THE BLOG HAS MOVED!

My blog just got a face lift!  It’s feeling cleaner, simpler & a tad more contemporary.  There’s likely going to be a few little changes but we’re in business!

All the old posts have been migrated over so come on over and check us out!!   NEW BLOG

Update your RSS feed and lookout for new posts with larger photos!

And The Winners Are…..

The results from the Waterdown Snow Sculpture Contest are in!

GRAND PRIZE WINNER – Keiran Griffin of Waterdown with his medal bearing trio of Inukshuks and snow penguin.

RUNNER-UP – Samantha Appleman of Waterdown with her colourful Underwater Garden.

Congratulations to both Keiran and Samantha!  They both win a great collection of prizes from our sponsors:

Thank you to everyone who entered, you all made the judging a tough task!  All entries can be seen online at www.ryderphoto.ca/sculptures

Our Generous Sponsors

Please support them by shopping locally!

SNOW SCULPTURE CONTEST – Family Fun!

When Boston Pizza in Oakville tweeted today they were having a Snow Sculpture Contest I thought let’s have one in Waterdown & Flamborough!

So here’s the scoop – last minute, but it’s for fun!

1. Build a snow sculpture of any kind, can be a snowman, a dinosaur, an igloo or whatever takes you like as long as it’s made out of the great packing snow we have finally got.  It can be in your yard, at a park, wherever you like.
2. Take a photo and email it to me at, lindsey@ryderphoto.ca (don’t downsize it for emailing because if you win I need a full-size image to send to the Flamborough Review)
   
3. Each entry will get featured in an online gallery and on my blog – be sure to include you name, age & where you’re from because I’ll submit the winning snow sculpture to the Flamborough Review!
4. Deadline for submissions is Sunday, February 28th 2010 at midnight!
5. The Contest is for families, not just the kids, so get Mom & Dad to help you.

PRIZES – Thanks to the generosity of local Waterdown businesses more fantastic prizes have been added!

Grand Prize

• Complimentary Photo Session & Framed 8×10 Print compliments of Ryder Photography
• One Month of Beginner Classes compliments of Brown’s Martial Arts
• Toy Prize Pack from Busybee Toys in Waterdown
• 5 Free Yoga Classes with Waterdown’s yoga goddess, Lisbie Rae
• $40 Gift Certificate compliments of truck & SUV experts, National 4WD in Burlington
• Gift Certificate for a Hair Cut & Style compliments of the fabulous ladies at Hello Gorgeous Salon
• Gift bag with yummy British goodies from Waterdown’s awesome British store, Leylands
• Starbucks Gift Card from Waterdown’s friendly Starbucks team

Runner-Up Prize

• Complimentary Photo Session compliments of Ryder Photography
• One Month of Beginner Classes compliments of Brown’s Martial Arts
• 5 Free Yoga Classes with Waterdown’s yoga goddess, Lisbie Rae
• Gift Certificate for a Hair Cut & Style compliments of the fabulous ladies at Hello Gorgeous Salon
• Gift bag with yummy British goodies from Waterdown’s awesome British store, Leylands
• Starbucks Gift Card from Waterdown’s friendly Starbucks team

There’s more snow coming later this week so get on the snow suit, dig out some snow sculpting equipment and get creative!  To inspire you here’s some snow sculpting links:

DIY Snow Figures & Sculptures

How to Create Colourful Snow Sculptures

Snow Sculptures

SPREAD THE WORD to Family, Friends & Neighbours!

Remember:  Email the photo to me by Sunday, Feb. 28th at Midnight!

Our Generous Sponsors

Please support them by shopping locally!

If you’d like to donate a prize please email me at lindsey@ryderphoto.ca – I’d be grateful for any additional prizes

Classic Portraits For Your Wedding Guests

I was recently hired by a bride to take portraits of her guests while the couple and bridal party were with the wedding photographer.  The portraits were wedding gifts for the guests rather than a cute favour.

The location was the library of the stately Paletta Mansion in Burlington, Ontario Canada.  The library, a rather formal mid-size room provided a perfect backdrop for classic portraits.  The portraits were printed, slipped into a presentation folio which was signed by the couple in advance, and delivered to the guests 2 hours later after dinner.

This was the first time I’ve heard of such a wedding gift and judging by the feedback the guests were thrilled to receive such a unique and thoughtful gift from the couple.  If you’re struggling deciding on your wedding favours consider hiring a second photographer to take portraits of your guests while you’re busy with the wedding photographer.  I’m sure your guests will appreciate a professional portrait of their family.

Here’s a selection of the portraits.

Cali the Doberman | Ontario Dog Photographer

Meet Cali.  I was out photographing my young son sledding today and this energetic, powerful and fun loving doberman arrived with her owners.  She was having such a good time tearing around in the snow I had to grab a shot.  4 feet off the ground, snow flying, Cali was loving it!

Gift Baskets for BBQ Lovers – Burlington Commercial Photographer

If you live in the Golden Horseshoe area of Ontario, love BBQing and southern cooking you owe yourself a visit to Hillbilly Heaven in Burlington.  There’s a great selection of southern cooking fare on the shelves but the prize is the smoker in the kitchen.  Turning out pulled pork, brisket, chicken & ribs is their forte.  Just be sure to arrive hungry because the portions are big!

For the holidays, consider picking up some gift baskets for the BBQ lovers you know.  Here’s a few shots of baskets that I took for their new website.

Holiday Portraits | Burlington Portrait Photographer

The holidays are approaching quickly but it’s not too late to schedule a family portrait session just in time for the holidays.  I have a couple of time slots still available over the next 3 weekends.

Deadline for ordering prints or greeting cards is Monday, December 7th.

For my availability or to book a session contact me at lindsey@ryderphoto.ca or 905-690-7697.

Meet Maddie | Ontario Dog Photographer

Maddie recently came to visit us (her human is my sister-in-law) and since it was a nice day we hung out on the porch for a while getting some shots of this striking cavalier spaniel.  She is the bubbliest and always on the go so getting her to sit still for a few shots was a challenge but patience always pays off.

Stella & Mia | Ontario Dog Photographer

Introducing Stella & Mia…. What a pair!  Stella, a young vizsla, and Mia, the cutest Yorkie I know, were so into their photo session.  Being well trained and having their Moms’  with rewards was a plus too.  We started with some urban chic shots at Burlington’s Village Square then moved onto La Salle Park & Marina for some fun.

Rotary Burlington Music Festival

A few weeks ago I had the honour of photographing a number of young & talented musicians. The images were to be used in promotional materials highlighting an upcoming Music Competition followed by a Grand Festival Concert in Burlington, Ontario.

Below is the sleek festival poster designed by a local Burlington graphic design company, The Graphic Attic, incorporating an image of one of the young musicians.

If you have a young musician in your family, or know of one that loves to perform, make them aware of the festival and encouage them to showcase their talent.  If you enjoy music and would like more information on the festival visit the website at Rotary Music Festival.