Pet Friendly
Spending time with friends, including our best furry friends, is time well spent, especially when we have the opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery found on our beautiful coast.
These shots are from a session I did with a junior high school chum who I just reconnected with on the occasion of his recent wedding and his move back to the island from many years in the Interior.
Ninety Years Young!
Meet Doris, a 90-year young, incredible mother, grandmother and friend to many. I had the pleasure of photographing Doris for her first time professionally in celebration of her 90th year. We had so much fun and she greatly inspired me. Here are a few of the more fun shots that came from our session. I hope I have as much life in me as Doris when I’m 90!
Book Blossoms Into Community Collaboration
Thanks to the Times-Colonist and Victoria News for the excellent coverage this week of the book presentation I made on behalf of Creatively United for the Planet Society.
The book, Stepping Into Nature, captures the spirit of community collaboration, volunteerism and documents how Rockheight’s students became more in touch with nature and the importance of greening their school through photography, video and the arts.
It was wonderful to see my vision come to life and have Rockheights Middle School green their facilities at the same time. In addition to my photographs and writing, the book features a fine inclusion of student work ranging from writing, cartoons and artwork and photos.
A professional video also documents the story and can be found on the Creatively United for the Planet Society website.
Creatively United for the Planet is a registered not-for-profit society best known for staging an annual free community all-ages Earth Week festival in Victoria, BC on the last weekend in April attended by more than 9000 people since 2012 and has teamed up with other organizations like The Robert Bateman Centre to deliver creative environmental education that is publicly and freely accessible.
New Faces in Last Electoral Race
For several terms now I have had the privilege to photograph the council and mayor of both the City of Victoria and Township of Esquimalt (and Saanich in the New Year).
It’s a real joy to witness the excitement that comes with the addition of new faces and the respective energy brought to the position.
Jewels of Ireland
Looking for a fabulous trip to Ireland?
Don’t have a travel partner and/or want to travel in style with girlfriends?
I’ve had the good fortune to host international tours for Niche Travel and this trip, like everything else CEO Cathy Scott puts together, will be amazing!
This truly is the ideal way to enjoy the company of other women and experience first-class service and adventure.
Our small group size (12 max) ensures excellent service and flexibility as we are ushered around with competent, knowledgeable guides and our very own vehicle/bus.
Click here to read the full details (PDF download)
Giving Tuesday
I’m proud to be a part of Art Starts and commend their support of Giving Tuesday.
In the kick-off leading up to this December 2nd movement, I’m delighted to be one of the artists featured.
Creatively United Rockheights School Project
It’s so gratifying to see the vision of working with students in nature come to fruition with the compilation of this book. The complete story will be released in early January with a media launch. If you would like to receive my monthly newsletter via Creatively United please be sure to opt in here.
Click here to see the whole book (if you are on an older computer, right click and select Save As).
Suzuki Blue Dot Tour
Although seriously jet-lagged after four flights and numerous time zones I couldn’t resist the opportunity to photograph David Suzuki’s Blue Dot Tour upon my return from hosting a trip to India.
This incredible evening featured a wide variety of entertainment and speakers, including singer/spoken word artist Kinnie Starr, Shane Koyzcan, Scrap Arts Music and Suzuki’s children and grandchildren who shared inspirational stories about how big changes can start with individuals.
Incredible India!
Thanks to Cathy Scott at Niche Woman’s Tours for the honour to host a fabulous travel adventure to India. This is a trip beyond compare! At every blink of the eye there was a National Geographic moment in front of us and the stimulation of the colour, sounds, people, food and scenery was incredible…it was like witnessing the most sumptuous movie frame-by-frame without wanting to miss a moment.
We rode elephants, camels, experienced a Bengal Tiger in the wild not more than 12 feet from us and saw a country that is filled with colour, intrigue, art, architecture, beautiful people, food and moments that will leave lasting memories.
Here are just a few of the thousands of images that I took with many more to come. Stay tuned.
Election Time
You have one chance to make a good first impression so being entrusted with ensuring a person’s best image is put forth to the public is an honour.
Here are but a few of the newest photos I’ve taken that the public will soon see more of!
Photos to Help
It’s always a pleasure to be invited to hang my images in public places and private offices.
Lisa Helps captured me putting up my photographs at her new 843 Fort St. campaign office. It’s rare for me to be on the other side of the camera!
If you are interested in hosting a display of my images, do let me know.
Arts Festival
Thank you to everyone who dropped by to say HI and visit my photography display at the Esquimalt Arts Festival this past Sunday in Gorge Park, including Mayor Barbara Desjardin and councillors Lynda Hundleby, Meagan Brame, Bob McKie and Tim Morrison.
It was a scorching day and perfect for the Gorge Swim Fest which was held simultaneously. I was grateful to be located in the shade of a glorious willow tree and commend all the volunteers and organizers of the event, including Morlene Tomlinson and Louise Ryan.
Family Fun in the Sun
With the great weather upon us, now is the time for a fabulous outdoor family portrait. Here is one example of a family portrait session I recently did at a nearby beach and in my studio. I love capturing special moments, relationships and telling stories with the photos I create.
It seems most people think of doing these kinds of sessions closer to Christmas when the weather just isn’t as conducive to shorts and t-shirts. So, if you are considering updating or having a family portrait, now is a great time!
Local Company Goes Global
Congratulations to DeeBee’s Organic TeaPops for their continued success!
Nice to see the image I took of Dionne and her family showing up in publications every where announcing their phenomenal global popularity!
Check out the article here and be sure to support this local company making yummy, healthy treats.
In Good Company
What an honour stand on the steps of the Legislative Buildings in my beautiful home city with the likes of The Honourable Elizabeth May, Green Party MP; Victoria City councillor and business woman extraordinaire Shellie Gudgeon; Port Angeles USA Deputy Mayor Patrick Downie; 5x Tedx speaker/new economy leader Donna Morton;
Butch Dick of the Songhees First Nations and in the company of runners gathered from all over the world, to receive the prestigious, international 2014 Sri Chinmoy Torch Bearer Award at the Sri-Chinmoy Oneness-Home Peace Run.
The Peace Run, now in its 27th year is the longest torch relay in the world and takes place in more than 100 countries on six continents. The Canadian run starts in Victoria as part of a 10,000 mile journey across North America in the spirit of peace and harmony. It does not seek to raise money or promote any political or religious cause, but is about spreading goodwill among people of all nations.
I’m grateful to Narmada Trausz, Vancouver Island Peace Run Coordinator, to have been nominated to receive this year’s Torch Award and was equally delighted to be in the company of fellow award recipient Donna Morton, and also accept a Torch Award on behalf of Nigel Seale (Founder of Earth Day Canada) and deliver his acceptance speech.
July 5th Photography Workshops
Sold Out!
July 5th: 1-3 Beginner Photography Workshop
This workshop offers beginners the opportunity to learn more about the many features cameras offer. If you already have a camera but haven’t taken the time to learn it, or are considering purchasing a new one, this will help you understand and get to know more about today’s cameras. This will cover the basics to get you taking more creative images than you imagined. $89 per person
4-6 pm: Nature Walk and Composition Workshop
Enjoy an outdoor experience that will tune your eye into seeing the world in a more creative way. No experience required. All types of cameras welcome, including Smartphones. This workshop will bring out your creative genie and help you see beyond the obvious. $89 per person. Please wear walking shoes and be prepared to be outdoors. Register for both workshops at the special price of: $165 Location details will be emailed to paid registrants.
Click here to reserve your spot!
For more information please email info@franceslitman.com or call 250-383-0206
Mutual Admiration
Always The School Teacher
I recently had the great pleasure to attend a lovely forest walk at Royal Roads University led by Robert Bateman, one of my conservation heroes, who also happens to be one of the world’s finest artists and a supporter of Creatively United for the Planet.
Always the school teacher, he quickly managed to round everyone up and keep our undivided attention while he shared his latest adventures, sketches and stories, plus shared his vast knowledge of the natural world.
What a gift it is to have someone like Robert Bateman in our community. Some of his past students from more than 40 years ago were even in attendance to say “hello” to their favourite teacher and hear yet another talk by him.
Called To Teach
I’m excited and delighted to announce that I will be presenting Developing Your Eye Beyond the Obvious – An Outdoor Photographic Experience at Royal Roads University.
This May 30-31, 2015 program will focus on:
- Composition and what creates impact and why
- Developing our compassionate and creative eye
- Getting out of our way and going beyond self
- Evolving in our vision and view of what surrounds us
- Developing a sense of photographic intuition
- Letting go of judgement and surrendering our eye to intuition
- Bringing out the creative genie and letting the kid in ourselves play
If you’re interested in learning more or having private or group lessons on a variety of topics, please be sure to email me so I can share details with you on upcoming workshops and classes of interest.
Lightweight with Big Punch
Having travelled extensively, Tofino remains on the top of my list as one of my all-time favourite destinations. Like Italy, you can never take a bad photograph of the stunning scenery that awaits you.
I also had the great pleasure of testing driving a Sony NEX7 camera for a client who just purchased it and wants me to give them a full report on how it functions, pros, cons, etc.
All I can say is that this camera is truly a pleasure to use in every way. I had great fun creating some quick Panoramas and was simply delighted with the ease of handling, results, lightweight feel, in-camera stabilizer, built-in image enhancement software, layout of the menus and aperture and shutter speed buttons.
The only complaint I have is with the placement of the video record button as it is too close to where your thumb naturally rests and is therefore easy to accidentally push when you least expect it. For the price, this camera is tops in my books.
