Beginner Photography Class

My first photography class of the year, January 29th from 2-4pm in the cooking school upstairs of Brockville Superstore.

This is a beginner class, suited for DSLR or Point and Shoot camera operators. Having a camera is not manditory, I have several that can be used during the class. Or if you have a point and shoot and would like to try a DSLR I will have some on hand.

The course will cover camera presets, and basic camera operation and function and some composition.

The bulk of the course will take an hour, with time for practice and questions. The cost is $50 per person and you can pay via cheque (made out to Stonewall Photography) or cash.

If you would like to join, email me at stonewallphotography @ gmail (dot) com

** Second photography class for February 12th at the Municipal Center, upstairs boardroom, 2-4pm. Same topics, same price.

2011 In Review

Sunrise on the farm, Nov 4, 2011

This was a big year for Stonewall Photography. I got inspired to write this post while flipping through all the photos I took in 2011. It was a year of growth and learning.

I had a lot of great experiences this year. Good and bad they all taught me something. A big lesson was learning how to say No. This is very hard for a photographer (at least it is for me) wanting to take on all shoots regardless how difficult. I learned my lesson this year after taking on a job I wasn't ready for.

I have also learned to take photos I like, not photos I think the client will like. It's easy to start changing your style to fit what you think someone will like. Everyone is different, and if they are choosing me as a photographer, they must like some part of my style so I must stay true to my vision.

I had over sixty shoots this year. A number I never dreamed of a couple years ago when I started out. I am excited for 2012, I have six weddings booked so far, and a couple family sessions for January. I hope to bring the joy of photographs to many families in the next year.

My goals for 2012? To hit 20 weddings, and 100 shoots, and increase my print jobs (newspaper, magazine, ect) I would also like more fashion/creative shoots. Any designers out there needing a photographer for their spring line?

I would like to raise more awareness of Helping Hearts (free photography for families with sick children)

I am also working on a couple different photography workshops. I have a new workshop called simply "Introduction to Photography" which is open to beginners, point-and-shoot, film, digital SLR, anyone wanting to learn the basics of photography. This is a course that will teach you the basic camera functions and how to optimize your camera no matter what kind.

I hope to run classes in Brockville and Kemptville and will keep everyone posted when I find a space and get dates.

I would also like to run a summer photography program for kids, start the photography bug at a young age. This is just an idea currently, but would love any insight my readers might have.

I have the beginnings of a studio in the works. I moved in August to a bigger house with a great space for a studio above the garage. This year I hope to manifest some insulation and drywall and get a proper studio set up (instead of ghetto set-up many of you have seen)

I am very excited for this coming year, I send infinite love and gratitude to everyone who has worked with me this year, and to everyone I will be working with in the future.

Now that I have shared my 2012 goals, what are your plans? I would love to hear them.

Christmas Photo Contest Rules

All photos must be emailed to stonewallphotography@gmail.com before November 12th 12:00pm

Voting starts Nov 13th-30th

You can vote on more than one photo,

Only one photo per family/person.

You vote by commenting on the photo you think is the best.

Do not vote multiple times on the same photo, only one will be counted.

All voters must be fans of Stonewall Photography for the vote to count.

Votes must be made on the Stonewall Photography facebook album or they won't be counted

Share with your friends to get the most votes!

Winners will be announced December 1st. First place is a free family shoot in the Athens/Brockville/Kemptville area. The 3 runners up will receive a $50 gift certificate towards a Stonewall session.

Gift certificates are for one year, have no cash value and will be mailed when the contest ends.

No Cash Value - Non Transferable

If you have any questions please send me an email!

Holiday Promotion, follow the signs.

It seems everywhere I look there are signs. I am better at paying attention and keeping track of seemingly "random" events.

I've been thinking about the holiday season. I am going to do a different kind of promotion.

This year, the name Kiva has been popping up. It is an excellent program that changes lives. Every shoot that takes place between Nov 1st and Dec 31 I will donate $10 to a Kiva program. It will be presented as a lump sum, or maybe a couple different loans. When the loans are paid back, they will be reinvested.

I will keep everyone who books a shoot during this time posted on who we are helping.

Happy Holidays!

Carra and Cory

Jackie and Cory-Married

Such a fun wedding. It was hard choosing my favorites because there are a lot of great shots. Can't wait for the bride and groom to get back from their honeymoon so I can share them.