McMaster Blog

There is nothing better in life than spending quality time with family…

Here is a perfect example of what makes the most wonderful memories, time well spent by playing with a new train set, and more importantly, in building a relationship with those people that we love. Gracie and Grandpa are having fun. It is quite evident that there is a special bond between Gracie and Grandpa.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words… This one, is definitely more than a thousand sentences…

~Paul

USS Enterprise

At the Bridal Fair, I was approached by Jamie from River City Events.   She came over with her usual friendly approachable demeanor and asked me “Are you busy on Saturday, February 4th from 6 to 11pm?”   I quickly looked through the calendar on my i-pad and said “I’m all yours, what can I do for you?”  She told me, “how about an over the top party.”   She quickly added “We are creating a Star Trek theme for a 50th Birthday Party and I want McMaster Photographers to capture the event”.   So… my childhood dream to be a Trekkie was just a little closer… to becoming a reality.  With all guests in full costume and Jamie providing the over the top party atmosphere, these Trekkie aficionados would be on a journey together.    Where no man had gone before.  This party turned out to be the coolest and most fun party “EVAR!”

The Royal Glenora planet provided the perfect meeting point for all of the various VIP’s.

Some beamed in; some arrived by shuttle (Oddessys, Voyageurs, and various other people and creature movers). Everyone was advised to keep their communicators on “stun” as they entered this magnificent bash…     Allan, the celebrity guest, and his gorgeous wife Syma (a green goddess from another galaxy) were both hovering about and mingling with all of the “extra terrestrial” guests.     They were beaming with excitement and happiness, as all of their closest friends in full Star Trek costume gathered in the special cocktail room that was fully decorated.   in the room there was a 9 foot suspended Enterprise starship, planets, special perimeter lighting, full sized action posters of the Star Trek cast, and metallic towers everywhere.  It felt like we were on another planet. The guests were able to nibble on some exquisite finger food and enjoy an open bar, featuring a specially designed “steamy blue-Star Trek

drink” that Jamie specially designed as a signature birthday drink,

and, quickly became the favourite drink served at this function as it was served in a fancy martini glass from a 15 foot Bar hand carved of ice.    The bar featured special carvings depicting Allan’s 50th B-day party and sporting a hand carved replica of the USS  Enterprise.  Drinks could be poured by the bartender on a funnel like structure on the top of the bar, and the blue drink would cool down and flow through the clear ice bar and be poured on to a special spout on the outside of the bar.    It was just over the top as to how this perfected the drink pouring experience.    There was a fun corner with a flip book photo booth set up, where guests were able to have their photos taken in a transporter room green screen.    They were photographed and little flip books were given as a memento.     The noise in the room was evidence that people were having fun…   So much fun…

Stage two of the party takes us to a separate adjoining room….

When the room divider opens up it reveals Jamie’s secret decorator’s masterpiece, including more planets, LED perimeter lighting, laser shows, two separate computerized control centers, a 20 foot universe painted backdrop, an over the top cake (Cake Couture) The dinner buffet was fit for a Vulcan Emperor, complete with a separate dessert buffet.  I have to say, the room had a magical effect…    The party includes a Star Wars Trivia Game with prizes awarded by Syma and Allan.   The food was excellent and there was lots to choose from at the buffet.

The Dance was over the top!     Party music (Revolution) included some of the 80’s top 40, and there was some very incredible dancing activity.    Everyone had fun!    Tons of fun.

I have to say, that not all parties are created equal.     This birthday party, will be long remembered as the greatest ever!     Syma had the vision to create a party for her husband, one that would be remembered as a great party.    She cared enough to  hire an expert like Jamie @ River City Rentals to make this party the very best party one could ever have.  I can assure you, the effort Jamie put into research and development must have been exhausting…  This party will be remembered forever…    We should all celebrate life by having one out-lavish party in our life time.    Or maybe two…    After all, we only live once.   Let make it fun!

In the world of River City Rentals, Jamie is the perfect Lieutenant Uhura, 2nd in command to Joe (who is the perfect version of young Captain Kirk.)   If you are ever needing a great party theme, that is over the top awesome, I would highly recommend you getting in touch with Jamie.   Her mission will be to give you a party you and your guests will never forget…

It was a life long dream of mine to be a “Trekkie”…   I’ve lived one of my dreams, and, I have a huge smile on my face remembering this awesome party…

~Paul.

Just about 2 weeks ago, I had my laptop’s “enter” key fail me.    I quickly went to the Apple store to talk to the tech guys in hopes of finding a fix.    After all, I had tried all of the quick fixes that were suggested over the internet, and none of them had worked.

At the store, there was the usual line up of about 4 people deep.   In the line up, there was this fellow standing behind me, and he actually wanted  to “bet me” who would serve us first.    Quick math, told me the odds were better than Las Vegas,with the odds being a true 50/50.    There were only 2 tekkies working on customer service.    I looked at both of the guys, and within one or two seconds, I decided to bet on the guy on the right.    So, while I was waiting, I found out this fellow was very interesting.    His name was Marcus, and he told me that he used to own and operate the Smitty’s in St. Paul, Alberta, and now, he was semi retired.    What brought him to the Apple store was a broken i-phone.   I in turn, told him I was a professional photographer, and that I was getting my laptop fixed.    So, after winning the bet (yay!) Marcus decided to get my business card.    He told me he would have both his sons Dylan & Kenneth, visiting from out of town in the next week or so.
Marcus made the appointment to have his photos taken with his two kids, and, I decided to take his photos in the studio, and outdoors.   Once again, I “gambled” on what photo would be his favourite!   Yikkes, sounds like I have an addiction problem, don’t it?!    Wouldn’t you know it, I bet right again!    He picked my favourite photo out of the series of 60 photos I took for him.    Now, if I could only guess the right combination for the lotto max this weekend…   Well, I’m not holding my breath on that one, I need to buy a ticket first…. Then… I need to guess the right 7 numbers… that is one chance in about 17 million I am told.    Well, it’s a long shot!       Better stick to the odds presented to me on a line up.    After all… It was great meeting Marcus and his sons, and, I did something that is truly worth while.

I made new friends…

~Paul.

Tom and Larissa came in to my studio looking for an invitation shot that involved trees…
So, by listening to their needs, we came up with several different choices for them that involved trees. I took their photography yesterday, and I am betting that this will be their choice photo. I felt that there is a real connection between the two of them, and it showed a repetitive pattern of trees that they wanted in their final print. The one thing I wanted for them, was for them show the fun they have with each other. So by having him dip her and look look at each other, I could see the connection they have for each other…
~Paul.

So…. following the bridal shows, I have now started to do some of engagement photography… The shoot I just finished working on was a couple that wanted a great studio formal portrait for their invitations. The key here was that after discussing the type of photography they wanted, I found out they are traditionalists, they wanted a photograph of themselves standing straight on to the camera, and looking forward. I said to them, “we call that a static shot, do you mind if I convey a different look to your idea, and give you a more pleasing to the eye photo?” They agreed… and this photo was their favourite. Photography for invitations is now a huge part of our business, and we offer great deals to couples that are wanting invitation shots (copyright free images).

The Bridal Fantasy Show was so busy this past weekend. We were happy to show our new lines of Glass Albums, and Metal Cover Albums to the many brides that stopped in our booth. The one thing that sets Mc Master Photographers apart from the competition was the experience, being in the wedding business for over 30 years. We are so proud to say that Mc Master Photographers received the Consumer Choice Award for 2011! With the highest level of products and services available in Edmonton, we look forward in taking care of our valued clients. At the show… it was also nice to hear, “You are the artsy fartsy photographers!”. I laughed so hard, it was hard to breathe…

Today, I have decided to alter my focus on life to include some great memories….     I have been plagued by a battery of funerals lately, and thank God I am participating in bridal shows on the weekends, to take my mind off mortality.      So, life is valuable…   Memories we make should be celebrated and recorded….   Love, laughter, kindness, and compassion are our true currency…and should be exchanged freely with family and friends.

As a photographer, I get to record the most awesome moments in life, like weddings, newborns, family celebrations, parties, and grandparentss with their children and grandchildren.    Families are awesome…   My job, for the most part, is the most wonderful job a person could have.     We plan for the portraits… or we take spontaneous shots to capture personality, and character.

My best friend living in Kelowna, just lost a wonderful friend here in Edmonton just two days ago.   Irwin, e-mailed me and sent me something his daughter Jennifer sent him.    I would like to share this with you since I found it profound, and, if you think about it, it makes a lot of sense.     That is why, today is a life altering day for me, I will take time to think on what I can do to live life a little better.     I would love to see if we can all make a little effort to living a better life.    I hope you take the time to celebrate life, with your family and your friends.

~Paul

Making better memories for life.

This past Sunday, we participated in Edmonton’s Bridal Fair (held at the Shaw Conference Center).  At the show, we had a wonderful time meeting with the local brides and we answering all of their questions.  Here are three of the most asked questions.

Q:  How much does it cost to have Mc Master Photographers do my wedding?

A:  We start at $1500 and go up to $5000.  Most packages range from $2500-$3500 and comes complete with a bridal album.  The midline and top packages all come with parent photos or albums and wedding party photos plus a wall portrait.  The wedding albums and any of the printed material is to die for!  Fully retouched and fantastic presentation.

Q:  Do you include the files copyright free?

A:  Yes! we provide you with all original files for reproduction.

Q:  Do you travel?

A:  Yes, we travel both locally and internationally.

There were many other questions asked and just like our wedding photography, the questions were unique, and required specific answers.

Bridal Fantasy this upcoming weekend (Sunday Jan 22).  We hope to see you there even if your not a bride!

~Paul

When Craig and Valerie came to see me at McMaster Photographers, Valerie said  to me “I need a real nice portrait, cause Craig has been deployed to Afghanistan… and this could be his final portrait for me”.  I remember my stomach turning at that time…  You see…  I had done their wedding photography and video not too long  ago, and I knew that Craig was a gunner for the Canadian Armed Forces.    His job, was to sit on an open side of the helicopter and man the 50 calibre machine gun.   Exposed to the elements, his job is extremely dangerous and he is vulnerable.    My job, was clearly defined as a challenge… I was to give Valerie the most precious memory of Craig.   I had to show love.   I had to show hope.  So, I immediately set up an appointment for us to take a studio session followed by a helicopter session.  I asked for Craig to wear some really cool sunglasses… and I had him get clearance for me to take their portraits at the base. The plan was simple….  Do as I asked, and I would get what I envisioned.  The day of the portrait shoot came, Craig and Valerie came to see me.  Sunglasses in hand, and the eagerness to take some great photos.  Soon as the studio session was done, I said I would follow them to the base.    Craig hesitated.   He said to me.   “I never got the clearance, the choppers are way too busy…”  My whole secret plan for the portrait, was finished. I defended my position, and asked him to please get us clearance.    I had this idea…   I could not divulge the information, since I wanted to surprise them.    Well, after some convincing, and a little patience, we took the photos I was looking for.   Craig was deployed to Afghanistan, and a 20×24 print that I made for them had them crying with excitement.     It was a tender kiss, with a home coming as a reflection on the sunglasses.   I must say, this is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.   I love making people happy.  Craig and Valerie now reside in Yellowknife.    They are both safe and happy.   And they treasure this image.  ~ Paul W.