Monday, March 19, 2012

BTS - Unigirl Canada at the Lamplighter Inn, London

When I got the call this time from Unigirl, there wasn't a whole lot to think about.  "Ian we have the pool booked and we want to try some underwater photography."  I am in!!!

Without trying to gross anybody out, I have taken my u/w camera into pubic pools before.  They aren't so bad that I won't swim in them, but these are not pristine waters.  I had never been to the Lamplighter Inn before, but I was willing to give them a chance.  

Because I wasn't exactly sure of what I had signed up for, I threw in some portable studio gear as well.  Inspired by the efforts put forth by the likes of www.strobists.com and www. lightenupandshoot.com I have put together my own 'Backpacker's Studio".  I will save the details for a future 'What's in the Bag' installment, so let's just say that I have several speedlights, umbrellas, softboxes, lightstands and radio triggers packed into a nice portable travel arrangement.  The ultimate advantage to this set-up is it is highly portable and I am not a slave to AC outlets.

These shoots are a riot!  We get amazing images, but these girls are not professional models, they are students.  Their aesthetics are obvious.  What I get a kick out of is finding out what else these girls have going on.  These are not shallow or one dimensional girls riding through life on their good looks!  


One of the treats when shooting with Unigirl is we get these slick Behind the Scene videos.  Enjoy.  The images from this shoot are destined for 2013 calendars, so please be patient regarding any stills.


Edit:
Here is a sample pic from the shoot...




Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Snowy Owls

This winter, or the lack there of, has been a bumper year for Snowy Owls here in Southern Ontario.  Native to North America's Arctic these beautiful birds have made their way south due to a low cycle of their primary food, lemmings.  Arctic lemming populations are on a low cycle and this forces Snowy's to expand their range in search of food.  Truly our gain.  I am going to miss these magnificent birds when the return to there home range.