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Jennifer & Gord - Engaged & Excited!

2011-04-18T23:34:00.000-07:00

This past Friday I had the privilege of photographing an engagement session with a couple that had flown in from Alberta late the night before. Even after a long and tiring flight, Jen & Gord were upbeat and positive, ready to have a good time and seemingly not able to stop grinning. In fact, these two smiled more than any couple I have ever photographed! It was amazing and awesome to work with the two of them and to watch them together - joking, laughing and simply enjoying every moment. I couldn't help but get caught up in their positive energy and to be honest, I am still carrying it around with me - four days later! Jennifer & Gord - thank-you for an amazing time. I can't WAIT for your wedding!!!!

Karine & Ryan - Winnipeg Wedding Photography

2011-03-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

I first met Karine & Ryan at The Fyxx downtown to discuss their old-hollywood vintage-style wedding, and right away I knew I would love them. Relaxed, fun-loving and ready to have a good time, I felt that Karine & Ryan represented the very best of wedding couples. And I was right. Full of creativity and energy, these two created a beautiful and memorable wedding celebration, taking the time to have fun and incorporate all of the people they hold dear. I was impressed by the care they took in creating a special hand-made gift for each guest, and in how they made their day a celebration of not only their own life together, but of the joining of their two (boisterous) families as well. I thank Karine & Ryan for inviting me to share such a wonderful day with them and those they hold dearest. I enjoyed every moment.

Lindsey & Travis - Winnipeg Wedding Photography

2010-11-30T23:25:00.000-08:00

A few weeks back I had the privilege of photographing the last of 3 related weddings. The first & second weddings in the 'series' had been for the best friend of the bride and her best friend's brother (also a friend). It was no wonder then, that I was a little more teary than normal during the speeches and that I happened to recognize a good number of the wedding guests. I could even spot how much the children had grown! The day was (of course) wonderful, and the bride was stunning. Their little boy was also a show-stopper - especially his speech as 'the best man'. I am crossing my fingers that there will be many more wonderful weddings with this amazing group, and that we will have many, many more years of memories ahead. Thank-you so much for making me part of your journey!

Confidence & Other Notions

2010-11-25T10:15:00.000-08:00

As I am preparing for the launch of my non-profit confidence organization, The Just Project, this coming December, I have been really taking a hard look at the issues and ideas surrounding confidence & self-esteem. I have been especially interested in the fact that no matter how hard I search there doesn't seem to be a single resource out there that gives people access to much more than self-help articles, books and online, self-guided programs. This is all well and good, but as important as it is for people to be self-directed and motivated to help themselves, the truth is that we all need a helping hand sometimes. Maybe this comes in the form of counseling, peer groups, or activities. Whatever the form, I believe that there is a significant gap in the way we as a society deal with self-esteem issues - especially if all we are doing is telling people to deal with it alone. Somewhat like an alcoholic is directed to seek support, I believe that those of us working to better ourselves should have access to some kind of tangible support system as well. This would be even more true for those people suffering in part from an unsupportive or abusive environment. For them, resources that connect them to others would be of great significance indeed.

After talking to some of my team members from the project, we have decided to do our own research and put a resources section on the Just Project website, as a starting point for those people who are looking for more than rhetoric to help support them. I in no way want to be glib about the power of positive thought, the uplifting ability of a good self-help article, or the necessity for one to take ownership of their own growth process. Nor do I think we will be the answers to everyone's needs - although we are certainly going to try.

The reality to me is that our energy can only take us so far, and on the days when the road seems too long or hard to manage, and giving up seems like the only obvious choice, the tangible assistance of a real person or group activity will beat an inspriational insight or online lip service every time.

Sjana & Alan - Winnipeg Wedding Photography

2010-11-09T21:33:00.000-08:00

I love evening weddings. I love the moody light and the deep atmosphere and I love being around for the party where everyone lets loose and the real fun of the day begins. I especially evening weddings because they allow me to be present during a part of the wedding that (about half of the time) happens after I have already packed up and gone home for the day. Luckily, Sjana and Alan hired me to do almost the opposite of what I usually do - instead of ending at 4:30, I started at 4:30. Instead of spreading events out throughout the evening, everything that required any sort of ceremony was completed in just over 4 hours (ceremony, formals, cake cutting, boquet & garter toss, speaches, supper ... everything!). It was a whirlwhind and a total blast - I can't thank this couple enough for inviting me along for the ride!

Family, Romance & Rock 'n Roll

2010-11-08T14:04:00.000-08:00

I always love to photograph people who love to be photographed. There is an amazing synergy that happens between photographer and subject when the subject isn't afraid to look the camera in the lens and dare it with their eyes to "go ahead and take your best shot". I recently had an experience like this with a fabulous woman named Heather. A blond beauty with two grown sons, Heather neither afraid of, nor intimidated by my oversize lenses and giant camera body. Nor was she slow to strike a pose to get a shot she wanted! Whether I was asking her to sit in the mud, lean against a dirty wall or lay on a grungy staircase, she was ready to try anything and give it 110%. I wish I could bottle her verve and pass it around to my clients. Being able to photograph someone without reservations was refreshing and fun and certainly not the norm. Thank-you Heather for a fabulous afternoon - I hope you never change.

Jaimie & Nathan - Winnipeg Wedding Photography

2010-11-06T00:14:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I photographed a fabulous couple from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Not only were they fun and they made me laugh with their zany antics (some of which even caught the bride off guard!), but they took the time to work in countless unselfish little things into their busy day to make sure everyone was taken care of. I remember being especially impressed with how they took the time to make a special stop to see the bride`s Grandpa at his home so they could have a picture with him and the bride in her wedding dress. But there were other little things as well - how the groom made sure all of his guys could stop for a beer and some pool mid-formals, and how both Nathan and Jaimie really went out of their way to make the day special for eachother and for their guests. It was a pleasure and an honor to work with two such classy people, and I hope we have many more opportunities to work together in the future.

Fun Family Session

2010-11-03T23:04:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting a family in an area of our city known as Wildwood Park. It is an area defined by its lack of roads as much as anything else - all homes face inward in multiple horseshoe patterns around a common green space. Behind each set of homes is a back lane to access the garage, driveway, etc. It is a beautiful area full of families and laughter and beautiful big trees that fill the space with golden leaves in the fall and provide a cool canopy in the summer. The amazing thing about Wildwood Park is that when you are there you feel like you are hours away from the city, out at a cottage by a lake. It is no wonder then, that the Bourdeaud'hui family opted to stay right at home for their session instead of venturing to a park or other 'family' location, and I am so glad they did! This family was outgoing, fun and ready to try just about anything. From taking their antique chair into the lawn and climbing on wood piles, to leaf fights and play-structure hide-and-seek, they used every moment they had to joke around and enjoy eachother's company. I still smile each time I look through their photos, and I hope you will too. Thanks again to the Boudeaud'hui family for a wonderful time!

Melina & Martin Wedding in Winnipeg

2010-09-13T16:12:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I joined a fabulous couple on their wedding day. Ironically, I had met the groom a decade ago during a track meet in British Columbia (yes, I used to exercise), so it was a neat to run into him and his fiance and to photograph their wedding so many years later! Melina was stunning in a glamorous gown with a delicate lace overlay over the bodice and her shoes left me with absolute shoe envy. The bridesmaids were beautiful as well in classic black satin mermaid gowns.

Thank-you for having me out and for trusting me to capture such a wonderful day guys!

Anyone who would like to view more 'sneak-peek' photographs, please visit the Kiss The Girl Photography Facebook Page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kiss-The-Girl-Photography/193276251646?v=photos#!/album.php?aid=201599&id=193276251646.

Amanda & Daniel - Wedding Photography

2010-09-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had the pleasure of joining a fabulous couple on their wedding day. Although the weather tried really hard to rain all over us and dampen our spirits, Amanda and Daniel kept things upbeat and positive. And the room - let's just say it was a fabulous fusion of contemporary and pretty. All in all, it was a wonderful day and a beautiful couple. Thank-you again to Amanda and Daniel for inviting me along for such a special occassion!

Amanda & Sean - Port Aux Basques, Newfoundland Wedding

2010-09-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of photographing a wedding out in the amazing province of Newfoundland. When I say amazing, I can say it with at least a bit of experience behind me as I have been to many beautiful places on three different continents. Still, Newfoundland was (is) one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The rough Canadian shield and pairs off against beautiful green valleys and a friendly yet magestic mountainscape in the background. Unlike the magnificent Rockey Mountains, the mountains of Newfoundland are small and unimposing, offering a great day hike and skiing possibilities without leaving you with the feeling that you are somehow trapped by them.

And then there are the people.

I can't help but think of the old sitcom 'Cheers' when I think of the friendly and open-hearted "Newfies". From the parents of my couple, to the local merchants, to the RCMP officer who found a stray wedding guest on the highway (and then proceeded to pull over a car passing by for the slightly lost flatlander because "it looked like [his friend's] car"), every person I met was ready for a good time, a good joke and a good conversation. I think if we could somehow bottle this good-natured community outlook world peace would be well within our grasp (or at least within our pubs). I miss the jokes and relaxed way of living already.

Thank-you so much to Sean and Amanda for bring me on such an amazing journey. Your wedding was amazing and I still have a smile on my face from the good times we had. I hope to bring my family out see you and your families again soon - I know they will love your home as much as I do.

Cheers!

Dom & Lisa Wedding

2010-08-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I went out to photograph a small wedding in Birds Hill Park. The venue was a cute almost cabin-like restaurant with a funky interior and classic yet contemporary furniture. I was especially happy to join this particular couple on their wedding day as just over a year previous to this wedding, I had photographed the groom's sister's wedding. It was great seeing all of the familiar faces again! Everyone was in great spirits and the event went of without a hitch. Thank-you again to Lisa and Dom for inviting me along on such a beautiful day!

Christina & Jeff - Engagement Session

2010-08-11T19:23:00.000-07:00

This past Friday evening I had the pleasure of spending some time with a fabulous couple. Full of fun, ideas and insanity, these two were not only beautiful subjects to photograph, they were incredibly fun as well. I can honestly say that I have never had a couple who showed up with wigs, and their own poker table to an engagement session! Thanks guys for making my Friday night one I will not soon forget - I can't wait for your wedding.

View Slideshow Here!

Lee & Ian Get Hitched!

2010-07-28T12:04:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I got to go out to Kenora to photograph a dear friends wedding. This was a very special honour for me as I have known the bride for nearly 20 years and she is without hesitation one of the most wonderful people I know. A great mother, fabulously talented hairdresser, and all-round awesome person, this was one bride I was really REALLY excited to photograph.

The wedding was exactly as I imagined it would be - elegant and understated with excellent food and classic decorations. It was the perfect mix of relaxed fun and luxe - from the hurricane vases filled with sand and shells, to the striking red (yes red!) bridal shoes. I can't imagine a more excellent day for a more lovely couple. XOXO

Lindsay, Travis & Family - Group Engagement Session!

2010-07-19T14:08:00.000-07:00

This past week I had the privilege to photograph an engagement session with a very special couple who brought along their little guy for the fun as well. I have to say that I really loved their thoughtfulness. Bringing their son along and making him part of the session really showed their commitment to their family and the love they had for their little guy. And the little guy really was a treat to work with - his winning smile is going to melt hearts all over one day! We started the day at a park and ended at the bride's parent's home, where one of the most amazing yards waited for us. Thanks again to Lindsay's parents for letting us use your amazing landscape!

Caitlin & Randy Wedding @ Fort Garry Hotel

2010-06-27T22:34:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of an amazing couple. I can say this for a number of reasons, not the least of which being that they willingly decided to do their engagement photos in -40 degree Celsius in the middle of January! Seriously though, their energy and enthusiasm kept everyone warm during the engagement shoot and the same enthusiasm was clearly present on their wedding day. Even though the weather was somewhat uncooperative and the mosquitoes tried their best to interfere, everyone was upbeat and ready to rock! Thank-you both for an awesome day and an incredible evening. Your event was beautiful, tasteful and thoughtful (loved the gift-bags for the kids!). I couldn't have imagined a more perfect day.

Model In The House - Professional Photographers of Canada Competition

2010-06-08T05:26:00.000-07:00

A month or so ago I entered a challenge competition for the PPOC (Professional Photographers of Canada). It was a neat little setup with some cool rules. First, you had to go to a secret location to photograph a model you've never met before. I didn't see that as a problem as I do that all the time! Secondly, you had only 20 minutes and could only take 14 exposures. If you tripped and accidentally hit your shutter - too bad. Next rule - you could only use one lens and no flash. I really loved this rule because natural light photographs give a great look. Finally, your LCD screen was taped over so you couldn't see what you were photographing and had to rely on actual SKILL and KNOWLEDGE to take the pictures. To ensure no one cheated all files were downloaded to a laptop before we left the room. It was, in a word - AWESOME!

You were allowed to submit up to three images for the competition, two could be retouched in whatever style you liked, one had to be straight out of camera.

It was a great experience with some great photographers, and I am proud to say that Kiss The Girl Photography took home the prize for best picture in the New Photographer category. Thanks to all of the hard work that the organizers put into the event, to our amazing model (she did a fantastic job), to Don's Photo, Technicare and Labworks for supplying the prizes, and to the other photographers who put themselves (and their skills) on the line for this competition. I can't wait to do it again next year!

Winning Entry:
I knew this was my best "typical" artistic entry. I love the leading line of her leg and the softness of the light & the look on her face vs. the harshness of her outfit. I also love the cool tones of the photograph.

Out Of Camera Entry:
I also loved this entry for it's softness of light and expression.

Artistic Entry:
This is one of my favorite photographs. I love how the window rim lights the figure and the way the processing makes the space take on a really unique mood. This entry was one that I was fairly certain the judges would either love or hate, and I enjoyed throwing it out there and seeing the reactions.

Plagiarism in Photography

2010-03-03T09:26:00.000-08:00

There is an important distinction that needs to be made in reference to a comment I made a while back in one of my posts about working with photographers who will will take the type of pictures you want taken.

In the post I mention that if you want a specific TYPE of picture taken, your photographer should be flexible enough to help make it happen. I most certainly DID NOT say is that if you want a SPECIFIC SHOT that has been TAKEN BEFORE, they should do it. This is extremely important. Creating a certain 'type' of shot simply means creating a unique image in a certain style or utilizing certain elements. It isn't re-creating an exact shot (regardless of who took the original).

Why Not?

So now you may be asking why they can't just take this one little picture for you. After all, you are paying this photographer a good amount of money to get images you want taken, and that is an image you definitely know you will love! My answer is really quite simple. It is plagiarism. Pure, simple, plagiarism. Still unconvinced? Consider the following:

If an author wrote a book that was very popular and then re-used the most popular portions as excerpts in his next volume, would it be tolerated? Not a chance.

If a designer made a really great brochure for a company and another company decided to use the exact same design for their brochure as well, would it be considered acceptable? No way.

Photography is just like any other professional service. We are paid to create something wonderful and unique for our clients each and every time we pick up the camera. Do we sometimes use similar themes, props or locations? Sure we do. But the distinction here is that professional photographers do not copy anything - not themselves, not others. The final photograph - even if using some similar elements - is always adapted and made unique for the client and situation at hand (and the images don't just look 'slightly' different, they are completely unique). That is what you are paying for. You are paying for style, quality, and the unique flavour that any given photographer brings to a shoot, not for someone who will copy other people's work.

This brings me to another important point I want to make in this post - it is vitally important to make sure you like the style and deliverables OF THE PHOTOGRAPHER YOU ARE HIRING before you book them. Don't book someone because they are cheap and then send them images from other photographers for them to recreate. That is not only rude to the utmost, but it is also completely unethical for the photographer to even contemplate doing (which is why they will not). Hire someone because you love what THEY do and what THEY create. Otherwise, you will end up with pictures that *shockingly* are styled like the ones the photographer you hired always produces, and not like the ones that you wanted from the guy you didn't hire.

I really hope this offers a bit of insight into the workings of a photographer. I hope everyone now knows that we never ignore your requests when you ask for very specific shots or for us to get 'this shot', we are simply not plagiarizing the work of others (or ourselves).

Cheers!

Shannon Langan
Owner - Kiss The Girl Photography

Professional Wedding Photographers - We Do More than Just Take Pictures!

2010-02-12T20:27:00.000-08:00

I have been working on this for a few days now. My concept was pretty simple - to create a movie that showed the value of a professional photographer as an important mix in your wedding day. I didn't want to make it exclusively about photojournalism or portrait-journalism (your romance shots, etc.), but I wanted to leave viewers with a sense of why it is important to have a professional behind the camera during the day. I think people forget that although their uncle can take really nice pictures, he likely isn't trained to take or think of taking the wide range of photographs required to capture the true essence of a wedding. From details, to portraits, to candid moments and even scripted moments, a professional knows where to be and how to capture each moment in a way that will let you cherish it for years to come.

It is only one day, you only get one chance to capture it, and it matters to get it right. Don't let yourself down!

Shannon

Now Available - Digital Slide-Shows!

2010-02-12T18:33:00.000-08:00

I just got my hands on a great new slideshow tool and I used a recent engagement shoot to try it out. Only two words - IT ROCKS!!!

Winter Engagement Shoots Rule.

2010-01-31T19:27:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I had the privilege of photographing an amazing couple for a winter engagement shoot. Our engagement shoots are typically a little different than most in that they are more of a life-style shoot (more than one outfit/location) than a standard one-location, half-hour deal (typical in our profession). Because this particular shoot had to be done in Carmen - more on that later - we didn't have the opportunity to do more than one location as our other two choices were not available. Still, the day was amazing and I am thrilled with what we were able to accomplish.

The location was outstanding. Found in a small, sheltered enclave about a mile off of a gravel road (we had to travel in by snowmobile because the access road had been removed to join two fields for farming), the site was beautiful, serene, and honestly what I would consider my dream home had it been closer to the city. There was an old white picket fence, a cute little abandoned farm house, tons of bright red barns (one almost collapsing from it's slant), grain silos, and tons of big, beautiful trees. It was stunning - I can only imagine what it must have looked like in the summers, back when the family still lived there.

The abandoned site was a sentimental one. It used to belong to the grooms grandparents, and had been recently sold. It was not only a place the groom knew as a child, but also where he and his bride-to-be would plant a garden each summer. Sadly, this would be their last visit to the site.

We spent just over an hour and a half at there, but we could have easily spent all day. Even in -25 degree Celsius, the laughter and smiles kept me warm and motivated. I was inspired by the couple; their energy and positive try-anything attitudes were awesome to be around and I can't imagine wanting to have been there with anyone else.

Thank-you to Caitlin & Randy for a truly memorable experience. I hope the pictures do it justice.

Wonderful Wedding Show

2010-01-26T11:41:00.000-08:00

Whew! This post is a bit late coming, due to my crazy schedule (went from teardown to Chicago with no breathing room inbetween). I am happy to say that I am now back and that The Wonderful Wedding Show was a huge success!

My team was awesome - Matt, the incredible handy-man, created an amazing sign. Jarod, Jay, Swain, Matt & Owen did a fantastic job of moving me in (and then out) of the show. My booth turned looked stunning thanks to their hard efforts and I can't say enough good things about them! Of course, Jen (my fearless co-pilot during the 2-day craziness) was a blessing to have working the booth with me. She was not only great company - she was great with people and just plain great to have around! Finally, my brother Doug was a saving grace to me as he swooped out to the airport to grab all of the printed books that had been shipped out especially for the show. My booth would have been empty without his super-human efforts!

As for the show itself, I have to say that I was impressed by the sheer number of brides in attendance, and by the number of moms, relatives and close friends helping find and gather information for them. It is always heartwarming to see people getting involved and really trying to help ease the stress of wedding planning. Kudos to the many people out there doing their best to help their friends/daughters/future in-laws. You are an amazing and much appreciated part of the process and your brides & grooms are lucky to have you.

I also got some great inspiration for future Blog posts. There were a lot of really good questions being asked! I got great questions about all of the various aspects of wedding photography, from incorporating special people/items/moments into the day to special posing techniques. I plan to cover them all in blog posts over the coming months, so stay tuned!

Before I sign off, I do need to send a shout out to Erin & the crew organizing the show, and to the loading dock team for keeping things running smoothly all weekend. They did an amazing job and I can't say enough good things about them. Thank-you all for putting together and running this event. I look forward to working with you all again next year!

Shannon

Wonderful Wedding Show

2010-01-15T06:09:00.000-08:00

Well, the prep is still continuing with last-minute craziness and rushing around to get those final books fed-exed and the last of my prints back from the lab. Overall though, things are ready to roll and the Kiss The Girl Photography launch is officially ready to rock the Convention Center this weekend!

If any readers out there who are in the Winnipeg area are attending the show, please visit my Facebook fan page and sign into the "Wonderful Wedding Show" event. If you visit me at the show and I see your name on my list, you will be entered to win a $450 glamour shoot in the studio - so it is really worth your while to sign up!

Also -

I want to send a big shout out to all of the brides who called me in the last two weeks and booked me for their special day. It is an honor and a privilege to be working with you & for those of you attending the show this weekend, I will see you there!

Shannon

New Marketing Materials!

2010-01-05T09:37:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share my newest marketing piece (a large stand-up poster for a trade-show). I had an aweful time designing it as I believe I have fallen into the trap of becoming too close to the project. It is hard to be artistic and critical at the same time! Thank goodness for my husband, or I would have never got the thing done.

Feel free to let me know what you think - I am always interested to hear what others like/disslike. It really helps me hone my business!

;-)

Family Photography - Wilma & Chris

2009-12-13T20:15:00.000-08:00

A little while ago I had the priviledge of photographing a couple with a new baby. The interesting thing about this shoot was not that it was a new and exciting form of photography, but rather that the timeline was really condensed (about 20 minutes start to finish) and the couple wasn't interested in anything traditional. Sure, they didn't mind posing, but they weren't interested in spendig hours taking pictures, and they definitely didn't want your standard studio-portrait look to the pictures. Oh, and they also wanted variety and a bit of holiday flavour worked into the mix.

To make sure that we could get everything done, we had to move really quickly - which meant using natural light coming in from the windows at the side of the studio. To keep the photos edgy but still have the focus on the couple, we pulled all of the props out of the way and left a clean slate for them to be photographed on. We deliberately took the pictures in the 'grunge zone' of the studio, to mix up the look a bit. Finally, we used angle and processing style to turn what would have been somewhat traditional looking poses into a highly personalized deliverable to the couple.

Melissa - Glamour Photography

2009-12-07T23:59:00.000-08:00

Last night I had the pleasure of photographing Melissa from Sugar & Soul Photography. She was looking for some portraits she could use on her promotional materials and really wanted something with some edge. I decided to get nitty-gritty (literally - I spent a good deal of the evening lying flat on my back) and a little unorthodox, mixing up 'traditional' lighting techniques and tossing the rulebook totally out of the window. We had a blast (although, admittedly, I did do a few pics that were just for fun - but I'm a photographer so what do you expect?!). Melissa is as great in front of the camera as she is behind it, making the night fly by.

The results? Well, take a look and let me know! I'd love to hear your comments!

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Lisa & Trevor - Wedding Photography

2009-12-03T00:07:00.000-08:00

Another beautiful wedding. What can I say? Great couple, great style, great day.

Sloane & TJ - Family Photoshoot

2009-11-30T09:57:00.000-08:00

I recently had the privilege of photographing my good friend Sloane, her husband TJ and their two kids out in their BC home. Of course, I am biased about the absolute perfection of TJ junior as he is my god-son, but you have to admit - the little guy is adorable! Thanks for having me out guys - and thanks again for the awesome take-out dinner. ;-) mmmmmmmmm.

Mr. Colin Powell, Speaking on Global Responsiblity.

2009-11-29T16:40:00.000-08:00

I had the extreme privilege of seeing Colin Powell live (along with 8000 of my closest friends) in San Francisco as a part of DreamForce '09. His speech was on point, funny, and poignant, dealing with our global responsibilities and reminding us not to live in a culture of fear. Thank-you Mr. Powell for an inspiring and awesome keynote.

Heather, Mike & Gang!

2009-11-29T11:02:00.001-08:00

Well, this is officially my first blog entry for Kiss The Girl Photography, and I am very excited that I get to share the moment with this amazing family of 10. The kids were amazing to work with - the best behaved kids ever I think. Thanks a lot to Michaela for being my props assistant for the afternoon, and to Mikey & Mitch for all of their help with the newborn twins (and for putting up with my bad jokes). You guys are the best!