Erin Gilmore Photography

Happy weekend

Well…here is the latest in the signature album series entitled Fleeting. Made up of images of those heartfelt, hilarious, tearful, crazy, epic moments that make up a wedding day. Enjoy…

Can I please just shoot these guys every weekend? I have never had so much fun at a wedding. I got to leave the hustle and bustle of downtown and head out east today to a fabulous farm for Sarah & Matt’s downhome wedding. Weather…perfect. Awesome car…yup. A quick game of ball…we had that too. Awe inspiring landscape…that just made the day complete. You guys were so amazing! I say let’s do it again!!!!

I have said it before and I will say ti again. I am not a big fan of overworked photoshop images. Actions are great. They have a time and a place but I always follow the rule that just because you can doesn’t mean you should. The mark of a true artist is one who has a vision even before they create and use only those tools necessary to execute that vision. Throwing in everything other than the kitchen sink does not make someone an artist, it makes them great at pressing the play button in photoshop.

I have grown increasingly saddened seeing what could be great images, swallowed up whole these trendy actions that everyone has in their arsenal. A true artist doesn’t follow a trend they create one.

Before you hit that play button on your next image, take a look at this video of a 6th grader..Now there is talent…there is an artist!

Well…this one means a lot to me….  Jillian Kirby who is perhaps the most amazing newborn photographer I know jsut featured my etsy store on her blog.  I can’t thank you enough Jillian.

This weekend we had the opportunity to shoot the lovely Chelsey & Ben over at the gorgeous Pinnacle Hotel in North Vancouver.  With Jeanette from Delovely Creative on decor and floral and the yummy tartlets on cake…it was going to be a really great day!

Chelsey and Ben were the first of the 2010 couples to opt for the new wedding website option so I am please to present the first of many…..the website of chelsey & ben

Wow…third blog feature of the week….I am so thrilled that the blogosphere has found and fallen in love with my etsy store.  This time it was the fabulous blog of Paper Cakes that featured the following print in their cupcake post!  Thanks so much!!!

I woke up this morning to a lovely surprise.  Over at the BrightSide Project,  they have done a feature for May that focuses on well known, inspiring bloggers.  One of the featured bloggers was Vicki over at Simply Hue and she was tasked with picking some of her favorite things for her feature.  I am honoured that she selected the complete collections of my Alphabet Project prints from my Etsy Store as one of her favorite things.  Thanks so much BrightSide and Vicki!

MoM

If I had only known

That was the last time I would see you

I would have taken a picture

So that forever I would see the beauty in your eyes

And be able to remember more clearly how you looked at me

I would have made sure you saw, how much you meant to me

If I had only known

That was the last time I would hear you

I would have listened harder

To hear all the words you didn’t say

that let me know you cared

I would have made sure that you heard, how much you meant to me

If I had only known

That was the last time I would hold your hand

I would have held on tighter

So that I could have felt your courage in the face of all your pain

I would have made sure you felt, how much you meant to me

If I had only known

Those were the last words I would get to say to you

I would have said so much more

That in my eyes you were a hero for all that you endured

That in my heart you will always hold a space that no one can replace

I would have made sure I told you, how much you meant to me

I Love you

I Miss You

I hope you can see

I hope you can feel

I hope you hear me now

Today was such an awesome day. First was the offical launching of the Image Alchemist studio and then came the gorgeous invitation I received from the Semiahmoo Resort in Washington. This has to be the most stunning invitation I have ever seen. Carefully handcrafted by the uber talented Kerri Efendi of Kerri Efendi Designs, the invite came complete with seal, tea stained cloth wrapping, feathers, ribbons, and gorgeous typography.   This event will definitely be one that I will be attending

Then when I went to pick up the kidlets from school, I was surprised with such a thoughtful gift from my daughter’s class as a thank you for taking heir photos for Mother’s Day

Its taken some time but we are finally ready to announce the official launch of the Image Alchemist studio.  What is Image Alchemist you ask?  Well, Image Alchemist is the collaboration of 3 amazing lower mainland photographers…3 women with a single passionate vision and commitment to stunning imagery and honest business.

Erin Gilmore of Erin Gilmore Photography, Libby of Studio 32 Photography and Gabrielle Beer have come together under one cute, little, quirky roof and I can’t tell you how excited I am as we begin this new chapter.  We now have a photographers that specialize in different genres of photography meaning that every client gets the best photographer for them.  None of this trying to be all things to all people.  The best person for the job.  Simply awesome.

Thanks to everyone for all the encouragement and kind words over the past few months and we can’t wait to have you here at the studio!  Visit us on the web at www.imagealchemist.com or give us a call at 604.313.1733 to say hi and we might just have a special or two in place to celebrate our brand new home….

A little while back, I got a call from Anne Chertoff, editor of AOL’s new wedding site aisledash. She had seen the photos that I shot of Jeanette and Tanya in our boudoir session and wanted to interview me for an article they were writing on the emerging trend that is boudoir photography.

I received the email earlier this week that the article was live… check it out HERE

Here is a sampling of the article…. Thanks Anne!

Over the past few years, brides have been adding a boudoir photo session to their wedding-photography shot list. What used to be limited to one or two “getting ready” shots has become a full-day photo shoot complete with wardrobe changes, accessories and professional styling. To help you create a sexy (not sleazy) boudoir photo I spoke with photographer Erin Gilmore to get her advice on what type of lingerie to wear, which props to use and how to get the best photographs at your boudoir photo shoot.

1 – Do you have any tips on how to relax and alleviate any apprehensions about being photographed in lingerie?

It can be a nervous time, leading up to your boudoir shoot. Most women are self-conscious about their bodies and we have had it ingrained in us that “the camera adds 10 pounds.” Perhaps the best way to relieve your tension is to put on your lingerie prior to the shoot and get comfortable in the pieces that you have chosen for your shoot. Pick items that make you feel good, and it is always a good idea to use a photographer with whom you are comfortable and who can work with you to capture you at your best.

2 – What type of lingerie looks great in boudoir photos? Are there any materials, trims or styles to avoid?

I know that corsets are becoming a very popular choice for boudoir photos, but for me, most corsets and bustiers tend to flatten, rather than enhance, your assets. Better choices are well-fitted bra-and-panty sets, sexy leggings and cute babydolls. I find that sets work better than individual pieces for boudoir shoots.

Erin Gilmore Photography
3 – What about props? Bring them or leave them in the closet?

The use of props can be tricky. It really depends on the feel that you would like for the photos. Props can tend to take the shoot on a more “trashy” road, so in most cases, I say leave the props in the closet. Accessories like blinged-out jewelry, hats and birdcage veils, however, can be a great addition to the shoot, so pack a small suitcase of accessories and let your photographer assist you in selecting the pieces that will work best with your chosen attire.

4 – What’s the best setting for a boudoir shoot?

A bed seems to be the fitting choice for a boudoir shoot. You can make it sexy or sweet depending on what poses you chose or the amount of skin you wish to expose.

5 – Are there things a bride should avoid doing during the shoot that turn tasteful pictures into tacky ones?

A popular trend in boudoir photography is the “pin-up” style. I totally get the attraction to this style but you have to be careful. When done well, the photos are stunning, but done poorly, they are more trash than class. Research your photographer’s galleries of past sessions and make sure that they excel in the style that you want for your personal session.

6 – How many wardrobe changes should a bride plan on for her shoot?

It really depends on the length of your session. For a one-hour session, I recommend bringing three outfits and multiple accessories. I also recommend to my clients that they shoot their least favorite outfit first and save their favorite outfit for last. It takes a while to warm up to the camera, so this means that your best shots will probably be later on in the session.

Erin Gilmore Photography
7 – Are there any preparations done in advance, such as style discussions?

You should definitely discuss the feeling that you want your photos to convey and even let your photographer know what you feel your best features are, as well as areas that you are self-conscious about. It will help your chosen photographer customize a shoot best suited for you.

8 – Do you have any advice on how to find a good boudoir photographer — what you should look for, who you should avoid?

Recommendations from friends that have had sessions done in the past are always a good place to start. They will give you an idea of what your session will look like and how the photographer was to work with. I also think that most women would be more comfortable with a female photographer — and if your session is going to be a gift for that special guy in your life, he might also appreciate that another guy didn’t get to see it first!

Seriously….these guys have the most fun at work I have ever seen. I think when you have rooms with names like “the mosh pit” how could you not? This time I was asked to capture the morning crew…seems like they felt a little left out when we shot the other on airs a few months back… thanks for the super fun day guys…

Today marked the gorgeous wedding of Kathy and Stephane. I have not enough words to describe how amazing every detail was..from the 5 pairs of shoes that Kathy tried to choose between ( i say wear them all), the stunning dress and Elsa Corsi jewels, to the beautiful sun that made it’s appearance for the occasion. Everything was so perfect that I found myself tonight at 12:30 unable to get to sleep until I posted some of the pics…

To kathy and stephane….you made this day so easy for us and I can’t thank you enough for allowing us to share in it…even if I had to miss the Canucks playoff game…it was sooooo worth it!