Canvas Love | Prints & Print Products

I have been having a bit of a mental block lately, so that's why I haven't blogged. I asked for some inspiration on my Facebook page and got some great ideas for future blog posts. Stay tuned for posts that will give you a little behind the scenes look into being a photographer. I want to share what it takes for me to create the images you get!

In the meantime, I did get a little inspiration today when I opened my front door and discovered three giant boxes waiting for me. This was my first canvas order for a client, so I was super pumped to see them.

I was not disappointed. I cannot say how much I love these canvases! I had heard from fellow photographers how beautiful a gallery wrapped canvas could be but I had no idea until I saw it for myself how right they were. They are high quality, sturdy and just make the photos look so darn pretty!

L-R: 20x30, 16x24, 11x14 gallery wrapped canvases

A close-up look at the black edge. You have the option of a black or white edge, or having the image wrap around the 1.5 inch frame.

The best thing about a canvas is that its meant to really show off the photo. They literally pop off the wall, so they add a dimension that you don't get from a simple frame.

This canvas order was a great way for me to demonstrate the importance of getting the right size print as well, and not just as a canvas. When ordering wall prints of any kind, and frames, you have to consider the space you will be displaying them in. My living room is the perfect example. I hung each of the canvases over my couch to see what kind of impact they would have. My living room has very high ceilings, so it's a no-brainer that the 20x30 fit best. But even that one didn't really fill the space as much as I'd like. I really think I need to get at least three canvases that can be displayed together as a collage to make the biggest impact.

Ok, I'll stop sounding like a salesperson now. I just had to rave about them, because I wouldn't sell something to my clients that I didn't love or want to put on my own wall. And I actually ordered one for myself as a sample that I do have hanging on my wall.

My very own gallery wrapped canvas!

Spring has sprung | Why now is the time to get some photos taken

Spring is finally on its way! This week the weather has been amazing for March, but I'm bummed that I haven't been able to get outside much because I haven't been feeling well. I did get out yesterday with my daughter and we had tons of fun playing in the snow and mud.

Now that it's getting warmer outside, I'm itching to get out and take some photos! I've been doing indoor sessions throughout the cold winter months, but as soon as it's warm enough to go outside without looking like a marshmallow, I want to get out there!

I have talked to a few people who have told me they are interested in getting photos taken, but have mentioned that they want to wait until there are leaves on the trees. Well, I just want to point out that it's not necessary to wait until then. Oh there is nothing at all wrong with having lush green trees as your backdrop, but just because the trees are bare right now does not mean you can't get some amazing and beautiful photos.

So I'm going to give you some reasons why spring is a perfect time to get photos taken outside (and some reasons why outdoor sessions are always better):

• Right now, with the late afternoon sun lower in the sky, it's not too hot and I don't have to wait until 8 or 9 p.m. to get some of that yummy, golden light that is the best for photos.
• There are no MOSQUITOS! (and if you are living in Saskatchewan, you know that is a huge plus!)
• I've got tons of ideas for creative and interesting locations that don't necessarily involve trees at all. Think old fence, brick wall, long dirt road with the big blue sky above.... I could go on.
• We could do a themed session. I've got lots of ideas for those too. Easter is coming up, so maybe an Easter egg hunt, or puddle jumping!
• Kids look super cute dressed up in their rain gear ;)
• I'm always collecting new fun props that we can use, like a cool old chair, colourful umbrella or toys to keep the kids having fun.
• We can go on a search for new spring life! The buds are just starting to sprout and the birds are chirping. I'm sure we could find some cool natural props to make your photos even more beautiful.
• I can be way more creative outside than in my studio. With more space to work with, an endless number of backdrops (even in just one location) and natural light, you are guaranteed to get more variety in your photos. Plus, everyone knows how hard it is to get children to sit in one place for any length of time. Outside, I can chase them around while they play and get some amazing candid shots I'd never be able to get in the studio.

There, I think that covers it. I LOVE taking photos outside (if you couldn't already tell), so I will always suggest that to potential clients. There is just something about finding that perfect light, capturing the catch light in someone's eyes, not having to force everyone to squish together in front of a backdrop.

Don't get me wrong, I am so glad I have my studio because Saskatchewan weather is unpredictable and I am learning so much about lighting, posing and using props. But my first love is natural light photography and if it's nice outside, I want to be out there enjoying it!

I hope if you are thinking about booking a session with me, that you won't wait until summer because there will be leaves on the trees then.  Remember, I offer more than just photography services. I am giving you the chance to make some memories too.

On that note, I'm going to leave you a couple shots from this week. First is my daughter riding her little quad outside for the first time, and the other is one of my favourite photos from my latest session (the winner of my giveaway!) Enjoy! :)

And the winner is ...

I'm so excited to announce the winner of my 350 fan giveaway! The Rafflecopter widget chose Kim Oliver out of just about 200 entries! Contratulations Kim, you win a free photo session, set of two accordion books, crocheted baby beanie from Jellybean Accessories and a $20 credit to Sweet Peas & Honey Bees Boutique!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter! I am now nearing 400 Facebook fans and I am hoping to keep going up. When you live in a small town it is sometimes hard to spread the word about your small business, but I am so lucky to have been able to build up a fabulous fan base, and that's just through Facebook.

I have lots of ideas for future promotions and giveaways, so I hope you'll stick around to see what's coming. And don't forget to say "hi" when you stop by my page. I love feedback and I get excited whenever I see that I've got a new comment on one of my photos or a post from a fan on my wall. Also, check my blog periodically for more photos, information and updates.

Thanks again for making my first big giveaway a success! A HUGE thank you goes out to Jellybean Accessories and Sweet Peas & Honey Bees Boutique for being a part of it. It was so much fun and I can't wait to do it again soon!

I'm in love! | Custom frames

Ok, I admit it, I have not always put a lot of time and effort into displaying my photographs.

I have embraced my ability to capture so many moments in my life and I can't bear to leave them hiddin on my computer hard drive. So I have photos everywhere in my home, on every wall.

Even so, most of my photos are not displayed in a way that really shows them off. I have mostly purchased frames from places like Wal-Mart. You know them, the ones that are generic and plain and either brown or black. AKA Boring.

That is, until now.

Now I am even more excited to display my photos because I received my new custom frames! All I can say is WOW. They are so beautiful in person! Honestly, I can't stop staring at them.

I'm soooo happy that I have samples to show clients. Now you can see for yourself how well made and pretty they are, and how they make your photos stand out like they should.

There are so many reasons why I wanted to start selling these shabby chic frames (and side note: I just love anything that's shabby chic, just cause it sound so darn cool hehe). Here are some of the features that make them amazing:

• There are 8 designs, plus several storyboard designs and 22 colours. If there's a colour or size that I don't offer, we can customize a frame for you!
• The frames are made out of 100% recycled material.
• You have the choice of non-glare acryclic, chalkboard, whiteboard or even a mirror insert.
• Hanging hardware is included, both horizontal and vertical.
• Most importantly, because you should be able to show off your photos in a beautiful frame!

Clockwise from top left: A close-up view of the back of the frame. Sawtooth hooks for both vertical and horizontal display, and bumpers so it hangs neatly; Just a small sample of the designs and colours available; 5x7 Cherish in Pale Yellow; 22 vibrant colours for you to choose from!

Some close up shots of the distressed edges. You have the option of non-distressed edges as well.

If you order frames through Jennifer Blake Photography, I'll even include a print from your session with each one!

If you want to see my samples, come see me at the Rosetown Trade Show on March 31st at the Elk's Hall. I'll have my frames, plus my colours swatches for you to check out. I know you'll love them as much as I do!