What does it mean to be beautiful?

On Facebook today, Kim Malchuk (Manitoba best-selling author of Tasting Rain) asked the question, “What does it mean to be beautiful?”  Here are the thoughts she inspired in me:

I think there are many ways to describe what it means to be beautiful, but here's what I've been thinking about lately...

To be beautiful is to be a woman.
To be a woman is to be beautiful.

Yes, there are things that can mar or cover a woman's beauty: usually through the responses to a wounded heart--hardness instead of strength, weakness instead of tenderness.

I believe every woman has beauty at her very core.  She was designed to bring beauty to the world; to be beauty in her own unique way.

It may sound fluffy or shallow, but beauty is important.  Beauty is not a luxury.

Beauty is something we all hunger for at a very deep level:  to see it and create it.
Without beauty, we live a truly impoverished existence.

God realized as soon as he created Adam, that he would live an impoverished life without Eve.  So woman came to be.  Beauty embodied.

So to be beautiful, does not mean to put on something.  It means to be who we were created to be: beauty.

Beauty inspires us to live better.
Beauty invites us to linger in its presence.
Beauty tells us all is well and all shall be well.
Beauty nourishes us.
Beauty causes us to look to the one who created it...it transcends the everyday and draws our eyes heavenward.

**My thanks to Stasi and John Eldredge for their insights shared in "Captivating" and to Thomas Kinkade in "Lightposts for Living".

bouncing around in my head

I thought it would be fun to include Rodney's first blog posts ever in our month of blogs. You'll catch a little bit of his philosophy, his passions, and his personality. Enjoy!

First things first, this is the first time I have ever blogged and as such I have really no idea what I'm doing. Secondly, my wife is out tonight and I have the kids in bed so I'm asking myself what the heck I'm doing blogging and not doing something useful like watching a movie or something especially because the only person likely to care enough about what I'm thinking is probably my wife and I could just save myself the time and tell her directly when she gets home, but here I go.

Just one more disclaimer before I go into my thoughts, if you came here to read perfect grammar and spelling than kindly head on over to my wife's blog. If you wish to correct any of my grammar or spelling, before doing so I will have you know that I really don't give a rat's smelly end so please save your time.

That being said I spent the day today working on my studio, the job really quite a sucky one, trying to chip the mortar off of the chimney that goes through my future lobby. You see when the building was built the brick chimney was plastered with about half to three quarters on an inch of mortar so that no one would ever see the beautiful job that the builders sometimes did. As I was standing there chipping the old mortar off of the chimney breathing in all of the mortar dust and being assaulted by the chips of mortar that came flying off the thing I was asking myself the question, "Why do we hunger for beauty?" really, why the heck is it really important to us how we look, or how the people or things around us look?? Why not just go with ugly, it's much easier!!

You see I capture beauty for a living, I photograph women in such a way as to capture the beauty within and without, or so I hope; but why really is beauty important to us, and why do we strive so hard to get it. Why did I spend the whole day chipping away at the chimney when I could have just slapped a coat of paint over the mortar and left it at that?

I have a theory, God created beauty, God Enjoys beauty and being made in God's image we too enjoy beauty and creating it. I know that is over simplifying it just a tad but it's the best I can come up with. You see first God created the world, he (I'm not implying that God is male, the English language just limits how we can communicate making us choose a gender) said that's pretty good. God then decides to make the animals and says, wow, that's really quite good. God then proceeds to create Man, he say's "holy camoly, I think I'm probably done!" Then as one last act God creates woman, she and the man are still there in the garden naked and what is God's response to his creation, probably something like this "Hot damn, it doesn't get any better than this, I'm done!!!"

Everything was beautiful and perfect. Fast forward however long it took to get to now and God has trumped me, I have a desire to create beauty, but the world is already created, the animals are also created, people are around, and I have a mere fraction of the power and creativity of God so what can I do?? Well after years of asking this question and a little dumb luck I have come to the conclusion that If I can't create Beauty, I will try to capture or restore it instead. Here enter two of the things I really enjoy doing, Renovating my new studio (an old building in the north end that was paid no attention for decades and was in need of a little (read huge) facelift. The other thing I really enjoy doing is Photographing. It seems I will photograph almost anything if I can make it look good, but when it comes right down to it my favorite has got to be photographing the last of God's creating, Women, the way God created them, that is nude.

That is a little of what I spend most of my life doing, and why, I'm not really sure why my passions end up offending so many people but when it comes right down to it, as I said at the beginning, I can't control the thoughts of others and we are all entitled to our own opinions. As for beauty, I'm amazed at how beauty can lift the spirits and warm the soul. When I'm in a bad mood there is very little that can turn it around as much as my beautiful little princess coming up and giving me a hug, just looking into her beautiful face, seeing her adorable smile, and touching her as she hugs me can make me so happy I just want to cry. By the same token, seeing an amazing sunset, a crop of sunflowers or the crisp beauty of a park with hoar frost on all of the trees speaks so much of beauty to me that it can just lift the soul to new heights.

So I ask again, why do we hunger for beauty?? Why do you hunger for beauty (if you are really out there??) I think if we all just spent a little more time thinking about the beautiful things in life and a little less time dwelling on the ugly, the world would probably be a better place.

So long all you blog readers, have a beautiful day or night, for beauty is not God but it is definitely from God.

Inner Beauty

Today, I thought I'd republish something I wrote back when Eve Studios was started.

Ever since we started Eve Studios, I've had these niggling doubts over whether it's really possible to capture/unveil/uncover a woman's inner beauty. Is it just a nice catch-phrase or is it something we can actually strive to do? Isn't photography limited to the outwardly visible?

And what is inner beauty? As I sit at the computer trying to compose my thoughts, I have my doubts of whether I can do these questions justice. I usually write best with pen and paper, rather than sitting uncomfortably in front of a somewhat blinding screen, pushing buttons and hitting the backspace key. But, that is where I find myself tonight, and so I will make an attempt without worrying about the results.

First of all, I believe inner beauty is something everyone can possess. It is hope in the darkest of circumstances, steady faith when the storms of life threaten to capsize, it is joy and contentment in apparent lack, it is love that gives its own life. It comes from a refusal to shrink back in fear, from standing up when knocked down, from believing that all people have worth, from learning how to step into another's shoes. It trusts enough not to control. It stands up for what is right. It allows others to rest and be themselves. It looks for ways to laugh and be thankful. It accepts failure and weakness with grace. It offers a helping hand.

Having said all that, have I just created some super-standard that none of us can hope to attain? It may appear that way. I think what I'm really trying to say, is that in each of our lives, we face challenges, disappointments, difficult relationships, pain and loss. Sometimes we become numb, sometimes we become bitter, sometimes we become angry. But the times when we open ourselves up again, let go of the hurt, express ourselves and learn to draw wise boundaries, something beautiful happens inside that radiates outwardly through our eyes, the way we carry ourselves, the way we speak, the way we live. And I believe more and more that it is possible to capture the true essence of a person through photography: their depth and range of emotion, their hopes and dreams, their story, their values...and it happens when trust is given and received.

This point was driven home to me recently, when one of our clients took the time to write us a wonderful, long letter describing her experience with us. She gave us permission to share this with you:

I don't know if I could ever thank you enough for pursuing your vision of opening up a studio dedicated so specifically to capturing the beauty of women. There tends to be a belief out there that we can only capture certain events in life such as marriage, birth or graduation. But what about the miracle of simply being a woman? A studio such as yours which gives women permission to both look and feel beautiful simply because they are is much needed. Who I am is enough reason to celebrate!

Every woman's story is unique and I thank you for taking the time to get to know me before my session. It wasn't just about capturing the outer beauty, but it was about exploring the many layers that make up my inner beauty as well. I love the fact that my session and the resulting images will look different from anyone else's! The atmosphere that you create is very relaxed which allowed me to just be myself and that really came through in the images. My photographs are incredible and this experience has given me the opportunity to see myself in a whole new light. Thank you!

I think she says it better than I could! This is what we hope for at Eve Studios. And if these words strike a chord in you, give Rodney a call at 221-8413 and set up a time to meet together. It could be the beginning of something beautiful.

The Beauty in Every Woman

After our third child was born, I got the idea of starting a photography studio completely centred around women. I had been reading a book called, "Captivating", which talks about how women are uniquely designed. The main idea I took away from the book, was that every woman is beautiful. Every single one of us has beauty to unveil. And yet so many of us have been or still are out of touch with our beauty. Maybe we've been taught our beauty is dangerous, or something to downplay. Maybe we've been so busy taking care of other people, we've neglected ourselves. Perhaps we've been so caught up comparing ourselves to others, that we don't appreciate the beauty we do possess.

I've decided to republish my "Beauty Story" as an example of how we can fail to see our own beauty, and how photography can help us uncover it for ourselves. Enjoy.

"Behind all the doubts of my skill and worth lurks a beautiful woman who is rarely aware of her beauty. In fact, all her growing up years she only saw her intelligence as something of value. Many years of ugly hair and glasses coupled with a natural shyness left her feeling rather unalluring.

Now in her thirties, she is starting to recognize her own beauty. Some of it has come from expected sources like her husband. Some of it from unexpected sources like comments from friends and strangers on the beauty of her daughter followed by, "She looks just like you". But she can hardly believe it. And yet her daughter, breathtaking at times in her natural beauty, is before her every day as a reminder.

And then there are the photos taken at a beach in Cuba after she worked out for six weeks. Wow! She had a great-looking body with abs to envy! Never before had she believed that exercise could have such a noticeable effect on the look of her body. It made her feel confident; so strong and yet so feminine--sexy, actually. The images of her jumping the waves in her bikini, strolling in cognito in her beach hat and sunglasses--these images are forever etched in her memory.

Now, even as she looks at her body after having a baby seven months ago, she still feels that confidence and looks forward to recreating that look once again.

At Eve Studios, we believe every woman has beauty to be uncovered. Every woman is on a journey of revelation and discovery to find the beauty she's been given. Whether you've found it and want to celebrate it or whether you'd like us to join you on your journey, we want to make your experience a truly satisfying one."

Please visit our website, http://www.evestudios.ca/ You'll notice that beauty is truly found in every woman!

If you'd like to get started with a session of your own, please call Rodney at 221-8413.

Not just for others

I have to apologize. Leading up to Christmas (and Valentine's), all you've heard from our business is "do this for your man". And while gorgeous pictures of you is a great gift idea, I think it's time we bring the focus back to you. You are beautiful. You have value. Whether you're in a relationship or not. Whether you're happily or unhappily single. You are beautiful and you can celebrate all you are.

There are lots of ways to do this. One way is to honour your thoughts and feelings. Give them a voice. Start by expressing them on paper. Learn how to share them in a way that respects others and respects yourself. Another way is to take care of your body. Begin by listening to its subtle and not-so-subtle cues. Often, you can find ways to rest and recharge during a busy day if you look for them. Notice what gives you energy and joy and what drains you. Then begin to act on those observations.

Even as I begin to share these ideas, I know from my own life that making changes to benefit me sounds good on paper--but actually making the changes involves a whole combination of conviction, commitment, and support. It's a process. So be gentle with yourself. Receive from others. Notice beauty. Give with gratitude. And you...will...sparkle.

Of Beauty and Wealth

As I was driving through the Rocky mountains last week I was struck by how much Beauty and wealth have in common and the more that I thought about it the more humbling it was.

Wealth, if you asked me if I am wealthy the first answer you would probably get after a hearty laugh is a resounding NO, you have to have money to be wealthy!!! In our society we measure wealth in terms of millions, billions or even thousands; but it always ends with dollars, not smiles, hugs, peaceful moments or even people whose lives you’ve touched.

This morning my 5 year old daughter came and cuddled with me for about 20 minutes, my almost 3 year old wanted to give me hugs and kisses and my 7 year old said “I love you daddy” before leaving for school, you can’t buy that so I am forced to ask myself am I wealthy??

I have recently been thinking a lot about the many people who have let me into their lives to capture their essence and memories and I think to myself am I wealthy??

I think of our family; this last year my mother in law has scared us a few times by going into the hospital with severe chest pain, yet as we prayed for her she came out of the hospital with the diagnosis that it was not a heart attack and again I ask myself as a family, are we wealthy??

Beauty; they say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, are they on drugs?? If you showed the same image, person, flower, or just about anything to 10 different people you would likely get 10 different answers as to its beauty. If this is the case is there really any absolute as to whether someone or something is beautiful? When I think of beauty I think of my wife Sonya, I think of my kids, I think of my clients, and I think of the creation everywhere around me, but am I right, is it all really beautiful?

My kids love to do art, and some of the paintings that my 3 year old comes up with simply bewilder me and yet to him he is proud to show me his latest masterpiece. Is his art beautiful?

I used to think that beauty was in the eye of the beholder but I have come to realize that too many of us as beholders are simply too screwed up to see, recognize and appreciate the beauty around us. My new philosophy is this, Beauty is in the eye of the creator and our creator has blessed us all with an abundance of it. Beauty is all around us and we simply need to open our eyes to appreciate it, so too we are all blessed with an abundance of wealth and our wealth looks different to all of us, but it’s ours to appreciate all we have to do is to open up our eyes and recognise what we have been blessed with.

Beauty and wealth, they look different to all of us and yet all we need to do is look around us to recognize how much of it we are blessed with so the next time you look into a mirror open your eyes and look hard to see how beautiful you are and how much you bless the lives around you and you will realize just how beautiful and wealthy you really are.

Blessings,

Rodney

Why Every Woman should do an Eve Session

I had the privilege of speaking to a small group of women business owners and estheticians last Wednesday about our studio (which is probably why I missed blogging last week!) I wanted to share with them what an Eve Session is, what some of the benefits of a session are, and why they should consider doing an Eve Session. As I spoke, I could tell that what I was saying was going deep in many of them, and it was a real affirmation of what we do and of our need to spread the word of what we do.

So, I thought I'd include some of what I said there on our blog. Ideally, I would like to video this presentation live and put it on YouTube, but for now, I'll settle for the written version.

I. What is an Eve Session?

The purpose of every Eve Session is to celebrate the true beauty of a woman and build her self-esteem.

We do that by spending two hours of time focusing on capturing who she is in a wholistic manner...not just her sexuality (as in the glamour/boudoir days) or even just her outward appearance, but her personality, her passions, her "presence". Sometimes, this may involve artistic nudes...it all depends on her purpose for the shoot and her comfort with that kind of vulnerability.

The photographer, my husband Rodney (who was named Manitoba's photographer of the year in 2008) is not only excellent in what he does, but his creativity, sensitivity, and professionalism, make the experience every bit as memorable as the actual images themselves.

II. What are the benefits of an Eve Session?

The benefits are many and varied from person to person. One of the primary benefits I see is the ability of a session like this to answer a woman's most basic question, "Am I beautiful?" You see this question emerge from very early as a little girl twirl in her dress for all to see, just waiting for someone to notice her loveliness. And that question never goes away, although experiences in life may serve to push it down or answer it in a way that wounds us.

Another benefit I've noticed is how a session uncovers a woman's true beauty...her true self. We all carry around images of ourselves that don't necessarily reflect accurately who we are. These are formed from impressions from our youth when we went through awkward years of bad perms, ugly glasses, acne and insecurity...all captured for us in the school photo (which is an injustice in itself).

Other ways we gather false pictures of ourselves is (ironically) from the mirror. We may think this a true picture...how can it lie? But the mirror shows us our flaws close-up and out of context...all we see of our face is this and that zit, these large pores, that stray eye-brow, those dark circles (do you get what I mean?) And the full-length mirror might give a fuller picture, but it's all in bad overhead lighting while we're just standing there trying to decide if we look okay.

And then, of course, we form way too many opinions of ourselves from the judgments of others. If we're fortunate, we have a lot of affirming people in our lives, but we all know it's the negative judgments that tend to stick.

But what we don't have firmly in our minds, is the way we look when we are truly shining: we don't get to see the way we look when we are loving on our kids, serving a customer with genuine concern and friendliness, caught up in the moment during a beautiful sunset, laughing out loud, presenting confidently and intelligently in the boardroom or classroom, being immersed in something we love doing...those moments when we are truly alive and truly ourselves.

And that's what an Eve Session can offer...to capture us in those moments when we are truly alive and truly ourselves...in a way we can hold on to and cherish for the days and years to come. And that can be life-changing!

III. Why should I do an Eve Session?

I always like to make it a little personal near the end. Because I can't actually answer that question for anyone, what I like to do is ask more questions. We all have to do our own thinking and choosing. Sometimes we just need a little guidance. So, here are three more questions to as yourself:

1. What do I need?
- more confidence?
- feel better about my body?
- feel comfortable in my own skin?
- feel sexy (again)?
- be good to myself?
- recover from emotional trauma? (this has been a big step in healing for some people)

2. What's holding me back?
- feel too fat (this is a big one)
- scared (of being vulnerable, of pictures not turning out, of the unknown)
- too busy
- my ____________ (fill in the blank): stretch marks, cellulite, sags/breasts, butt, belly (we all have perceived flaws...one thing Rodney will ask at a consultation is: what do you want to show off/what do you want to hide?)

3. What is the next step?
- call Rodney at 221-8413 or send in an email enquiry from our website to set up a consultation (which is basically a chance to see our studio, meet Rodney, and talk about possibilities for your session...but there is no obligation to book at any time)
- book a session time (this can be for the following day (if you're lucky), the following week, or several months away
- do your session and feel amazing!
- book your show time, where you get to see your images and pick the ones you want for your album or wall


Oscar Wilde once said,

"To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance".

Why not start today?

Merry Christmas!

Rodney and I wish you all a very merry Christmas! What is a merry Christmas anyways? I think I would wish that inspite of the busyness of preparations and events, the stresses and emotion that often accompany family life, and the possibility that you may even be dealing with loss or loneliness this Christmas, that you can take a few moments and give thanks for what you have, make the effort to really look around you and drink in the beauty that is there (in the countryside as you're driving or in the faces of those around you), and savour good food and hopefully a few good laughs. More...

Sing. Light candles. Watch the snow fall. Lay on the couch and get mesmerized by the Christmas lights. Read a good book. Listen to music. Party. Watch a classic Christmas show. Make soup. Eat chocolate. Hold a warm drink in your hands and let it soothe you. Take a little extra care with one or two presents and make them a work of art. Use a little extra colour or glimmer as you set your table.

For me, I also hope to take a little time to reflect on the experience of Mary, on the wonder of that night, on the unusual ordinary-ness of a King born among animals and adored by sheep herders, and on the love that brought this story to life.

Maybe merry isn't the best word. Perhaps "wonder-filled" is better. The one conjures up red and green, deck the halls, ho ho ho, and let your heart be light (things I still enjoy). The other brings to my mind starry nights, the intricacies of nature, the faces of children, and a depth of feeling in both joy and sorrow. You can choose. May love, joy, peace, and hope fill your heart this Christmas.

The Brauns

Don't Wait!

You don't have to wait until you're perfect to come to Eve Studios. You may wish your thighs were a little trimmer or your tummy was a little less "jelly-belly", or whatever it is you feel a little insecure about.

The purpose of Eve Studios is to celebrate you the way you are! And to have fun doing it! If you've never watched "How to Look Good Naked" on "W", I encourage you to try it, even just one episode. Although I'm not as crazy about some parts of the new hour-long British version as I was about the two half-hour shows they aired in fall/winter, I never cease to be moved by the incredible shift in body image and self-acceptance that occurs in each woman as she takes a long look at herself, discovers the untrue beliefs she has about herself, and has a chance to learn about the best fashion and undergarments for her body and get a new hairstyle/look that suits her face well. One of the last things every woman does on the show as she journeys towards greater acceptance and confidence is a photo shoot--sans clothing. This is usually quite a big step to take, but well worth it.

While we're on the topic of the photo shoot, I have to say, an Eve shoot is way more relaxed and fun. The ones on the show seem more posed and static, while the shoots at Eve are much more natural and organic (if you will...just more movement, seeing where things go...that kind of thing). Rodney has a knack for making his clients feel comfortable and at ease in front of the camera. And he knows how to encourage and build up people in a genuine way. It's just what he does best. So whether you decide to bare all or not, you look great and feel great during the entire experience.

I guess what I'm trying to say is--if you're intrigued by the idea of the Eve Experience, but you think you need to wait for a more ideal time...don't wait any longer! Just come in, have a consultation, set a date, and go for it! You'll be so glad you did.

Pin-Ups or Art Nudes?

Take our poll and tell us what you think...

In Saturday's Free Press, reporter Carolin Vesely did a superb little piece showcasing a photographer in the city who has a specialty creating "pin-up" style portraits. Hair, make-up, costume, props and even computer graphics combine to create the scene, the look and even the personna. Kind of intriguing.

Some of the quotes I found especially notable were: "Latschislaw (the photographer) says he wasn't interested in doing nudes. 'I want to do pictures that women can show their mothers.' "

And of a pin-up model in Toronto, "You won't find any nude pictures of me anywhere. Not that there's anything wrong with that, in the right context, she adds. When you consider that the female body is the most beautiful thing that was ever created, to cover it up and say it's dirty, to me, that's wrong."

At Eve Studios, we focus on who our clients are and bring that out in the portraits rather than create a certain look. We try to keep our settings simple and clean in order to bring emphasis to the subject...We aren't looking for sexy as much as empowered, confident and free to be who you are (which does include allure, passion, mystery, drama...) Ironically, it seems when a person has all that they usually hide behind stripped away, a new honesty emerges. And the resulting imagery seems to be purer and truer.

But enough about us...what do you think? Check out the article. Check out our work. What do you see? How do you feel when you see the images? Do you see yourself in them? What would you choose? And for fun, take our little poll and we'll see what women are thinking.

Spring has Sprung!

Spring has sprung!!! As I write this I am looking out the window and it is snowing, how ironic. Spring is one of the neatest feelings; everything is new and fresh (Except in the studio backyard where the snow had nicely covered over the unlandscaped yard and some of the old shingles that the roofer just through on the ground just before the snow fell.) I'm feeling optimistic about the "spring" in my own life, I feel as though maybe I have a new start at becoming a fit and healthy individual or a better father and husband. I'm also looking forward to the chance to get outside and do some landscaping and make the outside of the studio look a little more like the inside.

I am also starting to live a new chapter of life, I have made what could be the last submission of work for my Masters. For the last number of years I have been working hard to become a master of the craft of Photography and am very close to completing the requirements for a Master of Photographic Arts. I realize that that really doesn't matter too much for any of my clients or potential clients; they just know that the work that they get is what they expect, the very best; but there is something nice about having my peers look at me and my work and say "He really is a master artist."

I gotta go, life is just too busy, thanks for reading my musings; here are a few quotes for you:

Love of beauty is taste.
The creation of beauty is art.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

If Rembrandt were alive today he would probably be a photographer. And he would probably be photographing woman. I suspect that his work would be a lot like what we see here.
-Anonymous

I want to touch people with my art. I want them to say “He feels deeply, He feels tenderly.”
-Vincent Van Gogh

Have a great day,

Rodney

Wellness for Women

This week-end, there is a Health & Wellness Week-end for Women at the Fort Garry Hotel being put on by Winnipeg Women. It looks like a really cool event (yes, I grew up in the 80's) although I wasn't crazy about the early morning exercise idea. Since I'm not going, I thought I could at least reflect on the topic for a bit. This is some of what I came up with.

What are the unique health & wellness needs for women? What are our challenges? Where do we easily falter in the care of ourselves: our minds, our bodies, our spirits?

How do we build better lives? Healthier relationships? A more positive outlook? Less self-defeating thoughts? A higher level of energy? A greater level of joy? How do we utilize the unique beauty we possess to enrich our lives and those of our loved ones?

I think of the unique demands on women these days. Besides the roles and expectations that are imprinted deeply onto our DNA (to keep a clean house, cook wholesome meals, nurture our children and friendships, support our partners, give something back to the community), we now have other things added: bring in an income and do meaningful work, keep up with busy households and a technology-saturated/fast-paced world, keep current of the latest fashion and decor trends, navigate the latest health-food/fitness ideas, and try to work out because we sit at a computer too much of the day. And through it all, women are bombarded with images on TV, in theatres and magazines, and on billboards telling us what beauty should look like: from our clothing to our hair-style to the shape of our bodies. So, basically, we're surrounded with the message, "You don't measure up". That takes its toll on a person.

The truth is, no woman can possibly measure up to all that. But how does a woman sift through it all and decide who she is, what she can do, and where she wants to go in life? She needs to have a strong identity. She needs confidence. She needs to know that she's enough. She needs to see herself with new eyes and discover the beauty that lies beneath the surface, awakening to her true self, content with who she is and comfortable in her own skin. This can happen in a variety of ways. In fact, someone in Winnipeg has developed a lifestyle pass where women can try out a bunch of things to help build health into their lives, but that's another topic.

At Eve Studios, we're all about women. We believe there is beauty in every woman, just waiting to be revealed. Sometimes that beauty may be masked by low self-esteem, lies from the past, despair, stress, depression, difficult circumstances, and a myriad of other things. Sometimes, a woman's beauty may be apparent to everyone but the one who possesses it. But when that beauty starts to be uncovered, a radiant confidence emerges. And that confidence can transform every part of a woman's life. That's why we believe so strongly in building the self-esteem of women through photography.

There is a saying that "A picture is worth a thousand words". We, as women, can hear others tell us we're beautiful a thousand times and have it bounce off each time. But when we can take an image of our own self, created in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, recalling the positive feelings that came with the experience, and drink in the way we look...suddenly, just maybe, we can believe we're truly beautiful. And that belief will remain long after the photography session.

If something of what I've said today rings true for you, why don't you give Rodney a call at 221-8413. Or you can email him. He's a fabulous guy and easy to talk to (he's my hubby!) But don't put it off. As women, we tend to care about everyone but ourselves. So change all that today, and go pick up the phone or click on the link and set up a time to talk and figure out what you'd like to do. There's no obligation. Even if you think your abs need some work first or you've never done anything like this before, just come in and find out more. You'll be glad you did!

Live well and be good to yourself. And I will try to do the same.

Pure beauty

There used to be a saying I heard while growing up, it was "Pure as the driven snow." While spending some time visiting family in Saskatchewan while celebrating Christmas I had the opportunity to stop our tan minivan and spend a few minutes capturing God's amazing creation while my wife and kids waited patiently in the van. What is there that speaks of purity like hoar frost on everything you can see? As I saw these images my mind went wild and I was just overcome with the knowledge that I am so small in this universe in which we live. I really am like the dust and yet God has graced me with the opportunity to see amazing art unfolding in the land in front of me. Wow.

I saw much more on our family adventure, you will hear and see more in the future I just thought this was worth a look, I hope you agree.

Rodney

Well it's Thursday night and I have already been working for about 50 hours this week, I'm very tired.
This past week I have spent a fair bit of time photographing contemporary dance and am again amazed at what the human body can do and how beautiful and powerful dance and movement are.

Good night all.

Ok, here I go again. This past week i had the oportunity to photograph the wedding day of an absolutly amazing couple. Mike, Lisa, their Wedding party and I all had an amazing time together. The day was beautiful, an outstanding fall day with outstanding fall colors and a beautiful group of people, what more could I ask for?? Lisa was not only a an exceptionally beautiful bride, she's one of those people that radiates beauty from within, all I can say is that it truely was an honour to share their day with them. Mike was also an amazing guy, his big weakness is of course his choice of sports teams, but all can be forgiven when the Riders win the Cup.