Then and Now

When my parents visited for my 21st birthday, we decided to enjoy the beautiful weather and walk along a park we used to visit when we used to live in the city. While we were walking, we stopped by a certain jungle gym where we had taken a photo of us at least 14 years ago, and since I had my camera, we tried to "recreate" it. Here is our shots put together:

I couldn't remember what the original picture looked like at the time this photo was taken, so I find it very interesting that I decided to have my hand on the railing.

It's so amazing to see how we and others change over the years. So much has happened within the 14 or so years between these two photos that has transformed our lives. I can say though, without a doubt, that I'm thankful for every one of them.

Hope you are all having a great weekend!

Exclusive!

I got home from work a short while ago. When I checked my email, I saw that I had gotten a reply to my exclusivity application. Three months ago, I applied but got denied because I had some files for sale on a partner site to Veer.com, where I had tried selling my photos for a while. I asked for my files to be removed from Veer, but they didn't drop off of the partner site (which I wasn't even aware of) in time for my application to go through. Before I was able to apply again, I had a waiting period of 90 days. I was so disappointed that I hadn't caught those images which prevented me from becoming exclusive. Waiting 90 days was no easy job, either!

Today, I can now finally say that I am an exclusive contributor to iStockphoto. This means that since I only sell my photos on iStock's site, I get paid more for each download. The little crown icon below represents that I am exclusive. I'm so glad that I stayed determined to keep uploading and waiting for downloads. Hard work does pay off!

Thank you so much to everyone who had helped me, encouraged me, and of course, modelled for me! None of this could have ever happened without you. :)

Birthday Weekend

This past weekend was my birthday. I turned 21 and had the pleasure of celebrating it over the entire weekend with my roommates, boyfriend, friends and family. On Friday night, Paul drove up and my roommates took me out to a local bar. I don't really go out much, but it was really nice to have a break from work and get out of the house to go dancing!

On Saturday, my sister took a bus to come visit me, and my friend from Burlington stopped by quickly with her adorable pup Lola. Then, Emma, Paul and I went to a "family fun" day to see my friend Rebecca who was working at the event. We also saw an Emergency medical team do an extrication demonstration. Or, in other words, the too apart a car with the "jaws of life." It was so neat! Shortly after that, we went to meet up with my parents and the dogs, who had driven up for the day. We walked around a local park we used to visit often when we lived in the area. After we were tired of walking and talking, we stuffed our faces at a delicious thai restaurant! That night, after my parents left to head home, we met up with Paul's friends from college at Playdium for some games.

On Sunday, Emma, Paul and I met up with my friend Emily for a lunch date. It was so much fun! Later that day, Paul and I drove Emma back to Waterloo and had dinner and desert there. I'm so thankful I was able to see so many amazing friends on my special day!

Mother's Day Weekend

This weekend was a good one! I completed my very first week of work, which was so much fun! I'm really looking forward to what exciting projects I'll be working on and what I'll be learning. My co-photographers are also amazing, which makes things awesome!

On Friday evening, Paul visited and was able to meet some of my co-workers at a 'goodbye' meet up for some associates who were leaving. Then, we did some grocery shopping and went out to a small get together with some friends. Saturday, we went out to run some errands. We went out on a nice walk to enjoy the beautiful sunshine before making a delicious dinner!

On Sunday morning, Paul drove me to the bus stop before he went to go to a St John's Ambulance duty. I went to Waterloo to meet up with my parents, Emma and the pups for mother's day. We went for brunch at a renaissance-themed cafe and then walked around the mall and a beautiful waterfront park. It was an excellent weekend! Emma and I will both be going home in Friday for the long weekend - can't wait!

Super Moon

Last night, my roommate Chev and I went outside to see the super moon. It was supposed to appear something like 14% larger and 30% brighter. I couldn't see a size difference, but it was definitely brighter! Of course, I took my camera along on the trip, and got some really neat pictures. Night photography is very difficult, but I somehow managed to maintain focus in some of them. The picture below is not featured on my photography blog post, but I loved how the aperture rings created a "sun-like" effect on the moon.

My First Sale!

On Wednesday night, I checked my email and noticed I had an email through the "Contact" page on my site. It was from one of my followers, and he was requesting to buy three of my photo prints. The email started with "I've been a fan of your site for a while..." and I immediately recognized the email address—he was also the very first follower of my blog.

After reading the email and digesting everything he said and was requesting, my first instinct was to panic. Having just made an announcement my gift shop's opening the day before, I had absolutely no supplies for making and matting photo prints whatsoever. What had I gotten myself into? Then I started to get really excited, because of the realization that this person, who I have never met before in my life, discovered my site, likes my photography and wants to buy prints. It's truly amazing to know that I have fans out there!

The next day, I woke up early and started phoning around to see what stores close to me had the supplies that I was looking for. I also had to find out where I should my photos printed, and how to put them together. Then, I had to go out and actually get the things, print the pictures, put them all together, and send them on their way. It has been a long and tiring process. I'm so happy to have had the time to complete everything and grateful to have had this experience. I can't wait for the next order!

Here is a picture of the final product:

Blue Jays Game

On May 1st, Emma, Paul and I went to see the Blue Jays vs. Rangers baseball game at the Rogers Center.  We had been debating whether or not we should go, but finally decided to go for it. We bought less expensive tickets the night before, but ended up having a great view of the field. After having gone, I can say that I'm definitely glad we went!

It was a really intense game, which was tied 7-7 at the top of the ninth inning. When the Jays were back at bat at the bottom, they managed a saving home run which sealed their victory. There was a total of three home runs for the Blue Jays that game!

Baseball is one of the few sports I enjoy following and watching. A major plus for me is that it is a no-contact/fighting sport. I'm looking forward to following the Jays this season!

Check out my photography blog for some of my favourite shots from the game!