Send nominations here and be sure to 'like' my page on facebook to hear the updates. Thank you!

And if you're in the Whitecourt, Alberta area check Melissa's site for the same giveaway and if in Ottawa, check here to see Shona's site... two great photographers who have joined me in offering the same.

All dressed up and no place to go....

Christmas day at our house is a pretty casual affair. We wake up, open presents in our pajamas and quite often, the boys stay just like that for the entire day. It's comfy, fun and lets face it... there are way too may other important things to do after Santa has made his appearance than worry about getting dressed. That's what I thought anyways until I saw these cuties in (what will be) their Christmas dresses. Now if my boys were this fun to dress up there is no way an all-day pj event would fly. 

These two little ladies (who I have a bit of a soft spot for as they're friends with my boys and it's their home that I leave my boys at when I'm working) were AMAZINGLY easy to work with on a very cold day this past weekend. Throwing coats on and off, moving them here and there, asking them to look at the camera... they didn't complain once. Seriously... not once!

Part of being a photographer (as with pretty much anything) is constantly educating yourself, pushing yourself in new directions and trying new things. Workshops are a great way to do this and I LOVE them! This past weekend I headed to Toronto to take a two-day wedding photography workshop with the amazing Tara McMullen. A great eye, huge talent and a brilliant personality... what more could you ask for in an instructor?

Day one was spent with a fun, recently engaged couple who braved the cold with us and day two was shared with a recent bride and groom. The location was stunning and the models perfect. Take a look....

And he finally gave in...

This little guy was supposed to be my first newborn shoot in December. He surprised everyone with an early arrival this past weekend though (made mom miss her baby shower in fact) so I got to meet him a little sooner than expected. He gave me a bit of a hard time in the beginning but when he's this cute, he's allowed! 

Let me introduce Colton. He is seven days old, has a very proud mom and dad, he's quiet and alert, has enviable eye lashes and I can pretty much guarantee that he's going to be a heartbreaker.

That first year flies by...

This shoot marked the end of an important time for this family. This was the last day of this mama's maternity leave. Although I've never been on mat leave myself (ahhh the joys of self employment), I can well imagine it has got to be tough switching gears. Bittersweet I'm sure but I think everyone will do just fine. Look at these boys... little men and can you believe their gorgeous brown eyes?

Thank goodness for the sun because this was a cold one!

The countdown is on. This family is about to change. Their family of three will soon be a family of four and I have no doubt that this little guy will make an amazing big brother. 

I vaguely remember those single child days. Although they seemed hectic at times, they were nothing compared to the days with two (and I can't imagine how those with three or more do it). It gets crazy. Sanity becomes a thing of the past but the laughter and love that fills your house makes it so worth it.

Melissa and Dave

Meet my next wedding couple who are walking down the aisle in less than two months. She warned me he was not a fan of having his picture taken. They both admitted they were a bit nervous the morning of the shoot. Who would know looking at these shots... I'm really not that scary and they were naturals (even good at hiding how cold it really was that day!) Can't wait to see them on their 'big day'.

Boys and brown bears...

The days are getting colder - crisp fall mornings are here. I must admit, I'm not much of a winter person. I like the sun and miss it in the mornings and evenings already so I'm savouring these last few moments of fall sunshine. This shoot was on a day with wild wind warnings but looking back now, it all looks quite warm and serene. I wish I could bottle up just a bit of this and keep it close over the next few months.

 

Another familiar family...

My previous post spoke to what a huge compliment it is when clients ask me to return months or years later to photograph them again. That's one way to make me a happy photographer. Another is to bring treats to the session (now if that's not a blatant hint) - this family did both! The mother of these lucky boys owns a bakery in Kingston (and if you live in or around Kingston, do yourself a favour and stop by Card's Bakery... the carrot squares are amazing!)

This was my third session with these guys so they are no stranger to my camera. I've loved watching them grow, they always keep me on my toes and as always, we had a fun afternoon! 

The third time is a charm...

As photographers (I think I can say this on behalf of a lot of my photographer friends) we thrive on feedback. Blog comments, facebook comments, emails, you name it. Because photography is such a subjective thing, I'm never sure when I put something out there, how it will be received. That's why comments mean so much. It helps me not only see what is liked but what people notice. I think it's HUGE when someone actually takes time out of their day to leave a comment. And when clients respond warmly about their photos, that's even bigger but what's even more amazing is when clients ask you to return.

This weekend I headed to Toronto to photograph two pretty special families - both of which I've photographed now three times. Here's the first family - a beautiful late afternoon on U of T campus (where both parents happen to work).

When it rains, it pours.

With the first shoot interrupted by a sudden downpour and a rush to the car for cover, we finished the shoot off just a few days later. A family I've know for a while now... great friends, adorable kids and grandparents who bring huge smiles to the faces of their grandchildren.

In the last week or so I've photographed 3 golden retrievers, a lab, a pug and an english bulldog. No, I'm not a pet photographer, these guys just happen to be important family members and who am I to discriminate? And I have to admit I kind of fell in love with this pup. How could you not adore this face?