The blessing of Motherhood_Oshawa_Whitby_Maternity_Photographer_Petra_King_Photography
The blessing of Motherhood is something that not all of us get to experience. But that all of us deserve. Some may not wish to be a mother when others are wishing so hard to be one. It may be a touchy subject for some of you but trust me when we say that this post comes with nothing more than love and happiness for each and every one of you.
We welcomed this beautiful excited mom to be into the studio recently. Holy smokes guys…we are so very lucky to work with such amazing beautiful moms to be lately. Not to mention our mamas don’t even realize half the time that they nail their looks and interaction with the camera 100%. I hear so often…I don’t like having my picture taken, or I feel so awkward.
Well mama…I am here to help you. This is part of my job, your experience while in studio is so important to me that I make a point to really get to know you before, during and after our shoot. Tell me what your concerns are, what you love, dislike, wants and hopes are when it comes to your maternity session. Why?…Because I truly believe that the connection and relationships we build in life are ones that should come from the heart. So no matter how we met or what you are doing now means a lot to me to be welcomed into “your” family and life. I really cherish the friendships I have been blessed to have made so far on this journey together.
See you soon Jennifer. We can’t wait to meet the newest member of your family.
P
Birthday Milestones: Petra King Photography, Oshawa, Toronto, Portrait Photographer
We celebrate our children and their milestones but very rarely do we celebrate ourselves. Ahem you know I am right. LOL! Well that wasn’t the case with this sweet mom.
Meet Cathy! Aka…@aboyandhismom1 another one of Durham’s finest local bloggers. I met this sweet mama about 3 years ago and was thrilled and excited when she reached out to hold a mini birthday shoot in studio to celebrate her 40 something birthday. Let’s face it…its’ just number right? You are only as old as you feel and I can tell you this beautiful mama is forever 25! Haaa…
Her energy levels, positive outlook on life, love for her son and all things fun are just some of the qualities this hard working mama possesses.
We held a session in studio with some of her favourite things. Her son came along to take part and was such a breath of fresh air with his mannerism’s and demeanour.
Here are some of what we captured that day.
Isn’t she fun? I tell ya I know this girl know’s how to party! Here are a couple of her favourite things.
These beautiful cupcakes were provided by the very own Mandrcatering in Downtown Whitby.
Cathy, thank you so much for coming into the studio to celebrate your milestone this year. You are phenomenal and I wish you nothing but success and happiness this year!
Destination Photographer next year? Haaa xo
Family Fall Portraits
Busy..seems like a pretty fitting word to describe these gorgeous boys. Not to mention stinkin' adorable! Wouldn't you agree? Last week we met up on a gorgeous ( unusually mild) November weekend. The boys each with their own personality and sense of humor is typical that of a 7 and 4 yr old certainly had me in fits of giggles at times. Our backdrop setting was wonderful, a LOT of the leaves are already on the ground however being creative with your surroundings is what makes your family portraits that much more unique! It also allows you to experience what custom photography is all about. More intimate, NOT rushed, getting to know you and your family and feeling much more relaxed and enjoyable.
Often times when a family session is scheduled there is a lot of stress from mom and dad for the kids to behave. To not embarass them, smile nice, sit up straight and all the other things we say or bribe or threaten the kids with. LOL Believe me I"VE BEEN THERE TOO! I pull out the camera and the kids take off! Yup happens to me too...as other photographers can testify! :D You'd think my house was adorned with beautiful portraits and artwork. Well let me tell you, a LOT of hard work and a little luck paid off and I managed to capture the "real" essence of my kids personalities.
However, this being said, I am upfront and honest with mom and dad. It certainly helps being a mom myself, I understand how kids and little ones work. Been there and done that. So taking a step back and letting them "be" while still "being in control" allows for some fantastic lifetstyle artwork for your home.
Just take a look below. My goal was to get some photographs for mom and dad of just the boys. I was in control of the techinical side of things,the location and lighting we had to work with, however to let them interact and simply be is all you need!
And a little larger....
Perfectly captured his spirit here. Thanks Carter!
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,Children,Family Photographer Petra King:: Christmas joy today!
Joy is coming home to a FedEx box full of some beautiful Christmas cards for a client! As I scrambled inside to open the box, I knew that they would be awesome! The family session I had with these fantastic four can be seen HERE. Just as their session was pure AWESOME..so are their cards. A holiday favorite for sure!
Check them out!
The inside...
and front and back...
Michelle,Dave..Merry Christmas and I look forward to working with you again in 2011!
All the best!
P
xo