Cambridge Highland Games - the Scots Won!

I was born in Cambridge. I was raised in Cambridge. I have been lucky enough to travel; I have seen most all of North America and a small place overseas. But Cambridge in my home. Over the span of my life, I have seen signs, convoys of kilts, and heard that unmistakable sound of bag o pipes, every summer. Yet, til this year I have never gone to see, or take part in the Cambridge Highland games. As a kid, I remember my grandfather dragging me to the Fergus Highland games. I also remember it being a case of "have we seen everything, can we go now?" Which is too bad; because yesterday I walked into a part of Scotland, right here in town. Cambridge. The games were held in Churchill park, though I swear by the time I found a parking place, and walked to the site of the games, I could easily have been parked in Scotland.

The Scots are a proud people, both in the present, and in celebrating their history. The bag o pipes music is something that you either love, or don't really enjoy.. and though it was very interesting to watch and listen to approx 200 male, and female baggers, pipping to the same tune; I really find, I am on the side that perhaps gets enough of the bagpipes once a year.

I actually arrived a little late to see the whole day's events.. (the Scot either are very early risers, or the Highland Games were being run from the Scottish time zone.. IT WAS A SATURDAY FOLKS!!!... At any rate, I did get to see a few games.. and even took some photos. Funny how that works sometimes :) The one thing that I really wanted to see, and photograph was the highland dancing. I am, as most people know, a huge fan of the ballet.. modern dance. The discipline that it takes a person to be a dancer, is so over looked by the average person.. Years of conditioning, and practise; which brings me back to the highland dancers, and one.. Rachel ummm.. no last night, just Rachel the highland dancer. This young dancer, spent the entire time I was wondering around, practising under a rain tent.. and at times, hitting her head, and arms and hands off of said tent. Needless to say, it was obvious, even to the untrained eye.. this girl was a highland dancer.. and perhaps I hadn't missed all of the dancing. Rachel, and her mother were very helpful in explaining the competition, and I thank them both. Because I was only able to stay a short time after the dancing started, I fear I missed most of it.. what Rachel's mother (who's name I didn't get, hence, the title "Rachel's mother").. pretty costumes, rather than the male outfits (which is not hard to believe, by the way.. in the time I was at the park, there were many more men, than women wearing kilts). I would like to have seen the other costumes, and in return for being so kind to me at the games.. when Rachel, and/or her mother reads my blog... all of it, there will be a quiz...lol.. I would invite them to call me 519-94-2291.. and I would love to bring Rachel into my studio, and take some photos of all her costumes, including the ones I missed. Absolutely no charge (oh boy, I just heard thousands of jaws hit the floor).. my gift in return for your kindness, and new friendship... although, I may put one of the photos in the studio window.

In the short time that I was at the highland games I took a great number of photos.. all of which I do not have the room to post here.. so if you follow this link, you'll find a web page with a photo gallery called "Cambridge Highland Games". The photos are not for sale, and if you are in one, and wish to have a copy, please feel free to call, or email me to ask for a copy of the photos. For the protection of the people that I took photos of at the games; the gallery, and it's photos are protected from being copied.. be patient.. I have been busy, and will upload the photos Monday.

Last week sometime (yes, I know, if I were writing in the blog after every shoot, I would remember).. I shot another couple together. The photos of Bri and her boyfriend Nat, were so real, that there came others asking if I would shoot the same sort of theme with them. A friend of mine, who is also moving out west (hmm, I shoot them, they move out west).. sent me a message, and asked if I could possibly shoot photos like the bri photos of her, and her friend, and new model.. (the guy, out of nowhere, turns out GQ photos).. The photos turned out great.. and we had lots of fun. And.. I got a bottle of coke out of it...lol.

That's it for this time.. blog at you soon.

Mark

Just a Quick Update.

Yep.. still renovating. The studio is ready to be used, and in fact, I have shot twice in it.. which actually helped; so I can fix and change things before the renovation are finished. As soon as I figure out how to use the video camera part of my new cell phone, I will walk through the studio and post a v-tour.

And, to my surprise, and delight, some people actually do read my blog here.. because after my last posting, inviting everyone to pop by.. people have :)

Here is a photo from my very first photo shoot, in my new studio.. and the second as well.. Thanks to Jennifer (who had some of my photos published in Guitar World . com), and Alison, for letting me play. I was particularly considered with lights, and how dark the studio would be for shooting art photos..

So.. once again.. if you thought I was kidding the first time, please come visit me at the new studio.. (you may have to paint a wall..lol)

Short post today..

Thanks

Mark Allan

Happy Canada Day!

I really have been busy, the last few weeks (no, this time I mean it)... renovating and readying the new studio.. which is also a store front portrait studio. The name is Picture That Photography. The name was a little tricky.. I have been dreaming for years of opening my own portrait studio, and having my name across the top.. MARK ALLAN PHOTOGRAPHY. Alas, I have also been looking for a suitable partner. Someone, a newer photographer, eager to learn, full of energy... a fresh look at the world of photography (film is a four letter word for newer photographer...lol). The store/studio, is located in Hespler, Cambridge, at 165 FisherMills Rd., Unit 3. It's sandwiched between Mac's and Titos Pizza.. so lunch break are going to be short...lol. I have spend weeks renovating - removing walls.. building walls... hanging doors. Yep.. I actually hung a regular door, and a pocket door; and both work (little proud of myself :).

So back to the name. Not really all that hard to agree on a conom name.. it was the battle of the logos that began a grinding rut.. we thought we had one that we both liked.. then, not so much.. then the endless versions of logos..

I really just want to take photos.. create memories, create art, share photos that inspire and awe. What do I know about "marketing 101". Well, as it were, and is, the young lady who's my partner is the venture, is a marketing major in university. Research on colours; research on shapes, and "sample" groups of strangers to see if they approve of a logo for the store and portrait studios business. I am a little "old school" when it comes to some things. I certainly appreciate the efforts, and advice that has been given freely, and handed down on what our logo should be, or look like.. but as I thank all the people that took time to review our logo, I am just not all that crazy about a group of strangers deciding what should, or shouldn't hang over my store, or be my letter head, or the crest that I am going to wear on my shirt for a long time to come. I take pride, in making sure that everyone that I take photos of, leaves happy, excited at the photo memories that I was able, and glad to provide for them. I really want my photos to be the resume, the grounds in which people choice to come to this new studio... the photos, and not the sign that hangs over the door. I can, and will promise you, that whether my four year old nephew finger paints the sign over the door, or a marketing team, and sign company puts up the sign over the door; I will still, and most certainly, with pride, and excitment.. make sure that you have the best photos, the photos you had hoped for, before you leave the studio (really, none of that 15 minutes, and pick from what there is, that you get at some studios).
So here's my effort at what I hope you'll see over the doors, when you come visit..

So, even with the renovation.. (just a small note of thanks.. I didn't, and couldn't have done the renovation all by myself.. Ken, thanks for doing all the electrial work, and keeping me safe.. and Sean, thanks for grunt work, and labour stuff, that's not as exciting as.. mm, dropping a light on your head, but still needed to be done... and special thanks to Jen, Megan, and Katie, who, by their own admittions have little, or no renovating skills or desires, but took time out, to come visit, and just keep me company), I was able to get in a few fun, and amazing photo shoots.

I was able to put together "the team" philp -hair, lisa -assistant, and Katelynn Nadon (a fantastic make up artist - hire her!!), and of course the model, Stevie Starr. I had worked with her once before, for a short time, and was waiting to do something elegant, and straight from the pages of any fashion magazine.

I went for a lovely walk with Casandra.. and shot some "last fashion photos", and the "beginning of her maternity" photos.. congrads !! Wow.. and speaking of Con"grads", and Casandra's.. The 14year old that I have shot in the past.. and will now be looking to shoot to get her portfolio ready, had a graduation celebration this month, and I popped by before she went out to relieve the "stresses" of grade eight..... Casandra.. could have a future in the fashion industry.. look out CNTM. I also met some new friends, and got some pretty cool photos. Stacie, lives in the "sticks".. but only two minutes from a major highways.. her little cottage home, away from the cities grind, provided a beautiful backdrop for her first photos. I look forward to shooting Stacie again... and my newest friend.. and messaging buddy; Megan... she and I have been working out the details for her next shoot.. and like so many others, she thinks that I should be sleeping right now, instead of writing this blog.. lol.

So, consider this your personal invitation to come have a look at the new store/studio.. (just look for the store, without a sign above the door..lol).. I am not giving us shooting fashion, or art.. I love what I do, and I love to create a photo; I am merely adding a place for more family, and brides and grooms, parents to bring their children for amazing photos!!! Thanks everyone.

Oh.. and, in the hopes of finding out, if anyone, actually does read my blog.. simply print this blog message, and bring it with you when you book your next photo shoot, session, or package, and I will see that you receive a 20% discount right off the price of your photos.

Lastly.. inspired, or depressed by the wave of "twilight" fans.. my sister included.. I broke down, and jumped on the band wagon, and created the photo on the right that leads this entry of my blog...

Feel free to drop by, or call me - 519-594-2291, or at the studio itself 519-220-0100..

First, Second, and third times are a charm, with these two

So, remember, a few blogs ago (I know that blogs are a coming fast and furrious now), I had taken some cool photos of Brianne, and Nathan.. it was kind of a going away thing, cuz Brianne is leaving for the west in a couple weeks. Well, with only a short few, couple days til Brianne leaves, I was able to get both her and Nathan out for another photo shoot.

There are a couple things that I want to shoot, or more feel a deep need to shoot before I am done taking photos (no worries, not likely for a really long time)... one of the things, a setting of a man and woman "held close in passion" in a rain, like the rain matters not.. it's only the love that matters. I GOT TO SHOOT THAT TODAY!!! Brianne really worked hard in a cool rain, and thin shirt, and pulled off some great photos.. and along came the spider (Nathan).. and then we made for pretty amazing photos.

Once again, I had a great time shooting the two of them.. I think the photos look amazing... and I can't wait until Christmas to see what "you'll be giving" Nathan for that holiday.

For more photos from their shoot, have a look at my face book account...

Thanks Mark

A Tall, Ball of Nerves, with a beautiful smile.

Nearly a month ago, on my way back into town, I stopped at a shortstop, to get a drink. The young lady working that night, absolutely looked to me like she should be modeling. I am crazy about helping, developing talent from this area.. Sometimes, I brave the wierd looks, or slap in the face, and talk to perfect strangers about modeling, and seeing if they are interested. (as a rule, I don't charge any fees when I find a person like this.. most times, I get the same response.. "I have thought about it, but it's too expensive")

A little aside - When I was younger I had an agent.. not as a model, relax. but as a comdian... what an entirely bad experience, and a rip off.. money to have "them" try to find me work.. money for headshots.. classes, and more money for "updated" headshots. My parents bought me my first camera, and I fell in love. i knew I wanted to be a fashion photographer (not sure if it was for the money, or fame.. but I haven't gotten to either one just yet...lol).. But how to get started... I was lucky to find the right people.. models who had been in the business a long time, and were absolutely fantasic at what they did. They helped me start, and build my portfolio.... and I appreciate it so much, that I will never forget that everyone needs help starting.. and if I can.. I will.. just ask me:)

So, back to my shoot today. Alison showed up.. nervous, with new clothes, and excited! (not sure if she was more excited for her first photo shoot, or that she got to go shopping for new clothes...lol). So we got her changed, and off we went to a few close locations to start. Her new dress got bird stuff on it, and her new sweater got wet grass stains on it... lol really working in the new clothes.. and Alison. I saw the nerves relax, and we headed back to the studio, and got some really wonderful photos. I hope she likes them.. it was a fun day!

See you again... Thanks.

Wild Animal Shoots?

For the last two days, I have heard a wee voice of a baby cat just outside the studio. We hidden in the bushes.. i really hoped that mommy would come back for him. However with the rains last night, and the cries still coming, I just knew someone had to help out.

So let me introduce you to Hobo. My neighbours at the studio location, actually had the same idea, and were able to get Hobo out of the bushes before I was able to return. Nevertheless, Hobo's life is no longer in the bushes, and with a good family.

I don't normally write personal blogs here, but who doesn't like kittens, or happy ending?

Mark

Time Flies!?! Are you having Fun?!?

You all know that the road to "blogs" are paved with good intention. I had planned on writing here, about every shoot.. It's still my plan, but bare with me if the blogs don't come near as often as I shoot.

Here's a little "catch up" on what's been going on, and what you may have missed.

-closed the Blair Studio.. kept most of the group of photographers..

-found another place to make into a studio..

-added two new photographers to the group.. (sound fimilar :()

-moved into the new spot.. started working on it to make it a perfect studio.

-after only two months (when photographers join the group, it's on a one year basis), two new photographer quit without notice (sound fimilar? lol )

made a choice to not continue pouring money into a place without the comitments of photographers, who join excited for a studio, equipment, and any help, or advise I could possibly offer.

-closed(ing) the new spot.. and moving on once more.

-found a new place. a store front that will be my portrait studio, as well as a fully equipped studio for 5 photographers who will be renting and using the studio behind the wall of the front end store front. It's been a goal for a long time, and the time just seemed right.

-moving into the new place in july.. and having a grand opening for friends, models, mua, and the general public in sept.. (likely the 1st.. or the week school starts for kids)

Met some new friends, who are extremely talented.. a make up artist with zeal, passion, and vission.. and all the skills to back it up. Problem is, she's so good, so busy, it's hard to pin her down for photo shoots.. :)

Oh... I also got myself a new laptop.. important to note here, because as of yet, i haven't put a lot of my photos on it, so this blog will be more writting, and less photos.. sorry.

I do want to show off some of my newer photos though.. a couple from a photo shoot with a girl named Brianne.. and her boyfriend Nathan. A friend/model suggested to Brianne that she might like to work with me on some photos for her boyfriend, as she is going away to school for an entire year.. I am glad to have met both Brianne, and Nathan, and had a great deal of fun taking an afternoon to get some really amazing photos. Even Nathan, whom, I was warned, does not like to be in photos, jumped in to make some pretty cool "james dean" like photos. Both did really well, and made it a really fun afternoon. Don't you think that they look great, and look great together....? I hope that they both like the photos as much as I do.

Though I was without a studio for a while, I was still having fun, and shooting with some people, some models that really were able to help out, by sucking up the cold weather.. and braving the elements for some amazing outdoor artistic work (which I can't show you on this blog.. but you can check out my photoblog :) I have to tell you, now that the winter months are past.. some days that I shot some of these brave model.. it was freakn cold.. like, coat, mitts, and scarf cold..

Not having a working studio, really forced me to be creative again.. finding different locations, and posing new, and unique ideas.. One location that I shot "to death" is an old abandon barn.

So, for fear of boring you.. any further.. I will post a few more photos, and save the babble for the next blog.. which I promise won't take another 3 months to post :)

Thanks for the support, the help, and all the fun that went into the amazing winter, studio-less months of my photography.

Mark

if you'd like to see more photos..

try

facebook - MArk Allan

or my photoblog

www.photoblog.com/markallan

December 2008 in Review....

December was an extremely busy month, and seemed to whirl by like an Ontario snow storm. There was a lot of photos taken, tons of snow to be shoveled, a bit of shopping, and lots of new friends, and models that produced some incredible photos in December.
I also got a chance to meet, and work with another photographer/model, in December. Through opening a new account on Face Book, I met Skye Kalosza. She has more friends on her Face Book account than... well she has alot of friends; and a profile filled with pretty glam photos, or some pretty glam models. We hooked up early this month to shoot two local models; Carley Faith, and Michelle MacKenzie. (see Carley in the second photo). It had been a long day before the three girls showed up, and I was a little lasking in energy, and apologize for that, but I extremely hope the girl wish to come back again. As for Skye; I believe she another young photographer with a great deal of energy, and a great eye for the world of glam. She is one to watch, and I certainly hope we'll get more chances to work together again in 2009...
As a professional fashion photographer, I make my living in the world and industry of high fashion; but I absolutely have a passion for shooting, and creating "art" photos. When the mood strikes me, and I can set aside a fair amount of time, I like to put together a collection of photos in hopes to show them in a gallery. In December I started a series of photos that I have simply called "The Chair". It is, for me, a better personal series of photos. A model, a chair, and a top.. we sit and talk, and I take random photos while we talk, and capture the mood, and body languge of the model (see the third photo). This Jan. I am shooting a series of photos in a collection that I have called "Dare to Bare - Bare to Care". It's a charity photo shoot, in which models have graciously decided to give both their time and body to helping me put together this series, and show it with all the money being raised, going directly to my favourite charity; The Make A Wish Foundation of Canada. The shoot is planned for the 18th of Jan., and so far, 18 beautiful people (some models, some not), have agreed to take part in helping raise as much money from one show to donate to this charity. This collection will be shown at either the Powerhouse, or Ago, in Toronto, and I will keep you all informed as to when, and how long the show will run. I would dearly appreciate everyone that can make time to view the showing to do so, and help add to the moneys to be donated.

You don't have to be a photographer to know that, when it comes to popular photos, one of the biggest draws is a new born baby. This December I had the previllge of being to the photographer to shoot Cali.. in the studio only 12 days after birth; proud parents Garry, and Amanda let me take some cute baby photos, and were kind enough to let me share them with you. CONGRATULATIONS!!

Rachel was back in the studio in December (with my trusted assistant Kevin - just Rachel's friend? :), and we got together with a new make up artist, Rachel Duff (new to me, but not new to the industry), and shoot some very cool "glam" make up photos. I really look forward to working Rachel, and...umm... Rachel again this year. By the way, Rachel Duff, has, and runs her own spa, in Hamilton. The name of it has slipped my mind at this moment, but I will find out and post it here for everyone shortly.

In December, I also returned to photos with wings.. and snow. I consider myself a very lucky photographer, to have models willing to brave the cold, and snow just for photos. Zoey sat in snow, Jenn went bare foot, and knelt in snow, and a new friend/model, Nina, dared the cold and snow in wings and a thin gown. As I have not had the opportunity to share her own photos with Nina as of yet, I can't post it for you to see.. (as a rule, I don't post any photo of a model without them first seeing and agreeing to the photos being shared). But, Nina is a stunningly cute little model (I say little in the nicest way, Nina is only five foot something, tall :). Nina will be back in the studio next weekend to help create an inspired work of art... and has gracious agreed to step out of her comfort zone to shot a "gothic pixie" photo, in which her entire outfit with be metal wings, and body paint. Thanks Nina, it's going to be fun, and an amazing photo. Kristen Demelo will be coming in to do the painting and make up. She is a good friend, and a great special effect make up artist.

And finally, the last shoot of December was in preparation for nearly three years. A long time ago, I met Laurie, a local model who has done very well for herself working with a local agency. After three years of trying to match our schedules, we finally found time in December. Laurie brought her friend, and very exciting model Myra with her, and we shot a fun series of the two girls in black dresses. (between the two girls, I am sure they could open a clothing store)
The girls came with a plan in mind, and I have to tell you, that the two of them were absolutely amazing, and so easy to shoot. I had a great deal of fun, and lots of photos in the short time that we had. I hope that it doesn't take another three years to get them both back in the studio :)

Well, I am sure that I have forgotten parts of Decemeber, and things that I got to do, and shoot.. but I did want to give you all a little of how the Christmas month looked to me.

Thank you for taking a little time, and reading..
If you are interested in having photos done.. be it modeling, or family portraits, please feel free to contact me directly.. 519-594-2291. If you have any questions or comments about any of my photos you can direct them to my email - markallans@hotmail.com

A Brand New Year - I Hope It's Everything You Want It To Be!

Hi everyone, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2008 was a fantastic year for me, and I got to share parts of it with so many new friends, models, and other people in the entertainment industry. I am, and feel truly blessed. It was an amazingly busy, and "fast" year, and 2009 is already promising to be bigger, and better than 2008. I really believe that there are big, huge, things waiting for me, and all my friends this year, and I am so excited, to be, in some form or other, a part of things to come.
I wish that I could list everything, and everyone that I have had the pleasure of meeting, and working with in 2008, but there are just way too many great people, and events that I would have to start an entirely new blog to cover everything. As it is, and I am sure, if you are following my blog, it's been a month since I last updated the blog, and I had set out to at least update once a week. Like you, I do get busy, and some times when the "ball" is rolling, I can't find the time to sit and give a posting filled with the details of every event, photo shoot, and meetings of new and wonderfully talented people.
So.. this year, I will try to at least post photos from every photo shoot, even if the details are as simple as "great shoot", "have a blast".... "look forward to doing it all again".
And now, bare with me, as I will post once more today, in a kind of review of the last month..

Alannah - New Job, New Car... New Photos

I had Alannah back in the studio today. This girl never stops impressing me. With the promise of outdoor photos (swim wear, no less), she showed up, both sick, and tired.. ready to work (I call it work, but it's really a lot of fun). With no make up artist, or hair stylist to show up, Alannah took care of her own style, and did a wonderful job. I have mentioned in the last few posts about the temperature, and how darn cold it has been for the models outside.. Heather "rocked" a bikini in a snow fall.. but today, with a snow storm looming, it was bitter outside. Of course, so as not to let the camera shake, I "had to" be dressed warm, in a sweeter and winter coat (and was still cold... shh, don't tell Alannah). We went to an industrial location, and like a pro, ready for work, Alannah was hitting her poses in a bikini and heels, never once complaining about the cold (although she did mention how warm the truck was, a few times when we returned to it). Alas.. just when she thought is was safe to warm up in the truck, we headed to a second location, and Alannah dressed in a white dress, and angel wings; even in the cold, looked absolutely angelic. I swear I heard harps playing.. err, could have been teeth chattering? So as not to disappoint Alannah's parents (all the dental bills paid and such:) we snapped away as quickly as possible, and ended the outdoor adventure.
Back at the studio, and after a short time to thaw.... we had a surprise for Alannah's mom.. a wedding dress to model. After a brief session of "why 18's too young for a wedding dress", we set to taking some very beautiful bird's eye view of Alannah laying draped in rose pedals (no actually roses were hurt in the making of these photos.. pretend rose pedals). It was a soft, and peaceful pose, so much so, that I think my little super model fell asleep (I have a photo of you with your eyes closed...err, or maybe blinking.. ). So it was time for something warm and fun.. and with this young lady's knowledge of left from right, we were able to get her swinging the dress AND a piece of material, all at the same time..
The day was, as I thought it would be, a great deal of fun, that produced some very amazing photos. Great job Alannah.. with assists going to her mother, first for taking the time to bring Alannah; on her 29th birthday no less.. and also almost mastering the art of reflecting light, and tossing fake rose pedals directly into the model's eyes.. nice work both of you!! and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
(to see more of Alannah's photos, or any of the other models from my blog, go to www.markallanphotos.com, and follow their links).

Thanks again Alannah, you did great, and I can't wait to work with you again.

Mark Allan

ps.. during the entire shoot, I had a silly song in my head, which I thought for a time was a Disney tune, which inspired the edit of Alannah's photo you see here. The original is absolutely beautiful and had little to do with me editing the photo.. I hope you don't mine..