Lethbridge Weddings & Portrait Photography by Tanya Plonka

Cass and I had discussed this red-themed, alternative pin-up inspired session for quite some time, so when she chopped off all her hair and started dying it crazy colors, we knew the time was right! I had wanted to experiment like crazy with lighting, and aside from a few composite shots where light painting didn’t quite work out consistently from one photo to the next, this was all achieved in camera using such basic things as fabric, a flashlight, a string of Christmas lights, and even a laundry basket… all accomplished in my living room! Cass worked her butt off holding these poses through our longer exposures and I think it was worth all the pain ;)

As with any of my boudoir/pinup, there’s no nudity but it’s still likely NSFW :) (more…)

This year I had the honor of photographing the World AIDS Day event held by the Lethbridge HIV Connection in Galt Gardens. People gathered together to form a human ribbon, illuminated only by candles (such a wonderful idea!). Despite it being a little chilly the turn out was great, and I got to crash the fashion show at the SAAG in my full winter attire, climb through a little trap door, and take the photo from the SAAG’s roof… not your typical Friday night! The wind made the candle-lit ribbon short lived, but it turned out great despite that :) (more…)

When Erika told me that her and Jack were having a garden fairy tale themed wedding, I was so excited. Being such a Disney fan, it pulled on my heartstrings! Every detail they planned turned out beautifully and they had an absolutely perfect wedding. Everyone was so much fun to work with that they made the day just fly by. Erika and Jack were so in love and so great in front of the camera :)

Thanks to the crazy heat during the day, we got to spend some time in the evening taking outdoor photos, and I’m so glad they let me take them away in the dark for a bit :)

DJ: Sounds Unlimited
Cupcakes: Crazy Cakes
Decorator: A Decent Affair
Reception/Ceremony: Coast Hotel
Officiant: Norma Gibbon

(more…)

I was pretty excited when Steven came to me with the idea he had for photos to send to his family overseas – he wanted to do an old style, film noir shoot. I love my job! I had recently picked up some new lighting equipment and this was the perfect time to really put it to the test. Steven was an exceptional model, despite his claims that he didn’t know what to do and felt silly. I guess it makes a difference when you put a suit on someone! (more…)

Alex and Todd had a beautiful, intimate wedding with only their immediate family at the ceremony and then a party for more of their friends and family in the evening. Todd’s grandmother, Vivian, though unable to speak due to illness, was at times the life of the party – grinning wildly, enjoying champagne, and constantly giving her thumbs up when things were wonderful to her. She was such a ham in front of the camera, it was hard to get candid photos of her! The whole day was beautiful and romantic, and there was so much happiness and love among everyone. (more…)

This year I did Lethbridge’s Whoop Up Days a little differently… instead of going on rides and packing along a point and shoot, I brought a tripod and a good camera! I dragged myself out there with the intention to stay just a little past twilight, which would be about two hours; Cam was too sick to go and I was in a grumpy, tired mood all day, so it took a lot of effort to leave the house. Once I got there, I had so much fun taking photos that I stayed for over three hours :) I’ve been wanting to do this for a few years now and glad I finally crossed it off the to-do list.

Sadly they raised the price of individual ride tickets so I opted not to take in a ride, but instead enjoyed a jumbo “elephant ear” as a reward when I was finished, and ate it while watching Prism. Heck yeah! (more…)