Every year I invest in different types of educational products to keep current and modern with the new techniques, styles, trends, social media, etc.
After 18 years in business, I decided it was time to make a dream come true and fly to Vegas to a conference where 15,000 to 20,000 photographers attend. This conference, called WPPI, (Wedding and Portrait Photographer International) is considered the best of the best.
I thought is was time to meet, in person, some of the amazing photographers I have known throughout the years by purchasing their educational products. Sara Petty, Jerry Ghionis, Jasmine Star, Kay Estridge, just to name a few.
By attending this show, I was able to re-energize my mind with ideas, inspirations, studio props, new products and much more. A huge trade show was available, so we could see the latest albums, cameras, software and all sorts of products related to photography. I could have spent a year’s pay in that trade show!!!!!
Being my first time in Vegas, I was amazed by how many people were everywhere on the side walks, casinos and also by the amount of noise!!!! I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people in one location. Of course, being a long weekend in the US and so many attendees at the conference did not help!!! Vegas is truly a city that doesn’t sleep, no matter what time of the day.
My biggest disappointment, during this trip was not being able to see Celine Dion in concert. My husband and I had purchased our tickets before Christmas and the show was cancelled the day of.
All in all, it was a good trip. I wish I would have gone 10 years ago, because I would probably have gained more from it. I did fulfill a long time dream. I would recommend this conference to anyone who is a beginner.
By attending this conference, my husband convinced me to attend Jerry Ghionis’ 5 day conference in Toronto in June
The dress has been chosen, the venue is booked, your cake will be gorgeous but what about your photographer? The photographer is an important vendor as he/she will capture the memories, emotions and moments that you will have forever.
It is important to have a consultation with a professional wedding photographer to see if you are a right fit. You will be spending a big part of your day with this person so liking your photographer is very important.
Here are questions you might want to ask at the consultation’:’
1- Are you available? This is the most important question before you go ahead with any other arrangement’.
2- Can you show me a portfolio of a complete wedding? To get a better sense of consistency of what is done during the day.
3- Do you have back-up equipment? The answer you want it yes.
4- Will you be the photographer or will you send someone else? Meeting with the actual photographer is important so you get to know each other. Seeing the work of the actual photographer is also important so you know what to expect in terms of images.
5- Do we sign a contract? If not run!!! A contract is important to protect both parties.
6- How many photographers are included in the package? 1 is great 2 is awesome since you get more images to chose from. 1 photographer might see something while the other will see something else.
7- Years of Experience/Education. Capturing a wedding is an acquired skill. A photographer must be able to react instantly and work under pressure.
8- What about time? Ask your photographer how much time he/she needs at each location’ so you can make arrangements for everything else to go as smoothly as possible.
It’s a good idea to have an engagement session with your wedding photographer, as this will help you connect with the camera and help your photographer connect with you. It gives you the opportunity to find out how your photographer works and it provides your photographer insights on what pose you might like or don’t like.
I hope this blog post was useful to you. Happy Wedding Planning.
Scrumptious Catering and Take Home Food Shop, located at 1610 Main St, Stittsville, Ontario, would like to introduce their newest member, Aimee Vachon.
“I will be bringing freshly made baked goods to the community of Stittsville. From butter tarts to cakes, we will be featuring a variety of items. Come wedding season, I will also be able to provide couples with custom wedding cake creations.”
The art of food and entertaining is their passion! Scrumptious provides you with over twenty years of culinary expertise and excellence.
Visit the Scrumptious Facebook page to stay current with their newest products or their website at www. scrumptiousfood.ca for more information.
If you would like to be featured in myblog please contact me at cbp@travel-net.com.
Anik and Eric are the proud parents of their new baby girl, Alyssa.
They came in before Christmas to capture their maternity glow. Capturing their pregnancy was so wonderful and exciting as they were expecting their first child.
Anik and Eric had brought in some personal items such as baby booties and a teddy bear given to Anik from her mom, to compliment their session and make it more personal. This photo will look lovely displayed in Alyssa’s room as it is decorated with butterflies. I’m sure that it will make the room shine and put a smile on their face every time they walk into the room.
Miss Alyssa arrived on February 2, 2012. From the vintage look, to the can-can girl, to her tiny features every moment spent photographing her was so worth it, just to see the joy on mommy and daddy’s face throughout the session.
Capturing a baby’s life is so important as they change at a blink of an eye. I’m sure glad that Anik and Eric made me part of these precious moments
Your baby is so precious. The rosebud lips, the tiny feet, the first step, the first teeth.
Capturing a baby’s first year is important since they change at a blink of an eye and you do not get a second chance to recreate the moment.
Aimee and Carl came to see me in 2006 to photograph their beautiful wedding at Stanley’s Farm. When they announced, that they were expecting, I was happy for them.
Aimee and Carl recognized how phenomenal the changes are, during a baby’s first year and made the commitment to document the miraculous milestones as they occur, starting with the maternity session up to Amelia’s first anniversary. They were willing to sacrifice their Starbucks Coffee in exchange for lifetime memories!!!!
“When my husband and I knew we were expecting it wasn’t ‘a’ question of if we were going to get professional photos taken of our new baby, it was when we were going to make the appointment. A baby’s first year is filled with so many stages and changes’,’ we didn’t want to miss the opportunity to capture these moments. We feel that professional photography is a worthwhile investment for these important times during our lives. The creative eye that Chantal brings and professional experience results in memories caught that we will cherish for ever. We also ‘ ‘enjoyed the process of the photo sessions and viewing all the great photos. We recommend to ‘ ‘ parents who want to have quality photos of their children or families to contact Chantal Benoit Photographer. Anyone can take a picture but Chantal can capture a moment’”‘ – Aimee & Carl
Boudoir photography is a very personal experience. Over the years, it has become more popular than engagement photos.
I feel honored, that these women let me see them in ways no one else does. They trust me! I think being a female photographer helps to portrait a vision of sensuality.
As she enters my studio, she is set up in a candlelit private room, where she is free to take her time to change attire and refresh her make-up. A glass of wine is offered to help her relax and unwind, while soft music is playing in the background.
From one female to another, I understand how to make her feel comfortable. There are no perfect bodies. I have tricks to accentuate the features and curvalicious bodies. Every women is conscious about her body not being perfect. This is a great opportunity for me to make her feel sexy and incredible about herself.
The session is done at my studio, as opposed to her home to avoid interruption such as the phone, the doorbell or noise coming from children. The phone or doorbell is not answered at the studio, since the focus is solely on her. Providing a calm atmosphere is important so the focus remains solely on her, as she is able to rest and divulge her private side.
This is not a snap and go experience like the boudoir marathons done in hotel rooms, by other types of photographers, where clients all receive the same images. An average session can take around 2 hours. My goal is to pamper her and to provide a unique experience.
The props and set ups differ from one session to another, personalizing the images to her taste and style.
A consultation is always recommended to discuss the session, style, views, sample my portfolios, products available and discuss clothing ideas or not!!!
Go ahead pick up the phone. I know you want to!!!
Here is what one of my clients had to say about her session:
“A couple of years ago I read an article on a photographer from Orleans who did Boudoir photography. The article intrigued me and I thought that might be something I would like to experience. I approached the time in my life where I was feeling great about myself and decided it was now or never.
Working with Chantal was a fantastic experience. Her professionalism was paramount and she genuinely took an interest in the type of image that I wanted to convey in my pictures. She was very open to suggestions and made the shoot fun and exciting. She was able to capture the best of who I am and the resulting pictures surpassed my expectations.
I am very pleased that I picked an amazing photographer like Chantal – Jane G.”
