#860 Ottawa Gatineau Family Portraits

Posted on October 14, 2012 by admin

A while back I showcased a recent wedding and talked about a candid style.

Today’s blog post features a fun family who wanted a similar experience in portraits – less structured and more true to the personalities of the family. For this kind of portrait I travel lightly and spend an hour following the family in their fun.

Candid family portrait - Ottawa Gatineau

Family pictures - Ottawa Gatineau

We played in a forested park and I captured the antics of the family. Big smiles and true personalities came through.

Candid family portrait - Ottawa Gatineau

If you’re looking for better portraits either to be in them or to take them we have a few options:
• We can photograph you. Contact us for details.
• We can teach you – we have a series of fun photo classes. We’ve offered Natural Light Portraits for years. The portrait class offers simple tips on how to get better portraits of friends or family.
• You can take your own portraits with guaranteed success and smiles. We offer DIY Portraits whereby you bring your camera and plug into our lights at our central Ottawa photo studio. We make it easy. You take the photos. Easy, fun, and way cheaper than hiring us to do it for you!!

Candid family portrait - Ottawa Gatineau

#843 A new look to the photo blog and website…

Posted on September 4, 2012 by admin

We’ve shaken things up a little.

Our old site has looked similar for many years and, well, we wanted a change. We hope you like it. We’re cruising for bugs so please let us know if there are any inconsistencies.

Why did we change?
There are a few reasons:

• The functionality of WordPress across the board. Yay. WordPress? Easier web development and design.

• Our new online program uses new software that benefits from WordPress so we wanted to go live as the full online program launches this month

• We wanted a new look!!

Our Summer Online Photo Program is turning into the Full Online Program this month. We had fun this summer developing the program. Thanks to all the people who helped us get off the ground!

What’s New?
We’re adding a new forum section to the Online Program and members will now have controlled access to the content.

This Month’s Online Challenge?
The fun of getting closer with your camera or smart phone!

Join us for the monthly challenges in the online program!

photo tips and ideas for better pictures

Close-up fun with your camera or iphone!

#831 Better photos through online learning

Posted on August 9, 2012 by admin

If you read this blog you’ve probably heard about our new Online Photo Program – it’s been a lot of work but a very fun adventure building the program and connecting with photographers from far and wide.

This week I got a personal email from one of the online photo members. It made me smile:

“… I really like the format of these discussions/lessons. I purchased my camera last year, and despite having taken various classes, what I really needed was to take more pictures and practice certain techniques. Being able to do so from my home is very convenient.”

It’s the student comments like these from our regular photo classes (and the new online program) that helps me help you get better photos!

See some of the past photos from the program.

Online photo program - student success!

#818 Urban Compositions Safari and Online Photo Program

Posted on July 12, 2012 by admin

Saturday we launch into the Urban Compositions Photo Safari.

Today I did some last minute scouting. Each time we run this the route changes as the city changes. We are taking the group to some special sites within the city – asian pagoda, hilltop panoramic cityscapes, tunnels and a hidden stretch of downtown whitewater. We’ll be playing with light – natural and artificial and expanding horizons!

Urban compositions photo safari

Today we also sent out the latest web based class to our online photo program members. Last month was all about self portraits. This month they are exploring geometry in their favourite subjects. Curious? Join the fun.

online photography program - © CKreiss self portrait

Stay tuned…

#816 Ottawa’s Macro Photography Class

Posted on July 9, 2012 by admin

In June we ran the Macro Photography Class with Louise Tanguay. The course filled quickly and people loved it.

This is Louise’s first class with us and she brings with her vast teaching and photo expertise. Our students were lucky to learn from Louise:

“I loved this course and Louise is a great teacher.”

“The challenges made me experiment with angles I never would have explored otherwise. This workshop was great because it pushed me out of my comfort zone. It was so helpful !”

“I found Louise a wonderful ”teacher” if I can call her like that. The way she made the presentations and explanation had a major impact in my photography.”

“I thank you both for the enthusiasm you gave me! I think I am becoming a better photographer. How about that!!!”

“The challenges forced me to explore new techniques and aspects of photography… it opened many new doors for me.”

“I enjoyed this workshop tremendously and I learned so much. Thank you.”

“Learned lots. Thank you very much… and had fun too…”

“…great course and Louise was so awesome and I got to learn a lot.”

Stay tuned for more courses!

See some photo successes:

Ottawa Macro Photo Workshop

Ottawa Photography Class

Macro photo workshop

Ottawa Photography Class

Ottawa Macro Photo Workshop

#812 Online photo class – June’s challenge highlights

Posted on July 1, 2012 by admin

This summer we started our online photography program for people wanting to learn at their own pace, from anywhere via the internet.

We developed the ongoing, online course – members register and receive instruction, inspiration and critique throughout the month. The summer is an introductory program with the fully featured sessions starting in the fall.

In June we pitched the ideas of self portraits with tips, ideas and inspiration to help members push their limits, overcome shyness and develop ideas to make their photos smile. Self portrait was defined as a photo of you or about you. We sent out the critique session video last week. I was impressed and so were members. A few member photo’s self portraits are attached.

What do you think?!

Online Photo Class

July’s session starts soon. We pitch a new challenge to get creative photo brains working and smiling. See what we can do for you! You can join the fun by registering online at the bottom of the photo memberships page.

#35 Creative Fun and skiing

Posted on March 25, 2008 by admin

So there will be another Creative Fundamentals offered this spring – in May.

It looks like Urban Landscapes will be moved to August. Dates will be confirmed this week. Check the workshops page for details later this week.

Today’s diversion:Ok, I love photography and skiing (particularly nordic and tele) and after a quick google search found the blog of Canadian John Dougall – skier, model, photographer. Have a look! All I know is what I read – but looks fun.

More photos and stories late tomorrow eve…

#27 More hockey

Posted on March 11, 2008 by admin

One of my students from the Hockey Photo Workshop contributes to an Ottawa 67s blog. V is a big hockey fan and wanted to learn a little more about the photography end of things! Have a look at her blog posting and photos from the game we shot!

Another photo from the game with a student shooting from ice level: HarryNowell.com

Students from my event photo workshop were able to borrow gear from Headshots Rentals Ottawa location – some students walked out with thousands of dollars of pro-level gear to try for the afternoon. Thanks Headshots!

Stay tuned for the summer event photography workshop!