What I Did On My
Summer Vacation
foto contest

foto source is pleased to announce the Grand Prize Winner of the Third Annual "What I Did On My Summer Vacation" foto contest.

Melanie Liipfert's A Dream At Dawn (above) received the most votes from our consumer online voting. Melanie of Coquitlam, BC wins a Grand Prize Package of a Nikon D60 Kit, $400 Hertz Canada Gift Certificate, foto source/Manfrotto tripod and a foto source 2GB memory card.

The eight other finalists, who each won 1st, 2nd or 3rd prizes in their categories, were:

	The Fountain Megan Lorentz Etobicoke, ON		Coming In For a Landing Troy Coughlin Burlington, ON
	I Love That Card! Seamus McCann Lindsay, ON		Water Whoosh Debbie Redick Oil Springs, ON
	Getting It All In Christine Wing North Bay, ON		Crooked Grind Jesse Anthony Fredericton, NB
	Air Borne Keith Boivin Maple Ridge, BC		Little League Trish Acres Sweaburg, ON

Manuela Ullrich of Waterloo, ON is the winner of the $500 foto source shopping spree, randomly chosen from all our online voters.

Congratulations to everyone!

Coming soon - the launch of our Fourth Annual foto contest. Look in your email box or on our website at www.fotosource.com.

tips

Choosing a Wedding Photographer

One of the most important days of your life is your wedding day. It's a day of special significance that you'll want to remember and treasure for years to come. What a better way to do that than with photographs to capture all the day's precious moments. That's why choosing the right Wedding Photographer is so important. There are many things to consider and keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you:

Experience level - A photographer with extensive experience will have a large portfolio that you can review. Ensure that you evaluate his or her portfolio to see the different wedding photos they've taken. Do the photos include all the standard compositions? Are some of the settings unique? Ensure that you meet face to face. Confirm that he or she will be the one taking your photographs and not someone else.

Photographic Style - Do you like what you see? All photographers have different styles. What style are you looking for? You want someone who understands your needs and takes photos that reflect both your personalities. Ensure that you make a list of the photos you want taken ahead of time.

Chemistry - Is the photographer someone you can get along with? Will they fit in? You need to have a feeling of connection and trust with your photographer. It's also important that you share the same vision for your special day. A good photographer becomes a part of your wedding day and is someone you can rely on for advice. Remember to be open to each other's suggestions.

Price - You don't want to shop by price, but you do need to ensure that this person falls within your budget. Make sure you understand all the costs and what is included. A good wedding photographer will offer a variety of packages and prices to choose from. This will help you book a talented photographer at a price you can afford.

Contract - Before you sign a contract, make sure that everything is included and spelled out; and most importantly, that you understand it. Read it ALL. You may want to include something about cancellations or if the photographer doesn't show up. Ask about deposits, payments and delivery. When it comes to the court system, only what is written really counts, not what was promised.

References - Request a list of references from the photographer. People love to talk and what a better way to find out about other people's experiences than to ask them yourself. If they don't provide you with a list, be cautious as they may have something to hide.

If you are unsure of where to start, ask the experts at your local foto source store. Many of our stores have professional photographers that can meet your needs. Those that don't will certainly be able to recommend someone.

travel shots

National Flag of Canada Day

The history of our red and white colours dates back to 1921 when they were chosen by His Majesty King George V. In 1964, these colours were incorporated into our official red and white maple leaf flag. This flag represents Canadians of all nationalities who have built and are continuing to build our great country.

On December 15, 1964, this new flag was passed by the House of Commons and proclaimed by the Queen of Canada Elizabeth II, to take effect on February 15th the following year. It replaced the Canadian Red Ensign, the former flag of Canada, used officially by the Federal Government but never adopted by the Parliament of Canada.

On February 15, 1965 at the stroke of noon, Canada's new maple leaf flag was raised over Parliament Hill in Ottawa for the very first time. Hundreds of communities across Canada followed suit. Our flag pays homage to our country and represents both our history and national identity. It signifies our values of freedom, peace, respect, justice and tolerance. This emblem is what unites us as Canadians.

February 15th officially became known as "National Flag of Canada Day" in 1996, when Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, declared that February 15th would be recognized as National Flag of Canada Day. He said, "Let us be proud of our flag! Let us recognize how privileged we are to live in Canada, this magnificent country that encompasses our history, our hopes, our future."

This day is now marked by the flying of the flag and occasional public ceremonies, including the 40th anniversary of the Canadian flag that took place in 2005. Education programs have also been developed in schools to help educate the younger Canadians. There has also been discussion about making this a public holiday, although that has not happened yet.

This February 15th, ensure that you take a moment to celebrate our flag and what it means to be Canadian.

foto source in Ottawa, ON

If you are visiting Ottawa or the surrounding area, be sure to drop by:

Royal Photo foto source, 2374 Laurier Street, Embrun, ON, 613-446-1771. Open Mon. – Wed. & Sat. 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Thurs. & Fri. 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Closed Sunday.

Photo Mania foto source, 852 Notre Dame, Rockland, ON, 613-443-3971. Open Mon. – Wed. 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Thurs. & Fri. 9:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Closed Sunday.

Photo Max foto source, 375 Daniel Street, Arnprior, ON, 613-623-0256. Open Mon. – Wed. 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Thurs. & Fri. 9:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Closed Sunday.

Galaxy Camera 2008 foto source, 525 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON, 613-234-8831. Open Mon. – Fri. 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sat. 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Closed Sunday.

Paul Nelson foto source, 116 Bridge St, Carleton Place, ON 613-257-1691. Open Mon. – Thurs. 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Fri. 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Sat. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Click here to find a store near you!

special offers

foto depot coupon

Place a foto depot order February 7 – 22, 2009 and save $5.00! Order must total $15.00 or more before taxes and shipping.

Click here for your coupon and enter the promo code when placing your order!

quick poll

Have you ever created a Photo Gift?

Complete this month's survey to be entered into the March draw for a $25 foto depot gift certificate!

Congratulations to Bill Standish of Killaloe, Ontario who was the winner of December's draw!

Click here to start the survey!

foto source fact

Get your Passport Photos at foto source

Going on vacation? Need a passport? At your local foto source store, you can get passport photos, citizenship and Visa photos, and other ID photos while you wait. Our expert photographers ensure that all photos meet government regulations and passport specifications. No delays!

foto depot: what to do with your digital shots

Print your holiday memories

The holiday season is now behind you and what a better way to remember those special moments, than by having your photographs printed at foto depot. Don't just store your memories on your computer, but go to foto depot where you can securely upload and store them for free, then choose "Order Now" to have them printed at your local foto source store for either pick up or delivery.

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