During the month of September I got to experience a very unique set of days within the Qu'Appelle Valley, the File Hills celebration days. It is a week long event that celebrates the history of the File Hills area. I was there for a few days working through the school days, teaching the ~1500 students over three days about the importance of aquatic animals found within the area. It was amazing to connect with so many students, and people, over the days on the subject, along with the day itself. The highlight of my time there was seeing the amazing Tipi (teepees) set up, and the amazing dancers that performed during the noon hour break. It was very interesting to learn the significance of the set up, and of the grounds. I enjoyed taking what little break time I had to explore all the other amazing educational opportunities that occurred through the circle set up. At noon I was mesmerized by the colors of the dancers’ costume, and the dances they were performing. Again, it was an excellent opportunity to learn about the history behind the dances as the announcer was very informative. I absolutely cannot wait for another chance to photograph these stunning dances, and outfits, again. One of the pleasant perks of these days work, outside of the above listed, was the chance to wake up and experience the beautiful Qu'Appelle Valley in the early morning. One morning as I waited for that day’s group of students to arrive to the ground I decided to take a hike up into the hills that surrounded the grounds. Along this hike I was greeted by a respectful group of local kids, and had an excellent morning conversation about the bird’s nest that had been found in the hills. I was also excited to find amongst the beautiful fall colors one of my favorite wild berries growing, Kinnikinik or Bearberry. I knew that this berry was found within the areas, but until that morning I had not had the chance to find it. I was overjoyed when I found it! The way home at the end of the day was also a pleasure for the eyes as I drove along the valley home. Seeing the golden colors of the changing leaves made me smile. The unique colors of fall are short lived, but stunning in the beauty. “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” - Albert Camus
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During the Christmas break I had an opportunity to spend some time with some old friends having fun in inspiring surroundings. I had an excellent afternoon, & early evening. The sunset was amazing that evening, even despite the cold. My friend who has a natural way in front of the camera did an excellent job playing model for me in the cold. It was a perfect combination to be had that evening. Two beautiful subjects, some light fun combined together to make for some excellent portrait pictures that pushed me to try something new. It was a great way to flex my creative muscles, and try to get out of my creative rut. When both of us had our fill of the cold we made our way back in doors. Indoors it was warm, and musical thanks to the boys who were showing off their talent on guitars. Creativity was coming from every corner of the room as I tried to get some new style of shots, the boys playing guitar, and my friend putting some more touches on her drawing. It was the perfect way to wrap up the afternoon. It was definitely an excellent way to have spent one of my days over the Christmas break. I am thankful for the great people in my life to have experienced this with, and that it help flex some creative muscles so that I am ready to take on 2014 with renewed inspiration. Bring on INSPIRE 2014! On the Canada Day long weekend I got to be a guest at the wedding of an amazing couple. When people talk about people making a perfect pair these two would be the shining example. There were so many beautiful smiles, and giggles through out the entire time. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I also got the pleasure of helping out a bit, and running the photo booth at the wedding. It proved to be a very fun time as I got to see what props everyone picked, and all the fun they had posing for the camera. The pictures would keep me busy for days after, but they were well worth the time. They were thoroughly enjoyable to do. After the night at the wedding I got to get my feet wet spending some much needed time lakeside.... which did include a pole in hand. I could say I finally lived up to the name of Fish Girl Photography! All around the Canada day long weekend was a successful. For I even caught a fish to eat for supper... a good ol' Northern Pike. He made for some very decent eating, especially since he was a small gaffer I was able to catch just off shore. But like all fishing trips that happen I got slightly distracted with my camera, and had to take in some of the beautiful plants I seen growing along the banks, along with the amazing sunset that occurred that night! During the sunset I was lucky enough to capture a couple pictures of the beautiful bride from the weekend in her dress. I am lucky enough that she is indeed my cousin, and hence the day at the lake was a family day for us all... so we happen to just be in right place at the right time. The pictures were so much fun to do, and then we all had the last minute idea to try and catch the bride with the Canada day fireworks. Well, let's just say it was quite the adventure! We spent a good half hour running from place to place trying to find the best vantage point. I am glad my cousin is such an amazing sport because other wise the pictures would not have turned out as great as they did. It was quite the fun time with lots of laughs. A very perfect ending to such a fun wedding weekend spent with family. Also a great photo leaning opportunity for myself. I am so lucky to have such helpful family! As the month winds down things around here are getting busy, and are transitioning. The early spring plants are starting to give way to the next set of spring blooms. The trees, and surrounding are greening up a bit more. Seeding in the area is getting completed more and more everyday. As June opened up I was kept quite busy the first few days with graudation pictures of a lovely young grad. It was so much fun to work with her, and her amazing giggle. You can see the beauty on her inside shine all the way to the outside. |
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