Missing Danes

2012 was a difficult year for us and our Danes.  Sadie passed away early in March and Dexter midway through August.  Many tears have been shed and we miss them both dearly.  Our home just isn't the same without a 'DAWG'.  Over the Christmas break we were able to go visit Dantry Danes (Where we got both Sadie and Dexter.) in Ontario.  It was great to see Matt and Danielle and it was wonderful to be in a house full of dogs.  We got lots of petting in (You can see Sophie was pretty happy to snuggle with Christopher) and even went to see a couple of them strut their stuff at a nearby dog show.  Oakley did very well.  The best news is that we put in our order for a new puppy!  We will be getting a pup from Sophie and Oakley's litter. The pups are due to be born sometime in May so we should be able to bring our little one home in July.  Both Sophie and Oakley are beautiful, inside and out, so I'm sure it'll be an amazing litter.  We're hoping for a blue boy and have already started looking at names.  Suggestions are welcome.

Upside Down

Saw the idea of an upside down snowman on Pinterest and just had to try it out.  We'd had a significant snowfall and it was that heavy wet stuff; hard to shovel but perfect for building snowballs and snowmen.  I decided to build the snowman, both for fun and to lighten the shoveling.  We had some technical difficulties with his eyes, they kept falling off, but were finally able to get everything to stick long enough to take the picture with my iPhone.  When Peg's family came to visit her brother made a comment about snowmen not having legs.  Her witty niece responded, "Actually they do, but they're usually buried in the snow." 

Another New Start

After a rather lengthy hiatus, I've decided to return to photo blogging.  As you have probably already figured out the '100 Strangers' project didn't work out.  It's an interesting challenge and one I may go back to but for now I'm putting it on the back burner.
Although I haven't been blogging I've still been taking pictures.  I've had the opportunity to do a number of portraits for friends.  So far I've worked with 'kids' from two months to twenty years.  I've also done a few family sessions as well.  I really enjoy doing portraits.  I think it's because I enjoy being with people in general.  Each age group has it's own charm and sometimes challenges.  I hope to continue doing portraits and that is one of the reasons I've returned to blogging.  I found when I was blogging I naturally took more pictures and was able to improve my skills/knowledge at a more significant rate.
This year I promise to try new things, accept new challenges and hopefully become a better photographer and person with each new day.  I look forward to getting back to following my fellow bloggers as well.  All the best for 2013!

2/100 - Sebastien

Sebastien was another Apple Distinguished educator presenting during our session at Apple.  Sebastien is a principal but prefers to think of himself as a pedagogical leader.  He taught for 15 years before taking on his newest role as leader.  He, like Jacques, is passionate about teaching and technology.  He works at a private school where only 30% of his clientele can afford to pay the full tuition.  The balance is paid by the community.  Hence, is has a very strict budget and must be careful how he spends money.  When he talks about the projects going on in his school, he cannot hide his enthusiasm.  Like Stone Soup, he has made a lot out of a little.

He talked about the importance of having a vision and looking ahead when making decisions today.  He also explained the importance of leaders leading by example.  It is very clear that Sebastien leads by example and models the skills and attitudes he wants his team to have.  He makes himself available to his staff for professional development or support.  He has a blog, website and is active on Twitter.  Sounds like a pedagogical leader to me!  Thanks for sharing your vision and knowledge, Sebastien.

After my first experience (0/100), I have to admit I was rather gun shy or should I say shutter shy.  I didn't realize just how much until it was time for me to ask Jacques if I could take his picture.  Trust me, it had nothing to do with him.  He was more than accommodating.  Fortunately, after breaking the ice it was easier asking Sebastien.  I didn't get overly creative or technical with either photo but I'm hoping with each new 'stranger' the asking will get easier and the photography will improve.
 

1/100 - Jacques

Earlier this week a colleague and I attended a workshop at Apple in Montreal.  The session was called, "Learning and Teaching with the iPad".  It gave teachers and technology consultants a chance to see what is being done with the iPad.  We not only shared apps but experiences and solutions.  During the first part of the day, three educators presented their 'story'.  One of theses speakers was Jacques.

Jacques is a musician and teacher.  He not only plays the double bass but he teaches music at Mother Teresa Junior High School in Laval.   He also has the title of Apple Distinguished Educator.  He talked about his journey and how he brings technology into his music classes.  It was easy to hear and see his passion for music, technology and of course teaching.  In the background you see part of the video he produced to promote his school.

Jacques was familiar with the 100 Strangers project and willingly let me take his picture.  He even gave me some photography pointers.   Later that day I saw him helping a music teacher who wanted to do composition and recording with her classes.  Thanks for being so generous with your time and knowledge, Jacques.  It was a pleasure meeting you.

0/100 - The 1 that got away

Yep, this was the 1 that would never be.  After all the necessary material arrived, camera and mini cards, I decided it was time to get started on this new project.  I chose to begin close to home.  On the return trip from work we stopped at a quaint boutique that we go to quite regularly.  We know the store and the products but not the people.  I thought a portrait there would make an interesting beginning.

I brought my camera in and we started looking around for the purchases we planned on making.  After chatting a minute or two with the young lady who served us, I told her about my project and asked if I could take her picture.  She said sure but she'd have to ask her boss first.  When she came back downstairs she said it wasn't a problem but her boss told her she'd like the picture to be taken in the other part of the boutique.  Fortunately, the other part actually made a better backdrop.  Anyway, I was about to start taking pictures when I realized I had forgotten to put my battery in the camera. DUH!  I asked Peg if she would go out to the car and get it for me.

While we were waiting I thought it would be a good time to get to know a little bit about my subject.  I asked her how long she'd been working there and what made her decide to work there.  As she was answering the questions her boss came down the stairs.  She asked me if I was doing an interview.  I told her I was just asking her some questions.  She then wanted to know what I was doing so I explained the 100 strangers project to her.  She started asking things like if I had a license, where were the pictures going.  She said she would rather I contact the owners and get their permission.  I said, no problem.

However, she continued talking about how I could get into trouble and how they got into trouble letting a friend of theirs take pictures there.  I have to admit, this was about the time I was wishing my French was a bit stronger.  She stayed polite, as did I, but she then mentioned that I could get into trouble because Quebec was a village and word would get around fast that someone, me, was taking pictures.  In the end, we payed for our purchase, thanked the young lady and left.  I do hope she didn't experience any downfall from this incident.

Needless to say, I was disappointed, confused and a little frustrated.  As soon as I arrived at home I started researching photography laws in Quebec to try to understand how she felt I was somehow doing something wrong.   I was discouraged by her reaction and was even rethinking the project.  After all, if this was the reaction I was going to get I wasn't sure I wanted to continue.  From what I read all I need to take and post the pictures is spoken permission from the subject.  Since we were in a boutique she did have the right to refuse having the picture taken there.  While I completely understand and respect that right I still don't fully understand why she felt  I would get into trouble.

After doing some research, talking to people and reflecting, I decided to accept the challenge and continue with the project.  I'd be interested if anyone has some information that would shed some light on my understanding.  Thanks.

New Year, New Challenge

As you've all noticed, I haven't been posting much  during the last six months or so.  Yes, I was busy but then who isn't?  Truthfully, I've been less motivated and really felt like I needed a new challenge.  While searching for tips on taking portraits, I found a link to a project called 100 Strangers.  The goal of this project is, you guessed it, to take pictures of 100 strangers.  But there are rules.  You must talk to each person and get permission to take their picture and post it on the internet.  You also need to post a little write up about each stranger.
After reading some interesting entries, I decided it was just the inspiration I needed.  Not only will I have the opportunity to work on my portraiture skills but I will meet people, hear their stories and no doubt be inspired.  I've ordered my mini cards (recommended to use with the project) from Little Moo.  On the front I have one of the 20 photos I've chosen and on the other side is my name, my blog address, my flickr address and a little thank you/merci message.  They are scheduled to arrive in January so I'll be ready to go.
I'm a little concerned about approaching that first stranger.  I will definitely be venturing outside my comfort zone.  But that's what learning's all about, isn't it?  Here's to a new year and a new challenge!