New Blog

We changed our blog a couple of months ago. If you are finding this page please feel free to browse the old posts. When you are finished click on the link at the bottom of the page to access our new blog and samples of our work. The new blog is now located on the home page of the website.



Thanks for stopping by!

J Shantz Photography

Baby Seth

It is hard to keep up with my blog posts this time of year. I think this next post makes up for my neglect. I had the privlidge of photographing baby Seth in his home last weekend! A nice break from the studio.
He was just over a week old and the perfect model. He slept through almost the entire session.... a surprise to his parents!

Enjoy,
Jill

Art

I recently photographed some paintings for a local artist. The artist also happens to be my very talented sister in law, Paula Swirdowsky. Here are a couple of her more recent paintings. The images don't really do them justice. They are beautiful in person where you can get the full effect of her painting technique. The images have a lot of texture to the paint.
You can search her out on her Facebook fan page or email me for information about her paintings.

Enjoy,
Jill

Fall or Winter??

Well normally that wouldn't require a question mark but the weather really has been crazy this month. But the snow has gone and it seems like fall is with us again and the timing couldn't of been better. This weekend was busy with sessions and it was great to have the warm weather.
Here is a couple shots from this weekend. Gabriella! One of my favorite subjects. We do a portrait session for her birthday each year. Happy 3rd birthday!
She always has a way of making me laugh.

Enjoy,
Jill

Thank you Again!

Well it is finally finished......here is our glimpse of everyone that participated in this years event. I hope I did not forget anyone!

Thank you again for your generous donations!

Enjoy, Jill

Fall Special

It is time for our fall special! We have a great offer for a session with an 8x10 and 20 holiday cards. This package starts at $150.....It all depends on the number of people taking part in the session.
Drop us a line for more details!

Jesse

For all of you awaiting the arrival of Jesse!

Enjoy,
Jill

SCARS fundraiser!

Well another Dog and Cat Days has come and gone. We raised $1200 and over 200kg in pet food!! All of it will be going to help out the Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS).
Thank you to everyone that participated.
We are busy preparing files and once finished we will post a video and send out the official Thank you cards!

We will update further in a couple of weeks!

Enjoy,
Jill

Winner!

Earlier this spring we took part in the St. Albert Life Style Expo....aka Trade Show. As part of our display we had a draw for a session and 16x20. After digging deep into our fish bowl of names and swirling my hand around here is our lucky winner.
It was a pleasure to meet you all! I look forward to photographing Brin again......love those intense blue eyes!! I guess I better remember to bring that tickle stick. :)

Enjoy
Jill

2nd Annual Dog and Cats Days of Autumn

It's that time again! We are holding our annual fundraiser for furry critters. This year SCARS is our charity of choice. This society helps less fortunate animals here in Alberta. They are 100% volunteer and foster these animals in their own homes while they wait for a new forever home.

Just like last year the sessions are by appointment. The event will be held on September 11th and 12th between 10am and 6pm. Slots book up fast so don't delay!! Last year the response was great and this year is already starting off the same. We only started advertising yesterday and the phone is already ringing!

Details -- $25 portrait session of your own furry friend. This fee will be donated to SCARS. Last year we raised $1500 and an SUV full of goodies). A further donation of a bag of Quality Puppy Food (approx 5kg -- all manufactures seem to have different weights but somewhere close to 5kg is great!) This food donation gets you a free 5x7 of your furry friend.

Puppy food is the first to run short which is why we are asking for it....but ultimately other food is fine too. Nothing will go to waste as there is always a pet in need.

We look forward to seeing you all!

Jill

Old Farm

Here is a look at some shots from an old abandon farm in the area.

Enjoy,
Jill

Redlick Family

Here is a peek at the Redlick Family! We shot on their property in the Peers area. It started to rain at the time of our session which can be a worry as it is never easy to gather everyone together for a family portrait. But it soon passed!

Thanks for all the laughs!
Enjoy,
Jill

Road Trip Continued

Once again I will be in the Edson/Peers area photographing family portraits. I will be there from Aug 13 to Aug 16th. I do have a couple of time slots still open, give us a call if you want to book!!


Here are a couple of shot from our trip last month.

Enjoy,
Jill

Christmas In August

For those of you getting a head start on that Christmas shopping don't forget your cards!! Between August 17 and August 29th we have 50% off our Portrait Session Fees and 50% off our Holiday Cards! Book now to avoid having to gather up the family at the last minute.

Gage

Photographing a new born baby is either one of two things.....crying and fussing or silent and peaceful. Gage was the silent peaceful type. He certainly liked to have his arms up behind his head. It was funny because if you tried to move them they just went back up! It made variety a bit tricky but if you waited long enough he would settle in to a new pose. I guess he just wanted to hold it until I really got the shot. Haha!

Enjoy,
Jill

V-Intuition

I met these fabulous ladies last week on the top of a parkade! The shoot was to introduce the group and illustrate that they are women in the way up! They are all about the empowerment of women. You can read more about them on their website. www.v-intuition.com An awesome group, I wish them great success with their adventures.

I had a great time with this shoot. Fun and a little bit daring! Always a great combination.

Enjoy,
Jill

Faces of Business

We recently took part in a project with the St. Albert Chamber of Commerce. It was/is called "Faces of Business". The chamber wants to start using business member images in their publications rather than stock images. I think it is a fabulous idea. Not because I was the one who had the privilege of photographing some of our outstanding local business owners. But because it is a great way to put a face to the name. Sometimes we are so busy keeping our businesses running smoothly from behind the scenes that we are not immediately recognized. This project is a great way to be recognized. I look forward to seeing what the chamber has in store for these images.

I had my assistant Brittany do my portrait. I didn't want to be left out.

Cheers,
Jill

Headshots!

As usual there has been a great demand for head shots. And not just for business. It seems this time each year there is an increase in actors head shots. I have had all kinds this year. A couple of people responding to movie casting calls and TV commercials. But mostly it has been a lot of young people trying out for theater. I wish all of you the best of luck with your adventures!

Kate is the fabulous girl in this image series. Enjoy the theater!

Cheers,
Jill

Summer Lovin'

We are having a Portrait Special! Summer Lovin' will be in effect from July 10 through to the 17th. Drop us a line to book your session in the great outdoors!
The studio is also starting an annual portrait road trip. We will be shooting in the Edson/Peers area from July 22 through to July 26. So if you are living in those areas call now to book your session....they are booking quick! Or if you don't live in those areas but are willing to drive you can do that too. There are some great back drops -- rustic cars, old barns, etc.
Summer Lovin' Pricing will also be in effect for the road trip!!

Hope you are all enjoying the summer!

Jill

Pets, pets, pets!

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of photographing the staff of an Edmonton vet clinic with their pets. As in any situation involving furry critters I had a great time barking and squeaking to capture every one's attention.
Thank you to the Terwilliger Vet Clinic for the opportunity to create your staff portrait!
I will talk to you soon!

Enjoy,
Jill