A subject near & dear to my heart!

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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A Match Made in Heaven

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!

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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. ;)