VRP - Fine Art meets Fashion and another piece of France

As promised another piece of my trip to France. 

Off Camera Flash... I'm so in love. 

To preface off, I have been a professional photographer since 2008, and very intrigued by the art of OCF, but very afraid of tackling what I didn't know. I've never been one to shy away from a challenge tho, and we only remain sharp if we are learning. So when the opportunity presented itself to learn from one of America's greatest lighting masters, Nichole Van of Nichole Van Photography, I jumped on it as fast as real life would allow me! I took the time to research all the lighting gear, and after much time and careful planning, I purchased the equipment needed to complete an eye catching, jaw dropping session. Once I learnt how to set up my equipment, and the basic components of running it, I just realized I'd been handed the world... or what felt like it. To learn how to harness the majesticness of the sun is like having the keys to the universe.

And to learn in France... unbelieveable!!! This is a sample from one of our many sessions at the 

Chateau de Courtomer, Normandy, France. 

check out some more amazing work at Chic Critique!

New Beginnings | Missoula Senior Portrait Photographer

This senior session was a landmark for me and my seniors. Having just
returned from my Lighting Workshop in France with Nichole Van, this was
the beginning of a new chapter for VioletRay Photography. This session has
me all a-buzz because it was my first session lit with my OCF set up, my
1600 Alien Bee strobe with my 8' umbrella. (YES! 8 feet of parabolic
goodness!)

Lizzie is my Senior SpokesModel for Missoula's Sentinel High School. She
has got the most amazing and gentle spirit, and yet, you can feel her
excitement  for life.

We had an extraordinary team make this benchmark session a RAGING success!
Styled by a locally owned boutique, Apricot Lane, Lizzie was totally in
style with all the most amazing new dresses on the market, and my amazing
"senior styling team", Skin Chic and Shear Art, did her hair and make-up
to accent her natural golden glow.

Being able to reach out and work with those in my local community is an
incredible blessing. Knowing that there is someone there who wants to, as
much as CAN, help you out because of good interpersonal relationships is
what makes being a photographer more than just a job. It's a privilege and
a joy!

Make sure to check out some more amazing inspiration for your day at Chic Blog Love

VRP | Turner Performance Horses {Family Portraiture}

These images don't need much for an introduction. Chad and Paje own Turner Performance Horses and wanted to do a shoot with their 7 4 -legged children. Horses are special creatures indeed. Needing attention and love just like human kids, you have to work on their time and take it slow and easy. But, in the same breath... horses are incredible hams. haha!!!! As you'll see down below, they LOVE to be the center of attention, so enjoy these amazing Montana images!

Be sure to check out CHIC's Blog Love for more amazing images from other artists.

VRP | France... a collection of firsts

Enclosed is my treasure chest of some of my images taken in France. I had the amazing opportunity to go to France for the FIRST time in my life. Actually, it was the FIRST time in my ever being abroad period!, so to make my first trip to Europe a trip to France.... I even shocked myself by spontaneously saying... I'm going to France in May! And it wasn't just any trip. It was a trip to go spend a week with my hero... Nichole Van.

Set in the country side of France in Normandy, is the most amazing chateau. The Chateau de' Courtomer. Nestled into 350 acres, we were allowed to shoot all over the grounds and explore our creative minds. Learning OCF and working the creative side of my mind to tell a story, I stretched and grew so many ways. Learning how to get around a city that spoke little English, taking trains and metro's to little villages, and eating LOTS of amazing French bread, yogurt, and creme brulee... I was in heaven..

So, here is part 1 of my France | A collection of firsts. I've got so many images that I haven't even seen yet that over the next few months I'll be doing installments.

Be sure to check out Chic Blog Love for my enjoyable sessions.