5 Minutes 5 Questions: Joey Armstrong

I’m so excited to be teaming up with this food/lifestyle photographer this summer for my first shoot in Vancouver (go figure!). Her name is Joey Armstrong and we first met when I frequented a local deli to buy beef jerky. I’m excited to see Joey in her element as she captures moments of fun at Soirette for the shoot!

Check Joey out on Instagram/Twitter: @joey_arm_strong and ‘Like’ her Facebook page: joey armstrong photography

Here is 5 minutes/5 questions with the lovely and creative Joey Armstrong:

1) How long have you lived in Vancouver?

just over 7 years!

2) What is your favourite thing about being behind the camera?

it’s a weird mixture of excitement and fear, to have the power and ability to create images that truly capture the beauty or the feeling of the subject itself (whether it’s a farmer’s market bounty of gorgeous produce, or an adorable family that loves that loves each other so much).

3) What is your most favourite picture you have ever taken?

tough question; i’m really indecisive! i don’t think i have a favourite picture ever taken, but my most recent favourite would be a photo i took of a dad & his young daughter fishing by the river (i love the look of pure joy on her face, and the water splashing everywhere).

4) What is your single best piece of advice for aspiring photographers?

failure, or the feeling of failure, is normal and totally okay – just make sure you move on, learn from it, and don’t take it personally.

5) What are the top three characteristics on your Love List (characteristics or qualities you are looking for in a potential mate or your current mate)?

patience. humour. helpfulness.

ELENA:)

Janelle Burger

It wouldn’t be fair to showcase artists and not highlight one of my favourites –  Janelle Burger. She does fabulous fashion illustrations, stationery, iPhone cases and even shirts. Check out her online store. I was lucky that she was able to do illustrations and the cover for my own book, The Love List.

Located in Paris, I had the opportunity to meet up with her early this year and visit one of her favourite places, Le Bon Marche. It was fantastic!

Don’t forget to follow her on twitter: janelleburgers and instagram: janelleburger  (ps: that’s not her real name:)

ELENA:)

Dolch Designs aka IMPAPER.CO

There is a definite theme emerging on my blog right now….art. Coming up in the next few weeks, I’ll be showcasing some great artists (emerging and established) and I can’t wait (there is something that makes me smile about great design)! Plus, it will give you the excuse to exchange those tacky office prints (or dated Children’s artwork)  for something modern and inspirational.

Dolch Designs is a company created by two current university students specializing in typography and graphic art prints. First of all, they are in school. I know I wasn’t running my own business while studying – I was folding jeans at the Gap.

And second – it’s great art. Sure you can get something massed produced  at your local Chapters or IKEA, but it’s always nice to know that you are purchasing something unique/limited (custom orders are available). As an aside – you get the prints in the mail (I love getting mail!) which is always a nice treat.

Here is a promo code so you can get 20% off your entire purchase: elenam

Don’t forget to follow Dolch Designs on twitter/instagram: @DolchDesigns and ‘Like’ them on Facebook too!

ELENA:)

Beautulleful Review

Many people know that I’m girly. I love a great skirt that twirls. And nothing gives rise to my inner ballerina than Beautulleful skirts. I’m so excited that they are a local Vancouver find!

The Beautulleful gals are 2 BFFs that have worked on their collection for 2 years, producing 4 colours of skirts in 3 different styles (knee, tea and full) – each with 6 layers of tulle! And don’t worry about being itchy – they are all lined! Phew! The skirts are truly the perfect POUF.

I think that the graceful grey tea skirt would look amazing with my pink Valentino’s and All Saints black leather moto jacket! You can wear them day or night. So many style options – I can’t wait to order mine 🙂

And to make sure you get yours asap, the lovely Beautulleful gals have given me a pre sale 30% discount code to share: SECRETSUMMER14  This is a day early because the sale officially begins on July 4-6!

Make sure to add them to your Twitter/Instagram to stay in the loop: @Beautulleful and ‘Like’ them on Facebook

ELENA:)