Pixel2Canvas Canvas of the Month is BACK!

We've revamped our Canvas of the Month promotion a bit - and now it's back in full force!

When you order with Pixel2Canvas, there is a little check box to enter your image in the monthly competition. What's the criteria? Just an image that speaks to us - stands out on its own.

We've also changed up the prize. Instead of just winning $50 off your next canvas order, we're now offering a choice of:

1. Old-school iPod Shuffle - 1gb (yes, you can still buy them!)
2. $50 towards your next canvas order
3. $50 VISA gift card - because in these times, maybe you just need some extra spending $$$.

And just WHO is the winner of the April COTM???

Elizabeth Akenhead, of The Birth and Baby Photographer in Bedford, VA.

Her image, "Jack", was great in composition and emotion - what do you think is going on in that doggie noggin of his?

Thank you SO MUCH Elizabeth - your Shuffle has been ordered and is on the way!

Roxanne

Discovering Italy Workshop Tour with Kenny Kim

Discovering Italy - Workshop Tour with Kenny Kim

September 14-21, 2009 - Tuscany and Umbria

Hey Friends!

Kenny Kim is a GREAT friend, uber-photog, and just all around great guy. He recently came back from Italy with Bob and Dawn Davis, and has some of the most amazing shots I've ever seen. He's going to do a workshop for a few lucky photographers - read on and get your passports ready!

Buon Giorno! I recently had a chance to visit Italy for two weeks. During this time, I was mesmerized and blown away by the numerous treasures that Italy had to offer. It was such an enriching experience and during this time, I kept repeating to myself, “If I could only share with others what I am seeing right now...” This motivated me to finally come up with a workshop of my own. This is not a typical “sit down in a classroom setting” type of workshop. You will be traveling with me to various parts of Italy immersing yourself in their culture and learning about their way of life. Best of all, we get to capture all this with our cameras!

Whether you are an avid professional wedding photographer or someone just starting out in photography that’s interested in learning more, you will fall in love with Italy. If you’ve never been to Italy, this photography workshop is the best way to capture your experience and document lasting memories. If you have already been to Italy before, then I do not need to convince you to go back - except to mention that you get to travel back with a company of folks that share the same passion as you: photography! This trip will not just help you discover Italy - soon you will be discovering yourself in the process. It really is a life changing experience.

This is an all inclusive trip (lodging at hotels, bed & breakfast inns inside medieval cities, 9 meals (breakfast & dinner and a couple of lunches), ground transportation, guided tour by a professional native italian, model shooting, plus more) We purposely left out the lunches so that you can explore and sample some of the local foods on your own or together as a group. You are responsible for airfare from your city to/from Rome (FCO).

More details about the workshop is posted on the workshop website: http://store.kennykim.com/italy/

KENNY KIM LIFESTYLE WEDDINGS

800.539.1294 kennykim.com web: kennykim.com

2009 Grace Ormonde Platinum List 5 Star Vendor *****

http://www.weddingstylemagazine.com/directory/kenny-kim-photography/s_l3399c1872.aspx

*WHAT'S NEW*

BLOG: http://blog.kennykim.com

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kenny-Kim-Lifestyle-Weddings/108246585482

TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/kennykim

*FEATURED IN*

Destination Weddings & Honeymoon Magazines, The Knot, Chicago Social Bride, TV Guide, The RangeFinder & KoreAm Journal

Davis Love Story Workshop - Recap

Last week I had the great fortune to attend a workshop by Bob and Dawn Davis in their hometown of Lemont, IL - not too far from Chicago. It was an intensive, 3-day workshop to help people learn about "capturing the light" - and mastering their flash TTL to make their images SING. Then on the last day, Dawn worked her magic teaching about workflow and how she designs the most beautiful albums - and has for the likes of Oprah, Tyler Perry and Eva Longoria, to name a few.


There were 15 photographers, Kenny Kim (buddy and pal o'mine and photog extraordinnaire) who documented the event, Ed Weiland who is a wicked photog in his own right came along to help coach, Anton Lorimer who did wicked videography, and me - the PA grunt.


The first night, we had a "meet & greet" with a fun high-key, crazy, "shake your wiggles out" kind of session - as you can see, Ed, Dawn and I had NO problems getting silly!

Neither did Bob - Now Walter might have gotten a bit dizzy from being thrown around all over the place...

Here we're taking a bit of a lunch break - even ducks gotta eat!

Some might think that the BIGGER people get, the harder it is to REACH or talk to them - let alone getting them to share the story and recipe of their success. NOT SO with Bob and Dawn. They are hungry to share their knowledge - their passion - and let it infect those with a thirst to learn. They believe that the more you share, the more you get in return. I too was inspired to start working some magic of my own and sharing it with my customers and friends when I returned home. It really does work - when you inspire others, you just want more and more of it!

AND OH MY GOSH - YOU PEOPLE NEVER STOP SHOOTING! Holy cow! Both nights we had to push dinner back about two hours because the busy shutter fingers wouldn't quiet themselves! But with the wicked cool cars, airplanes and models, I certainly couldn't blame them. For LOTS more EXTREMELY COOL photos, please visit their blog at www.lastoriafoto.info.

I had to leave a bit early on the last day to get home to my family. I got to show off our canvases with a beautiful lot taken by Ed Weiland (and that one behind Bob was taken by Kenny Kim). Even before I arrived for the workshop, just spending time on the phone with them I began to sense a fantastic new friendship forming. And now, after spending three fun-filled, HARD WORKING days with them, I know that this is a friendship that will last for a long, long time.

Thank you, Bob and Dawn - for your hospitality, mentoring and friendship. And don't forget to get on the Wii for some Yak Sledding!!! *snerk*

Celebrate Dad - With Father's Day Canvases

Let's face it. Dads are usually harder to buy for than moms. I mean, how many polar bear & golf club ties can one man wear in a lifetime?

I have seen a HUGE increase in dads w/babies and just dads in general in photo shoots - why not offer your clients a truly unique and memorable gift for this Father's Day.

The lovely and talented Tina Parker of My Lil' Creations designed these canvases just for us - you can't find them anywhere else. 

And let me tell you a little about Tina - earlier this year (February to be exact) she had brain surgery to remove a tumor that was pressing on her optic nerve. Now, whether you're a graphic designer or not, that's something that you'd rather not have in your noggin. Tina came through her surgery with flying colors, and is back to designing some of the most gorgeous templates for photographers that you've ever seen! She has templates and papers for cards, books and seniors, from girly grunge to sweet babies & seasonal items. You have GOT to run your little mouse as fast as you can over to My Lil' Creations and see all the digital splendor she has to offer! 

Father's Day #1 - 12x12 or 20x20 Gallery Wrap

Here I wanted something a bit more grungy and contemporary - and again Tina came through. The wording is, "My Dad, My Hero, My Friend." And that's my husband, CB, with our son and our beloved Samson. You can choose a vertical or horizontal image - just tell us in the customer comments when you place your order. Photo Credit: Jenny McMasters Photography, Tustin CA.

Father's Day #2 - 12x12 or 20x20 Gallery Wrap

I wanted something traditional but at the same time new and different - which is exactly what Tina has designed here. The wording says DAD SON FRIEND STRONG FATHER BRAVE UNCLE LOVING BROTHER HERO GRANDFATHER - repeated over and over along the bottom. You can choose a vertical or horizontal image - just tell us in the customer comments when you place your order. Photo Credit: Kathleen Miller Photography, Huntington Beach, CA

These are already up on our site - just order through the Special Products page. you don't need to download the template - just upload the image and we'll do the rest! Be sure to place your order by June 12 to allow for shipping by Father's Day!

Like Food? Check out The Kitchen Klique!

My SIL, Rindy Robberstad, is one of the most dynamic and strongest women I know. January 25, 2007 she was diagosed breast cancer - just like her mother. And she beat it - just like her mother. Now she's a SAHM raising two BEEEEEEEEEEUTIFUL girls, and has created this really cool blog - The Kitchen Klique. Go take a look and leave some love. Hey - I'm sure you'll find lots of yummy stuff on there too - I know I have!

Now HERE' an Enterprising Client!

One of my friends/customers, Julie Walton Shaver of Julie Walton Shaver Photography in New Jersey  - she's known for the "unfamily portrait" - posted this on a forum we both belong to. I thought it was TOO GOOD NOT TO SHARE - so she graciously said yes, and here it is!

...and she just got back from Japan - so after she's done editing her 7,000+ images, I DO EXPECT to print some kickin' cherry blossom pics! *grin*

So - here's her post - enjoy - and take a look at her site!

I have launched a new 5-year program of family lifestyle sessions called The Wonder Years. It's expensive @ (edited out). But SO worth it. You get priority scheduling, varied seasonal sessions, slide show, high res images and a canvas after each session, online ordering, and a coffeetable book at the end of the 5 years. 

I launched the program about a month ago and response from regular clients has been really great, better than I expected!

One client from last summer called saying she had to "sell" her husband on signing up for the plan. She made a powerpoint presentation of snapshots she has taken of the kids, along with posed pictures from Wal-mart and some shots thrown in taken by grandma, etc. Then at the end, she linked to the summer slide show I had done for them, and she added a final slide, fade to black, "THIS is how I want to remember my life with you."

She said she turned to look at her husband and tears were streaming down his face when he said, "Book it."

It's days like this that make it all worth while.

Do you not love it!? 

My First Video! Warning - High Cheese Content!

Curt got me a PINK Flip video recorder for Mother's day. Yep - you're going to be seeing a LOT of my mug on our website and the blog. Just for giggles and to make sure you don't get tired of me, I'll make sure to have guest appearances by friends, photogs (same as friends) and of course, my kids!

Don't worry - I'll get the hang of this pretty quickly. How's about a video that actually has canvas in it? *snerk*

Meet Twitter. Yes, Twitter.

We have some new neighbors two houses up. They have a 10 year old girl and 4 year old boy. My two have had a BLAST getting to know their new friends.

The other day, my two came home, breathless, trying to get out a story about a bird's nest, dead birds, ants, eggs (you get the picture). So off I go to see what all the fuss is about.

Our neighbor girl is holding this little one in a plastic grocery bag. The nest was INSIDE the dryer outflow (nice warm air) but too high for me to reach. SO - the rescue begins.

I take him home, wrapped in my shirt. Mind you, as you can tell by my finger in the picture, he's not that big. I put him in a plastic container with a washcloth, place it on top of a heating pad on low, and Google baby sparrow.

Did you know?

1. Never give them water. They might aspirate it and drown.
2. Cat food is good. Mushy, oogy cat food. They will get their moisture from that.
3. They will eat every 20 minutes. DID YOU GET THAT PART!!!???
4. Oh - and almost every time they eat, they poop. NICE.

So - he made it through the night, we called the local shelters & bird rescues, and took him to a very nice lady who rescues all types of birds. From the sounds coming from her garage when we took little Twitter over, he'll be in good company.

This was my kids' first rescue operation - I'm glad it went well, especially after having to put our precious dog, Samson, down in January. So - yes, it will be scrapbooked (there are already MANY pics - more than I need to share here), and I hope will turn into a fond memory for my younglings, who were happy to "take care of one of God's creatures."

HOLY COW! I WON MOTHER OF THE YEAR!!!

This is my little sister Kelley. She TOTALLY rocks. Not because she nominated me, but because we're, like, TOTAL BFF's (insert valley girl accent here) and I love her! This was at her wedding - and we can thank the wickedly talented team at Ohana Photography in San Diego for their awesomeness! Kimmie and David and everyone - Mahalo Plenty!!!

She nominated me for Mother Of The Year - and I actually WON!!! Click the link below to watch the video... I love you leetleseestermeester!!!!!

Click HERE for the video...then go hug your mamma!!!!

Dogs, Ducks & Drawings

My good friend Susan Braswell of Susan Braswell Photography posted this on her Facebook page, and linked us to it. For those who can't read the text, it says:

"I play with my dog duck". Those infamous ducks are the ones we collect from Rox & CB of Pixel2Canvas. Simba (their dog) loves them, tosses them up and chases them. He drops them at our feet and wants to play fetch. He even knows, when you say DUCK, exactly what to look for."

No, Susan isn't the artist *snerk*. Her sweet daughter Bethany drew it - how FUN is this! Notice the "duck toss" and the route it takes! This is more than refrigerator worthy folks - it's CANVAS WORTHY! Thanks for sharing this Susan!

May Day Thoughts from CB

Ususally, I'm the one doing the posting/blogging, etc. But today I want to share with you some thoughts my husband, CB had.

He posted this on one of the forums we belong to - and sure enough, was quickly getting replies of tear-filled thanks, and of mothers wanting to go hug their children a little tighter. It's not sad, mind you - just a heartfelt tome from my sweet, thoughtful husband.

...and I'm sure tomorrow he'll be back to normal. *snerk*

Hi, for those of you who thought you might read something from Rox...sorry to disappoint...its just me...CB here at P2C. But this is not about canvas...or products or anything. Only a post of reflection and thanks.

So, I looked at the calendar this morning. Its May 1. I'm not quite of the ancient variety as of yet, but I'm not as young as most of you spring chickens around here. I recalled how when I was young, my mother would take us around and we would pick wild flowers and put them in little baskets and take them to the neighbors houses. I think we called them May Baskets...Does anyone remember those?As we get older, go through school, find out that the traditions of May Day may be more closely related to that of the communist workers celebrations and most certainly not politically or ecologically correct since we are picking wild flowers and killing them... But I have such vivid recollections of little green construction paper baskets (really just paper folded and stapled with a loop to hang on the door) filled with dandylions and anything that wasn't 100% green that seemed to grow in the area. But...lest I ramble too much...back to the point.

Things are difficult right now, there is no denying it. The tv and radio blare nonstop about how bad things are and how we need to share the pain. Well, I have decided that as of today, I will no longer share pain. I will no longer share doubts about the future, and I will no longer bow my head to the fears that knock on my door. I think we can all look around and realize that while we may not be able to purchase our kids the latest wii game or console, we can share with them the gift of our time with a visit to a local park. We may not be able to afford the big family vacation this year, but we can pitch a tent in the back yard and grill hot dogs over a fire, a hibacci grill...or whatever is available to burn. We can watch the sunset while our kids sit on our laps or next to us, or run circles around us while they giggle till they cry (parent always know that the giggles and laughing are all precursors to the crying...it just works that way).

I am amazed every day how my kids are soaking up the world like a sponge. I see them learning things, feeling things, and asking questions about concepts that they do not understand. Poverty, Death, War...should six year olds know of these things? I then thought back about my own childhood...Russia had the bomb and we were all gonna die any day. Vietnam was a word heard everyday on the news, not just a place mentioned in a text book or a name on a black granite wall. And yet...somehow...I managed to grow up, more or less healthy, and well adjusted. Heck, my mom didn't even use a car seat... ( i will however mention, that I feel my ability to survive my childhood was likely vastly improved by the fact that my father really liked VOLVO's and did not succumb to the purchase of a Pinto).

So, thinking back, my memories of childhood were not those of impending doom from the evil red devil, the nights when we ate Mac and Cheese or Pasta with Margerine and tomato sauce...They were of running around, playing with my friends, making may baskets on May Day, catching baseballs with my buddies, and putting playing cards on my bike tires with clothes pins to make it sound "cool". I remember my first car, my first job, my first date, my first kiss...But why have I forgotten all those other things?

I know now, as a parent, that while all those other terrible things really did exist... The gas lines and energy shortages, the recessions and out of control interest rates, the war in Vietnam and the schism that created in our country, and the evils of Disco and Early 80's punk rock...Well, for the most part, my parents didn't saddle me with the worry...They answered questions and kept my world spinning just fine. They answered questions while we were on the swings at the park, they gave me no cause for alarm while we sat at the dam with a fishing pole, and they cheered my success when I almost made it to home plate in T-ball. They love me and my sister...the way that they knew how... not perfect...not by a long shot...but I tell you what, they didn't allow me to fear when fear was all around.

So today, with flowers bursting through the ground, and sunshine once again warming the earth, I make a commitment to answer the tough questions, but focus on the joys of life. I will not shrink from the difficult situations, but I will also protect my kids from my own uncertainty.

They carry no responsibility for paying the bills or figuring out what to do next. And while their lives are now Bakugan and Mario Brothers as opposed to GI Joe and Cowboys and Indians, I am committed to providing them with the memories that I hope they will look back on with the same warmth and appreciation that I do of my own childhood. In closing, I want to say thank you to all of you who bring joy and excitment into our lives each day. We laugh with you, cry with you, and revel in your triumphs and commiserate in your less than perfect days. We want to say thank you to each of you who are friends as well as customers, and we hope that your today is filled with wild flowers and little green baskets.

CB over and out