focal length: 24 mm
shutter speed: 1/80
aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 640
flash: not fired

What did you on Canada Day? We spent the morning putting together a new trike for the little one. She just loves to “help” us put things together and she was doing a mighty fine job too. I didn’t have the camera handy and debated whether or not to go and grab it. It took a little self persuasion but I finally did bother to get it and I’m glad I did. Without photos or video, for that matter, I probably won’t be able to recollect the handyman… er… I mean, handygirl in my toddler.

So, my tip for today is to not be lazy and get those precious photos recorded. You’ll thank me later.

Laura is a Vancouver portrait photographer. Visit Dolce Life Photography.

focal length: 200 mm
shutter speed: 1/640
aperture: f/5.6
ISO: 200
flash: not fired

I cannot believe it has already been a full year since our very first What’s Your Play challenge here! Thank you so much to those who have participated even just once in the last year and also a big thank you to those of you who were nice enough to submit your own photos for us to play with.

As a little gift of gratitude and to commemorate our year of WYP, I’m giving away an 8×12 professional luster print of mine to one of our week 52 participants. The winner can choose one of these (the print won’t be watermarked):

Obviously, I am not eligible to win but each unique participant will have one entry into the draw. The winner will be randomly selected on Tuesday, July 6th at 9am PST, so any entries posted in the comments until that time will be eligible. I’ll ship it out anywhere around the world as long as you have a valid mailing address. Any questions?

So, go ahead and click the image above and download the 1024×681 pixel file and do your thing. I can’t wait to see your creations!

Remember to link to your version by leaving a comment below. You are welcome to add any specifics about what you did in your processing (software used, adjusted values, cropping etc) to help us learn. Click here to get the complete details for What’s Your Play. Remember, all readers are invited to submit their own photos for manipulation by emailing a high res photo (preferably SOOC) to play [at] dolcepics [dot] com.

I guess last week’s image was challenging for some. Nevertheless, your plays were all stunning!

Laura is a Vancouver portrait photographer. Visit Dolce Life Photography.

*please click to enlarge

focal length: 24 mm
shutter speed: 1/40
aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 2500
flash: fired

I think I’ve got wedding fever. I just love everything about the wedding day and I feel so lucky and privileged to be able to photograph and freeze those beautiful moments in time for all to cherish. This is one of my all time favourite wedding photos and it was taken just over a week ago when I was second shooting for Jamie Delaine. The lighting was pretty much non-existent, so it was a challenging shot but well worth it! I love the elegance of the bride and groom and how they are looking at each other so lovingly; this is why I chose this image to enter into the I ♥ faces “Wedding Bells” contest. Be sure to click the image to see it larger.

Thanks Jasmine for taking the time to go through all the entries! I’m sure there will be a LOT of them!

Laura is a Vancouver portrait photographer. Visit Dolce Life Photography.

focal length: 31 mm
shutter speed: 1/125
aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 1000
flash: not fired

Not long ago, I mentioned how using a wide angle when photographing children can add a little humour to the image. In this case, I think the slightly wide focal length accentuates my subject’s large eyes and makes him look extra cute. You don’t always have to follow the rules when taking portraits. Take some chances, get in close and use a wide angle for fun. I just love how this portrait turned out!

Laura is a Vancouver portrait photographer. Visit Dolce Life Photography.

Over the weekend, I had the extreme pleasure of helping Jamie Delaine photograph a beautiful wedding. While Jamie spent the morning with the ladies as they were getting ready, I headed over to the St. Regis hotel to snap a few of the guys.

I think most grooms have the same look on their face before the ceremony. A bit nervous, slightly stressed but underneath it all is a great excitement and happiness about seeing their bride and becoming her husband.

Before the first look, I got a chance to hop into the limo and take a few of the beautiful bride. She was so relaxed and happy and it shows through in the photographs.

I was so excited we were going to do a first look and do some portraits before the ceremony. It’s such a special time and if I were to do my wedding all over again, I’d love to do a first look! Those are real emotions right there.

While Jamie was photographing the ladies, I did a few portraits of the guys and they suggested a “Gorillas in the Mist” shot through the bamboo. I love it!

The ceremony was held at the Holy Rosary Cathedral downtown. It was as beautiful as a ceremony could be.

I was so excited that the reception was held at the exclusive Vancouver Club. Decor by Delovely Creative. Gorgeous isn’t it?

I had to add this one of the bride’s mother who caught me photographing her with my “stalker” lens, the 70-200mm f/2.8.

The evening came to a close for us after the newlyweds wowed everyone with their beautiful first dance. What a fabulous wedding!

It was so difficult to choose only a few of my faves to blog about. You can view the rest in the slideshow here. And if you haven’t already, visit Jamie’s blog post because she’s fantastic!

Laura is a Vancouver portrait photographer. Visit Dolce Life Photography.