Raspal.Photography

Portrait photographer in Sarnia, ON.

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We turned 6

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Samantha & Josep Engagement

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Elizabeth & Jonah

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(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkBw-cORyGs)

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The logo evolution​​​​​​​ of Raspal Singh Photography

During the second term at Digital Photography diploma at Lambton College, we were assigned to create stationery for personal branding in Desktop Publishing course. Professor Dave Chidley taught and helped us to create Logo, business cards and letterheads. Since that class, I have created numerous logo design for my photography. 

Here are where I started designing my logo: -

At some point you might need a logo, I created my own (I know how to do it). But if you want affordable logo crafted just for you, check Fiverr where a designing artist will create your fantastic logo just for $ 5.

For letter R logo I have created a board on Pinterest check here for some inspiration if you need some inspiration.

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Lightning Challenge 3/2/1

Assignment number 10 in photographic design and style. We suppose to create three different portraits each with different lighting setup and convert them into a triptych with help of photoshop.

We were given two weeks to complete this assignment. At first, it seems like very easy from the demo photographs so, I thought I will do it later. But before one week the assignment was due and I was having trouble to find a model I asked my roommate sunny to be my model. He was in the similar situation as it was almost the end of the winter term at Lambton College. But at last sunny agreed to help me out with a promise to be completed within an hour.  I agreed and booked the studio from 4 PM - 6 PM. Next day sunny informed me that he will come around 4:45 PM, which gave me 45 minutes to set up the three different lightning studio. The shoot was completed in thirty minutes and we left the studio around 5:45 PM after packing the studio equipment.

Results from 3/2/1 lightning challenge

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It's possible to be versatile. Interview with Bisi Alawode (part two)

What was the reason you decided to become a full-time photographer?

Becoming full-time photographer was more of my dream, when I was continuing my photography and started reading autobiographies, I realise that it's possible to be versatile. What I mean by that is that now it is possible to be more than one-way traffic. I read a lot of biographies of people and there was some person who was an architect, engineer and doctor just one single person. It means our brain is able to do so many things and can achieve success in all of them. So, I wanted more for myself. I wanted to focus on photography exploring all the possibilities there and at the same time been able to diversify into other areas. Because it makes me realise, that human's ability is endless. As long as you are able to sit down and focus on one thing you could achieve and become best in. So, for me to become a full-time photographer is just to explore one of my abilities and excel in that area. Mostly, I do wedding photography, but I am versatile enough to do other things. And that is one of the benefits of studying Digital Photography at Lambton College, I was able to learn different aspects of photography and I was able to showcase what I can create in different scenarios.

  Why you choose Canada for photography education?

I always wanted to come to Canada. I think Canada embodies my personal values as a person. Canada is a very strong nation that is very shy. This beautiful country has so many resources and so much potential and Canada have power under control and that is one of the reasons I choose Canada for studying photography.

How did Digital Photography Program at Lambton College help you to archive your goals in photography?

One big thing for me was the closeness of the class, the relationship I developed in the Digital Photography program and also the experiences of the professors, which helped me to become who I am today and I am always thankful to them. 

Do you think any specific area you should have paid attention to, while you were in college?

Maybe, web design will be that area I should have paid attention, But I got too much busy with other things. Just because I am someone who does not like sitting. I am always looking for new opportunities the affects the people around me. I should have learned web design, but at one point I lose the interest but no excuses.

Who influences/inspire you the most in photography? / Do you have a mentor?

Yes, I do have a mentor, I realise that mentorship is usually depended on in which area you want to grow. Then you could have a mentor in photography or mentor in life. Richard Beland is my mentor in photography and in life, my mentor is someone I look up to and speak to is my paster back in Nigeria. I am very close with him now and I travelled to Chicago from Sarnia three months ago to see him.

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How to compile your idea of concept photoshoot ?

There are moments, when you feel like you have an idea for a concept photoshoot you want to do,  but feeling it will be too much or how to make a path that leads to successful final result? Still stuck? Worry not I have listed a process I tried, which might help you as well to stay on track.

Step 1 -  Write down you idea

Writing your idea on a piece of paper will not only help you to remember it. The written words will also help you to modify it as you start processing your idea.

When an idea pops out in your mind write it down immediately in a note pad, book, diary, or a blank paper. 

Keeping a small note book with you either in a car, wallet, bed room or working area will help you to write and remember your ideas and useful key information.

For example - I wanted to create a photo manipulation. The concepts was "QUEST" in which, A girl handing a lantern in the woods while wearing the red hood.

For QUEST project - I wrote in my notebook beside my bed to check back later.

Third day from writing the idea down, I visited that page again and made a moodboard of my ideas and inspiration.

Step 2 - Research your Idea

Now you have an idea / concept in your mind, lets start by writing more about the idea.

Idea - I want to photograph someone holding a lantern in Red riding hood theme.

Place - Woods

You can also start by listing items / or scouting the location you need for the photoshoot.

Things Needed- Red hood/ cloth/ bed-sheet

Equipments - Off Camera Flash, Stand, Pocket Wizards, Camera, lens with big f stop number.

Model - Ask your friends/post on Facebook you will get someone who wants to volunteer for you.

 Step 3 - Plan the shoot

After listing all your needs about the concept photoshoot.

Share your mood board with your model and plan your calendar for the shoot.

Make sure you check the weather one day of shooting prior to your shoot, also if you can visit your location before the shoot "Thank me later".

Research if your selected location is safe to be for certain hours, ask for permission if the location belongs to someone.

Contact your model with whole story, location, date and time.

 Step 4 - The big Day

Collect all the stuff you have listed for the shoot a night before and contact your model prior to the shoot.

Don't forget food / water for yourself and the model, you never know how long it will take "Be ready".

Make sure you have backup of almost everything camera, lens, memory cards, flash, light-meter, pocket wizards, tripod, because you never know what kind of error you may face in the field.

Check your location for any dangerous thing on the surface, metal, nails, broken glass "Safety first".

Practise the shoot and setup the props before your model arrive on the location.

Check the batteries, white balance, also measure DOP and mark the positions of the photographer and the model)

Shoot the concept and be patience. Keep reminding your self it was your idea and you have to make it.

Don't just shoot and leave, instead shoot and review on big screen and make note if you have everything in focus. Once you are satisfied scream "PACK UP".

Research and make notes from the shoot for future reference.

Step 5- Edit / Composite

Don't forget to copy the original RAW files in backup drive before editing.

Cull the images

Edit the photo

Photoshop

Pat yourself on the back for a successful project.

Make a list of project you want to do or keep writing in the notebook and check frequently.

Sleep for 24 hours

 The Final Result

"QUEST"

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Treat from the teacher

We are about to complete our final semester of Digital Photography program at Lambton College, our English teacher Erica Kelly, baked cupcakes to enjoy the hard work everyone did during the semester. Erica is a very talented and one of my favourite teacher. Erica has helped me since day one till the last day of the diploma. She is the one who pushed me forward and helped me to define my strength in writing for media course. We set couples of time to discuss my ideas and assignment.

  Erica Kelly is a Professor of English at Lambton College in Sarnia, Ontario. Erica started her career with an undergraduate degree in English at Brock University, then she completed a Master’s in English at Queen’s. She again went to complete her second Master’s of Social Justice at Brock University. After completing from Brock, Erica enjoyed the great experience, where she grew the urge to learn more and in the end, Erica completed her PhD in the spring of 2010 in English at the Western university and began her position at Lambton in 2012. She has published articles on social justice and Canadian poetry, and continues to research the role of art in social change.

Read more about Erica - Humans of Lambton , The Sarnia Journal

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Adobe RGB vs sRGB Profiles

The Adobe RGB (1998) colour space is an RGB (RED, GREEN BLUE) colour space developed by Adobe Systems, Inc. in 1998. It was designed to encompass most of the colours achievable on CMYK colour printers, but by using RGB primary colours on a device such as a computer display.

sRGB is the standard RGB colour space created cooperatively by HP and Microsoft in 1996 for use on monitors, printers and the Internet, and subsequently standardised by the IEC as IEC 61966-2-1:1999. It is often used as the "default" colour space for images that do not contain any colour space information, especially if the images are stored as 8-bit integers.

  To better understand which one to use, you must first understand the difference between the two. AdobeRGB, by all accounts, is better, as it represents a wider range of colours. How much better? They say that AdobeRGB is able to represent about 35% more colour ranges than sRGB is able to. But does that make it the best for photography? Not exactly, as the world works with sRGB far more than it does with AdobeRGB.

How to Accurately Convert Your Photos from AdobeRGB to sRGB

 Adobe Lightroom

If you use a tandem of Lightroom and Photoshop, Adobe makes this conversion process painless for you. My workflow and many others consist of loading images into Lightroom, making basic corrections, then importing the image directly into Photoshop. Upon importing to Photoshop, you can have your images converted for the web with just a few simple setting adjustments. Simply go to Edit>>Preferences>>External Editing and adjust your colour space to sRGB when being imported into Photoshop. This technique is the most preferred, as it'll automatically convert all images you export to Photoshop to sRGB, without any colour loss in the web format. This will also allow you to keep both an AdobeRGB copy of the image for print, and an sRGB version to use for the web and everything else.

 Adobe Photoshop

If you work without Lightroom and still want the benefits of AdobeRGB colour space, you can also convert your images for the web in Photoshop. Simply navigate through your menus to Edit>>Convert To Profile and change your destination space to sRGB after editing your image. To ensure that you do this every time, I recommend you incorporate it an action used for saving your images. Remember, failure to convert your images prior to saving them for the web will result in dull and unflattering colour tones.  

Conclusion

All of this is very confusing and leaves you feeling overwhelmed, you can switch your camera to sRGB colour space. It'll still allow you to photograph and print beautiful images. However, if you're shooting specifically for print, AdobeRGB offers more range and versatility in the images taken. It all really comes down to personal preference, AdobeRGB does offer more colours, but at the cost of complicating things for a subtle difference in your photos. However, if you're a perfectionist, like me, the extra steps taken to shoot in AdobeRGB may be worth the headache to achieve nicer prints, and get the best of both worlds.

 References - Fstoppers and Wikipedia 

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50th Anniversary Celebration Day - Lambton College

Today we are celebrating Lambton College's 50th anniversary! As the second oldest college in Ontario, the 50th-anniversary milestone is quite significant. Over the next 18 months, a variety of exciting anniversary events will take place that has been carefully planned by both Lambton College and Colleges Ontario. 

Established in 1966 by the Province of Ontario with four programs and 54 students at the original Blue Water Campus, Lambton College has experienced tremendous growth in recent years and built a reputation as a post-secondary leader in education, training and research. 

With an expanding roster of more than 90 diploma, certificate and degree programs, Lambton College is known for offering a diverse range of flexible learning options, including a broad selection of programs and courses that incorporate elements of the classroom, mobile, hybrid and accelerated educational alternatives.

Lambton College was the first college in Ontario to receive the Apple Distinguished Program designation for its Mobile Learning initiative, which features an exclusive Class+ Experience that has students using their iPad as a tool to access resources like eTexts, software, learning management systems, and apps both inside and outside of the classroom.

The College's transformation continues with the construction of two new buildings: the NOVA Chemicals Health & Research Centre and Athletics & Fitness Complex, and the expansion of world-class facilities such as the Centre of Excellence in Energy & Bio-Industrial Technologies and the Fire & Public Safety Centre of Excellence.

Lambton College 50th Anniversary Celebration Day

ource - Lambton College

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Snapchat ?? Yes we are

Add me on Snapchat! Username: rashpal.singh https://www.snapchat.com/add/rashpal.singh 

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I am someone who sees a photograph as a sentence. - Interview with Bisi Alawode (part one)

We got the chance to interview Bisi Alawode from Bisi Alawode Photography, from South Western Ontario. Bisi is a recent graduate from Digital Photography Program at Lambton College. Bisi was awarded top 30 under 30 wedding photographers in Canada in 2016. Check Bisi's latest work on Instagram.

Bisi loves photographing people. He loves to create images that tell a story and stir up emotions. Bisi says the reality comes to bear when I photograph weddings. I approach each wedding with a unique perspective, aiming to capture the love, joy and energy that is shared on this day. I see my role as not just the photographer at your wedding but also a friend who is entrusted with creating images that reflect the pure emotion of love on your wedding day. Bisi Alawode said my goal is to create images that are not just a piece of paper on your table or wall but a treasure of the heart, mind and body.

Below are the brief responses from Bisi Alawode on the questionnaire from the interview: -

Who is your favourite entertainer?

My Son (no doubts)

Who do you most admire and why?

My wife, I admire my wife a lot. She has seen me when I look so crude and not very refined. She is someone who believed in me and want to walk through life with me. On the stage it really takes sustained power to do that, I really admire my wife a lot.

What book has impacted you the most?

- The book? WOW there are whole lot of books, and I read a lot. Since last few months, I am not reading very well so, what I did is I downloaded the app on my phone called "Auto books". Some of the books that have really touched me so much One of the books is "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren really impacted me. There is another book also from a Nigerian paster " Discovering the destiny" It helped me to really push through my passion over photography after reading the book. There is some other books that really impacted me as a person, I have tons of books at home I can't really pin point to one, but I have several books I have read over the course of the years that have really impacted me. I like reading autobiographies also and stories of people.

How do you relax?

How do I relax? Oh , I watch movies yes that's what I do. Yeah, I loving watching movies I would have said I play game but I don't very frequently because I do have a PS3 Which I don't even touch. But I love watching good movies that are intelligent and make you appreciate the work of art and creativity of some people.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

hahaha, let me think about it. I remember a moment it was not embarrassing, but it's funny because it was three of us. So, I was doing the shoot one day here at Lambton College and I was taking photos of someone posing for me and I was moving back. There was a pond, that was close to me, and I fell into it. Yes, I fell into the pond and I kept shooting for the next 2 hours. That could be embarrassing but I just find it was funny becausem I was so into the shoot I was doing and I wasn't conscious what is around me.

What career would you opt for if you could do anything else?

As I said earlier, that I love reading autobiographies. I have read some autobiographies that make me realize how versatile people can be. So, I probably would be the teacher and I love working with the people. Therefore I would be doing something that is related with the people. I think I would have been in the education department. I love to connect with people and help them.

What do you love most about living in Sarnia-Lambton?

Ohhhhh, The beach!!, The small community, and specially the wonderful people. I would not be leaving this community. People come together, they embrace for who you are. They are also ready to learn about your unique culture background. So I love the small community and I love the fact that I can easily travel to the States even though I don't want to go there now. 

Name three things on your bucket list-

I want to go sky diving. My wife doesn't want that.

I want to buy a nice Yamaha R1 or Suzuki I want to drive around.

I want to travel to Australia with my wife and kid.

I want to go scuba diving someday

I want to travel to space and shoot a wedding on the moon.

What is something that few, if any people, know about you?

Seriously, I am a shy person. But I don't know how, my wife even finds that amusing that people find I am not shy. I like to work in the background really. And I think that is why I always hide myself behind the camera. I don't want to to be seen like this is the person doing the thing. Recently I got interviewed by the newspaper in Petrolia, ON and they said I should send some pictures of the project I did recently and one of myself, I sent all the pictures of the project but intentionally didn't sent my own picture. Because I do not want to show my face I just want my work go out there. I am a shy person, but people don't see it. Even when I smile I am trying to hide how shy I am.

What local resident has influenced you the most?

Richard Beland, He really motivates me to do some really crazy stuff and yes he helped me as a person to grow my career and also he developed my talents such that I am wanting more. I don't want to settle for less, so I am really inspired by Richard. Whenever I have a story to tell, I go to Richard and I tell him I just achieved that and then Richard tell me another thing and I am like I am just starting out a game. So yeah Richard is one who wants me to do more.

Bisi Alawode Photography

Can you tell us about yourself and your journey towards photography?

That is a very good question. My journey started in 2004. I was in university studying electrical engineering. It was an open field and there was a beautiful landscape behind us and I got my friend's phone and took a picture and I was like WOW, It wasn't just the scenery, there were some words that jumped at me. And because I am someone who sees a photograph as a sentence. When I see a photograph, I want to make a complete sense out of this photograph. Then I started seeing photographs as I walked around like scenery and it opened up to me, like they are speaking to me. 

Check back tomorrow for the following half interview with Bisi's journey into photography.

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Why do you need to know about accounting as a photographer?

I hate accounting, and I believe you are on the same side. Collecting bills and invoices, tracking your expenses as well as the mileage of your vehicle used for your work is a pain. But keeping track of all your expenses is as important as your creative side. Here are some facts why:

Records of your expenditure that you have collected throughout the year provide an actual figure of your expenses against your income. A lot of photographers underestimate the value of this process that is required to operate their business. You can count fixed expenditure like equipment or lighting, but your fluctuating costs could possibly go too far from your calculation. Financially stable entrepreneurs preserve some extra funds to cover unpredicted expenses and are precise when planning their budget.

Being a photographer, an accurate invoicing tool is your best friend. Missing statements or receipts can indicate huge financial losses for your photography business, so you need to keep on top of it.

You will be able to charge your customers on the spot even you can take payments from credit/debit cards. Also by using online accounting software like Wave you will be mobile and send invoices on the go with pay now tab.

Creating a financial calendar will also beneficial to remind you to pay your bills on time.

You might be thinking why online, right?

Note-taking is another skill which will make you habitual for recording your expenditure. Just little practice and having a notepad in your pocket or car will save your lot of time and efforts.

Even the tiny dime skipped every month could swing your income tax profile. Therefore it's better to track the smallest costs payed towards your business. For example, keep your parking tickets/pass, proof galleries costs, payment or credit card transaction charges and meeting expenses.

Alexa Coupland a retired accountant from Sarnia, ON suggests that keeping separate lists of expenses, income and receipts will not only organise your tax filing process it will also lower your accounting expenses and time of your accountant. 

Accounting Terms for Photographers

Accounting

Asset

Liability

Income Statement

Expense

Debit

Credit

Balance Sheet

Listen to Double Exposure show about the accounting and saving from Petro and Sophia

and here is the podcast on Wave free accounting software.

Read more on Photography Spark

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Souvenir Exhibition Announcement

Join me at my first portrait photography exhibition on First Friday, April 7, 2017, at Lawrence House. This photography exhibition is for my final semester of Lambton College Digital Photography program.Come check out and enjoy our photography students work.

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Holi Celebration at Lambton College

Holi is a Hindu spring festival celebrated in India and Nepal, this festival is also known as the "festival of colours". Holi is celebrated by International Department Lambton College at Sarnia, campus.

Amy Weiler hosted Holi festival to bring happiness and joy for International students who are miles away from their home. With dry colours, each student spent quality time with their peers and enjoyed the moment. Complimentary drink Mango Lassi (Sweet Mango Yogurt drink) was provided by Spice n Ice, Sarnia. This event was organised outside the lower cafeteria at Lambton College, Sarnia, ON.

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Academic Awards Ceremony 2017

Academic Awards Ceremony was hosted by Lambton College at Lambton College's Event Centre on London road, Sarnia on March 8, 2017.

After the awards, we got a chance to interview Pragya and Hiral international students from Lambton College about there success here are there short stories.

How you feel after archiving the award ?

Hiral says "As everyone likes being appreciated, I am glad receiving this award. It feels good when you get appreciation for all your hard work towards your passion. It encourages me to work harder and achieve my ultimate goal for women empowerment and education. As I am working on Women Empowerment and Education project, it feels so special to get this award on International Women's Day! More power to all the females out there!

While Pragya talked about getting involve with the community and being recognized with the community leadership award is something which motivates her further to do more and more for the community.

What inspires them to go ahead in life ? 

Hiral thinks her passion, values and family - are three major factors to inspire her towards the success of her goals. On top of this, Hiral is grateful for the constant motivation from her mentor - Jon Milos. She adds if you ask me what inspires me to go ahead in my life, I would say "Do more than exist". Hiral truly believes that you can achieve everything you think about if you are passionate enough to make efforts. In addition to inspiration, Pragya says my inspiration is to go ahead in life .....the satisfaction which I get after thinking that my actions impacted someone's lives positively. This self satisfaction and my family, teacher's and friends faith in me drives me further and motivates me a lot.

And what are your goals ?

Hiral' goal is to empower women through educating them. A well educated woman can bring a significant change in the society. Working together, we all women can achieve our goals. There are thousands of smart women out there, but all it takes is one person to make them realize their potentials, capabilities, skills. With powerful, strong women, we can make this world a better place to live. Furthermore, Pragya's goal is to work on women empowerment projects back in India. Also She wants to go back to india and become the ambassador for the country. Where she could implement all the skills and knowledge gained here at Lambton College, Sarnia, ON.

Highlights -

Welcomed by Marc Guilbeault, Director, Foundation & Alumni Association and Judith Morris, President & CEO.

Presentation of Awards by Kim Graham & Donors

Closing Remarks - Rob Kardas, Vice-President, Student Success & Campus Services