Taking Time for Tea

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...

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!

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!

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.

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

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??

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!

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

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

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.