So… regarding my Eggplant Parmesan video prior to this post… does the recipe help induce labor?

Let’s just say twelve hours later we were holding the most precious thing in the world: Olivor Michael Wachniak. Weighting in at an astonishing 9.5lbs, this little man stole our hearts before he even got here. Everything went EXACTLY how we wanted it. Homebirth, waterbirth, short labor, healthy mommy and very healthy baby. We cannot thank the ladies at Sage Midwifery enough for their support and helping hands with our baby. They truly went above and beyond and I recommend them to anyone and everyone wants to have a midwife on their side (and believe me, you do!).

Many more pictures to come, once we get some rest. :)

Have a freakishly amazing Saturday everyone!

Michael

Like Daddy, Like Son :)

Hey everyone! I’m just getting ready for my first Vancouver wedding of 2010! I. AM. STOKED!

I can’t wait to show you! Until then, here is a quick frame from last week in Cabo, Mexico!

P.s. Am I the only one that can make an absolutely PERFECT omelette rrrrrrright up until the point where I *think* I can flip it in the frying pan?     Yup… Scrambled eggs instead. Dammit.

Happy Saturday Everyone!

Hey Everyone!

Its been an amazing experience this past week in Vegas at WPPI (Wedding Portrait Photographers International). I am exhausted physically, mentally, and spiritually (we’ll get to that in the next post, but its all good things friends). I am definitely ready to come back home. I cannot wait to hold Grit in my arms, and sing to her pregnant belly. (hee hee)

The week of infinitely long walks through smokey casinos, and cramming as much into your brain from the plethora of classes and tradeshow booths is enough to wear anybody down. The funny thing is: as exhausted as I am, I am so excited and inspired to get working on what I have learned and experienced that I could probably run home from Vegas to Vancouver.

For the moment I leave you with this image of the view from my 27th floor room at MGM Grand (for the record New York, New York shown in the image is by far my favorite looking hotel). The technique used on this image was HDR (High Dynamic Range Imaging) which involves the combination of various images shot at different exposures. I have never really liked the look of this form of imagery, but today I did what I loved to do. I explored. I played and did something different (for me). Please enjoy.

Until next time my friends,

Michael

On Saturday I headed out with my good friends Nick and Deb to Holland Park in Surrey for the Wide Mouth Mason concert. We had an awesome time, this was my 6th time seeing WMM live and they never cease to amaze. I thought I’d share some of my favorite images from the night, hope you like em!

Also be sure to check out the music for yourselves at WideMouthMason.com and also take a look at some of the great charities and causes the guys support. Happy Tuesday everyone!

17 more days until Grit and I find out if we have a son or a daughter.  Just thought I’d put that out there. *smile*

We also woke up this morning at ‘holy-crap-its-early’ o’clock to join the masses and welcome the Olympic Torch into White Rock. Now, because blog posts are more sparkly with pictures, here is one from this morning that I particularly liked.

To continue with tradition, here are my favorite Engagement Session images from 2009! Enjoy.

CANS FOR COMMENTS EXTENDED UNTIL SUNDAY DEC 13th!!
Don’t forget to leave a comment! Every comment until Sunday = One can of food I will donate to the food bank!

I was playing around with a few more images from our Europe trip today, and came across this little beauty. This image is a composite of 6 images stitched together to create one 180 degree panoramic display.

When I look at this image, I can still hear the chatter of people passing by, smell the cappuccino from a nearby cafe, and feel the sun warming my face.

Happy Sunday Everyone!

Last night Grit and I decorated the Christmas tree. I know….its still UBER early… and we were reminded that when I insisted on playing Christmas Music before starting on the tree. If ever there was a proper time for British choir boys to be singing “O Come All Ye Faitful”, November 18th isn’t it….this I promise you.

I thought it would be fun to make a time-lapse ‘production’ of the tree. The best part is, I didn’t realize until I set everything up that I actually need a different remote control in order to DO a time-lapse. Determined, I set the camera on 10second timer and actually ran over to the camera every single time to start each photo!

I’m actually pleased with how it turned out! My video editing skills are getting better (just another thing I enjoy tinkering with in my own time), and I am very pleased with how cheesy the entire thing is. We will have a laugh with this when we’re 85! :)

p.s. and yes I actually drew the mistletoe/holly thing at the end… talented I know. ha!

When Grit and I were in Germany in September I had the opportunity….nay…the PRIVILAGE of partaking in Oktoberfest. It was truly amazing, not to mention *slightly* overwhelming, but I held on with all my might! I actually didn’t know until I got there that there was more to Oktoberfest than just Beer and Dirndl’s. It was a full out carnival! Food, drinks, rides, music….CHAOS!! (note to self: ignorance makes for better surprises!)

And with that…a video. This was an absolute blast! The best part is Grit didn’t want to go on the ride so I went with her friends and they don’t speak English… so ya… made it even MORE interesting!

For the photographers viewing this, yes I did take my 5DmkII on a ride that plummets to the ground in a complete free-fall of DEATH. I also don’t edit video much, so this one is pretty silly….nevertheless it was fun and I wanted to share. Yes it was edited in iMovie and not Final Cut Pro.

Oktoberfest. Video Editing.

There’s a learning curve.

For both. ;)

After a VERY weird day of weather, this gorgeous sunset is how it ended. I saw this while driving around and scrambled to get my camera and head to the beach. I hope you like it!

Happy Friday Everyone!