Jan

30

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Friends and clients, Greg and Barbara - miss you guys! (Photo by Julia Pelish)

Most of the time, you don’t need to hit it off with your vendors. As long as they provide quality products on time, it’s enough. Photographers, though, are another story. Theirs is a personal service and you’ll be working intimately with the one you hire. So how their personality meshes with yours is an important factor when making your selection. With so many photographers in Vancouver, it can be difficult to make that choice. Here are some things to keep in mind as you search for the photographer who has that special blend of quality work and a sense of rapport with you.

Once you’ve perused dozens of portfolios, websites and packages you will want to whittle your field of photographers down to a shortlist. To narrow your list to two or three candidates, remember the first two tips I previously mentioned: Photographers should have professional equipment and should list what they use somewhere on their website; and if you’re seeking a primarily digital photographer, your candidates should have a mastery of digital techniques to give you optimum and uniquely crafted images.

After you’ve made your shortlist, contact the photographers to check on their availability for your event. If their schedules are clear, you should set up appointments to meet with each candidate. You’ll start to get a feel through their communication skills on how well they match your personality. Also pay attention to indications of their level of professionalism. Photographers should get back to your email within a day or two – and preferably much sooner – when you first query. If you telephone, getting their voicemail isn’t unusual (if they’re on the job they wouldn’t be taking calls) but you should hear from them in a timely manner.
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Jan

29

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Jackie and Baby Christopher are right at home. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

Having baby photographs taken in your home makes practical sense for many parents. It also meets the goal of preserving memories as well as, if not better than, taking photographs on-location or in a studio.

The main reason is because children, especially infants, are often more at ease in their own surroundings. It also can take more than a couple of hours of a portrait session to capture the images we desire and waiting it out for the perfect smile or the countenance that makes you melt can be easier on the baby if his or her favorite toys or sensations are around. In a familiar setting, the baby’s more likely to remain or regain calm. Other necessities like changing diapers and feeding are easier done at home. Those are the practical components of a home photo shoot for babies.
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Jan

27

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Would you trash your wedding dress? (Photo by Julia Pelish)

You’ve probably heard of the trend. It started less than two years ago in Las Vegas and spread quickly to New Orleans and California then across the U.S.

Now, it’s here, in Vancouver. The first time I spoke to a BC bride who wanted to “trash the dress” after the ceremony was last summer. She’s booked for this August and we’ll see if she — or any of my other clients go through with it — or if the trend has already turned passé.

I’m all for out-of-the-box photos, and certainly capturing the image of a bride as she strides into the ocean would make for an amazing moment. But of course that’s not something the photographer is going to push hard for. Trashing the dress has to be an act the bride is completely into and excited about for it to work out. The possibilities are boundless, though.

Imagine the photos if you waded slowly into the waters off of Second Beach or danced in the fountain outside of the Pan Pacific or made snow angels on top of Grouse Mountain. That’s the way to start the rest of your life!

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Jan

25

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Patty, awaiting the arrival of Baby Jack. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

Maternity photos are more and more popular these days. Maybe it’s because of the hit movie Juno or, more likely, the images of famous expectant mothers that inspire us to have photographs taken during pregnancy.

We all probably remember that iconic photo of Demi Moore on the cover of Vanity Fair. That photograph was published in 1991, if you can believe it. Since then, celebrities have showed off their “baby bellies” proudly and moms-to-be in all walks of life followed in stride.

Photographs preserve time and few, if any, stages of life are as important to women as the months when they nurture their children to birth. The maternity photograph is a poignant keepsake that in the years ahead will allow for intimate reflection on the sacrifices you made and care you took while carrying your child.

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Jan

25

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The ticket booth in Bryant Park. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

New York’s been in the news a lot lately with the turmoil on Wall Street and the death of Heath Ledger in Manhattan. So it got me to thinking about home. Here’s one of my favorite photos, which was taken way back in the early part of the decade. This shot is a scene of Bryant Park, a lovely little spot between Times Square and Central Park. It’s behind the NYC Public Library and across from the International Center of Photography.

You won’t find the ticket booth in the photo there any more. It was temporary and set up for when the circus came to town. The shot’s now in my New York City travel gallery and part of my print collection.

Jan

24

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Baby Angelina is adored by her mom and dad, Rosa and Herman. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

On November 11, 2007 (Remembrance Day), Baby Angelina arrived in the arms of her mom and dad, Rosa and Herman. Just a couple of months later, Angelina took front and center during her first professional photo shoot. Like most models, she had a few demands and needed lots of coddling. But with a face like that who could resist giving into her every wish? (Not Daddy, that’s for sure!)

While the future is wide in front of Baby Angelina, the early indications are she loves the spotlight and the attention that comes with it. Modelling might definitely be a career choice but Mom and Dad report she’s got what it takes to be a singer. Apparently, her lungs have the ability to belt out a few tunes that go on late, late into the night. At least she fits right in with Yaletown on a Friday night.

No matter what happens, her baby portrait gives her and her wonderful parents a precious memory from her early, delicate days. As Rosa writes, “Many, many thanks, Julia. Without you, we would never thought about taking family photos like this. They are so beautiful. They will definitely be the treasure of ours for the rest of our life.”

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Jan

23

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Kymm and Jeff in an engagement portrait that was sepiatoned using Photoshop. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

One myth of the photography industry is that the advent of digital technology reduced both the difficulty and cost of processing images. While some hobbyists may have seen savings and faster reproduction of their photographs, professional photographers have needed to master another skill set during the past decade to offer their clients optimum quality.

The good news is those who made the leap to digital are able to produce more unique images than ever before. But as a consumer, how do you know if your professional photographer has fully integrated digital-imaging techniques into his or her repertoire?

Here are a few things to keep in as you shop for a photographer in the Metro Vancouver area:

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Jan

21

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Harvey and Janet, on top of the world on Grouse Mountain. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

What’s the best venue for your Vancouver wedding? Here are three of my favorites, all wonderful spots in and around Vancouver where I’ve had the pleasure to photograph ceremonies and receptions.

Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver
What a way to start the rest of your lives!

Imagine a wedding portrait of you two in the spectacular Grouse lodge, overlooking Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. It’s a location that’s hard to beat for photographs. Grouse has several rooms for functions but it may be difficult to accommodate more than 40 people. Still if your invitation list includes only family members and close friends, Grouse may be the venue that works for you.
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Jan

19

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Former president Bill Clinton, photographed in Hyde Park, New York. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

For obvious reasons, people often comment about the portrait of Bill Clinton that has been displayed on the home page of my gallery website. Way back in the ’90s when I was just starting out in my career I had the opportunity to photograph the president’s summit meeting with then-Russian leader Boris Yeltsin. I was working for the local paper in Hyde Park, New York, which was Franklin D. Roosevelt’s hometown and the summit took place in one of the several mansions in the Hudson Valley.

To tell you how different those days were, the president actually came up and shook my hand, as well as greeted a group of firefighters who had stopped to watch his appearance. (No, he didn’t try any pick-up lines.) I think someone on his PR staff had pointed out the members of the local press and he made a point of introducing himself. Pretty cool, I thought.

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Jan

18

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The one, the only, Hunter of Yaletown. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

Pets have personalities of their own, don’t they?

If you’re in Yaletown you may know this lovable guy here. His name’s Hunter and he was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Vancouver a couple of years ago. You’ll see him sniffing around the doggie bakery and on occasion I might be the one walking him!

In the role of pet photographer, patience is the key. They’re tough to keep in one spot but if you’re prepared and you shoot a lot of images you’ll get a few exceptional ones. Pets are members of our families and an important part of our lives, and deserve to have their pictures in a frame as much as any of us!

Hunter’s been in front of my cameras many times. This shot was taken with a Nikon D200 under a White Lightning strobe in my studio. The tuxedo came courtesy of his mom, Jen.

Jan

16

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The Waage family, photographed on-location in a beach setting. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

Like most photographers, I enjoy the convenience of having a studio. It reduces the variables inherent with photography and allows me to test out new lighting techniques. But I love an outdoor setting (or a unique indoor one, too). What I want is to place my portrait clients in a picturesque location where they feel emotionally connected.

If they can’t think of any such spot, we always go for the most beautiful place we can think of. In the Lower Mainland there’s no shortage of such delightful areas.

Some of my favorites include Spanish Banks, Queen Elizabeth Park and English Bay. An on-location shoot is not only more fun than a studio shot, it’s dramatic and unique. I’ve learned that with a strong understanding of lighting and camera functions a studio can be anyplace. We’re so lucky to be able to have such pristine nature around us to capture our lives in Vancouver.

If you’re interested in a family portrait or children’s portrait, contact me by phone (604-836-1412) or email (julia@juliapelish.com) and I’ll be happy to discuss your options. My standard portrait package – which includes three prints in total, one custom frame and a web gallery – is $395 with taxes included.

Jan

15

Vancouver Wedding Photography by Julia Pelish
Michelle on her wedding day, as photographed with one of my favorite lenses – the Nikon 105DC, which has a defocusing control that blurs out the background. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

A good amount of craftsmanship is involved in any artistic endeavor and just about all the artists I know will say you’re as capable as your understanding of your tools. Photographers are no different in that regard from painters, musicians or woodworkers. We need to know how to consistently take eye-popping photographs – and we must have the equipment to do it.

Photography, as you may know, is an extremely expensive pursuit, especially in the digital age. There’s constant need to upgrade computer software on top of camera equipment, and technology continues to present us with many options to get even sharper pictures than ever before. It’s an exciting time but also a confusing one for consumers.

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Jan

14

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Intimate ceremonies are another option for Vancouver wedding couples. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

Weddings don’t have to be all-out affairs full of extravagance. That may seem obvious to some of us but we’re not the ones who face the pressure that many couples endure these days. Once they do decide to commit to each other for a lifetime, brides, grooms and life partners have to consider how to do it.

A big party with all the friends and family in attendance and every detail considered is a wonderful way to express your love for each other. But you have to be comfortable with that kind of ceremony.

Recently, I’ve found that more Vancouver couples are interested in intimate weddings: Short and Sweet ceremonies, I call them. They can take place in a setting as small as a hotel suite and include a justice of the peace, only the closest friends and family, and someone to document the moment (me, perhaps!).

I just had the pleasure of photographing two such weddings at the beautiful Granville Island Hotel. I assure you, the couples were no less in love than any other and the ceremony was just as important and solemn and momentous as any other. There are options for all of us.

If you’re considering a short, sweet wedding ceremony in the Vancouver area, call or email me (julia@juliapelish.com; 604-836-1412), and I’ll tell you about your wedding photography choices.

Jan

10

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The ring’s the thing for Vancouver brides and grooms. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

You’re a Vancouver bride and you and your fiancé are giddy for the Big Day. You want a fabulous wedding with all your closest friends and family present to share in your joy and love. But at the same time you’re working within a budget. You’re scrutinizing packages and vendors, trying to get the best value possible. As you go through the process, though, it’s important to remember what the wedding is about: you two.

The engagement portrait isn’t an upsell, nor is it a rehearsal. It’s a way for brides and grooms to celebrate their momentous occasion, to get the word out about their nuptials, to preserve early memories of their relationship, and to get the most out of their professional photographer. For those reasons, the wedding packages I most often recommend to brides and grooms include engagement portraits. It allows us to get to know each other. I’ll be able to see what poses and angles are best, allowing me to capture intimate moments even on a busy day.

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Jan

10

heirloom-family-portraits.jpgI have a big family. Two brothers, two sisters, and my parents. I live across the continent from all of them except for my older brother in Nebraska, who is still a long, long way away.

When you’re far from family, you reach for anything that evokes home. Emails and phone calls are absolutes for me, so are the annual visits I make back to Dutchess County in upstate New York.

I love Vancouver, but it’s difficult being apart. It’s why I tell my clients that they’ll always treasure their family portraits. You never know where life will take you and those photographs are wonderful heirlooms and historical documents for our lives when we’re all together in one place.

Unlike at a wedding, when the schedule for brides and grooms is tight and the time for portraits is rightly focused on them, the family portrait provides for two or more hours of attention on the entire group and the dynamic relationships within it.

To read more about this topic, visit my main website for an article on “Hiring a Vancouver Portrait Photographer”.

For package prices or to schedule a portrait, contact me by email (julia@juliapelish.com) or phone (604-836-1412). My standard family portrait package is $395 and includes:

- 2 hours of personal service by myself and an assistant on location, in your home or in my Yaletown home-studio.
- Use of my studio equipment, including full professional lighting system, multiple Nikon bodies and lenses, and more.
- 1 large custom print (11×14 size) that’s matted and framed.
- 2 other smaller custom prints (5×7 each) presented in folio.
- Digital processing, enhancing and editing of all images.
- A web gallery of images from which to select.

I also offer packages that include stylists and wardrobe consultants, as well as additional prints and albums, and film images taken with a medium-format Hasselblad camera with Zeiss lenses. Let me know what you’d like!

PHOTO: Cindy, Samantha and Isabella, as photographed in 2007. (Photo by Julia Pelish)

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