Model Call LSK: Oshawa Child Photographer

So last month I had the opportunity to work with a totally cool, rad and local small business.  Meet LSK ( Love Squared Kids). This busy mama of 2 creates hats for any age that are stylish, practical and an amazing quality all handmade.  You may have seen her at some local markets and pop ups all over Durham Region and the GTA.  We placed a call out for a few models needed for a Brand Rep shoot.  The response BLEW our minds. We had close to 140 entries. Talk about totally flattered and feeling the love!  Thank you to everyone who reached out, sent us photos of your beautiful children. Needless to say it was a TOUGH decision!  If we had time ya'll would have kept us working for weeks lol!!!   Below are those that joined us for both rounds of our shoot. We thought you'd like to see some of our Brand Rep Shots from those dates.

I mean come on right? Check these kids out!!!

 This was round one of our Model Call. These kids killed it and were sooooo natural it was unreal.  Tude, giggles, swag, stylin and just being themselves. It's what it's all about.

I just love photographing children. Not only do they challenge you as an artist, but the interaction and personality you build with them pushes you to really capture their true spirits.  Telling their story through the emotions and feelings they omit. While styling these uber cool beanies and hats flawlessly.

Thanks Love Squared Kids for this opportunity and to all the mom's and dad's who came out to join us for these events.  You can find more mof LSK's work and products online over at: Love Squared Kids and here on Instagram!  Drop her a line and let her know I sent you!

Baby love:: Whitby Newborn Session

She is gorgeous isn't she?  Those cheeks, the fine little eyelashes and oh that baby mouth. Pure squish and I loved working with her during our Newborn session yesterday in studio here in Ajax. Mom was totally relaxed and caught shut eye for a few moments. ;) That was awesome!   Meet Mackenzie, 12 days new and adorable. The gorgeous pixie hat used in this session was made from Bubblegirlknits!  Lisa thanks very much. Love your work!  You can find Lisa's products over at her shop: Bubblegirlknits.

Mom brought a few sweet things with her for the session. It's lovely when clients bring a little bit of their ideas to the table for the session too. It helps customize your newborn session and make it unique to you.

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!

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Baby Milestones Plan: Starting off right

Congratulations to all you new mom and dad's who have just had a new baby!  Hard to believe your little one is here already right?  As sleep deprived as you all are, allow me to help and capture some beautiful memories for you that will be adorned forever!  Toronto and GTA Newborn Photographer, and your baby's milestone sessions. I've got a special just for you!

Double the excitement:: Twin Baby Boy Newborn Session

Blessed.  Blessed to have such an amazing network of photographer friends whom value your work just as they value their own.  Blessed that I had the opportunity to work with amazing clients that allow me to photograph their most precious gifts in life, their children!  A huge thank you to Heather Windsor for the referral of my client/s. One of the last sessions of 2011 and I just ADORED working with these two beautiful baby boys.  Linda, Merci de m'avoir choisi!  Vos enfants sont splendides :)

Twin Newborn Photography Session:  Introducing Gabriel and Zackary!

 

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