The Art of Portraiture Blog

Why I Love Being a Photographer

Jul 24, 2022

OK, I'm going to be transparent about why it is I love my "job". I lost my Mom in a car accident back in 1993. We didn't have many photos of her, let alone portraits of her, our family, or just the two of us. She always put her hand in front of her face when a camera was pointed her way. I was a Speech Pathologist back then, busy with my own life, and hadn't thought about having portraits created of her, for her, or with her. In 2001, my husband underwent a quadruple bypass. At ...

PPOC Alberta News Release 2021

Nov 13, 2021

Portrait Wins Best in Class in Alberta Competition Shelley Vandervelde of The Art Portraiture submitted three images that were accepted into the Professional Photographers of Canada Alberta Image Salon. The press release at the bottom tells you what that means. "Bathtime", created during a Storybook session "The Ole Barnyard", was nominated Best in Class for Child Portrait. "Center of Attention", created at a wedding in Jamaica, was transformed into a ...

What's the Difference between a Headshot and a Business Portrait?

Nov 01, 2021

Headshot vs Business PortraitAccording to Wikipedia, a headshot is a modern (usually digital) portrait in which the focus is on the person. The term is applied usually for professional profile images on social media, images used on online dating profiles, the 'about us page' of a corporate website, and promotional pictures of actors, models, and authors.You only get one chance to make a first impression. These days that impression is usually through your profile photo on social ...

The Night Before Christmas Storybook Sessions

Aug 28, 2021

The Night Before Christmas Remember the excitement on the night before Christmas. You tried so hard to stay awake and catch Santa putting out the presents. But try as you might, you never succeeded. And when you woke at 4 am filled with wonder, you peeked into the living room and saw all the presents under the tree! Now that you have children, you get to enjoy the magic of Santa all over again! Every year families visit the malls to line up for a chance for their child to ...

Fine Art & Storybook Fairy Portraits

Jun 13, 2021

Fairy Twins Visit the Enchanted Forest Do you feel your little ones are growing up too fast?I'm sure you smile as you watch your children play dressing up as fairies or princesses. But one day, in what may seem like a long way off, you will look are your girls and wonder where the time has gone. Remember these precious times in fine art portraits and magical storybooks with a session in the enchanted forest. Charlie and Georgia are four-year-old twins! Their faces lit up as they ...

Down by the Pond Storybook Portrait Sessions

Mar 13, 2021

A Fun Experience Down by the Pond I have to admit, one of my favourite outings with my family of 5 brothers and 3 sisters was fishing in the creek! We dug in the garden for earthworms that we put in a can of dirt to keep them healthy. Gathered our rods, lines & hooks and got up very early to make our way up the creek looking for pools where the fish would be biting. The best part? Pan fried trout when we got home, hot, sweaty and usually covered in mosquito bites! That was ...

My Clients Get Published!

Mar 08, 2021

My Clients Get Published! I have been having so much fun developing my Storybook Portraits that I had not entered the Professional Photographers of Canada’s (PPOC) National Salon for a few years. Each year PPOC hosts its national photographic competition. Accredited photographers from across Canada are able to enter four images. Photographers who have earned their Master of Photographic Arts can also enter one image in the Master Category. Each image must be named and the name helps ...

Amazing Preschoolers

Jun 28, 2020

In today's world of phones in every pocket at all times, children are photographed more than any previous generation. Those snapshots are so important in documenting life. They are rarely printed or displayed on the wall.When preschoolers are brought to the studio for professional portraits they often want to please their parents, checking in with Mom rather than connecting with the photographer. They are also quick to give the "cheeze" smile. It can take time and effort to bring out ...

Toddlers are The BEST!

Apr 11, 2020

Toddlers are The BEST Toddlers can be challenging to photograph. Young children are real; they have not yet developed their "picture" face, you know the one where they grin as soon as a phone is pointed their way. And they tend to have a mind of their own! I love to create precious, classical portraits that show your child's innocence and personality. My background allows me to work with all children, all ages. As a big sister to two boys and Aunt to dozens of nieces and ...

NewsFlash

Oct 29, 2019

Thanks to YOU, I earned my third bar to my Masters Award I earned my Master of Photographic Arts in 2010. In most professions, members are required to maintain their knowledge and skills through continuing education. This education is recognized by the Professional Photographers of Canada with gold bars that are added to the ribbon which holds the Master's Medallion. Entering and having images accepted into the National Salon is required. As such, I would like to thank each and every ...