Wow! 2010 has given me so much more than I ever expected. I am not sure how 2011 could get any better, but I am sure it will. This past year I shot weddings, families, new couples, "old" couples, babies and bellies. Among all of these there was one thing I had never done, an Album Shoot. Christina Alconcel released her Debut Album "Deal With It". I had the honor of being the sole photographer for this album......what an honor.

This past fall I was also asked to shoot a kind of comedic calendar for the Sunshine Valley Volunteer Fire Department. That was so fun and for such a great cause. Also another first for me.

I know that 2011 will be bigger and better and I am very excited to see what life has in store for me.

I want to thank all of the people in my life. Without you, I would not be me, and where I am. I love my life, my family and my job.

A few of my favorite shots from this past year in no particular order;


Mother and son....so sweet.


Hiromi on her wedding day! Stunning Bride



Crystal in all her belly Glory!

baby Hayden, Finally asleep.

Cheyenne on her day of Prom.


Charlene and her son.



Christina Alconcel on the White Rock Pier.

I heart faces; i heart pink!

I love this weeks pink theme....not only am I a lover of the color pink so is my 3 year old Lucy. In honor of my Mum, who is a breast cancer survivor, ten years this year actually, I dedicate this post to her.
I will never forget the day I found out Mum had "the C word". I could not even say Cancer....I was to be married in 3 mos, we thought there was enough on our plates already! We were wrong. My Mum is a strong woman and I knew that her strength, and sense of humor would push her through this.... Of course the love of her family too.

Mum, this ones for you! We love you! Oma, I am so glad you are here to see my children grow up!

Ok, so recently i ordered some headbands from Kristen Caldwell Photography. I just love them. I decided to take out my Little Lucy for a fun afternoon and a photo opp for me! This one of the favorite shots from that afternoon. Thought I would share it with you all! :)



I used lightroom to make my edits to this picture. I used Black and White High Contrast, thenwent and used the slide bar to adjust the exposure and the black. :)

Over at iheartfaces there are weekly contests for all levels of photography. This weeks theme is smirks. I love this theme it was really hard to pick but here is one of my faves from a recent shoot from this past summer.


I love love love the colours of the sky in this picture, so I had to use this one! If you have not been over to iheartfaces, I suggest you go check it out. :)

Cheers

I am SO EXCITED! Yes I am yelling! A couple years ago I started talking to a long time old friend all thanks to Facebook who reconnected us. We went to different high schools but we hung out a lot. We did many things, like playing pool, dancing to the Juke Box and singing every waking moment. Who knew that years later I would be blogging about where were are today.

Christina Alconcel is living the dream we had as teens. Her CD release is here. I try to get to as many of her events as I can but with 3 small children and 2 thriving business (distance too I might add) it can definitely be tough.

I brought my camera to the events and took as many photos as I could. It was fun and it was something new, I had no pressure and I could be as creative as I wanted. This was so fun.

I had the dream to become a singer, but never did I imagine I would be part of an album, especially the photographer. I mean, Ihave always loved the camera, but this is not where I saw myself.....I LOVE MY JOB!

When Christina approached me and asked me if the GAP could use the photo I took of her I thought, UM HELL YES! The gap wants to use the picture I took? WOW......little did I know this would be just the beginning.

Christina signed with Harte Music Productions just over a year ago. What a journey this has been.

The next biggest moment was being asked to photograph her for the cover and all its contents. WOW this was amazing. I know it was not just cause we were friends. Her family and friends all agreed I was indeed the woman for the job. They had loved all the photos I had taken at the events and even when we were just hanging out. She had told me it was never a question of who would do this, ME, Bluhr Photography! What an Honor!

I want to personally thank Mark Elliot Zuckerberg, because with out him there would be no Facebook and without Facebook I am not sure I would have started talking to Christina Alconcel after all this time. I also know that Bluhr Photography would not be the company it is today!

Here is a copy of the cover! I did this. WOW can't wait to show you in its entirety!

Alright, once again it has been too long since I put up a post. Since the last post I started yet another Home Based Business. I love it. Arbonne is unlike anything else out there.... but this blog is about my Photography, Bluhr Photography.

I have been waiting so long to tell you all about the surprise and unfortunately it was delayed. I am dying to get this up but i think it will be another week and a half before i can put it up.

Last year I had done a booth during the Midnight Madness in my small town. I have since had a few shoots from that event. One woman had won the Gift Basket and in there was a 50% off coupon, she was going to use if for her company's updating of their website. Her partner Peter called me this summer to set up something for his family, as he liked my site.

I met with the Baileys a few weeks prior to discuss what they would like and where we were going to take the pics. I loved the energy this family had. They are awesome. They wanted to a family photo before the girls we to head out in to the world. The youngest, Emily, was heading out to Victoria (UVIC) to Major in Theater, and Kyra was off to Colorado for a few months before heading to East Timor to start her internship, working for the President! Although, one daughter was absent from the meeting I just knew this was going to be a great shoot. We decided that we would take some pictures in the yard, some at the trails and just around the town.

When I arrived in the afternoon the skies were starting to spit. So, we decided to do all the pictures at the Bailey's home, some in the back yard, front yard, and inside as well. Here are a few of my favorites.

Okay, week after week I look at all the Fix it Fridays over at I Heart Faces and I always want to take the time, but it seems it always gets away from me. I made time this morning between feeding 3 children and loading my trailer with all the clean towels and such. I keep coming back over and over to do a fix here and there. Here is my favorite fix for this picture. This is NOT my photo, just my edit. I used LightRoom for all my edits to this photo. I used the B&W High Contrast, then manually adjusted the Temp and Tint.

Here is the Orginal
(not my photo)


Here is my first edit....



I used Lightroom for all my edits to this photo. I used the B&W High Contrast, then manually adjusted the Temp and Tint.


This second one I cropped in Lightroom and used the Pomegreenit action, Then adjusted the Exposure manually.


Wow that was fun, I will have to try this more often!

Cair

Well, I have some sneak peeks of Lucy's Diva Tea Party. This was so fun. The party was inspired by my daughters "Diva" tendencies, tea parties and her love of Tink. Since she was turning 3 I had her pick 3 friends (ok so I picked them) LOL. The girls were asked to dress in their best dress. It could be a favorite dress or dress up clothes, cause little girls love to dress up! Sometimes Lucy changes too many times for me to count! I bought silly oversized heart shaped sunglasses, feather boas, and beaded necklaces. This was so fun and I love love love the pics from the Diva Shoot! :)We started out the day with Lucy's 1st haircut, she was excited. here she is waiting in anticipation!
Then, not impressed, not sure what was going through her mind. Once the cut was started all went well. Of course she REMINDED Candace, once the hair was sectioned, that she was there to get a HAIRCUT!Since it was Lucy's Birthday, and she was having a Party, she could not go without curls! She was over the moon!
The Girls had so much fun with this, as did I.



Gracie.....
Hailey

Belle




Thanks Girls, you made this day very Special!

Second Shooter

Wow, I have been away a little too long. I have gone and done some really fun shoots in the past few weeks.A few weeks back a friend of mine posted (at 7:30 am, that she was doing a wedding. She mentioned that if anyone wanted to be a second shooter to email her....So I did. I caught her just as she was about to board the plane....just in time. Oh no, I had to find a sitter and get my husband to bring the truck home and drive an hour and a half to get there. All my family was busy, friends, busy, now what? I texted her and advised no family could watch my 3 kids, I was going to have to pass. I was bummed. Minutes later I received a very unexpected text from her, She stated she needed me there and she was even willing to pay for my sitter. I made a call and I was on my way! I must say, it was a little strange to be completely blind going in to shoot a wedding. I had no idea about any details. Who is the groom? who is the Bride? how did they meet?
As I arrived they were all just getting in the big SUV limo and heading to Pitt Lake. I did not see the bride or groom at all. I parked my truck and jumed in, Litterally. Jumped in Sasha's car and started asking questions. I found out that the Groom had gone to Japan to work, where he met his now wife Hiromi. He met her and fell in love, said he would not return home without her. *sigh, SO romantic right?We arrived at the lake and had plently of time to scope it all out, bounce ideas and really catch up. it has been a long time since I had seen Sasha. Little history on us, Sasha and I met oh man maybe in 99? We worked together at McDonalds. Her mom was the "Breakfast Co-ordinator" and we opened everyday Mon-Fri. We became friends, and went on to become crew chiefs and Managers together as well as friends......Then, I left. She went on Married another Manager and now owns the McDonalds in Smithers, BC! WAY TO GO!We found eachother on Facebook and started talking here and there. Little did I know she was into photography.....and was just Starting her business.....as was I. We often bounced ideas and shared many things over the business building. Back to the wedding! :) As the Limo arrived I stood by anxiously awaiting. As the people started to pour out I recognized faces...HMMM..I thought.. cool! Karen, Jesse, and others, wow I know someone, but I guess when you grow up somewhere there is bound to be someone you know when you show up anywhere. Then the Groom stepped out, I looked at Sasha and said, "is his name Clayton?" or maybe I even asked what his name was....then the last name came to me and I whispered to her she was like ya,! Do you know him? I went to high school with all of these guys....Too Funny. This made it really easy. I thought I might have been more nervous, but I think as the second shooter there is so much less stress. I was there to have fun and build my portfolio, catch up with an old friend, and see how we shoot together. I must say it went rather well. I look forward to working with Sasha from White Summit Photography www.whitesummitphotography.caThanks again
Hiromi and her parents. They are all so sweet.

BLUHRY

OK so, This week has been awesome. I have had so much to shoot. Goodness I love my job. Today was going good then to top it off my husband came home early. This meant I could spend time doing edits. I am no where near done, but so much closer! Thanks Toddles.

ok so, First off I saw Ryder last Friday and he would NOT sleep.....he was so intent on looking around, I carried on as usual and by the end we wore him out and he caved, he FINALLY fell asleep.
Sunday I was back to meet with Ryder and his family. His Great Oma was here from out of town and Uncle Hot Dog, AKA Angus, yes you read right, Uncle Hot Dog, was graduating. What better time to take pictures than the celebration of 2 lives just beginning! :)

Then is was off for an hour or so then back to the Japanese Gardens to Photograph Dani....another graduate. She just so happened to be in the same Limo as Angus and his Date......that`s small towns for ya!


Yesterday I met up with Wyatt...he has been a client longer than he has been out of the womb. LOL. His parents had some maternity shots about 7 months ago, then a newborn shoot and yesterday was the 6 month Milestone! Yay Wyatt..


To all of you.....Thank you for letting me do what I love!

Cair

This past week has been crazy busy as a mother not a photographer. I am still waiting to get my data back from the guys downtown. Have I mentioned how much I love my Daddy! He is off to pick up my computer hard drive and my new external drive today. Can't wait to get my computer and all its guts back. I have another computer, but its just not the same.

I did a shoot with my one year old boy this weekend, mowhawk and all, and I am excited to get some sneak peeks up for you soon. He is such a character. We (my Kayla and I) traveled around Hope looking for the perfect place. I had a few in mind, and Kayla had some ideas when we got there. My son ended the shoot with a dip in the river and a few sprinkles from the local sprinklers, he was not impressed with being wet and cold!

Some thing else exciting: I have patiently waiting for my phone to ring with a particular person on the other end. I have been given the honor of filming a birth.....Yup you read right a birth.... tastefully of course. Momma Crystal is due on the 24th according to her doctors, and she has been for some appointments with her midwife to "speed" the process.....Nothing!
I am very excited to be a part of her journey as I too have children, three to be exact. I have been photographing Crystal since she was 3 months pregnant. We have done a monthly photo, as well as a full Maternity Family session. I am patiently waiting to get the pics back so I can put it all together! This is an exciting process for me. I have known Crystal for a long time but this opportunity has brought us much closer. I have really gotten to know her. She is expecting her 2nd child and over the moon! She has a great family and I have loved each encounter.

Maybe next time I blog I will have the stories from the birth as well as more sneak peeks! Till then!
Cair

This is a first for me, not only to be in a room during someones birthing experience but photographing no less. When I told my husband, his response was, EW! Really? I laughed and said "um ya, not like i will be taking pictures of her "parts". "

Today I got a call from Angus, he is the local IT guy and the news was not good. Apparently my hard drive has crashed. To recover the data it has to sent to a place in Vancouver where they have a "clean room". So I went to pick it up and called Daddy. I want to be sick. I have had a major life lesson BACK UP BACK UP BACK UP. Not just on the computer itself but on an external hard drive. I have quite a few of my pictures on discs and sticks, but there are remainder of them that the only place they exist is on the computer. I was advised by Angus that the starting cost for this "recovery"is $600-$800. UGH, now that is a valuable lesson. So, as soon as I get a call from Daddy Dearest I am driving in. The suspense is killing me.
I am hoping we can figure this out, but if not I am going to be working "round the clock"....... You think I would have realized this lesson when I saw My Maternity and newborn Pictures get "lost" on my photogs computer......
I want to remind you all to remove your pictures frequently (if you don't already) I am glad that I had stared to remove them all and sad at the same time that I never finished.
I hate this sick pukey feeling in my pit that I can not seem to shake. I am short with my kids, I am so frustrated I am taking it out on them for no reason. Till next time
Cairith

Mothers Day Special!

Hey everyone, what a great gift for mom! You show up and I do the work! Really it is that simple. We will start shooting at 9am May 2nd, 2010, and go till there is no more light! Sessions start t 50.00 (for five pictures on a disc).....How easy is that? all it takes is a 1/2 hour!

Message me to book your time! :)

The discs will be ready for wed May 5th, 2010. I will even deliver them to you!

Cairith

In the past few weeks I have been searching other photographers bloggs, websites and Facebook pages. I know that for every person there is a definite style. When choosing a photographer you need to chose one that best suits your style. If you chose one that doesn't, you will never be happy with the result.

I think when hiring a photographer people need to take the time to realize that there are many things that go into a shoot. Even just for one Photo.....
I came across this today and it really needs to be read! You will NEED to cut and paste!

http://brianx.com/lifestyle/photography-prices.html

Baby Bump

So yesterday was a maternity shoot with Chantelle and her boyfriend Nick. I set up in the piano/workout room and the light was awesome. Everything went very smoothly and I got some fantastic shots. I am looking forward to getting them posted for all to see. Chantelle was so comfortable (after a few min of being in front of the camera) to try some shots in little clothing! She has a great belly, can't wait to meet the little guy.

Today I am off to take more pics of Ryler. I am going to work on the photographs for Ten Toe Soup Designs. Ryler is perfect he is tiny and sleepy.....Just what I need. I have foudn a sitter for my older two children and it looks like the Baby is coming with me. IT was the mom of Ryler (Natasha) that suggested I bring him along. This should be interesting! LOL.

I am finding more and more people around me are preg, more than ever....I am loving this.

I started out taking pictures at weddings, now more and more maternity and newborn shoots. I guess as I get older, I have less friends getting married. they are all now having babies, so....I get to capture this journey. I love being able to "control" the shoot. This is much different to taking pics at a wedding. I have way more control even though the babies can be more in control than me! LOL

Have a great day!

Things are looking up. After a long (too long might I add) 2 months of no photo shoots, I am getting back into the swing of things. There was one shoot last week, 3 this week and hoping more to come. Oh actually I have 4 this week including my monthly shoot with the ever growing belly of my friend Crystal. I often do not think of it as a shoot cause it takes me only 10 min.

Crystal has given me the honor of capturing her belly every month, since 3 months. I am definitely liking this. Its fun to see how she grows from month to month. At 34 weeks we will do a full maternity shoot too. Its funny how when I walk through a mall and see a belly all I can think about is being their photographer......when most women just want the belly!

Its off to Mission for me. I will stay at the in-laws since I have 2 photo shoots out there tomorrow. This way I can get up without having to rush out there with the kids to drop them off. There is less pressure and the kids get to have a sleepover at Baba and Papa's.

Time to run.

Cairith

Ok so Ryler was awesome...after he got used to being naked of course. He is so tiny, hard to believe he is 1 month today. Most babies are bigger then him at birth! He was a precious little man to work with. I got to enjoy snuggling him and calming him down. I know, I know, TOUGH JOB.!

Here is a sneak peek for all to see.

Baby Ryler

Well I am just getting ready to head out on another shoot. Today is a newborn shoot with Ryler. He is a teeny baby at 4 weeks old just weighing in at 6lbs 7oz. I am really excited to try new things and expand my portfolio. Its a beautiful day and I will be back to tell you all about it later today!

Baby Lily

Today was a great day. Not only was it sunny with spring like temperatures, I got to take photos of Sweet Baby Lily. I must start by thanking a great girlfriend for so graciously offering to take my 3 beautiful children. Without her help, this shoot may not have happened at all.

When I arrive I like to sit and talk for a short time before starting the shoot. I get a feel for light and the family. Lily is just so precious...I know all babies are, but really, she is a GEM. I had such a great time with Shannon (mommy) and Lily. They were a true joy to work with. Lily was awake and squirming there was no sleeping for her. She was happy the whole time and i heard maybe one peep outta her the entire 2 hours. Finally by the end of the shoot she was sound asleep so before i finished packing up we took he upstairs and got some really great shots.

Shannon had agreed that Lily could be a model for Ten Toe Soup Designs, so that was the main reason for the shoot, and I took some extras :) I just love it so much. I am excited to get them done and ready for Sharon at Ten Toe Soup Designs.

Monday is another newborn shoot here in town and it is a shorter shoot. Ryler is 4 weeks on Monday and still a wee man. He is weighing in at 6lbs 7 oz. Oh I can not wait to get my hands on him! :-)

Good night all!
Cair

Slower Times

Well I am looking forward to doing some photos, later this week, for Ten Toe Soup Designs. I will be doing a newborn shoot with an assortment of the Ten Toe Soup Designs'. Hats and slippers, cocoons and a stork pouch. This project has been delayed a couple times as I was sick and scheduling problems. Trying to find a sitter can be so hard sometimes. I find a person, then the husband does not feel comfortable. UGH....I want a live in nanny!

I need to get in the groove. I have not really been working much in the new year. It sucks, but I know it will pick up once the HIT of Christmas passes and he weather improves. I can't wait to be so busy that my head will spin. I love the rush of a shoot and the nerves running rampid until I upload them to my computer. Engagement, Weddings, Bumps & Babies I love it all.

This spring I am really hoping that I can start the "Trash the Dress" portfolio. I have some great ideas and if you want to be a model with your dress, you should not delay. There will be great deals for the first 2 that contact me.

Getting inspired is a huge part of my job. I love to look at other peoples photos. I get a better idea of what I want out of my photoshoot. Ultimately I know it is the clients shoot but the creativity and technical aspect of the shoot that makes the shot, that is mine!

:)
Cairith

Bluhr is looking for Boudoir Models..... Want to share something special with your significant other? For the First person to book, you will receive $50.00 off and an extra 8X10! Whos in? Message me.
the package is $200.00
1-2 hours (shooting time),
CD with 20 pics (approx)
8x10, your own make-up and outfits
make up for additional charge.

I am excited to start!

Cairith

Hi I am Cairith Turner of Hope, BC. I am a Wife, Mother and photographer. I know how as a mother we want to remember every step along the way, so I would like to help. I like to take photos of children in their element. I want to capture the real moments,, the moments you see everyday. Running in the park, crying after a fall, the joy when you kiss it better. I travel to your home, or special location to do what I do best.

Book your photo session today.

www.bluhrphotography.com