A Stylist and a Former IFBB Pro

Posted on December 4, 2015December 4, 2015 by cecile

It’s always a hoot working with Desiree Ellis. She’s stylist, a make-up artist and a former IFBB competitor. So being in front of the camera doesn’t intimidate her and I have so little retouching to do both on and off the set. It’s almost like cheating! Desiree’s a talented artist guaranteed to make you look good. Check out her website for more info.

After years of posing in front of an audience Desiree’s hardest challenge was to let loose and give me a non-posed smile. And we got there!! I love this photo of Desiree above. It shows who she really is – an energetic and caring person who takes her job seriously and is tons of fun to hang around with!

The full length photo below was taken a few months ago after I had rented a couple of strip boxes, and big strobes for the weekend for a job that required it a few days later. Needing to practice with them and wanting to take advantage of my time with them I called up Desiree and placed the lights one on each side of her. I love how the light accentuates her curves in a soft way. I could totally get used to having a set of these light modifiers – they were so much fun to play around with and the creativity with them was sky high.

Thanks Desiree!!

A Bride, A Make-Up Artist and a Photographer

Posted on August 24, 2015August 24, 2015 by cecile

I haven’t been this giddy about a wedding in a long time. It’s not that I didn’t like my own but this one was different. For starters, there was no groom. There wasn’t even a wedding. There was only one photographer, a make-up artist/hair stylist, a model and a wedding dress.

Desiree Ellis (make-up/hair stylist) and Sambrina Lawrence (model) met me for what turned out to be one of my most memorable photos sessions to date. Dressed in a wedding dress Sambrina bravely carried her train in her arms as she negotiated a steep, narrow rocky dirt path down to the waters edge.

After a small detour (I took a wrong turn) we settled on a nice rock and began shooting. The magic didn’t happen though until the party boats dropped by, and the liquid sunshine poured in.

I had been planning this session for a few months with Desiree and had originally thought about setting camp at Whyte Cliff Park. Checking with the marine forecast I realized my chosen spot was to be underwater for the time frame and date that had been selected. Re-booking the session was not an option so I worked around the tides and found another suitable location. The goal of the photo shoot was to highlight Desiree’s work.

My set-up was simple and appropriate – two lenses, a light, a voice controlled tripod and a reflector. I wanted a clean, energetic and bright shot that could be found in a haute-couture print ad that showcased Desiree’s make-up, and Sambrina’s refined look against deep blue-bird skies.

As we shot, on-lookers peered and party-boats danced and cheered on us from behind us. It was rather amusing and added to the excitement and buzz of a not-so-real wedding bridal shoot. To say the least it was a festive and productive afternoon that put all 3 of us in a superb mood. Simply said it was fun!!!

I love working with people that allow me creative freedom. I also enjoy the challenges that come with working on a live set unscripted by walls. Thank you Desiree and Sambrina for your professionalism. I am beyond stoked with my photos and had an awesome time!!

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.

Lifestyle Portrait: Kyle and his TM Racing Motorcycle

Posted on January 27, 2015January 28, 2015 by cecile

Meet Kyle. He rides for TM Racing Barker Bros. and has a host of sponsors lined up for the 2015 BC motocross series. The purpose of the photo shoot was to get Kyle photos for his sponsors.

I met Kyle at the Vancouver Motorcycle Show early Saturday morning and had to set up shop in the aisle. We were able to get in early before the doors opened and had just enough time to move a few things around, get the bike, and set up my lights.

Having been at the show last year and having just seen a photo of the TM Racing booth I knew space was at a premium and I had a lot of background clutter to deal with – some which was moveable and some which wasn’t. I decided to bring one light and a reflector to keep things to a minimum as time was also scarce. But that’s all I needed as I wanted to keep a simple lighting on Kyle to highlight both him, the bike and the sponsors. I already knew that I most likely wasn’t able to fit in the entire bike into the picture.

To our left and very close to us was another booth and to our right were the bathrooms which were brightly lit with early morning employees walking by occasionally. Behind me there was a big Polaris display with a very large ATV right where I needed to stand. This tight space pretty much sabotaged any full bike features I wanted without having to do some heavy photoshopping. As it was, in the set up shot you see below, I was sitting on top of the Polaris – not something I’m sure the distributor wanted me to do and really wasn’t in a comfortable position to shoot.

We got Kyle’s bike in place and moved things around so that they weren’t in the frame. Once I metered and set up my key light I adjusted the fill light to give just a hint of fill. I had wanted to keep Kyle semi lit and have the colours popped in addition to blanking out the background. My choice of lighting apparatus was bang on and I couldn’t be happier with how things turned out.

We had a bit of clothing change once we found the team jerseys that were hiding in a box that we didn’t know about and sourced out a helmet for Kyle which we ‘borrowed’ from the Arai distributor. It was promptly returned 45 minutes later when the doors opened to the public.

Stoked! The look I was after was achieved – colours are popping, there’s a bit of mood in the portrait, the bike and clothing were clean, focus is spot on and sponsors are visible. Mission accomplished!

Good luck Kyle with your 2015 season and I look forward to catching you in action!!

Horsing Around

Posted on October 22, 2014October 22, 2014 by cecile

Meet Rohan. He’s a five year old with the habits and personality of a teenager who’s cheeky, doesn’t always listen, is cute and knows it.

Today I had the opportunity to take photos of two very beautiful horses. My goal was to familiarize myself with them, figure out which lens to use and where the best photo ops would be before the big shoot.

Those of you that know me know that I have been mainly shooting action shots of motorcycles and mountain bikes over the last few years. I knew I had a lot to learn when I took on this challenge and I can safely say that horses are NOT bikes and behave in a very unpredictable way. As beautiful and majestic as they are they definitely have a mind of their own and that needs to be respected and understood.

My knowledge of horses is limited but I do know not to stand behind one. As such, I opted to use my long lens with Rohan because he has lots of energy and I felt safer working from a distance. Just another reason why I am doing this shoot in stages – to help me become more familiar with these animals.

Now I’m not one to get scared easily but I will admit that my flight versus fight instinct started to kick in when Rohan decided to pick up his speed running faster and faster in the ring. Candice was in the middle which is where I probably should have been but instead I was close to the wall and, thank goodness, close to the door. Seeing, and hearing a 1500+ pound horse run straight towards me at close to full gallop is very impressive…and scary. It was then that I decided that I would not be using my wide angle lens with this guy. I’ve put myself very close to the action many times with roaring bikes and felt safe (knock on wood) but this was different. Bikes don’t think. Horses do.

Candice eventually put Rohan back in his stall and came back out with Laird. The senior of the group and at 15 years old he had a ‘been there, done that’ attitude. What a difference. With Laird I could feel comfortable working with a shorter lens.

He wasn’t expected to show for the camera today so hadn’t cleaned himself up but no matter…he was still quite a stoic horse and with his laid back attitude a treat to work with.

Having said this, I am very much looking forward to working again with both horses in a more formal setting with lights. Rohan will be more of a challenge but this is why I plan on taking my time with this shoot to both familiarise myself and for the horses to figure out that this thing behind a big camera is actually a person and won’t bite at all.

Hiking Whistlers Back Country

Posted on October 1, 2014 by cecile

It was one of those cool, foggy days with a constant drizzle that coated everything with a thin layer of wet.

My family and I went out for a hike this past labour day weekend. Opting to walk from the Roundhouse towards the Peak Chair my little one complained most of the way until we told him that it would take longer to go back down than to trudge forward. That worked!

My other son was busy harvesting quartz and soon had his rain jacket pocket and backpack full. He told me he would leave some so that next year he could continue his harvest.

For me…I hobbled away picking my feet up and planting them careful not to trip and twist my knee. Just the day before (well…both Saturday and Sunday) I was downhill mountain biking with my kids and my husband down Whistlers green runs with a few blue mixed in for fun. But believe it or not…walking proved to be more difficult. Probably not anything my family doctor would have recommended considering the sad state my knee is in from a crash less than 3 weeks ago.

I always enjoy being on top of the world with blue bird skies looking far into the valleys and across snow capped mountains. But today, the mist hung low, the weather was cool enough to warrant fall jackets and gloves and with the pea-soup thick fog I couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty and the silence. It was magical. Mysterious. Surreal. A not so well advertised side of Whistler that tapped deep into emotions that left me in awe. My kids found Inuksuk’s here and there as we occasionally met other hikers walking downhill towards the Roundhouse. Soon enough we made it to the top and had a rather frightening download as we entered a deep sea of fog. It wasn’t until it lifted that we realised how high we were and how absolutely mind blowing the slopes of Whistler actually are.

Lifestyle Photos

Posted on July 18, 2014July 19, 2014 by cecile

The past few months I have been taking Lifestyle Photos for various clients. A fun, relaxed, informal session with tons of creativity – love this type of photo shoot! This also means that I haven’t had much time to update this blog.

This is Dallas. He was riding a 2014 Triumph Scrambler 900 to the Overland Adventure Rally in Ontario, Canada and decked himself out in full retro garb. Sporting a new moustache and haircut Dallas also went all the way with the bike as well – giving it the iconic Steve McQueen’s race number.

I purposely chose a vintage look for both the photos as it complemented the era of the bike, clothes and hair style that Dallas had. My favourite photo of Dallas can be found in my LifeStyle section of my website on the Fine Art Side. Check it out HERE.

Do you have a favourite item or lifestyle that needs to be photographically recorded? Then let’s talk!!

Cecile

Demystifying Moto-GymKhana & Honda’s Rock the Red Program

Posted on May 15, 2014February 4, 2016 by cecile

Partnered with Honda Canada instructor Yoshi Nakatani was Rockin’ the Red for another wildly successful Moto-GymKhana event in beautiful BC. Held on May 11th, 2014 the second annual MGK event saw a host of activities including Honda’s Junior Red Riders program, scooters and ATV demonstrations, and an action packed day.

MGK is an event consisting of speed pattern racing where the rider follows a new course ‘layout’, reacting by driving the bike into turns, braking, and accelerating in a closed loop. The goal is simply to complete the course in the fastest time with the fewest errors.

Cecile Gambin Photography was on hand and capturing all the excitement including one from atop the Honda Trailer. Thanks guys for helping me up!! Check out the course that Yoshi put together from a birds eye view. The circular pattern of cones named ‘The Vortex’ was a highlight for riders. Instructors Yoshi and Reagan are out in the field teaching their students the layout.

Never been to or heard of Moto-Gymkhana? Check out my picture book below to help you understand!

Yoshi checking the course layout and warming up the tires before the event begins.

Honda's CB500F and the 125 Grom were used for the events. Riders could choose between one of the two categories (CBF or Grom) for the competition. — Honda’s CB500F and the 125 Grom were used for the events. Riders could choose between one of the two categories (CBF or Grom) for the competition.

Fail! Although fast and showing lots of promise this Grom rider went past the Yellow tape at the finish line.

While MGK might look easy falls can happen. Usually the rider and the bike are unharmed as speed isn't a factor. Most riders barely get out of second gear again reinforcing the fact that this is an event not based on speed but rather on technical skills. — While MGK might look easy falls can happen. Usually the rider and the bike are unharmed as speed isn’t a factor. Most riders barely get out of second gear again reinforcing the fact that this is an event not based on speed but rather on technical skills.

Motorcycle riders and spectators are always up for a good laugh!

A CB500F on course and on deck a fleet of Groms patiently waiting their turn.

First place Grom Class Trophy. Pretty sweet plate!!

Honda's Junior Red Rocket Riders are at all MGK events. Bring your child and they'll come back with smiles! — Honda’s Junior Red Riders are at all MGK events. Bring your child and they’ll come back with smiles!

Even the little tykes get to play while Mommy and Daddy get to ride big bikes of their own.

Want to try an ATV, or a scooter? Honda demo programs are also on hand at all MGK events.

A great job by Yoshi Nakatani, as well as Honda Canada and all the volunteers for a successful 2014 event.

If you are interested in trying an MGK event the next stops are in Boucherville, Quebec (May 24) and in Markham, Ontario (August 10).

Traction eRag May 2014 Issue

Posted on May 1, 2014February 4, 2016 by cecile

Yes! It’s that time of the month again when Traction eRag comes out. Stoked to have one of my photos grace the cover of the May 2014 issue. If you are into riding (offroad, Dual Sport and Trials) be sure to check out this on line magazine. It’s free and it’s chock full of goodies. Tons of graphics, relevant stories and articles and it’s even interactive! Click on the link below to subscribe so you can automatically receive the magazine in your inbox (and don’t forget to include the address into your address book so it doesn’t go to your Spam folder). www.tractionerag.ca

Life is Full of Adventures…Especially if you’re 4

Posted on March 21, 2014March 21, 2014 by cecile

Walks with little ones are always full of adventures. Take this little fellow. He decided to stop walking and plopped himself on the ground straddling the yellow line along Stanley Park’s Sea Wall while on a recent photo session.

No cars. No bikes. No pedestrians. So what do I do…plop down in front of him and start taking photos because I thought this was hilarious and so typical of this little guy. Thirty seconds prior to this he was rolling down that green grassy hill in the background because it was fun. And, that’s what life as a four year old should be. Fun!

If you are thinking of a family portrait or some lifestyle images please considering hiring me. I take the time to get to know my clients and look for photos that suit the person(s), are visually appealing and evoke a sense of emotion and thought.

Thank you 🙂