Street Portraits: Being Present, Defying Comfort Zone, False Assumptions

Street Portraits: Being Present, Defying Comfort Zone, False Assumptions

I’m standing on the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Irving Street looking through a set of images I’ve just taken. A smiling elder couple walks past me with the gentleman pressing a crosswalk button.

I look up. They start crossing the street. Out of a sudden a red jeep swerves onto the road, no doubt thinking the cars stopped just for him, almost running over the couple.  Startled, yet relieved, the gentleman only raises his hand in protest. Then they look at each other, smile, go back to their lively chatter as if nothing happened, and continue their journey across the road arm in arm.

Arm in arm Hallmark moment - Calgary Portrait Photographer

They’re not angry. They don’t yell obscenities at the driver. They don’t  glare at the car as it speeds away.

They return to the present. Throughout the whole incident, she never let go of his arm or he of hers. They’re so in sync with each other. To me, it’s a perfect Hallmark moment. I reach out for the camera and take a photo.

With a bit of hesitation, I don’t usually photograph strangers on the street and it’s 100% outside my comfort zone, I summon my courage and run after them to ask permission to take their portrait.

Pleasantly surprised she looks at him and asks if he’ll be OK with it. To which he happily replies yes.

I don’t have to ask them to smile or pose as they do it so perfectly naturally. I inquire how long they’ve been together… and now it’s my turn to be surprised… With a laugh, she says that they’re not together and that they’re just good old friends.

Did you have an interesting encounter with strangers? Share your story in the comment section below.

Couples in love: Happy Valentine’s Day Calgary!

Couples in love: Happy Valentine’s Day Calgary!

I love photographing older couples, especially the ones that still have a twinkle in the eyes when they look at each other.

See those laugh lines around their eyes?

Yes, the ones that we usually try to mask and hide. I say bring on the laughter and embrace the lines. Love them for being proof that you laughed throughout your life as you walked hand-in-hand and grew older together.

Portrait of an older smiling couple in Calgary, AB

You see:

“Sexiness wears thin after a while and beauty fades, but to be married to a man who makes you laugh every day, ah, now that’s a real treat.”

– Joanne Woodward

Happy Valentine’s Day! I wish you to treasure and cherish the moments you spend with your loved ones.

Laugh often together!

Finding your perfect hairstylist

Finding your perfect hairstylist

My hunt for a new hairstylist started a few years back. Basically, when my favourite hairdresser has met her beau and was whisked away to Vancouver. Since then I’ve been a nomad of a sort, travelling from one stylist to another until one day I discovered Dawn’s account on Instagram (@dawnbradleyhair).

Originally from Saskatchewan, Dawn has down to earth personality and makes you feel at ease the moment you meet her. She listens to your requests and gives expert advice based on the look and health of your hair, skin tone and facial structure.

Her creative space is modern, inviting and cozy. At the door, you will most likely be greeted by her furry friend, Leroy. His size might be intimidating, but he is a sweetheart and likes attention.

My first visit with Dawn was for a haircut, which shortly was followed by a hair painting session with a pop of colour.

What is hair painting you ask? 

Hair painting is the newest form of highlighting hair by hand without the aluminum foil. It creates a more natural look with seamless transitions between colours, lasts longer and leaves the hair healthier.

The result: the depth and dimension that I dreamed of!

I would definitely recommend Dawn’s services. She will make you feel and look beautiful with a new hairstyle.

Toi Et Moi Photography Calgary, AB

 

Employee Headshots for Your Business’ Website

Employee Headshots for Your Business’ Website

I’ve had the privilege to capture Karli’s headshot that is now prominently displayed on her employer’s website. As a service provider that values long-term friendships and personal relationships with its clients, her company understands the power of headshots. After all, people buy from people that they know, like, and trust.

Having a professional headshot on your website that reflects your company’s culture and values is a great way to show your approachability and trigger a long term recognition for your prospective clients.

One of the questions to keep in mind when booking your headshot session is:

Does my company have specific guidelines for headshots?

As a business photographer, I always check your company’s page to ensure  your portrait is consistent with the visual story of your brand. I look for patterns, colour scheme, and the message the company is trying to relay.

Some companies, like Karli’s, have specific requirements for their staff headshots. These range from the posing of the shots to the colour of the background to lighting.

In case your company has no guidelines, consider being a little creative and explore the possibility of an editorial style image that shows you in your native working environment or perhaps in the urban landscape.

Regardless of guidelines, I photograph you from different angles and in a variety of poses, so you always have a choice for presenting yourself the way you want on LinkedIn or other social media platforms.

Thank you Karli for choosing Toi Et Moi Photography as your Calgary headshot photographer!