Christmas at deJourdan's!

Enjoy!  Rob

One of the great privileges I have as a photographer is to get in on things before everyone else.  Our work with New West Theatre is one such bonus…  Last week I got to photograph the dress rehearsal of their first musical variety show of the summer, “Twist & Shout”.

New West has added several new faces to their summer line up – and they do not disappoint!  The show is full of wonderful classic tunes from the 50′s and 60′s.  I walked away with a spring in my step, and excitement to return and share with my friends and family.

Here are a few images of the show…  I hope you can go see it live!

Cheers!  Mark

Do you have a little girl who loves to dress up with wings and pretend she can fly like a “real fairy”?  Then let’s get her together with our photographers so we can make the magic happen for your little one.

We supply the fairy wings and flower tiara – white sundresses are  suggested.

Session includes 2 8×10 sheets – $169

Call now – we only have a few session times left…

I’ve lived in Lethbridge for almost 15 years…  I have a hard time finding new locations that I have not photographed in previously.  Last week I decided to try Nicholas Sheran Park.  It may seem like and obvious location – but I’ve always avoided it as the trees are still small and other parks in town are far more mature.

I’m glad I did – I had been noticing a couple spots as I drove by recently.  Kaila & Matt agreed to let me try someplace new.  We did some walking around so I could check it out.  And then I found the bridge.

Enjoy!    ~ Mark

I don’t want to go into the gritty details of how I became who I am today, but, suffice it to say that, because of my life story, I am a big believer in women and girls and how they deserve to be confident and happy just because they exist on this planet.  In general, women are a power that drives our culture, the quiet, behind-the-scenes force that keep relationships – of all sorts- humming, we can be lion-tamers and lionesses, and we are the verbal and non-verbal communicators in our world.  We are the glue to the human experience.

I know my philosophy is abstract, but it does relate to what I’m about to talk about: Personal, or Intimate Portraiture.

As a woman, and a female photographer, I have taken classes from the best on how to do this, I’ve read books, and I’ve had this done myself a few years ago.  This type of portrait can be a life-changing event for a woman’s self-confidence.  The trick – it has to be done by someone very skilled, or it could have a the opposite effect on a self-image.   Since I used to be in a home-studio, this is something I didn’t want to do with my family around – so when I came to deJourdan’s, I was very happy to be able to be helping in offering this service.  This isn’t just for women’s partners (although it is a whopper of an anniversary gift, gift for a groom, or Valentine’s Day gift.) – it is first, and foremost, for the woman.  It doesn’t matter what your size, or age is – all of our experience and training, to understand the symphony that creates a beautiful image, is for this moment – for you.  To help make you look and feel beautiful.

Images will outlive you and can be a powerful recorder of time.  My goal for this type of portraiture is artistic, classic, and beautiful – with a hint of suggestively gorgeous.  I am having a milestone birthday this year (I will not call it a mid-life crisis – ha ha!) and I have arranged for another intimate session of me that is going to take place in June.  I am excited to celebrate this stage in my life in such a way.

If you would like to set up a consultation to discuss what we can do for you, and to see the type of work we do, please call the studio:  403-327-2658.  Please note that we have a male (Rob) and a female (myself, Jen) photographer available for this service, to give you the choice of who you would feel comfortable with.

and they handed out these delicious goodies:

Here’s Mark, our fearless leader welcoming the participants into the studio.

I am newer to Lethbridge, but it wasn’t long before I discovered Crazy Cakes.  They are a gourmet cake bakery.  Deeeelicious!  With our specialty in weddings…weddings and cakes go hand in hand.  It is a perfect partnership!  They have two sizes of cupcakes up to full wedding cakes.  They also have the original “spudnuts” guy come in once a week and make the traditional donuts that people from Lethbridge have enjoyed for years.  They are worth checking out!  1102 5th Avenue South, here in Lethbridge. www.crazycakes.ca

One of the great privileges we have as photographers is seeing the children we photograph grow up and become adults.  Mac is someone I first met several years ago while he was still in Middle School…  This weekend, he will join hundreds of his fellow classmates from LCI to graduate from grade 12!

We got out last week to create a set of images that reflect this time of his life…  Some relaxed shots, dressed up in his new suit then finally his true passion – golf!

I love the diversity – the different textures these locations gave us.  And we even managed to stay dry!

If you wish you could have some grad photos like these – YOU CAN!!!!  Doing photos before or after the grad day is the easiest and most stress free way to do it!  Set aside a couple hours and hang out with us!  We’ll have fun AND make you look fantastic!

Cheers!  Mark

We have also been organizing our product lines, and further streamlining our marketing and social web-presences.  We have a fantastic and talented studio family, and we are so excited to present our new energy to the community!

Stay tuned!

June Photography Classes

Lots of photography classes in June! We are excited to announce that dates are set in June for a repeat of our popular “Photography Basics” class as well as 3 new classes.

Our “Basics” class is going to run over 2 Saturday mornings in June (June 18 & 25).  We are teaming up again with the camera experts from McBain Camera.  Their insight and knowledge both about the equipment but also photography in general is invaluable.  For more info or to register – click here.

As a follow up to our previous classes, we are offering 3 new classes…

1. People photography – June 9, 2011 – 6-9 PM.  This is a 3 hour workshop is at Henderson Lake.  Mark will provide practical advice and tips on creating better photos of people.  We will have real live models – kids and adults – for everyone to practice with.  Class limit – 10 people.  For more info or to register – click here.
2. Landscape Photography – June 15, 2011 – 7-10 PM.  This is a 3 hour workshop is at Indian Battle Park.  Mark will provide practical advice and tips about seeing light and capturing the beauty of nature around us.  We will work into the “golden hour” of light and finish off with sunset photos in the coulees.  Class limit – 10 people.  For more info or to register – click here.
3. Computer Class – June 16, 2011 – 6-10 PM.  This is a 4 hour workshop at deJourdan’s.  Again, this is a hands on workshop.  We will work through the basics of digital image handling.  Class attendees will require a computer loaded with image handling software.  We will work with Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom as well as other consumer lever programs such as Photoshop Elements and Google’s Picasa.  For more info or to register – click here.

Each class has a limited number of registrations available… Some classes allow a 2nd registrant at a lower price – so get together with your friends, register together, and SAVE! Don’t be disappointed – register today!