SUPER QUICK BIO

Writing this in Japan (Air Space - that is)

I am returning home from the, Scott Robert Lim photography workshop. Sitting on the plane, thousands of feet in the air -  writing my story. There are too many distractions on the ground and could never find enough alone time to sit down and put thoughts to paper. With a 10 hour flight ahead (7 573km) I foresee no major distractions.

I found it difficult to just start writing so I created headings to aid me along. Now that its all complete, I decided to keep them.

So here goes...

Life Journey of Immigrating from Poland

 

I was born in Krakow, Poland on January 1st. No, I am not kidding. My mom had a horrible birth, and as a result I am an only child. Before you roll your eyes and think I am, "one of those special children", I'll stop you. I had to work for everything and so did my parents. 

In 1987, they took a risk and immigrated from Poland with literally  a few dollars in their pockets in hopes of having a better life. Poland was under communist rule and one day, my parents had enough of the political bs. So my father saved up for a "family holiday" to Italy, which looking back was a strategic escape plan from my first home.

Once we arrived in Italy, my parents refused to settle into a refugee camp with other fellow country men on their "holiday". They boldly showed up at the unemployment office asking for work; believe it or not, they got them the very same day. The job entailed onsite living care for an old Italian Duke on his private estate. I remember the epic drive up to his home,  or should I say mansion. The scenic, windy dirt road was lined with tall trees leading to an amazing place on top of a hill I called home for the next two years. The grounds were out of this world. Words cannot do justice and the photos fall just as short. In my mind, it was paradise conveniently located 10 measly minutes from a beach. I honestly do not remember the transition of being in a different country. Within days I started to sing the jingle commercials on TV, brought estranged kids home and started speaking Italian like no tomorrow. 

I  completed grade 1 and 2 in this beautiful country. I made many friends, and twice as many wonderful memories. One of my best friends was Amalia. She had a cute brother named, Romeo. We lost touch, but one day I'd like to go back and track her down. My grade one and two 'Maestra' (teacher in Italian) organized a farewell present with the class. I received a bible and gold necklace with an inscription of the city and year as a goodbye gift. 

Before long, we were off on another "vacation" as my dad had so eloquently put it, to a place I called Edmonton, Alberta Canada ... aka home #3.

We arrived  in December of 1989. I believe it was the worst winter to date. Although I was ecstatic to see snow, that thrill quickly diminished and kept asking to go back to the other vacation place with a beach! Obviously, that didn't happen. We made Edmonton our home were I reside to this day. 

Passion for Travel

I am really unsure when the travel bug really hit me. We always took many family vacations all over Poland and took my first airplane ride at the age of 10. I really enjoy the first seconds when the airplane takes off, but that doesn't equal the euphoria of touching back on the ground :)

The one thing I cannot stand more then anything is saying, 'goodbye' before any trip. I really don't like kissing and hugging family or friends. I always cry, even if its a one week vacation to Mexico. Silly isn't it? One day I sat down and really thought about why it is so. Within seconds, a single memory hit me. The image of my grandparents waving goodbye at the train station. We were taking our family voyage to Italy, the first stop before immigrating to Canada. I recall hanging out the window of the train wondering why everyone looked so depressed. My grandpa, who never shows any emotion was on the verge of breaking down. As the train started the voyage, my grandma started to run after us, with tears running down her face trying to force a smile and waving a white hanker-chief. That was the last time I ever saw my grandpa as he passed 4 years later...

When travel is involved, you just never know if its the last time you'll see someone. That is why, I truly believe it is so important to hug all those you truly care about before taking any voyage. I hate saying goodbye.

Finishing NAIT

I graduated from the Engineering Design and Drafting program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). As soon as I completed my final exam, I envisioned myself creating a huge bonfire and burning ALL my notes, books, tests and dancing around it embracing the end of studying, cramming, late night assignments and learning as I knew it. In retrospect, I should have given my head a shake. The end of school, only meant the beginning of the learning journey. My past assignment kept me up till midnight and my current assignments keep me company till the break of down. I see no end in sight as far as learning is concerned, look forward to reading my next book and I can't imagine burning a single one.

WHERE PHOTOGRAPHY FITS INTO ALL THIS

A photograph is not a piece of paper with random colors. It is something that holds so much power. It has the ability to make us smile, or shed a tear and bring back memories & emotions like they happened yesterday. I tore some photographs in my days, taped some back together and there are some I just can't bear to look at. I am so grateful to be able to capture these special moments for my clients.

Parents Wedding Album

My parents were married in January of 1977. Back then, wedding photographs were done in a studio setting. The only memories from the wedding day, were a handful of keepsake photographs. My father, hired a professional photographer for the day and purchased an album as a wedding gift for my mom. Every family member and friend thought he was nuts and considered this a HUGE waste of money.  

Personally, I am really grateful he did. Through my eyes as a child, my parents became 'mom' & 'dad' the day they got married. The dating notion was foreign to me at that age. I remember sitting on our living room couch (with a wacky flower print) with mom or dad and being shown how to gently flip the pages.  That album had a huge impact on me. Hence why the meticulous detail of a classic, elegant and timeless look of my album design. I hope to inspire my couples children one day and share their wedding story.

My First Candid Photograph

My dad had semi professional equipment which I was allowed to touch solemnly under his direct supervision. One sunny afternoon, I noticed my dad grabbing his gear. So I dropped my dolls and joined him in hopes of taking some photographs. In seconds, I was holding my dads Zenith E camera and looking through the viewfinder. Before, I could take a shot I had to listen to a 1 hour lecture on composition, camera adjustments and posing (big lol). After taking shots that my dad wanted me to take, we sat on top of a hill enjoying the afternoon sun and the beautiful views of Cuppra Marrittima, Italy. 

For the first time, I really noticed my dad. He was relaxed, at ease, unposed and being himself. I grabbed the camera, took a risk and took my first ever candid shot of him looking into the distance. On the spot, I got in trouble for wasting film ... today, its one of my favourite dad  photographs.  

...and for the record, today my dad admires my gear :) 

Mom's School Photograph

My mom doesn't have too many photographs  of herself as a child. The one and only professional 8x10 of her earliest life is a kindergarden portrait taken by a school photographer. My mom really dislikes this photo...I love it. The photograph really captured my moms essence and her sweet personality I've grown to know and love. Its an incredible feeling to see this just by looking at a photograph and to know that these traits were in her at such an early age. Its an inspirational photograph for me, as it reminds me of the importance to capture peoples outer and inner beauty. 

Junior High

I went to St. Basil Jr. High School. This is where I developed my first roll of film from start to finish - darkroom and all! I enjoyed taking photographs of my peers, teachers - basically anyone that would give me 2 minutes of their time. I liked the smell of chemicals and the magic of dipping paper in liquid, watching images appear and waiting for them to dry. We had a buddy system whenever we used the darkroom, honestly I cannot remember who that even was. It seemed I was lost in awe of it all. 

SOME THINGS I WANT TO SHARE

Finding your true self

One of my friends Margo, got me thinking about who I really was on the inside. She posed a random question over a beer and soya beans at her favorite spot Cafe Select. I truly had no clue how to answer. "Who are we and is our purpose. Why are we here". Initially, I thought it was a funny question. My automatic response was, "Ummm, I'm Kinga I don't know about the purpose, that's not important. I live life and go to work to put food on my table and pay the bills. Go on holidays, enjoy life." That has stuck with me. If she were to ask me this question today I would surely have a completely different answer.

I have not completely unlocked all of me, but I hope to discover it all on my journey. So how do you find your true self? Its definitely a process and its not easy. You need to dig super deep. Start with things that make you tick, happy, sad. Experience all your emotions. I know and feel as though I am meant for something big. I dream big, I have been all my life.

Fashion

A while ago, I saw fashion as a market for the insane. A Louis Vuitton handbag as a complete rip off and shaking my head at all the suckers that bought in. My clothing came from where ever. I didn't really care about my look and what I wore. My philosophy was that clothing is just clothing. Today, I own three coach bags, one Louis and a big Gucci  bag :) My close friend Magda was the first to get a designer bag about 8 years ago. When I found out she paid $400 I just about fell out of my chair. Today I see fashion as art and designer bags as art pieces. I encourage you to see how a Louis Vuitton shoe is made by watching this video. Wow, talk about craftsmanship, attention to detail and quality. Sure you can get a pair of machine made run of the mill shoes for  $30, but as everything in life: You get what you pay for. Today, fashion inspires and defines my photography style. W Magazine is my absolute favourite. When a new issue comes out, I study the images and lighting for hours.

SPECIAL THANKS

Husband support

I am really lucky to have met my husband in my early twenties. His 'go-getter' attitude, stress free take on life and huge heart really attracted me to him on more levels then I can count.  

We both went through a lot separately and together as a couple. Relationships are challenging at times, but I could not imagine my life without him.

His technical knowledge has been a huge help in designing and publishing my website, blog and all other things that run smoothly behind the scenes. 

Honey, thank you for pushing me, supporting my passion and loving all the photographs I take.

I have no idea what I would do without you sometimes. My success is due to your help and support.  

Parents

 

Mom, you are the strongest women I know. Thank you for always being in my corner, for creating sunshine when it rained and for the words of wisdom, hugs & kisses. Thank you for always believing in me and helping me celebrate achievements. I hope to be half as good of a mom as you are one day. I love you lots and feel so grateful to have such an amazing person to call mom.

Friends

A special note to all my little buddies (you know who you are). I am so lucky to have you all and I am grateful for each and every one of you. Thanks so much for allowing me to take photographs of your special events, for your support, hugs, smiles and words of encouragement and of course the comments of my blog. I am really lucky to have friends like YOU. 

Workshop: Scott Robert Lim 

In case you are wondering who this amazing photographer is, check out his website. I highly encourage you to read his story. It took me a box of kleenex and 3 attempts to complete reading his bio. His story is both inspirational and humbling. It reminds me every day that anything is possible if you are hungry enough. 

I officially met Scott in February of 2010.  Scott, was one of the speakers at the Exposure Symposium, a photography seminar held by the Alberta Professional Photographers Association here in Edmonton (APPA). To be honest, I only signed up just to see Scott. After hearing him talk, I quickly learned two things about him. One: He is a master photographer & lighting guru. Two: He is one of those people who's laugh is insanely contagious. I had a chance to chat with Scott later that evening and soon thereafter received an invitation to hang out in a penthouse get together at the Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas during the 2010 WPPI conference. After some emails and telephone conversations, I realized that I HAVE to take one of his workshops...and next thing I  knew, I was flying out to Kyoto, Japan and the rest is what you say, "history". The man changed me and my photography. Scott has offered to mentor me, and I can't begin to tell you how blessed I feel. THANK YOU for all the help & inspirational words, Scott.