Hey Victoria & Island Photographers!

We’re less than 2 weeks away from our trek over to the island and we’d love to see you while we’re there. We’ll be chatting with a group of photographers about what we do. Let your island photographer friends know, and if you’re in the area yourself don’t miss it! We’re looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones for an evening of info and open-book Q&A.

Cheers!

Well, the weekend is here and they’re actually calling for some sun!

So – what are you doing tomorrow? Have you checked out the horse races? No? Neither have I. Tomorrow, however, one of our favourite local non profits – Building Opportunies with Business – is holding a day at the races fundraiser!

BOB works here in the downtown eastside to support local business development and increase job opportunities for inner-city residents. They do important work. And, now is a perfect time to come out and show your support.

There will be a delicious food, fancy hats (there is a hat contest!), and thousands in raffle prizes. There’s also the great time you’ll have, and the knowledge you’ve supported a fantastic organization!

So – what are you waiting for? Come out and play with us! See horses! Place $2 bets! Support your community!

More info @ http://buildingopportunities.org/blog/; tickets available online today and at the door. Hope to see you there!

Yes folks – it is that time again! On May 2nd Got Craft? – Vancouver’s largest (and most crazy awesome) indie craft fair is happening! With just two opportunities each year (May and December) to visit this show, it’s not to be missed. (Sunday, May 2nd, 10am – 5pm at the Royal Canadian Legion 2205 Commercial Drive)

Once again I will be exhibiting – yes, me! – with crafty things made mostly out of buttons and typewriter keys. I’m sharing my table with my very dear friend Kimli and her *smuttons* (have buttom maker, will be inappropriate), so it’s worth the trip for her smuttons alone.

For those of you who have never been to a craft fair – this one or otherwise – ignore everything that you might think of when you think craft show and picture an entire room full of delicious Etsy-esque finds. It’s that rad! It’s also a great place to find gifts for bridesmaids or crafters who will make you 100 chocolate mustaches on sticks for wedding reception favours.

* This photo is of a clutch and necklace set I made on Tuesday this week. I do not actually sell clutches or necklaces like this, so you won’t find them at my table, but you will find other amazing vendors who *are* making cute stuff just like this.

See, Reilly and I were excited to get one of the coveted invites to the Grace Ormonde book launch at the Vancouver Club this week. It was of course gorgeous and oh so much fun to visit with many of Vancouver & Seattle’s wedding industry elite. It was also a fabulous opportunity to dress up and be fancy – the clothing options are so much more diverse when you aren’t photographing the event!

Of course, late on Tuesday night I had a panic. I was otherwise wearing all black and I NEEDED TO HAVE AN ORANGE CLUTCH. Like, NOW. Sure, I could go out in search of something the next day, but what fun is that? So, like any crafty girl, I made one along with a matching necklace. I keep being asked for photos so here they are. It’s not too bad for the first clutch I’ve ever made and I’m happy with my design, but would probably make a few modifications if I made it again. Regardless, it did the trick!

OK – I have to admit, speaking at Image Quest (the annual convention for the Professional Photographers of BC) a couple of weeks ago was A BLAST. Reilly and I had so much fun, and the feedback has been overwhelming. There’s nothing I love hearing more than that some little tidbit of info or thing that we said has helped someone with their own business!

Those who know me well know that I am crazy passionate about small business especially bringing people together and sharing info, and we’re hoping to start doing even more of both, starting this week.

First up, we’re part of this coming weekend’s (April 17 & 18) Mentor Me program with the PPABC. We’ll be talking again about social media and with more time and a small group we’ll be able to get much more hands on with lots of time for one on one questions and attention. I’ve already been talking about this one online but wanted to get it up here as well. The registration deadline is just a couple of days away – April 15th – so jump on board if this sounds up your alley! The PDF flyer can be downloaded directly here and there’s a facebook event as well.

Next, on July 19th we’ll be in Victoria (changed from the May date) chatting with a group of photographers about what we do. Let your island photographer friends know, and if you’re in the area yourself don’t miss it! We’re looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones for an evening of info and open-book Q&A. We’re looking forward to sharing whatever those in the room want to know about what we do and how we do it. There’s also a facebook event, of course.

The beginning of May signals the start of wedding season for us (and all the craziness that comes along with it!) but we always love to travel – especially throughout Canada – so get in touch if any of you are interested – or know someone who might be – in having us out to your area for a chat.

As well, we’ll have a proper announcement in the weeks ahead when we launch our new website (!!), but we’re officially offering a select number of one on one consulting sessions each month starting in May. Topics include everything from branding and brand analysis through to social media and of course, all things photography. Sessions will be tailored for each individual and take place via phone/video chat (we can walk you through that, too) or in our studio, although local clients will be limited. Want on the list for full details? Give us a shout.

I can’t even tell you how excited we are about all of this and oh so much more. It’s going to be one heck of a year! Cheers all!

On March 21 – 23 Image Quest is taking place here in town, bringing 3 full days of speakers, a trade show, and networking events!

They’ve got some great speakers lined up including Jasmine Star, Dane Sanders, Mitche Grafe… and us. We are extremely honoured to be asked to speak, and I’ve been filing away tips and tricks for months in order to share what we’ve got with you. I can’t promise we’ll be anywhere near polished like the veteran speakers on the roster, but we will come equipped with lots of knowlege and info to share with all the attendees in the room.

You can visit their website to get all the info on what is in store at http://ppoc.ca/ppabc/, and we’ll look forward to seeing you there!