Nanton 2011

The Kitchens

We have so many gorgeous locations in Calgary shoot at.  So when Sandy Beach was suggested, I was so excited!  I had completely forgotten how amazing this part of the river valley is. Add in to it a completely photogenic and willing family and we had a recipe for a fabulous morning!

Here are a few of our favourite shots.

 

 

 

 

 

xo

Jen

Ali, Dola and the kids!

 One of the best parts of being a photographer is watching a family grow, in all ways. I have known Ali and Dola for years and I love that I now get to know their kids as well.  Here are a few (long overdue) shots from their session this fall.

 

 

 

 

xoxo

Jen

And more headshots....Abbey!

Abbey is an opera singer that I was fortunate enough to meet last week.  She has the coolest retro vibe about her and I was so inspired to work with her!  Here are a few of her fabulous shots.  I love how they came out, don't you?

 

 

 

 

xo

Jen

Lexus

I had so much fun working with Lexus and her lovely Grandmother on the weekend. I know that big things will be coming for her and I can't wait to see where she goes! In the meantime, here's a peek at her new headshots. Enjoy!

xo

Jen

'Nuff Said

xo

Jen

New Self Portrait

I needed a new portrait for the CRAVE Calgary guide coming out in November. So I thought I would try taking a self portrait.  And I am actually happy with it! I very much sympathize with my clients who don't care to be photographed. But it is one of those things - the more you do it, the more you get used to seeing yourself as others do.  And perhaps you let go of a few of your own hang-ups. Be more gentle with yourself. Retouching my own photo showed me how it feels when I show someone else how beautiful they are.  I feel good about this shot.  And that is a rarity in my world! Here is one of the final versions.

New Backdrops!

eeeeeeeeeee.......
that's the sound of me screaming in glee!  i received two new backdrops today from the incomparable Drop it Modern.  All I can say? SO freakin' cool.  They are both a tone-on-tone damask.  One in white and the other in black.  Still very much in keeping with the subtle look I like, but with a hint of spice or intrigue.  Here's a couple shots of them...it's a little hard to see the white one, but I can't wait to try them out!

Evolution

I created a Fine Art piece from one of Jen and Mark's wedding shots for them.  But it never felt done.

I looked at it on and off for quite some time, but I couldn't figure out why it didn't feel done.  It just felt bland. Then today it hit me (of course only a couple of hours before Jen was to come pick up all her prints!) - there was no depth.  It was all very pretty but somehow bland.  Add in some beautiful warmth, texture, stains and it comes alive.  I am in love with this piece now - in fact, it's going up as a display piece because I am so enamored with it! There is something to be said for not rushing the creative process. That is one of the tough things about working to deadlines is that pieces don't always hav a chance to evolve organically.  Today, I am glad for the evolution of this piece.

xo

Jen

School Pictures

I love when school picture day comes around.  It takes me back to my first "real" photography job.  I lasted a year doing school photos.  And in that year I learned a lot about photography - what I love and hate - and about myself.  What I am driven to do. How I want to be.  What I am willing to compromise - or not - for the sake of working as a photographer.  Being a photographer. So every year, when school picture day comes around (ok, this is only the second year but I feel a trend beginning) I let Carter make the decisions on what she wants to wear, how she wants to smile...or not.  Because I know that ultimately, those pics only mark a school event.  It's still a rite of passage to have bad school photos-every kid should at least have a few!  I feel grateful that every fall I take her out for a special shoot where we play and capture who she really is.  At this age.  At this time. Because I know that these will be the pictures that truly mark her changes from year to year. Love you baby girl!

xo

J

Christy and Al

Banff in the summer - it's an absolutely perfect spot for a wedding.  The mountains are crisp, the weather is warm and the air is fragrant with growth. Christy and Al had the most perfect August day for their wedding.  I'm so happy that I got to be a part of it! Enjoy your sneak peeks - I can't wait for you to see them all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

xo

Jen

Andrea

One of the most challenging aspects of getting a good headshot lies in getting people to connect.  They may only have a few seconds or less to catch a casting directors eye...so every bit of energy and connection helps them stand out.  It was such a pleasure today to work with Andrea.  She had an amazing ability to connect and stay connected and the shoot was a breeze.  Thanks for the coffee and the fun afternoon!

xo

Jen

Missing You

This new piece came out of missing Carter as she went to spend some time at Grandma's.  It helped me to connect to her energy, just by spending time with the pictures.  It never ceases to amaze me how pictures connect us to loved ones.  I can hear her giggle and see her inherent goofiness, and it makes me smile.

New Art Blog and Site

So I know I have mentioned it before, but it is new and I want LOTS of people to see it!  My new Jen Chipperfield Art site is live and exciting! I LOVE the opening gallery with it's fabulous closeups.  But venture beyond that and there are galleries with different series, art journaling and more happening on the inside.  Please visit - leave a coment to let me know you were there! I can't tell you how much this new venture means to me! In the meantime, here is the latest piece, Mischief.

xoxo

Jen