Digital Heirlooms

Good Bye Blogspot Blog!

2008-12-20T05:28:00.000-08:00

With just the tiniest touch of nostalgia, I'd like to announce that I'll no longer be posting on this blog.

Instead, I've got a brand NEW blog! Please update your links and come on over to digitalheirlooms.ca/blog !

And thanks to everyone who's ever stopped by to say hello...I hope to see you over at my new hangout. ;) Make sure you leave a comment!

MIA

2008-12-02T19:01:00.000-08:00

Yup, I've been missing in action and my poor blog has been neglected.

I've been chugging away at getting print orders ready. It always seems to happen that a long quiet stretch goes by and then WHAM! Everyone submits their order at once...and wants it for Christmas!

So if you haven't heard from me, don't worry. I haven't forgotten about you. I've got some print orders ready to send out soon...just burning your CDs.

And for some others, I've still got your order on my list and I promise I'm working hard to complete all before the holidays.

If you haven't put in your order already, chances are slim you'll have your prints before the New Year.

I've also been prepping for a craft show. I'll be posting about that soon, too. I'm planning on offering a new product that makes fantastic custom gifts!
Stay tuned!

Let's Go Shopping!!

2008-10-29T12:04:00.000-07:00

Big News! I'm updating my website to include mini-gallery sites for clients that includes a shopping cart!

This should make ordering your price MUCH easier and I can't wait to try it out.

For those of you with current galleries, you may notice you can't access your images today. This is temporary due to the update, and I'll be working to repost your galleries as soon as I can.

I'll post another announcement when the upgrade is complete!

Sweet & Simple

2008-10-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

Ladies, if you're out there planning a big wedding, I ask you to consider my most recent wedding. I have to say it was THE most relaxed wedding I've ever been to, and I think it was largely due to the bride and groom not having the typical laundry list of stressors during the day.

No big hall to vacate, no identical attendents, no pew bows, fairy lights, and metres of tulle. Just a Bride and a Groom totally besotted with one another, and immediate family. And me, of course! LOL

We literally got out of our cars, walked a few steps to this wonderful view of the lake, and witnessed D & J pledge their love. A few more steps out to the pier and we couldn't have asked for a better backdrop! Despite it being October, the weather was mild and perfect in every way.

Thanks for having me join you on your special day D & J! I can't wait to do your maternity and newborn portraits in 2009! Here's your sneak peek!

Since this was a public park, there were some distant viewers. But they all kept a respectful distance and cheered when the officient announced them husband & wife!
See, just a small gathering of the most important people with the sun shining upon them.

My favourite!

Winter 2009 is already booked!

2008-10-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

Yup, that's right! Since I've limited how many sessions I'm taking in 2009, I've already had 3 families book me for next year. January, February, and March are no longer available!

Brotherly Love

2008-10-08T18:03:00.000-07:00

So you might remember a wee boy I posted about awhile ago...my first session with Baby Z was super special because it happened during his birth!

Flash forward 8 weeks, and now you'll see how much he's grown in that short time! And Big Brother O looks like he's all ready to show his l'il bro everything he knows. Full of lots of kisses and hugs, I was totally enamoured with this display of brotherly love.

Their mother is a good friend of mine, and she's an accomplished blogger, too! Check out her commentary on social networking and marketing. She's very very clever, this lady!

I just love how squished up Z's face is in this shot!

Booking Sessions for 2009

2008-09-29T11:35:00.001-07:00

As many of you already know I'm completely booked for 2008. Every small business loves being booked up, and it's always hard to turn away business, which is why I've suggested to consider booking your portrait session already for 2009.

I have a tremendously supportive husband who has been fabulous about dedicating his time to spend with our 3 year old daughter every time I leave the house to do a photo session. While I've loved meeting other families and watching them grow, it's meant a sacrifice to my own family. And so, I am making an early New Year's Resolution to spend more time with my family.

It means I've had to make the difficult decision to limit the amount of sessions I can take on each month down to just ONE. And guess what, January is already booked. And others have asked me about spring sessions, too.

So if you're looking for a cake smash session, family portraits, maternity portraits, or an engagement session, think about emailing me now! I'm a little more flexible with newborn portraits because I know they can't be scheduled with the same certainty as other events. So even if I'm already booked that month, I'll do my best to squeeze in newborns (which is easy, since they're so tiny! ;)

I do not plan to take on any weddings in 2009. But I am interested in doing high school senior portraits, so if you're graduating from high school in 2009 and would like personal portraiture to celebrate, let me know!

A subject near & dear to my heart!

2008-09-21T16:38:00.000-07:00

Ever heard that saying about a cobbler's family having no shoes? It's the same for photographers. I get to take photos of lots of wonderful families, but it's rare that I get to be in a photo with my handsome husband and adorable daughter. As it happens, today is my birthday, and my gift to me was taking the time to capture my own family portraits.

Here are some quick proofs from today. I can't choose my favourite. I'd LOVE it if you'd take the time to leave a comment with your vote!

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10.

A Match Made in Heaven

2008-09-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

How great is it that I get to photograph such beautiful moments? Lucky me!

This wedding was spectacular. K & L only had eyes for each other ALL day. The priests gave one of the nicest, most romantic sermons I've ever heard at a wedding (and I've been to a lot of weddings). The groomsmen were johnny-on-the-spot to help corral the guests for photos, and the bridesmaids were so much fun! With guests from all corners of the continent, this happy couple celebrated in style.

What a gorgeous place to say your vows!

This priest baptised L 29 years ago and happily welcomes K.

I don't know what they're each looking at but this shot cracks me up!

A couple who laughs together, stays together.

Best of luck, you guys!

Thank you!

2008-09-07T16:35:00.000-07:00

I have to give a big BIG thank you to all my clients, both new and repeat.

It's because of you that I'm happy to announce that I'm fully booked for 2008! I'm happy about this because it tells me that whatever it is I'm doing is something others appreciate. That is SO deeply gratifying!

Having this photography business has had me exploring my life in ways I'd never thought of before. I've found a creative outlet, as well as the added bonus of meeting such great people and capturing their smiling faces. It's also meant a great investment of time, which at times, is a little too stressful for my family and me. I'm commited to giving each of my clients the best service I can provide them. That has mean limiting some bookings as we head into the Christmas season (yes, I said Christmas!).

While it pains me to turn away any requests for new clients this year, I simply must in order to give my attention to those who have already trusted me with their child and family portraits.

I'm looking forward to the New Year, and will be happy to plan sessions with anyone looking for personal photography in 2009. Thanks again to all who have emailed me. I look forward to being your future family photographer.

The Return of Family Z

2008-09-07T16:26:00.000-07:00

I love watching families grow. What a privilage it is to be invited back to photograph portraits with a family I've already worked with...in this case, Family Z. I had a great time with this family...Little Y always bedecks me with flowers, and the first time I met Little E, I got to take the very first pictures of him learning to walk! Flash forward a year later, kids are just as sweet and running circles around me! Mom & Dad are obviously doing some thing right!

Considering they just arrived home from vacation at 4 am the same day, they all looked pretty fresh later that afternoon! I think the kids did really well considering the jetlag and return to reality. Plus we got to explore a new part of their new neighbourhood, which is always a neat thing to do.

Nabad! Peace!

2008-09-02T18:56:00.000-07:00

After being taught to count to 3 in Somali by a recent client, I promptly forgot. So I looked up some words in Somali online and found "Nabad" which I believe means Peace! (hopefully!)

Here's just a quick look at a session with a family with a super sweet little girl. I just adored her ringlets. By simply observing the interaction within this family I could see the great big love shared between them. A & A not only adored their little S, but each other as well. My own heart swells when I see other married couples in love. It's such a pleasure to be around families like that!

In the wee hours of the morning

2008-08-16T13:24:00.000-07:00

It doesn't get any more NEWborn than this. I had the extreme honour of attending a birth as a photographer recently. Aside from the birth of my own daughter and my wedding, this experience was one of the most amazing of my life. I was SO delighted when M & A invited me to do this...and was as giddy as a school girl in the weeks leading up to M's due date.

Funny thing...I ran into M on her due date, August 10th, while picking blueberries at a local farm! So ladies, if you're pregnant and wondering what you can do to get things moving, perhaps it's time to pick your own berries! LOL Sure enough, at 2 am Monday morning, I got the call.

Amazingly, I was back home by 5:30 am. 2 hour labour...no drugs. Big, Fat Kudos to you M!! You're a strong woman! Congratulations to you both and big brother O.

Stay tuned...I may post more when their ready!

So that's what I did on my week off from work...I retiled a kitchen backsplash, picked blueberries, and photographed a birth. Everyone does that, right? ;)

Now Playing at a Theatre Near You

2008-08-16T06:17:00.000-07:00

I'm so far behind in updating this blog, but that's a good thing. It means I've been busy with photo sessions and prepping images for print. If you're waiting for prints, don't worry...I haven't forgotten about you. I had 5 large print orders come within the same week and so I'm trying to wade through all the different requests.

I'll try to post some from my most recent sessions over the next few days...starting with this one! Cindy and I both used to work for the same place, and she asked me to take engagement portraits before she and her fiancee moved to BC. We found a great drive-in theatre with a 50's vibe! Plus there was a handy field of wild flowers next door! These lovebirds were great models. I wish them all the best in their big move across country and for their upcoming wedding. :)

A Smashing Success!

2008-07-12T18:11:00.001-07:00

It's really not fair that I get to meet all these fabulously cute babies. Would you look at the sparkling blue eyes on this sweet girl!! And happy? Oh my goodness...she was so even tempered through the whole session. As usual, we started our 1st Birthday session with some clean portraits, and then moved on to cake time. Amazingly, the mess was 97% contained to my paper backdrop. So if you're thinking about having a session like this, but are concerned about the mess, it really isn't so bad. Just have a bath ready at the end because babies get VERY sticky!

Beautiful Gown, Beautiful Family, Beautiful Baby

2008-07-03T04:24:00.000-07:00

Sweet Little V got baptised the other day, and her big, loving family came out to celebrate with her. It was so great to see V again...you'll see some of her newborn photos in an earlier post titled Easter Monday Angel. I was there to cover V's Godparents dressing her in a gown many brides would envy, and then we did portraits with all the various family members. V was an angel through the whole thing. Barely ever made a peep, and even fell asleep during the session. And then she woke up with smiles, and from what I hear from her Mom, stayed that way all through her Baptism ceremony. And I gotta tell ya, this family is gorgeous. No wonder V is already stunning. Seriously, everyone who came to celebrate her birthday (even friends of the family) was beautiful and gracious.

Big Sky and Wide Open Fields

2008-07-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

I'm very lucky. I enjoy beautiful scenery every day during my commute to and from work. And I've been eyeing this field for a while. Finally, with the sky blue, the clouds puffy, and the wheat knee high, I stopped to capture this. I like the golden glow & vintage feel. Cute little girl, too. ;)

2008-06-21T20:42:00.000-07:00

Boy, am I behind in updating this blog!! This session is from this past winter and it was to celebrate Jack turning two! It wasn't a traditional type of session...more like a day-in-the-life of Jack. He's got one of those handsome little faces so you can tell just what he'll look like when he's a grown man. This little guy loves to dance and write in his Mom's day planner. I wonder what's on the agenda for today?

2008-06-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

So I got to meet this sweet sweet girl recently. Her Mom asked me to do portraits for her baptism. It's always kinda neat to do baptism portraits. Little people in fancy clothing...it's just too much cuteness! But I really love simpler outfits on babies...or none at all! And while I was there, I got Big Sis to pose for a few portraits, too. I could see how much Big Sis cared about her little sister, and she very much wanted to spend time with her during the photo session. Mom, you're raising 2 wonderful little girls! Thanks for inviting me to do this with you.

When it Rains, it pours!

2008-04-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

I've had a very lucky month. 2 newborn sessions within weeks of each other, and 2 different genders.

Today I got to photography a young gentleman only 10 days old, and he was very sweet. He only peed on Dad twice, barely cried, was easily soothed, and fell into a nice deep sleep. In addition, he has a really lovely Mom & Dad who have GREAT smiles, and a big sister who blew me away with her vocabulary considering she's not even 2 yet!

And now that you're a Mom of 2 under 2, E, I bow down to you!
I hope you enjoy your sneak peek. I certainly enjoyed our session. (Just so you know, these images are not retouched, other than some colour plays. You really are this beautiful!)

An Easter Monday Angel

2008-04-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

Photographers get to see such wonderful moments between families. Not only that, but we get to bring images of those moments home with us! This past weekend, I had the great honour of photographing little Miss V. Oh, she is gorgeous and I can't wait to watch her grow. I'm SO tickled to have the honour of being her "official photographer" for her 1st year of life. Mom & Dad make a stunning couple, so watch out...this girl is gonna knock your socks off when she's older. I mean, she's already got a great start on long, luscious locks of dark hair.

Miss V gave us a few giggles though...poor Mom had to change her pants 3 times during the fountainous naked baby shots. :)

These are just a few of the images we captured together.

Just look at the tenderness on Mom's face. Perfect contentment here.

A rather impish expression, don't you think? I think she was plannin' somethin'.

hehe I LOVE crying shots. They're just so "real." And no, we didn't pinch her to get this shot. :)
So there you go T & J. I hope you enjoy your sneak peek!

No, it's not a jelly roll...

2008-03-08T19:06:00.000-08:00

I'm on a Smash Cake roll!! Yup, 2 in one day. Normally I don't ever book more than one session a day, but these last two sessions came up quickly and were quite timely since ya can't change a birthday!

With great privilage, I visited a second home to capture a sweetpea turning One. Her parents were up for anything, so we tried posing with a flock of stuffed sheep, wearing a lamb hat, various chairs and stools, and of course, the grand finalé of smashing the cake.

A most elegant little lady!

2008-03-08T18:41:00.000-08:00

Today's sessions are a prime example of "word of mouth advertising." The Gerber baby's mom loved her sons smash cake photos so much she shared them with her friends. They in turn called me and booked smash cake sessions for their own babies. There sure are a lot of sweet children turning ONE lately!

This session took me to a home with lots of light and wonderful floors. We did some clean portraits first, and then dove right into the cake. Well, dive might not be the right word. "Picked at delicately" might be more accurate. But either way, Miss Issie was full of vibrance and personality, and I just loved her dress!

Trouble with Email

2008-03-04T12:59:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone!

I recently had my website host transfer my site to a more secure server. This move will help ensure less downtime for www.digitalheirlooms.ca.

However, in this transition, it seems my email address, info@digitalheirlooms.ca, has experienced some glitches.

If you have sent me an email in the last week, there is a possibility that I have not received it. I'm not ignoring you! I promise! Quick response to any emails or phone calls are a high priority for me, and I'm dismayed at this current delay.

I have my web host investigating the issue, and hopefully all will be back to normal soon. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Ahh, technology! Ain't it grand? ;)

A Smash Hit!!

2008-02-14T19:01:00.000-08:00

I recently had the messiest, stickiest, and sweetest photo session yet!
After having photographed the little Gerber baby last fall, his Mom invited me back to do portraits for his first birthday. We got some clean photos, and THEN we brought out the cake!
And this my friends, is what we call a Smash Cake Session, and I'm excited to add this option to my bag of tricks.

What a sweetheart!

2008-02-08T11:11:00.000-08:00

I got to meet this little guy a few weeks ago, along with his awesome parents, grandparents, and aunt & uncle. We ended up doing a full family session with all of them, but for now I'll share this sneak peak. It was also my first time using my new red backdrop!

Teeny Tiny Details Make Big Pictures!

2008-02-08T10:58:00.000-08:00

I've been inspired to try macro photography lately. I'm loving it. Not only does it encourage me to learn a new photography technique, but it's meant having fresh flowers in the house! Which is SOOO lovely in the middle of winter with all this snow!

Here are some of the pieces I've done lately, some with added textures.

Taking Time for Tea

2008-02-01T08:27:00.000-08:00

It's not very often I get to slow down and enjoy a quiet conversation over tea. With all my photo sessions, post-processing, website maintenance, developing new products, working full time, and being an attentive mom and wife, I rarely get time to visit with friends anymore.

So it was extra lovely for me to visit with a client last night, who has become a friend since first meeting at a baptism session 2 years ago. She, and her husband, are the type of people you immediately feel comfortable with. And it's been an honour to watch their sweet daughter grow from baby to toddler, and hopefully someday, I'll be taking her university graduation portraits, too!

I simply had to drop off some prints, but was welcomed in for tea and it was the best tasting tea I've had in a long time. Not just because it was Raspberry White Tea (Yum!), but because of the company and conversation enjoyed along with it.

Thank you, M., for giving me the opportunity to slow down for a little while!

In case you haven't noticed...

2008-01-04T18:10:00.000-08:00

it's here!!

My newly designed website, that is. And I think you're really going to like it. It's given me more flexibility to update my portfolio, and is just better for navigating.

Take a peek at all the galleries. All photos in my Wedding gallery were taken while working with Julie Broadbent Photography this past year. Thank you Julie, for that opportunity!

And thanks to all my clients from 2007. It was fantastic to meet with you, and I'm deeply honoured you chose me to photograph you and your families.

Happy New Year to all of you!

Taking a new step!

2007-11-27T19:50:00.000-08:00

Hurray! Just today I've started the wheels rolling in totally and completely updating my website at www.digitalheirlooms.ca. I'll be able to update there more frequently, and I think that'll be more dynamic for my clients.

You'll be able to check my calendar to help plan your own session date. You'll be able to join my email list. You'll be able to browse a pretty Flash driven site OR rely on a regular HTML version if you're not using high speed internet. And the layout is going to be so much better!

I've decided to make photography the focus of my business. When I started Digital Heirlooms, it was mainly all about video editing and transferring peoples home videos to DVD. I'll still provide that service, but I'll be booking less of that to allow for more photography time.

Thanks to all those who stay in touch. I'll be sure to post as soon as my new site is ready to launch!

Unhappy Day!

2007-11-16T19:38:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, it's just not a good day for a photo shoot! That was the case with this family, although I tried to capture some tender moments between parents and son. Little Jack woke up with a cold (which I think later turned out to be an infection) and was quite miserable. Poor Mom & Dad did their best to console him, but there was just no chance of getting a smile out of this sweet face. We've rescheduled to do birthday portraits in March.

2007-10-21T09:35:00.000-07:00

I've really loved watching this family grow. Earlier this year I edited their family video. I got to see the very first videos after each child was born, and all the little adventures they've had so far, and then compile all those memories into a DVD set to music. The parents loved it so much, they hired me to do their fami

ly portraits, and I was deeply honoured. Not only did I get to meet the whole family in person, but I got to enjoy an especially fun conversation with Julia, the 4 year old, about Halloween. Between this family, and the last, I'm thinking I'm really going to enjoy my daughter turning 4. If she has the same sweet, open, and welcoming nature that Julia and Yasemin displayed, then I'm in for a real treat. Obviously, these parents are doing something right to create such picture perfect families.

And sometimes, it's not about getting the "perfect pose" but capturing honest moments as they happen. Even if those moments are quick lived pouts, or a good old-fashioned nose squeeze.

The Zeki Family

2007-10-21T09:21:00.000-07:00

I meet the most charming families in this photography business. It helps maintain my faith in humanity when I see happy families, interacting in loving ways.

One such family was this...relaxed parents, and sweet children, made for a great photo shoot. The daughter is 4. I'm learning this age is full of trust, and she immediately made friends with me. I was deeply touched when she ran down the path to pick me some flowers to tuck in my hair. The little boy was also finding a new found freedom that weekend...he took his first steps the day before, and so I was happy to capture lots of walking shots of him while his family cheered him on.

Have you ever seen such a classic baby face??

2007-09-06T18:10:00.001-07:00

Sweet Matteo sure captured my heart. This handsome little boy has the perfect nostalgic face...I swear he's the Gerber baby! His Mom & Dad were equally sweet and accomodating while I took baptism portraits for them recently. And what a gorgeous house! Matteo is a very lucky little boy to have a home with such wonderful light.

Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!

2007-07-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

My wonderful friends Mike & Maria recently had their second child, this time a girl. I was blessed with the opportunity to photograph this new spirit yesterday. She is just gorgeous, and looks so much like her brother. I think there's a lot of Mommy in her too, though. The whole family is beautiful. Big brother seemed pretty curious about his new sister, and even gave her a kiss while I snapped away. Moments later the kiss transformed into a wet raspberry against his sisters head! LOL I can't wait to watch these children grow.

Reflected Love

Mom & Dad sharing their happiness.

What a sweet window seat for a little girl!

Still tiny enough to fit in a basket!

Already wrapped around her little finger. :)

Just in time for a kiss!

African Lion Safari

2007-07-16T18:27:00.001-07:00

As a photographer, I don't just carry my camera to paid gigs. It goes everywhere fun the family goes. I really enjoyed the wildlife presented at African Lion Safari today. Here is a quick sample of the flamingos.

Going to the "Sim"phony

2007-07-14T17:38:00.000-07:00

When I book with clients over email and on the phone, I generally don't have the benefit of meeting them in person ahead of time. But when I arrived at my photo shoot this morning I was immediately at ease. Maureen & Blair, parents of 3 strapping boys, were so congenial and lovely! And their home was a dream, with wonderful reconstructed 1920's charm. I really enjoyed their company, and appreciated how easily they took direction as I posed them. Here's just a hint for Maureen, and her handsome brood.

Kylie

2007-06-23T18:59:00.001-07:00

Kylie is a really lovely young woman who would love to work in television, just like her Mom. Our goal today was to get some headshots she could use to find an agent. Not only is Kylie a pretty girl, but she was sweet throughout the whole shoot. I was tickled when she thanked me with a big hug at the end.

The McClennan Clan

2007-06-23T17:49:00.001-07:00

I had the extreme pleasure of meeting the McClennan clan recently. This was my largest group to ever photography, with 9 family members. They were super patient with me while I positioned them all, despite the 30 degree heat and high humidity. And the 3 young girls were fabulous. Just look at those sweet faces!

And We're Off!

2007-06-23T17:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my inaugral post for the Digital Heirlooms blog!

Although I have a dedicated website for Digital Heirlooms, I wanted to be able to interact with my customers in a more immediate, and fun way. I'll be able to post sneak previews of photo shoots, share some personal photographic moments, and express my gratitude to those already gracious enough to bless my camera lense with their image.

It's also a place to receive feedback and commentary from you! I'm really looking forward to having this opportunity to share my work with others, and hope to continue to grow as a photographer. Thanks for being interested in my journey.