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!
Are you expecting? :: Newborn Photography and things to consider
First of all allow me to congratulate you and your significant other on your impending arrival! Here are a few things to consider when choosing a newborn photographer.Research:
It's always best to spend some time and read up about your photographer.
-Everything from where are they located?
-Browse through their portfolio
-Does their style appeal to you?
-How far in advance do I need to book?
-There is more to the experience of custom photography than the dollar sign.
While there are more and more photographers to choose from, it's up to us business owners to educate our clients all that we do ( it's not just about clicking the shutter button),the products we sell and that at the end of the day the quality we produce and the experience you receive. The whole package of custom photography.
There is another HUGE aspect of newborn photography. It's a rather HOT topic within the photography industry for newborns. SAFETY!
Your newborn safety is MY #1 priority. There is no maybe, no I saw a shot that I wanted to replicate if you are cool with?! I handle ALL my newborn clients with the utmost care ( just as I would my own children) These tiny little beings who rely on us for everything, also entrust us with common sense!
I highly advise YOU to use your common sense when hiring a Newborn Photographer. Trust that gut feeling!
Chances are if the shot looks too good to be true it is! PLEASE....take care with ALL that you do! Some of the artwork produced by proffessionals that have been in the industry for ages do compose composites. Advise for the newbies to the industry...DO not attempt to do this on your own, please!
Check out this link I read up on earlier today. It's a compsote shot done and as you can see dad is holding onto baby. Full props and I agree 100% with everything written in the posting. The rest is the magic of the photographer both in camera and post processing.
Dr. Seuss, author
"A person's a person, no matter how small."
Henry Ward Beecher, Rev.
"Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven."
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!
Aurora Newborn Photographer:: 7 days new
Earlier this week I travelled up to Aurora for a Newborn session for a sweet new arrival. You may remember this gorgeous Maternity session from not that long ago. Well, mom had we beautiful wee boy! Meet little Blake. 8lbs, 15oz of pure delight! I just adore working with newborn baby boys. They certainly have such a different nature than newborn girls. He was SO wonderful to work with. Certainly the sleepiest little guy I've had in a while. Just perfect!
Mom wasn't jokine when she said his days and nights were mixed up! We rocked the session together. Speaking of rawkin' check out his lil' faux hawk. Fine, soft whispy baby hair is the best isn't it? He's quite the charmer already, I left the session with HUGE baby fever ;) Funny how as a mom that kinda never really goes away.
I also had the cutest assistant ever! Let me tell you, big sister Claire is quite the show stopper herself! We were entertained by her whimsical tunes, sense of humour and giggles. Quite the personality and expressions that are so evident in our session. Claire adores her baby brother and is going to be a wonderful big sister!
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