May

13

demand-rises-for-corporate-headshots-in-vancouver Alica, photographed for a corporate headshot in studio. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

If you work for a small- or mid-sized company it’s likely you’ve been asked to have a corporate headshot taken. The advantages those companies have over large businesses is their ability to offer personal service and to be community focused. Headshots allow customers to connect with the faces of the people they do business with, and are necessary complements to bios of executives, managers and office staff.

Where large businesses tend to control their brands by spotlighting only one or two faces in their companies, smaller businesses benefit from being open and inclusive. They can also make a great impression with an online storefront that’s professional, fun and contemporary. Attaining such an accomplishment means having top-notch web design, copy content and imagery.

With corporate headshots, the key is consistency. The photographs will likely be a standard size on the website to fit the page template, so no one person’s headshot should stand out or be minimized. Taking the photographs in front of a backdrop and under professional lighting will ensure consistent images of all staff members. The corporate headshots, which start at $85 and include a CD of images, can also be taken in your office or at a location of your choice. One reason why you might want to take the headshots outside of the photographer’s studio is to take advantage of an environment where your staff and customers feel comfortable.

The difference between corporate headshots and acting headshots is surprisingly vast. With acting headshots, directors and producers have certain poses and looks they want to see. For a corporate headshot, the desired look is usually professional and friendly. When you’re ready to have yours taken, contact me to book the date.

May

12

Family-portrait-birthday-generations.jpg Family members gather around Diana Brown (seated on right) for a family portrait on her 100th birthday. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

Diana Brown has witnessed a whole lot of history in her life and on Monday she made some herself by becoming the latest Canadian to celebrate a 100th birthday.

To mark the occasion, Diana’s family gathered in Kerrisdale for a family portrait session and a party on Saturday, which also happened to be the centennial of the first Mother’s Day celebrations in North America.

“Having a photo of her children, their offspring and their offspring is something she always wanted,” her granddaughter Robyn said.

Diana was born on her father’s cattle ranch in Sedalia, Colorado, and immigrated in 1916 when her family chose to live under the Union Jack during World War I. Diana recalls spending her eighth birthday on the train to Vancouver as the Porteous family made the move.

The 100th birthday party included Diana’s son, Dr. Hugh Alexander Brown, and daughter, Stephanie Diana Stratton, along with their families. Diana has six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, who all happily doted on her during the party.

As for her secret to longevity, Diana takes two Aspirins a day and no other medications. She joins the list of centenarians in Canada, which was reported to be 4,635 in the 2006 census.

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May

6

wedding-signature-vancouver.jpg Yosem and Gabbie underneath the cherry blossoms in Stanley Park on their wedding day. (Photo by Julia Pelish Photography)

Thanks to the many customers who became friends and who helped me fulfill my dreams of providing the level of photography services I’ve always wanted to deliver. You are all the best and thank you for the kind words you’ve recently shared:

“Oh my goodness!! Everything just arrived and I cannot believe how fantastic they are!! I really thought it couldn’t get any better than the website you put up but these are just unbelievable - thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!!!!!” – Diana on her and Ian’s wedding photographs and custom web gallery

“Those pictures are amazing! We really enjoyed the wedding and are so happy to have you as our photographer. The day (and everything since!) couldn’t have been more perfect. The eloquence of your blog really impressed us with its description of the day.” – Yosem and Gabbie

“WOW - Julia they look amazing. Thanks so much. I think we owe you a big hug!” – Brett and Mickey on their wedding photography in Vancouver

“Oh, my goodness, Julia, it’s a work of art! I can’t believe it! Thank you so much!!” – Rosa on her family portrait and baby pictures of Angelina

“Julia, you do such a wonderful job and with such love plus you are so adorable!! I have to get going but I just wanted to say thank you for capturing our wedding day in such a beautiful way.” – Mary on the wedding photos of her and Brent

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May

1

portrait-elevation-photography.jpgKal Suurkask, Elevation PR’s general manager. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

Good looking, rich, ambitious, talented and he still spends Sundays with his grandma. Kal Suurkask is the real deal, ladies.

He celebrated his 28th birthday on Wednesday by working. That’s a sure sign of someone who’s going to the top, isn’t it? But his colleagues and friends at Elevation PR interrupted a photo shoot for the company’s website to make sure Kal got his just desserts … if not a date for the night.

The team from Elevation was over at my studio for some corporate headshots and concept photos as they prepare to launch a new site. We took a break to cheer Kal, who is the general manager of Elevation. I’ve benefited from his smarts and business expertise, and I can also vouch for his character. So, send all love-related inquiries to info@elevationpr.com right now before he gets hooked. Not to jump the gun or anything, but you’ll at least know who your wedding photographer will be!

Apr

27

family-portrait-vancouver-birthday.jpg Mamie Lizee celebrates her 85th birthday with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Maple Ridge on Saturday. (Photos by Julia Pelish)

When Mamie Lizee’s children and grandchildren were thinking of what to give her for this year’s birthday the perfect gift idea came to mind. On Saturday, the members of the family who live in the Lower Mainland gathered for a family portrait to celebrate Mamie’s 85th birthday.

“She loves her family so much that we thought that was the best thing to give her,” said her daughter Carol. “It’s what she will enjoy more than anything else.”

The year Mamie was born William Lyon Mackenzie King was in his first term as Prime Minister, nine million people lived in Canada and a team from Vancouver battled for the Stanley Cup. Different times, indeed.

portrait-family-birthday-event.jpg Mamie’s hometown was Port Arthur, Ontario, which no longer exists. It amalgamated with Fort William to form Thunder Bay in 1970. By that time, Mamie had spent more than three decades as a British Columbian. When she was nine years old, she and her family migrated west, settling in the Webster’s Corner neighbourhood of Maple Ridge. Mamie said the biggest change she’s seen in the area is the increase in “the number of people” and “all the buildings”.

The 85th birthday party was held at the lovely Maple Ridge home of Mamie’s son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Barbara. Among those present were Carol’s daughters Nicole, Kim and Angie and their children. Family members in Saskatchewan and Alberta were missed but are sure to be there for the 100th year celebrations!

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Apr

25

mothers-day-heirloom-portrait.jpgRosa and baby - Signature Portrait by Julia Pelish.

Breathe,
Inhale aromas of delicacy,
chocolate and chrysanthemum wings,
Nose spices and make one your favourite thing,
Let rich essences seep to your lungs,
Fill them up like tea,
Sigh now,
Exhale your worries,
Those are for me
to breathe,
I stand watch, ready to snatch them,
Beastly fiends and pointy ghouls,
We’ll wrap them in a ring
and launch them to the moon

Rest your head, close your eyes,
Just breathe for me

(Original poetry copyrighted by Julia Pelish Photography)

Apr

25

event-birthday-photography-vancouver.jpgWhat a face! Adorable Anaya just turned 1-year-old! (Photo by Julia Pelish)

Princess Anaya celebrated her first birthday on Saturday in Surrey with her family and closest friends, including Minnie Mouse!

By the end of the festivities, faces were covered with paint, icing and smiles. Mom (Rekha) and Dad (Edwin) joined in the fun as Anaya got started on Year 2 of life with lots of well wishes and gifts. With grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all on hand, she held court in the clubhouse and captivated everyone with her beautiful grin.

I had a blast photographing the party - how could you not with a room full of delirious kids?

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Birthday girl Anaya parties with Mom, Dad and Minnie Mouse at the Clubhouse. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

Apr

23

corporate-photographer-vancouver-covers-great-bear-rainforest-event The Bill Reid Gallery hosted revelers who contributed to a stupendous fundraising drive. (Photos by Julia Pelish)

A day after the world celebrated our planet, members of Vancouver’s philanthropic community gathered for the benefit of one particular piece of extraordinary territory in our province.The Great Bear Rainforest was the headline attraction for concerned corporate citizens and conservationists at the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art on Wednesday night. Attendees cheered the completion of international fundraising efforts that brought in $60 million to help protect the 21-million acres of temperate rainforest located in the Bute Inlet.

The achievement was hailed as “a great beacon of light” for environmental protection, according to Tides Canada Foundation board member Alan Broadbent. The national public foundation, which is focused on social justice and environmental causes, organized the celebration and also raised $4 million in Canada.

In January 2007, the Great Bear Rainforest Conservation Campaign Fund was created in a watershed moment for shared environmental programs. The federal and provincial governments teamed with businesses, non-government organizations, First Nations communities and charities to contribute a total of $120 million to preserve the forest, which includes 30-storey red cedars and an array of wildlife such as the rare white Kermode bear. The Canadian government pledged $30 million to help finance the project, a figure that the B.C. government matched.

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Apr

21

family-portrait-vancouver-svorinic
The Svorinics (from left): Tony, Gina, Kristofer, Stephanie, Dominik (aka the Human Sports Encyclopedia) and Marin. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

You know you’ve got great kids when they go all out – including out in the cold – to celebrate your birthday. That was the case for Gina Svorinic, whose gift this year was a family portrait.

With Burnaby Mountain just up the road from the family home, we couldn’t resist photographing them in the flower gardens and amid the snowy grounds on Sunday. The entire clan contended with the unusually chilly weather and it paid off with some wonderful photos while the sun was out.

Afterwards, we retreated to the Svorinic home for portraits in the orchid-filled living room with Mom, Dad (Tony) and the kids – Marin, Stephanie, Kristofer and little Dominik, the Montreal Canadiens’ fan who was eagerly awaiting Monday’s Game 7 of the NHL playoffs.

The happy gang will soon have a beautiful heirloom to grace their wall for years to come – awesome choice for a gift, kids!

“She’s the greatest mom in the world and this was just a little something we did to show her how much we love and appreciate her,” Stephanie said.

Apr

19

vancouver-photographer-engagement-portrait.jpg Chris and Nicole, and their shadows, are all heart. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

You could almost hear the pealing of wedding bells when Chris and Nicole graced Stanley Park recently for their engagement portrait session. The delightful couple were photographed with the cherry blossoms in bloom and the sun shining as we got outstanding shots of them along the seawall and near the rose gardens. The bride and groom-to-be were also treated to an exquisite sunset as they posed overlooking Howe Sound from Ferguson Point before the end of the session.
It reminded me of the reasons we’re so lucky to have Stanley Park. Not only does it ensure that prime property in our city is kept public but it allows for some of the most picturesque scenes of Vancouver.

Chris and Nicole’s ceremony is scheduled for July 26 in another one of our glorious sites, Cecil Green at UBC.

engagement-portrait-photography.jpg

Chris and Nicole sure do have eyes for each other. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

Wedding photography gallery

Apr

13

married-at-sun-yat-sen-gardens

Yosem and Gabbie had perfect weather for their delightful wedding. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

If you were wondering what lucky couple in the Lower Mainland picked Saturday for their ceremony, here’s your answer.
Yosem Reichert-Sweet married Gabrielle Sheung at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens at 11:30 a.m. on the loveliest day of 2008, April 12. The special day featured a high temperature of 19 degrees Celsius and clear views of the coastal mountains.

The festivities started early with a funny and charming rendition of the Chinese Wedding Door Game at the home of the bride’s parents in Richmond. Yosem and his groomsmen bowed to the commands of the bridesmaids and hammed it up to the delight of everyone, including Gabbie, who peeked outside from an upstairs window.

Once he was finally allowed to cross the threshold of the front door, Yosem was greeted by happiness banners and Gabbie’s beaming, resplendent face from above. As he climbed towards her, he voiced all the reasons for his love, a move that had her in tears long before he reached the summit.

The emotions for all welled up at the formal ceremony in downtown Vancouver’s Chinatown. The couple were married by Justice of the Peace Ken Dong and in front of more than three dozen guests and attendants in Sun-Yat Sen’s intimate Scholar’s Garden.

The next stop was Stanley Park, where Yosem and Gabbie were photographed under cherry blossoms similar to those stitched on the bride’s gown. The reception followed along the calm waters of the Fraser River at the picturesque UBC Boathouse.

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Apr

9

wedding-photography-rain-vancouver.jpgBrent and Mary, hiding from the rain. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

Vancouver weather can threaten to dampen even the most special occasion but that doesn’t mean you still won’t love your wedding day or manage to make it an even more memorable experience. With the right planning, your wedding photographer will ensure your pictures will be just as special as if they were taken in glorious sunshine. How can that be?

Well, experience is one factor. Photographers have worked in a multitude of situations, as their portfolios demonstrate. They’re used to challenges and will adjust accordingly. With rain, in particular, there are a few reliable options that can create a romantic portrait of any bride and groom.

The under-the-umbrella photograph is beautiful for many reasons. It evokes intimacy with its beneath-the-covers sentiment and also togetherness in difficult times because it attempts to block out the world. It represents chivalry, of husband protecting wife. And from an aesthetic perspective, it is an elegant object that brings a sense of softness with its rounded shape. Props can add uniqueness and personality to a photograph and the functional umbrella is one of the best at doing so.
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Apr

3

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The right wardrobe complements the setting and mood of portrait photographs. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

“What should we wear?”

I hear that question so often from portrait clients and the initial reply is, It depends.

With a wedding it’s easy to narrow down the style of clothes. Traditions are in place with the wedding gown and suits, so the input of the photographer is rarely asked for. Portraits, though, are much more unique in terms of wardrobe selection and in some ways even more reflective of personal tastes.

What I emphasize is be yourselves but keep certain guidelines in mind. For instance, should you wear jeans? I say, It depends if you’re comfortable being photographed in them. If you are, then jeans are absolutely fine. Just about any piece of clothing is fine, actually. What you want to do is make sure your clothes don’t clash with those worn by the others in your group. So mixing stripes with patterns and colours that are incompatible isn’t ideal.

Generally, long sleeves are preferable on men and women, and V necks accentuate women’s figures better than round collars or turtlenecks. My preference is on elegant dress that’s coordinated to match. Black and white are always ideal colours because they blend well with just about any setting. Earthy tones are also good choices, especially for outdoor shoots.

Whether it’s a couple dressing for an engagement portrait or a family photograph, the wardrobe selection is one of the details that’s key to creating a classic, polished portrait. Clothing can be utilized almost as a prop to create a mood or atmosphere that when combined with the perfect setting will transform and elevate the image into a piece of art that evokes both beauty and emotion. More than that, the wardrobe will keep the focus where you want it – on you and the people you care about. When you’re in the photograph together the attention shouldn’t fall on clothing that stands out for the wrong reasons.

Be sure to ask your portrait photographer about wardrobe selection prior to your session. My portrait packages include the option for a professional wardrobe consultant, although most clients tend to use the tips written in this post as a guideline. If you want to know more about this subject, feel free to contact me.

Mar

31

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The view of Laguna Beach – last week! (Photo by Julia Pelish)

I just got back from a vacation in California, where I drove down the Pacific Coast Highway and was awed by sights like the one above. What spectacular beaches – and warm weather and palm trees and amazing sunsets and huge houses – they’ve got in Southern California.

Wouldn’t you know it, I came back to snow. Ugh.

At least the cherry blossoms are out in the West End and I do see some sunshine in the forecast for next week. Then again, who can trust the weather?

What I do know is I’m back to work, gearing up for some very busy times as wedding season begins. My team and I have an engagement shoot coming up this weekend (congratulations, Chris and Nicole!) then a great big wonderful wedding for Yosem and Gabbie in an enchanting spot (Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens in Chinatown) then a first birthday party celebration.

Luckily, I got to test my equipment during my trip so I know all’s working well and we’re ready to go for 2008!

If you’re one of my clients this spring or summer, I can’t wait to get you the dream shots you’re eagerly waiting to see. In case you haven’t hired a photographer yet for your wedding or other event, send me an email or give me a call (604-836-1412). There are a few open Saturdays remaining!

Mar

26

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Vancouver Art Gallery on a snowy day. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

You’d think the last thing our friends back east would want to gaze at was a photograph of a snow-covered city scene. What with the brutal winter they’ve experienced, but I was fortunate and grateful that the curator of a new show in Manhattan liked the photograph above enough to place it in an exhibit that opened last week and to have it adorn the promotional brochure.

The photo was taken outside the Vancouver Art Gallery in December during one of the few snowfalls we’ve had in the downtown core. The photograph was first displayed at Exposure Gallery in January.

Thanks to Eugenia D’Ambrosio, the curator of the Empire State College Alumni Photographic Exhibition in New York, it will be on display at Metropolitan Center Gallery through April 30.

Here are more examples of my fine art work. Prints can be purchased for as little as $50. Email for details.


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