One thing I’d been meaning to do was to have a consistent brand across our sites. I’ve been so busy it’s been a challenge to make the time, but I’ve been fitting it in where I could, and relying on the fantastic back-end designers to do their coding poetry.

It’s important that the Blog is a good resource for our loyal visitors, too (if you’re not yet a subscriber, you can sign up via any blog post). We spent a good amount of time creating more than just a place to showcase recent images. We’ve created an online magazine that now has over two years of content which continues to grow.

I’m happy to say the re-branding is now done. For now. For a little long while. It’s been a lot of fun. Woohoo!

This meant a new logo for Images of a Promise to more closely match the Dean Oros Photography logo, and a colour scheme that not only works across our sites, but also is complimentary to the different types of imagery we create. And, it needed to match our Client Area, too.

The technology behind all of this is state of the art. Okay, I admit I’m a tech-geek.

That being said, I think it all works nicely. I hope you do, too.

Above: Dean Oros Photography + Design Website

Above: Dean Oros Photography + Design Client Area

Above: Images of a Promise Splash Page

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Katarina and Ryan’s wedding at Queen of Peace Church was simply beautiful. Incredible amounts of natural light and high ceilings. From Kat’s flowers to her stunning wedding gown to Ryan’s being a sharp dressed man; the day was exceptional.

Above: A beautiful church ~ Queen of Peace

We survived the heat as we hung out at Belfountain Conservation Area in Norval to create some candids and formals. The cave was amazing and a great place to sneak away for portraits, not to mention it was the place to keep cool!

Then we were off to Pearson Convention Centre for the lovely reception and dinner. Congrats to Katarina and Ryan! I’m so happy for you!

If the newlyweds have provided you with login details to their Gallery Collection, click here to enjoy all their pictures once they go online.

Above: Ryan awaits his wife-to-be. In a few minutes she will walk down the aisle.

Above: Katarina, a beautiful and happy bride

Above: Kat and Ryan share a newlywed kiss

Above: Katarina fans herself to keep cool while getting ready

Above: Slipping on the garter

Above: Ryan spends some time with his closest friends

Above: Katarina with her girls

Above: Portrait of the lovely newlyweds

Above: Boys with a cutie!

Above: The bride's beautiful bouquet

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We’re having a contest. Tell me which version you like best and why, by posting a comment below.

One lucky winner will receive a complimentary print of your preferred version OR you can choose 1 of 50 images from our Hawaii Collection. See them here.

The image will be printed as a satin photographic paper print (approx 8×12″), and will include free delivery.

The winner will be announced July 4th and will be chosen via a random draw. Good luck!

Here are the two versions:

Profits from print sales are donated to cancer research!

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We’ve also added new images to the Images of a Promise website. Sit back and watch the opening slideshow in full-screen. Our wedding art looks best when viewed BIG. Viewing The Brides’ Ballet, for example, on a 30″ colour-calibrated monitor is wicked. It’s the first image on the new slideshow, so check it out.

Thanks go out to Photoshelter, Graph Paper Press and WordPress. We couldn’t perform these upgrades without them.

There will be more upgrades coming your way during the year, too.

Enjoy.

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Friday’s fundraising event for cancer research and awareness, organized by the Canadian Cancer Society, was a huge success. The Society’s event has become so popular there are now multiple, same-day locations in Toronto: Forest Hill Memorial Park and Centennial Park. On the 25th June two more Relay for Life events will be taking place in Scarborough and North York.

Above: Cancer survivors gather to participate in the Survivor’s Lap during the Relay for Life 2010 Central Toronto.

The events run all night long, ending just past sunrise the next morning. And they raise hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Above: The Insurance Bureau of Canada is one of the many sponsors of the Relay for Life 2010 Central Toronto.

Above: Cancer survivors write about their “Superhero” on the Superhero Wall, Relay for Life 2010 Central Toronto.

As a photographer it’s a touching event to cover. It’s admirable to see many superhero-volunteers donating their time and experience to make these events successful. Everyone at the Relays has been touched, somehow, by cancer.

Above: The Japanese Taiko drummer group, Yakudo, entertain during the Relay for Life 2010 Central Toronto.

By the end of the evening, as the luminaries are being lit, there are a lot of teary eyes, some with happy tears, some with sad tears. But, all filled with hope because every year research progresses and one day a cure will be found.

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When two...

...become one.

Congrats to Melanie and Jordan!
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

There were many spectacular moments throughout the day, including the kiss shared when Melanie and Jordan first saw each other in their wedding attire.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

I first met up with the girls for the getting ready part of the day at Toronto’s Yorkville Marriot Hotel.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

The wedding ceremony and reception was held at the Edward Day Gallery. It’s a sweet, intimate venue with lots of airy spaces both inside and out. And of course, art adorns the walls.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

What a day it was! It was sunny and hot. Which is what we were hoping for our urban series of gothic-inspired bride & groom portraits.

If Melanie and Jordan have provided you with the login details to their Gallery Collection on the Dean Oros Photo + Design Website, click here to see more images.

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When I walked into Melanie’s hotel room to do my getting-ready-for-the-big-day pics and was greeted with a room full of women, the first thing I heard was: “Oh, he’s so good looking!”. Nice. Thanks. It set the tone for the day : )

Here’s the first wedding portrait from a series of gothic-influenced images. It’s now Sunday morning and it’s been less than 12 hours since I left the reception, so this is just a sneak peek. Stay tuned for more later in the week.

Melanie and Jordan ~ you rock. It was a pleasure photographing your special day.

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I do it for the love of doing it. Seriously. I know it may sound like big cheese, but it’s true. “Compelled” is a good descriptor, too. To me, every image has a story to tell. Especially when photographing people. This is a big part of my motivation.

Let’s state what at first blush may not be obvious: Being a f/t professional photographer is hard work. There’s very long hours, often less than ideal shooting conditions, and a lot of client expectations. There’s never-ending learning, a good lesson on humility. And lots of self-discovery.

And more. You get the idea.

What it’s not about is money; there are many almost-guaranteed ways to earn more and to become rich. For the aspiring photographer, make no doubt about it: there’s a big difference between a hobby-photographer and photographing as a career. But if you love making pictures, the return on the many areas of which you invest of yourself and your business will come. You have to believe. Plan. And pray.

I have much respect for other photographers. When I first contemplated pursuing pro photography, it must’ve been about 8 or 9 years ago. It wasn’t an easy decision. It took me four years to make up my mind. That, coincidently, was almost four years ago. For those that know me, most of the time I make quick but well-thought out decisions. But this was a super-big one.

When I did make the decision, there were a few commercial photographers who generously provided guidance. At the time I thought I wanted to create only corporate and commercial images. But I believe in following my heart and so my love of people and heritage led me to wedding / family photography. So I now create both corporate and wedding photography. And they are two very different types of businesses (which I’ll write about in a  future post).

So I’d like to publicly offer some thanks. To Matthew Plexman and Sylvia Verkley. Two wonderful people committed to not just photography but the business of photography in Canada. Matthew is a fantastic advertising / commercial photographer. I was drawn to him because of his work. He has a clean beautiful style. Thank you for your patience, willingness to speak to me and allowing me to hang around the studio.

Thanks also must go to Don Dixon and Leslie Goodwin. Don’s work, to me, are pieces of art. His conceptual style of advertising photography is beautiful. He also really gets my entrepreneurial spirit going. He’s been in this business just as long as Matthew. A very sincere “Thank You”.

To photographer Jim Allen, a special thank you. Jim helped me with my confidence. I was scared as hell at what I was taking on. He pushed me in a very short period of time even further outside my comfort zone. What was once uncomfortable is now comforting.

I also thank photographers Brian Pieters, Nation Wong, and Michael Mahovlich for taking the time to speak with me. Your insights were invaluable in getting my feet off the ground.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Julia Von Flotow. Julia is a career coach, and guided me out of the clouds and haze to a clear thought-process during the very early days. Also, Gabriela Zoltan-Johan of the OSEB – many many thanks.

And to my past and current clients! I’ve enjoyed working with all of my customers. Developing trusting relationships with you is a cornerstone of my photography. I look forward to working together again.

Last but definitely not least, to my family and friends. I know it may have felt I’ve been missing in action, but I think of you often, and look forward to spending more time together.

These past four years have been a whirlwind. Here’s to the next four.

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The bonds of family and friendship shone throughout the day. It was such a pleasure to capture the day in images. Congrats to the happy newlyweds! And thanks to everyone for treating me so warmly, and sharing such a special occasion with me as your photographer.

Following are but a few of my favourite images. Enjoy!

If Rebecca and Jonathan have provided you with details of their Gallery Collection on the Dean Oros Photo Website, click here to log in.

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