Calgary Speed Skater Featured in Photographer's Big Win! | SVP Photography | Shelley Vandervelde | Calgary Portrait Photographer

Facing Forward, Looking Back

This award-winning image of young speed skating star, Gabriel Quon looking back over his shoulder while his body faces forward carries a deep poignancy for the photographer Shelley Vandervelde.

For while Gabriel is working hard towards his goal of competing for Canada at the 2018 Winter Olympics, he can look back to a special influence that set him on that path – Shelley’s late husband Rene.

Gabriel was raised alone by his mom Bonnie, a massage therapist. Rene was a client receiving treatment to relieve symptoms of Parkinson's and later issues arising from cancer spreading into his lymphatic system.  Rene became like a big brother to Gabriel, introducing him to soccer and later speed skating.  

Gabriel did not take to the game of hockey, so Rene, hailing from the Netherlands, a powerhouse nation at speed skating, took Gabriel to try his ice sport instead. Out on the ice, Gabriel fell but got up again. While at the oval the first time, Rene told Gabriel  to follow him on the ice and copy his actions. Gabriel took to the long skates like a fish to water!  Bonnie said he was a natural from the start. The following summer Gabriel tried a speed skating camp held at the oval and that fall joined the Calgary Speed Skating Club. 

Since then Gabriel has gone from strength to strength. He has represented Calgary in Age Class Long Track Championships, the Can West Short Track Championships and this season qualified for the Canadian Junior Championships, as well as all the national competitions.

“Speed skating has captured his soul and given him such determination and drive to be at the next Olympics,” says Shelley. Sadly for Shelley, Rene is no longer around to see Gabriel go faster and faster around the oval, improving his personal bests with each competition.

Rene had life-saving heart surgery in 2001 and this prompted Shelley to quit her job of 20 years working with children with autism and pick up a camera. “Rene gave me the gift of a new life as a photographer”, says Shelley. “When he underwent quadruple bypass surgery I realized life is short and that it can end in the blink of an eye.” By the time cancer took Rene in April 2006, Shelley was already gaining recognition. She had a print accepted into the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) provincial competition in 2004   a merit at the PPOC nationals competition in 2005. She also received two accreditations in Studio Portraiture and Children's Portraiture.  

Like Gabriel, Shelley has gone from strength to strength. Provincial awards for best in class for child portrait followed in both 2006 and 2007 and best in class in figure study in 2007. She has been a finalist multiple times for the Provincial Portrait Photographer of the Year award and received the ultimate recognition of her peers when the PPOC named her National Portrait Photographer of the Year in 2012.

Now, Shelley, who only does 40 to 50 sessions a year, has received the recognition of her province and been named 2014's Professional Photographer of the Year for Alberta. She, like Gabriel, can look back to remember the man who gave them both the inspiration to go forward to success.

SVP Photography Website

Shelley is currently booking sessions for outdoor family portraits. If your children are home for the holidays or heading off to university in the Fall call today to reserve your complimentary design session.

403.281.8429

Shelley Vandervelde of SVP Photography goes to Spain | Calgary Photographer

Trying to catch up with all the happenings of 2014 at the SVP Photography Studio here in Calgary, Alberta, I left off with February.  The beginning of March was filled with business, children and family portraits and teaching for Image Square, Canon's Center in downtown Calgary and here at the SVP Photography Studio in Woodlands. 

But the highlight of the month was a trip of a lifetime to Spain with my sister Pamela. I enjoyed being her personal photographer, although getting the shots was difficult as we were on a school tour that was on the go! Stopping for photos was a challenge as the group continued on and we had to make sure we didn't get left behind! 

Here is a slide show of  Pamela's Trip to Spain and below is some of the vistas and places we visited.

Of course I was behind the lens so you don't see me in the slide show. Architecture was amazing and love of

Christ was everywhere. If you get the chance to visit this beautiful country, take your time and explore the people, landscapes and architecture

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Calgary International Awarded Calgary Photographer Teaches the Magic of Lighting Posing and Composition | Shelley Vandervelde | SVP Photography

February was a crazy month...teaching at Canon's Image Square in Downtown Calgary where I also had a two week exhibit of my Portraiture was only part of the fun.  It was pure coincidence that I had just been awarded Portrait Photographer of the Year for Alberta. Because judging is anonymous and these images were going on to the National Competition, I did not post the winners, but those who attended my exhibit were able to see some of them on display. Below are the four entries that led to that award.  Thank YOU to all my clients who allow me to create their portraits and continue to hone my craft!  

Calgary Child Photgrapher | Birthday Portraits | SVP Photography | Shelley Vandervelde

Tyler turned 4 this week and Corina his little sister turned 2.  They came for portraits to celebrate these years when they are growing and changing so much every week.  One day they will show their grandchildren portraits from these sessions and say...That's me, when I was about your age. Click the links below to see their latest photography sessions.

Tyler is Four

Corina is Two

Baby's First Year Portrait Program.....| Calgary Baby Photographer, SVP Photography

My month of February was spent recovering from a virus, but I did spend time building a whole new Baby's First Year Program and Child's Portrait Program which includes a triple frame with a portrait to celebrate your baby's development as they learn to push up from their tummy, sit up and stand up.  It also includes either a beautiful 10x10 inch album or image box for you to fill with your favourite images from each session.  

 Mia was my first baby and this portrait is from the newborn ad on session.  We have already photographed her push up portraits! Time flies way too fast. If you are pregnant call to book a complimentary session to learn more.  The first year is such an amazing time of firsts, savior those moments in timeless portraits that add to your home's wall decor.  

Shelley @ 403.281.8429

Calgary Child Photographer has a busy start to 2014...

I can't believe it is 1/4 the way through 2014!  Where did last year go?  I know I've been super busy already!  As an artist I continue to explore new techniques and art forms.  I attended Imaging USA in Phoenix in January to learn more about new products and invest in new backdrops, costumes and props for the studio.  My newest Limited Edition Portraits is the Spring Collection which features a painterly backdrop and a variety of props and sets, from Spring Chicks to Tea Parties.

I hope to post more regularly with catch ups on what's been happening at SVP.