Comfortably Numb – Tackling Whistlers Epic XC Trail

Posted on August 1, 2015August 3, 2015 by cecile

Designated as an epic mountain bike trail by IMBA ‘Comfortably Numb’ leaves you just that the next day. I suppose for some the title may mean differently but for me, and my buddies, it’s fair to say that our legs were comfortably numb for a few hours afterwards.

You can find the trail head slightly north of Whistler Village on Highway 99. A big green sign tells you that this is a black diamond run with an accumulated elevation gain of 809 metres and is 24 km long. The last 13 km of which are downhill with steep, sketchy drops.

Keeping in line with this summer’s unreal temperatures it was a hot, dry day with picturesque blue bird skies. Lucky for us, more than half the trail is under the deep forest canopy keeping the burning sun off our shoulders. The forest was dry from the season’s unusually long draught and mild snow-less winter. Amazingly, much of the moss covered trail held on to its vibrant green. Poplar trees however were prematurely losing their leaves reminding us of a typical early autumn ride back east in Ontario as bits of yellow and brown crunched under the tires.

Those thoughts quickly vanished as we turned a corner and the trail opened to reveal our first look at a snow capped mountain. And the climbing kept coming twisting and snaking its way upwards along a well defined beaten path that has surely seen many riders over the years. Definitely not Ontario.

Neil MacKinnon riding one of the many bridges found along the uphill portion of the trail. Neil was sweet enough to ride the trail up and down for me and my camera. Thanks Bud!!

Clement Hobbs carefully navigating a loose, rocky section.

© Cecile Gambin Photography — Yay! I made it into my blog. Thanks Clement for the photo 🙂

The downhill portion started roughly 2 km after the view point. With no water left, sore legs and diminishing strength I put the camera away and concentrated on the loose, rocky crops and safely picked my way down the 13 km to Lost Lake.

With photo ops, snack and lunch break we successfully completed the ride in just over 7.5 hours. I loved the fact that both Clement and Neil did not object to me wanting to take photos and stop again for yet more photos. It makes for a longer day but at least we will have good memories. Our steeds for the day included two IBIS Mojo’s and one NORCO Range. All bikes ran beautifully and allowed us to ride with pleasure.

Thanks Clement and Neil for an amazing day. Maybe one day I’ll be back to tackle Comfortably Numb again but next time I think I’ll leave my big, heavy DSLR at home.

Hurray! My New Site is Live

Posted on May 11, 2015May 11, 2015 by cecile

Welcome to my redesigned site!

To better reflect my photography my web designer Karen Cowl of Stripe Graphics Ltd. and ‘behind-the-scenes’ super code guy Calvin Lim of Blue Comet Solutions came up with a clean, modern design that is both simple to use and navigate. Plus, it’s mobile friendly.

My photography over the past few years has changed focus and I needed a website to better communicate that to clients. Take the self-guided tour and let me know what you think by sending me an email using the link found at the bottom of the page(s).

I’ve been busy over the last few weeks and have been holding back posting photos on a few of my recent photo shoots. I’ll be releasing a few over the next few weeks so check back for more. No more hiding…this is the new me and I hope you like it.

Thanks for stopping by and looking. And, don’t forget to find me on Facebook under Cecile Gambin Photography for really up-to-date news!

Cecile

Working Out and Proper Nutrition Pays Off in Front of the Camera

Posted on February 26, 2015September 10, 2015 by cecile

Today I had the pleasure of taking follow up photos for one of my clients who has been working hard at the gym as well as watching her diet over the past few months.

Comparing her photos from before the holidays to this session it’s evident that she is leaner. Congrats on your newly toned body! Work hard…reap the benefits.

My photo set up was similar to the previous session. My thought was to include identical poses so that a comparison could easily be made as well as introduce a few new ones. I kept the lighting identical but used only one backdrop this time around. The idea was to keep the photo simple so that the focus of the image remained on her and her hard work.

Cecile

Real photos for a Real Family

Posted on February 9, 2015September 10, 2015 by cecile

This past long weekend I had the opportunity to work with a wonderful family that is not unlike my own. Where real issues live on and aren’t contained within the walls of the family house. It’s the funny faces kids make, the pouts and temper tantrums, or the loveable smiles when you least expect it. It’s when kids decide to jump instead of sit and be themselves that create priceless photos that I cherish and are to me priceless. Real family issues for real photos – these are the images that will bring back a flood of good or bad memories.

It all started innocently enough with my studio lights frazzling this young girl which was quickly followed by the older brothers decision to yank her poor head back to see what would happen. With two boys and a girl an abundance of energy, curiosity, and excitement flowed through the studio. But it was all good because the expressions and the dynamics came alive and within 20 minutes the smiles, the tears, the frazzled looks, the ‘I’m bored’ and the ‘I want to jump on daddy’ looks give a wealth of emotion to the photos helping parents remember those special times that really weren’t so long ago.

And yes, time does fly by and what better way to capture it through real photos of your real family. Nothing hidden, nothing fake…just raw expression. There are times as a parent when you may be completely frazzled but in 10 years you will look back and laugh and maybe even cry. Your children are silly, fun and honest and parents witness that everyday through the multitude of actions, and facial expressions. Cherish these special moments.

Lifestyle Portrait: Kyle and his TM Racing Motorcycle

Posted on January 27, 2015January 28, 2015 by cecile

Meet Kyle. He rides for TM Racing Barker Bros. and has a host of sponsors lined up for the 2015 BC motocross series. The purpose of the photo shoot was to get Kyle photos for his sponsors.

I met Kyle at the Vancouver Motorcycle Show early Saturday morning and had to set up shop in the aisle. We were able to get in early before the doors opened and had just enough time to move a few things around, get the bike, and set up my lights.

Having been at the show last year and having just seen a photo of the TM Racing booth I knew space was at a premium and I had a lot of background clutter to deal with – some which was moveable and some which wasn’t. I decided to bring one light and a reflector to keep things to a minimum as time was also scarce. But that’s all I needed as I wanted to keep a simple lighting on Kyle to highlight both him, the bike and the sponsors. I already knew that I most likely wasn’t able to fit in the entire bike into the picture.

To our left and very close to us was another booth and to our right were the bathrooms which were brightly lit with early morning employees walking by occasionally. Behind me there was a big Polaris display with a very large ATV right where I needed to stand. This tight space pretty much sabotaged any full bike features I wanted without having to do some heavy photoshopping. As it was, in the set up shot you see below, I was sitting on top of the Polaris – not something I’m sure the distributor wanted me to do and really wasn’t in a comfortable position to shoot.

We got Kyle’s bike in place and moved things around so that they weren’t in the frame. Once I metered and set up my key light I adjusted the fill light to give just a hint of fill. I had wanted to keep Kyle semi lit and have the colours popped in addition to blanking out the background. My choice of lighting apparatus was bang on and I couldn’t be happier with how things turned out.

We had a bit of clothing change once we found the team jerseys that were hiding in a box that we didn’t know about and sourced out a helmet for Kyle which we ‘borrowed’ from the Arai distributor. It was promptly returned 45 minutes later when the doors opened to the public.

Stoked! The look I was after was achieved – colours are popping, there’s a bit of mood in the portrait, the bike and clothing were clean, focus is spot on and sponsors are visible. Mission accomplished!

Good luck Kyle with your 2015 season and I look forward to catching you in action!!

Trials Fun at the 2015 Vancouver Motorcycle Show

Posted on January 27, 2015February 4, 2016 by cecile

Rain, rain go away …

What? Hell no!

The talented riders representing the Canada Trials Pacific Association put on an awesome show despite inclement weather this past Saturday at the 2015 Vancouver Motorcycle Show. Ok…so I might have been the only person enjoying the subtle rain. Thanks to the CPTA for organizing a fun event and for getting the word out that trials riding is fun, and beneficial for riders of all abilities and ages.

Thanks to all the riders, and volunteers who made this show a success. It was great to see you out riding and wish I had brought my bike as well. A huge thank you as well to the riders for letting me in the cage and allowing me to photograph you 🙂

If you live in the BC area the CPTA will be hosting a demo day on March 22. Bring your friends, kids and try a trials bike to see what all the hoopla is about. Guaranteed for some fun and it’ll make you a better rider!

Cecile

From Christmas to Fitness Photo Sessions

Posted on December 22, 2014December 22, 2014 by cecile

It’s been a whirlwind month taking photos of families for the holiday season as well a photo session for a fitness enthusiast entering a contest.

Finally being able to set up my studio after our move across the country last year I am now back in full business and loving it!

Cecile Gambin Photography is a full one stop shop with the ability to shoot indoors or outdoors specialising in action, and portraits for families, individuals and even pets. Whether it’s a day on your mountain bike or motorcycle shredding the gnar or a not-so formal photo of your beautiful family please consider me as your photographer. I encourage you to look at my portfolio for action HERE and for Life Style portraits HERE. And if you like my style please contact me using the contact page on my website.

Here are a few more photos of my recent photo shoots from this month.

Open for Business with Christmas Mini-Photo Sessions

Posted on November 13, 2014November 14, 2014 by cecile

My new studio is open for business and is welcoming new clients over the next few weeks for a Christmas themed mini-photo session.

I am beyond stoked to finally re-establish my photography business after a year’s hiatus. A year has passed since our big move out west and there’s no better time than with the holiday season.

My holiday theme photos can be used on their own or inserted into one of the many holiday templates you can find online to create a unique card for friends and family.

I am working in conjunction with both my sons school’s Christmas fair and am really looking forward to it. I recently set up my portable studio during the school’s Halloween night and had an absolute blast.

Please email me if you would like to book an appointment for your family (pets or people). I would love the opportunity to create a wonderful memory for you!!

Cecile

Halloween: A Photographers Dream

Posted on October 27, 2014October 27, 2014 by cecile

One of my favourite times to take photos is during Halloween season. People are happy, colourful and not afraid to be in front of the camera.

Having a week to prepare for this I decided the best plan was KISS. Not the group and not the action but the acronym that my high school English teacher used to tell us: Keep It Simple Stupid.

My original plan was to set up a couple of flood lights, a few pumpkins and leaves. Then I remembered I had some gel kits for my flashes. Bingo! Change of plan.

I used a combination of 3 flashes, one gelled green and the other two set up in light modifiers (HUGE shout-out to Nelly for lending me your SB-800). Wouldn’t have been able to pull-off this look without it. The lights ran beautifully with only 3 misfires and one round of batteries. Besides my tombstones falling over I was really happy with the simplicity of the scene, it’s clean lines and ability to look ghoulish yet not too scary. Perfect for the wee little monsters that I knew would show up.

What I love most about taking photos at this time of year is how relaxed people are. I think Halloween brings out the kid in us all and people aren’t afraid to let loose, giggle, and just relax in general. It’s a great atmosphere! Plus as mentioned I love the colours and setting the scene for creativity is boundless. I had tons of fun looking at each costume and figuring out the best way to photograph them.

By the end of the evening approximately 30 families and a bunch of wild card teens dropped by. Of course, a large bulk showed up 45 minutes before the end which made for a bit of craziness but that’s how the ball rolls sometimes. Overall, an amazing evening and I love how the photos turned out!! Hope you enjoyed them to 🙂

Horsing Around

Posted on October 22, 2014October 22, 2014 by cecile

Meet Rohan. He’s a five year old with the habits and personality of a teenager who’s cheeky, doesn’t always listen, is cute and knows it.

Today I had the opportunity to take photos of two very beautiful horses. My goal was to familiarize myself with them, figure out which lens to use and where the best photo ops would be before the big shoot.

Those of you that know me know that I have been mainly shooting action shots of motorcycles and mountain bikes over the last few years. I knew I had a lot to learn when I took on this challenge and I can safely say that horses are NOT bikes and behave in a very unpredictable way. As beautiful and majestic as they are they definitely have a mind of their own and that needs to be respected and understood.

My knowledge of horses is limited but I do know not to stand behind one. As such, I opted to use my long lens with Rohan because he has lots of energy and I felt safer working from a distance. Just another reason why I am doing this shoot in stages – to help me become more familiar with these animals.

Now I’m not one to get scared easily but I will admit that my flight versus fight instinct started to kick in when Rohan decided to pick up his speed running faster and faster in the ring. Candice was in the middle which is where I probably should have been but instead I was close to the wall and, thank goodness, close to the door. Seeing, and hearing a 1500+ pound horse run straight towards me at close to full gallop is very impressive…and scary. It was then that I decided that I would not be using my wide angle lens with this guy. I’ve put myself very close to the action many times with roaring bikes and felt safe (knock on wood) but this was different. Bikes don’t think. Horses do.

Candice eventually put Rohan back in his stall and came back out with Laird. The senior of the group and at 15 years old he had a ‘been there, done that’ attitude. What a difference. With Laird I could feel comfortable working with a shorter lens.

He wasn’t expected to show for the camera today so hadn’t cleaned himself up but no matter…he was still quite a stoic horse and with his laid back attitude a treat to work with.

Having said this, I am very much looking forward to working again with both horses in a more formal setting with lights. Rohan will be more of a challenge but this is why I plan on taking my time with this shoot to both familiarise myself and for the horses to figure out that this thing behind a big camera is actually a person and won’t bite at all.