The day was a whirlwind of work and play. We had a quick lunch at Browns in Newport Village and off we went to do our quirky shoot. That's what you get when you put two quirky sisters together! We had a lot of laughs and plenty of great shots.... and at some angles, we do look alike!
Dana is a client of mine and I photographed her 9 day old son Jakub, two years ago. I visited Dana again this year for a purpose other than photography and brought my camera along. I took some photographs of Jakub again, this time at 2 years old.
I came home and found two similar images. Then Dana, emailed me and told me that it is kind of neat that I took the photographs exactly 2 years apart: Jakub was 2 years and 9 days old!
I like this little piggy, this little piggy and this little piggy!
Cutting two teeth at 6 months old isn't helping though! My baby is growing up too fast!
My little girl, so grown up at times. Is she turning 7 or 17 in this picture??
I still remember the days you spent in NICU when you were born at 34 weeks. The days I had to sleep in the hospital hallways just to wait until the next feeding time. The days I had to go home empty-handed from the hospital.
But look at you know, can seem to shake you off my side. "Mommy, can I help you make dinner?" "Mommy can I read to you?" "Mommy can you curl my hair for school?" "Mommy can I get a pedicure?"
Happy birthday baby girl!
Everyday it's running here and there. Shopping, feeding, hockey practice, cleaning, appointments for doctors, appointments for clients.
I like our Sundays when John doesn't have to work and minus hockey. When we can sit in our family room, read the paper, watch the kids play (and bicker). I love preparing family meals where we all sit down at the table and eat together.
Yesterday, I made a turkey dinner for my sister who is visiting from Hong Kong, and my cousin and her boyfriend. I wish more of my family came over for dinners and play with the kids. The kids love family and friends who visit. I want my children to learn how nurture the bonds with family and friends. We get lost in the chaos. Too much going on. Not enough time to enjoy one another.
I always tell John how much I want to spend time with him. 100% of his attention. It's important to clear your mind once in a while. To regroup. I have Ryan attached to me. He has Hannah attached to him. It's hard for us to even talk to one another. He calls me throughout the day, to keep in touch with one another on things like how his day is going, funny stories and gossip. I tell him about what's going on at home, how many diapers I've changed and what's for dinner...
I want our lives to be documented so when the kids have left the house, we will look back and say "Could you believe that was us? Where did we find the time to do all this?" I look back at the first couple of posts and already think how much our lives have changed in the last two years!
Sarah's 7th birthday party. Just a couple of close friends and family. Not a lot of people so we could enjoy quality time together.
Watching Hannah at her skating lessons.
Nurturing family bonds between auntie Lori and nieces (movie night with lots of popcorn!)
Time with grandpa.
This year is coming to an end very quickly and I am booked into the new year and two spring weddings.
I have learned so much in the last two years as a camera-wielding momma, Photoshop addict and a "latest-gadget" chaser. I've come to realize that I want to be a little bit more specific in my photography.
I want to offer you (my clients) more time, more attention, more details, more fun!
More time: I am willing to spend the time if you are willing to spend the money. I want to see how you live and play. We'll visit your favorite eatery, your favorite park, your favorite coffeehouse. You're not just a "one hour client". You will have me for an afternoon. Until we get the shots we want!
More attention: The new sessions will include wardrobe and location consultation, optional makeup artist (but highly recommended) Make up artists Miss Fumie from aestheticsbyfumie.com and Miss Danielle Marchant and hopefully a hairstylist.
More details: The session details and prices will be posted soon. Photos are an investment so there will be a lot of planning. I want you to look and feel good. With the added personalized touches, I hope to create a package that will reflect its price.
More fun: I want to be 80% photojournalistic and 20% portrait. I don't want you to stare into my camera (unless I tell you to). I want to follow you around, taking pictures of you doing things your way. Don't pose. No fake smiles. I want the good, the bad and the ugly. You could be talking on your cell phone with a friend, folding laundry with you kids, watering your lawn, feeding your dog. Let's go on an outing!
Hence. . .
The Photojournalistic Project:
A 3-hour session with your family. An album that tells your story.
I want the good, the bad and the ugly. Don't you want to remember how your little looks when he/she pouts, cries, misbehaves? How small he/she was when you pick them up in your arms, how chaotic the house looked with toys and clothes everywhere? What having a meal out looked like with kids and bibs? When your kids have all grown up, your house spic n' span clean, your quiet undisturbed meals, you can pull out this album, and smile to yourself.... "what our lives were like way back when...."
Who's interested? Give me a shout at nomayne@shaw.ca
Little Bella and her balloons and balls. I picked up some balloons for this family's session and I had no idea how much little Bella was into balloons and balls! She couldn't be apart from them! We had an extended summer and it was so nice, the park was packed with families trying to soak up the last sunny days.
I woudn't have guessed little James had missed a nap because he was awesome during the family photo session. He was all giggles and smiles the whole hour!
The Sander family wanted to photograph their home which they just sold. What a beautiful way to document the family's beginnings! Thank you for believing in my work! I hope you will enjoy these images for years to come!
