TLC Photography BLOG!

Lissa + Leo, Engagements

Jonathan — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:42:23 +0000

Spring has arrived, and just in time for the first batch of engagement sessions for 2012. To start the season off, I got to head over to Sudbury's iconic Ramsey area and photograph Lissa and Leo. Leo popped the question just this past winter and they are rushing to the altar this July. Stay tuned for the wedding set!

Kari and Paul

Jonathan — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 23:21:55 +0000

There's nothing more exhilarating than when you're planning on having a photo shoot and you're marginally able to pull it off within mere hours. I've had close calls before - getting in that last shot just before the sunset has gone. But this time we squeezed in a winter shoot within hours of winter vanishing. Perhaps it will pop up one last time as it has shown its ugly face in April, May and even JUNE before (for those of us around in Sudbury in the early 90's, you may remember). But winter is certainly doing its best to exit the Sudbury scene in a real hurry with all of the warm temps and rain we've been getting lately!

Anyhow! Yes, having watched the forecast, all parties were on the ball and didn't waste a minute before those 16 degrees turned up later in the day. You'd never know by the pictures that winter was on its way out, but Kari and Paul did a splendid job showing off their love for winter - and - for each other by using the best that Ramsey had to offer. We toured the boardwalk and captured moments of sport, fun, silliness and romance. I may have managed to soak my shoes - but I didn't care - Kari and Paul were wonderful to photograph and get to know. Time well spent getting some special photos I hope they will always cherish!

Happy engagement to you both! Looking forward to June!

New! – Metal Prints

Jonathan — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 22:41:25 +0000

Metal Prints give your images a modern and edgy feel. Images are printed directly onto high quality aluminum with 1/8” rounded corners through a dye sublimation process that offers a clean and lasting final product. Metal Prints will grab the attention of viewers when displayed on an easel or mounted to the wall. Check them out!

Winter Float Wraps SALE

Jonathan — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:00:12 +0000

Our latest winter sale item - Float wraps - is now available at savings of up to 25% off!

Float Wraps are printed on your choice of Fine Art Canvas with a Semi-Gloss Laminate, Metallic Canvas with a High Gloss Laminate, or Lustre or Metallic Photographic paper with a Matte Laminate. After your photographic print or canvas print is padded and wrapped around a sturdy masonite backing, a black 3/4" or 1-1/2" thick gatorboard block is added that allows the Float Wrap to extend out from the wall, creating a visually appealing showpiece perfect for any image.

Just lot into your personalized order form from the proofs page and order as many float wraps as you'd like. Sale pricing will automatically be applied to orders receive between 12:00am on Thursday, February 9th and 11:59pm on Sunday, February 19th.

Absolute Weddings Bridal Show, 2012

Jonathan — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:48:03 +0000

It is now tuesday, and I can say life has finally settled back to its usual self again. I'm sitting comfortably in my office, sipping my coffee and processing print order. It's comforting knowing that there isn't anything pressing that is forcing me back out into the Northern elements.

As many of you know, I participated in the Absolute Weddings Bridal Show this past weekend. It was a solid week of preparation leading up to the event. Organizing every detail from handouts, business cards, signage, lighting, food and beverage as well as confirming two days of babysitting proved to be a hefty undertaking. The dumping of snow and the deep freeze was just the icing on my trial-flavored cake!

Being that I love weddings, it's always a treat to be immersed in wedding culture as well as having the opportunity to meet hundreds of brides and get a better sense of what it is brides are looking for in wedding photography.

I have to thank my awesome wife, Tonya, for being with me the entire time and helping dispense answers - not to mention the little table she had set up with some of her most delicious baked deserts - they brought people in just as well as the photo slideshow did. She managed to get two gigs to do catered deserts which she certainly didn't intend to happen going into the show!

The show was a big step for TLC Photo; we have been relying primarily on word of mouth as well as search engines for our advertising for the past three years. It's the reality of having a small business, small budget. Attending the show was a huge opportunity to give TLC Photo a presence as well as a voice. I'll admit that I've never had much interest in salesmanship side of business and so it was a bit of a challenge when the few moments arose where I needed deliver my strongest sales pitch. Fortunately, for the most part, the brides that visited my booth were super friendly, easy going, and really great listeners and participants. The positive feedback that we were given about our services, products and pricing was also very welcomed as it affirmed our determination of offering attractive products with the best service possible.

It was great meeting every single one of you that came to our booth and look forward to the chance to again see those that plan on signing up with us at some point in the future!

Jazmyne, Bridal Oil Painting

Jonathan — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 22:33:06 +0000

I love digital painting! I'm a huge fan of Corel Painter - and when I saw a little ad banner on a website promoting the release of version 12, I did not hesitate to scoop it up from the Corel store. Having recently converted to Mac, the experience of using Painter, with its updated interface, was more satisfying than ever. My next mission became obvious - paint another beautiful bride in classical oil brush strokes to further showcase my Portrait Paintings service.

My portrait painting showcase is growing steadily. What fuels me to continue is that the possibilities of paintings to create seem limitless - other than of course time and wall space.

Any photograph can be given the high end treatment of being painted. The best example I have in my home is a painting that I made which began from a little 35mm slide (taken in 1979) which I scanned and enlarged to 16x20. It doesn't have to be a photo taken in a professional studio. If the photo has deep meaning and has the look suitable to be given the painted treatment, I think that price shouldn't stand in the way when these most important memories are concerned.

The painting ran upward of 30 hours to complete. The hair and skin tones were easily the most time consuming, the details in the dress coming in a close third. As always, working the details in for the eyes are always the most satisfying.

Natasha+Alessandro

Jonathan — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:02:43 +0000

The fun part about planning a photo session for outdoors is that you really never know what what to expect weather-wise. The week preceding our shoot, temperatures were fairly mild. Come Sunday morning, the day of our shoot, temps dropped to minus 10 celcius - a factor that had a bit of effect on how the shoot went. Basically, we moved through it quite quickly. Ideally, you don't want to have too many layers to your subject, which just adds undesirable bulk and decreases the visual, physical... synergy (for lack of a better term)... between lovers.

What was nice was having a fresh, thin, and evenly dispersed layer of snow to set the wintery tone for the pics. The effect lends itself well for faking the "studio/white backdrop" look without the hassle of going to the studio as a second location.

Don't worry - I did not have my subjects planted on the super thin ice of Ramsey in the picture below. They were indeed on firm ground!

It was a pleasure to work with Natasha and Alessandro - a fun couples just recently married. Natasha is a long time friend as well as an expert and salesperson well known in the local wedding market (ex. Priceless Bridals) whom I'm sure would recommend my services to any of her bridal clientele, I'm sure! Alessandro is a passionate and hard working cheff at Verdicchio Ristorante and apparently can cook a mean lamb which I'd love to sample one day.

COWBOYS

Jonathan — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 21:41:25 +0000

The boys were cowboys this past halloween. I think it was the movie, "Rango", which shifted theirs gears off of Lightning McQueen this year. I thought I'd treat them to a poster of themselves in their costumes for their bedroom. Had to borrow from the Rango theme to complete it, of course!

Heidi + Darren, oct.22/11

Jonathan — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:43:12 +0000

I was very much looking forward to this wedding because it's not every day that you get the chance to partake in a classic wedding. Every detail was carefully selected to represent a time that was from an era of style and class. The groom had his top hat and cane, the bride had her long train and veil. The reception was decorated with lanters and even an old letter box for the guests to drop in their well wishes. The portrait session was at the old fire station (now water works) near Ramsey; the ideal place to travel back in time a few decades.

You will notice a good deal of Bridal portraits - I've said it before in the past that I love to photograph the bride. It is of course easier and faster to direct one person versus a large group, true, but there is nothing more captivating than a beautiful bride and the emotions of the her wedding day.

Brittany & Sean, Sept. 24 2011

Jonathan — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:10:47 +0000

I'm going to take this opportunity and shift gears just a tad. It's typical that I focus my attention on the bride and groom when I share photos on my blog. Brittany and Sean placed a some heavy importance on documenting the family for their wedding portraits as an hour was devoted to photographing them alone. Since I normally don't post family pictures too often, I thought this was a perfect opportunity to share a bunch these with my viewers.

"The First Look"... much earlier than the ceremony

The Guys showing off their moves.

The girls showing off theirs.

The Family Session Begins!

A grandmother's love. Priceless.

Just love your many expressions, Sean.

A mother's Love. Again, priceless.

Bahahahaha!

Perfect sunset lighting... it always has to disappear too quickly...

Science North Cavern.

Natalie & Richard, September 17th 2011

Jonathan — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 02:59:35 +0000

The groom and his backup

"You may now kiss - again!"

The guys - being hilarious!

Can you tell I'm a sucker for a cute kids?

I love my telephoto lens for those unsuspecting reactions during speaches

My favorite to shoot - the dance begins!

Too funny...

Caroline & Jason, Sept. 10 2011

Jonathan — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 22:04:55 +0000

Photographing Caroline and Jason's wedding was a breeze considering that a few weeks prior I had shot her brother's wedding and I had already become well acquainted with much of the attending family and friends. Also, the wedding day took place at the Legion on Ramsey and no commuting was necessary. The minister was my father-in-law, whom I referred them to - so there were no toes stepped on when photographing the ceremony! The reception was treated with Vegas/Casino themes and activities. All-in-all, it was a beautiful wedding that could be enjoyed by all attending, and working!

Have you caught on that I just love photographing the bride???

physically impossible - but not with a little scotch tape!

Ramsey provided a beautiful backdrop for the wedding ceremony

Ringbearer and son - looking onward, standing patiently during the ceremony

I know, it's the jump shot. Bride's request. I couldn't take it without putting a twist on it, however!

an elevated sunset view of Ramsey - it just doesn't get better

A fun family shot with a grand backdrop

Capturing moments like these is what makes my efforts feel worthwhile

Vegas themed wedding = lots of red

Elizabeth & Michael, August 20th 2011

Jonathan — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 18:30:51 +0000

There's nothing like seeing forecasted thundershowers turn into open skies and perfect weather. Another refreshing change was having a youthful wedding party. It's a first that I've seen kids/all family as the bridesmaids - a receipe for fun and laughter. The fun really showed through in the dance portion of the evening. And everyone knows how much I love to photograph the dance - a perfect opportunity to capture dynamic and expressive images that I'm certain they'll appreciate in the future.

Caroline & Jason, Engagements

Jonathan — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 18:24:49 +0000

Becky & Jake, Wedding

Jonathan — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:45:47 +0000

Marlene & Michel, July 23rd, 2011

Jonathan — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:58:44 +0000

A facet of wedding photography that I love is being able to broaden out from my home-bodied routine and explore and areas of our community that I otherwise would have never been exposed to. Such is the case with venue I ventured to for Marlene and Michel's wedding. The wedding was at 6th Ave. Golf course. The humorous part is that I originally arrived at the wrong golf course. A quick phone call to Marlene help me realize that I was across the street at the wrong golf course. A quick fix. I suppose I should have paid better attention to the sign as I drove in. But enough about me...

The great thing about golf course weddings is that everything is there - a scenic area for an outdoor ceremony, many hotspots for portraits, and of course a reception that can be accessed by quick walk.

The sun was out in full force. But the heat wasn't overbearing, thankfully. There were a few funny moments throughout the ceremony - namely when the butterflies refused to cooperate upon the butterfly release.

It was a nice, relaxing day for all. The couple was a pleasure to work as they were easy going and patient with all the work I put them through.

With a bit of persistence, the ring eventually fit!

Jazmyne & Paul, July 16th, 2011

Jonathan — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 22:06:27 +0000

I haven't been able to post in a while despite covering weddings all summer. I'll do my best to get caught up - but here is a sample of photos taken from recent wedding at the Holiday Inn.

Despite being a long, hot, sunny day, most of the activities were indoors with air-conditioning. It doesn't get better than that! Formals were done at the popular Art museum of Sudbury, slightly out of the way from the hustle and bustle of the Dragon Boat Festival.

The bridesmaids had a day filled with fun and laughter. Nobody was anxious and everything flowed perfectly. This calmness and enjoyment really came through in the pictures, which made finding those "magic moments" all the more easy! Honestly - I had a really hard time narrowing down the images for the purpose of this blog. Here are some images that best sum up just how in love this couple truly is...

The first looks - priceless.

I faught to have a chauffeur take the wheel for more romantic, back-seat shots. But I'm sure Paul had fun behind controlling his father-in-law's Beemer.

There's an eerie, almost "twilight" quality to this look that I just like. I can't quite explain it...

I have to plug my photo boxes because I think they are simply a must-have. Remember, they are completely costum designed from the ground up by yours truly!

400 4x6 print capacity ensures plenty of space for both candids and portrait proofs.

Helena & Gusto, Couple Portraits

Jonathan — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 02:17:06 +0000

Helena & Gusto, it was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with you both. It was great getting to know you better as well; I really enjoyed hearing about how you both met each other. I'm looking forward to spending more time together in the future.

Natalie & Richard, Engagements

Jonathan — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:38:01 +0000

I love getting out of Sudbury for location shoots, I'm not going to lie. When it was decided that Natalie and Richard wanted their engagement session in Onaping Falls, I was all for it. What I didn't anticipate was sheer volume of mosquitoes that would be joining us for the shoot. I'm so thankful that they shared their bottle of insect repellent with me because between my shaved head and the swarms of blood thirsty bugs, I don't think I would have made it out of there alive.

Looking pretty at the Piano

Jonathan — Mon, 30 May 2011 19:49:32 +0000

Ironically, I haven't been updating my blog as frequently because I've been practicing diligently on my piano. So here, an excuse to add some fresh content - my daughter, just a few days ago (12 mo. old) posing for dad at the keys.