and capturing small moments and muted overcast early morning light.

These were but a few of the ideas as I trudged out at 7 AM on a Sunday morning with 8 other photography students, two models and two instructors to the Legislative grounds. With a mild touch of insomnia and perhaps abit of insanity, we ventured for a 4 hour photo shoot for the practical part of our weekend Edmonton work shop.

Led by Yellowknife photographer David Brosha  http://davebrosha.com/about/booking/creative-photography-techniques-edmonton-ab/

These are a few of the images I caught.

Love the simplicity a grass stained foot   or of her hand and white ring 

A bridal pair lounging against the sandstone steps

Or jumping enthusiastically towards the sky

looking up

with dress flairing in sepia

or simple pensive look back lit frame on her hair 

were but a few of the ones I captured...each with a diifferent mood.

The previous day did some indoor shots and used the hat as a prop

I generally do NOT do well with hats but At the Phoenix airport stopped by the PGA golf store, saw this lovely stash and tried on several.

The sales lady said if I chose the white one I could add a cutsey bow to make it more feminine but honestly that is NOT ME.

Choosing a wide brimmed tan suede one, I love it!

This one is sturdy and practical and good for sun in the balance of the summer.

Wandering through Farmer's markets on Saturday morning is a favorite pastime both in Edmonton and Davis, California where I have been for the past weekend.

The only difference the Davis market is totally outdoors

Added antique effect as such markets could easily be 50 years ago as today

Sunny day and live music

Love the signs   For an entry of other signs in town check out http://bonnieupnorth.xanga.com/712864371/signs-of-the-timesit-is-all-in-how-you-read-them/

Older home converted to spa

where I enjoyed a deep tissue massage and brow wax..very friendly staff....Smooth as Silk spa..while waiting offered juice or wine

Here bought myself some home made lavender scented lotion

In light of the recent Royal wedding of William and Kate, there seems to have been a resurgence of popularity of hats, and especially noticeable in this ara at weddings. Being of the Anglican persuasion ( Church of England or Episcopalian for my non-Canadian friends ) I have particularly noticed several varieties at recent weddings and will share some of my shots.

Rose petals in aisle,  and full choir listening to first reading and full communion service  This lady did it without hat pins!

So what is everyone looking at? More than this dapper hat!

The balcony scene like the Royals

Mother of the groom in another full brimmed hat

and finally a close up do and feathery bridal creation.

More wedding shots    are from my Italian neighbour's yard

as they decorated for a son's wedding in mid-June

dandelions, quack grass and perennials! In the garden at 1030 PM is one of the things I love about these early summer days in northern Alberta…. long days outside is totally my passion on days off whether a meal on the front porch or totally grubby with work gloves, clippers and spade.

Edmonton is 3b plant hardiness zone a  warmer pocket in the cooler 3a zone outside the city.

Alberta is very dry and not humid in the summer. I mark my springs by what flowers in bloom so currently tulips done by 2 weeks, bleeding hearts among the first

lilacs in mid bloom, day lilies starting, lovely purple and gold irises startingpeonies just in bud but not open, purple chives  and hostas

The flowering trees went through their cycle very quickly as a very late spring...so did not get any photos of cherry or apple blossoms. My yard is always a balancing act between flower beds with digging dogs. Dug up another patch of ratty lawn...mostly dog holes converting it to planting spots..irises and chair a favorite spot for breakfast if good weather.

Then on the other hand took self and dogs out after a busy work day for a burger

beer or two