nature Archives - Monika Life Photography

Pet Photography: How to photo LOVE your Extended Family

April 25, 2022April 25, 2022

We love your extended fur and winged and scaled pet family, as much (if not more) than you! And, pet photography is such a joy and wonder. What can be better than capturing your favourite furball catching a frisbee in midair or rolling in joy on fresh, green grass?

Pet Photography Basics:

What to consider when photographing your pet (ok, your most favourite family member!)

lighting – shoot outdoors on a cloudy day (or indoors with light diffusers/reflectors) to avoid squinting
attention – keep their attention, offer treats/showing treats just off the camera lens side
patience – do tire them out with a brisk walk or run so they are ready to sit, pause, or lie down as requested
focus – focus on the eyes is a must but a clear, doggo snout is what makes the photo composition just right (avoid shallow depth of field, for example less than f5.6)
distractions – avoid distractions from family, friends or well meaning owners (it is often easier to shoot on your own, or when the owners are out of sight, even when you are on location at their home)
speed – do use a fast shutter speed (1/125th), especially on darker days or working with less than optimal lighting. Also, shoot quickly and allow the subtle movements and adjustments on your pet’s face to be captured
special – do keep it special. Photograph your pet at their best, doing their favourite activity or catch them in the action of their most common/funny pose.
resources – use the camera you have! ( YOUR phone is great.) If you want something bigger, better, brighter, check out these cameras: cameraio.com/
inspiration – a picture is worth a thousand words (or ideas!) check out great photo sources, for ideas, to get your best shot. dreamstime.com/photos-images/pets

Try these tips above and send me a comment with your success story!

Need a helping photo hand? book a session by contacting me here.

Enjoy Some of My Fave Doggo Super Stars

in My Dog Photography Gallery

Check out happy dogs in my last travel blog post here

animal

Samara Beach Sunsets in Costa Rica: How to Photograph…

January 15, 2022April 18, 2022

chihuaha on the beach with sunset warm haze in costa rica

Which photo belongs where? Can you tell?
Beach Sunsets are magical.

Samara Beach is the perfect place to take in a gorgeous sunset at low tide, pick up ceviche from a trolley vendor and maybe a few extra cold beers, up the street in the tuck shop…

Quiet reflection of branches, ocean and sun setting on the beach on Samara Beach, Costa Rica

beaches are the greatest story tellers and secret keepers of the tropics

Select a photo you love for purchase.
Photos for sale:

Spotlight on:
Samara Beach
Carillo Beach
Bahia de Ora – Playa Camaronal and the Wildlife Refuge for Turtles
Playa Nosara – Tropical Rural Sunshine

Price & Size Guide
Greeting Cards (sets of 5, blank inside) 5×7″ $55
Photo Print Singles
8×10″ $55
11×17″ $125
24×36″ $155

Canvas Print
12×18″ unmounted, canvas only $ 225
12×18″ mounted on a frame $300

beach umbrella on Samara beach — Classic Beach umbrella on Samara Beach, Costa Rica (Visit Samara tourist org)

BUY NOW

boulder among the lava rocks on Samara Beach, Costa Rica

BUY NOW

Fishing and large Driftwood arm on Camaron Beach — Fishing and large Driftwood arm on Camaronal Beach, Costa Rica

BUY NOW

'Dinosaur' Driftwood and Clouds landscape at Samara Beach, Costa Rica

Sunsets and Bougainvillea at Carillo Beach Lookout

Surfer heading home from enjoying the surf on Samara Beach, at Sunset, Costa Rica

Dogs playing and people walking on Samara Beach, Costa Rica

You belong here, sunset reflection on the sea of Samara Beach, Costa Rica

Looking back on the setting sun and surf at Nosara Beach, Costa Rica

You Belong Here.

Looking back on the sea, surf and sand landscape, I hear the ocean whisper sweet nothings that sound like:
‘You Belong Here’ as the surf breaks and the sea rushes foam to shore. The beauty, harmony and balance between water, earth, air and fire are enticing and soothing.
You belong here – I hear again and again.

What do you hear, when the Pacific waters talk to you?

The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly and typical surf town fun. The surfers, fishermen and beach goers all get along well, with the big bay ocean swell.

Carillo Beach is quiet and ideal for families, bird watching, picnics and resting in between scenic drives up the hillsides to watch the sunrise and sunset. The rock formations offer beautiful intrigue and fascinating views. The gently sloping, white sand beach is flanked by two river beds, that generally dry up during the dry season of December to April.

Bahia the Ora – Wildlife Refuge Protected Beach is ideal for nature lovers. Come here to watch baby turtles be released into the ocean. Fish and enjoy the surf on a most magical and extensive quiet beach. Bring your own beach comfort gear, food and drinks since there is no access to vendors on the beach. And, remember to take everything you brought to the beach: back home with you.

How to Photograph beach sunsets and beach life basics:
1. Use and try photographing at different time
2. Watch for cloudy or partly cloudy days to offer contrast and intrigue to your photo
3. Allow people, animals or relatable content in the photo for depth and intrigue
4. Do go to the same area a few times to see how each day the light changes
5. Do vary up the height vantage point, when taking the photograph
6. Do look for contrasting activity: high surf, quiet beach or beach goers and flat ocean with low tide

Which scenic beach sunsets photograph is your favourite?

city living

An Arborist Paradise – Walking amongst 100 year old…

January 23, 2020January 23, 2020

A tree contains the wisdom of a thousand ages. A stand of trees can tell you stories of a peoples long gone.

Walking amongst the ancient, graceful, magical giants of the southern Florida landscape, I feel overcome. I feel teary, inspired and on the verge of discovering an ancient part of me.

I can only hope that you catch a glimpse of this magical flare, this ethereal calling these ancient trees hold in our landscape.

city living

My Florida Home – Tropical Styles Real Estate Photography

January 18, 2020January 18, 2020

Love the tropical, rich layers of old growth palms and evergreens in the South Florida Climate. Everything about this region entices visions of magic and enchantment. The lifestyle is flowing, easy, yes breezy and visually stunning.

At first glance, it is easy to be enamoured with the grandeur and design of some of the new architectural master pieces, but after several walk thrus in a neighbhourhood, the subtle, historical nuances of style, design and lush layers of life come sweeping over you.

Enjoy this first installment of

‘My Florida Home – Tropical Styles (Where the magic sways in the wind”

events

Drumming at Sunset

December 31, 2019December 31, 2019

Finding your tribe has never been easier. Walking onto the beach at sunset, you will find a most time honoured tradition among people every Sunday: drumming circle.

The celebration of our Earth, our Mother, the Sun, the setting of the day, our Oceans is most wonderful when paired with the drum beats of like minded, connected, community members.

Joining in the rhythm in a drum circle revives and feeds your soul in a timeless and soothing way. Try it where ever you may stumble upon your own Earth loving tribe.

Event photography on the fly. Wherever you may find ourself.

Social media marketing & production, video, photography by:
@artcapturephoto (Instagram)
artcapturephoto@me.com (Email)

events

Family Life in Photos

October 14, 2019December 31, 2019

Family life in photos captured moment by moment is a timeless tradition. Joining events and parties for special moments in a family home or cottage is one of my greatest pleasures as a photographer.

I get to capture the love, the joy, the excitement of a family bonding, in action, enjoy life to the fullest. The family gets to remember these precious times.

Why hire a photographer for your special event or family holiday moments?

Because you are able to truly enjoy time with your loved ones and get quality memories, keepsakes to call your own.

I have been a professional photographer in Toronto, and the GTA for over 20 years. Ready for really beautiful photography to be a part of your family’s keepsakes?

nature

gold of september perception nature photo series

October 17, 2018October 17, 2018

Life challenge is perspective.

We see, but we don’t really see. We see such a narrow, subjective portion of our life, our world. This monthly series is set to explore what is there and what is seen.

September theme:
is gold or purple nature. Please comment below.

Life photography Sale Inquiries:
email us at artcapturephoto@me.com to inquire about purchasing any piece in print, digital, canvas, etc. Pick up, local shipping available only in Toronto, ON (GTA) area. All other purchases are available via shipping and will be posted/sold via
ETSY – www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MonikaMeulman

View in Gallery

art

Moss Baby

June 7, 2018June 7, 2018

Spanish moss is a beautiful thing.

Dangling, growing, slowly expanding and taking over with its silver hair swaying in the wind.

Seed pods ripening, bursting, floating off into to distant places.

flowers

Saugeen River Farm – Nature Love

May 22, 2017May 22, 2017

Visiting a fellow farmer on her beautiful property. This photo blog post is honouring her splendour in the making, in the heart of Ontario Farm country.

A tribute to nature, beauty, cycle of life, and all things connected.

Enjoy life in the flow of the Saugeen River.

landscape

Dunlop Lodge an Ontario Gem – Wilderness Retreat

October 16, 2016December 18, 2016

Recently, I had the privilege of staying at a picturesque cabin in the woods, on the grounds of Dunlop Lodge Wilderness Retreat, set in the rolling forested hills of Elliott Lake. Amidst the striking fall colours of our beautiful Ontario forest, Dunlop Lodge is a getaway paradise.

All year round, this quiet, family lodge welcomes wilderness lovers to discover the vast beauty of Elliott Lake, Ontario. Right on Dunlop Lake, the lodge offers summer water sports, fall hikes and rugged trails for ATVs, mountain bikers, winter snowshoeing enthusiasts, ice fishing lodging, and spring thaw beauty to explore. Perfect for family getaways, special events and even quiet retreat times.