Did you know that RyKie Images & Events also offers mentoring? Well, I guess now you do...
Whatever the level, whatever the topic - photography is a vast art that is impossible to master. Just as in life, you can never stop learning new techniques, new ideas, new styles. If someone tells you that they know everything there is to know about being a photographer, they simply do not.
We don't claim to know it all either, but for the things we can share, we offer our help through being a mentor.
What's covered? Well, that's up to you. We'll answer your questions head on - could be something as simple of basic composition or setting a custom white balance. We also offer our advice for fledgling photographers looking toward the business side of things. 
Our sessions are also done in a low-key, positive environment. There are no silly questions, and nobody will laugh at you... well that's not totally true. We do end up having quite a bit of fun in the process. It's the learning curve that we're interested in and allowing you to feel more comfortable and confident using your equipment. 
If you're interested in taking part in one of our mentoring sessions, contact us and describe what area you would like to focus on (don't worry, if a different topic comes up, we'll cover that also).
We like to do our mentoring in the field as much as possible, so bring all your gear and we'll go shooting!

I love shooting bands. Especially bands with a certain special essence. 
Such is the case with the pride of Tilley, AB.: Faint Awakening. They held their first annual band fundraiser over the weekend at Spin Nightspot, a bachelor/bachelorette auction to help advance their career to the next level. 
In speaking with the band's management, they were expecting maybe $50 per person to be auctioned off. Well, the pocketbooks came out - far exceeding expectations and providing the young band of siblings that extra boost.
The auction was sandwiched between two sets by the band, which showcased their original work and a few covers as well. One thing that surfaces with Faint Awakening is how well they gel together. Their songs are very tight and refined. There's a sense of maturity not only in their writing and musical chops, but also with how they interact with their audience. Yes, these kids are young, but there's an inherent wisdom in how they perform; an intuition very rare when compiled with youth.
Also rare is their voice. Even when Faint Awakening is playing a cover, it's not 'just a cover'......this band makes it their own with their unique voice. It's a Faint Awakening song that you've just heard written and performed by another band first.
I've always been entranced to see bands who are on the cusp of greatness. The ones that have that right mix and are hungry enough to continue - no matter what. Spend some time with the members of Faint Awakening, and it's easy to see the passion and love for music. Keep this band of brothers and sisters on your musical radar - they are about to embark on one wild musical ride. 
You know you'll be bragging about how you were at their gig at Spin Nightspot once Faint Awakening hits it big.
Check out the gallery here!

We're very lucky here in the County of Newell to have such geniuses at the helm! Case in point, the LiveNewell.com website. What an amazing place to feature local business and introduce people to what happens in our area! You can even check out RyKie Images & Events on this awesome platform by clicking here. We're the first photography business on LiveNewell, and we're proud to be there.
LiveNewell seeks to promote local business and the positive things going on in the region, as do we here at RyKie Images & Events. In addition to the vast information displayed on the site, you can also find one of their kiosks floating around the region. Think of this kiosk as a huge iPad to navigate. We've seen kiosks at the Brooks Campus of Medicine Hat College, and even at the recent Girls 1A Provincial Basketball event in Rosemary (RyKie Images & Events was the Official Photographer for the event).
It's also a one-stop-shop for any services you may need and is certainly a great promotional tool for anyone thinking of moving to the County of Newell.
So, drop by our site on LiveNewell....and make sure to search around for other cool aspects of this site!

We’re adding something a little different to our Mother’s Day special this year: a chance for you to give back to our community. It’s no secret that Brooks and the County of Newell has been one region hard hit by the economic downturn in the oil and gas industry. People and businesses are feeling the effects big time, as well as the service providers locally that can help out.

It wasn’t so long ago that our area was rocked by the layoffs at XL Lakeside: the largest employer in Brooks. This time around, the situation is way different.

We’re an extraordinary community that pulls together during tough times - it’s something we’re known for. Some people point to the pattern of every seven or eight years, the oil and gas industry goes through a bust, returning to a boom later on. This time, the bust will be larger, but we can pull through it.

In response, RyKie Images & Events will be donating half of all session fees for clients who book Mother’s Day Mini Sessions to the Brooks Food Bank. Why that organization? Well, it’s a simple numbers game. The Brooks Food Bank is totally donation-funded, with a large portion of that coming from local oil and gas companies. Demand has gone up at the food bank, and will continue to do so….with a reduction in monetary support.

We realize that donating a large percentage of session fees will not change the world, but we hope to raise awareness on the Brooks Food Bank and that they are one of many local services here to help families affected by the downturn.

So here’s how it works: from now until May 10, if you book a Mother’s Day Mini Session with RyKie Images & Events, we will donate 50% of the $150 session fee to the Brooks Food Bank. The actual session can take place anytime before or after Mother’s Day, but needs to be booked before May 10, 2015 (please note: other offers cannot be combined with this special).

Yes, times are tough, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Keep watching for more ways RyKie Images & Events