Subway

This is my first real multi-media piece that I have created around my NY experience last year. I love the textures and layers - it brings back the immediacy of the feeling of being there.

CJ, Tik and Cricket

'Twas the month before Christmas and all through my house, not a portrait was hung and I felt like a louse. My child is 4 and the dogs nigh on 8. If I don't hang one now, it may be too late. Away to my camera I flew like a flash. Ripped off the lens shade and hooked up my flash. My little ones were nestled all close to each other, jostling for position like sisters and brother. When what to my wondering eye did appear? But a heart wrenching portrait of those I hold dear.

Whew!

On Top of Everything

My good friend, Laurence Seton has very recently written a book about how to get and stay organized. Now, I know there are hundreds of books on this very topic on the market, so what makes this one different? It works. And it is so very simple to use. Ask anyone who knows me - I am chronically scattered. I have tried lists, organization programs, 2 palm pilots (i thought the 2nd one would be different...), mind mapping, divination...all to no avail. I have been using Laurences' program since July (so that's over 4 months people - a record for me!!!) and not only am I still using it daily; it is still working for me daily. It is brilliant and we need to share it with the world! Did I mention it is simple? The heart of it is a wonderful word document. That's it! And the book not only tells you how to set it up but so many ways to integrate it and really exploit it. Perfect for the chronically scattered - like me!

Check it out at:

http://ontopofeverything.com/

Some play in the middle of work...

I was in the middle of working on the cutest layout for Luke EVER when I thought - hmmmm....what if I add stained glass wings to him. And then it turned in to a bit of a gothic thing. And then some stuff REALLY didn't work, but a few versions later I came up with this. And I think it's pretty freakin' cool. It could just be me. But I love his imperious gesture - it seems almost angelic.

November Intro to Photoshop

Welcome to Introductory Photoshop!
This class is designed to get you familiar with Photoshop and by the end we should have you comfortable with getting around in Photoshop, getting your pics in and out of Photoshop, as well as being able to do some basic work to make them look good too! The class is going to be 4 lessons over 4 weeks, in order to give you some time to play with what you have learned during that week. The best thing about the self-paced format is that you can rewind and listen to my melodious voice teaching you a section over and over until you totally grawk it! I strongly encourage you to play in the program. There is nothing that you can really mess up (that I can’t help you fix) and the more you play, the more familiar and better you are. But for now, let’s concentrate on teaching you the basics!

Here are some of the things you can count on learning:
· the toolbar (and options)
· preferences – how to set up PS to work for you.
· the work area
· the palettes
· navigating
· shortcuts, shortcuts, shortcuts…
· image size and understanding resolution
· cropping and scaling and image
· understanding colour modes
· saving an image (sounds basic, I know – but there are lots of options in here!)
· understanding image file formats (jpeg, TIFF, PSD – why are there so many?)
· making selections
· adjustments (brighter, darker, colour – all important stuff!)
· brushes
· an introduction to retouching tools (patch, healing and stamp tools)
· removing distracting objects in background
· intro to layers
· working with text
· basic image correction and retouching techniques
· filters (or let’s play with cool stuff!)

Lesson Dates - Four Thursdays starting November 5. (November forum group)
The classroom will be open for posting,help and discussion until January 31, 2010.

Cost: $90 CAD.
Payment must be received to get your log-in info. For your convenience we accept email money transfers or Paypal.

What's the Email you will use?




Or call 403.263.6166. to register or email jennifer@chipperfieldphotography.com

I’m so looking forward to seeing you on your journey in to the fabulous world of digital imaging, where anything is possible.

Some new play...

It's the case of the showmaker's kids go shoe-less. But in this case, I have display images all up in my client area. But do I have any shots of Carter around our house? Few and far between. All my energy goes in to creating art for my clients and at the end of the day I get blocked on what I want in my own home. Part of the problem is that, when I can do anything - where do I start? So I bit the bullet and started. I have created 4-20x30 pieces for my living room. Now that I have done all the work on them, I think one of them will have to go in a different area because the colour is so different from the rest. But I will make that decision when I get them up and replace it if I need to. Here they are. And when I get them up in the space and finalized, I will post a shot of that!

These wonderful dogs need a home!

This was passed along by a good friend - please - if you have considered getting a dog (or 2 :) ) or if you know someone that is, please take a look and pass this along. Thanks!

ANY PET LOVERS LOOKING FOR TWO LABS? Subject: Seeking Home for 2 Family Dogs- Two gorgeous labs trained Cookie and Coco Contact: Katherine kjmorris74@yahoo.com We are moving overseas in just 2 weeks. Unfortunately, I have still not been able to find a good home for Cookie and Coco . We ' re not able to take our beloved doggies with us and I ' ve been desperately trying to find a home for both of them ' together ' . They were raised together and pine without each other. The Lab rescue have already said that they would probably separate them, so this is my last resort. Recently I tried to take Coco out in my car alone and she TOTALLY refused to even get into the car without Cookie......!!!! She absolutely pulled back on her haunches until Cookie was by her side. Both doggies are in great health, have been spayed and have ID chips implanted under the skin. Cookie turned 3 December 10th and Coco turned 3 April 1st. Cookie is my mellow-yellow, and just loves her tummy rubbed. Coco is adorably funny and lives for her "ball." She also loves the water...... Cookie loves lots of attention. Both doggies are loyal and love to walk. They have been raised with my 3 kids running around all over the place, and have survived Sammy ' s constant hugging and love of ' dress-up ' , so they are fantastic family dogs.. This is by far one of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make, but under the circumstances I have no choice. Please, please forward these pics to all your friends. I want to find a great home for these fabulous doggies. They are just adorable and it ' s heartbreaking to let them go. In a perfect world, I hope that we could find someone local so that we can still keep in touch and visit them. I pray that someone somewhere can help us keep Cookie and Coco together, and love them just as much as we do. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. kjmorris74@yahoo.com

October Classes are starting soon!

The October round of classes is going in about 2 weeks - sign up now! In fact - anyone that signs up by September 30 will receive either a free Snippets class, or 10% off your registration! Come play with us! Tell your friends!

Check out my new Ning Site!

I am so freakin' excited! I have a new Ning site for all my classes. What is Ning? Well - it's a social network that seems to be geared for artists. What does it do for you guys? It lets you take classes, interact with other members in your interest group and most of all, you can see tons of cool stuff on there!

The September classes start this week, and I know you guys are busy with the start of the school year. But seriously! Sign up! It's going to be a lot of fun.

Rockin' Out Photoshop Classes!

They are here, and they are fabulous! More Photoshop classes than you can shake a stick at...and there are more on the way. Check out the teaser video above for a glance at what is to come and then sign up! You'll be amazed at what you can create!

Check out the class info below for all the goodies:

Welcome to Introductory Photoshop!
This class is designed to get you familiar with Photoshop and by the end we should have you comfortable with getting around in Photoshop, getting your pics in and out of Photoshop, as well as being able to do some basic work to make them look good too! The class is going to be 4 lessons over 4 weeks, in order to give you some time to play with what you have learned during that week. The best thing about the self-paced format is that you can rewind and listen to my melodious voice teaching you a section over and over until you totally grawk it! I strongly encourage you to play in the program. There is nothing that you can really mess up (that I can’t help you fix) and the more you play, the more familiar and better you are. But for now, let’s concentrate on teaching you the basics!

Here are some of the things you can count on learning:
· the toolbar (and options)
· preferences – how to set up PS to work for you.
· the work area
· the palettes
· navigating
· shortcuts, shortcuts, shortcuts…
· image size and understanding resolution
· cropping and scaling and image
· understanding colour modes
· saving an image (sounds basic, I know – but there are lots of options in here!)
· understanding image file formats (jpeg, TIFF, PSD – why are there so many?)
· making selections
· adjustments (brighter, darker, colour – all important stuff!)
· brushes
· an introduction to retouching tools (patch, healing and stamp tools)
· removing distracting objects in background
· intro to layers
· working with text
· basic image correction and retouching techniques
· filters (or let’s play with cool stuff!)

Lesson Dates Thursdays Sept 10,17,24 and Oct 1. (September forum group)
or Thursdays Oct 8,15,22 and 29. (October forum group)


Cost: $90 CAD.
Payment must be received to get your log-in info. For your convenience we accept VISA or MC, email money transfers or Paypal.

Or call 403.263.6166. to register or email jennifer@chipperfieldphotography.com

I’m so looking forward to seeing you on your journey in to the fabulous world of digital imaging, where anything is possible.

Allie and Bryce

I was so honoured to photograph my sister's wedding in Victoria earlier this month. They chose an amazing location at MacAuley Point Park overlooking the ocean. From start to finish, their wedding was perfect for them (including the choice of ring bearer!).

Here are a few sneak peeks of your images - enjoy Hawaii and I can't wait to share the rest with you when you return.

xoxo always!

Wow...

is August really halfway over?
(a little self indulgent whining here...bear with me)
I feel like this just walked up and slapped me in the face. Between my sisters wedding (which was wonderful), replacing my computer and numerous other incidents, I feel...done. I should (there is that evil word) be relaxing and enjoying the summer. But it seems like everytime I have some time off with CJ and D, the weather isn't co-operating. And I would just love to have some fun in the sun. So excuse the big blurt here but this summer doesn't feel like sunshine and roses. There seems to be a lot on the go but nothing really getting done. I am in a place of transition which is a really good thing and is a lot of work and emotional energy as well. Reinventing oneself to any degree is always a challenge! So bring on some BBQ,golf,sprinklers and sun. I want a couple of weeks with some fun before the crunch season hits! And check with me tomorrow - I will so be over this. ;)
Anyone else feeling this way? Hit me back to let me know I'm not alone in this!
xoxo
Jen

CJ and Miffi

CJ had to say a tearful goodbye to Miffi this week, so I thought I would commemorate their short relationship with this painting of the two of them. It's hard to see the detail in this small shot, but trust me - it's quite luscious in person!

Grungy Life Art

Mmm...I love this design for Emory's 1 year shots. I love the textures and energy in it. It has been so fun watching you grow this year, little man!

Tons of Life Art

I just finished creating a bunch more pieces for Emory's First Year album. Here is the first one and probably my personal favourite. I love the colours and layers and texture, which can be so reminiscent of pregnancy - so many emotions layered on top of one another. Enjoy!

Who is CJ?

This is CJ at 3 1/2 - almost 4. These are all the things that define her and make up her personality. (Or did 6 months ago!) It's amazing that even in the 6 months since I created this, how many things have changed on this list. I'm so glad to have this reminder of her.

Caiden - Even More Life Art!

Well, we've come to the end of the 1 year Life Art project for Caiden. It was so much fun to capture and create these pages for them! These two pages are filling in the gaps. One of them is from when J was expecting him and all the shots they took of her growing belly. I love seeing this sequence! The other is from part of our time down in Fish Creek when he was 9 months. I have loved seeing him grow and change over the year and can't wait to see him as a little boy too! Thanks guys!

Tucker

The amazing and incomparable Tucker passed away a couple of nights ago. I am so thankful that we have these images from January that show his incredible spirit - aloof, independant, beautiful, curious and most importantly, completely devoted to his mom. I miss you Tuck-man.

You are missed...

...I wanted to let a bit of time go by before I posted this to let my good friends grieve the loss of their dear Bear. He passed away a few weeks ago and is so missed by his family. Chase butterflies in the sun Beardle. Love to you.

New York

I haven't really had a chance to play much with my personal images from my New York trip last summer. So it was such a pleasure to find myself with some clear mental space today. I really just let it flow and I am so happy with how this came out. It brings back the fells of the place for me - noisy,smelly and totally, wonderfully grungy. My kind of place! And even more fun, I have turned the print (which was cool on it's own) in to my first image transfer on canvas. I did a little one - 3x4 as a test and love how it came out. I've decided to do a bunch of little ones commemorating various events. So now I have a 16x20 image transfer canvas on the drying rack. I'm excited to see how it comes out.

Beautiful Boy

I had the absolute pleasure of working with this fabulous newborn and his charming brother in the comfort of their home. We had so much fun - here are a few of the shots from the day.

Mompreneur Fair

We will be here this Sunday! Door prizes and lots of shopping. The perfect way to spend a couple of hours. Chipperfield Photography will be doing a draw at the show for a portrait session. Love to see you there! And check out our April newsletter by clicking here!

Rogues Theatre - Old Neighbourhood

The Old Neighborhood
By David Mamet, Directed By Aaron Coates

Shattered by an impending divorce, Bobby Gould (Joe-Norman Shaw) returns to his childhood home in Chicago. He wants to reconnect to his past in an attempt to figure out who he is and where he is going; but returning home, he discovers that time has radically altered him and the old neighborhood. In the throes of a mid-life crisis, Bobbys return also stirs up anxieties about his loss of connection to his cultural and religious heritage, his dysfunctional family and the dangers that haunt intimate relationships.
At his most subtle and complexly human, Mamet asks disquieting questions about how to deal with a legacy that, as it slips through our fingers, shapes our lives.

"Elegant and beautiful...David Mamet's autobiographical play is full of laughter and lament." (The New Yorker)

Featuring:
Larry Hoffman, Bob Legare, Barb Mitchell, Fiona Morris and Joe Norman Shaw S.M Amanda Wiebe / Design: Brad Leavitt
tix: 403-263-0079
http://www.roguestheatre.com/

All performances in the Joyce Doolittle Theatre, The Pumphouse Theatres. For more information on Rogues Theatre, upcoming productions, or for ticket information, call (403) 263-0079 or visit http://www.roguestheatre.com/.

Caiden - More Life Art!

So I've been busy creating more Life Art for little Caiden. Here is some of what I've been playing with. These first ones are from his one year session. All the background papers have been created from scratch to go with the layouts.

This next one is from his 6 month session. We've been jumping around a bit - but I'm getting close to having his year done! I love the little details like the butterflies, "grass" and footprints in this one. So much fun! More to come soon...

Photoshop Classes

They're here! And here is all the info you need to know. (And if you need more - email me: jennifer@chipperfieldphotography.com)

Welcome to Introductory Photoshop!

This class is designed to get you familiar with Photoshop and by the end we should have you comfortable with getting around in Photoshop, getting your pics in and out of Photoshop, as well as being able to do some basic work to make them look good too! The class is going to be 2 hours a week for 3 weeks in order to give you some time to play with what you have learned during that week. I strongly encourage you to play in the program. There is nothing that you can really mess up (that I can’t help you fix) and the more you play, the more familiar and better you are. Having said that – if you guys are all picking up the concepts easily, we will take the time to go in to more advanced stuff towards the end. But for now, let’s concentrate on teaching you the basics!

Here are some of the things you can count on learning:
· the toolbar (and options)
· preferences – how to set up PS to work for you.
· the work area
· the palettes
· navigating
· shortcuts, shortcuts, shortcuts…
· image size and understanding resolution
· cropping and scaling and image
· understanding colour modes
· saving an image (sounds basic, I know – but there are lots of options in here!)
· understanding image file formats (jpeg, TIFF, PSD – why are there so many?)
· making selections
· adjustments (brighter, darker, colour – all important stuff!)
· brushes
· an introduction to retouching tools (patch, healing and stamp tools)
· removing distracting objects in background
· intro to layers
· working with text
· basic image correction and retouching techniques
· filters (or let’s play with cool stuff!)

Class time: 9:30 – 11:30 Tuesday March 31, April 7 and April 14.
(We require 3 registered participants or else the class may be cancelled or changed)

Cost: $150+gst.
Payment must be received to hold your spot. For your convenience we accept VISA or MC, Interac or cheque in person or VISA or MC by phone or email.

Please call 403.263.6166. to register or email jennifer@chipperfieldphotography.com

The class will be taught on Adobe Photoshop CS4. This is the latest version of the software. If you do not own PS yet, you can download a 1 month trial online at adobe.com. This is a great way to see if you are really going to use all the features that CS4 allows. Alternatively, you can also learn on Photoshop Elements (a 1 month trial is also available at adobe.com). This is the baby version of CS4 but still will allow most users to create the images they would like to see. Many of the lessons can be adapted for Elements and throughout the class, if we have people using this software, I will let you know when you are entering territory where there will be shortcomings.

You can do Photoshop work with just a mouse, however, I HIGHLY recommend getting a tablet if you think you will be doing a substantial amount of work. Trust me – you will kiss me when you feel the difference. I don’t endorse any of the following stores, but Future Shop, Best Buy and Staples all sell the Wacom Bamboo. I like the one without the mouse – I have never used the mouse on it. It’s awkward.

This class is being taught interactively, online with the latest in webinar software. You can learn in the comfort of your own home without the hassle and time of travelling. To maximize your experience, I recommend an integrated headset/microphone unit. You can use your computers speakers and a separate microphone, but be aware that it can sometimes cause distortion. Alternatively, there is a conference call number provided and you can use your telephone. This is a long distance number, so if you have a long distance plan, perfect! If not, please be aware that you will be billed long distance charges.
If you have any technical questions about getting set up for the class, please don’t hesitate to give me a shout.
I’m so looking forward to seeing you on your journey in to the fabulous world of digital imaging, where anything is possible.

(and because this post wasn't long enough, here's more)

Photoshop for Scrapbookers (or how to create incredible layouts and learn some cool tricks!)

So you’ve taken the Introductory class, or maybe you already know your way around Photoshop. And now you want to learn how to play with layers, blend modes, compositing, text effects, selective colouring and so many more fabulous techniques. Well welcome to your new playground. Whether you want to do all digi layouts or create rockin’ Hybrid (digi/traditionl) pieces, have we got a class for you! In this class we will explore all those techniques along with making your own custom brushes, working with downloads from online sites and so much more. Join us for this uber-fun class and look forward to sharing your creations online with the rest of the class. Express your soul through art!

Class time: 9:30-12:30 Saturday May 2 and May 9,6 hrs.
(We require 3 registered participants or else the class may be cancelled or changed)

Cost: $150+gst. Payment must be received to hold your spot. For your convenience we accept VISA or MC, Interac or cheque in person or VISA or MC by phone or email.

All the technical info is the same as above - please read the Introductory class for more.

xoxo, Jen

Digital Scrapbook Papers

As some of you might know, a few months ago, I launched my first two lines of Digi Scrapbook papers. I am so pleased to announce that they are now available on my website at http://www.chipperfieldphotography.com/ in the orderables gallery. Here are the preview images to give you a taste of what you will be able to play with.

Here is a sample image using one of the Peony papers with a beautiful butterfly detail. The script text in the backgrounds lend a nostalgic air to these varied and organically based papers.I will be doing a random draw at the end of this week, from any comments made to this post for a free set of both papers!

For everyone else, the papers may be ordered directly on line and I offer Paypal for easy payment. In some shopping cart weirdness, the prices show in USD but will actually be in CAD and include GST.

Thanks for playing!

Jen

Jennifer needs...

I typed Jennifer needs (as I guess this is the latest internet search game?) in to Google and the titles that came up are hilarious. These are the top 10 that grabbed my eye.

Jennifer needs a smack daddy
Jennifer needs a shave
Jennifer needs to play by the rules
Jen needs to let go and get a life
Jen needs a title
Jen needs some more time
Jen needs to stop being so self absorbed
Jennifer needs to recognize that both of you do a good job
Jennifer needs your news
Jen needs to find a self righteous, conspicuous "I'm better than you" charitable position

Just something fun for a Tuesday afternoon break.

These are the COOLEST things!

(That I have seen in a while). Seriously - check out DecalGirl.com. They make the coolest custom skins for almost every phone, ipod and gaming device out there. Hello - Guitar Hero skins? So cool. I'm coveting several now. And the best part? It looks like you can create your own (at least for laptop skins!). So I had to share. Hve fun shopping!

Mini Canvas

I've become completely obsessed with alternate arts and journalling this past week. The evolution and experimentation has been a really fast process and I can't wait to slow down and see where it all takes me.
If you're interested in the technique - keep reading. I created this cute little 2x3 mini-"canvas" to play with a new technique using melted beeswax. After gessoing the canvas I added some rub-ons and sprayed it with Tattered Angels glimmer mist. I then layered the piece with gesso and Tim Holtz Tattered Rose crackle paint. I accented it with charcoal and then brushed on beeswax - melting and scraping it off as I went. A final polish gave it some lustre.

It's coming...

...look for my upcoming newletter! There is lots of new stuff happening and I'll be announcing it there! (Can you say teaching...finally?) Can't let too much slip, but for those of you looking to learn some new stuff, keep an eye out!
xo
Jen

Whistling Puppy

This is adorable - I thought it would be a fun video to hint at some things that are in the works.

Enjoy!

Jen

1 week Hiatus

Hey all - I'm on a 1 week hiatus to recover some sanity, creativity, inspiration and to play a bit! I promise some new and exciting stuff coming in the new future and lots to blog about so stay tuned and I'll chat with you soon!
Jen

Some cool stuff...

Over the last couple of years, I have been priviledged to create some Life Art pieces for the Y Magazine for the YMCA. I was surprised today to find the magazines online. So I thought I would link the title above to the YMCA magazine site, but here are the pieces I have created for them so far! They are in reverse order of the date published.

The previous one was the cover image.