randomness

I read blogs like multiple times a day ( a little obsessed i know ) I just like to see whats up with other photographers and I feel like its so cool to connect with people so anonymously with a blog. One of the many blogs I follow is Claudia Hung's. I met her through a friend and she is my inspiration as a photographer. She was so kind and helpful to me and made me realize that my dream can come true and gave me such amazing advice on where to start and how to get better.
I was reading her blog just a few minutes ago and read a post she made about Steve Carty - and I love this segment from his interview and just thought id share with all y'all :)

Idea and execution.
Compelling element.
You have to look at photography in order see what’s current and contemporary but at the same time, if you look too much at photography you become influenced by what other people are doing and you become Style of the Month guy.
There’s only one sun – one light.
If you stop getting that excitement when you get an edit or when you shoot, you need to hang up your camera.

ps. becauseee every post is better with a pictuuure here is a painting i did a few weeks ago :)

JAD

dusty old alberta boots ...

thanks to matt for this shot of me :)

For the next two weeks I'm in Lethbridge, Alberta visiting my boyfriend Matt. He goes to school out west and so we have been doing the 'long distance thing' which is hard at times but I think in the end will be really great for us because it allows us the opportunity to really test our relationship and it gives us the chance to be together but still have that independence and the ability to grow individually as well as together.

So finally we get to spend some time together and I'm beyond excited! We have a ski trip planned to Fernie, BC which I'm sooo pumped about because 1. I havn't skied in forevs and 2. were going down a REAL mountain! Hopefully it will go better than my last attempt at winter sports (haha mom -- its a long story Internet, so just take my word that it was not a pretty sight!)

In the meantime here are some shots of Dakota (Matt's puppy) and some randomness of Matt and I.

xoxo
JAD

ice fishing

he's got a biggggie ;)

i felt bad for our bait :(

(If you havn't tried it - you totally should!)

My dad is an avid outdoorsman to say the least, so naturally this has rubbed off a little on us kids. Believe it or not, I love camping and hiking (for a short while lol) and I've been hunting and fishing.

I grew up in the city but I'm so great full that my dad has shared his passion for the outdoors and for wildlife with me and my brothers and sisters because I have had some pretty cool experiences and seen some crazy things because of it.

This past week my dad took me to a lake close to home, we bundled up - found 'the' spot (which my dad says about everyone we move too! lol) and began setting up our hut and got our lines ready ... we sank them to almost the bottom and began the waiting game ...

Well he had 3 to my one fish, but I didn't care ... I just liked spending time with my dad doing something he is so passionate about.

In the absence of all the fish we laughed and talked and had a wonderful afternoon.

Love you Dad :)

JAD

haley - just because

Like I say on my website, just because shoots are soo fun and relaxed! I love them because you get to know your subject(s) a lot and the shots generally are fantastic - really free and candid. Personally I think those shots are really the best because they capture the 'in between'.

In between not kissing and kissing - that moment just before your lips touch, the love that's felt in that second ... In between laughing and then just smiling again - that moment where your soul shines through and all else is lost because your laugh just takes over and lets you be free ... Those in between moments are my favourite because that's where the personality breaks free from the poses and you can really see and capture the soul of your subject.

Here's a few shots of my sister, Haley. This shoot really surprised me in many ways and gave me a glimpse of the person my sister actually is - the part of her she doesn't let shine though often enough. Your beautiful ... smile more :)

-JAD

jackson

When I see anything 'baby' I instantly love it...and I don't mean like babies - I mean anything small and cute and new ... like kittens or baby chicks. buuut what really gets me is puppiies - there's just something about puppies that makes my insides melt. They are SO playful and cuddly and loving. So precious, and I think everyone needs to experience owning a puppy because they really can be your best friend ...

Here's a shot of my best friends new best friend :) jackson
xxx
jAd

Jackfrost

Dear Jackfrost,

Thank you for letting there be snow in these last couple of weeks leading up to Christmas because it reallllly puts me into the spirit, but I would just like to inform you that I DO NOT like this bitter coldness. And furthermore, its nice to be able to wear cute scarves and hats and mittens, but by choice not necessity.

Thanks,
Jenn Austin-Driver

holiday tunes

I love that the beginning of December marks the time when christmas music is heard in every store you walk into and on every radio station you turn on. It makes me feel so happy and gets me into the christmas spirit so fast. I quickly remember the words to the songs that I havn't heard since last year and it amazes me how warm it makes me feel...I know it can get repetitive especially if you work in retail, but embrace it - it only comes once a year :)

JAD

baby bree

My cousin Ashley just had a baby girl last week and she is just the most precious little thing in the whole world ... ( i know, i know everyone says that about a baby they know - but she really is just beautiful)
Congrats, Ashley and Chad ... Here are a few cuties :)

JAD