Pregnancy Photography:: Why you should consider it.
You've hear it many times before from both family and friends, that time goes by so fast when you are pregnant. Enjoy it! Each pregnancy is SO different. Very few of us luck out with smooth sailing the entire way while other's may have a difficult time. Either way, you are growing new life inside you. That is a miracle in itself! A few weeks ago my husband came across a wonderful article on maternity photography. After reading it I knew that I had to share it with you all. Gone are the days of wearing tent like dresses or potato sacks to hide you from neck to floor. Women in our generation embrace each curve and bump and so they should. A pregnant woman is beautiful, all shapes and sizes. Can't see your feet? Don't worry, have a girlfriend give you a pedi and believe me, you'll feel great!
Check out this article on maternity sessions, well written and definitely food for thought. Book your session today and let's go with the flow. I promise you'll love our session and time together!
Oshawa Maternity Photographer:: tick tock...tick tock...
It's been a long time and coming for this wonderful couple! I just KNOW they are going to make awesome parents. Being a parent brings every emotion possible and some that you just aren't prepared for. However as many times as you re-read that Chapter in "what to expect when you are expecting" or listen to all your aunts and close friends tell you about "their" experiences, you honestly don't get it until you are IN it yourself.
I've had the pleasure of knowing this couple for the last 3 years now and I am thrilled to see them welcome a baby to their family. The lovely and well mannered Mr. Ben will certainly be the guard dog for the family. Can't wait to hear about those walks with baby.
Looking forward to meeting him or her in a short few months! All the best and enjoy your sneaks!
Love,
P
Get ready for the best ride of your life!
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.
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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..
Ajax Durham Region On location lifestyle Photographer Petra King:: The Tiny Light Foundation
How WONDERFUL!!! I am so excited to have been asked to be a part of this FANTASTIC foundation.
The Tiny Light Foundation is a new non profit organization that provides professional photography to families that are going through life altering diagnoses. More information can found on the Tiny Light Website and please take a moment to read some of the amazing stories from our Tiny Lights!
The website can be found here: The Tiny Light Foundation and share it out with anyone that you think may benefit from this.
Giving back to the community gives me such a HUGE warmth in my heart. It's such a bonus for us that it is Canadian too! Awesome job ladies!
Special shoutout to Melissa DePape for inviting me to be a part of the Tiny Light Foundation family! Thank you and I look forward to the year ahead!
*I have my first Tiny Light Session coming this week. I can't wait to meet this special family!
