Bianca Venice Photography

Fabulous Father's Day Finds

2010-05-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

An Invitation to Tea

2010-05-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

I was looking for inspiration... and found it in my morning tea.

If you haven't tried Yogi Tea, I suggest checking it out. Although they have over 50 flavours of organic teas, I can't get enough of their Chai! The scent alone is amazing.
Each bag opens to reveal an insightful message that is sure to motivate and sometimes amuse.

You can find out more about them here...
http://www.yogiproducts.com

(On Salt Spring Island you can find Yogi Tea at Natureworks!)

This is for you...

2010-05-18T17:33:00.001-07:00

There are people ...

Who will spend a dollar to help someone in need.
That refuse to judge others based on color, religion, sexual orientation or 'ability'. In fact, it would not even occur to them to form an opinion based on those criteria.
That LOVE their kids, their spouse, their partners, their friends, and their pets.
That detest violence.

That live as honestly and truthfully as they can. That are able to put themselves and their loved ones 'first' without losing sight of the fact that we are all connected.
That strive to protect the earth and all it's inhabitants!
That apologize when they screw up. That say 'I LOVE YOU'.
That hug, kiss, make love and MEAN it!

These are people out there. Don't give up!

Etsy Revisited

2010-05-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

After a long hiatus I've decided to give Etsy another try. I now have the time to dedicate to keeping the store fresh and updated.

I have added a number of new images and in the first few weeks was rewarded with my first feature on the FRONT PAGE! Thanks to Analela for including me in the Treasury that was picked by Admin! My momentary FP fame resulted in over 1500 clicks and 3 sales.

So, the light has finally gone on. More traffic = more sales.
I know, I know, you've told me this a million times before!

Thanks again Etsy mentors! I'll keep trying!

Pin Up Workshop on Salt Spring Island

2009-11-16T18:50:00.000-08:00

Get Posie with Rosie and Bianca Venice
on Salt Spring Island, BC

In this full day Pin Up workshop you will learn how to create a classic Pin Up look with full make-up instruction, hair, costume and posing tips with the FABULOUS Miss Rosie Bitts!

And then get your very own Pin Up photo shoot with
Bianca Venice.

Message me for more details, or email:
bianca.venice@gmail.com

Swimming with the Manatees

2009-02-02T18:47:00.000-08:00

“Love the manatee and save the manatee.”

~John Lithgow

I have an incredible affection for all marine life, but there is something about the manatee that really intrigues me! I had heard about their calm demeanor, they are vegetarians, and...unfortunately, they are an endangered species.

In the spirit of education I took my daughter on an excursion to "Swim with the Manatees". I thought it would be a dream come true! We booked well in advance, arrived full of excitement, got suited up and off we went. Our guides seemed knowledgeable and dedicated. They insisted that we listen to all the rules regarding our interactions with these gentle giants. I can say in all honesty that they made every effort to educate us, to protect the animals, and ensure that our actions would not alter "their natural behavior in any way".

BUT...

There were so many people, so many boats, all descending on an "unusually small number" of animals as the weather was unseasonably warm.

I should have done more research. I thought it would be like swimming with the dolphins. I have done that...in the open ocean. The animals could quickly evacuate the area if they were irritated and so, I had no idea how claustrophobic this would feel.

On this trip, it took over an hour to find one lone animal. When the boat finally stopped we all eased into the river.

I did not chase the manatee. I floated in a spot far from the others hoping it would come to me. Because of that I didn't see it in the water. I watched the humans instead. All of them seemed to be enthralled, they swam in a group, giggled, kicked up mud, and called to their kids to come look.

Again, I want to be perfectly clear that our tour operator watched us VERY carefully and shouted out reminders of the rules from the boat. My fellow explorers (based on our conversations) all seemed to very nice people with a healthy respect for the environment, the animals they came to see, and the "rules"...but there is absolutely no way, that I can say, our human behavior did not disturb theirs.

I left feeling like an intruder instead of a supporter. As far as I know not a penny of what I spent went to protect them or their environment.

Our guide told us, when the trip was over, that there are organizations wanting these types of trips to stop. I'm torn. I truly believe that animals and human's can have meaningful interactions that are mutually enjoyed...but I think in this case, they need more space, more respect!

Upon my return I researched some of the "organizations" mentioned and I think they deserve a chance to be heard! It would have made a huge difference for me, and my experience if I had found these sites first. There are ways to honor the manatee, to share their space, without endangering their lives, their homes and perhaps your own heart.

Save the Manatee Organization - Founded by Jimmy Buffett
http://www.savethemanatee.org/

"Do Not Disturb" Ecotour
http://www.savethemanatee.org/news_feature_ecotours_0809.html

US Fish and Wildlife Fact Sheet and Information
http://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/SpeciesReport.do?spcode=A007

"A full-grown manatee, which can weigh more than 1,000 pounds, looks like the result of a genetic experiment involving a walrus and the Goodyear Blimp.”

~Dave Berry

The Etsy Experience!

2009-01-21T20:43:00.000-08:00

Soon, I will celebrate my one year Etsy Aniversary!
I joined in February 2008 my business account in May.

I love taking pictures!
On almost every site (Facebook, MySpace and my own) I borrow a quote from my favourite artist to describe what photography means to me..

"At moments of great enthusiasm it seems to me that no one in the world has ever made something this beautiful and important". ~M.C. Escher

Still...

I have to admit, it took me a long time before I posted my first image. I had always taken pictures "just for me" and to open them up to critique was a little daunting.

I have shared my shots a million times, but adding a price to them, changed my whole point of view. The fear of rejection raised it's irritating head!

Yet it was time to try...

Like anywhere there is good and bad...
BUT the Etsy forums seem to attract a staggering number of amazing artists offering not only exceptional product but helpful advice. They share techniques, suppliers, problem solve and support one another. I have received constructive criticism, valuable business suggestions, heartfelt encouragement...AND a few sales!!

I am so thankful I took the plunge. I am truly appreciative of all the experienced sellers for taking the time to offer a helping hand.

I invite you all to check out my shop. I hope this will encourage others to explore the site! Experience it for yourself. The talent there is INSPIRING!

www.biancavenice.etsy.com
www.etsy.com

This is how I feel when I hear the shutter click.
Everyday, a moment will inspire me.
Nature will intrigue me.
Forcing me to pause.
Capturing it...sharing it...invigorates me.
~Bianca Venice