As soon as I heard about this opportunity that was circling around Facebook and Twitter, I had to jump at it. Justin & Mary Marantz are a husband and wife team from the East coast who started up a company called Portrait House. This company does many amazing things for people in need – these two are truly amazing! With that being said, word around the street was that j&m along with Laura Marchbanks were setting up a stylized photoshoot in Vegas, the day before WPPI would being, and that all of the proceeds would go to helping out in Haiti. Having a large soft spot for charities, and having always wanted to photograph a stylized photoshoot – I was in, and I didn’t care what the cost was!

Photographing a stylized photoshoot was absolutely spectacular!!! I plan on getting some tips and tricks from Laura herself, photoshoot producer extraordinaire, to set up some of my own stylized shoots in my area in the next few months. Here are a few teasers from said photoshoot, enjoy!

Location: Las Vegas Country Club
Florist: Thomas Meyer
Decor: Sommers Furniture
Makeup: Megan Mulligan Makeup
Dresses: Couture Bride
Models: Sami & Joey, Megan & Chris, Jennifer, Chantal & Jared, and Amanda & Michael

Thank you all for doing such a fantastic job!

This past year has involved an ample amount of growth, countless memories, many journeys, and an abundance of emotional battles.  At 11:59.59 on December 31st, 2008 I made a promise to myself that the following year would be the most intense year of learning and self sacrifice that I have ever experienced. Part of this new journey involved lots and lots of learning.  Most of my learning was done during my world tour, with Scott Robert, (I will be posting about this soon) but a large amount of it happened at the world’s largest photography conference.

The most amazing photography gathering, aka WPPI! February 2009 was my first WPPI experience. I had, quite honestly, never heard of it until a couple of months before. I had never heard of Jerry Ghionis, Bambi Cantrell, Jim Garner, Matthew Jordan Smith, The Boudoir Divas, (I could go on forever)….I was so new to this industry, that you could probably smell the intimidation that I was emitting from miles away. Not only did I get to meet and hang out with some of the most talented photographers in the world, but I got to listen to many of the speak. I had no idea that this is what being a photographer could be like. I was completely and totally amazed, had gained about 105 new role models, and knew right then and there where I wanted my career path to go. It was so clear in my mind, and still is ingrained in my brain of where I want to go.  Vegas was the true start to my business, my career, my drive, and my personal changes. (I highly recommend that if you are in the photography industry that you attend WPPI 2010 – it’s in March and is going to be fabulous!)

I cannot wait for this year. The line up of speakers is phenomenal, and I am so excited to go to many more parties and meet tons of new people! If you will be there, I would love to connect with you! Fire me an e-mail (info@chantalmilaine.com), twitter or facebook me!

Here’s a picture of Sarah, Lyssa and I & Lyssa, Linda, Ingrid and I at a fun party – WPPI 2009.

After a lot of endless conversations between Tim and I, we decided to move. Well, to be honest, I decided. And if I am being totally honest, the conversations consisted of me talking…

The main reason for my itch to move to a bigger place was 1. to have more space, and 2. to have an office. We were living in a very spacious 2 bedroom condo, but my office was located in our master bedroom – as Tim’s brother had been living with us since relocating to Calgary. As a wedding photographer, with a home based business you spend most of your time in your office (when you aren’t shooting). This was WAY too much time to be spending in the confines of my bedroom. Where you work and where you sleep should be completely separate spaces! So we moved to a house!

Welcome to Chantal Milaine’s office!

I am heading up North tomorrow to do a photo-shoot in Edmonton, and will return Tuesday evening. Don’t worry internet, I won’t forget about you! I won’t be able to blog tomorrow, but I WILL blog twice on Tuesday evening. Thats right TWICE! Watch out world, Chantal Milaine has let her voice speak, good luck getting her to stop talking now!