Petra 9/6/14 Petra 9/6/14

Beautiful Mama to be: Ajax, Durham Region Maternity Photographer

I am always excited when asked to photograph a maternity session. Whether it is the first or second child being welcomed into a family, being able to build that connection with mom before her little arrives is truly amazing. This gorgeous lovely lady met up with me over Labor Day weekend and instantly we clicked. She is so down to earth and easy going that motherhood will come naturally for her and her husband. Here are a few from our session that hot muggy and rather buggy morning. Mom looks as cool as a cucumber and is simply glowing! I so can't wait to meet this little one when he arrives ;)

Don't you agree she is beautiful...all baby! x

Petra 12/31/11 Petra 12/31/11

Goodbye to 2011: Embracing 2012 together!

Well here we are, the last post of 2011. It certainly has been a BUSY but exciting year! I have met SO many wonderful new clients and to my repeat business I thank you for being loyal! You are all awesome. I have watched your families grow, expand and gone through so many highs and the lows with you too. There is so much in store for Petra King Photography in 2012! I am VERY excited and can't wait to share it all with you. However like everything else I do, it's a lot of hard work. But I love learning as I grow my business. I know that patience is key and that good things DO come to those who wait. YOU have all taught me that.

I look forward to sharing 2012 with you and want to wish you and your family a very Happy New Year!

God Bless and see you soon!

Petra 9/13/11 Petra 9/13/11

Ajax,Durham Region,GTA Portrait Photographer:: Being in Business

Let's see a show of "Likes" if you know someone who is a photographer? I think it's safe to assume that we all know someone who is correct? In this day in age, anyone can purchase a digital camera as seen "on sale" and adopt the term, yes I am a photographer. However as much as companies make it more and more accessible for the general public to do so, only a fraction of that actually makes the decision to further their knowledge and new found skill. This cannot be done overnight. One must build a solid portfolio before thinking of taking the next big step...starting a business. The same applies to flash websites and photography blogs. One must learn and practice before opening up shop.

In the last 5 years I've been in business, I've seen a huge influx of photography businesses arise. Most are as I started out to be myself, known as MWAC=mom with a camera. Bearing in mind we all need to start somewhere, the amount of photography websites and blogs are a bit mind boggling. It's grown overnight and out there online for all to see, while the subject of quality hangs in the balance. Sure we all grow. After 5 years of business I am still growing. For that I will always do! I am constantly looking to steer myself in new directions, challenge myself and grow stronger as a person not just a photographer. The demand for business IS there, this we know. But as a good friend recently expressed, the demand for quality is on the decline! WHY?

Why is it that one individual will chance the quality of photographer (A) vs photographer (B)? Style? Price? Location? Convenience? How is it that we are so picky when it comes to the food we serve at our table for our family, the kind of car we drive and the quality of living we work hard for? Yet when it comes to preserving the memories of the ones we love MOST, we are brainwashed into thinking that the lowest price is the best! This my friends, always comes back to kick us in the pants. Quality does matter! Very much so. It's not all about providing one with digital images on a CD for $100 ( session fee may or may not be included) because let's face it. Those that choose to purchase these packages are going to share them online to every family and friend they have and then tuck that CD away safely in the back drawer only to collect dust. These images will be forgotten or pulled out once every few years. Professional portraits and artwork lives and breathes on your walls. It's a daily reminder of just who you are. What you have been blessed with and are proud of!

Being in business is tough. There is no doubt about it. I've said it once before, that very few find a balance between home and work. This rings more truer for those that work from home. But I DO love what I do. I DO work my butt off into the wee hours of the night to strive and provide the best quality that you deserve. As do all professional photographers. It is up to you to do your research. Figure out what works best for you. Professional photography is not for everyone. It is an investment. That said, it is the BEST investment you can make. After all isn't what's important most to you your family and the memories you will make together?

I'll end with some food for thought...

The goal is not to change your subjects, but for the subject to change the photographer. ~Author Unknown

A great photograph is a full expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense, and is, thereby, a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety. ~Ansel Adams

Buying a Nikon doesn't make you a photographer. It makes you a Nikon owner. ~Author Unknown

Look and think before opening the shutter. The heart and mind are the true lens of the camera. — Yousuf Karsh

Which of the photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow. — Imogen Cunningham

My favorite: Be yourself, everyone else is taken. ~ Author Unknown

Thank you to all my clients both present and past. You are the reason why I work so hard. Just as you love your family, I LOVE mine. Time is special to all of us and sharing my talent with you to adorn for years to come is what matters most to me. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Love,

Petra 8/5/11 Petra 8/5/11

Ajax, Oshawa, Children, Family Photographer:: 3 little monkey's...

One of the highlights of being a photographer is the pleasure of seeing your repeat clients and watching their families grow. It's truly is an honour to walk with you and steal some precious moments together once again. This was the case earlier this week when I met this sweet young, fun family from Oshawa. A little over 2 years have passed since I've seen them last. As I photographed their middle daughter's newborn pictures. How she's grown and what a little cutie she is. Talk about personality. Sure rings true that the 2nd child is SO different and fearless to a first born! Both girls are brown eyed beauties. Funny I see a lot of what I used to look like at age 5 in the eldest! Curls and all :D Well now there's 3. Sweet little, laid back Stephen! He sure is pretty cool with his sisters adoring him and showering the hugs and kisses. How cute is he! I look forward to seeing him grow! We had fun, the girls did their own thing as they do and we just went with the flow. Les, and Karin, thanks so much for allowing me to work with you once again! Your family is awesome!

LOVE this one...singing us some sweet songs... :)

Petra 7/25/11 Petra 7/25/11

Durham Region,Ajax,Whitby,Oshawa,GTA Photographer: Clothing choices

Hey all, I hope that you are enjoying your summer so far? Hot enough for everyone? We certainly have had our share of hot and humid already! Certainly makes for fun in the sun though.

It's a topic that arises so often these days. "What should we wear?" Since it's been a while, I thought I'd post some ideas once again. Just remember, these are ideas only. How you envision your session to feel and look depends on what you bring to it. Not just material items too. The clothing choices you decide on, you need to be comfortable in. The aura that you emit while in front of the camera needs to emulate you and your personality. Love yourself and no matter what you wear you will be RADIANT in your images!

I've come across an awesome blog by another very talented photographer Karlen Kleinkopf. She offers wonderful aids for those in the "baffled stage" on what to wear to your session.

Check it out...