Win a bet with your dad, and you might score his Canon A1 you’ve been eyeing for years. Combine that with stunning views of the California foothills just waiting to be documented, and you might be on the road to a career in photography.

It’s definitely a gamble that worked out for YHO photographer Cody Buell. California bred and self-trained, you’ve seen a lot of his work around this place (see here, for a handful of good examples).

But we figure it’s time we tell you about the other Cody. Or at least the other side of him: The guy who snatched a magazine-worthy image of blue bridesmaid’s shoes lined up in a row, but who can also turn a desert horizon into a work of art. The guy with a photojournalistic approach to photography that makes him an ideal choice for documenting your big day.

First off, Cody’s favorite thing to photograph is people. We’ve heard him say that documenting a relationship is the best part of photography. This will certainly come in handy when everyone you love comes together to celebrate you and your beloved, or when you get the family all together for a one-time portrait.

Secondly and thirdly (and fourthly too), Cody has perfected a soft, clean style and his images are filled with warm, natural light. He’s got the whole composition thing down-pat and doesn’t rely on software to get the look he wants. We love a good pola or vintage effect as much as the next bride, but in the long run, natural photos are the ones that will stand the test of time.

Cody will capture yours with film or digital, should you prefer one or the other. So really, going with this guy isn’t much of a gamble at all. Just ask Courtney.

{Buell It Up}

Cody Buell Photography
Cody (at) codybuell.com
(801) 361-4309
www.codybuell.com

{Doorprize!} Cody is feeling generous and will be handing out either one engagement session or one small family shoot (up to six people) to just one winner. Want in on the fun? Leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Sunday, December 6.

By Stephanie Brubaker

Put down your digital and don an old beauty instead as local artist Eva Jorgensen teaches how to use the beloved thing they call the Holga. The class is offered through the Lifelong Learning program with the University of Utah and while they call the class “Toy Cameras,” Eva thinks a more appropriate title might be “How to Take Arty-Looking Photos With Only Minimal Skill, Effort, and Money … But With Maximum FUN!”

If you couldn’t tell, it’s destined to be an excellent course and it’s ideal for all of you eager to explore a new medium. Don’t have a Holga hiding out in Dad’s garage? No problem, you can find one here and you won’t have to break the bank, either.

Learn more and sign up here.

{Click Click Camera}

Toy Cameras: The Holga with Eva Jorgensen
Continuing Education: The University of Utah
Wednesdays, October 14 – November 4
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
$89
www.continue.utah.edu/lifelong

*Images by Eva Jorgensen

Things are getting exciting around here. The finalists are in, and the top five photos, all captured on film and each telling a Utah story, are posted below for your viewing pleasure. Review your options and choose wisely—you’ll only get to vote once. Whichever entrant has the most votes by Wednesday, September 9 at 9:00 p.m. MST will be our winner, and will be granted a free ticket to the Utah Film Is Not Dead workshop with Jonathan Canlas, less than a month away. Let the games begin!

1. By Marianne Wilson

“What’s beautiful about the Beehive State are the people, and it’s what draws me to photograph. The people you encounter here are rich with stories, history and character.”

2. By Jefra Linn

“Scanned negative taken with a Holgaroid tonight, August 31, 2009. Title: ‘The State Bird of Utah: The Grasshopper.’”

3. By Adam Moore

“The state motto is simple: industry. This photograph depicts three generations of one family, working on the family farm in Payson, Utah. Each of the three is in a different field. Each understands the meaning of self-reliance and family in his own way. These two things connect us all.”

4. By Allison Miles

“Good fruit: hard-working people with good values producing the best of the best. That’s Utah.”

5. By Christine Hunsaker

“I bike past this building on the way to work. In 1912 it burned down the same day the Titanic sunk, and the local paper was supposedly the only one in the entire country that didn’t front page the calamity, choosing the local fire instead. The current sign is something of an icon, locally.”

{Utah On Film}

Film is not Dead
Jonathan Canlas Photography
October 5 – 7, 2009
Park City, Utah
www.jonathancanlasphotography.com/workshop
www.filmisnotdead.blogspot.com

We’ve been brewing up something extra special over here, just for you photography enthusiasts. We’ve already told you all about our boy Jonathan Canlas and his photography prowess, and how generous he is with his knowledge via his Film is Not Dead workshops.

Now, hold onto your pants. Here’s the good news: Jonathan is really showing his home state some love (Go Utah, go!) and will be awarding one YHO reader with a photography scholarship to his workshop in Park City, Utah, October 5 through 7. (a $2,000 value! See why we warned you about your pants?)

Here’s the scoop: Here at Your Heart Out, we’re all about spreading the Utah love. “Film is Not Dead” is all about keeping film alive. Thusly, we bring you the “Film Your Heart Out” scholarship project. Like anything worth fighting for, you’ll have to pull on your thinking cap. Jonathan wants you to capture, on film, the essence of the Beehive State. Go out and shoot that quintessential Utah story, send your film to a lab like Snelsons, get it scanned, and e-mail one photo to jonathan {at} jonathancanlasphotography.com before August 31 with “Film Your Heart Out” in the subject line. After he selects his top five favorites, we’ll have a vote-to-win throwdown right here on YHO.

(*Updated) A few caveats:

• In order to win, you must be a Utah resident. We might even ask for your electricity bill to prove residency.
• Entries are limited to one photo per person.
• The scholarship cannot be transferred to anyone other than the entrant.
• All submitted images must be shot between August 17and August 31, 2009.
• Submit images as jpgs at 72 dpi and no more than 600 pixels wide.

The fun starts now. Start snapping!

{Free for One}

“Film Your Heart Out” Scholarship Project
Enter by or before August 31, 2009
E-mail entries to jonathan {at} jonathancanlasphotography.com

Film is not Dead
Jonathan Canlas Photography
October 5 – 7, 2009
Park City, Utah
www.jonathancanlasphotography.com/workshop
www.filmisnotdead.blogspot.com

We were wondering when Mr. Canlas was going to show his home state some love. What do Hawaii and San Francisco have on Utah anyway? (That question was rhetorical, friends. We know all about those beaches and trolleys and stuff.) Finally and luckily for we locals, the next Film is Not Dead workshop with Jonathan Canlas is taking place in none other than our very own Park City. It just might be the best thing to hit Main Street since Sundance, and those lenses will rest easily on views of the towering Wasatch, historic barns and picturesque streets.

So dust off a has-been Canon or snatch up a new DSLR. Film and digital shooters are welcome at this three-day workshop, taking place October 5th through 7th. If you register before August 5th, you’ll get daily lectures, hands-on shoots, breakfast and lunches for $2000.

Some topics that will be covered include but are not limited to:

• Film: who, what, when, why and how
• Learning to love family formals
• Storytelling through details
• Making every event publishable
• How to define your vision

The workshop also includes a workbook that will act as a guide once the bell rings, a DVD, and unlimited film provided by Fuji. No plane tickets are necessary this time around. All you need is a ride to Summit County.

{Look Alive}

Film is not Dead
Jonathan Canlas Photography
October 5 – 7, 2009
Park City, Utah
www.jonathancanlasphotography.com/workshop
www.filmisnotdead.blogspot.com

If you ask Allison Cox what her favorite thing to photograph is, you won’t get a good answer. Most people love to photograph what they’re good at photographing—be it a table top or mountain top. But if you’re Allison Cox and a total natural with the camera, you’re good at it all so there’s no wonder you can’t brew up a singular response.

As far as we can tell, this Utah gal can do everything. If you were looking for an affordable and extremely qualified wedding photographer, Allison comes recommended. If you wanted some soft, candid photos of your babies, you’d be sent in her direction. If you were looking for fine art to decorate your home, she’d also do the job. Or, if you’re an aspiring photographer doing some soul searching, look to Allison’s blog for a dose of do-it-right inspiration or a lesson on pink tights in motion.

With images that are “action-free” (no fussing with Photoshop), light-filled and perfectly composed—not to mention exposed just right—a photography experience with Allison Cox means more time shooting and less time post-producing (better for her, better for you). And the BFA in Photography she carries in her back pocket certainly comes in handy if you’re looking for a photographer that’s confident and capable—so capable that she prefers film to digital though she’ll do either one.

Aside from the whole film thing, perhaps what sets Allison apart is her uncanny ability to make photos seem not only natural, but personal. She operates effortlessly behind the scenes, making sure she documents every little piece of your detail-filled day. And then the detail you’ll want to frame is the snow-covered branch she found outside the church doors that you never got to see.

Like we said, she’s an artist like that.

{C More}

Allison C. Photography
allisoncphoto (at) gmail.com
(801) 349-6256
www.blog.allisoncphotography.com
www.allisoncphotography.com

{Doorprize} Allison is up for handing out one portrait session (bridal, engagement, baby, child, or family of four and under) to one oh-so-lucky YHO reader. And she’s throwing in a complimentary 8 x 10, to boot. You know you want it! So go ahead and leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Sunday, May 31.

Christine Olson did her best to become a science nerd. But after two years of punching out Punnet Squares and pouring over protein synthesis, our girl’s inner creative genius was dying to climb out of its cage, so to speak. So she pulled a switcheroo, trading a lab coat for lens, and has never looked back.

When you know what you’re supposed to do, it hits you with a flash of light. Or simply a flash from the camera. Obsessed with light for who knows how long, Christine says that’s just how it happened for her. After all, she had a point-and-shoot practically glued to her palm throughout high school and (eureka!) her beginner photography class was always her favorite.

A few years after the science stint, Christine found her place and found it well, graduating with a BFA from California’s prestigious Brooks Institute with an emphasis in portraiture. She’ll photograph everyone under the roof from Grandma Flo to Fido. And as soon as June 27, this California resident will be taking up a Utah address, which means she’ll be around to photograph your event whether it’s a new baby, birthday party or wedding. (But really, who says there has to be an event?)

Aside from the fact that her professionalism and training are top notch, we dig that Christine’s photos come out warm and happy—like they’re giving you a hug. It doesn’t matter if it’s an table-top spread or smiling baby, the images are beautiful and bright. We also applaud her habit of including 4×6″ prints of all the images she shoots, because, as she says, “Photography is meant to be viewed and touched.”

People who love what they do tend to excel at it. Christine is case-in-point. But she could probably tell you how little Lily’s baby blues came to be, as well as capture them “on film” perfectly.

{Smile}

Christine Olson Photography
(801) 694-4518
www.christineolsonphotography.com
www.christineolsonphotography.blogspot.com

{Doorprize} Strike that pose, honey. Christine wants to treat one YHO reader to a portrait sitting of your choice (Grandma Flo, Fido or the wo-man in the mirror) as well as prints of the images and a CD. Want in on this $400 giveway? (Need we ask?) Leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Sunday, May 17.

Moments are fleeting. And don’t we all know it—newborns lose their goofy, innocent gazes in what seems like a blink and those toothless smiles that seven-year-olds specialize in will be in jeopardy before you know it. When it comes to kiddos, you’ve gotta catch ‘em while you can.

Enter Utah photographer Heather Gibb. Shooting professionally for six years, Heather specializes (and delights) in making sure those moments linger … by way of camera. Whether you’re hoping to capture your teen’s last youthful look before high school graduation or the entire crew with their new baby brother, Heather’s candid style will do the job—and make it pretty as a picture.

Drawing inspiration from her own children as well as editorial spreads (think Anthropologie and Ralph Lauren), Heather also aims to offer glimpses into her subject’s personalities and unique relationships. She’ll fix grandma up with your newborn baby and yourself for a three-generation portrait in a jiffy, or capture little Jack and Rose in a hug that will melt even grandpa’s tough old heart. Whether you want it posed or play it as it goes, she’s up for the challenge.

Heather roams the state for on-location shoots. But if you don’t live in Utah, you’re not out of luck. Heather likes to travel and regularly visits places like Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix and L.A. for photo sessions. And until time travel becomes a viable option, photography offers the best way of looking back. Like we said, moments don’t last forever.

YHO special: And take note, lassies. Heather is handing out a discount just for you and a friend. If you and your BFF book a back-to-back session (same day and location) you get to share the session fee—that’s two sessions for the price of one. The offer is good on sessions booked between now and May 11, though they can be carried out anytime before July 30, 2009.

{Picture It}

Heather Gibb Photography
(801) 471-8471
www.heathergibbphotography.com
www.heathergibb.typepad.com

{Doorprize!} Heather’s up for helping you make it permanent. So here’s your chance. She’s handing out one free sitting for an individual family and a $100 print credit—a $250 value! If you want in on the fun (it’s a no-brainer), leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Sunday, May 3.

So, you’re feeling a bit more comfortable with that DSLR of yours. Or maybe you recently blew the dust off your dad’s old Nikon. Either way, it’s time for you to take the next step with that fine piece of machinery and really unleash your hidden talent.

Register now to be one of 14 in Jonathan Canlas’s “Film is Not Dead” workshop, held on the mainland in San Francisco this time around, and you’ll be one step closer to meeting your inner potential. Taking place July 13 through 15 in the city’s Mission District, the workshop includes 3 days of hands-on shoots and daily lectures. And your morning and afternoon meals will be furnished (and unforgettable … but don’t take our word for it).

Some topics that will be covered include but are not limited to:

• Film: who, what, when, why and how
• Learning to love family formals
• Storytelling through details
• Making every event publishable
• How to define your vision

The cost is $2,000 if you register before March 1, and also includes unlimited amounts of film provided by FujiFilm, a workbook and accompanying DVD containing all workshop info. To sign up, send an e-mail with “Film Is Not Dead” in the subject line to jonathan@jonathancanlasphotography.com.

{It’s Alive}

Film is Not Dead
Jonathan Canlas Photography
July 13 – 15, 2009 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
San Francisco, California
(801) 358-3151
www.filmisnotdead.blogspot.com

The cute little boy hanging out in our sidebar for the past few months may have caught your eye. You know, the one that some genius photographer captured while her subject was lost in his own world, bathed in natural light. We thought it was high-time we discuss the girl behind the lens (though the image is definitely talk-worthy, too). Everyone, meet Utahn Wynona Robison.

Wynona became interested in photography while pregnant with her second son. “I learned he would be born with a cleft lip and palate, and I spent a lot of time thinking about the rules of beauty, symmetry … and I was much more interested in another level of beauty,” she says.

We’ve gotta say that it shows: Rather than simply paint a pretty portrait, Wynona’s photos are intimate and spontaneous and tend to reveal her subject’s character rather than their physicality. This seems to be particularly important in children’s photography, when quirky personality traits just begin to reveal themselves.

From a big ol’ family (even in Utah terms), Wynona says she’s always been very comfortable around kids, which comes in handy when capturing images of little persons that tend to a) clam up, or b) put on their best cheese face when the camera comes out. We guess that it doesn’t hurt that kids are about ten times cuter than adults (our words, not hers).

But Wynona photographs adults too. Though child portraiture is her thang, she’s also available for family portraits, engagement sessions and more. See more at her website and blog.

{Strike a Pose}

Wynona Robison Photography
(801) 557-4917
www.wynonarobison.com
www.wynonarobison.typedpad.com

{Doorprize} Say cheese! Wynona is gifting one YHO reader with a free child’s sitting and $50 print credit (a $210 value). Want your little one placed behind her lens? Leave just one comment on this post before Friday, August 29 at midnight.

They say it takes two to tango. For Argentine-turned-Utahn Leo Patrone, all it takes is a pack of film and a solid camera … or maybe some Super 8, just for fun (and we’re not talkin’ about a motel, here). The rest is history, saved on film.

Leo moved to Utah from Mar del Plata at the ripe old age of 14. After borrowing his friend’s Canon AE1 on a trip to So Cal, he became addicted to photography—film photography, in particular. Citing lighting, color and composition as his most treasured photographic factors, Leo now travels across country shooting weddings and family portraits each year. He also shoots, develops and scans his own film for quality control. And who doesn’t like a perfectionist in their photographer?

Aside from the technicalities, here’s what we love about Leo’s photos: they’re teeming with style. Just look at them—it’s as if he packs a stylist in his camera bag. And we all know that getting a well-styled photo is sometimes half the battle. What we’ve dubbed “The Fair Shoot” pretty much says it all.

Nowadays, this self-taught favorite is booking for bridals, weddings, family portraits, couples’ shoots, and he squeezes some personal work in on the side. Check it out at the Leo Patrone blog. We think you’ll like what you see.

{Picture That}

Leo Patrone Photography
(801) 360-7786
www.leopatronephotography.com
www.leopatronephotography.blogspot.com

{Doorprize!} Who wants another go-round with their engagement pics? Or, who needs some engagement pics in the first place? These sessions are some of Leo’s favorites (as you can see), so he’s decided to gift one YHO reader with a free engagement/couple session and he’s throwing in a free 8×10, too. If you want in on this $485 value, leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Friday, July 18.

As we’ve said, when it comes to wedding and portrait photography, we think Jonathan Canlas is the bomb. The bomb dot com. (Jonathancanlasphotography.com, actually.) He’s one of those super-talented dudes with unique vision who’s continually making Utah proud—always being featured in national mags and websites like The Knot, and showing off how Utah brides know what’s up when it comes to wedding style. Hoo-ra! (We said that in one of those football-ish voices. Very lady-like of us.)

We also dig Jonathan because he’s keeping all of us happy as a YHO sponsor, and he likes to give away free stuff to our totally awesome readers. So, let’s cut to the chase here. We’re about to tell you what’s up for grabs. Remember to tell your friends and your friend’s friends to visit YHO and leave a comment. Everyone in Utah knows someone getting hitched sooner than later, right?

{Doorprize!} Come one, come all! To Utah. Jonathan Canlas is about to make two soon-to-be-brides very happy. He’s offering one engagement session to one YHO bride, and one bridal session to the other. He’s also throwing in online proofing for six months, and a free 8×10 for both winners. Those are $500 and $600 values, respectively! If either winner ends up booking the entire wedding package with Canlas, which already include either engagement or bridals, he’ll just add a $500 credit for prints to your package. Not bad, eh? We say not bad at all. Leave one comment below! You have til midnight on Friday, June 6 to make it happen.

{Wedding Bells and Bonuses}

Jonathan Canlas Photography
(801) 358-3151
www.jonathancanlasphotography.com
www.canlasphotography.blogspot.com

Which do you love more? Hawaii or photography? Choose to attend Jonathan Canlas’ upcoming workshops and you’ll get both. The wedding, portrait, and all-around-awesome photographer is hosting two film photography workshops in Hawaii in November of this year.

First things first: Let’s talk about location. Surely you’ve heard of O’ahu; places like Honolulu and Waikiki. But have you been to the North Shore? Truly one of the most magical places on the face of planet earth: quaint, beautiful, decorated with colorful personalities, brimming with shave ice options and picturesque beaches, not to mention larger-than-life waves. It’s ideal for getting away from it all, and focusing solely on your craft.

What makes the workshops cooler? The focus on film photography, though digital fans are welcome too. Canlas simply invites attendees to expand their vision with film because, as he says, “Film creates a tangible softness and beautiful color palette. The look can be duplicated with digital, but often requires post-production work. These shots are straight from the camera.”

“Film Is Not Dead” Session One takes places November 3 through November 6, while Session Two takes place November 10 through 13. Some topics that will be covered include:

• Film: Who, What, When, Why and How
• Learning to Love Family Formals
• Storytelling Through Details
• Making Every Event Publishable
• How To Define Your Vision

The cost is $2,000 if you register before April 22, and includes four days of training, gourmet breakfasts and lunches, unlimited amounts of film provided by FujiFilm(!), and a workbook and accompanying DVD containing all workshop info. To sign up, send an e-mail with “Film Is Not Dead” in the subject line to jonathan@jonathancanlasphotography.com.

Wanna see what others have to say? Read testimonials from previous attendees here.

{Guys and Girls on Film}

Film is Not Dead
Jonathan Canlas Photography
November 3-6 and November 10-13, 2008
North Shore, O’ahu, Hawaii (L’aie)
(801) 358-3151
www.jonathancanlasphotography.com/workshop
www.filmisnotdead.blogspot.com

When Ali got married back in 2004, she went out on a limb and selected a photographer from a Utah wedding guidebook. She chose him strictly for his style—she didn’t even have a referral to go on. She simply liked what she saw: photos that displayed candid vision, vibrant colors and sometimes a subtle, vintage appeal. When she actually met the photographer when time came to shoot engagement photos, she liked the person behind the lens, too.

She wasn’t the only one. Many years and many weddings later (as a photographer), Jonathan Canlas has only impressed us more, and illuminated hundreds of nuptials. He’s captured the hearts (again, as a photographer) of brides and grooms nationwide, and has garnered attention from The Knot on many occasions.

And rightly so. He shot with a Holga when none of us even knew what one was. In a digital age, he’s loyal to film. (Even teaching a cool, film-centric workshop in Hawaii for fellow photographers next week.) His portraits are unbeatable. His grasp on color and tone, still unrivaled. You’ll love his eye for detail.

Lately, we’ve grown into big fans of Jonathan’s family portraits too; never overposed nor awkward, we think his style rings true. He knows how to capture the personality of a family without reaching for that dreaded dose of cheese.

Jonathan recently became a YHO sponsor, which, naturally, makes us appreciate him all the more. But now you’re gonna love him, too. Shout it from the rooftops, tell your friends, tell your dog’s friends. Here’s the scoop:

{Doorprize!} Jonathan Canlas is offering up one sweet deal: A family sitting for up to eight people (or one immediate family) as well as a complimentary 11×14 print, a $300 value. The images will be available for proofing for nine months, and the winner will get 30 percent off all orders placed within the the first ten days following the shoot. Wowee. Wanna win this one? Leave just one comment on this post by 10 p.m. on Friday evening. Remember to check back to see if you’re the lucky winner.

{Picture This}