A couple of weeks ago, I spent a couple of days mentoring studio photographer, Shannon Kellestine, from Red Lake, Ontario. She is looking at trying to step out of the studio and wanted to witness how us ‘lifestyle’ photographers work. Most of all she wanted to watch me work. Luckily, I knew just the people to ask–this little boy goes to school with Jack and they have the most awesome playhouse in their backyard. I knew I had to shoot there…and I knew I needed a new lens.

Now I know what you are all thinking. Photographers are all about the gear and are always eyeing up one thing or another(that is partially true as I do have a long wish list–next up underwater housing…), but I have known that I needed this lens for some time. I truly believe that your gear is just an extension of your personality and some people need certain lenses to help that translate into their work. If you have had a session with me–you know I am all about the simplicity. I usually use one lens…sometimes I will pop on another one, but mostly, I have one lens that lives on my camera. Not anymore…I knew I needed a fisheye–in my gut. Deep in my gut despite what people were telling me that it was not a lens that I would use much and certainly not for kid’s photography…well, I was right. I love that lens. It is helping me capture the world as I see it. And, I couldn’t be more thrilled.

The other thing that I loved about this session was the fact that it was at their home, in their world…I am soooooo loving capturing that right now. A more documentary approach than even I have been doing in the past…it’s moving that way. I am loving capturing families and kids as they are. In their own element. 

These beautiful kids and their beautiful playhouse have a wonderfully witty, intelligent mother who has a momblog. It’s called ‘Parenting Without a License’ and is so worth a read!! I hope you all love the images! I am crazy for them!!!

Another Edmonton family…well, not for long!! This family is moving far away and wanted some images to leave with family and friends until they return! What a fun family!!! We did the session at Fort Edmonton and I called it Lewis and Clark because whenever their parents call them–that’s what it sounds like to me! Lewis and Clark don’t go too far!! Lewis and Clark time for a cookie!!!

For fun, the mom brought along these fake moustaches and the kids had such fun playing the ‘villian’ role(I think mom and dad got into it quite a bit as well)! And then we had a quick change before we hit up the old fashioned fair for some fun…as you can tell by the last image, I wore the kids out. I stuck that in there because to me…well, that is parenthood. We can’t all be happy ALL OF THE TIME…right?

Thanks for the gingersnap, the lemonade and the wagon ride(I know my job is REALLY tough). Best of luck to you as you head off on your adventure!!

PS–I wanted to add that I picked my winner in the engagement session contest. I can’t wait to share their story as it is AWESOME!!! but I have decided to wait and share it with their images!!! Thanks to everyone who entered!!! Have an awesome weekend!!

Sooooooo…the internet is a wonderous thing. Next year is my high school reunion. I’d like to say that it is my 10 year reunion, but that would be lying. The crew who are putting it together has created this awesome website where everyone can connect and learn about each other and events that are being held for the reunion. Through all that, I have been connected with a couple of old classmates. This one hounded me. Serioulsy hounded me…until I agreed to come to Edmonton and do a session for her children I’m teasing her, of course, but can you blame her??? Look at her kids!!! Who wouldn’t want fabulous images of these beautiful babies??? She wouldn’t let me take her picture, but she promises that next year it will be a family session She bought the tin lunch boxes online. I know that I am now going to get a flood of emails asking me where to get these things and I’ve got to tell you that I DIDN’T BUY THEM. So, don’t email me.

Happy back to school everyone!!! Thanks Colleen!! It was lovely to see you again…and just look at your kidlets! She is a mini version of you. Soon she’ll be wearing her generation’s version of a Benneton rugby shirt and big bangs(your hair was seriously the biggest). Enjoy!!!

The summer has just flown by!!! I can’t believe how busy I have found myself–trying to fit in all my work and all my fun Balance is on the way, my friends!!! It truly is…but I have been feeling bad about neglecting the blog so I thought that I’d pop up a few that have caught my eye…hot off the presses!!! Soooo many cute kids lately!!! Just a quick Monday post to make everyone smile!! Have a great day!!

I’m an organic girl at heart. I’ve learned this…and I need to work through the process. Organically. I have–for quite a while–had an idea as to how I wanted my slideshows to evolve. I’m still not there yet, but I’m playing more…I think that you should expect some more playing this fall…I just wanted to share this latest version. From a session I’ve already shared…yes, she is playing and singing.

Yes, I twittered a new challenge–shoot a stranger. Ask their permission first. This is one of my favorite things to do…be really aware and look for someone great. It’s amazing what you will find when you open your eyes.

7 years ago today, I stood in a meadow and watched two of my best friends marry each other. And, I sang–Annie’s Song…badly…because I sang through tears. Happy tears. Two weeks later, I would give birth to my son. And, they would be far away. Time and distance seperates us, but it doesn’t. Seeing them again was just as joyful and comfortable as seeing them on that day. It brings me immeasurable joy to see people still in love…creating love in their children. And, still loving campfires, cold beer and wildflowers in mountain meadows.

It only made sense to me that we would return to that meadow…these 7 years later…and capture their love for each other. Now. They laid down on the alter of their wedding day and reflected. So did I…Reflect that is

with their children…

 …and we played until we were interrupted by two wonderfully friendly people telling us to vacate as a grizzly and her cub had been there only an hour earlier and were still believed to be in the area. Truly a mountain session

Happy Anniversary you guys!!! We can’t wait until the next time…

We interrupt this program to bring you a massive website failure…that was my Wednesday. Thus, no blog post so I’m doing it now…a little bit late. Yes, SOME of my site worked, but the most important parts of it did not. In fact, some things are still being ironed out. Ahhh…the life of a small business owner. It’s funny…I was thinking this morning how someone once called me a mom and pop operation and then apologized as he didn’t want to offend. BELIEVE ME I take no offense!!! I am one step short of a mom and pop operation as there is just a mom working here!!! On days like yesterday, I wish there was a pop or two

I just wanted to share a couple of recent shots…I love the REALISM of this first shot. Life. This is it…

It’s also a good visual explanation of why people looking for a ‘traditional portrait’ photographer should probably keep on looking This next shot I also love for the realism…the documentary feel to it BUT I also love it because here is this little guy…just one year old…surrounded by his family.

And…when I returned to this house for their third session with me(what can I say some people just get addicted!!!), I walked in and saw 5 wonderful canvases on display. Yay!! It is such an honor to have my work displayed in my client’s houses…

I promise a Thursday post is still to come!!!

This is Laurie. Laurie is a self-proclaimed blog stalker. She’ll be the first one to comment on this post. She is often the first one to comment on my posts hee, hee…I’m just teasing her of course, but what a thrill it ALWAYS is to meet someone who has taken the time to send me so many sweet comments. An extra special treat because her own story turns out to be one that touches my heart deeply.

Too often these days, I hear people tell stories of how they desperately want a child, but–for whatever unknown reason, it just doesn’t happen for them. They have all this love to give, but their arms remain empty. Longing. This was Laurie’s story until one day around 2 years ago now when she met this little guy’s birth mother…and that woman entrusted her with the greatest gift anyone could ever give another person. And, this little boy is so loved and his parents so enraptured with each other that it filled my entire week with joy. Looking at the joy evident in all of their images. What a lucky little boy to have found his way into this family. And what a lucky lady, to have her longing arms finally filled. Such a special family that proves that Giving Is Awesome. They nominated my giving is awesome winner and you cannot imagine how thrilled I was to find out that I could give them this session as a thank you. The world works in wonderous ways.

I am often reluctant to tell the stories that I hear from my clients…the stories of how their family came to be. But, this story…well, it seemed so special. I hope Laurie doesn’t mind. A happy adoption story. Perhaps we can encourage someone to make the choice of adoption by showing the world the joy that it brings. I have such a wonderful job where I get to share in a family’s love. Just for a few hours…but, I am always made the better for it. Thank you Laurie.

I shared this song with Laurie and it spoke to her, so now I’m sharing it with you…and, Laurie…I’m a crazy music lover. sooo many beautiful songs, not enough time to appreciate them all

This is a unique kind of a session. These cute boys were saying goodbye to a beloved nanny after she had cared for them for many years. I agreed to this session because I, too, used to be a nanny and my ‘employer’(I put it in quotes as she was so much more than that to me and I to her I believe) did this for me before I left. I still have those images on display in my house. And, the 5 year old little girl in the images, is now…well, she is 19 years old and all grown up. I like to look back on those images on a daily basis and remember that time in my life. I hope that these images will be to this wonderful woman what those images are to me. I also hope the little boys have lovely images for themselves to look back on and smile.

We had a lovely afternoon just walking around their neighbourhood…climbing trees, talking Lego Indiana Jones, and going to Fiasco Gelato for a treat. I love their awkward adult teeth, crazy belly laughing, and their skinned knees. I love how goofy and fun they were…AND, I love the flare on the front step, the close up black and whites, the three of them in the tree and the freshness of the gelato images. Summer, my friends, has finally arrived. Run down to Fiasco and grab yourself a treat!!!

It really is. Awesome that is.

I participated in a world wide project called Giving Is Awesome where photographers donate their talents to special families who were nominated based on their current situations. I have been so blessed in my life…truly, I have. More than I could ever express. And, they seem to grow all the time–my blessings. It only makes sense to pass on this feeling of being blessed. This is my Giving is Awesome family. They have been so kind to me…so kind. It was awesome to give them something that they so appreciated. It was especially awesome because now that these girls are growing up and moving on, their mother will have something to look back on…as will they. I know that as parents we often overlook ourselves when it comes to family images BUT it is so important for your children to have images of you.

For me, this was a bit of a different session–I don’t often have the opportunity photograph teenagers. Guess what they listen!! They do what you ask. It’s weird. A good kinda weird And, these girls are so gorgeous it made it all worthwhile.

I encourage you all out there–reading my blog from all corners of the world(I can see where you come from!!!) to give back this weekend. Pass on the gratitude for the life you have to someone else. You know what? It will feel AWESOME. I know it will…because GIVING IS AWESOME.