PARKSHOW 2012.

The fact that I was raised in suburbia Calgary was magnified this past weekend when I attended my first official fashion show.  I was invited by my dear University friend Ashley of Lions_Lace_Lattes  fashion blog and had to take her up on the offer.  She put a ton of hard work into the show and it most definitely paid off!

I went with my sister in law - a small town girl, and as we arrive to the event there are two sparkling Mercedes outside with a beautiful girl in a ball gown I would wear to a red carpet event.  Slightly intimidating to say the least, seeing as I was wearing pants and boots, looking as though I was headed to a local pub.  We convinced ouselves [or maybe it was the wine?] to make our way inside and everyone was very friendly!  We viewed the art that was being exhibited and took in the runway.  Due to my procrastination we purchased the more expensive seating and were surprised to find fashion magazines with cupcakes on top on the seats in front of us.  Felt like there was some irony to that, but it made for a nice decor.

It was amazing how many photographers were there to cover the event.  Lights, many cameras and action - the show began.  It was interesting to see first the clothing, and then the designers who would pop their heads in to say a little hello to their fans.  Being a fashion noob, I don't think I was able to appreciate the design of some of the items as most of the cultured fashion goers, but it was very exciting to see everything live in action. 

I must admit, my favourite part of the experience was observing the attendees!  I concluded that the main ingredient to fashion is confidence.  Some people were wearing items I could only picture in Indiana Jones' movies, but once you watched them interact or even just float around the room, it became obvious that it was not about the clothes they had on, but how they were wearing the clothes.    It is truly amazing how beauty originates from the inside - even at a fashion show, where everything is about what is on the outside for that moment. 

Fashion allows people to express their individuality, and if they are able to express with confidence, that is when you're able to turn the unexpected into the exceptional. I enjoy fashion. And I enjoy the fact that fashion comes in all diverse colors, fabrics, textures, shapes and sizes; just like humans can have different nationalities, shapes, sizes, features, styles, interests, beliefs and experiences.  As I mentioned in the Rustic_Edge blog post, I hope that one day my brand in the photography world will be bringing out that confidence in ANYONE and creating a story that makes them feel like they're stomping out a cat walk on their own runway.

I have many tangents that I would love to fly off on, but for now I shall leave it at this... I enjoyed PARKSHOW 2012, and highly recommend it for next year!!

To be Inspired

Since the excitement of the last official photoshoot I have found myself in the midst of a photography rut.   Talk about peaks and valleys.  I generally like to capitalize on creative moments but they have been few and far between.

This weekend I did some self psychoanalyzing to figure out what exactly I tend to draw on for inspiration.  I came up with a long mental list, but of course never wrote it down (a lot to be said for external cognition!! - note to self).  I will continue in congruence with the saying you only remember the important things, so here is my categorized list;

People. Obviously? It's people who stay in your lives that really impact who you are and where you're going, whether it be your deranged family or new mentee. There are always relationships being made and if you pay enough attention there is at least one thing to learn from others' life experiences. That alone is inspiring, and makes me want to tell life stories through photos.  I also find those people who are closest to me, and provide constructive feedback very important and always try to include some of their perspectives into my future shoots.  A photo for you of my Grandmother and I, and one of my recent photos she inspired... Always looking for photos of old buildings as her painting inspiration!

Professional photogs.  If there's anything I have learnt from my other half, it is that you can always improve.  There is always someone, somewhere doing something a little different to get a better shot.  I love looking at National Geographic photos that people have taken around the world.  The awe inspiring landscapes, human character or natural elements never fail to put my camera in my hand.  You can follow their photos on twitter @NatGeoPhotos .  I also enjoy looking at Nigel Barker's work ("noted fashion photographer" for any ANTM fans).  His blog / life in general, and his devotion to a cause is something to aspire for - currently wrapping up a shoot in Moscow, Russia.

Writers.  Photographers and writers have a lot in common, just their medium of presentation differs.  A photo is worth 1000 words, and 1000 words is worth a photo - a mental one, but they have the ability with the power if their pen (or computer nowadays) to put an imagine into your mind.   The more I read, the more creativity I am able to harvest.  Must get my nose back in a book - current book on the go is one of Bruce Perry's books - highly recommended!


"Seasoned" things - people, places, inanimate objects etc. has years of experience and a lifetime (or more) of a story to tell.  As stated in my Static Momentum blog post, I enjoy, and draw inspiration from anything that is aged.  Where has it been? Who were they 30 years ago? How did it get where it is today?  What is/was the purpose? All these questions inspire me to make my own story through the photograph.

Gratitude helps to inspire.  Be grateful and you will always have something that you can turn to for inspiration.  Must count my blessings this week and stick that camera in my hand!