This blog is a result of a couple of nights of crafting and it just makes me smile to see how things that are so small can be used for something so great. 

A few weeks ago I posted a picture on my facebook page of the various “nests” that I had made…just as a “hey, this is fun” shot, nothing more. 

 There was an overwhelming response to them along with a great interest for people wanting to purchase them.  I was definitely caught off guard and thought that the only way that I would sell them would be if the money went somewhere of value.  I have heard people, at times, associate the “eggs” with the number of children that they have and so the thought of helping kids was perfect!

One of my close friends, Erin Perry, works closely with fmn ministries and spends a month of her summer holidays in Romania working at the Isaiah Center.  Rachel Ross is an amazing woman who has moved from the United States to Romania and they both have such a passion for these children and this ministry.

The Isaiah Center is located in Tinca, Romania and exists to provide nuturing and education for abandoned, abused, and neglected Roma (gypsy) children.  Through this facility these kids have the opportunity to develop and grow in a loving and secure atmosphere. They are provided daily with education, food, clothing, shelter, love, hygiene and medical treatment.  Furthermore, the families of these children are being worked with and helped as they are provided with parental training and life skills which impact the parents, children and their village in a positive way.  Here are just a few pictures (not taken by me, just watermarked for their safety) of the village and the children….

Please visit the website for more information or further ways to get involved.

As for the necklace pendants, they are all handmade and can be done with specific colors if you desire.  There are large, medium and small beads available.  A picture of the different options is below for your reference.  They are $15 and ALL of this amount is going straight to the Isaiah Center.  Please email orders to info@uncontainedphotography.com

With Family Day in the not to distant future, it is time to start celebrating and cherishing those around us!  Now I could go on and on about the importance and value of family pictures and how special my family is to me, however it is now your turn!

This year, Uncontained Photography has decided to give one special family….

 a FREE family photoshoot

canvas print and

a disc of their images! 

All of this fabulous goodness is valued at over $1100!

Simply send an email to info@uncontainedphotography.com and let us know where you live and why your family should win.  If you are able to send a picture, please do.

All emails must be received by February 13, 2011.  The winning family will be announced on Family Day : February 21, 2011.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Christine

It seems that the whole concept of “trashing” your wedding dress is quite controversial.  I have had several people stop and stare as we are shooting – some in awe and agreement, while others are in disgust and thinking that this session is somehow desecrating all that is sacred within a marriage.  So I wanted to take a moment and explain what this type of shoot is and what it means to me and how they are done with Uncontained Photography.

Short and simple – they are a beautiful, creative,  fashion-feeling expression of oneself.  For that reason alone – they are one of my absolute favorite types of sessions!

Think back to your wedding day – remember how it was such a fabulously wonderfully crazy time?  You potentially started the day tired and with heightened emotions.  You spent hours getting ready – from your hair, makeup, jewelry, shoes, etc.  You slipped into that beautiful wedding gown that you spent so much time searching for – and felt like a princess!  The day was a whirlwind and seemed to go by way too fast. There was only a limited amount of time for your professional pictures, lots to cover and only so much that could be done during that time. 

Compare that to a session after your wedding day. The atmosphere is relaxed and rested. There really are no time limits or people getting on your case about this or that.  You get to be pampered and feel extra beautiful.  You don’t have to worry as much if the hem of your dress hits the ground as you walk.  Your time of shooting is most likely going to be longer than you had on your wedding day.  You are able to look the way you want and express yourself more than you potentially could have on that day- yet still feel absolutely beautiful and glamorous in your dress.

To trash or not to trash it…..the answer really is up to you.  The difference between rockin’ and trashin’ the dress is that the dress is ruined at the end of a trashin’ shoot and often finds its way into a dumpster or garbage can.  That is a result of going further with the concepts and taking it to a point where the dress pays the price.  However, if it is just hanging up in your closet – or sitting in a heap on your floor – why not?   I will not push you to trash it and you will get beautiful images in the end – regardless of how far it goes!

These sessions are a progression and often include several different locations, “looks”, props and lots of planning!  They are several hours in length and to be honest, people say they hurt the next day from the various posing – however they also say that they wouldn’t trade it for the world!  It is so much fun and such an amazing experience!

Every session seems to be a journey – and potentially is why I love them so much!  The “bride” is definitely the focus and this is a great way to tell her story while creating beautiful images in the process.

For those of you who don’t like your wedding pictures – are wanting to do something special and unique for your husband or to celebrate an anniversary – or are just longing to celebrate your beauty…..this is a session you should consider!

Christine

What a great event this was as so many people took time on a gorgeous weekend to stop by the Syncrude Sports and Wellness Center and be a part of the Spring Women’s Show.  I was extremely thankful that it was not -50C like it was for the last show I was in! 

How fun it was to spend the weekend meeting new people and reconnecting with friends!  Thanks to all of you who stopped by : )  

I also want to thank Danelle, Sheri and Erin for giving of their time to help out in the booth and keep me company.  They were fabulous and did such a wonderful job!

I was so proud to be a local exhibitor and to be one of Fort McMurray’s very own in this show!  Speaking of Fort McMurray’s local talent… featured a short distance away from me was local artist and incredibly talented painter, Amy Keller-Rempp.  I have the joy of working with her and her husband and will be featuring them on an upcoming blog!  In the meantime…here is a sneak peek at their booth that weekend.

Fort McMurray Photographer,

Christine

When you run into traffic like this….you know that things have changed – and that there is a pretty good chance that you are now in Fort McMurray, Alberta! 

Well, it is true! Uncontained Photography is excited to be new to the Fort McMurray scene and call it home.  The business originated in Edmonton, Alberta several years ago and recently relocated to Fort McMurray mid 2009. It has been wonderful getting to know people here and finding new photography locations!

Several people have asked if I still do sessions in Edmonton.  The answer is most definitely YES!….it is just a bit more schedule dependant now. If you are an existing client, I especially would love to continue to work with you…and if you are a new client – I look forward to meeting you!   There are several trips to Edmonton that are scheduled within the year, allowing sessions to take place in various seasons.  Please contact me if you are interested in an Edmonton session as they book up quite quickly.  If you have a specific need for photography – please do not hesitate to contact me as there is always possibility of another trip.

Besides Fort McMurray and Edmonton, I also do weddings and sessions in Calgary, Kelowna, Canmore, Banff, Jasper, Vancouver, Victoria…and the list goes on and on! 

Why be limited in your location when you can be uncontained?  : )

Christine

As I have mentioned before, part of what I do is called stock photography.  This could either be images or shoots that are set up specifically for stock purposes – or it could be people that do a “non-stock” session but then sign model releases, allowing me to use it for stock afterwards. 

What is stock photography, you ask?  These are images that are taken with advertising/marketing campaigns in mind.  When a business puts together a brochure or billboard – they often use stock photography.  It can be used in several different mediums – and unfortunately as a photographer you are never sure where it ends up!

However…there has been a stock sighting!! I was just made aware of this on the weekend – but this is a family that I shot a couple of years ago…and now this image is being used for the article and the cover!

So fun!

If you have any interest in modelling or having your shoot be considered for stock photography – please contact me at info@uncontainedphotography.com

Thanks!

Christine

Uncontained Photography has been having a lot of fun with our page on facebook.  We are currently sitting at almost 300 fans and love this tool to be close and in touch with people that are interested in photography as well as other photographers.

It is the fastest and easiest way to see the latest projects, hear about specials, upcoming trips and generally what is going on.

Feel free to be a fan and get in on the action! 

Christine

Families….

They are the group of people we love the most.

The ones that we laugh with.

The ones that we cry with. 

Our families allow us to be most like ourselves, as they love us unconditionally and accept us for who we are. 

Families are a source of strength, comfort, joy and celebration.

The majority of our memories are made – and shared – with our family.

In honor of Family Day – and just families in general – our family sessions are now on sale for $99 until the end of this month.  This sale applies to all family sessions that are booked this month (they do not necessarily have to be shot this month) – and also to gift certificates for family sessions.

Often people comment on how they haven’t had a family picture in years – or even ever at all. There are also those that have had a loved one pass away…..and wish more than anything to have a picture of everyone together. This absolutely breaks my heart as families are so special and are something that we need to capture and cherish.

PLEASE take the time to cherish, celebrate and capture your family.

From one who loves her family more than words can express,

Christine

And last, but definitely not least – I need to include a picture that I took of my immediate family and I (fall 2008)

The Fort McMurray Christmas Shopping Market took place at the Syncrude Sports & Wellness Center this past weekend and I was excited to have Uncontained Photography be a part of it!

What fun it was to meet so many fantastic people and to introduce them to my company and work!

A special thanks goes to Sheri, Jennifer and Erin for taking the time on a FREEZING weekend (temps were -30 to -40C) to come and help me with the booth….not to mention my wonderful husband for all of his help and for always having a warm car ready and waiting!

Looking forward to seeing you at the Fort McMurray Spring Women’s Show (May 14-16, 2010) !

Christine

Are you still working on your Christmas list? – or perhaps struggling to find that “perfect” gift for that certain someone? 

Let Uncontained Photography help make your shopping easy!  Our beautiful gift certificates are available and are completely uncontained….meaning that you can determine what it is for.  Perhaps it is a monetary value to be used towards a shoot or prints – or it could be specifically for a session or prints.  It is completely up to you!

Remember all of those photography possibilities….. the couple(s) who is getting engaged over the winter and need engagement pictures and wedding coverage…… a family who has never had a family portrait taken – or perhaps desperately needs an updated one……a couple that is expecting and would like to do a pregnancy shoot and/or a newborn session….someone who is celebrating a milestone birthday, accomplished a weight-loss goal or just wants to feel good about how they look.  The list of possibilities is endless!

Dare to think out of the box,

Christine