December 30, 2011

2000 and 11 - a portfolio review / a year in review











































































































































PS, this is not even everything from 2011. This is just what has hit the blog...

Regardless, it's been one hell of a year. I am not a writer in any sense of the word (though this I guess makes me a liar) so I won't attempt to write now. I'm not going to tell you how awesome my job is. Just know that 2011 has been the best of my career/life and I think these photos prove it.

Every year, without fail is better than the last by at least 100x. This is no exaggeration. I've been all over this green earth this year and 2012 has geared itself up to not disappoint either.

My kids for bringing me the most joy I could ever know. To my studio manager Heather for keeping me afloat. And to all the clients and photographers who've hired and trusted me. Know I gave it my all.

And publicly, I would like to thank Eriko Aoya for putting a Canon AE-1 with a 50mm 1.4 lens in my hands back in 1996 in Tokyo Japan. None of this would have happened had you not been so kind and generous. I will forever be indebted to you.

Speaking of 2012, things are going to be a bit different. I only plan on shooting 10 weddings. Yep, you read that right, I am only shooting 10 weddings in 2012. A huge step in a different direction of the once 72 in one year, yeah, 72, by myself. If you are even considering hiring me for your wedding, drop me a line as I am dead serious about capping at 10.

Why you ask? The one thing I really learned in 2011 is that for me to be truly successful, I need to put as much into my family as I do into my business. And that is what is going to happen in 2012.

The FILM IS NOT DEAD workshop is going all over the world this year. From Australia later this month, to Atlanta, to my studio in Orem, to Surrey UK, Boston, Chicago, Vancouver Canada, Ibiza Spain, Charleston, San Miquel Mexico, and then finally the North Shore of Oahu. If you are interested in attending, drop me a line. Space is getting limited and a lot of those mentioned cities are completely sold out.

And finally, I want to thank you, the reader. Who ever you are (hi Mom). I'd REALLY love to know who you are. Leave a comment below, say something, say anything. I just want to know who you are and let you know that I thank you for reading/looking/following.

2000 and 11 was AMAZING. Here's to 2012, to all of our 2012's. And just remember, Life's a Happy Song...

75 comments:

Silvana said...

Uhhhh....AWESOME! So many amazing images. Love them all. Funny..I just did one of these. Not nearly at this caliber though! Cheers and Happy New Year!

kieran wagner said...

Thanks for the inspiration in 2011!

Annette Sarah Wilson said...

Jon Can
He the man
I am his
Biggest Fan!

Jon Can
He the man
& is coming to
berra o' Can!

Jon Can
He the man
I'll be seeing him
21st of Jan!

Jon Can
He the man
The first picture especially
makes me want to dan! (ce.. dance.)

Jon Can
He the man
His photos are
like visual Spam!

Dustin Francis said...

There's no mistaking these are your images...such a sold, ever-evolving vision. Blessed to have met you this year and thank you for all you do for your FINDers and our industry. Wonderful set of images :)

Jonas Seaman said...

In love with this post!

ellen said...

Amazing photos! Keep on posting.

Peter Mercado said...

Jon, kabayan, you're always an inspiration! Here's to 2012!

Amanda said...

I've left you comments here and there this year, Jonathan and I'm back to say thank you.
Thank you for inspiring me in ways you'll never know, thank you for sharing your work and passion, thank you for all your answers on formspring, thank you for the FIND guide, thank you for being so down to earth and thank you for keeping film alive.

kati said...

my favorites are the sunburn, poor thing! but perfect for a portrait.

David Leung said...

Epic Awesomeness, Jon! Thanks for all that you have done to inspire and for the limits you have pushed and challenged for us all.

Maalaea said...

I really enjoy your work.
Thank you for sharing your talent.

-Maalaea

Anonymous said...

What a journey!!! Jon, you are the MAN and I look forward to meet you in a couple of days :)

Emily Anderson said...

These are so beautiful and it just makes me happy to look at them. You vision is so clear, and I'm really excited for you and your family this new year. Enjoy all the snuggles you can! :-)

Luisa Brimble said...

oh how can anyone top that Annette??? he he he!!!! just as awesome you are! can't wait for 2012 Mr Canlas!!! it's going to be just the best start to the year!!!!

Jennifer said...

Epic! What a year. You are simply fantastic, Jon. Can't wait to meet you!

mary plus vince said...

thank YOU for the beautiful images.

hi, my name is mary and i've loved your photography for years! your work is truly beautiful and inspiring! can't wait to see what you do in 2012!!

Chrissy said...

I love little miss red bucket head! What a doll baby! Makes me giggle every time I look at those two photos :) Classic little kid antics :) :)

Thanks so much for all you do- you are an incredible inspiration. You are helping put film cameras in the hands of many many others- which is a truly a treasure.... it's changing this girl's life, that's for sure!

Chris said...

Favorites of the year are the curtain couple dyptic. Great year fun watching you live with clear purpose and congrats on all your success bro!

AmyPunky Photography said...

Hi Jonathan,
I'm Emilie, a French wedding photographer. I never comment but I've been reading every of your blog posts since 2010. Thank you for being such an inspiration to so many photographers, even to those who don't shoot film. And thanks for shooting portraits, I love portraits and my goal for 2012 is to shoot more portraits and just do what I love.
Thanks for being so generous!

Jayme F. said...

I have enjoyed following your blog all year. Your work is beautiful. My favorite is your personal/family photos because they tell how much you value and love your brood. I also follow you on the film shooters group and formspring! Keep sharing, even if it is to remind all of us to just get out and try it for ourselves. Happy new year and many blessings in 2012!

Camille said...

What a boring year you had. Geez! You owned this beautiful world. Thank you for sharing and inspiring. I look forward to more of it in 2012.

Ariel said...

Wow! I've been following for at least a year...and I'm still amazed at what you're able to accomplish with film! Amazing work from an amazing year! Congrats...looking forward to your 2012!

Leah Kua said...

I'm so proud to know you. And the thought that I would be included in this post - speechless. Very humbling and affirming :) Can't wait to see what you create in the year ahead.

Kiera said...

Have you seen that Game Stop commercial?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VogjLauTNOk&feature=related

Three thumbs up!!

Camille said...

I check your blog every single day. Pictures of Lulu are probably the best thing ever. Congratulations on both 2011 and 2012!!!!!

Aloicoius said...

Hello neighbor! I'm coming to you from just around the corner in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Just wanted to thank you for doing what you do. I hope one day I will feel about my images the way I feel about yours. Good luck in 2012! Can't wait to see what you do with it.

Azahari Salleh said...

Hi, Jonathan Canlas. I'm from Malaysia. You're one of my inspiration in Photography. It's never boring to view your blog everyday. =) BTW, Happy new year!!..

Wendy Laurel said...

to quote one of my favorite photographers -- that is just RIDICULOUS. and awesome. love the poem as well.

Abc said...

Dude.This.Is.Awesome.Cabron!

Delia said...

Incredibly inspiring work! You photograph some seriously good lookng people too!

Xanthe said...

Your work is so inspiring! AMAZING!! What a set of incredible images... Happy New Year... I hope to make it on one of your workshops one day... Thanks for the inspiration xx

carrie said...

Great year Jon - love a lot of your images. My favorite I think is the smile from one of your daughters - just her head in hend and big smile. A cherished capture! :)

Aaron James said...

Groovy.

Thumbs up for keeping this medium alive! Thanks for encouraging me to shoot what I want and not what the general market considers feasible.

Unknown said...

So you'll publsih a written Paper-Book - my compliments! The eBook FIND guide already was great, I just pre-ordered via german Amazon the paper version. Hope I'll meet you in person one time. Have a good year 2012!

Aileen Reilly said...

So glad you fixed the ability to comment! ;)

I love all your work, cohesive and emotional. Seeing the highlights all together like this is powerful.

Congrats on a great 2011.

Casual Businessman said...

Privileged to have JC twice in 2011!
Keep on rockin in 2012!

Karen Hibler said...

I have been reading your blog for a few years now and your work continues to inspire me and blow me away--the above work is breathtaking! Your FIND guide is the main reason I have fallen back in love with taking photos and I sincerely THANK YOU for that. Congrats on a wonderful 2011 and Best Wishes for 2012!

Graciete said...

Wishing you and yours many blessings for the coming New Year, all the way, and with enormous gratitude for the inspiration and insight you so freely share, from Portugal.

Angela said...

I've been following you for at least 6 years and I am a huge fan of your work. I hope someday to meet you and have the honor of having you photograph my family someday. Until then, keep being inspiring! I am glad you are taking time for your family. Happy newest year!

kaitlin said...

i've followed your work for a few years, it's just beautiful!

toni said...

I'm Toni, I particularly love your family shoots! Nobody does it better than you. I thank you for starting FIND and you are the reason I have rolls of film in my fridge. I will meet you in Australia workshop 2013, I swear I will get there, it's my new years resolution to save for it. Cheers!

Adhis said...

I LOOOOOVE that you are capping your weddings at 10. You will experience so much more success when people have to fight for your time. You will also make more time to receive inspiration. I LOVE IT!

Oh, it's me. Adhis. Your neighbor, blog stalker, church person, Callie admirer.

Anna said...

Always a fan, from the early days.

Have a great year in 2012! Your family always looks like you have the best times so I'm sure it will be 10x better in 2012.

Mark Evans said...

Hi Jonathan

My name is Mark and i live in the UK. Shot digital and was starting to really hate it up until i came across this blog.

But now i love film! and even though i'm still really struggling to get a good looking photo from it (i havent found the right lab yet and my exposures are still off) just seeing your work encourages me to continue with it.

So thank you for be being a inspiration! I look forward to seeing your shots in 2012!

Anonymous said...

Thank you Jon, for enriching my year and giving me the spark to continue my passion through photography. Thank you for being so open and for sharing a tiny bit of your world with Columbus, Ohio!!!

Amanda

Emily said...

Fantastic pictures and congrats on the book!

Laura.R said...

Thanks for following your dream and giving others the courage to follow theirs, Mr. Canlas. I have a happy hubby because of inspirational people like yourself! We love your work!

The Girl said...

You complete me.

Carrie said...

Congrats on a life well done! Good luck with 2012 and the big 10. My best to you and your sweet family.

Anonymous said...

Hey Jon,
Just letting you know I follow your work. It's nice to wake up every morning check the emails and then the blog to see what you have posted for the day. Keep the posts coming.
All the best to you and your family in 2012!! Because in the end that's what really matters.
Darren

Unknown said...

hi Jon! I love your work. I love your style and mostly I love film!! I live in San Antonio, TX. I love checking out your blog and seeing your beautiful images that you create. I took photography in high school and still use a 35 mm Nikon..thanks for sharing your work with the world. I think 10 weddings a year is a great idea! I also love love love Allison Cox's work and was so happy to see you chose her to shoot your family's photos. Awesome. I look forward to your work in 2012!!

Unknown said...

I could browse through your blog all day long. I think I've seen every image on your blog. I'd love to see the world through your lens for one day. Thanks for sharing so much with the world on the web. I just ordered the Edward Weston Daybooks and am going to shoot film this year for my own pleasure b/c of your work. thanks!
courtney
and also, props to you for putting your family first :)

Molly W. said...

I really, really, really hope I get the pleasure of meeting you one day.(Kjrsten Madsen is a dear friend of mine so I get to hear of all the awesomeness!). Love your work, love your heart.

chesapeake said...

Fan-freaking-tastic.

Casey and I could not be more thrilled that we were able to get you to shoot our wedding. You are simply the best. Period.

:-D

shipra said...

You're the bees knees, Mr Canlas!! 2011 looks like it was utterly amazing and I can't wait to see what 2012 has in store for you. FIND changed my life and for that, I will always be grateful. Thank you for the inspiration!

Simone Anne said...

Hi Jonathan! Love love love the blog and the images you shoot. The colors are phenomenal and my 2012 photo goal is to get back into film. I've got your guide and I can't wait to keep at it. Love from Berkeley, CA! :D

Lynette said...

I have been a fan of yours for many years! I live in Utah and I WILL hire you to photograph my family once we have our next & last kid. So keep doing what you're doing!!

Kat Braman said...

I feel like I've just gotten one of your big bear hugs. I love the way you shoot. It gives me the warm and fuzzies. I hope you know how much of an impact you have had on me and my photography. (now picture me jumping up and down squeeling because I made your post)

coler said...

Holy shit.

Christina Tran said...

Hi Jon!!

Love all these images! So glad we got to work with you for wedding!!

Have a great year!!!

Tenielle said...

I think this is life as we'd all love to see it. Only you've done the most beautiful job of documenting it & sharing it with us. Your eyes are yours and yours alone.

Andreas said...

Incredible & inspiring work Jonathan!

Angela said...

I LOVE your work. It encourages me to push and expand my own work. It's what I look at before I do a shoot to get my photography brain going and my creative juices flowing. Thank you for capturing things in film that most others might have overlooked. Good luck this upcoming year!

Castleberry Photography said...

Wow! What inspiring photography. You are one of my photo heros. I will never forget when I was able to hear you at one of BYUs seminars about 2 years ago. I was so impressed and you really taught me a lot about who I wanted to be as a photographer. Thank you!

Sarah said...

You inspire me. These are more then beautiful. I love the stories you have shared thru your photos. Love how you said family is the most important, and your kids and callie bring you the most joy. It is so true. I love you Jon. Really. xo

Alan Woo said...

Absolutely amazing!

megan said...

Master John, you have a gift and you just keep on giving. Love it and you, your dreamy wife, and your crazy family.

caseyfriday said...

Dude, you are the man. Seriously, your work inspires me to do my work better.

Shanti Jain said...

It's perfect. You are an amazing person. So true and creative and loving. *high five. Maybe one day I will be graced with your presence if only for a moment. Prospero año y felicidad.

Phil Vaughn said...

Jonathan, you've elevated yourself in my eyes by making a commitment to your family which could have easily been overlooked due to your work schedule. You could have all the business success in the world, but if your family lost "you" that success would be bittersweet at best. I truly love your work and hope 2012 brings you the best.

Hannah Stevenson said...

Jon. Amazing. I miss you and your rock, Callie. So much. Give each other a hug for me K?

Jade Sheldon said...

Your talent and eye for capturing even those most simple, common moment in a completely lovely and striking way is what keeps me coming back.

You are amazing and I'm happy to hear that you are taking time to enjoy the other things in your life that make it worth living.

Bring a workshop to Portland!

Much love and best of luck in 2012,

Jade Sheldon

Aria said...

INCREDIBLE photos, as always. I am dying with excitement for the April Orem workshop!

Rebecca Woolston said...

I love catching up on your blog every few months. Best photos I have ever seen!

Rebecca Woolston said...

I love catching up on your blog every few months. Best photos I have ever seen!