Recognition: Local Business Woman Named Top CEO

This evening, I was on assignment to capture some action and portrait shots of local business woman Cathy Bennett. The president of Bennett Restaurants and owner-operator of St. John’s area McDonald’s restaurants has been named for a second consecutive year as one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine. Very impressive!

Bennett will be honoured at a gala, and promotional images were required. This is just one of the many services I provide to a variety of corporate clients. The following is a small sampling of images from this evening’s shoot at the offices of Ronald McDonald House NL. Again, congratulations is in order to this successful local business woman!

Cathy Bennett, a multi-tasking business woman. (Copyright: Jennifer Barnable Photography 2011)

Labrador: The Big Land

There’s a reason why they call Labrador “the Big Land” — but it’s something you need to see for yourself.  Here’s a collage of some photos taken in Happy Valley and Northwest River this past week when I was in Labrador on business.

Winter's Breath. (C) Jennifer Barnable Photography 2011

Tracks from land to ice, across the barrens. Labrador 2011 (Copyright J Barnable)

Tipi woodstack, Lake Melville, Labrador (Copyright J Barnable)

Charred remainder of forest fire in Goose River, Labrador (Copyright J Barnable)

Some scenes en route to Natuashish from Goose Bay, Labrador (Copyright J Barnable)

Colours of Labrador: green, white and blue old cottage on the river (Copyright J Barnable)

Rarely do I have photos of myself at work, but thanks to travelling companion Sarah McHugh, I now do:

Jennifer sizing up a shot (photo courtesy of S McHugh)

Jennifer doing a drive by birch shooting (photo courtesy of S McHugh)

Copyright J Barnable

Redesigned stop sign in Shestashiu, Labrador (Copyright J Barnable)

Traditional canoes near the Hudabn Bay Trading Company outpost, Northwest River, Labrador (Copyright J Barnable)

Skidoo passes group of local ice fishers. It was -30 degrees Celsius, not including the windchill factor. Brr!

A snowmobile and komatik head across the frozen lake. Mealy Mountains in the background.

Hudson Bay Co outpost (Copyright J Barnable)

(Copyright J Barnable)

Portraits Tell a Story

Portraiture of all types is my specialty! (C) Jennifer Barnable Photography 2010-2011

When was the last time you had a portrait taken? One that you really loved? The art of portraiture is to capture a person and tell a story. I much prefer black and white for the full effect of a portrait.

This Spring, I’m offering a Portrait Special for those looking for updated, sharp shots — whether it’s for a fun modelling shoot or for business headshot purposes. E-mail jbarnable @ gmail.com for rates or visit my website www.jenniferbarnable.com for more details.

Irish Eyes are Smiling

My dear friend, Liana, who I met over a decade ago in Ireland, is coming to visit Newfoundland in September this year! This is the best “lucky” news I’ve had in ages!

Over the years, I’ve visited Ireland three times, and this will be her second visit to see me. We always have a great time, whether it’s Christmas in Dublin or summertime in St. John’s.

I took this photo of her when she modelled for me on her last trip. Isn’t she lovely? She’s one of my closest friends, even across the miles. I cannot wait to pick her up at the airport in September!

Liana's eyes are all a-shimmer as the Dubliner modelled for me. (Copyright: Jennifer Barnable 2009-2011)

At the Temple

This “fat buddha” was found along the way during my travels in Asia.  On the trip, my Chinese-Thai  friend explained that this statue is actually called “Bodai” — not to be confused with Buddha. Nicknamed the Laughing Buddha, he is a pre-Buddhist god adopted by the Buddhists when they moved into China. Despite being a poor soul with no possessions, he represents contenment and is almost always shown smiling or laughing.

In Chinese folklore, the common belief is that rubbing his belly brings you wealth, good luck and prosperity. I didn’t rub him. I just respectfully admired him and the people visiting him.

A statue of Buddha is adorned with golden leaf and beads at a Chinese temple. (Copyright: Jennifer Barnable Photography 2007-2010)

I’m adding here another beautiful statue photographed at this Chinese temple. I believe it is the Buddhist goddess, Quan Yin. Regarded by the Chinese as the goddess of mercy, she is immortal. Her name that means “One Who Sees and Hears the Cry from the Human World.” Believed to be the Mother of Compassion, she has an incrdible array of colourful offerings on her temple, and beads strung over her praying hands.

Buddhist Goddess, Quan Yin, sits silently at the temple. (C) Jennifer Barnable Photography 2007-2010

“No one saves us but ourselves.
No one can and no one may.
We ourselves must walk the path.”
~Buddha

Tell Your Story

I’m currently working on several custom hardcover coffee table books for some clients. Nothing tells the story of an event like a high-quality, personalized pictorial book.

Coffee table books also make a one-of-a-kind gift for someone in your life who appreciates photography and art.

I’m also doing some artsy coffee table books of my own, for fun. Winter months are ideal for being creative, I find. I get loads of inspiration from DIY publication sites and etsy, like this cool example:

If you’d like to book a photo shoot for family portraits or a special event (family reunion, wedding, birthday, etc), drop me a line at info@jenniferbarnable.com and we can talk about creating your own hardcover book to display in your home. I can even design books from your photos you’ve taken while on vacation, to create a classy souvenir to show off to friends and family.

International Women’s Day

In honour of the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, I’m featuring a photography of my grandmother, Bridget Walsh (otherwise known as “Nanny Bridgie”).

Aside from being my only remaining grandparent, Nanny Bridgie is an excellent example of a wonderful, worthy woman on this important day.

She will be turning 90 years old this summer and her story is an incredible one. I am hoping to write about her more in-depth one of these days. The things she has survived and seen in her lifetime, and the grace and dignity (and humour) she managed to do it with simply amazes the other women in our family.

I’m thankful for all my women friends and family members, but today, I’d like to commemorate Bridget. An indomnitable spirit and woman I can only hope to be like in some small measure.

Bridget Walsh of Calvert, Newfoundland in her home in Corner Brook, NL. Hands that have toiled, a face that still smiles and a story worthy of telling. What a woman!