TC Homes Features
This is one of many features to come for the Times-Colonist. I was invited to be their new Homes Section feature photographer. Watch for more incredible places each Saturday. I am freelancing with the fabulous writer Grania Litwin.
Rain or Shine
One of the joys of having a studio is being able to create the look of summer at the beach even if the weather is cold and blustery. This little cutie was oblivious to the rain that came down on the day of her session.
The Beauty of Collaboration
What a privilege to work with the ever so talented Elizabeth Mincey of the Luna Aveda Salon who created these magnificent hairstyles for these local beauties who carried them off with such finesse. I love collaborating with like-minded individuals!
Croatia Photographic Tour
Here’s what will be not only a FUN but truly picture perfect trip!!! If you haven’t been to Croatia here’s a chance to see one of the most luscious countries in Europe where ancient architecture and the natural beauty of pristine parks meet in a unique blend that’s a delight for the senses. As an added bonus everyone will have the opportunity to learn more about their cameras and elevate their photography to a new level as I will be offering group and one-on-one instruction.
What a great birthday gift!
What a great birthday gift this lovely woman received when she came in for a session that celebrated her at this time in her life. It was wonderful to capture and create images that spoke to her personality and gave me an opportunity to get to know someone who, until our session, had been a complete stranger. I feel so incredibly privileged to meet so many wonderful people this way. More images are featured under my Divinely Feminine portfolio if you feel inclined to have a look.
Global Beauty
I had just finished photographing this lovely woman’s gorgeous family, when she sweetly asked if I could take a few quick shots of her. We had all of 10 minutes before her two young children would loose their remaining patience and here are the results. Oh to be such a natural beauty!
I’ve Got a Friend in You
Moss Street Paint-In 2011
Thank goodness the rain held off for this incredible event! For any one who hasn’t been to the annual Moss Street Paint-In be sure to put it on your calendar for next year as it’s not to be missed! Moss street is closed off to car traffic and hundreds of local artists line the street for it’s entire length displaying their artistry. The incredible variety of talent from both visual artists and musicians was simply outstanding.
It’s extremely difficult to focus on just one artist so instead here are a few snaps from my iPhone that captured a few of the sights along the sidelines..
Creativity Unleashed Workshop
I love the zen that comes from creating. Just walking into a camera or art store can be like a trip overseas for me as my mind escapes to a place of new possibilities. I love sharing in that experience with others and know how intimidating, yet rewarding it can be to explore one’s creativity. In doing so, we can learn how to let go and experience freedom. I’m delighted to offer both photography and creativity workshops to share in this zen.
This July, I was invited to teach one of my favourite courses at the Metchosin International Summer School of the Arts (MISSA) held at the beautiful Pearson College of the Pacific (please see blurb below).
Here some of the participants gather in front of a few of the many pieces they created that weekend. Most people left with five finished works of arts and tons of new ideas for taking their own creativity to new levels. It was FUN for sure and an experience I feel so honoured to have been a part of. I highly recommend checking MISSA out if you haven’t already.
Be the Change Video
As a photographer and artist, I’m deeply inspired by beauty. It exists in everyone and everything and it’s my job as a portrait photographer to bring it out and capture it in my subjects. The same holds true for the environment around us. I’m truly awe-inspired by nature and support the The Land Conservancy (TLC) in protecting and preserving the fragile beauty that we often take for granted.. so, when I was asked to be a part of the BetheChange.bc.ca campaign I was only to happy to say ‘Yes!’ even though I find it odd to be on the other side of the camera.
I stand in good company with such people as Nelly Furtado, Arthur Vickers, Guy Dauncey and many others. Please join me in lending your support to the Land Conservancy at BetheChange.bc.ca
Spring 2011 TLC Newsletter
SWPP/THE SOCIETIES 2011 UK PHOTOGRAPHY CONVENTION
January got off to a fast start with the SWPP/The Societies International 2011 Photography Convention in London, England where I had the good fortune to not only judge their 16×20 print competition with some of the most illustrious names in the photography industry but present two Masterclasses which were well-received by a lovely audience of beginner to intermediate photographers.
Above, photographer to superstars and royalty is John Swannell, who shared highlights of his illustrious career with a large audience and graciously allowed me to enjoy a private conversation with him and the Canadian/US contingency of judges and speakers at the awards evening gala. I loved seeing how well-marked my class was with my very own sign courtesy of the host hotel the Novotel.
SWPP Magazine 2011 – All About Weddings
Little did I know that I was published again in Professional Imagemaker Magazine until I was at the convention and saw the magazine with a feature I sent to them some months prior to the SWPP @theSocieties convention sharing what I had been up to with my All About Weddings workshops which they published for all to see. I was so delighted to meet the Editor Mike McNamee in person and many of the familiar faces that appear in the magazine.
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Press And News Photographer Of The Year 2010
“Winner: Frances Litman
A powerful and strong storytelling image, which makes a bold statement. The image also brought a tear to one of the judge’s eye. The use of subtle colours on the medals has given extra interest without detracting from the primary focal point.”
Colin Jones Societies Company Director with Frances Litman
Imagemaker January 2011 Issue
Grateful For This Letter
Having judged at a number of photography conventions both in Canada, the US and abroad, I get to meet some of the most enthusiastic photographers and wonderful people in the industry. It’s always so rewarding to be on a judging panel where the judges are invited and often expected to make educational comments about why they scored a photograph a particular way and have an attendee in the audience feel like it was a valuable learning lesson despite having to possibly face a disappointing score. I often hear people say how much they enjoyed the process but it’s such a treat to receive thank you cards or emails affirming the experience was a good one even if they didn’t enter the competition or did but didn’t score the way they hoped or perhaps did better than expected. It’s all good in any case!
First Feature In Professional Imagemaker Magazine
Getting featured in a magazine is always a thrill and being this was the first time in this European publication I was overjoyed to see this double-page spread of my work in print.
Please click on thumbnail to enlarge:
What’s Been Happening…
MORE THAN $2200 RAISED…Veteran stock photographer Grant Faint pulled together five photo artists, Frances included, in a fundraising event this past Nov. 14th at Dales Gallery in Chinatown. Funds raised went to a school project in Sierra Leone.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE INTERNATIONALLY…Thanks to Victoria’s own Order of Canada recipient and World Partnership Walk organizer Naz Rayani, Frances is now happy to report that she is proud to be a contributor to this very worthy international charity that sees funds directly matched from donors by the Aga Khan Foundation with all money raised going directly to making impactful differences in some of the poorest places in the world. Bill Turner, of the TLC, also highly endorses and supports this charity. Mark your calendar, the next walk will be May 30th 2010.
PRESERVING THE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL…
Frances had the great pleasure to meet some of the key pioneers and top eco friendly folks in Canada at the Sierra Club’s recent 40th anniversary celebration. Pictured from left to right is Ric Careless, founder of the Vancouver Island Sierra Club; Katy Madsen, a Sierra Club member since the 1930’s and an activist for park creation; Frances, a grateful supporter and lover of beauty and the natural world; Allan Drengson, a former UVic Humanities prof, world-class mountaineer and founder of UVic’s Environmental Studies program; and Elizabeth May, Green Party leader and author of such books as Climate Change for Dummies.
2009 SIDNEY FINE ART SHOW…Accepted into this prestigious adjudicated show was Fulang Fantasy (left) and Sacred Words, Stoney Silence, two photo montages created by Frances. Fulang Fantasy combines a collage Frances created with a photograph taken in Victoria’s Chinatown and was sold opening night. (For limited edition framed prints contact www.franceslitman.com) Sacred Words, Stoney Silence is a combination of an image taken at the Vatican with an image taken in Venice.
LAUGHING FOR WORLD PEACE…This past summer, Frances became a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader and led her first classes this August. “Laughter Yoga is a wonderful way to break the ice and connect people while revving up the immune system and making the planet a happier place. I love to laugh and look forward to sharing lots of laughs with others,” Frances says.
FEATURED ON THE COVER AND APPEARING INSIDE OF…
AT THE WORLDS LARGEST PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION/CONVENTION…
Frances not only received special honors for this 2008 wedding image but was welcomed as a guest judge for the Premier category where she joined Jerry Ghionis, Michelle Gauger, Frank Dispensa, Christian LaLonde, Robert Cavalli, Arthur Rainville, Bob Kunesh and members of the WPPI team under the direction of David Williams from Australia. More than 10,000 photographers attended this amazing week-long convention at the MGM in Las Vegas.
BANNER YEAR FOR AWARDS AND RECOGNITION…
2008 was a banner year for awards and recognition for Frances.
Some of her accomplishments in 2008 include: Recognition by the Professional Photographer’s Association of Canada (PPOC) with the awarding of the prestigious Fellowship award/designation in recognition of her on-going achievements as a leader and mentor.
In addition to this award, Frances recently received three of the top trophies from the Professional Photographers Association of British Columbia (PPABC) in the Pictorial and Architecture categories. Earlier in 2008, Frances won Second Place in one of the world’s largest international juried competitions for professional photographers held in Las Vegas.
Her emerging art portfolio has been shown in gallery and adjudicated shows, including the Sidney Fine Art Show where all her pieces sold at the opening reception.
THE LAST CHAPTER…
Seven years ago, Frances discovered an aunt with a larger than life reputation. The details of their meeting and many other interesting stories have just been published in the new book from Seraphim Press titled Simma Holt: Memoirs of a Loose Cannon.
Frances was delighted to meet her aunt, now 86, and learn of her exciting life as a best-selling author, an award-winning daily newspaper journalist, Member of Parliament in the Trudeau cabinet, and winner of the Order of Canada for her humanitarian efforts.
Pictured here are authors Anne Edwards, Simma Holt, Frances and Jim Munro, owner of Munro’s book store.
Simma is also quoted a number of times in the new book by former BC NDP cabinet minister Anne Edwards titled Seeking Balance: Conversations With BC Women in Politics.
FRANCES’ FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY GARNERS TOP AWARDS…
2008 AWARDS WITH WPPI…
2007 AWARDS WITH WPPI…
THIS WAS A FABULOUS GALLERY SHOW THAT FRANCES WAS DELIGHTED TO BE A PART OF…
BOULEVARD MAGAZINE FEATURED FRANCES IN IT’S FALL 2007 EDITION…
GROWING YOUR BUSINESS…In October 2006, Frances not only judged but presented at the annual convention of the Professional Photographers Association of BC to be held at the Laurel Point Inn.
PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER… In May, Frances spoke at the national convention of the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) in Halifax.
What’s Been Happening….
ITALY PHOTO TOUR…In May 2005, Frances led a fabulous two week photo tour to Italy. Blaney’s Travel co-ordinated this sold-out tour that has proven to be such a hit, that others are planned with Frances in the future. Watch for details.
SOLD OUT…Fujifilm awarded Frances it’s Outstanding Achievement Award in the Wedding Category as part of the Fujifilm 2004/2005 Professional Photography Challenge. This coveted award is given to only a handful of professional photographers each year. Frances has been a past recipient of a number of Fujifilm awards in her 15-year career.
MASTERS AWARD PLUS…The Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) recently presented Frances with the First Bar of her Master’s Award for Photographic Excellence.
INTERNATIONAL JUDGE…This year promises to be another busy one for Frances as she has been invited for her fourth term as a judge at the prestigious annual convention of Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) to be held at Bally’s & Paris in Las Vegas in April. “It is such an honour to be on a panel of such esteemed judges and be involved in scoring hundred of entries by professional photographers from around the world, not to mention attending a conference with more than 5,000 people who are all involved in the creative process,” she said.
SOLD OUT…At the invitation of Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI), Frances presented a Master Class at WPPI in 2004.
This sold-out class was part of WPPI’s week-long event which attracted more than 5,000 photographers from around the world. In addition to speaking, Frances was also a member of an exclusive panel of judges who viewed in excess of 1,500 entries and was responsible for the scoring and presentation of the top trophies. “It was absolutely exhiliarating to be in the company of so many great photographers and have the opportunity to be fully immersed in such a wonderfully, creative environment. I was honoured to be invited to participant in such a prestigious event and have a full class too!,” she says.
VANCOUVER SEMINAR…Frances was delighted to speak to members of the Vancouver/Lower Mainland Professional Photographers Association of British Columbia in October 2004. More than 85 people registered for the evening, making it one of the best attended meetings of the year, according to the organizing committee. “Initially I felt a tad nervous about speaking to such a well-informed group of fellow professionals, but their warm welcome and involvement in my program really made it a pleasure, for which I’m grateful,” says Frances. Click here to read the article (pdf format).
THE BEST OF…Children’s Portrait Photography and The Best of Wedding Photography, two new books published by Amherst Media highlight many of Frances’ award-winning images. Frances was the only female Master photographer from Canada featured in the books. She’s in the company of some of North America’s top professionals.
CHARITY CALENDAR GIRLS…When approached to donate her time to a charity calendar in support of the Victoria Women in Need society, Frances immediately said “Yes!”, even though hours would go into the organizing and scheduling of 12 very successful local business women who offered to model. Click here to read the article which appeared in the Times-Colonist Daily Newspaper.
CURRENTLY FEATURED WORLDWIDE…the website of Queensbury Album Company, one of the top album makers in the world, is currently featuring a profile on Frances on its site…visit Queensbury Photographer Profiles.
NEW BOOKS...Not only has Frances been quoted in Katherine Gibson’s new book, Unclutter Your Life, but she is thrilled to have taken the author’s photograph as well as that for the cover of Cool to be Kind, featuring the Random Acts of Kindness team.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER…Frances was thrilled to be a keynote speaker at the 2004 annual Canadian Camera Conference convention. The conference, aptly titled Picture the Islands, was held in Nanaimo and attracted attendees from across Canada, the United States and even Europe. A full-house was in attendance for Frances’ inspirational lecture on Profiting From Your Passion.
BEST OF THE CITY… Frances thanks all the Victoria News readers who nominated her for the fifth consecutive year for Best Portrait Studio & Photographer.
2004 M AWARD FINALIST…Frances was a finalist in the Monday Magazine M Awards for “Most Innovative Photographer” with the winner being Gary Greenspoon for his 3-D work. Congratulations Gary!
BUSINESS AWARD FINALIST…Frances was delighted to be recognized in the Entrepreneurship category at the 2003 Vancouver Island Business Excellence Awards ceremony hosted by the Vancouver Island Business Examiner.
HOT STUFF…Frances certainly had plenty of offers for help when she was chosen to photograph the Victoria Firefighters Flashpoint 2003 calendar.
“It’s amazing how many people wanted to assist me on that photo shoot,” she grins…Could it have something to do with half-naked firemen???? The calendar is in support of the Firefighters Burn Fund charity.
LUNCH WITH IONA…Frances had the good fortune to attend a wonderful luncheon hosted by Lieutenant Governor Iona Campagnolo at Victoria’s Government House to celebrate International Women’s Day.
BEST WEDDING ALBUM…Once a year, the Professional Photographers Association of Canada awards one studio/photographer Wedding Album of the Year. Frances was thrilled to be the recipient of this highly coveted award at the 2002 national convention held in Toronto. Frances attended the prestigious award’s night banquet knowing she was to officially receive her Masters Degree in Photographic Arts and walked away with the top wedding trophy as well.
Earlier in the year, Frances was awarded the Best Wedding Album at the annual convention of the Professional Photographers Association of British Columbia, plus a Fuji Masterpiece Award for her wedding photographs of Corrie Allick and David Delisle’s wedding. As part of this recognition, Fuji published an image from this award-winning album in a fine art portfolio box set.
A full-page spread of Frances’ photographs from Corrie and David’s wedding also appeared in WeddingBells Magazine and Envision Magazine.
PROFESSIONAL JUDGE...Frances adjudicated the Professional Photographers Association of B.C. 2003 annual print competition/salon, where she and a team of eight other judges were responsible for choosing the top trophy winners in the province.
OFF THE PRESS…The front cover of the new gardening book, DeckScaping, published by Storey Books of Massachusetts, features a lovely photograph taken by yours truly in the James Bay area. Not only has the lovely garden of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson appeared on the cover of Deckscaping book, but another image from this garden taken by Frances was featured on the front cover of the Winter 1999 edition of Better Homes & Gardens magazine. (see below)
SPECIAL HONOUR…Frances was recently nominated by television personality Daphne Goode of SHAW cable and award-winning journalist Grania Litwin of the Times-Colonist daily newspaper in the Business/Entrepreneur category for a Women of Distinction Award. Both Grania and Daphne are past Women of Distinction Award recipients and have been “fantastic role-models,” claims Frances.
BEST SELLER… Making Glorious Gifts From Your Garden, published by New York’s Sterling Press, is now available in soft cover denoting its best-selling success. Written by Marie Browning and filled with Frances’ photographs, this book is available in bookstores across North America, Europe and Australia.
ON THE COVER…spring, summer, winter and fall Frances has brought west coast gardens to the international forefront with Better Homes & Gardens Special Interest Publications. Her images graced the front cover and inside pages of Better Homes’ internationally distributed magazines.
“I love working on these assignments, however, lighting and weather can play havoc with a photo shoot. Instead of relaxing in these fabulous gardens, I’m working hard to get the shot before the sun moves, it rains or the wind picks up. There’s always so much to photograph and so little time to do it in keeping within the time and framework of the assignment, especially when the assignment is out-of-town. But I’m always up for the challenge,” she says.
