Are you camera shy?

As a Calgary Professional Photographer, I understand being camera shy. I developed the syndrome from my annual school photos that seemed to amplify every flaw, especially my teenage acne and certainly did nothing to bring out my beauty or personality. I learned the power of the camera from that experience and from the experience of being photographed by one of North America's top Portrait Photographers, the late Darton Drake. Darton had an ability to see light and to use it to enhance the features of those he photographed.  He was also the first Master Photographer that I studied under and one of the last.  

I understand the vulnerability that one feels in front of the lens. I know the power a photographer has and I take that power very seriously. I set aside time prior to my clients even committing to having a portrait taken to get to know them. I also limit the number of sessions I do to one per day. I never have someone nervously waiting for their sitting nor being hurried out the door with another client waiting.  

I know that more happens in my camera room, or in the following case, outside under a tree, than just taking pictures. The following was an impromptu portrait that changed a life.  This is Syl Vie and I saw a photo of her on facebook. She was wearing a bathing suit, standing in a pool & looking towards the camera, fully aware of being photographed and standing in her power.  I commented on how proud I was to see her putting herself in front of the lens.

  
"Do you remember that day at Satyen's house -- dear Shelley Vandervelde, I had sheepishly asked you to take a photo of me and I put my faith in you. I hated my body and the thought of a picture of myself. I needed a head shot for my skype account --- you are so amazing and I immediately felt comfortable. No make up, no made up hair --- oh natural --- Was so wonderful !!! I felt my whole being had been captured. Thank you --- yes that day was definitely a pivotal moment for me. LOVE YOU sweet sister!!"

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

.

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!  

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 Portrait Photographer

This young man loves baseball, what better way to remember his youth?  Call today to book your child's sport portrait in studio or outdoors.

Calgary Portrait Photographer, Shelley Vandervelde

Ok, I've been super busy and not on my blog for too long.  When I came to create a new post I see little boxes where my images used to be....  So this is a test post to see what is happening. Images from my nieces first birthday session and her big brother who enjoyed the cake!

Calgary Photographer family portraits

The family has the same collection for big brother.....so special to have ones for each child.

Calgary Child Photographer | Shelley Vandervelde

As a Calgary Photographer, I often photograph babies, toddler, children and teens. For some reason girls seem to come for portraits more often than boys.  It is a pity as boys will someday be fathers and their wives will want to show their children what their daddy looked like at their age.....

Calgary Photographer is awarded in Professional Photographers of America Regional Competition!

Shelley Vandervelde, Calgary Portrait Photographer entered the PPA Regional Competition for the first time this year and received two Merit Awards which are automatically awarded at the National Competition in July!  The two images that received merits were Porcelain Dolls and Honour.

The other two images were just one and two points off the Merit level.  Shelley has worked deligently on developing her art as a photographer and takes every session as an opportunity to create award winning images.  She loves clients who are willing to try something different and provide her with images that continue to inspire her year after year!  

Shelley Vandervelde Represents Canada at Imaging USA 2013

Shelley Vandervelde, Canada's Portrait Photographer of the Year for 2012 represented her country at the Imaging USA 2013 Awards Ceremonies in Atlanta, GA. The event hosted thousands of photographers from across the world for a week long educational convention.  Major suppliers showcased their latest products at the three day trade show. The International Salon Images were showcased with Shelley's Canadian Loan Image, Honour,in the collection.

Calgary's Top Portrait Photographer | Shelley Vandervelde

Is someone you love home for the Holidays?  

Keep them with you all year long!

Commemorate the time together with a family or friends portrait by Shelley Vandervelde, this Year's Top Canadian Portrait Photographer.  SVP Photography will be open for business through the holiday season and is offering a 45 minute Super Special Holiday Session fee of $99 from December 15th through January 5th 2013!

Spaces are extremely limited so call now before they are gone!

Call before December 1st - Book a session - Have your name entered in a draw - Win your session absolutely FREE.  

http://www.svpphotography.com
403.281.8429

4 Month Old Baby Talks! - This is Amazing!!

4 Month Old Baby Talks! - This is Amazing!!
We were all blown away, this cute little baby had lots to say.

Family Portrait Photographer | Shelley Vandervelde captures Corina asking Tyler "What are you doing?" He says "Telling people It's time for their family portrait session if you want to send photos out for Christmas!"

See the full gallery on Posterous

We still have spaces available for your family portrait, or ones of just the kids!
Shelley Vandervelde, MPA
Master of Photographic Arts
Canadian 2012 Portrait Photographer of the Year
403.281.8429
http://www.svpphotography.com

Calgary Baby Photographer | Shelley Vandervelde

When Should I Have My Baby's Portraits Taken?

As a Calgary Baby Photographer,I'm often asked "When is the best time to photograph my baby?"  I love it when people ask this when they are newly pregnant as this provides for the best opportunity to tell your baby's story in portraits. I encourage my clients to have five portrait sessions over the first year and a half.
Baby's first portrait is during the 7th month of pregnancy, that is if you don't count the 3D ultrasounds done today.  They are precious for sure as you see your little one for the first time, but it may not provide you with a portrait that adds to your wall decor.  The prenatal portrait can be fully clothed, fun & sassy or a discreet nude with an artistic flair. If this portrait is done as part of your baby's story you will want to consider the other sessions and coordinate them to create a consistent look to your wall collection or album.

Baby's second portrait is best done within the first ten days following their birth. If you are breast feeding your baby will be amazingly content and sleepy on the day your milk descends.  Images taken during this first week are often not possible later on.  At this age the baby's vision if very short so the most precious images are of them being cuddled.

Four months of age is great for portraits that shows a more alert and interactive baby.  It is also a great time to photograph those pudgy little fingers and toes.  They are opening their hands, holding their feet and often putting both in their mouth.  A few of the classic photos taken at this age is the over the shoulder portrait and the one of them on their tummy holding their head and chest up.  I encourage Mom to keep in touch and call when her baby is holding themselves up for extended periods when laying on their tummy.

The next great age for portraits is when your baby can sit unassisted and without you needing to be within arm's reach to catch them if they tumble forwards or back.  This is a tricky to catch at just the right time, as you want to make sure you have the portraits done BEFORE your baby starts to crawl, or they will be gone just before the shutter clicks nine times out of ten. These portraits are typically done around eight months of age.

The last portrait of the Baby's Frist Year is the one of him or her standing.  Again, timing is everything.  Your baby needs to be able to stand holding onto furniture and may also be cruising. However, if you wait too long and she starts to walk for more than one or two steps at a time, the photographer will have a tough job capturing images.  If you are considering having your baby's first year photographed, you will want to choose your photographer early and maintain communication to time each session well.

Your child may not appreciate these images as much as you do as they go through school or even college, but imagine them being able to show their own child what they looked like as a baby.
As a Calgary Photographer, I love photographing babies.  Every session is different and every baby gives their own uniqueness to the images created.  Not having your heart set on a specific pose or image allows you to appreciate your little one for the images she allows the photographer to take.  These are the ages and stages I love photographing.  They create precious images to be shared through the years.
Shelley Vandervelde, MPA
Master of Photographic Arts
Professional Photographers of Canada
Canadian 2012 Portrait Photographer of the Year
403.281.8429

Calgary Christmas Family Portrait Special $99 - a $525 Value

Have your family photographed this Fall and Ready for Christmas!

Includes 45 minute Family Portrait Session with your favourite image personally retouched and printed in an 8x10 print, two 5x7 prints and 8 wallets. $525 value for $99

Calgary Baby Photographer | Shelley Vandervelde | Canada's 2012 Portrait Photographer of the Year

Newborns are so very precious and I love photographing them in Mother's arms.

This moment goes by so quickly, she will be sitting and walking before you know it!

Calgary Portrait Photographer | Shelley Vandervelde | Published

Recognition by the Professional Photographers of Canada in the latest Gallerie Magazine.
http://issuu.com/ppoc/docs/gallerie_july2012/7

Calgary Family Photographer

The children from the family portraits I've been working on for the past week.  Relationship photos to follow.

Calgary Photographer | Christmas in July with Shelley Vandervelde

Start Early this year.  Get one more thing off the Christmas to-do list. Longer sessions and larger packages are available.

Calgary Grad Photographer | Shelley Vandervelde

Can't help but come back to the images of Gabriel!  2012 Grad and Speed Skater Extraordinaire!

Calgary Child Photographer | Shelley Vandervelde

Love to photograph the little ones!