Life’s Sweet Ordinary — through my lens

Can a photograph that is not perfectly focused and cluttered with a busy background be a “best shot”? I say yes, if the particular moment caught is priceless.

While covering a first birthday party recently, these two guests — sisters — were caught in a warm cuddle. Now that is a moment of life’s sweet ordinary don’t you think?

Best Shot Monday is the spark of Tracey Clark over at “Mother May I?” Show me your best shot.

The more I photograph dogs (and horses too), the more I enjoy it. Dogs don’t worry about posing and they live in the moment. A week ago I had the pleasure of doing a photo shoot in Muskoseepi Park in Grande Prairie, Alberta with a delightful American Bulldog. Yes, he may look very similar to a boxer in certain shots but he’s an entirely different breed. Most of them have a huge amount of white but I found Henry’s deep brindle colouring unique and spectacular wrapped up in one mighty package.

Henry was like a curious child. He paid attention to everything and everyone yet stayed close to his human mom. He would frolic and bounce and make faces. It was sheer delight the hour I spent with him.

Visit my website to see more of my photos. Contact me to book a fun candid photo shoot for your dog (or cat, or horse, or llama, or …).

Don’t you love being around people or pets who live in the moment? What are some of your special sweet ordinary moments?

“My idea of good company is the company of clever, well-informed people who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company.” ~Jane Austen

I came across these women in Sydney, BC — talking, engaged in great conversation, enjoying the weather and their coffee. I love when people are engaged in this way. This photo is a perfect candidate for desaturating the background. If I get around to doing it, I’ll post the result at a later time.

All Images are Copyright © Diane M. Schuller. It is illegal to copy or download any of these images. All Rights Reserved.

If you’d like me to come to your home or office and take some candid shots, please contact me by checking out the page above titled “Alberta photographer” or visit my website. I look forward to hearing from you — we too can engage in some interesting conversation!

{Available to come to your home or office in northern Alberta, places such as: Grande Prairie, Beaverlodge, Wembley, Hythe, Spirit River, Valhalla, Sexsmith, Claremont, Peace River, Grimshaw, and many more points in northern Alberta.}

How often have you come across someone who is a total stranger to you, yet you want so desperately to hold them? While in Sydney, BC I was strolling along the harbour walk when I noticed this man. Something about the way he was ambling along, caught my attention. He wasn’t walking in a strut as most of the walkers and he wasn’t boldly forging ahead as I had been. There even seemed to be a hint of grief on his face. He stopped and leaned in this manner holding like a statue. I fumbled with my camera bag, trying to quickly get my camera out, hoping my lens would catch him and that he’d still be in the same position by the time I quietly moved toward him. I had only a fraction of a second to catch him and this is the sole shot I got off — he moved away the moment I took the photo. I felt as if I may have intruded somewhat. What was on his mind; more importantly who was on his mind? I was and still am holding him in my heart, even if I didn’t reach out to him.

All Images are Copyright © Diane M. Schuller. It is illegal to copy or download any of these images. All Rights Reserved.

Shepherd and his reliable herding dog waiting to commence their run during a herding trial, taken near Beaverlodge, Alberta – Canada.

Although most of the photographs taken at this herding event were of the dogs working, some of the best moments occurred either behind-the-scenes or while the dogs and handlers were waiting patiently for their turn. There’s often a story in these simple moments. I love the story that’s lurking within this image.

All Images are Copyright © Diane M. Schuller. It is illegal to copy or download any of these images. All Rights Reserved.

I’m a pleasant & reasonable person, so if you wish to use one of my images please simply send me an e-mail. Then we’ll see what we can work out okay? In the meantime, thank you for respecting my copyright and for doing the right thing.

If you’d like to purchase this as a print, if you’re looking for some special prints for your home or office, or perhaps would like me to take some photos of you and your family/pets, please contact me and we’ll work something out that is just right for you!

Taken at a herding competition near Beaverlodge, Alberta – Canada.

For some photos to be effective, we don’t necessarily need to see the subject’s face. This image really appeals to me both photographically and emotionally. The echo of the graphic on his shirt to his own felt hat really caught my attention. He also had a strong presence about him, but when he turned away, there was this photo waiting to be taken.

All Images are Copyright © Diane M. Schuller. It is illegal to copy or download any of these images. All Rights Reserved.

I’m a pleasant person, so if you wish to use one of my images please simply send me an e-mail. Then we’ll see what we can work out okay? In the meantime, thank you for respecting my copyright and for doing the right thing.

If you’re looking for some special prints for your home or office, or perhaps would like me to take some photos of you and your family/pets or an event please contact me and we’ll work something out that is just right for you!