John Heil Blog » daily_ramblings

something fresh for Friday?

John Heil — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:13:16 +0000

Ok so I’ve been thinking about ways to spice the old blog here and have decided to start posting a bit more non-work related goodies….some of my favorite finds on the internet, yummy food discoveries, amazing photos….anything goes. Those that follow me on Facebook and Twitter know I’m always posting random links of favorite videos and clips that I stumble upon throughout the week, so, why not share them with the blog world right? Don’t worry, I’m not going to bore you with lengthly reviews or epic sized stories that have NO visual content *gasp* included. Its all about photos, music, art, food, culture….whatevs (but mostly music and photos). This week to kick things I’m off posting 2 super rad music videos. These aren’t new songs, but they are playing regularly in my house right now and both tracks have become favorites….. so enjoy!

First up, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, who we just recently seen at the Alberta house during the Olympics-see the previous post for pics of the show! This is the video for the Care For You, one of my favorite tracks. I love MBF!

Next up, another one from last year, but super rad, it’s ‘Change’ featuring Wale, by Daniel Merriweather. Love love love this track!!!!! And the videos pretty sweet too. :)

ps: sorry Facebookers, I know you wont see those videos when this entry imports into there…apparently Facebook is behind in the times and cant import an embedded video to my notes. poop.

Vancouver 2010 Olympics…farewell!

John Heil — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:50:26 +0000

Vancouver is officially a changed place.
Wow.
The last 2 weeks have been so unbelievably amazing in this city. I just don’t think words will really explain the effect it has had on our city, the residents and everyone who was here and a part of this wild 2 week long event.
I gotta say, I had no idea what was coming.
None.
It was two weeks of complete, untapped pride and unity. I really did not realize how the spirit of sport would bring everyone together in such a way that would leave us feeling stronger, happier, more confident and more connected to our country then ever before. I now see how completely naïve I was to believe I would get through the Olympics without really being effected. Don’t ask me why I felt that way-that’s a whole other entry! Let’s just say, the hype and politics around it had me a bit turned off, but I can clearly see now that I wasn’t looking at the grand picture.
It has done so much for us. On so many levels. I’ve never in my life seen patriotism like I have in the last 2 weeks. Actually, I seen a lot in the last weeks that I never thought I’d see. Lol But it’s been amazing. Sure, now that it’s all over, things will settle and people will get back to their regular lives, patriotic fever will calm and the financial burden it has left will become the hot topic amongst many, but, I really believe it has all been worth it. We all have a signifigantly stronger sense of pride for our country, our city, and most importantly, the amazing athletes. It brought with it this shared sense of comraderary and left us soaked with pride for Canada…something I never ever imagined. It’s been pretty amazing watching our city go through this insanely huge event and I am so so glad to have been a part of it.
I’ve been working like crazy lately and actually worked through the entire Olympic stretch, so I didnt actually get to see all the events and venues that I would have like to.. I’m also not a big fan of line-ups and they were insanely long everywhere!! lol But, what I did experience, was nothing short of amazing…
I zip-lined across downtown Vancouver. When will I ever get to do that again?
I saw amazing artists perform live shows all for FREE
I saw beautiful and unique art installations everywhere
I witnessed a mesmerizing light show in the sky every single night (which I could control MYSELF from the internet-crazy!)
I listened to people from around the world walk down the streets of Vancouver saying the most wonderful things about our city
I saw people wearing Canadian memorabilia in ways I didn’t think possible
I experienced some pretty crazy adrenaline and emotion over watching athletes perform
I laughed with complete strangers
I bonded with complete strangers
I felt….a lot.

Thank you for bringing out an emotional side of me that I did not know the spirit of sport could do. I really had no idea.

I’ll finish with this super cool clip of the sound of Vancouver erupting when we won hockey gold on the final day of the Olympics….the sound of the proudest city in the world at that one moment in time. Hearing this gave me chills all over and made me so damn proud and happy that I was a part of it.
I’ve probably watched it 20 times because it immediately takes me back to that rush we all felt….it was really an unbelievable feeling. The video ends at 3 minutes, but this sound went on for almost a day in Vancouver. It was amazing!
Skip to 1:20 to hear when Canada wins gold!

ok here’s a few random shots too!

Yes, we are in full spring mode here with Cherry Blossoms, Tulips and Daffodils blooming everywhere!!

The MBF Show at Alberta House was amazing! So glad to finally see him live and meet him too.

Walking down Granville one night we stumbled across a mad crowd of people and noticed Michael Buble giving an interview!

New Website = Promotion Time!

John Heil — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:38:22 +0000

Today I finally launch a new website for John Heil Photography! The old site needed some freshening and streamlining so I’ve spent the last few days making some minor changes and updates. Ok, it started out minor and ended up as a complete re-vamp. Some pages are still under construction, so bare with me while I finish those up – I couldn’t wait to launch it! As a promotion to celebrate the new site, I’m offering an awesome new booking bonus to all new wedding clients! Every couple who books a wedding with John Heil Photography before March 15th, will get a bonus custom designed guestbook included in their package! These are a HUGE seller in my business and always a big hit at weddings. I adore these books! I love designing them to match each clients personal wedding theme and then watching the guests ooh and ahh over them at weddings! Always a big conversation piece. So, if you’ve been thinking about booking, get in touch to take advantage of this promotion! I’m about %75 booked for the 2010 so dates are slimming out – get in touch soon!

As a side note, I’ve had some amazing reviews from my clients this week on my Wedding Wire Page and I want to again thank everyone one of you who’s left me such great feedback. You seriously ROCK and I feel so incredibly lucky to have such awesome clients. THANK YOU

Now go…check out the new site!

Congratulations Teresa and Iain!

John Heil — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 08:35:58 +0000

I always get so excited for my clients when I find out they are expecting their first baby. I shot some portaits of Teresa and Iain back in late 2009 and today I found out they are expecting! So awesome. What makes it even more awesome? They actually found out about the pregnancy just an hour before we did our shoot! They managed to keep it under wrap, but they were clearly glowing through the entire session. Silly me just thought it was luck of the draw to work another couple that was SOOO sweet and loving to each other. Well, I guess they were a bit extra lovey that morning for good reason! It was soooo awesome to work with these 2 and I’m super happy for them. Can’t wait to meet the little one! Again, a huge congratulations to Teresa and Iain!

Teresa & Iain from John Heil on Vimeo.

A visit with baby Mason and family

John Heil — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:12:30 +0000

Yesterday we had a great little visit with our friends Monique & Donnie and their new son, Mason. I did a fun newborn shoot with Mason over Christmas but haven’t seen him since then. He has grown so much in just a month! It was Kristopher’s first time meeting Mason and much to all our surprise, he is a total natural at the father thing!! Mason loved him! Kris did it all too….fed him, held him, burped him, rocked him to sleep, and little Mason just loved sucked it all up without a complaint. He is such a peach! and so darn adorable…..you could stare at his huge blue eyes forever – so cute!! Of course I brought my camera with me for the visit, so here’s some shots…

97 Cans For Comments – Thank You!

John Heil — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:48:09 +0000

Sending out a HUGE thank you to everyone who helped me reach and surpass my goal for Cans For Comments this year! My total for this year is 97 cans and I’m so stoked to hand it all off to the Vancouver Food Bank today. Every little bit counts and knowing how much of an impact this initiative has had since it started last year (started by Chris+Lynn), makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. All the best to everyone in 2010!

2010 Wedding Season-3/4 Full

John Heil — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:33:42 +0000

Only 4 more sleeps to 2010. Can you believe that? Wow! It still blows my mind how quickly this year flew by. I feel so lucky to have had an amazing 2009 and am so thankfull to all my amazing clients, friends and colleagues.

I just wanted to let y’all know that I’m about %75 booked for the 2010 wedding season at this point so if your thinking of booking me for your wedding, get in touch quickly! 2010 has definitely booked much faster than last year did, and 2011 is well on it’s way too. I love couples that start the planning process nice and early! Trust me, it makes it sooooooo much easier for you!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and is prepped for an amazing new years!

All the best in 2010!

Happy Holidays!

John Heil — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:29:25 +0000

Just a quick note to wish all of my clients, friends and colleagues a wonderful, warm and joyous holiday!
May the season bring you much love and comfort.
I’m in Calgary for the holidays and it’s VERY cold! I’m missing my mild Vancouver weather but I’ll be ok.
Also, last reminder that my Cans For Comments is STILL on until the 24th and I’m not quite at my goal yet!
PLEASE feel free to comment away…..leave as many as you want!!! I want to help the food bank out with a HUGE donation when I get back to Vancouver!

THANK YOU ALL!!

http://www.johnheilblog.com

Christmas Tree 2009

John Heil — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 07:19:55 +0000

Yay – we set up our tree this weekend and I just love it! Decided to go with a smaller tree this year and I’m glad we did so – It’s just perfect for our place!

Hope everyone’s holiday season is off to a wonderful start!

Holiday Cards

John Heil — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:44:11 +0000

Just a reminder that Holiday Cards cut off is Dec 5th 2009! Please let me know if your interested in ordering some custom cards for the holidays. These are a such a great way to send some thing unique to your family and friends this season. Here’s just a few of the many sample designs you can select from. To see some more in person, get in touch to set up a studio consult!