The Intrepid Lens

Time to Hang Up My Hat

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 17:30:00 +0000

As you may already know, poor health has led me to shuttering my photography business. You can read more about this very difficult decision by clicking on this link.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/October-2011---Time-to-Hang-Up-My-Hat.html?soid=1102135376353&aid=YX1NYwLAdjo

I have a rather large inventory of photography equipment, display equipment, business supplies available for sale - or free to a good home in some cases :-)

An email was sent out to interested individuals yesterday listing just a small amount of my inventory. Rather than bombard with frequent emails - I'm going to use this blog as a place to visit if you're interested in anything I may have on offer. I'll update it frequently as I come across items (I'm moving a little slowly these days), or as items are sold.

Here are a few items, more coming every few days. Please note that all items must be picked up from me in north east Burlington, I'm often not well enough to get to the post office to ship items out. Payment is by cash or PayPal (for purchases over $100). If you have questions about any items, please don't hesitate to email me at sandy@theintrepidlens.com.

Regards,
Sandy

Black Metal Rotating Greeting Card Stand $75
- Can be full height or table top with the addition of a central pole
- Three card levels, each with eight pockets. Each pocket can hold a minimum of five cards, depending on thickness of wrapping.

Unpainted Wood Easels
- two adjustable shelves
- three easels available

Here are the items that were sent out in the email yesterday:

1) Elinchrom Studio Lighting System, offered as a package

Two 400 BX Self Contained Flash Heads, with carrying case
Two 18cm Grid Reflectors
Two Large Lightstands, max height 12 feet, 9 inches, with carrying bag
Set of Four 7” Grids, fit into Grid Reflectors

Lightly used – if you view my website (http://www.theintrepidlens.com) you’ll see that I really quite preferred (as did my clients) outdoor sessions. Includes manuals, spare fuses. $1100

2) Elinchrom Skyport Universal Trigger Set, including one transmitter, one receiver. Two spare batteries, original box included. Again, lightly used $150

3) Photek Background Support System, to 12 feet wide. Again lightly used, includes carrying bag and various partially used paper background rolls in several colours (one white 10 foot wide, other colours 5 foot wide). $150

4) Chimera Super Pro Plus Softbox 36” x 48”. Lightly used, includes carrying bag and Chimera speed ring to attach to Elinchrom lights $325

5) Chimera Pro II Strip Softbox 14” x 56”. Lightly used, includes carrying bag and Chimera speed ring to attach to Elinchrom lights $225

6) Lens - Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8L II USM Literally used just once. Bought this as a present to myself after my diagnosis and went out for 20 minutes with it. Includes box and lens hood.$ 1600

7) Lens - Canon EF 24-70mm f2.7L USM Was used more, still in excellent condition. Includes box and lens hood. $1200 (as an aside, many people ask about my favourite lenses. Canon 70-200mm f2.8, and Canon 50mm f1.8 – not yet for sale!)

8) Manfrotto Monopod, model 681. Very good condition. $60

9) Lenswork (website http://www.lenswork.com) I have issues 56-60 as magazine, issues 61-95 as DVD. Incredible publication, it was one of my goals to be published in this magazine for my fine art work. Not giving up on that yet! Best offer.

10) Many photography books for sale, all in great condition. See attached PDF for list.

11) Various photo magazines, PhotoLife, Black & White – free to whomever would care to pick them up from me.

June newsletter is out!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 22:10:00 +0000

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/June-11---Website-Survey-Camera-Simulator-Shoppers-Drug-Mart-Gala.html?soid=1102135376353&aid=n-kI6r0wfiM

May Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Tue, 24 May 2011 19:34:00 +0000

I figured out how to share the actual newsletters with you rather than reiterating the contents. Just click here to be redirected!

May Newsletter - New "Gorgeous Me!" Sessions

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Mon, 23 May 2011 02:33:00 +0000

A few weeks late on the May issue, but I was working on a new portrait session concept and had to get a few ducks in order.

New "Gorgeous Me!" sessions are just for women (and at this time are only available to past clients, or someone that is referred by a past client in Burlington and Oakville) - capturing you at your relaxed best in your own home. Hair styling and make-up application are included, go as natural or as glam as you like with both your make-up and your wardrobe!

It's also that time of year for Grad Photos; and these are not those staid, cookie-cutter grad photos that the school arranges! With my Grad packages, I'll be capturing the personality of my subject as we hang out for a few hours in an a location that says much more about them than the photos that are sent home from school (and these packages aren't just for grads in case you're looking for a unique gift to reward your tween/teen for their great work this school year). The attached photos were taken last week in one of my favourite locations for those wanting an urban setting.

Last bit of news in the May newsletter issue is a sale just in time for Father's Day on Photo Keychains and Cufflinks.

If you'd like to have the monthly email newsletter sent directly to your Inbox, just sign up either by clicking on the Newsletter button to the right on this page (or email me at sandy@theintrepidlens.com if your browser isn't displaying the link).

Happy Victoria Day weekend everyone!

Dear Camera, Have You Missed Me?

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:46:00 +0000

I'm thrilled to let you know that I'll be back to photographing portrait sessions starting this Saturday. Dear camera, will you forgive me for my absence?

To start, sessions will be limited to one per week - some May and June weekend dates are available. And at long last the weather seems to be cooperating!

To enquire about a session, please email sandy@theintrepidlens.com.

Photo Jewelry Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 20:36:00 +0000

I think that the nicer weather is making my vendors extra generous this week!

Today I'm pleased to tell you that three pieces are on sale at 20% off until Sunday March 20th - The Cocktail Ring - The Leather Wrap Bracelet - The Story Necklace.

It's not too early to start hinting about that special gift for Mother's Day!

For details please email me at sandy@theintrepidlens.com.

Flash Gallery Wrap Canvas Sales - 25% OFF!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 21:37:00 +0000

My Gallery Wrap Canvas supplier is holding flash sales over the next few weeks - and as always I'm happy to pass along the savings to you!

A new size goes on sale every two days at 25% off. Today's size is 16 x 20, on sale until 6 pm Thursday, March 17th.

Since I've not yet published the 2011 pricelist, the savings will come off last year's pricing - so even more of a discount! The 16 x 20 sale price is $300, down from $400.

The details - savings apply to either images from a past portrait session, or from my fine art collection here. You don't have to commit to a particular image immediately, just the size!

I don't want to bombard all of you with updates every two days on the new size on sale, so if you're looking for a canvas for that spot on your bare wall that's aching for something a little different than a traditional print please email me asap at sandy@theintrepidlens.com so I can notify you when your preferred canvas size goes on sale!

2010 Portrait Slideshow

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 20:29:00 +0000

If you're already a newsletter subscriber or a friend on Facebook you might have already seen this, but if not - here's my 2010 Portrait Slideshow. I'm lucky to have such beautiful clients, both on the inside and out!

Click here to view (YouTube).

You'll also be able to access the 2009 Slideshow as well as one that I put together featuring one lovely young lady for her Senior Portrait Session.

If you'd like to receive the monthly newsletter, send me a quick email at sandy@theintrepidlens.com , or find me on Facebook under The Intrepid Lens.

And if you're local, hang in there - the snowfall is almost over! (for at least a few days...)

Reader's Choice Awards 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 23:41:00 +0000

It's that time of year again when The Burlington Post asks you to vote for your favourite local businesses, and I'm honoured to have been nominated again in two categories!

If you have a few moments to offer your support for The Intrepid Lens with your vote, I'd appreciate it.

How to place your vote:
Step 1 : Visit the website at http://www.burlingtonreaderschoice.ca
Step 2: Register your e-mail address
Step 3: Activate your account from the e-mail sent to you
Step 4: Log in and vote for your favourites (all your preferred businesses will appreciate your vote!)

I've been nominated in two categories:
1. Best Business/Service - Photography Studio
2. Best People - Photographer

Voting closes next Saturday, February 5th. Thanks for your support!

Black Friday Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 20:22:00 +0000

I know, it's really a U.S. event - but I want to play too!

The sale is on Special Edition Notecard Sets (click here to view).

Each of three sets contains the ten different cards shown. The two Halton sets are full sized 5 x 7 cards, the Floral set is a smaller card, perfect for accompanying a gift.

The watercolour stock cards are blank on the inside so that they can be used for any occasion, and include matching envelopes. Sets are boxed in clear acrylic - just wrap a ribbon around and they're ready to go as a lovely host/hostess gift over the holidays!

The Halton series larger cards are regularly $40, the smaller Floral cards are regularly $25.

Until this Friday, November 26th at 11:59 pm, the cards are 20% off if purchasing one set, 25% off if purchasing two sets, and 30% off when purchasing three or more sets.

Shipping is included in purchases of $60 or more, smaller orders are shipped for a fee of $5 (or if you're nearby we can arrange for you to pick them up). HST not included.

To purchase, please email me at sandy@theintrepidlens.com, or call 416.888.4230.

A Peek at the Lighter Side of a Session

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 23:14:00 +0000

There will be more photos to come from this session - there are just so many images that I love! You might recognize a few faces from my previous post, this was the second of two sessions booked by my client for her and her husband's families.

We spent most of our time laughing - this is one family that knows how to have fun!

Three Generation Family Session

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 21:41:00 +0000

My client recently arranged two sessions, one for her husband's family and the other for her own parents and siblings. The first took place last month, the other yesterday (thank goodness the weather cleared for a few hours!) What a thoughtful idea! Grandparents, adults kids and the little ones, both families were lots of fun to spend time with.

Here are a few images from the first session. Everyone had gathered from points across Canada to attend a family wedding the previous day, and the photo session was held in honour of a special birthday.

You'll soon see four of these family members appearing in another blog entry documenting yesterday's session!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 22:53:00 +0000

I came to know this family through the clients featured in my last post (I'm grateful for all of your referrals!) The two sons are away at the same university; I'll have to ask all these empty-nester parents that I'm meeting for tips on getting ready for that first year away at school.

We got lucky with the weather for this session, having had to reschedule our first attempt due to overly hot and humid temperature a few weeks earlier. What a weird year for weather!

This family was a joy to spend time with. I love witnessing when the men treat the lone female in the family with such respect and adoration. You just know that the boys will treat the women in their futures well!

Catching up on Family Session Images

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 18:22:00 +0000

A lovely family, a lovely day -what more could you ask for?

I seem to be photographing lots of families this year with teens and young adults. This family has two sons, one in university and the younger heading there next fall. I have a soft spot for this age right now seeing as my own daughter is heading off to school next fall too. Time is flying by far too quickly!

The older offspring that I've been meeting this year (I hesitate in calling them kids!) leave me feeling very optimistic about the future. Bright, determined - and a particular pleasure to spend time with!

The photo in the top left corner is the storyboard that we created together. 20" x 20" mounted as a three dimensional Standout, it shows off a selection of favourite images from our session.

Holiday Gift Guide 2010 is Here! | The Intrepid Lens

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 18:24:00 +0000

We've had our photo session (or will be over the next few weeks) , and now you're starting to think about holiday gifts. The Holiday Gift Guide to the rescue!

Image gifts start at under $50 with a few splurge ideas too. Traditional prints, gallery canvas wraps, photo jewelry, photo bags and more.

This Gift Guide is only available to past and booked clients - drop me a quick note at sandy@theintrepidlens.com and I'll send it along to you promptly by email.

Holiday Gift orders of $200 or more placed before Friday, October 8th will receive a complimentary set of ten Fine Art Notecards valued at $40.

"That's the Face!" Storyboards

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 13:27:00 +0000

I can't tell you how many times clients have contacted me after seeing their session proofs to let me know that I captured an expression that is simply classic for their child. A face that they make while telling a story, wondering about something new, or even getting a little frustrated at the big ole' world.

An expression that certainly wouldn't appear when asked to smile for a more formal portrait, but just a natural reaction to what's going on around them. That's the beauty of a longer, more casual photo session. A playdate where we just let a few hours unfold and everyone forgets that I'm clicking away.

This gave me inspiration to try something new, a way to present images with consistent lighting to really show off a range of expressions that your little one makes throughout the course of a day.

Introducing "That's the Face!" studio sessions and Storyboards. Here you'll see the results of a recent session with Mr. J. We spent a lovely hour together talking about all sorts of things!

Sessions take place at my studio in Burlington on specified weekdays, including some afterschool time slots. Two upcoming dates are Wednesday Sept. 29th, and Wednesday Oct. 13th (leaving time to order prints for the holidays!).

The costs for a nine photo layout (including the session fee) are:

$425 for a 20" x 20" mounted "Standout" print, ready to hang

$275 for a 12" x 12" traditional print

Storyboards for additional children from the same family are 25% off. Prints of individual images from the session are also available at a 15% savings.

Other configurations are available, custom quoted.

For more information or to book a session, please either email me at sandy@theintrepidlens.com, or call 416.888.4230 (cell).

Just too cute for words...

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 23:44:00 +0000

Sneak peek from a session earlier today, Mr. J. has the "pat your head, rub your stomach" act down much better than most adults!

One Really Fun Street Party!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 21:02:00 +0000

Two days of blogging in a row, I'm hoping that it's the start of being a bit more consistent with posting. :-)

Today I'm sharing images from a fun day last month on our street. Thanks to the hard work of several neighbours we had our second annual Street Party and I was pleased to be able to take snapshots throughout the day.

A different approach for me, with portait sessions I have more control over what's in the background and consult with my clients on location, outfits, posing etc.; but this was lots of fun nonetheless. One thing remains consistent with my portrait sessions though, I prefer to catch my subjects just being themselves and not necessarily posed. Plus getting the close-ups of kids, and there are so many cute ones on our street!

Here are just a few, to see more visit my Facebook page for The Intrepid Lens - and click "Like" to be updated whenever I post new images there!

The Adorable Miss C - Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 01:01:00 +0000

Catching up with the adorable Miss C!

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:44:00 +0000

I know, I've been a terrible blogger the last few months. It's been a busy summer and I need to do some catching up!

Starting with this lovely family, we spent a really fun morning at Bronte Creek Provincial Park playing, feeding the peacocks and running around. And I do mean run, the lovely Miss C. is a track star in the making!

More to come, I'm limited to five photos per blog entry and there are just so many sweet images of this lovely family.

Need a Very Young Victim (Um, Subject!!!!)

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 20:02:00 +0000

In my last newsletter I alluded to a new product - a very cool storyboard for little ones, and I need a volunteer to make a sample for you all to see.

I'm looking for a young child age 2 - 3 yrs old who takes direction well, and when caught at the right time of day has a fair bit of patience (gummy bear bribes notwithstanding!)

My volunteer should be able to sit easily on a low stool without assistance, be quite expressive (I promise that I'm willing to do anything myself that I'm asking this little one to do!) and isn't shy once having had a chance to get to know someone new (past clients who already know my fondness for photographing this age range are welcome to contact me too).

I ask that other children in the family are cared for at home to avoid distractions during the photo shoot. The session would take place on a weekday (flexible timing) and take about an hour in my northeast Burlington studio.

Mom & Dad will get a 12" x 12" print within four weeks, with a discount rate on duplicates if desired.

For more information (or to let me know that your little one is a perfect fit for this session!) please email me at sandy@theintrepidlens.com.

I can't wait, this will be lots of fun!

Reflections on Motherhood

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 23:27:00 +0000

For my blog readers, clients & Facebook friends who are moms (or about to be!), enjoy!

Why I Do What I Do

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 16:22:00 +0000

I started out my photographic career as a capturer of the inanimate. Landscapes, flowers, architecture. Of course I took photos at family events and was usually corralled into taking a snap whenever a group photo was required.

Taking portraits however was another story. It intimidated the beans out of me! I felt like I was invading personal space, that I wouldn't be able to make my subject feel comfortable. That I wouldn't do justice to the loveliness that can be found in a gentle smile or the twinkle of the eye.

Years ago I decided to face my fear (as I suppose one should with anything that makes one anxious) and signed up for a five day photography course in Savannah, Georgia with a photographer who's work I'd come to admire - and had heard wonderful things about his seminars. This wasn't to be a specifically technical course, this was to be a journey in discovering who we wanted to be as photographers.

I could write for pages and pages about what transpired over those five (and unexpectedly frigid!) days one April in Savannah, but for the sake of brevity I'll just tell you about one key outcome for me.

One of our assignments was to journal our experience, and we started off on the first page with a request to write down what we hoped to get out of the course. Mine was simple. Capture Joy.

And with every person I've since photographed this has been my mission. Yes, sometimes with the little ones I'm also capturing a pout, frustration or the start of a meltdown...but that's what little ones are about! But for the most part, it's about love, affection, humour and above all joy. My absolute honour to be there with my camera to capture it.

The photos attached to this blog were taken a few weeks ago on our street. One very lovely neighbour and her adorable daughter Miss L. As a mom to a teenaged daughter heading off to university very soon, those mother - daughter moments warm my heart like nothing else can.

Pure Joy. For these two, and me.

Thank you to Craig Tanner for helping me to open this door.

Another Gallery Canvas Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:43:00 +0000

Ouch, how did I let more than six weeks pass since my last blog entry? More coming soon, I promise - I have some terrific session images that I've been looking forward to sharing with you.

In the meantime, my wonderful canvas company is holding yet another sale. 30% off all sizes!

Applies to:

Images from past sessions
Images from upcoming sessions (you'll just need to decide on a size, and I can assist you with that. One of my new layout software programs is designed just for canvases!)
Fine Art images (from the right side of my website when you get the welcome splash page at http://www.theintrepidlens.com)

Sale ends this Saturday, August 29th. Please call me at 416.888.4230 or email me at sandy@theintrepidlens.com to receive pricing info.

Gallery Canvas Sale - ends Saturday July 10th

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy - The Intrepid Lens) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:25:00 +0000

Another fantastic sale from my very favourite canvas supplier!

30% off all sizes (from 8x10 all the way to 30x40). Even if you're not yet sure which images you want to have wrapped onto these gorgeous canvases you can still take advantage of this sale.

You can pre-purchase a size and I can send in the images to be printed at a later date (that's where my new design templates mentioned in the July newsletter can help out!)

Contact me (sandy@theintrepidlens.com or 416.888.4230) if you're interested, sale ends Saturday. Oh - and this sale applies to fine art images as well!