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!

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!

Steph

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, 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

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.

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

I love the behind the scenes shots.  (You can find previous years here and here).

You can plan all you want (and yes, I am a meticulous planner) for how a session or a wedding is going to go, but I’ve learned that it never goes entirely as planned and the best way is to roll with it.

You may, for instance, come across a city wide soccer wind-up barbecue in the middle of your planned family photos, or a boy scout convention at the styled shoot out in the country.

You may have a baby awake when you want them sleeping, and sleeping when you want them awake.  You may have rain when you want sun, or glorious sun when you packed your collection of 20+ umbrellas.

Sometimes you have to just go for it and park the sports car at the exact angle where it needs to be (forgiveness instead of permission, right?)

I’ve learned to always wear my tall boots in the fields… I’ve seen mice, rats and snakes, baby.  This isn’t for the faint of heart.

It’s not a bad idea to carry my mini first aid kit (band-aids, dental floss, gum and more to the rescue of kids and bridesmaids alike!)  Restocking the puppet and bubble supply is essential.

We like to have fun and expect the unexpected.

Behind the scenes is a glimpse into the unplanned, unscripted, and come-as-you-are moments of 2012.

Enjoy!

Ballet moves with little brother running through the shot.
Tie straightening, button fixing before family photos. The finished shot: First time I’ve had action figure posing. Not always full participation immediately from my own kids. Spontaneous family hugs. Creating Christmas in June for a promotional shoot. The finished product: My trusty assistant running out a prop, posing a group, guarding the bouquet, and creating magic windy-veil look. Video and photographer behind the scenes…These are the finished ones captured: A quiet and sneaky, cute ring-bearer just before the ceremony!Family laughs. My other trusty assistant/light stand-in/reflector holder  in training: A slightly deflated balloon that we threw in the air to get the next shot. Wedding party fun. The actual shot:The right after shot:Butterflies that were supposed to fly away, but didn’t. Makeup artist at the park before grad photos.The finished shot:Instructions for posing and dress arranging. My favourite camera bag/purse in the whole wide world! Sweet baby girl only to be consoled by her Mommy.A golden retriever photo bombs the family portrait: That’s a wrap!  Cheers, Steph

Cute Benji!

With an enthusiastic 121 votes, and I heard rumours of a campaign manager and a Twitter hashtag as well, the word spread and his people voted for him!

Benji and his family had a photo session back in spring and as the winners they can pick an image from their session for an 11×14 canvas enlargement .  Roorda Family, please contact me to organize details!

We also had a winner from all the comment entries for a $20 Starbucks gift card….

and that winner is… Karen Erickson!!  Karen, please email me and I will confirm details with you to send out your gift card!

Thank you everyone for participating in the fun!

Merry Christmas,

Steph

Thanks K. Family!

Cheers,

Steph