I do some work for an elite XC ski team every year. XCOttawa.ca are a powerhouse and win medals. This year they wanted a selection of ski photos – in action – showing off their new team suits.

Sport Portrait

Sport Portrait

Sport Portrait

Sport Portrait

Sport Portrait

Recently, we shot an executive portrait for a businessman in Ottawa. The client wanted headshots to support different aspects of his work – everything from an academic look to public speaking to business.

Over an afternoon with wardrobe changes and different venues we produced a collection of portraits that make him look good!

He was smiling last week when I delivered his portraits:

Executive Portrait - Ottawa

Executive Portrait - Ottawa

Executive Portrait - Ottawa

Sometimes an idea just hits.

Boom!

The photo below was shot recently and posted about a week ago. The idea to shoot the Gatineau Loppet this way just landed in my brain – all of a sudden. It worked. It was a creative lightning bolt. It put HarryNowell.com on the desk of some editorial clients.

More on Creativity

A reader sent a link to some ways creativity has helped people make some good sales. The stories involve good timing, patience but all start with a solid creative idea.

Read the post “Creativity Really Can Sell Pictures”

Creative Impulses!

Today we spent the day teaching a one-on-one session to a client who wanted to take the Photography for Communications Professionals course on his own turf at his own speed.

Part of his job is to photograph internal events and new staff including visits by ministers and dignitaries. That’s scary stuff!

We spent the day covering the material that applied directly to his work in the locations he shoots while demystifying the challenges he faces.

We finished the day smiling and he asked about more sessions.

That’s my kind of day!

The group session of Photography for Communications Professionals is coming up March 24th, 2010. There are just a few spots left.

Photography for Communications Professionals - Ottawa

We are excited to be offering some lucky people the chance to improve their child photography skills.

The ‘Photographing Children Workshop’ with Family Photographer Christine Denis helps parents and grandparents capture once in a lifetime moments.

Photographing children workshop - Ottawa

Join us with your SLR or point-and-shoot camera by learning:

• technical capabilities of your DSLR or point-and-shoot camera
• storytelling concepts
• fundamentals to help you better capture your children
• basics of post processing your images
• storing, backing up, printing, creating albums, and digital scrapbooking

Dates
Tuesday, June 8th – 6-9pm
Saturday, June 12th – 9-3pm
Tuesday, June 15th – 6-9pm

Photographing Children Workshop - Ottawa

Location
Central Ottawa, Ontario for all dates

Cost
$375 + applicable taxes

Space is limited!

Reserve your spot with a $118.12 deposit and a complete registration form.Contact us for more information and to register.

Photographing Children Workshop - Ottawa

A reader recently sent us a link to Italian artist Guido Daniele’s website. He bills himself as a photographer and body painter.

One section of his work highlights his ‘handimals‘ – hands painted as animals and photographed in natural poses.

I’ve never seen anything like it!

Quite amazing and worth a look!

Ok, if you’re a regular reader you’ll know I have a very big soft spot for dogs. Today, for Friday, I have two dog photo distractions for you:

1. Remember my Ten Years of Teaching Post? I reconnected with Heather, one of our first students. She is very active in the sport of ski-joring and sent me a link to some fine photos of dogs having some fun from Guy Dupuis.

2. This Sunday, local working photographer Brittany Veinot is hosting a dog photo day to support some good dog causes:

Dog Photo Day

Yikes… I was in trouble!

A student sent me a question about a camera and I had no clue how to respond! I like to think I know a lot of stuff. But I get asked a lot of questions and sometimes need to come up with answers … quickly.

In this month’s Exposed! we look at information sources in the photo world!

Read the whole article.

Your network can be your most valuable resource!

Remember that exhibit I participated in? There were three ’self portraits’ – my favourite being my car ‘zooming’ down a parkway printed on metal.

Peter J, serious and avid hobby photographer, sent me a photo from the event. Thanks Peter! See more of the vernissage fun on his site.

Verniassage

I had a very important job this weekend at the annual Gatineau Loppet – Canada’s entry in the World Loppet ski events. I was head of cheering for my wife and a friend who were racing. While cheering I brought my equipment to document the event.

Gatineau Loppet 2010- punishing Penguin Hill!

Many years ago (1993) I got my start in photography in Canmore and Banff Alberta. I found myself a job photographing portraits of tourists at the top of Sunshine Village ski resort.

Gatineau Loppet 2010 - Lead Pack

This lead into covering races and events at the resort and the Canmore Nordic Centre – home of Olympic Cross Country skiing in 1988. I covered World Cup and other less prestigious events. Very fun.

Gatineau Loppet 2010 - Chase Pack

Earning $ covering these types of events nowadays is tough as budgets are small and there are many organizations offering photo services at low, low prices. I pursue better paying jobs now – hence head cheerleader.

Gatineau Loppet 2010

Enjoy a small selection of our work from The Gatineau Loppet’s classic races shot mostly from part way up the punishing Penguin Hill. Questions? Anytime!

Gatineau Loppet 2010

And you thought you had it tough as your lungs were bursting! Check this ‘arms only’ racer 1/3 of the way up Penguin:

Gatineau Loppet 2010

Gatineau Lppet 2010

And check the smiles – mandatory on this part of the course!

Gatineau Loppet

Gatineau Loppet 2010

Gatineau Loppett 2010

Thanks to the ski patrol for keeping people safe!!

Gatineau Loppet 2010

Gatineau Loppett 2010 home stretch

Gatineau Loppet 2010 - home stretch