Studio Iris Photography

Another Trip to the Far North

2008-03-17T15:29:00.004-04:00

I just returned from another trip to the far north with Quebec Roots. This time, I was with author Carolyn Souaid, and we visited Kiluutaq School in Umiujaq, Quebec... wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy up north on Hudson's Bay.

View from the airplane window, en-route to Umiujaq, Quebec

Young boy contemplating the vast, empty landscape

Jason Etok, an Inuit pilot with Air Inuit

Ecole Kiluutaq School

Students participating in Quebec Roots Program

One of the kids took this photo of me during one of the the photo workshops-- love it!

I didn't have much time to take photos, but here are a few snaps from around the village:

The Tumic Twins, snuggling up in the back of their mother's parka

Dinah Sala, the Oldest resident of Umiujaq

Umiujaq grocery store

Cases of Pepsi in back room of Umiujaq grocery store. People drink a lot of Pepsi here. One students confessed to drinking 8-12 cans per day!

Markossie Sala preparing for a hunting trip, wearing a wolf hide parka.

Sunset over Hudson's Bay

Quebec Roots 2007: Wemidji, Quebec

2008-02-05T14:33:00.001-05:00

I was in Wemidji, Quebec last week with author Monique Polak and filmmaker Louise Abbot for Quebec Roots, an educational program sponsored by Blue Metropolis Literary Festival.

Quebec Roots: The Place Where I Live asks students in different classrooms across Quebec to comment on their community and work in photographs and words to make a photo-essay or book.

Below are people and places in Wemidji, Quebec.

Rob and Lisa's Wedding: September 8

2007-10-18T21:24:00.000-04:00

Except for Rob getting ready at home, Robert and Lisa had everything else-- the ceremony, cocktails, photos and reception-- at the magnificient Saint Suplice hotel in Old Montreal.

For getting ready, Lisa chose a room where she could watch the hotel staff prepare the hotel patio for the outdoor ceremony.

First kiss as man and wife.

Lisa crushing her sister in a hug just after the ceremony.

Congratulation Lisa and Robert! You two are completely adorable, and it really was the lovliest wedding.

Sylvie and Peter's Wedding: August 18

2007-10-18T21:18:00.000-04:00

Peter and Sylvie currently live in Iqualuit, Nunavuit, where Peter is an RCMP officer and Sylvie is a nurse. While a long way from home, their hearts are definitely in Quebec. Sylvie grew up in Quebec City, while Peter was raised in Montreal's Greek area, Park Extension.

Peter and Sylvie were married at the Eglise Koimisis Tis Theotokou, where some of the ladies who live across the street keep a pretty close eye on what's going on at the church.

The reception was at the Lowes Hotel Vogue in downtown Montreal.

Weddings at the Loews are overseen by Helene Gaston Khoury, who makes sure everything from the waitors white gloves to the angle of the Calla lillies on the head table are... just... perfect.

Despite being such a perfectionist, Helene is a wonderfully warm person who takes personal interest in each and every wedding she organises. She can be reached at (514) 849-9818.

Congratulations Peter and Sylvie! I LOVED the ceremony at the Greek church (my first Greek Orthadox wedding!), and really enjoyed sharing your day with you.

Cynthia and Christian's Wedding: August 11, 2007

2007-09-05T14:42:00.000-04:00

Cynthia was most radiant bride ever!

Cynthia and Christian were married at the Sacre Coeur Chapel, the wonderfully intimate chapel behind Notre Dame Basilica.

After the ceremony, it was off to Habitat for photos...

... and then to the Chateau Ramezay Museum in Old Montreal for cocktails and supper.

Not only was the food delicious...

... the gardens were a big hit with the kids

Notre Dame Basilica by night.

What a wonderful wedding, Cynthia and Christian-- congratulations!!

Roger and Daniela: August 4, 2007

2007-08-27T14:18:00.000-04:00

A gorgeous bride, a handsome groom, a stunning ceremony at Ottawa's Notre Dame Cathedral and then an elegant dinner (complete with belly dancer!) at the Museum of Civilisation in Hull, Quebec...

A view of Canada's magnificient Parliment Buildings on Capital Hill from the Museum of Civilisation, where the reception was held.

... all of that, PLUS Daniela made hundreds of homemade cupcakes for dessert instead of boring old wedding cake! Congratulations, Roger and Daniela, on such a wonderful wedding.

Melissa and Philippe's Wedding: July 28, 2007

2007-08-08T22:47:00.000-04:00

Veils... I just LOVE them! Especially when the wind sweeps them away, as it did when I was photographing Philippe and Melissa in the courtyard of the Delta Hotel in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield last weekend.

Another thing I'm nuts about are rural weddings-- especially when they're in tiny jewel-perfect farming villages in rural Quebec. Melissa and Philippe had their ceremony at the Catholic church in Tres-Saint-Redempteur, the town where Philippe grew up.

As the wedding was going on...

... someone went rattling by the front door with a load of hay!!

My best to you both, Melissa and Philippe! You're a wonderful couple whose love for each other-- and obvious delight at having found each other-- is a treat to behold.

Olivier's Album

2007-07-31T09:51:00.000-04:00

One album we did recently is Olivier's Album, in honour of the little fellow's first birthday. The album makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside when I look at it, as Olivier was such a happy baby, and a real joy to photograph.

Below are selections from the album:

Fopr information about having your child (or a child you know) photographed, call (514) 208-IRIS.

Chris and Lisa: July 14, 2007

2007-07-27T12:21:00.000-04:00

Every week, when I post each couple's photos, I think to myself... ""Wow, THESE are my favourite photos EVER!"

But this week, well... the photos from Chris and Lisa's wedding REALLY are my favourite photos EVER!!

Click photos to enlarge)

Below, the cake topper above is from Chris' parents wedding, over 30 years ago. It was pulled out of storage, then lovingly transported all the way from Vermont for the occasion (sniff!).

The ceremony was held at Saint-Wilfrid’s Chapel, a wonderful old fashioned church, surrounded by rolling farmlands near Ayer's Cliff, Quebec.

CHris and Lisa, moments before saying "I do."

Christopbner and Lisa, just after the wedding, near their reception hall, the Hotel Cheribourg in Orford, Quebec.

Studio Iris has a new website!

2007-07-25T23:05:00.000-04:00

Check out our snazzy new flash website!

Studio Iris Photography

It's only been 18 months since our last new website, but Studio Iris has grown so much over the past year, that we wanted the website to reflect that growth and excitement. Plus we wanted something a bit more elegant, stylish and fun. Hopefully we've succeeded!

Alex and Heather's Wedding: July 7, 2007

2007-07-09T12:24:00.000-04:00

A few photos from the 07/07/07 wedding I'm currently editing... the adorable Heather and Alex!

(Click photos to enlarge)

Mark and Cynthia's Wedding: June 23

2007-07-08T17:11:00.000-04:00

(Click photo to enlarge)

Cynthia moments before leaving her parent's home for the last time.

A happy-looking Mark, getting ready in a hotel nearby

Mark and Cynthia were married in a traditional Ukranian service at the fabulous Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Greek Catholic Parish in Montreal North.

During the marriage ceremony, heavy golden crowns were held over the couple's heads by matron of honor and best man.

Later the reception was at the impossibly picturesque Au Vieux Moulin in Rigaud

Anna-Maria and Joseph's Wedding: June 16, 2007

2007-06-20T21:56:00.000-04:00

(Click photos to enlarge)

The quote of the week definitely goes to Joe, who said during his grooms speech:

"I'm the luckiest guy in the world. I just married Anna-Maria, who is the prettiest, smartest, hottest girl in the whole world... and I just can't wait to spend the rest of my life with her!

The reception was at the Club de Golf Metropolitain in Ville D'Anjou, where we were lucky enough to stumble upon this wonderful field of daiseys:

Michael and Katherine's Wedding: June 2, 2007

2007-06-04T10:03:00.000-04:00

(Click photos to enlarge)

The light was perfect, the stone bridge was perfect, the rolling hills were perfect... and then Michael bent down on one knee gazed up at Katherine adoringly... click!!

Katherine moments before the wedding:

The reception was at Hotel Mont Gabriel in Saint Sauveur, Quebec, a rustic hotel and golf course, perched on a mountain top in Saint Sauveur, Quebec.

Bill and Rosie's Wedding: May 26, 2007

2007-05-30T15:53:00.000-04:00

Bill and Rosie's are two people very much in love, who charmed me and everyone else throughout their wedding day with their love, laughter and genuine happiness.

(Click photos to enlarge)

The wedding ceremony was at the chapel in the Notre Dame Basilica (arguably the most beautiful catherdral in North America), then the reception was at the uber-stylish Hotel Place D'Armes.

"You may now kiss the bride."

Frederique and Sebastien's Wedding: May 19, 2007

2007-05-20T10:36:00.000-04:00

(Click photos to enlarge)

Photographs from Sebastien and Frederique's fabulously elegant wedding at the Manoir Rouville Campbell in Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec.

A tender moment between bride and mother-in-law, outside the church, after the ceremony.

Blue Metropolis Literary Festival 2007

2007-04-28T08:01:00.000-04:00

I had the great good fortune to photograph Margaret Atwood at the 9th edition of the Blue Metropolis Montreal International Literary this past weekend.

The photos above is of Margaret Atwood, moments before winning Blue Metropolis' Grand Prix, an annual $10,000 award given to an author for a lifetime of literary achievement.

I've been the official photographer for Blue Metropolis Literary Festival for the past seven years and have photographed some of the world's most famous authors. But all the authors I've met, Atwood is one of the most remarkable I've seen.

Not only does Atwood have a razor sharp wit, she is a truely passionate Canadian artist, dedicated to furthering the arts in this country.

Brave Maggie, and congratulations !!

Wedding Photo Contest

2007-04-01T06:08:00.000-04:00

I'm entering these three photos in a nation-wide photo contest called The Captured Moment.

Taking these photos, it was one of those magical days in wedding photography-- perfect light, a relaxed pace, a gorgeous venue (the Lion D'Or), and a simply lovely couple.

To see a slideshow from Jessica and Cameron's wedding, click here

Old Montreal Wedding

2007-03-21T22:18:00.000-04:00

I had a wedding at the Hotel Nelligan in Old Montreal last weekend.

The bride wanted a winter wedding... and boy did she ever get one!

At the end of the night, the couple treated their guests to a magical horse and carriage ride through the snowy cobblestone streets of Old Montreal.

New Promotional Photo

2007-03-12T19:27:00.000-04:00

The fabulous Louis Prud'homme took my photo today. I was in dire need of a new one, as the old one was about six years old.

It's a good exercise in humility, getting ones photo taken. I forget sometimes how difficult it is to have a lens poking in your face, magnifying every flaw (or so it feels), and making you feel completely self conscious.

But I just LOVE what Louis came up with. I wanted something light, airy and fun-- which he accomplished in exactly two shots. Click, click, and we were done!

Thanks, Louis!

Leo

2007-02-23T11:23:00.000-05:00

My kids were down with the flu this week. Even though they weren't feeling their best, it was great spending a week at home with them.

Leo looking out the window:

Dog Sledding Revival Project

2007-02-19T17:08:00.000-05:00

(Click photos to enlarge)

Who-- or what-- killed all the sled dogs in northern Quebec in the 1950s? Various theories abound-- including several juicy ones involving the RCMP-- but no one knows for sure. The only thing that’s for sure is when the dogs disappeared from Kangiqsualujjuaq, so did a lot of Inuit pride.

Without their dogs, the Inuit were no longer able to go out on the land to hunt and fish. Stuck in town, many turned to drink and drugs. And although snowmobiles have replaced sled dogs in recent years, substance abuse is a continuing problem in the community.

Then, in 2005, two teachers at Kangiqsualujjuaq’s Ulluriaq School decided to try to re-establish dog sledding in their community through a project called Qimmiit Utirtut, or "The Dogs Are Back."

The two teachers are Mark Brazeau, vice principal of Ulluriaq School, and Daniel Annack, who teaches Inuit culture (pictured below).

Annack involves his students in all aspects of dog sledding, and his enthusiasm is infectious.

One student now owns his own dog team, and plans to race the Ivakkak 2007 across Nunavik this spring, while his fellow students from Ulluriaq School are currently documenting the dog sledding revival project through a project with Quebec Roots.

Quebec Roots is a project that takes place in English schools across in Quebec, where students work with professional authors and photographers to document their community through texts and photographs.

I traveled to Kangiqsualujjuaq with Quebec Roots to help the students with their photography, examples of which can be seen on the student's blog.

It was great meeting the kids, and it was a fabulous opportunity for me to experience life in the Far North, where a single wrinky red pepper costs $3.59...

... where people hang their seal skins in the street...

... and the regional air line has a completely cool name!

New! On-line Slideshows

2006-11-04T09:54:00.000-05:00

We're now offering on-line slideshows-- check it out!

Country Wedding in Vermont (slideshow)
Elegant Wedding at the Lion d'Or (slideshow)

Latest Magazine Ad

2006-11-03T02:49:00.000-05:00

Here's our latest magazine ad for the Let's Get Married guide. It hits the newststands January 2007-- can't wait!

(Click photo to enlarge)

Honeymoon Disaster

2006-11-01T11:55:00.000-05:00

What's one of the worst thing that could happen on your honeymoon? How about going for a swim in the ocean and losing your new wedding ring? This actually happened to some clients just a few weeks ago.

(Click photo to enlarge)

I figured the next best thing to actually having the ring would be to have a photo of it. I knew I'd taken some shots of the rings on the wedding day, but since the wedding was just a few weeks ago, the photos are still in production.

I found the shot, spiffed it up in Photoshop, then sent it off to the bride by e-mail. She sent me an e-mail back immediately, saying how touched she was, and how she couldn't wait to show her husband the photo when he got home from work.

Sometimes this is just such a cool job!

Le Salon International des Future Maries

2006-10-30T16:02:00.000-05:00

(Click photo to enlarge)

As official photographer for Le Salon International des Future Maries bridal show, I zipped around gorgeous Plaza Volare , photographing the crowds, the brightly decorated booths, and the bridal fashion show.

The photo above is one of the lovely runway models, in a quiet moment, just before making her grand entrance.

The next bridal show is Les Grands Salons Marions Nous January 6-7 at Place Bonaventure. That show is absolutely gigantic-- the largest in Quebec-- and not to be missed.

A completely adorable pair of flip-flops I saw in the Sandals booth:

Nadia and Brent

2006-10-03T10:29:00.000-04:00

Nadia and Brent are from Lasalle, a Montreal neighborhood with a vibrant Trinidadian community.

(Click photos to enlarge)

It seemed like at least half of the community turned up at Nadia's house on her wedding day (September 30), just to see her off. Car after car arrived, spilling people on to the sidewalk. Speakers were set up outside and the tunes were cranked to earsplitting levels.

It was a great start to a fun day with some really fine folks.

Below, Nadia watching the action on the sidewalk from inside the house:

Nadia and Brent's classical wedding portrait, photographed at Westmount Park.

I always try to do some natural, non-posed portraits as well as some classic wedding portraits for each couple. The bride and groom usually like the less posed portraits, while the grannies and the grandpas and the mums and dads usually prefer the classical ones.

... the guys, looking fine, in a rare serious moment.

Congratulations, Nadia and Brent. You're a wondferful couple-- an example to all of us-- and wow, you guys sure know how to throw a party!

Suzanne and Antonio

2006-09-25T14:02:00.000-04:00

Tony and Sue's wedding (September 23) was at Mont Tremblant's fabled Gray Rocks Inn, a 90- minute drive north of Montreal.

(Click photos to enlarge)

It was a rainy and cool most of the day, but the rain stopped just in time to take photos, so we were able to get outside and use the the magnificient fall colours as a backdrop.

After the rain is my favourite time for taking portraits. The light is smooth and even, with a wonderful glowing quality.

A peaceful moment on Lake Ouimet at Gray Rocks Inn.

"The Most Un-Photogenic Couple in the World."

2006-09-11T00:56:00.000-04:00

Wedding at the Lion d'Or! (slideshow)

Before the wedding (September 10, 2006), Cameron and Jessica told me over and over how un-photogenic they were.

Me: "That's impossible. No one can be THAT bad.
Cameron: "No, no. It's true. We're really, really, really bad in photos."

Me: "Both of you? How could you BOTH be un-photogenic?"
Jessica: "Yup, both of us. Absolutely. Especially me."

Cameron: "It won't be your fault if you don't get any nice shots on our wedding day. Really. We're just horribly stiff and awkward in front of the camera."

...uuhhh, yeah. You guys are so unphotogenic, I put you in my magazine ad this year. Congratulations for the wonderful wedding, and for being so great to work with!

Emily and Nicholas' Wedding

2006-09-09T21:55:00.000-04:00

Wedding in Vermont! (slideshow)

It was windy, cold and getting late. Did anyone really feel like dragging a 400-pound boat down into the lake and taking more pictures?

"Sure!" said Emily.

So, within seconds, she and Nicholas were paddling around in... a sinking boat with a broken oar! It wasn't serious, as they were only in a few feet of water, but it did make for a short photo session.

Nick and Jessica's ceremony was on a rock jutting out into a lake, at the wonderful Quimby Country Inn and Cottages in Vermont's Northwest Kingdom.

Kris and Lisa's Wedding

2006-08-29T13:09:00.000-04:00

Kris and Lisa are Americans who fell in love with Montreal on previous visits to the city.

(Click photos to enlarge)

They liked it so much, that they decided to have their wedding here. Organising a wedding from afar was tough for Lisa (and she swears she'll never do it again!), but when the day finally came, every detail was perfect:

From the reception at the ultra-cool Hotel Saint Paul

To the cheese wheel wedding cake...

To Kris' cuff links (with five tiny dice inside)...

... everything was simply perfect.

Well, almost. It rained all day long, but that just forced us into the World Trade Centre for the bride and groom photos, which is always a great rainy day alternative.

Scott and Antonia's Wedding Collage

2006-08-12T20:38:00.000-04:00

Here's a collages of images from Scott and Antonia's wedding, from earlier in the summer:

(Click image to enlarge)

Bittersweet Wedding Story

2006-08-10T22:45:00.000-04:00

To see the most bittersweet wedding ever, click here: The Bride Was Beautiful

Veronique and Kevin: August 5, 2006

2006-08-06T22:30:00.000-04:00

Veronique and Kevin's wedding was at a stately old country house on the banks of the Richelieu River, near historic Saint Marc Sur Richelieu, Quebec.

Despite the grand setting, it was a casual, kick off your shoes kind of wedding,

There were tons of kids underfoot, a giant roast of lamb slowly turning in a rosting pit and buckets of flowers everywhere. The dancing went on into the wee hours, with the 80s disco tunes keeping the cows up well past their bed time.

Ivy and Michel's Wedding: July 22, 2006

2006-07-23T22:26:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, I had the honour to experience something completly different: a traditional Philipino wedding.

It was a standard Catholic mass, but with a few extras: a special candle ceremony; the draping of a veil over the bride and groom; the giving of gold coins; and wrapping a silken cord around the bride and groom.

Later, the reception was held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, one of Canada's oldest and finest luxury hotels.

Michel and Ivy on their way to greet their guests at the Ritz:

Midway down the stairs, they stopped for a quick kiss, then-- lucky me-- they looked up at me at I got this shot!

Studio Iris Kids

2006-07-21T14:07:00.000-04:00

Kids, kids, kids-- that's what's new for Studio Iris in 2007.

Pictures of REAL kids, doing REAL things... wearing their swim googles to dinner (see above), argueing with their teddy bears, yes, even picking their noses-- although those pictures probably won't make the family photo album.

I don't think that photos of kids should always be happy, either. I mean, do YOU remember smiling all the time as a kid? I certainly don't, and I was a happy kid.

To have your child photographed by Studio Iris Kids, call Monique at (514) 208-IRIS (4747).

Classic vs. Photo-journalistic Style Wedding Photography

2006-07-16T09:51:00.000-04:00

The recent trend in wedding photography is relaxed, natural and photo-journalistic in style-- which I really enjoy doing.

But Claudette wanted classic elegance for her wedding (July 15, 2006) so that's what I gave her!

To me, it really doesn't matter what's in style. I just want to take beautiful picture of people on their wedding day, and make them happy.

Buddhist Wedding

2006-07-11T22:39:00.000-04:00

I photographed buddhist wedding a few days ago (Chinda and Hong, July 8, 2006). What a treat!

The day started like any other. First, I met the bride (Chinda) and the groom (Hong) in Old Montreal to do some wedding portraits. For that, Chinda and Hong were wearing traditional Western wedding clothes-- the big white dress, and the elegant black suit.

Then we all went back to bride's place. As soon as Chinda stepped in the door, a gang of aunties wisked her into the bedroom.

Off came the white wedding dress, on went the traditional wedding dress. Then the aunties congregated on the bed and started pulling gold out of their purses. Real gold. Ancient gold, passed down for generations.

First they wound long strings of golden beads into Chinda's hair.

Then they draped her with an ancient pentants, golden belts, over-the-shoulder chains, and giant dangly earrings.

"Wow, it's heavy," whispered Chinda, visibly wilting under all the weight. It didn't help that she's been on the go since 6:00 AM, and it was 110 degrees in the room.

When Chinda finished dressing, and everyone headed out to a Thai restaurant, where the ceremony was to be held.

By the time we got there, the aunties (who'd gotten there before us) were in the process of transforming the restaurant into a buddhist shrine.

They made two giant bouquets out from banana leaves and flowers, and surrounded them with eggs and rice, to symbolize fertility and fecundity.

During the ceremony, Chinda and Hong sat on one side of the flowers, while the priest sat on the other. Chinda's eyes were wet with tears by the end of the service, while Hongs face grew slowly more impassive. At the very end, the priest tied white threads around each of the the bride and grooms wrists, and it was all over.

National Youth Orchestra of Canada

2006-07-07T11:28:00.000-04:00

I has the great good fortune to photograph the legendary National Youth Orchestra of Canada at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University last week.

Don't miss NYOC's fundraising Gala in Montreal on July 15. For more info, click here.

Studio Iris Now Located in NDG

2006-07-07T11:11:00.000-04:00

Studio Iris has moved to NDG! Our office is now located on Rosedale Ave. The closest major intersection is Sherbrooke and Cavendish.

For more info, call (514) 208-IRIS (4747).

Portrait Session

2006-06-27T20:45:00.000-04:00

A portrait session with a young lady today, in honour of finishing high school at the top of her class.

Pointe a Calliere Restaurant

2006-06-26T21:06:00.000-04:00

One of the best kept dining secrets in Montreal is the Le Arrivage Restaurant in the Pointe a Calliere museum in Old Montreal. I was there photographing a wedding last week:

Marvelous food. Impeccible service. A magnificient view of the Old Port, the St. Lawrence River and the Jacques Cartier Bridge. Best of all? A clear, unobstructed view of the fireworks at La Ronde from the open-air terrace.

Yup. It's a tough job, but someone's gotta... you know...

For booking the space for weddings or other special events, contact Christine Lavertu at (514) 872-8209.

Antonia and Scott's Wedding

2006-05-23T13:52:00.000-04:00

Why do I love shooting weddings? Because I get to meet people like the Antonia, who-- despite the cold, wind and rain on her wedding day-- followed her bagpiper through the streets of Old Montreal, wearing her wedding dress, white flip-flops and giant smile.

The wedding party eventually made it's way to the elegant Hotel Nelligan (106 Saint Paul St. W., Montreal) where the party soon got under way.

The photo at the top, of Antonia and Scott on the balcony sharing a private moment, was taken in the indoor courtyard of the Hotel Nelligan. The courtyard was created when two old buildings were renovated to make one hotel, in a kind of "Montreal-meets-the-Mediterranean," with exposed brick walls, wrought iron balconies and a skylight ceiling."

To read more about Hotel Nelligan, click here:

Hasidic Wedding

2006-05-18T08:59:00.000-04:00

I shot a Hasidic wedding a few days ago, at Montreal's Chevra Kadisha-Bâ€™Nai Jacob Congregation, one of Montrealâ€™s oldest orthodox Jewish synogogues.

It was a wonderful cultural experience for me. The family only wanted posed family photos of the women and children. They asked me not to take photos of the proceedings, but I did anyway-- exactly one shot-- because I couldn't believe they really didn't want ANY shots of the celebration.

It was a shot of the groom, flanked by the two fathers, on the way to the wedding ceremony. As soon as I took it, the rabbi immediately yelled at me to stop. Oops!

It's too bad, because it was like going back to the 12th century, complete with men in fur hats and knee socks, plenty of chanting and an open air ceremony in the pouring rain.

The kid photos are from the family photo session.

Baby Sarah's Christening

2006-05-13T22:19:00.000-04:00

Baby Sarah was christened last weekend. She didn't think much of the experience (in fact she shrieked indignantly when the priest tried dabbing her with holy water) but her family and friends were delighted.

Sam dancing with the curtains

2006-05-13T09:11:00.000-04:00

My son Sam, age 2, dancing with the curtains.

Lovely Leo

2006-05-13T09:08:00.000-04:00

Leo, my youngest son, having a sun bath by the window.

How to make "How-to" pictures

2006-05-04T12:11:00.000-04:00

I just couldn't resist...

The final assignment for my graduating class in the Commercial Photography program at Montreal's Dawson College this semester was to photograph someone doing something-- a manufacturing process (anything from building a violin to making a pair of shoes; an industrial process (people making things inside a factory); or simply a "How-to" (someone baking a cake, applying make-up or painting a room, etc. ).

Its' a fun assignment, and the students turned in some fabulous work. One student who's assignment came out particularly well, was Mathieu Viennet, who photographed his mom making apple pie with cheese filling:

Blue Metropolis Literary Festival

2006-04-27T14:12:00.000-04:00

For the sixth straight year, I was lucky enough to be the official photographer for the Blue Metropolis International Literary Festival, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Montreal, Canada.

This years Literary Grand Prize winner was Michel Tremblay, the renowned Quebec playwrite and novelist.

Other important authors included Margaret MacMillan (above), author of Paris 1919: Six Months That Changed the World and Peter C. Newman (below), controversial author of The Secret Mulroney Tapes: Unguarded Confessions of a Prime Minister.

Chateau Vaudreuil

2006-04-27T10:28:00.000-04:00

One of my favourite places to photograph weddings is the Chateau Vaudreuil, located just off the western tip of the island of Montreal.

It's popular with brides and grooms as well. Food and beverage manager Roberto Teodori recently confided that Chateau Vaudreuil hosts over 300 weddings per year. And it's not hard to see why.

An impressive building overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the Chateau Vaudreuil is surrounded by magnificent gardens, the food is great and the staff is warm and helpful.

For more information, contact Roberto Teodori at (450) 455-1198.

Photos from Dawon College Graduating Students

2006-04-26T22:19:00.000-04:00

One thing that brings me great pleasure is my part-time teaching position at Montreal's Dawson College, where I teach Commercial Photography. My students continuously inspire with their enthusiasm and creativity, and push me to become a better and better photographer.

Some of my students will graduate in the next few weeks. Two students to watch out for are Dylan Ellis, whose gorgeous "Meghan on the Rooftop" shot is above, and Ashlee Lynn, who hopes to become a police photographer. Ashlee's photo, of the Montreal skyline at dusk, is below.

Good luck to all of you! I wish you all the best, and hope you all become fabulously successful photographers.

Kiddie Event at Bookstore

2006-04-26T11:17:00.000-04:00

Recent photographs from a children's event at Librairie L'Ã©cume des Jours bookstore in Montreal. The event featured children's author Marie-Louise Gay (creator of the fearless Stella character) and Governor General award-winning illustrator Mireille Levert.

More Venue Hopping

2006-03-08T13:12:00.000-05:00

Today I visited the Plaza Volare Conference & Convention Center at the Four Points Sheraton (6600 Cote de Liesse, Montreal), where I was met by Luciana Morena, President of Plaza Volare.

(Images courtesy of www.PlazaVolare.com)

The Plaza Volare is one of the largest convention centres in Montreal. They have 18 rooms covering over 30,000 square feet, and one of the largest ballrooms in Montreal (15,000 sq. feet). There's also an Outdoor Garden for extending events outside, and a stylish tent for outdoor weddings.

For more info, contact Luciana Morena at (514) 735-5150.

What do Wedding Photographers do in the wintertime?

2006-03-06T14:52:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder what wedding photographers do in the wintertime? Goof-off you say? I wish! Actually, winter is one of our busiest times.

As for me personally, one thing I love doing is going around town, visiting old contacts, and making new ones. My clients often ask me for referrals, so I like to keep up with what's hot, new and fresh in the Montreal wedding market.

Last week, I visited two reception venues: Golf St-Raphael and the Loews Hotel Vogue.

Located on Ile Bizard, Golf St-Raphael has an elegant banquet hall that overlooks the golf course. There's also a waterfall, flower gardens, a wonderful gazebo for taking pictures and a 4,000 foot terrace for cocktails. For more info, contact Dilia Cerilli at (514) 696-4653

... and then there's the Loews Hotel Vogue. Located in the heart of Montreal, the Loews is one of Montreal's finest boutique hotels. It's a wonderful venue, overflowing with elegance, intimacy and refinement. For more info, contact Catering Director Helene Gaston Khoury at (514) 849-9819.

Wedding Samplers

2006-02-17T15:07:00.000-05:00

Over the next few months, I'll be posting a Wedding Sampler from every wedding I shot last year, just like the one below:

Katia and Dominic, August 17, 2005
(click photo to enlarge)

The light on Katia and Dominic's wedding day was fantastic, but especially during the portrait session. We were shooting in Montreal's Parc Jean-Drapeau, near the stylish HÃ©lÃ¨ne De Champlain restaurant.

Katia and Dominic were in a world of their own, and had stopped beneath a tree for a kiss. Suddenly, the sun broke through the clouds and bathed the entire scene in golden light. It was a breathtakingly beautiful moment.

I gulped, snapped 3-4 photos, then the light changed. It was over in a split-second. Try to guess which photo it was in the Wedding Sampler above.

Wedding Sampler: Michel and Annie

2006-02-17T12:21:00.000-05:00

Michel and Annie's Wedding, May 21, 2005
(click photo to enlarge)

Michel and Annie had what every couple dreads: pouring rain, right before the picture session in the park. Pouring rain, thunder, lightning-- a real Montreal summer storm.

Everyone was trapped in the church by the rain, so we got to work photographing the family groups, right there inside the church. We even managed to get a group shot of everyone.

The rain stopped just as we were finishing up, so everyone went around the corner to a nearby park, and we were able to take some lovely portraits outside under the trees.

The Myths and Realities of Digital Wedding Photography

2006-02-03T05:21:00.000-05:00

Some common myths about digital wedding photography:

Myth: "My Uncle Bob just bought an 8 megapixel digital camera, and he's offered to shoot my wedding. It's a good camera, so I'm sure he'll take good pictures."
Reality: What if Uncle Bob's camera dies as you're walking down the asile? What if Uncle Bob forgets to photograph your husband's long-lost relatives from Italy? What if Uncle Bob has a few too many gin and tonics at the reception, and all your party shots turn out fuzzy and dark?

Uncle Bob is a great guy, but lets face it. He's an insurance salesman, not a professional photographer.

Myth:"Anyway, we can always fix it later in Photoshop."
Reality: No offence to Uncle Bob, but garbage in, garbage out.

Photoshop is a marvelous tool, but it's not a magic wand. Sure, Photoshop can do everything from changing the colour of Annt Maggie's dress to creating blue skies on a rainy day, but if-- and only if-- you start with a professional-quality digital image.

If you start with dark, fuzzy picture pictures shot by Uncle Bob, your wedding album will contain dark, fuzzy pictures picture shot by Uncle Bob.

For more, see Digital Wedding Photography: Myth vs Reality

Top Knots Wedding Photography Contest

2006-01-13T22:16:00.000-05:00

Wish me luck! I've entered the photo below in PDN's prestigious Top Knots Wedding Contest for 2005.

To see the 2004 winners, click here:

As a wedding photographer, you're always on the hunt for details like these. They add so much to the wedding albums we produce, and are essential for successful DVD slideshows.

Tips on Choosing a Wedding Photographer

2006-01-13T21:32:00.000-05:00

For a great article with tips on choosing a wedding photographer, click here

Les Grands Salon Marions Nous

2006-01-08T04:32:00.000-05:00

As official photographer for Quebec's largest bridal show-- Les Grands Salon Marions Nous (Let's Get Married)-- I zipped around the show this weekend photographing florists, photographers, bands, disc jockeys, bridal gowns, home furnishing, limousines... and the fabulous fashion show!

2005 Governor Generalâ€™s Literary Awards

2006-01-07T01:36:00.000-05:00

A lavish evening at the BibliothÃ¨que nationale du QuÃ©bec with the 2005 winners of Canada's Governor Generalâ€™s Literary Awards. Pictured above is John Vaillant, author of The Golden Spruce (Knopf Canada).

Shannon and Jason

2006-01-07T01:20:00.000-05:00

Oh, what a sweet couple!

Shannon and Jason-- or "peanuts and raisons" as they call themselves-- were so warm and welcoming on their wedding day, I almost felt like one of the family. And what a refreshing wedding... literally! With temperatures dipping down near zero during this late fall wedding, our portrait session in the wildflower meadow went pretty quick.

Once it was over, we jumped in our cars and sped off to a rustic cabane Ã sucre hidden deep in woods (as all the best cabane Ã sucres are), where the evening's festivities awaited us.

A wonderful evening followed, complete with giant slabs of wedding cake, singing from a choir of angel-faced toddlers, and a VERY funny skit about the frugality of the Dutch put on by the "uncles" (you really had to be there...)

Good luck, Shannon and Jason!