Hurray! My New Site is Live

Posted on May 11, 2015May 11, 2015 by cecile

Welcome to my redesigned site!

To better reflect my photography my web designer Karen Cowl of Stripe Graphics Ltd. and ‘behind-the-scenes’ super code guy Calvin Lim of Blue Comet Solutions came up with a clean, modern design that is both simple to use and navigate. Plus, it’s mobile friendly.

My photography over the past few years has changed focus and I needed a website to better communicate that to clients. Take the self-guided tour and let me know what you think by sending me an email using the link found at the bottom of the page(s).

I’ve been busy over the last few weeks and have been holding back posting photos on a few of my recent photo shoots. I’ll be releasing a few over the next few weeks so check back for more. No more hiding…this is the new me and I hope you like it.

Thanks for stopping by and looking. And, don’t forget to find me on Facebook under Cecile Gambin Photography for really up-to-date news!

Cecile

Working Out and Proper Nutrition Pays Off in Front of the Camera

Posted on February 26, 2015September 10, 2015 by cecile

Today I had the pleasure of taking follow up photos for one of my clients who has been working hard at the gym as well as watching her diet over the past few months.

Comparing her photos from before the holidays to this session it’s evident that she is leaner. Congrats on your newly toned body! Work hard…reap the benefits.

My photo set up was similar to the previous session. My thought was to include identical poses so that a comparison could easily be made as well as introduce a few new ones. I kept the lighting identical but used only one backdrop this time around. The idea was to keep the photo simple so that the focus of the image remained on her and her hard work.

Cecile

Real photos for a Real Family

Posted on February 9, 2015September 10, 2015 by cecile

This past long weekend I had the opportunity to work with a wonderful family that is not unlike my own. Where real issues live on and aren’t contained within the walls of the family house. It’s the funny faces kids make, the pouts and temper tantrums, or the loveable smiles when you least expect it. It’s when kids decide to jump instead of sit and be themselves that create priceless photos that I cherish and are to me priceless. Real family issues for real photos – these are the images that will bring back a flood of good or bad memories.

It all started innocently enough with my studio lights frazzling this young girl which was quickly followed by the older brothers decision to yank her poor head back to see what would happen. With two boys and a girl an abundance of energy, curiosity, and excitement flowed through the studio. But it was all good because the expressions and the dynamics came alive and within 20 minutes the smiles, the tears, the frazzled looks, the ‘I’m bored’ and the ‘I want to jump on daddy’ looks give a wealth of emotion to the photos helping parents remember those special times that really weren’t so long ago.

And yes, time does fly by and what better way to capture it through real photos of your real family. Nothing hidden, nothing fake…just raw expression. There are times as a parent when you may be completely frazzled but in 10 years you will look back and laugh and maybe even cry. Your children are silly, fun and honest and parents witness that everyday through the multitude of actions, and facial expressions. Cherish these special moments.

From Christmas to Fitness Photo Sessions

Posted on December 22, 2014December 22, 2014 by cecile

It’s been a whirlwind month taking photos of families for the holiday season as well a photo session for a fitness enthusiast entering a contest.

Finally being able to set up my studio after our move across the country last year I am now back in full business and loving it!

Cecile Gambin Photography is a full one stop shop with the ability to shoot indoors or outdoors specialising in action, and portraits for families, individuals and even pets. Whether it’s a day on your mountain bike or motorcycle shredding the gnar or a not-so formal photo of your beautiful family please consider me as your photographer. I encourage you to look at my portfolio for action HERE and for Life Style portraits HERE. And if you like my style please contact me using the contact page on my website.

Here are a few more photos of my recent photo shoots from this month.

Halloween: A Photographers Dream

Posted on October 27, 2014October 27, 2014 by cecile

One of my favourite times to take photos is during Halloween season. People are happy, colourful and not afraid to be in front of the camera.

Having a week to prepare for this I decided the best plan was KISS. Not the group and not the action but the acronym that my high school English teacher used to tell us: Keep It Simple Stupid.

My original plan was to set up a couple of flood lights, a few pumpkins and leaves. Then I remembered I had some gel kits for my flashes. Bingo! Change of plan.

I used a combination of 3 flashes, one gelled green and the other two set up in light modifiers (HUGE shout-out to Nelly for lending me your SB-800). Wouldn’t have been able to pull-off this look without it. The lights ran beautifully with only 3 misfires and one round of batteries. Besides my tombstones falling over I was really happy with the simplicity of the scene, it’s clean lines and ability to look ghoulish yet not too scary. Perfect for the wee little monsters that I knew would show up.

What I love most about taking photos at this time of year is how relaxed people are. I think Halloween brings out the kid in us all and people aren’t afraid to let loose, giggle, and just relax in general. It’s a great atmosphere! Plus as mentioned I love the colours and setting the scene for creativity is boundless. I had tons of fun looking at each costume and figuring out the best way to photograph them.

By the end of the evening approximately 30 families and a bunch of wild card teens dropped by. Of course, a large bulk showed up 45 minutes before the end which made for a bit of craziness but that’s how the ball rolls sometimes. Overall, an amazing evening and I love how the photos turned out!! Hope you enjoyed them to 🙂

Chasing the Mist with Karley

Posted on October 1, 2014 by cecile

My original plan was to go deep into the woods and grab some shots of Karley Cunningham of Big Bold Brand shredding the trails. Instead when I saw clear blue skies dotted with dense fog I realised that capturing Karley ride down a rock face would have to wait. Instead…we drove up a mountain road in search of mist.

Soon enough we stopped at a trail head which I didn’t know existed and thus had no idea what to expect. But the light and conditions were epic – and that was good enough for me. Shooting in the dancing mist however quickly became one of my most difficult shoots as the light and mist were constantly changing, dancing if you will, forcing me to re-adjust my camera and flash continuously. And by this I mean by every 2-10 seconds. I’d bang off a couple of shots and mist would roll out only to have it come back in again but heavier. I must thank Elise, Karley’s wife, and my assistant for the day for being there and helping me. She was my live tripod and sherpa which made moving around very easy. Thanks Elise!! Much appreciated 🙂

The photo above is is my favourite shot of Karley. The light and the forest greens were magical. The purpose of the photo shoot was to have pictures for a new website thus a variety of images were necessary leaving area for type, and getting a variety of tight and loose shots as well as portraits and action shots showcasing the North Shore’s tremendous beauty and technical riding areas.

Once the fog lifted for good Karley, Elise and myself headed up the mountain and into the blue skies to bang off a few more shots. I’m looking forward to continuing our photo shoot as I still need Karley to ride that steep rock face and huck off one of the shores infamous drops so I can get those ‘live wire’ action shots. Thank you to Karley for this amazing opportunity. Had tons of fun chasing the mist and looking forward to our next outing!!