Bowmanville Family Fun Photography
Can I tell you how much I adore this family? Earlier this year they moved out to Bowmanville and I couldn't be happier to hear that they wanted to do a fall family session. How awesome! You may remember them from years earlier and a certain Mr. Caleb from a Tiny Light Foundation. Check out how big he has grown! Beautiful weather, lots of giggles, some singing and marching. Perfect combination for some wonderful fall family fun memories!
Just love these little faces!
Her true colors...
2011 A year in review: Life in portraits
A heartfelt thank you to all my wonderful clients for allowing me to capture and document the most precious times in your lives. I am honored that you chose me and more importantly that we have built a friendship based on trust, value of my artwork and all the laughs we have shared over the course of the year!
Thank you. Each and everyone of you!
I'll end with a collection from 2011.
See you in 2012!
Click to start and use scroll bar to adjust for your monitor.
[iframe http://www.petrakingphotography.com/DigitalAlbum/ 900 550]
The Tiny Light Foundation: Newest Tiny Light Caleb.
Earlier this year I was contacted by a wonderful woman named Sharon who was interested in a Tiny Light Foundation session. Sharon introduced herself and as we went through the normal procedures and session questions I instantly felt a connection with her. You see Sharon has an enormous heart and the strength and love that many can only hope for.
She is such an inspiration to me and I am very humbled and blessed to know her and her sweet family. She really has taught ME a lot this year. For that I am so thankful.
Fast forward to this past summer when Sharon asked me to do a session for her as she said goodbye to her babysitting children. She was heading into her Mat leave and wanted a reminder of each and every one of them. You may remember it HERE. We then welcomed her little one with a newborn session just a few months ago.
Our most recent session was that for little Caleb! Our Tiny Light Member.
Here's Sharon's story:
I've been thinking about how and what to say in this little blurb about the journey Derrick and I have been on. As I'm sure most people would assume, when we first heard about Caleb's diagnosis at our 18 week ultra sound we were in shock and fear. Fear of the unknown and shock that we hadn't created the "perfect" baby. We spent a lot of time praying for our unborn baby and for ourselves. We knew there would be challenges and bumps along the way but we can say with a full and happy heart that Caleb IS our perfect baby. Our faith in God is stronger, and our commitment to raise Caleb in a home that sees no diagnosis, has pushed Caleb to acheive even the smallest milestones with joy. He has and continues to teach our family about real joy. He truly is a boy who wears his heart on his sleeve. He has a real passion for life and love for the people who are close to him. He has been given a gift I believe, to draw people into a world where there are no differences or boundaries. Caleb doesn't know the meaning of either. Life is full speed ahead for him and for this I would never change a single minute of the past four years (and many more to come) even with the challenges and bumps along the way.
When we then heard about Graces heart condition, again at our 18 week ultrasound, we went through the same list of emotions as we had with Caleb. Shock and fear. Again, we spent much time praying for our little girl and held on to hope that in this case surgery would help. Our little Grace spent 31 days at Sick Kids hospital fighting to get bigger and stronger to be able to endure surgery that would repair some of the heart defects. In that time we grew stronger as a family (including our extended family) and really felt how close God holds us in his arms especially in the hard times. We were able to hear her voice only once when she was born as she let out a big cry. We prayed that we would be able to see her eyes and even through the heavy sedation and medication, she opened her eyes for us a few times. We also prayed that we would be able to hold our little girl who was hooked up to many IV's and monitoring devices and that prayer was answered also. Our final prayer, while holding her during her final minutes on life support, was that God would take her quickly and peacefully to meet Him in heaven. And this prayer I know in my heart was answered. Even through the tears and pain of telling the doctors when to turn off the life support, there was a moment when our spirits felt pure joy and peace. That was the moment when we knew she was safe in her forever home in heaven. It hasn't always been easy and there have been many tear shed, but the thrill of knowing we will see her again one day, is a comfort that gets us through those times.
As we begin the crazy holiday season, I pray that people take some time to look around themselves in their day to day lives and be thankful for what this time of year is really all about. I have said it in many emails to you Petra, but I am so thankful and grateful that you selflessly gave your time and amazing talent to to such an incredible foundation. You have really blessed our family and I pray you will somehow be blessed beyond measure.
Forever in your hearts...
Sharon, Derrick thank you for showing us just what LOVE and family is all about. I wish you TONS of fun on your trip this coming week and hope you relax and enjoy every minute of it.
You deserve it!
Best,
P
xo
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,
P
Ajax,Durham Region,Whitby Photographer Petra King:: Tiny Light Foundation
So what did YOU do this past weekend? Get caught up with the family, running errands, housework and family time? Yup same here :) BUT I also spent some of my time with such a wonderful family in Whitby. You see we got connected via the wonderful new non profit foundation I am proud to be a memeber of: The Tiny Light Foundation.
~
Sunday morning I shared it with a sweet happy and adorable little boy named Liam. Here's Liam's story! (*used with permission)
"When we discovered in October of 2008 that we were expecting our 3rd baby, we never could have imagined what was in store for us. At 20 weeks pregnant, we learned Liam would be born with a cleft lip and palate. We were crushed! We didn't know then, but Liam had more surprised for us. By the time I gave birth, we had come to terms with Liam's cleft diagnosis and realized it was something that could be 'fixed'. On June 18, 2009 our third son Liam made his appearance into the world. When Liam was 5 weeks old we were told he had bilateral PHPV, a rare eye condition leaving him blind in both eyes. What seemed insurmountable a year and a half ago seems almost 'normal' to us now. I can't imagine my life any other way! Liam has taught us so much in such a short time. We truly see the world in a different, more positive way. It's been a difficult road, one which we never could have imagined we'd be taking, and I'm sure to many when I say we're so blessed it may seem strange - but we are! Dave and I have been together for 13 years and married for the past 8. We have 3 sons together Lukas, 6 years; Brady 5 years; Liam 18 months, as well as Dave's son Nathan, 16 years. We have our ups & downs, but really - don't we all! Liam truly is a 'tiny light' - he brightens the hearts of every person he meets! He's had 14 surgical procedures in just 18 months of life. He's a strong little boy and he fills me with a little more pride each and every day!"
Liam clearly stole the show yestarday morning. I knew our window of capturing some images of him in his home would be small, BUT as you can see he's such a sweet little guy and what a ham! I love it :)
He has 3 loving sweet older brothers and what a handsome bunch they are. Just look at those rockin' mohawks! Kristina,Dave thanks very much for welcoming me yestarday. It was a pleasure and a special thanks for the thoughtful gift you sent me home with Kristina. So sweet of you. Not needed but very gracious!
Looking forward to seeing you all again in spring/summer for a family session outdoors.
Here are a few images of your Tiny Light. What a ray of sunshine he is indeed!
Meet Liam.
Love this one..
