For you...

February 14 is fast approaching...

So this year, how about a gift that is not just from you,
but for you too...
take the time to pamper yourself
and get some amazing photos
to show just how fabulous you are...
Be it your birthday suit or a Chanel suit -
or anything in between - it's totally up to you...

I am offering a special on glam sessions done between now and February 7th.
Session includes 45-60 minutes shooting time at my home studio
30-40 retouched images on CD, One 8x10 and Two 5x7 prints - Session fee $395

Or if you'd prefer to give a gift certificate for a session of cuddles - let me know...

Afternoon Tea

Oslo hovered cautiously a few feet from the silver trays of goodies - trying to decide what to take from the selection of crustless triangular sandwiches and array of cakes and cookies. Outside on the balcony, Henry, the ginger cat with a freckled nose, waited patiently for any donations. Just over the edge, camouflaged in the bay grape tree, were about 75 sparrows. Indigo tossed a mere crumb and the flock descended in a race for the tiny morsel. These are the memories of my childhood too. It is wonderful that this tradition continues and having tea with my sister Sacha, her husband Ben and my neice and nephew is a perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Oslo and Indigo are beautiful balls of energy, so we deemed it wise to run on the beach first so that being still and quiet during tea time would not be total torture. Despite the drizzle and frigid temperatures, I offered to do a few family photos in their winter woolies. Here are a few of my favourites...

The Bennison Family

Kate gave her family a portrait session for Christmas. Four generations gathered in Bermuda for a holiday at the Coral Beach Club.
When I arrived Oliver had hurt his toe and was in a flood of tears and Charlotte fled and hid behind Dorothy's carriage to pout. I was not wearing any make-up that day, but I did not think it was that scary. And with the dark sky, the shoot was not off to a great start. Sometimes though, a truly genuine pout is just wondereful - and I love this first photo - the juxtaposition of the smiley grown-ups and Oliver and Charlotte clearly expressing they were in no mood for this.
Once on the beach they were a little happier, but still not thrilled about the whole keeping still for photos idea. Thank you all for a great shoot - despite the obstacles I think there are some lovely ones...

Me, Myself and my Reflection... oh and a little contest...

Alice was onto something... she spends her days musing over what might be beyond the looking glass, and to her astonishment, she is actually able to pass through and be part of an alternate world. A weird and wonderful place where flowers talk to her and she is part of a chess game. A world where poetry is used as communication and one happens upon an incredible array of characters.
We spend much of our lives looking through windows, in the mirror and at distorted reflections in an infinite number of shiny objects. Though I don't really ponder what might be beyond, I have always been fascinated by the myriad of layered images that reflective surfaces create. While travelling, I found it an interesting way to include myself in my images. Rather than placing the burden on passers-by, I decided that my reflection would make for more interesting portraits. Over the past ten years I have shot hundreds of these - some far more successful and amusing than others, but these multi-layered images have always intrigued me.
I first started shooting self portraits in university 20 years ago. I had been using my friends as models, but after a time they lost their patience so I had no choice. At the end of this post are a few I dug up. They were film obviously - and many of them 3200 so they are pretty grainy...

And a few oldies...

And now the contest...
I'd love to see some of your self portraits. Send a jpeg to me at amanda@amandatemple.com. I'll do a post with a few of my favourites a month from today. The winner will receive a mini session. A portrait of just you here in my garden - in your favourite outfit, holding your favourite object...