Petra 9/18/12 Petra 9/18/12

Toronto Urban Family Portraits: Durham Region Photographer

There's something to be said about a family. This family has got it! A fun urban family session downtown at the Brickworks for this crew. Lots of giggles and personality. I loved every minute of it. It's been a couple of years since I saw them last and always great to see how much the kids grow! Thank you Jessica and Tom!

Being a family means you are part of something very wonderful. It means you love and be loved the rest of your life. No matter what!

Anonymous.

Toronto Children Photographer

Toronto Child Photography

Toronto Children Portraits

Toronto Family Portraits

Toronto Family Photography

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 9/6/11 Petra 9/6/11

Ajax, Pickering Engagement Portraits:: making the promise...

Meet Stacey and Corey. I had the pleasure of spending some time with them this past weekend to do some engagement photos for them. We connected on a humid summer morning, up in north Pickering. Such a pretty little location we had access to, thanks to a member of the family! We had two fur babies that joined us that morning. Busy little ones but they did great! I think they had fun romping around too!

Stacey and Corey, enjoy and look forward to the upcoming weeks!

Petra 7/27/11 Petra 7/27/11

Ajax,Whitby,Durham Region Portrait Photographer:: Headshots for Kiddie Kobbler!

Earlier this week we put our best foot forward, LITERALLY! I am THRILLED to announce that I had the great pleasure of working with Alejandra of Kiddie Kobbler, Whitby. Not only is she gorgeous, but she is such a WONDERFUL down to earth soul to work with. As you can see in her images here, she has an infectious smile that warmed my heart! I certainly had my work cut out for me! If you are local and have not done so already, be sure to drop by her store. Wonderful location and such a neat store. Big sale starting this Friday! Happy Shopping!!

Alejandra, thank you for working with me. You are beautiful! Enjoy your sneaks.

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...