WINTER WONDERLAND.. MORE



MONOCROMATIC TONES OF WHITE ON WHITE. TEXTURE OF THE FROSTY BRANCHES AND VINTAGE BLOUSE, ROSY CHEEKS AND LIPS ADORN THE FACE. SOFT DISHEVELED HAIR CASCADES.

 this wintery day offered such great scenery and the model was so engaging for an impromptu session over their xmas vacation. it really was a family affair as the model is a client who's family I've been doing hair for since the mid 1990's. I've known her and her siblings since they were wee and am privileged when they pop in to see me from Australia where they reside. her brother who you don't see is Hamish, who is the photographer. it was during his haircut that he and I conjured this day up. it was shot on their family ranch in Longview, which has been a working ranch since 1909
it was a family affair for me as well, as my daughter got coerced into helping mw with make yp, seeing as my expertise ends at the hairline. she pulled off such an incredible palette and was a pleasure to wrk with and see in action.
her and Hamish had some grand ideas and was so fun to watch the young pups come together in their creative capacity.

BEAUTY+LANDMARK = WINTER WONDERLAND

                                    
LOVE WHEN PEOPLE COME TOGETHER FOR NO OTHER REASON THAN.........
EXPRESS A STATE OF BEING
EXCHANGE IDEAS AND IMAGINATION
IT CREATES MAGIC
PEOPLE INSPIRING PEOPLE
ITS CONTAGIOUS

WINTER WONDERLAND....behind the scenes

 a look at a day over the Christmas, and a fun creative photoshoot that was put together on the spot in my chair just before taking a break for the holidays. there were so many great images I will be posting a few separate ones showcasing this fun holday project....for all those who like to follow along..stay tuned for the rest of the story

Kitty our model, as her glorious adorable self

 

 some prep work taking place in the kitchen

 

one of the few shots I was able to get of Hamish and his sis.     

(my hands were too cold to play back up photographer)

 

 

I so enjoy when I can just stand back and take in the moment, letting it all unfold with someone else taking over the reigns. considering Hamish and I see each other once a year, and this was thrown together on a whim for fun, we nailed a really great creative shoot

 

this barn has the Robertson brand as well as the date 1909

while getting ready, Heather ( also long standing client, as well the kids' mama) was also getting into the day, running downstairs and coming up with all sorts of great wardrobe pieces, including the buffalo coat from the early 1900's made for their grandpa, from a native American as a thank you to G'pa Robertson.

at one point my daughter says "mom its like we are in a living museum"

simply aswome! 

 

EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY...

 

 

 

I am frequently heard saying in my hair ramblings that its NEVER just  about hair

this image is not exception

a quick shout out to people that helped make this happen...Kitty-the model, Hamish-the photographer, my daughter Mya -make up extraordinaire, Robertson family- for allowing us on the ranch over the holidays......more to come on this

 

for now I want to share with you why this photo brings a smile to me every time I look at it

well, its was over xmas this year and it was blistery cold (learned a new word-FRIPPLES!)   

THANK YOU AUZZIES FOR THAT NEW WORD

and it was no small feat getting Kitty in this tree so high up, after a couple of hours of shooting no less, you cant see but she's about 12ft above ground, I had nothing to do with that I am placing blame entirely on her brother/photographer Hamish

 

thank god for this stunning shot because shortly after she fell out (insert laughter here).

Now technically, she was coming down anyhow and survived in good form long enough to finish out the day...got me thinking about needing a waiver for moments like these

 

and if that isn't enough to entertain...I used some fabric that my mom gave me not too long ago wondering if I could use it some day for my editorial work ....so I send her a copy and say "thanks mom turns out the fabric did come in handy" and she says well its about time I've been hanging on to it since 1978

no kidding?

 

and that is my story.....

stay tuned for more on this collaboration

 

TBT: CHATUEAU ON THE LAKE.... PHOTOSHOOT

although his photo shoot took place some winters ago......i felt inspired to show it off as LAKE LOUISE hosts its annual winter ice festival this week.
it was on location both in CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE as well outdoors capturing the beautiful rocky mountains
what a throw back to all things luxurious with the 1940's feel from the models original vintage mink, the textures of satin and black pearls, her pin curled hair with custom made birdcage, to the old world beauty of  FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE

for the models, couple Palma and Zoltan , it was a special day celebrating their 10year anniversary.
as always TARA WHITTAKER pulled together a fabulous shoot and her hard work and efforts paid off with these stunning and romantic photos.

 

 

 

 

 

  many thanks to .....
photographer and creator for this shoot: TARAWHITTAKERPHOTOPRAPHY
models:Palma and Zoltan
hair:moi
dress: J Crew
flowers:CHINTZ &CO

"CLASSIC ROMANCE" CHRISTINE VANCOUVER BRIDAL COLLECTION : photoshoot prep work

sneak peek from captured off my cell phone. love this space

some tricks of the trade used....

I so love working with this sis!

what my "office space" can look like on any given day sans tulips

a miracle I wasn't caught with my tongue out which usually accompanies that look on my face

 ...stay tuned for the result of our great day!
 thanks to everyone involved in creating and collaborating, and to Sheila for having me on board of this session. now folks if you've not yet run out and given yourself the gift of high end sleep wear now is the time....shades of sleep  in trendy Inglewood

proprietor of SHADES OF SLEEP: Shiela Connel
hair: slittinghairsinc.com (moi)
make up : Shea Brown
photography:
jewellery: JOANNA BISLEY DESIGNS

THE COMMONS CALGARY

SNOW GODDESS

 

this was one crazy day.......within an hour of starting what was supposed to be the last really warm (for southern Alberta mind you) dry, and sunny day for an outdoor yoga goddess shoot the clouds rolled in...then the wind...then the snow....then more snow ......and it just kept coming  

 

 

which in the end ...as you can see by the images .......was a complete god send!
there was some serious improvisations and changes and complete chilled to the bone moments (this coming from me who wasn't half naked)
I've not worked outdoors on a shoot in the winter months let alone in the snow albeit during a snow storm
it was such a pretty day esthetically and the snow and our quick on our toes thinking gave for some really interesting images
robin, our model is a fitness and yoga instructor who came to me asking if I would help her create a portfolio for a new course she is working on.
I didn't hesitate. a quick call to my friend and photographer MICHELLE GIER  and we were set. 



its all happened in a short manner of time and so quick in fact, the 3 of us didn't get the chance to sit and drum out details prior to the day of.
so on this day as 4 feet of  heavy snow proceeded to fall, the ladies showed up at my place with their own ideas and goody bags and we quickly hammered out our "plan b" .....AND GOT TO WORK
luckily we had intended to shoot around Okotoks area so we decided to limit our locations and wardrobe change's and in between came home for food, wine, and warm up
Robin was such a gem really. she was so poised, composed and solid in her conviction to getting some good images in spite of her  being extremely cold.

 



 what I had to go on for inspiration for this shoot was 3 words I asked robin in describing a feeling she wanted to capture
FEMININE ,GODDESS, WARRIOR

 

we still pulled off really powerful shots, as well such an amazing heartfelt day of collaborating. and you cant help but bond and connect in these kind of intimate settings (yes there may have been some nudity in the bushes for changes from scene to scene. what you cant see is the behind the camera laughing and mucking about in preparation to get something like this image of strength and beauty.
what you also don't see is me directly out of line of sight, bundled in my parka and winter wardrobe, holding robes and blankets for Robin in between takes. like I could complain ? 

 

 

I find this peaceful and calming to look at. the soft snowy effect and pose is mesmerizing.
great day indeed
(in spite of a minor tantrum when the snow started falling)
 

 as always, I am grateful for these opportunities and collaborations. this big segway in our day led to such dramatic shots and not having been able to for see any of it was the silver lining in it all. and seize the day we did.....

thanks to:
hair make up and wardrobe: moi 
model: ROBIN WILIMS
photography: MICHELLE GIER PHOTOGRAPHY