Claire | children photography | look all grown up

“Mommy, I’m ALL grown up now!  I’m FOUR,” my daughter, Claire, definitively announces.

Four means you pick your very own outfit for the annual birthday photo shoot.  Four means you do it by.your.self.  Four means attitude.  Big, grandiose attitude.

I know better than to make a big deal to get my kids to have their photos taken by me.  I’m thrilled that they’re even willing subjects, and so if they want to take ownership in the process by picking out their outfits and leaving the hair slightly dishevelled.  So.be. it.

Here she is folks.  Don’t forget:  She’s four and can do it ALL by herSELF!

Kiera | baby photography | look dear

This little girl is a doll!

She is such a thoughtful, easy-going, cutie pie that loves to take in the world around her.  Her mom brought a family heirloom christening gown for some of the portraits, and it look adorable on her.  How special to have a piece of family history in the photos.  I loved photographing Miss Kiera’s pensive looks and her giggly smile!

Jayden & Steph | engagement photography | look gracious

Jayden & Steph got the perfect window on the last winter weather for their engagement shoot.  The air was not too cold, and a recent snowfall provided a fresh, white covering to the ground.  They were such good sports with the engagement session!  I had them on train bridges, and wading (maybe more accurately falling? getting stuck?) in knee-deep snow more than once.  They were amiable and gracious and I loved having the opportunity to get to know them a little bit better before their June wedding!

Steph

Siglinde & Baron | maternity photography | look radiant

Meeting with this couple to take maternity photos was nearly effortless!  Both of them good looking, easy-going and comfortable being in front of the camera.  The relationship between them is so relaxed and affectionate, I’m sure they will be great parents when baby makes his or her appearance in a few weeks!

Winston the dog joined us for some of the family photos.  So cute!

You make pregnancy look so beautiful, Siglinde.

Can’t wait to hear the news!  Congratulations and blessings.

Steph

Caleb | newborn photography | look wholehearted

Isn’t this the cutest little newborn baby?!

Caleb, which the name apparently means “wholehearted,” sure is a delight!  Wholehearted to mean:  completely and sincerely devoted, determined, or enthusiastic.  What an excellent namesake.

He was welcomed into a great family with 2 older brothers (who are just as handsome and adorable as well!)

It was such a pleasure to send a sunny morning with this wonderful and energetic family!

Steph

Audrey | children photography | look winter wonderland

She’s turning 7 in a few days and she tugged at my sleeve, wide eyed and curious to ask if she could have her very own, just-by-herself birthday photo shoot this year.

It’s a tradition in our home to mark each daughter’s birthday with a special photo shoot.  Past years have included both our girls in the same shoot  in early spring (in between both their birthday months), usually as soon as a sunny day appeared in Vancouver.

Apparently, turning seven years old is different.  Seven seems like the edge of a new world.  A 7-year old makes their own friends, they can do the monkey bars on the school ground, they request to get their ears pierced, they can read and write and they question the legitimacy of both the tooth fairy and Santa.

So, her-very-own shoot it was.  I warned her it was cold and snowy out.  She was okay with it.

Sometimes styled shoots require lots of planning and meticulous organization.  Sometimes, it’s as simple as grabbing the vase of white mum’s off the centre of the table, fashioning a hairpiece with twist ties and those old Valentine’s flowers, pulling the antique coat out of grandma’s closet and braving up for a 20 minute shoot in the snow.

We laughed and called it her “Narnia coat,” it was clearly too large for her, but it kept her warm all the same.  How fitting that this magical 7-year-old of mine is traipsing around in a fur coat, off on new adventures of her own in childhood.

The monogrammed initials inside the coat of my daughter’s late great-great grandmother.

Happy 7th Birthday my noble and strong Audrey!

Love,

Mommy/Steph

***

A note on the fur:  While I wouldn’t go out to purchase fur myself, this garment belonged to my great grandmother.  We chose it for legacy purposes (as well to coordinate a vintage look and also for the re-purposing value).   It really was a very practical coat before the scientific man-made materials that are out there now to protect in -45 Celsius!  

Thanks.

Jeff & Christine | couple photography | look inspiring

Want to be inspired by a triumphant love story?  (I don’t exaggerate with the word triumphant here, either).

Meet Jeff & Christine.  In love; real love.

The kind of love that stays when complications arise.

Christine was suddenly hospitalized for a while this past autumn and Jeff was there by her side.  Jeff had his own surgery scheduled during that time that he postponed to be with Christine during some difficult and scary days.

In what could be described as miraculous, Christine regained health and was discharged from the hospital.  Jeff had his surgery date rescheduled in a timely manner (also, kind of miraculous) and is doing well today as he recovers.

Watching the two of them work together during our photo shoot was inspiring.  Christine can lead the way visually;  Jeff can compensate for some of Christine’s physical limitations.  They work together to provide  a quirky sense of humour!  Their partnership is inspiring to watch in action.

… and Congratulations Jeff & Christine on your recent engagement!

Steph