Van Steelandt Photography Blog

February 13, 2010 // event / personal

Valentines day is the best day of the year. Yes, I know there are skeptics out there. People who say it's a day master minded by hallmark, florists and the chocolate candy companies. But even if it's true isn't it worth having a day dedicated to celebrating love?

Today I spent the day on Whyte Ave in Edmonton and capped the evening off with a great live show at The Pawn Shop. Rural Alberta Advantage, Wooden Sky, and The Great Bloomers all rocked. So here's the love;

If you're the guy that gave us a free ticket to the early show,

I love you.

If you are the starbucks barrista who made a cute little joke about my sneeze and made me smile,

I love you.

If you're dating my sister in law and are sweet to her and her family plus make me laugh 'til I snort,

I love you.

If you're Jenn, the photographer who took my email so you could send me picutres from the show,

I love you.

If you're a guy who can pull off skinny jeans,

I love you.

If you're the waitress who made your way through the crowd at the show to bring us drinks,

I love you.

If you're the girl who flicked your hair in my face repeatedly to try and move me out of my good spot,

I don't love you and you should try to be nicer.

The following are a few images of the bands we saw tonight. I didn't take any of them and don't know who did so I can't credit them.

Who do you love?

Cheers,

Dani

2 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Pam Linfitt:

The hair flicker really should be nicer! :o)

(02.14.10 @ 12:24 AM)

cheryl:

You should have "flicked" the hair flicker flat on her ass!!!

(02.18.10 @ 12:10 AM)

Elvis & Priscilla :: Pt 1

February 3, 2010 // engagement / personal / portraits

When you find someone you want to spend the rest of your life with it's a pretty amazing thing. It's even better when that someone has fabulous siblings that you really connect with.

I always wanted a sister growing up, a soul mate who could share in my every fancy and every passion. Then I met Devin that all sorta just fell away. Devin became that person in my life. What I never expected was that I would gain the sisters I longed for as part of the deal.

Every year I love Devin more than the year before. And every year I don't think it's possible to love anymore but I just do. It's the same for his sisters. We've always gotten along, but every year I feel closer to them and love them more. After 13 years with Devin it's hard to remember life without my sisters. It's like they've always been there.

This past summer I photographed Kylie, Devin's youngest sister, with her boyfriend Andrew in Edmonton. It's funny how much Andrew and Devin are alike. If they were the same age I'd swear they were separated at birth... more on that next time.

Cheers,

Dani

0 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

The Fabulous Bag & How you can win a free session

January 6, 2010 // personal / photography / business

I would really, really, REALLY love a new camera bag designed by the ultra talented Kelly Moore. Kelly is giving two away in a New Years Resolution contest. I need you, and everybody you can convince to go here and vote for #41. You can vote as many times as you'd like (lot's please)!!!

Here are some images of this lovely bag;

Here's how you can win;

1) go here and vote for #41 *~EDITED TO ADD~ VOTING ENDS AT NOON ON JANUARY 8TH

2) leave a comment on my blog, letting me know that you've voted (honour system)

3) If I win, (Saturday January 9th), I will use random.org to select one winner from the commenters and that person wins a free session and a $100 print credit.

Let the voting begin!!

Thank you,

Dani

45 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Nicole Olthuis:

I voted, I love your work. Confession: I check the blog at least once a week!

(01.06.10 @ 06:26 PM)

Ginelle:

I too regularly check you out! I just voted and will go back and vote regularly between now and the 9th!

(01.06.10 @ 07:11 PM)

Kally A:

you're work is amazing! and the new bag is nice too. i'm voting and crossing my fingers for the both of us!

(01.06.10 @ 07:13 PM)

Katelin:

I voted for you Dani!! I'll vote every day, hope you win!!

(01.06.10 @ 08:34 PM)

Jennilee:

Hi Dani!! I voted for you and will be sure to do again and again. Your work is beautiful, I think you deserve a beautiful bag to put your camera in. I thought your resolution was great.

Take care,

Jennilee

(01.06.10 @ 08:54 PM)

Sandi Neufeld:

Hey Dani, I voted, hope ya win!

(01.06.10 @ 08:55 PM)

Stacey :

I just voted 5 times for you, Dani. (Hint: hit the refresh button and you can save yourself a whole lot of scrolling).

(01.06.10 @ 09:18 PM)

Celeste:

Your resolutions were beautifully put, I voted for you (and I love, love, love your work)!

(01.06.10 @ 09:25 PM)

Teena Mudry:

Hey sista. I voted for you a bunch of times and left a comment on the website. Good Luck. You deserve it!

(01.06.10 @ 09:30 PM)

Marsha:

I voted, and will continue to! Good luck!

(01.06.10 @ 09:40 PM)

mickey:

I have been checking in on her bag on a regular basis! I would love to buy one, but just bought a different one, and like the purse problem that I have... this could be bad!

I voted, good luck Dani!

(01.06.10 @ 09:47 PM)

Dani:

You guys totally rock my world. I was seriously worried that there'd be no response.

(01.06.10 @ 10:01 PM)

Nicole Mercereau:

Of course I voted Dani, and I'll continue to!

(01.06.10 @ 10:07 PM)

Samara Stevens:

I voted.... Dani your work is AMAZING!!!

(01.06.10 @ 10:27 PM)

Kym:

I voted a bunch too Dani. Good luck!

(01.06.10 @ 10:48 PM)

Kym:

I voted a bunch too Dani. Good luck!

(01.06.10 @ 10:48 PM)

Kym:

I voted a bunch too Dani. Good luck!

(01.06.10 @ 10:49 PM)

Shauna T:

I often admire your work on your blog since meeting you last summer while capturing my family. I definately will vote, as i love your work, and everyone deserves a new bag! Good Luck

(01.06.10 @ 10:50 PM)

danielle tollin:

Lovely New Year's resolutions! Must be dang fine camera bag- your reward sounds quite generous! I'll be sure to go back and keep voting! Good luck.

(01.06.10 @ 10:58 PM)

Sarah Redding:

Happy New Year Dani and Devin :) I hope 2010 brings you much joy, wonder, adventures, and success. I voted for you and will keep my fingers crossed that that beautiful bag will soon be totting your camera around!

(01.06.10 @ 11:30 PM)

Brittany Youzwa:

Put in a few votes for you! You deserve it with your hard work that you have put in. I love the inspiring words though made me realize a few things for this year! Can't wait for Devin and you to capture our wedding this summer! Good luck with the amazing bag...

(01.07.10 @ 12:41 AM)

Melody:

I voted for you Dani,love your resolutions! Good Luck!

(01.07.10 @ 08:52 AM)

jenna:

i dont know which i love more the bag or your resolution. vote vote and vote!

(01.07.10 @ 11:17 AM)

Maggie:

Hope you win!

(01.07.10 @ 01:11 PM)

Nicole Derendorf:

I voted at least 10 times, but if I win, you have to come over here for a holiday!

(01.07.10 @ 03:09 PM)

Renee McBain:

I Voted for you today!

(01.07.10 @ 04:14 PM)

Nicole Marud:

I voted. Of course I love your work and I hope you win!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(01.07.10 @ 06:25 PM)

chelene fehr:

Hey Dani! I voted, GOOD LUCK! Love the bag! Your taste, as always, is impeccable! :)

(01.07.10 @ 07:04 PM)

Nicole Parenteau:

you got my vote! best of luck the bags are beautiful!

(01.07.10 @ 07:11 PM)

Tamara:

got to admit I love your work also and voted for you :)... i'm also a regular viewer lol

(01.07.10 @ 07:39 PM)

Jenn Tait-Sjogren:

LOVE your work Dani!!!! I voted!!

(01.07.10 @ 07:55 PM)

Christie McDonald:

I voted for ya! Aww Devin is a lucky Guy! Crossing my fingers that you will win!!

(01.07.10 @ 08:40 PM)

nora vedress:

I voted! Good Luck!

(01.07.10 @ 10:15 PM)

Melanie Duperreault:

I have voted. Jay has voted. Ali (my dog has voted). Liza has voted.
I am not done...I am spending the next hour voting.
My comments are getting smaller.
Like "please give Dani this bag"!
I hope you win buddy!!!!! Let us know :)

(01.07.10 @ 10:31 PM)

Melanie:

I voted for you

(01.07.10 @ 11:02 PM)

Colette:

LOVE LOVE LOVE what you do! I voted:) Goodluck

(01.07.10 @ 11:26 PM)

Jyl:

I voted! And I really your work!

(01.08.10 @ 02:11 AM)

Jyl:

That should read *love* your work :-)

(01.08.10 @ 02:12 AM)

mickey:

Every time I vote I think about how jealous I'm going to be if you get it!

(01.08.10 @ 07:49 AM)

mickey macgillivray:

LOL.. just went and voted again and left a comment and WOW, Mel was right, she did spend the next hour voting! MY turn :)

(01.08.10 @ 07:53 AM)

Ashley Vermette:

I voted Dani. Good Luck! btw, super excited for Monday! :)

(01.08.10 @ 08:01 AM)

Chasity:

Voted!!! Hope you win... how exciting :)

(01.08.10 @ 09:28 AM)

Erin Parker:

Go Dani! So happy to vote for you!

(01.08.10 @ 09:34 AM)

Samara:

I just voted 10 more times for you Dani!!! Your new years goals are AWESOME and I think it's something we all should live by!!! All the best!!!

(01.08.10 @ 11:41 AM)

Jocelyn:

Hey Dani!! I forgot to post that I voted!! I'm sorry to hear u didn't win the bag, your resolution was beautiful! Better luck next time;)

(01.09.10 @ 06:21 AM)

A Fresh Slate and New Dreams

January 3, 2010 // personal / photography / business

I love New Years. It falls over you like a fresh layer of snow; clean, untouched, ready to be moulded into whatever my heart desires.

In 2009, I hit the ground running and I ran and ran and ran. When I stopped running, about a week and a half ago, and looked back I was surprised by what I felt. I'm glad 2009 is over. I have little attachment to the events of the past year. Few events and sessions really stand out in my mind and those will be the ones we continue with this year. Mostly it has been a blur of constant rushing to get caught up. It makes me sad. I bit off more than I could chew and as a result I missed out on cultivating relationships, new and old. My apologies to my clients, my friends, my loved ones.

But now, a fresh slate! This year I resolve to watch the snow fall, the grass grow, and the sun set. This year I resolve to worry less and laugh more. This year I resolve to hug my clients and make new friends. This year I resolve to tell Devin everyday what an amazing man he is.

The following images are from my favourite event of 2009; my trip to visit my friends in Mississippi.

Cheers to 2010,

Dani

1 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Christian Burge:

I too had a hard year last year but I agree 2010 will be better...u r an amazing friend and I cannot tell u how much it meant to me or how much I needed a friend when u came for a visit...u r my hero both professional and personal...I wanna be like u when I grow up!!! Thank u for these fantabulous pictures!!!!

(01.04.10 @ 10:47 AM)

Chugging Away

November 21, 2009 // family / personal / photography / business

"I think I can, I think I can"; I keep repeating the phrase as I work to pull my business train over what feels like a giant mountain. Since opening our studio in May I have been overwhelmed by the workload I've taken on. I love that I have a job that I'm passionate about, but I think I've learned, perhaps the hard way, just how much I'm capable of.

The good news is that I'm done with any new sessions until the New Year and that means I should be all caught up and have some time to relax and celebrate by the time Christmas arrives. I'm also pretty sure my New Years resolution will have something to do with balance and staying caught up.

My blog has been somewhat neglected and will probably remain that way until after Christmas. But for now here are a few images from a recent Mother / Daughters session. This is the first of this type of session I've done and I was doubly nervous because the Mom in this family is a photographer herself. We had a blast though and I'm sure her teenage girls are still making fun of some of the foolish things I say!

Cheers,

Dani

2 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Mickey:

We had a great time (even though the girls say they FROZE) they were sure excited to see their pics! They are going to look FANTASTIC hanging up in the store!

(11.23.09 @ 07:39 AM)

Mickey:

AWWW... i just seen the rest! I just cried a little!

(11.24.09 @ 06:57 PM)

Can't Wait to get back...

October 28, 2009 // boudoir / personal

back from Mississippi to share everything I've been up to lately...

back to normal. I've been so busy and overwhelmed with the incredible success of the studio...

back to business. I'm excited for a little holiday, but excited to get back and photograph soem brand spankin' new babies!

Here's a little taste of what's been keeping me busy this last little while;

Can't wait to share more!

Cheers,

Dani

0 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

The Embodiment Of Graciousness

October 23, 2009 // personal

Kind, compassionate, warm, charming, indulgent, graceful, and with good taste. She is all of these. Lorna has a way of significantly impacting people with little effort, with empathy and connectedness, making everyone feel as though they are her valued friend. My friend Lorna has lost her battle with cancer, but her graciousness lives on through those she's touched.

Lorna, you are dearly missed.

0 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

But Baby It's Cold Outside

September 27, 2009 // personal

Every year I play this little game, a contest against mother nature. I see how long I can go without turning on the heat in my house. It started as an environmental thing, you know, thought I could save some energy by putting on a sweater. Now it has escalated to something not entirely sane.

Our warm September had me believing I might break my record this year, a record currently sitting at October 16th. But today, I'm sitting in my freezing cold house thinking maybe I should see someone about this obsession. Surely it can't be healthy.

Try to think warm thoughts. This image makes me warm and fuzzy;

What are you doing to stay warm?

Dani

2 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Nicole Mercereau:

Awesome picture - can't wait to see more!!!

(09.27.09 @ 09:39 PM)

nora vedress:

great photo!

(10.06.09 @ 11:48 PM)

They Grow Too Fast

September 12, 2009 // family / personal

Dani

1 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Sabrina Parenteau:

Absolutely Wonderful! Wow where did you ever find these gorgeous ladies!!! :)

(09.13.09 @ 10:26 AM)

Inspiration & Execution

September 11, 2009 // personal / photography / business

You don't have to look far to be inspired. This morning, driving down highway 2, I was overcome with emotion by the beauty of where I live. It was the way the light shone through a light dusting of clouds and settled among the rolling hills of a quaint little farm complete with red barn. Chills went up and down my spine and my eyes welled. I just wanted to pull over and make beautiful images, but I didn't.

Too often I'm inspired and let that inspiration fade. Sure I can go back to whatever it was that inspired me, but will the scene be as crisp, the emotion as intense? What is that inspiration worth if I don't act on it?

So today when I got to the studio I pulled out my inspiration file and started planning. Here's todays story board and I have scheduled a time to put it all together in my own way. Be sure to check back for the images...

Happy Friday!

Dani

1 Comments Add a Comment Send To Friend

Nicole Derendorf:

You are an inspiration Dani! I so wish we could have you take our photos! We'll be home for Christmas 2010, maybe we can do it then....at the farm!

(09.11.09 @ 06:09 PM)