Kelly & Isaac Wedding

Here are some pics of a wedding i shot in the fall of 2012. I know its taken me awhile to post them on this blog but I really have been extremely busy what with travelling, photo shoots and weddings et al..

The bride told me she really wanted to capture the essence of fall in her wedding pics and I think I really did accomplish that. These are obviously just a few of the photos from the big day but I think you can see the beauty of the fall comes through quite nicely.

As far as the day itself the weather didn't co-operate at all as it was raining off and and and quite cold and windy (a typical fall day) and we really had to work around the conditions with the limited time allotted. At the end though, the happy couple were quite delighted by the end results and that is all that really matters.

Christine & Jason wedding

It's been awhile since I last posted as I've been extremely busy, what with weddings, engagement shoots, travelling and of course doing the post production on the thousands of images created. That really isn't an excuse though as it doesn't actually take much time to put today a short post on my blog.

I just finished the post production for a wedding I shot in November for two wonderful newlyweds: Christine and Jason. I was really thrilled with the way the pictures turned out as in addition to the lovely couple the location they chose for their nuptials was the beautiful Scottish Rite building in Hamilton, Ontario.  The first time I have had the pleasure of shooting in this spectacular location. To fully complement the outstanding atmosphere the groom and his groomsman were attired in traditional Scottish garb.

I have included just a small portion of the images I shot and the couple were thrilled when I showed them the pics.

A special thanks to my second shooter Ray Lachman, a great job and your pics perfectly complemented mine.

For readers of this blog, your comments would be greatly appreciated.

New Portfolio Site

After years of procrastinating I finally have my portfolio online at its own domain and it is a very simple one to remember as it's just my name. Check out my new site at: www.alopalchuk.com.

You'll find photos in different categories but I have put a special emphasis in the travel category as that is really what I have been concentrating on in the last few years. I hope you enjoy it and your feedback is always appreciated.

There is also a contact address as prints in various sizes are available.

Wedding Field Trip

On Saturday Mar 3, 2012 I participated in a field trip with Sheridan College for a wedding photography course I am completeing. The images included with this post are 5 images that I myself particularly like.

The weather on this day wasn't very cooperative as we had hurricane like winds that for the most part completely disrupted our previously arranged plans. The only thing that went as planned was the bridal preparations at the Bronte Road Holiday Inn.

It was a little cramped however as there were approximately 30 people (photographer's and models) crammed into two suites trying to either take photos or get dressed. Personally I like the three images above that I captured from this portion of the trip.

The first image of the beautiful ring girl Anna speaks for itself. Who doesn't like a candid picture of a little baby dressed to the nines just enjoying herself while oblivious to all the commotion around her. The second image of a pair of bridal shoes intrigued me from the moment I saw it. While I can't quite put my finger on it I believe it simply comes down to the contrast between the shoe colour and the overcast sky in the background. The last image in the middle row is a simple detail shot of a boutonniere on a lapel. Simple but elegant I liked this shot from the minute I saw it.

The other two images are of the models that I shot for this assignment: Andre and Marianne. This couple was very easy to work with and I really enjoyed capturing their images. My only complaint's are that I simply didn't have enough time with them and the weather worked against us as it was also very chilly outside thus taking outdoor shots was for the most part out of the question. When I did get them outside however I did manage to capture this picture of Marianne seen at top. The diffused light was perfect and her coat actually "worked" for me in the resulting image.

The last photo I really liked because it seemed to capture the personalities of my two models. Marianne was very casual and relaxed and seemed to really enjoy the experience. At the same time Andre was a bit of a jokester and was constantly laughing and/or had a smirk on his face.

Overall I enjoyed the experience as I saw first hand many of the obstacles wedding photographers must deal with and overcome on a continuous basis. It was a very good learning experience!

Portugal - Part VIII - Obidos

I woke up early the next morning as I had a busy day trip out of Lisbon planned as we were venturing off to see quite a few sites in the spectacular countryside. My first stop was at the small town of Obidos.

Known as the "fairytale town" once I saw it in the distance and then pulled up inside I immediately knew that I would be spending more time here than I had originally planned as the place was simply gorgeous.

Sitting high atop a hill this medeival walled town was once one of the country's most important settlements. Dominated by the castello (castle) pictured at left the view from atop the town walls was unbelievable.

Pictured at left is one such view over the lush countryside with it vineyards and perfectly manicured sown fields. The town itself was abuzz with a summer festival and the narrow streets were packed with tourists and locals alike.


The small town of 11,000 people has been dubbed the "fairytale" town and it was easy to see why. Completely encircled by high defensive walls its cobble stoned lanes are lined with perfectly preserved and/or restored whitewashed buildings.

It was mid summer and all the flowers were in full bloom leading to some magnificent displays of colour. The small shops and cafes were teeming with activity. I strolled through various nooks and crannies and came away with a collection of shots and memories that I will cherish forever.

I ended up sitting down at one of the outdoor patio's and enjoyed a fine lunch while people watching and snapping away with my camera. I simply couldn't get enough of this pretty little town.

As always, I eventually had to leave as I had so much on my agenda this day that I knew that my overstay in Obidos was going to make it a longer day than originally planned.

Needless to say at only about 1 1/2 hours north of Lisbon I highly recommend that anybody visiting the capital should put a day trip to Obidos on their itinerary.

Bath Bombs

Above is an image of a "bath bomb" that I recently shot from a small business in Oakville named Pretty in Pink Spa. Not really sure what a bath bomb was my first task was to Google "bath bomb" and see what turned up. Basically a bath bomb is a mixture of chemicals used to add scent and colour to bathwater.

What made these "bombs" a little different was the fact that they looked like cupcakes. So much so that I actually thought they were. As mentioned, these wonderful looking products can be found at Pretty in Pink Spa. Check out their website at www.prettyinpinkspa.com. A neat idea this spa caters to girls aged 5 - 18 and features 100% organic products. A unique concept that I'm sure will be a huge hit in this community.

Portugal - Part VII - The Royal Town

After spending a couple of days discovering what Lisbon had to offer I headed out of the city to check out the world famous town of Sintra. Located about an hour west of Lisbon this UNESCO World Heritage Site was the favourite home to the former royal family of Portugal and is a real life fantasy land with some unmistakable landmarks.

Located high atop a granite mountain the location was for centuries THE spot to reside in the country and its beauty and breathtaking views are spectacular.

First and foremost is the must-see Palace of Pena which is pictured in the first three images at left. Standing on the highest peaks of the Sintra Mountain it is simply gorgeous and is quite unlike anything to be found elsewhere on this planet. Completed in 1885 its extravagance is unmatched and is an image taken right from a fairytale.

With architectural styles from various cultures it is a unique   masterpiece that simply must be seen to be believed. Its towers, ramparts and gates are at the same time odd, yet beautiful. I spent the better part of two hours browsing through the Palace and came away convinced that this was royalty at its most opulent. I highly recommend that anyone visiting Portugal simply MUST see Sintra and its Pena Palace.

Not to be outdone and at the very heart of the old town of Sintra lies another spectacular building, the National Palace of Sintra pictured at the lower left. Built in the 14th century this building was the actual residence of the Portuguese royalty for 400 years. The defining part of the palace is the two huge conical chimneys which emanate from the kitchen.

Exploring Sintra and its palaces and sights on foot involves quite a bit of walking and climbing up and down hills along its cobbled streets and winding roads but this is pretty well the only way to get around. This is a medieval town with narrow streets and no parking and does get quite packed in summer so driving around is not really an option. Be prepared to be tired at the end of a long day but the journey is well worth it.