sticks at their sides." Known as the "fig leaf" pose, it does give you something to do with your hands. It seems hands are one of our most dificult things to figure out what to do with when in front of a camera. I personally find that just letting them hand at your side, elbow ever so slightly bent and hand turned so the thumb is towards the camera looks far better than the "waiting for the bathroom" look.

Make a loose fist, then let it relax. Turn your hand so the camera sees the thumb first, and bend your elbow just enough so that your arm isn't totally straight. You'll look very open and sure of yourself.

Slightly more relaxed is hooking your thumb into your pocket or into your belt. If you put your hand in a pocket, leave the thumb out.

Crossing your arms makes you look closed off, aloof, maybe even nervous. And putting your hands behind your back looks like you have no arms.

For a couple, the guy can stand with thumbs hooked over his belt and the girl can wrap her hands around one of his arms, then lean slightly into him. Very classic look.

If your hand is above your elbow, bend the hand slightly at the wrist, then let the fingers drop down in a relaxed manner.

If you have a prop to hang onto, that's fine too - just relax your hold, don't strangle the poor prop.

To see some pictures with people just letting their hands relaxed at their sides and holding props (usually flowers) check out my wedding portfolio.

A site for planning your wedding

2005-01-05T07:47:00.000-07:00

WedNet.com offeres a good range of resources and content for wedding planning.

Posing for the intimidated

2005-01-04T19:25:00.000-07:00

A quick and simple way pose effectively for your portrait or wedding photos is to lean towards the camera. This helps stretch out your body and reduce double chins. Even fairly thin people get double chins when they lean away from the camera. To get more effective posing, push your face towards the photographer - this can feel strange but works well at making you look younger and take off visual pounds.