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Brent Pilgrim Photography bio picture

Brent Pilgrim Photography

Thanks for stopping by!

I am a wedding photographer based in Milton, Ontario with coverage including Halton Region, the GTA, Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Toronto, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Stratford, and beyond!

Take a look around, sip some coffee.  Visit my portfolio website www.brentpilgrim.ca to have a quick look at what I do.  And check back here for regular happenings in my small corner of the world.

Stay a while.  Come back later.  Reacquaint yourself.  You're always welcome.

 

MILTON VICTORIA PARK WEDDING : TERRIE & MANSELL

It rained, but that didn’t stop anything for an outdoor ceremony.  The gazebo at Victoria Park in Milton was filled with family, friends, and umbrellas, all ready to see Mansell take Terrie’s hand, hold it in his, and tell the world how much he loves her.  He smiled as he waited to see her.  She waited, taking her time, enjoying a moment to herself, before walking down the path to the gazebo.  She took a step, put her arm around her father and kissed his cheek.  Everyone forgot about the rain that day.

Terrie’s mother was very happy to now call Mansell “My son”.

Terrie and Mansell – thank you for sharing your fun filled day with us!  You made us feel like old friends and had us laughing and crying the whole day right alongside everyone else.  I hope you’re all having an incredible time together in Disney.  And tell Victoria to keep up the great camera work!

Such a sweet moment between mother and daughter.

Bubbles!

Here’s the wedding party!

Mom was trying to get the ring bearers’ attention for a nice photo.  I just let them be themselves and have fun!  Boys will be boys!

3 great couples, 6 awesome friends.

Can you tell I was loving this bouquet?

Rockin’ out some details with Mansell.

It may have been cloudy at Mill Pond in Milton, but this couple was shining bright!

When I first met with Terrie and Mansell they told me how much the love Disney and how much time they spend there as a family.  So, Patti dug out these 2 and we had a little fun with the rings, as a little surprise for them!

We’re all going to Disney World!!!

The first dance as husband and wife.

Terrie is a well known face here in Milton!  She and Mansell run “Terrie’s Karaoke”, so they made it part of the reception fun for everyone!

It’s time for the girls to party!

And a quick shot of Terrie with her mom and aunt.

September 3, 2010 - 6:13 am patti McDougall - Congratulations Terrie and Mansell you guys rocked it out... literally!

MY STARTING POINT

I’m starting over.

I’ve realized that I started out kind of in the middle, or at least tried to plunk myself down in the midst of it all.  Like anyone else – I want it all and fast.  But I forgot that to get where you’re going you have to start somewhere.  Key word START, beginning.

I tried to play myself off as this established photographer, that I’ve been in business for a while and because I know how to use a camera I felt that I can jump into their world, the established wedding photographer’s world.  It’s hard enough to get in to begin with.  I still have so much to learn.

It’s time to “keep it real”.

Truth be told, I started my business just over a year agao now.  I don’t know EVERYTHING there is to know about my camera, there are some crazy technological things that I’m afraid to touch.  I’ve just shot my first paying wedding 3 days ago and it was one of the scariest days of my life.

I’m so worried about people judging, putting me down becuse I’m new – “Who does he think he is?  Don’t book him – he’s new”.  That’s what I can imagine anyway.

Let’s keep it real.

Here’s my starting point.

This is scary, but exciting!  I keep learning with every picture I take, and with every mistake that I make both in camera and in business.  And I’m sure I will keep making mistakes, but it’s all in how I’m going to deal with them, grow from them, and share in the overall outcome.  It’s scary just to talk about this, to open up to everyone, including potential couples.  I’m taking a risk … I just hope it turns out OK.

This is me – I do love Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, I do drink diet Root Beer and A&W is the best!, I do drink Guinness when I have a beer, I do love Patti with all of my heart, and I do care where I am going.  I just feel like I need to be more mindful of the path.

Here’s a couple of photos of my wonderful couple Terrie & Mansell.  Congratulations guys!  You took a risk and you’ve helped me so much!

It was a rainy day at Mill Pond in Milton – but we rocked it out!

August 24, 2010 - 7:34 pm Nicole - Weddings ARE scary. I've been doing them for 4 years now, and I'm still learning! I improve all the time and this year I've noticed a considerable difference with the quality of my work. Largely due to the fact that I've been hired by a really good company here to be their in-house photographer. They mean business and it's all or nothing. I was terrified to start working there because I didn't think I was good enough. It's so easy to be hard on yourself but sometimes you have to step back and ease up and say yeah, I still have lots to learn, but people like what I do! That's pretty much what drives me. It means the world to me when my clients and peers praise my work. But it is extremely nerve wracking when people are paying you the big bucks to do their wedding. There's lots of pressure and stress when you shoot weddings. But you'll get used to it! Luckily I don't get nervous anymore and it makes it so much more enjoyable, not to mention easier. But unfortunately with the new job I also have to take a break from my side project that I started. I will hopefully be able to return to it someday. :) And like you said, it's really hard to start out and worry about judgment. Unfortunately with the field we're in we'll always be judged. There's always someone out there that knows more than you and thinks they're better than you. It's a shame how competitive photography can be. So many people are scared (or full of themselves ;) to talk about their tips and tricks. But you just have to let your work speak for itself. You're photography is great, Brent! Not many people can produce photos like yours in just a years time. Eep, sorry I got a little carried away.

August 24, 2010 - 8:11 pm Sarah - Brent: I just wanted to say that yes, some people judge new photographers because they are new...but there is always going to be someone judging someone for anything. When I met our wedding photographer for the first time (before we booked her), she told me how long she had been in photography (not long), and that didn't scare me. It didn't scare me because she had the photos that she HAD taken, and I loved them. I also loved the way she put them together into a photobook. The most important thing though, was the connection that I felt with her. And anyone who meets you will sure feel that same way! You make people feel comfortable enough to be themselves, which is what makes the best pictures. You are a great photographer, be confident in that :)

August 27, 2010 - 10:30 am Shane - Brent, your photography looks awesome to me dude! 80% of the battle is showing up ...you already did that. You hit on the key to doing good business "keep it real" ...just be authentic and it will grow. Now focus on the one thing in your photography that you really like and are good at ...all photographers can't be good at everything ...make that one thing, your unique thing and do it better than anyone else. If all else fails, just fake it till you make it. When Mark Burnett first pitched the concept of "Survivor" reality TV, he was so scared when they accepted it because he had no idea what to do next. be well ...Shane

August 31, 2010 - 5:34 pm Patti - Terrie and Mansell.... I hope you are having a fantastic time on your fun filled honeymoon! You and your guests sure know how to have a good time, I love it! Thank you to all that have wrote to support Brent. He is a very REAL person and that is one of the things I love most about him. Keep that drive and that talent flowing.

KEEPING BUSY

It’s not the way it used to be.  I used to blog so much more than I have lately.  My excuses?  Hmm… I’ve been keeping busy.  The summer has been good to me … client meetings, BMX racing (oh yeah, you bet! it’s awesome!), and even doing some 2nd shooting to help out a fellow photographer.  I have been very fortunate to everyone that has been helping me build my business in even the smallest of ways.  I feel honoured to have the family and friends that I have that keep encouraging me even when I feel like I’m at a stand still sometimes.  I know where I’d love to be in about 5 years, but I want it now!  Patience Brent, patience.  Everyone starts somewhere, of course.

And over the past little while I do feel like something has started.  I’m creating relationships, contacts, and a little bit of a regular following out there to my blog.  I know you’re out there!  Thank you so much everyone, you don’t know how much it means for me to see that people actually read my little stories.  Please, if you’re reading this, post a comment, say hi!  I’d love to hear from you!

Here’s me, keeping busy!

August 19, 2010 - 1:45 am lizzy - Great Photos...!!! Great blog...!!! It is an inspitation to me !!! Lizzy

August 19, 2010 - 1:27 pm Patti - Gotta love a goofy smile!

August 19, 2010 - 2:14 pm Christa - Hi :-)

August 19, 2010 - 3:57 pm Shane - Sometimes ... you just need to go slow to go fast Brent :-) I pity the fool! ...Shane (BBF)

August 20, 2010 - 2:21 pm Jenny - Oh man I hear ya! Gotta live life to have something to write about though, no? Sounds like you're on a good trajectory!

BEING PREPARED

I like having a plan.  No, I take that back.  I LOVE having a plan!  Plans, lists, organization, directions, they all make my day easier and the chances of needing an antacid is pretty much nil.  Of course life wouldn’t be worth living if there wasn’t some sort of randomness, don’t get me wrong … just let me know first.

So, in the honour of all things planned, Patti and I went out to one of our upcoming wedding shoot spots!  It’s outdoors, so that means be prepared for any type of weather because everyday the forecast tells us “Chance Of Thunderstorms!!!” or “Bring An Umbrella Or You’ll Regret It!!!” type of precipitation.  Sometimes it happens, most times not, but they still put it in there, y’know, just in case.  That’s nothing.  Bring on the rain!  Cloud cover is AWESOME for photos because it means even light no matter where you go.  It’s the SUN that makes it a challenge, and it was definitely sunny the day we went out our little “scope-out”.  Ok grammar police, let me have it!  Scope-out, ya heard me!

The nice thing about the sun is that you can create some great lighting on the fly with reflections from so many things, you just have to look around you.  Building, concrete walkways, open shade and even back lighting.  And even though it may be “on the fly”, at least I feel prepared for it!

I hope everyone smiles like this when they have a plan!  Even though she’s more the adventurous type ;)

August 12, 2010 - 11:52 am Patti - I LOVE me some adventure!

EVERYONE LOVES THIS PLACE!

It’s true!  It has to be.  It says so right in the theme song for it!  I mean, c’mon, if you can’t trust the lyrics of a timeless jingle like the one for Marineland then who can you trust?!  They’ve got whales, sea lions, walruses, dolphins, deer, bears, food, gifts, fish, seagulls … well, I think the seagulls might be visitors.  But man, are they ever comfortable with humans walking around.  I was nearly struck by a kamikaze gull!  You know when you hear a loud “WOOSH!” from a wing that you’re a little too close for comfort.  I had to check my hat and shoulders to see if it left me any gifts ;)

We had so much fun yesterday!  The girls were amazed by the acrobatics of the dolphins and laughed at all the antics between the sea lions and their trainers during one of the shows.  My favourite was just watching the whales swimming under water.  Slow, fluid movements.  They’re amazing creatures.

The only thing cooler would be if they had a SHARK EXHIBIT!  They don’t have one, but there is this big sign with a concept drawing in the middle of the park, and I swear they put it up just to tease me … “FUTURE SITE PLANS!”  Where’s Marty McFly and his Delorean when we need him??  And it’s Shark Week on the Discovery Channel!

Here are some snaps from our day with the kiddies!

I tried, but for some reason Kira had absolutely no interest in this ride.

So cool.

Splish splash … I managed to stay dry.

They may not have wings, but they sure can fly!

Up close!

Wahoo!

August 3, 2010 - 2:38 pm Patti - Okay, who do you think had more fun, the girls or Brent?

August 7, 2010 - 12:16 am gina - lovin' those critter shots! makes me wanna go to sea world tomorrow :)

August 12, 2010 - 7:09 pm Brandy Frank - oh. my. gosh. I LOVE that image with the beluga whales and the silhouettes. that is awesome!!

August 13, 2010 - 11:00 pm Patti - @Brandy.... My favourite part about that shot is the mans hat... Brent has one like that and it is just so stylish! Happy Summer to you and yours!!!

AS LONG AS IT’S WITH HER

We’re weird.  Almost nauseating sometimes to the outsider, I’m sure.  And I still feel like a kid sometimes when I’m with her, and even when she’s not here with me.  We text each other when she’s at work.  I nearly run to my phone when I hear that familiar beep-beeep-ba-beep because I know it’s her.  But on the odd occasion, it’s not her, and I’m disappointed.  Like a kid that didn’t get what he wanted at the store.

Date night is gonna happen soon.  And I can’t wait!  Most times when we do things together without the kids it’s with friends, and never really us alone.  Dinner, movie, whatever.  As long as it’s with her.

This is the text message that just came in – “I am so in love with you”  I would pay ten bucks per message to get that, even though we have unlimited to each other.

BTW … she doesn’t like this picture.  That’s ok, she’s not here!  I think it’s GREAT!

July 28, 2010 - 10:37 pm Nicky - wow, what a wonderful tribute to your relationship! Nice to see and watch

July 30, 2010 - 9:10 am Patti - Speechless..... (for once)

August 1, 2010 - 11:50 am LeolaK - Wow...such a sweet message.

August 4, 2010 - 9:01 am Nicole Valdron - AW BRENT! What a sappy sap you are! Who woulda thunk it?

August 4, 2010 - 6:52 pm Brent Pilgrim - You mean you can't see it on my sleeve?!

August 11, 2010 - 9:29 pm Stephanie - How do you become such an inspiration? I mean your words are so beautiful! You guys are truly amazing together I could not of picked a better match. Sometimes life throws you curve balls and they are there for a reason and that is how you found eachother. You are an amazing couple and I hope for long happiness and commitment. The love you guys share for one another is breath taking and to have that is incrediable! Your dedication to one another and your constant happiness is fantastic. I really look up to you guys, and love you both! Brent I know we have not had a chance to get super close but Patti is always going to be part of my family and I love that you have joined despite how it all happened.... True Happiness is obvious to the eyes here! xoxoxoxo

FLOWERS AND GOLF AND SKYBOXES OH MY!

I’ve been asked before if I’m a golfer.  My usual response is “I’ve tried”, and sometimes I add in “miserably”.  I have HUGE respect for the guys and girls that pursue this very frustrating sport as a career, and kudos to the ones that are hugely successful at it!  So how did I end up at the Canadian Open at St George’s Golf Club in Toronto today?  My friends at I Do Weddings!

A couple of months back, Michelle at I Do sent me an email to see if I’d be able to come out and take some shots for her as she and her awesome group of people are the one’s doing the arrangements at all the tables inside the clubhouse and in a couple of the private skyboxes around the 18th hole.  Patti and I had a great time going around with Michelle and her husband (who kept us all very entertained!) while they watered and spruced up all their wonderful floral arrangements.

Thanks for inviting us out!  Here are a few shots that we got:

And just to make our friend Scottie incredibly jealous, here’s the view of the 18th hole from the Bell Skybox!

July 26, 2010 - 10:00 am Patti - Beautiful arrangements Michelle! What a fun evening. Having security folow us around was kind of funny, we should have told them unless it was Tiger Woods himself we could have fallen over the pro golfers and not known who they were. Thank goodness that that didn't happen... LOL

July 28, 2010 - 8:06 am Justin & Mary - that's awesome!! Love you guys!

July 30, 2010 - 9:13 am Patti - @Justin and Mary.. It is great to hear from you, You guys are the best!

INSPIRATION IN RANGEFINDER MAGAZINE

I’m in my happy place.  Remember those pesky shelves from Ikea that were discontinued  that I really wanted for my office?  The ones that were the perfect size to fit into my jam packed little closet to make the chaos a little less chaotic?  Well, they’re back on the shelves! (no pun intended)  But there was only 3 left, and that’s the number I was looking for!  So they’re up, my office is a little more organized, and it doesn’t look like I’ve just shoved things in there because I had nowhere else to put them.

On one of those shelves is a stack of magazines that I get monthly for free because I’m a member of WPPI.  WPPI is the “Wedding & Portrait Photographer’s International”, which also holds the big convention in Vegas which was host to around 14,000 photographers this past March.  Rangefinder Magazine is a bonus that each WPPI member receives as part of their membership.  In it are articles on, as you can guess, photographers, equipment, monthly themes of weddings or landscapes and other types of photography, contests, and some very inspirational stuff on where the industry has been and where it’s going with all the new technology.

But it’s this month’s issue that has REALLY caught my eye.  The cover is so striking!

WOW!  Photographer Jerry Avenaim, Subject Jeff Bridges.

As soon as I looked at the cover, I grabbed the mag and flipped straight to the article.  I wanted to know how he did it, how he lit the award winning actor, how he made him look like nothing existed except for him.  For a guy that loves to shoot nearly everything without a flash, reading the explanations of each shot was as if I was reading through an exam on latin and I hadn’t studied for it!  I was totally humbled.

Inspiration.  That’s what I got from this issue.  Maybe not to recreate these images exactly, but to at least push myself to create striking images that will keep making people say WOW!

For any photographers out there, join WPPI, get Rangefinder Magazine, keep learning, keep inspired!

July 21, 2010 - 10:22 am Patti - I am anxious to see how you use this inspiration....

NOPE, NEVER WOULDA THOUGHT, EVER

There’s a time in everyone’s life that you put all your reservations aside, going against all the things you’ve said to defend your case, all that you’ve stood behind for years.  Even with very good arguments from friends and family, you’ve stood strong in your beliefs knowing that you’re right and have always been right.  That time for me was sometime after 12:00pm July 10, 2010 in Grand Bend, ON.

Y’see, Patti and I were kidless for the week and decided to go camping by ourselves at the Pinery again.  Great place, great site, just close enough to the facilities (yeah yeah, not really camping if you can flush and shower, I know) and walking distance from the beach.  The sun was shining all weekend, no clouds in the sky, and no humidity which was a big bonus compared to what we’ve been getting lately!

I’ve always been a sneakers type of guy when camping, and life in general.  But they get hot, and I’m not about to wear them without socks, not a good thing.

I caved.  After much self convincing.  And it’s mostly because they are more comfortable than they look.  On the main strip of Grand Bend, we walked into a shoe store and bought these:

I call them flip flops, not very manly at all.  Others call them slippers, or even thongs … ya heard me.

So here are my justifications:  they fit, the part that goes between your toes is made of neoprene so that means no chaffing (no jokes allowed!), they fit, the insole (if there is an insole to a flip flop) is made of foam which feels pretty darn good when you step into them, they fit and they don’t make a “flip flop” noise.  Oh yeah, and they fit.

I’ve never liked flip flops.  Plastic, the sound they make, the chaffing (I said no jokes!), annoyingly never fit.  But I like these.

July 13, 2010 - 11:08 pm Patti - Yes, finally brought you over to the "bright" side! May I say that your toes will love you for shedding the light on them:-)

July 17, 2010 - 8:44 pm Nancy - Now you can have matching cheverons.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

A sea of red and white today.  Smiling faces, kids cheering, alligators showing off, free bus fare, and even BBQ turkey legs.  An incredible light show to end of a great day with the fam!

Happy Canada Day everyone!

July 2, 2010 - 7:53 am Nancy - Where's my turkey leg?

July 2, 2010 - 10:31 am Sarah - beautiful pic Brent!