So I was recently browsing the local 'say anything you feel like because it's anonymous' Facebook page, and came across this gem:

"As a person who actually went to school to study photography, it annoys me when any idiot with a DSLR and a Facebook page thinks they are a professional photographer."

First thing that came to mind when I read this was, "you don't get it, do you?" 
It's only human nature for people to be competitive, and photography as an industry can certainly be a prime example of a cut-throat business. It's also not unusual for an ameteur to think they need to be better than or slam another artist's work. This speaks volumes as to their maturity level.
Now, to explain my reaction to the anonymous post. Obviously, they just don't get IT....the whole shebang. They're offended by someone who is successful at their art; their dream. Apparently, they're also miffed that perhaps their own potential hasn't quite blossomed as anticipated. After all, they put in the hard work, studied, and therefore should be the penultimate resource on all things related to the subject. 
So what didn't they 'get'?
It's not about cutting other people down. If someone is trying to do that, they're just trying to bring you down to where they are. Sure, it's frustrating to see a bunch of new photographers getting their feet wet and seemingly 'stealing your clients with a cheap rate.' Instead of comlaining about them, and bad-mouthing these people, why not offer to mentor them? Share the things you wished someone would have told you when first starting out. Everyone makes the same mistakes, and if you can help someone avoid a few pitfalls, why not? 

That spirit of passing along useful information to those just starting out is the basis behind our upcoming course, Adventures in Digital Photography. None of these techniques are trade secrets, and our belief is that a community of like-minded artists is better than a bunch of grumpy people working in a vacuum. 
The classes we'll teach will be in a positive, non-judegmental environment with a goal of learning something new, but also having fun. There will be a lot of ground covered, but the end result will be people more familiar and comfortable with their cameras, and their skills as artists. 
Perhaps the grumpypants that was brave enough to post the anonymous comment will sign up, too! The mark of a true professional is not how much information you can retain and guard, but how much you can share and give away to others. I've seen plenty of places that offer a piece of paper at the right price - these places don't make you a great or even professional photographer. If you want to be a professional anything, you must first develop an attitude of grattitude. 
Sure, Dear Grumpypants, you may have gone to school. But cutting down other artists doesn't make you a professional!

Adventures in Digital Photography Coming in February
(Press Release, issued Dec. 13, 2016)
    A new photography class at the Brooks Campus of Medicine Hat College will ‘demystify your DSLR.’ Ryan Kiedrowski, owner of RyKie Images & Events, will be teaching a four-part series in February, 2017 called Adventures in Digital Photography.
      “The goal is to provide people with the kind of information I was looking for in the beginning of my own education,” Kiedrowski said. “The things that some people think of as closely-guarded secrets. This will be an environment of learning instead of keeping certain aspects of the art out of reach!”
       In addition to learning several useful techniques, what gear you actually need and how to edit images efficiently, Kiedrowski plans to build an online community after classes end.
      “We’re going to extend the ambiance fostered in the classroom – that spirit of learning – and explore the concepts even further,” explained Kiedrowski. “In conversation with people interested in photography, a recurring statement is how complicated and intimidating they find their new camera. We’re going to take you off AUTO mode and out of your comfort zone, but I promise you’ll learn something incredible!”
       RyKie Images & Events has been operating in the County of Newell for nearly 10 years. They were recognized as the Rural Business of the Year during the annual Business of the Year Awards Gala held in October by the Brooks & District Chamber of Commerce. The company provides services to individuals, businesses and a variety of local charities.

• Thursday evenings in February, 2017. 6-8:30 p.m. at Brooks Campus, MHC.
• Contact Brooks Campus at (403) 362-1677 to register or RyKie Images & Events for more information.

With the opening of our Duchess studio, here are a few tips on how to rock the shot when you book a session with us!

Before the Session

• Practice Posing - what pose do you think looks great? Practice in front of a large mirror and see what accentuates your best features.
• Wear the Right Clothes - choose something that you not only feel great in, but looks great on you. When you combine comfort and style, it will boost your confidence.
• Get Yer Hair Did - don't you just love that feeling of leaving a salon or barber shop feeling like a million bucks? 

Posing Tips

• Be the Turtle - think of a turtle poking it's head out of a shell. When your chin moves forward slightly, it reduces the chance of the dreaded double-chin, and enhances your jawline.
• Twist and Shout - they saw the camera adds 10 lbs., but it doesn't have to. Just a little twist will minimize the belly and give you a more slender appearance.
• If it Bends, Then Bend it - arms and legs are meant to be bent. Keeping them stiff makes you feel and look stiff. 
• Natural Smiles are the Bomb! - when you force a smile, it comes across in the final image. Natural smiles are more inviting and make you feel great!

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Want to see how these tips are put into action? Beat the cold, winter and visit our indoor studio. We'll make you look fabulous!

It's not often that we do food reviews here.....actually, this is the first one! However, the place we're reviewing deserves consideration, given their unique story.
Monday, May 9, 2016 was a dark day for the Heritage Inn and Convention Centre in Brooks. Fire broke out on the roof of Seasons - the hotel's restaurant - that afternoon. Fortunately, the fast action of the Brooks Volunteer Fire Department meant the blaze was contained to the restaurant area only. That weekend, Spin Nightspot was still able to open, and the kitchen was even cranking out meals within a few days. Seasons had temporarily moved to the Atrium, showing the resourcefulness of Heritage staff during a crisis.
Fast forward to Nov. 30, and a VIP soft opening for the newly-renovated Seasons Restaurant. The evening featured samples of what the new Season's menu had to offer and presented guests the opportunity to take a first look at the new digs.
Simply put, Season's has dressed to impress.
I've long waited for a more upscale dining experience to come to Brooks, and Seasons is it. Like the mythical phoenix rising from the ashes, the Heritage has done a bang-up job with renovations. It was certainly worth the wait. 
The dining area is more open now, with all-white walls that take advantage of the ample glass in the original design. It's amazing what happens when you bust out a few walls and update a place! They've even installed a chandelier as a feature piece in the area that used to be the 'step-up' dining experience. It's a fresh and much-needed update to Seasons that makes the dining area look absolutely huge. 

My lunch-time visit on the first official day open was a happy surprise, for a couple reasons. Seasons has some fantastic new menu items, but retains their consistant quality. It's like tasting something new, but familiar at the same time. Call it the 'new comfort food,' if you will. I ordered an Inn Burger, but through a slight mix up, received a Meatloaf Melt. Granted, it wouldn't be something I'd usually order....until I inadvertantly ordered it! The melt was delicious. Simply delicious. What a pleasant surprise! Seasons offers up the same generous portions - actually, we'll call them Goldilocks portions, because they're 'just right' - at an affordable price point. The entire menu is basically what you'd expect to pay for the meal and the experience; no sticker shock here. It will be a fine adventure to navigate their new menu in it's entirity, and see how Sunday Brunch compares to those of previous years.
Service continues to be top-notch with staff that genuinely care about your dining experience. This is the surreal beauty of the new Seasons. It's essentially a new restaurant with all the same features you loved about the previous one. 
The 3-in-1 Restaurant
It's a tough gig to be three restautrants at once. 
"Huh?" you just grunted.
Seasons must be different things to different diners. During the day, customers are expecting a certain experience. Evening guests are looking for something a little more upscale. Of course, weekend brunchers want that same breakfast/lunch they've enjoyed for years.
Having seen two of the three adaptations, Seasons does this transformation well. Renovations continue in the Heritage as work was being done in the lobby area when I was there (temporarily moving the Front Desk to the Atrium entrance), and it will be exciting to see the new look once completed.
It's been a long, strange ride since May 9, but all the hard work has certainly paid off. If you're looking for a quality dining experience, come back to the one you've always trusted.