Michele Dyson Photography » Blog

A continuation of my previous post. These were all shot by the wonderfully talented Andrea Blair. Please make sure to check out her work – she seriously rocks!  As you can see, there were a lot more smiles and giggling in this round of photos ( as opposed to our individual shots). I was definately the most uncomfortable on my own – it’s always easier when there’s someone to goof off with. And keep in mind that it was MUCH tougher for me being in front of the camera…..not only did I want to look purdy, I also didn’t want to look like an oompa-loompa. So, Brooke being as wonderful as she is let me wear heels ( she was in bare feet) AND always pushed me onto the “higher ground”.  I love optical illusions, don’t you?!  

Big, huge thanks again goes out to Vintage and Vogue for supplying both of our wardrobes as well as the immaculate vintage cruiser bicycle – that thing weighed a TONNE!!!  

Enjoy the pics:)

You can almost believe I’m 5′6 instead of 5′2, right?!  Thanks B!These 2 are totally my faves….I was a teensy bit tipsy and trying not to drop her:)Oh yeah, I can work a mean ” Star Search” smile!Outfit change #2 – we weren’t loving the look quite as much but it didn’t matter – we were trying too hard not to bail off the bike. Can’t believe I trusted B enough to climb on. The bike – how I wish I owned one of these, if not only for photo purposes…..

It’s that time of year again. Well, actually this post is about 3 weeks behind schedule, but better late than never, right?! This is year two of Nevaeh’s “parents welcome” class, and I loved it even more this time around. Maybe it was because she has really learned to LOVE dancing, maybe it’s because she’s somehow a little more graceful and yet still 4 year old awkward. Whatever it is, I’m glad she has so much fun in such a great class. Her teacher, Mrs. M is truly one of the best. So incredibly patient, even with my Miss Chatterbox. My favourite moment? Their 3 minute interpretive free-style. Man, it was CUTE! Little Miss seriously dances like no one is watching ( check out the first two images). She comes right up to the audience and just works it –  ”Elaine” style. Think Seinfeld people….the girl could be a stand in for her for sure. And check out how much she’s grown in a year….click here to see last year’s class. Same hair, same sweet face, a little less chubba-lubba. Too cute. 

Hope everyone had a wonderfully-fabulous Christmas!!!!  

Michele.

So, here it is. Finally. Part one of two……a great shoot with a couple of great girls. Brooke, Andrea and I met up one hot summer afternoon in July with a plan to get dolled up with a bunch of great clothes and accessories and shoot away. We had our makeup done by the wonderful Nicole Sweezey and clothes compliments of Vintage and Vogue. The location we ended up at was a little town called Hedley and it worked out perfectly….nobody to watch us make fools of ourselves!  Brooke and Andrea were both incredibly comfortable in front of the camera, myself on the other hand….I had to have a drink or two pre-shooting as I was so nervous. Yuck. It’s definitely one of my least favourite things to do – although when B and I were in front of the camera together I felt much more at ease. If you’re wondering where those pics are, they’ll be coming after Christmas; I’m SO happy with them, Andrea did a great job:)

So, here they are….a few of Andrea, a tonne of B and a couple of yours truly. Ladies, it was a blast and I cannot wait to venture out again!

Michele

Here they are…..finally!  The second batch of images from Cara & Mike’s After session. I think my readers have established that you guys are in the running for fave couple…each of your sessions have been so much fun, you’ve been full of creative ideas and open to suggestions from us as well. I think we made a good match:)  If anyone missed out on their engagement session make sure to click here as it’s definitely one I’m proud of…it was even featured on “Vintage Glam Weddings”…one of the most inspirational sites out there!  You can also click here for their wedding and here for the first batch of  ”After’s”. I’m still waiting on a video clip from them of the best first dance EVER ( choreographed hip-hop complete with RAD 80’s get-ups….ohhhh yeah)!  

Cara and Mike – really – could you BE any more fun..or any more patient ?!  I’m so glad I was the “chosen one” and cannot wait for the next session we do together! 

Merry Christmas to all my wonderful readers, and don’t forget to KEEP THE COMMENTS coming – 1 comment = 1 can of food donated!! Make me proud people!!!!

Mike has something against lipstick – I missed the smooch shot, but these next two were the aftermath:We realized after taking a bunch in this spot that there was a crowd in the building across the alley peering down from an overhead window….I think they might have had a bit TOO good of a view:) Shoes…..ohhhhh yah! Cara’s were  purchased in Penticton at Vintage & Vogue ; LOVE!Yummy colour!
I am completely smitten by this last image. Cara didn’t wear a veil for her wedding, but this one belonged to her Mum and she wanted a photo in it to give to her.   I think she pulled it off perfectly:) 

Along with the fact that I haven’t posted in a few weeks, paired with the constant reminders of my Mum that she hasn’t seen photos of our girls in too long….I thought it best that I pull up my socks and post a little something. Of course as every other person out there knows, it’s a crazy hectic time of year – and on top of client orders, Mummy duties, Christmas shopping, sick kiddos and party planning I’ve still got to remember to get a few festive shots of the girls. I got out the fancies the other day, but much to my surprise Miss Nevaeh was having none of the frills. She wanted “cool” clothes…..”like I’m six, okay Mummy”?! Well, why not. So, although there isn’t much of anything festive going on in these photos, try to imagine me singing Christmas songs in the silliest voices possible in order for them to pay attention….that’s festive, right?! Nevaeh somewhat cooperated, and Miss Eve?  Well, at 9 and a half months she is a little fireball. Go, go,go…I had to catch her with my feet while I was crumpled into a corner trying to fit them both into the frame. The things we do:)  I can’t wait to see what she’s doing in the next few weeks……she’s now able to stand completely on her own for a good 15 seconds and is saying her first little words…..Papa’s watch gets ” gick…….gock” ( tick-tock ) and “book” is pronounced with a “g” in front. Silly little thing. And at 4 years old Nevaeh is starting to learn about hand-eye coordination, as her Dad would say. She is learning to LOVE video games. Drives me absolutely nutso, but of course there are limits set by moi….. and she is pretty darned good at games, even if I cringe every time they play! Does this form of entertainment drive any other Mum’s bonkers?! Oh, it gets to me……..the hubby thinks it’s hilarious and says I’m just envious that she could kick my butt! 

So here they are….my attempt at some shots for Nanny to see how grown up the girlies are getting. I must say that this time of year feels soooooo restricting; these shots are the same ol thing I keep taking when it’s yucky out.  Next shoot I’ll attempt outside in the white stuff…..once it warms up a bit, of course:)  Alright, enough babble from me…..hope each and every one of you  has a fabulous Holiday Season and a wonderful New Year;  and don’t forget to leave a little blog love – it’s for a great cause this time of year…..1 comment = 1 can of food donated to the Food Bank.  What better reason is there?!  

Merry Ho-ho!!!!!This one makes me want to go wake her up for a snuggle:) 

How does time fly so quickly again?!
* Edited to add*  

I almost passed this one by…..one of Eve’s “firsts” – a mini play with her little friend Milla. I did 3 shoots at our home this day so we got in a lot of play time!  Little M is 6 weeks younger than Eve and I think they may be two of the cutest little things I’ve ever laid eyes on…..and can’t you just see the hair-envy in Eve’s eyes?  I mean, come ON !  

So, a few weeks ago Brooke and I headed over to Calgary for a weekend of not only shopping, but networking and kicking A$$ with the one and only [B]ecker! We were definitely not disappointed; the workshop was informative, interesting and totally fun. It didn’t surprise me that [B]ecker was exactly as I’d thought he’d be from reading his blog and watching his [B] school video clips. I picked up a lot of good info, but most importantly confidence and inspiration. He made us realize that you don’t necessarily need to be the most incredible photographer around, as long as you’re darn good AND have a great personality. Well, I happily agree with that statement. I am proud of my work, I don’t by any means think I’m the most fantastic photog around, but I do think that I’m darned fun to work with! After a full day of learning, meeting new people in the industry, watching [B]ecker shoot and even getting few headshots taken by the man himself, we headed out for some greasy bites and had a great time. Thank you also to Rebecca of R Photographer for your very,very appreciated insights. Your honesty was maybe the best thing I took home with me.

Thanks again to all involved in pulling this together, and for the photographers reading this….if you haven’t done so yet; get your butts over to the [b] school blog and SIGN UP!!! It really is fab.

Thanks [B]ecker….you rocked!!!

 
These headshots were shot wide open on the very buttery 50mm 1.2…..I’d better start saving my pennies:)These next 2 are obviously poor quality, but seriously crack me up- the shirt says it all!!!