Celebrate Love!

On Valentine's Day

Flowers. You don't need a romantic suitor to get these. Although that is definitely wonderful. I was feeling a need for something cheery and healing, and a symbol of forgiving myself. So, for $4 at Superstore, I picked up a little bit of beauty and inspiration. This photo I did with my little point & shoot is perhaps a bit on the moody side, but that was the kind of light I had available yesterday (and perhaps reflective of my emotional state!)

As women, some of us likely regularly buy flowers for ourselves, and some of us wait for flowers. For those who wait, some have a chivalrous man in the picture or perhaps a supportive friend that knows the power of flowers. And some of us likely keep waiting, perhaps mostly oblivious to the idea, but perhaps with growing disappointment or resentment.

I think the idea of romance in our lives as women is a lot like what I've just talked about in relation to flowers: some of us are waiting for it (single or in a relationship) and some of us are choosing it (ironically, single or in a relationship). One year, I asked for two books from Rod (or did I just subtly mention them?!). Whatever the case, I obtained two lovely books called "Romancing the Ordinary" by Sarah Ban Breathnach and "Living Romantically Every Day" by Barbara Taylor Bradford. The first one is more about finding the romance in daily life and the second is more for fostering romance in a long-term relationship. Although I go months and months without much attention to them, I find myself returning to them every once in awhile.

I didn't start this post with the intent of digging out these books, but it now seems that their contents need to be heard. I've been wanting to talk about relationships more this year with Eve. And I also love to talk about finding ways to live life with more intention, colour, and interest. I am curious to see where all of this leads!

For now, I just want to say, with Valentine's Day approaching, that our studio can fit in with wherever you're at. It's not too late to do a session as a Valentine's gift for your lover (that word always sits funny with me). Valentine's Day can also be a good time to be good to yourself...to see yourself in a new light and appreciate who you are and the body you're in. Valentine's Day is also the perfect time to celebrate your love. We're working on a great promo "For Two". We wanted you to be able to bring your guy and have a fun little "date" together, celebrating your closeness through simple, skin-to-skin images with the casual-ness of jeans. We'll be posting samples of our ideas shortly.

In the meantime, here's a little quote from B.T. Bradford's book:

"Seize the day--and the hours and the minutes. Spending time together is essential to living romantically every day. Don't wait for perfect moments. You have the power to create them yourself. I believe that all it takes is a spirit of giving from the heart--and some creative thinking--to find time for romance to thrive." (p. 28)

Venus

As I am working in the studio, I like to have different types of media on, today I had the movie Venus on. Peter O’Toole said something that made me stop and think; it may do the same for you. He is walking through an art gallery with a young lady and they are looking at the Venus Painting. He says “For most men a woman’s body is the most beautiful thing they will ever see.” She asks “What’s the most beautiful thing a girl sees; do you know?” “Her first child.” He responds.

Just something to think about.

Rodney

Tired and Excited

It has been a crazy couple of weeks which culminated in a couple of 15 hours days before finally getting our book off to the printers. Just As I Am should be delivered to the studio here in mid Feb with the gallery opening being on Feb 26^th. This has been a crazy month so far and it doesn’t look like it’s going to slow down, we have a birthday bash for Eve Studios on Tuesday the 19^th (We are turning 2) and then there is the valentines day rush followed closely by giving a lecture at the Manitoba Camera club and our book launch open to participants and their families only tentatively scheduled for Feb 11^th.

The past few weeks have been a time of trying to put onto paper the thoughts behind Just As I Am; I’m afraid I didn’t do it justice. The themes I always end up coming back to are this, 1. We are more similar than we are different. 2. God has made us each beautiful and each very unique and there is a great deal of beauty in our diversity. 3. We are so much more than what meets the eye; and if we can learn to see each other as the people we are as well as bodies we live in we will much the richer as people for it.

I’ll talk more soon,

Blessings.

Rodney

Magic Moments Misprint

We recently received copies of "Magic Moments"...a handy little wedding guide that we decided to advertise "Gifts for Grooms" in. We had to laugh when we opened it up, because the article I had written from a third person feminine perspective (because I didn't know they would credit us) and that did a fair amount of bragging about Rod (what I do pretty well), was credited to ROD! I had to tease him a little for being so "metro".

So for all of you just joining our blog for the first time after hearing about us at the wedding show, please know that Rodney is neither arrogant (well, except for regarding his good looks), nor flowery. He does, however, have a great eye for what looks good and a knack for seeing and bringing out the best in people.

Hope to hear from you soon!
Sonya

FAQ's

What's an Eve Session?

An Eve session is a photography session focused on capturing your beauty and building your self-esteem. It is done in a fun, relaxed atmosphere with a photographer with expertise, professionalism, and warmth.

Do I have to do nudes?

Absolutely not. Though many choose the honesty and focus that an art nude photograph brings, there is never any pressure to do anything you're not comfortable with. The clothing options you bring along can also show off your style and personality, convey a mood, or create a look. Feel free to express yourself how you like.

How do I start?

Everything starts with a consultation. This allows you and Rodney, the photographer, to get a feel for each other, plan the session a little, and build anticipation towards your shoot. This is a great time to ask questions and find out the answers you need. Go to the contact page on http://www.evestudios.ca/ and fill out the form, or better yet, just give Rodney a call at 221-8413. He can't always answer the phone, but he will be sure to return your call.

What happens after the session?

After your session, you'll book a time to see and order your images. This allows you to set aside time to focus on you, as well as get assistance in choosing which ones to keep and what to do with them. We offer a wide variety of wall portrait options and albums, with the option of custom-design work added in to make them extra-special. We're always updating our product line to offer you interesting ways to display your beautiful pictures.

What kind of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, cheque, debit, Visa and MasterCard. Session fees are due at the session. Costs for the order are due at time of ordering...although we can accept a deposit with the rest due at pick-up.

Where are you located?

We are in the North End of Winnipeg, so it's fairly central. Once you call, we can give you more specific directions.

Why should I do an Eve Session?

That is something you only can know. We each have our own reasons: perhaps we have some insecurity with our bodies that we want to overcome, perhaps it's been a long time since we've done something just for us, perhaps we need a little boost in confidence--a little more sparkle, perhaps it's been awhile since we've felt sexy. Whatever the reason, don't hesitate to call and find out more. Take the first step. You'll be glad you did!

Merry Christmas

It's 12:18 a.m. Officially Christmas Day!

We wish you a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year!

We just spent the evening with cousins near Winnipeg whom we're just getting to know, and I have been packing since we got home. Rod just got home from finishing some odds and ends at the studio and he's cooking (gotta use up the mushrooms!)

Must....get....some....sleep...before the kids wake up!

Loving the snow. Hope the roads are good tomorrow.

Enjoy the day!

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.

Petrified

Well I just finished a meeting that I never would have thought I would have, I just finished a meeting with a guy from Friesens Printing regarding having a book made for the Just As I Am project. I really can’t figure out if I should be excited or petrified or both; I’m excited to have this as a possibility, at the same time terrified about the 10 thousand or so dollars that will be required to make it happen.

At this point I have a few options, I could rob a small bank or even a Credit Union, or I can pray for wisdom; since I don’t have a gun I guess I’ll stick with praying for wisdom as I think through whether we can sell in excess of 250 or so books.

As I’m praying if you happen to have a small bank or Credit Union and feel like making me a huge loan to help make the book project happen feel free to give me a call. If you don’t have a bank but have a personal relationship with Oprah or someone like her, again I would love to hear from you.

Speaking of a book, if you would like to write a bit about your experience we would like to have some of your stories as an option to publish or else there will just be a bunch of my ramblings in there.

Anyways, as always these are just a few things going through my head, have a great week.

Rodney

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