Anika + Family Portraits - Tree Farm

I have photographed Anika and her family more than a few times over the years, and each time, I’m amazed at quickly Will and Abby are growing up. It’s an ongoing joke that Will has endless energy each session, and I just have to try to keep up with him. This time around, it was no exception. I wouldn’t have it any other way though!

As with all mini session, we didn’t linger to long at any one location, we just kept it spontaneous. It was a nice mix of candid and posed photos. I really wish this weather would last a few more weeks but I know that isn’t likely. Regardless, I’m so happy I got to spend some time with Anika, Aaron and the kids. They are alway so fun to capture!

Brenden + Anika Family Portraits - Centennial Park

My latest portrait session took place at Centennial Park with Brenden, Anika and their little girl, Delilah. It was a very relaxed session and I was amazed at how calm Delilah was in from of the camera. She was actually the perfect little model. As were Brended and Anika, who I hardly had to tell what to do. 

We took advantage of some of the cabins as backdrops, beautiful red tractor and finally the barn area. Unfortunately there were no horses out, but that didn't stop us. We ended the session with a few photos in the trail by the entrance. I still can't believe how quickly the hour went by. Brenden mentioned getting some extended family portraits done in the near future so I can't wait for that!

Anika + Family Portraits - Old Fort William

Last time I photographed Anika and her extended family it was over at the Marina and that was such a blast. So I couldn't wait to see them again with the location being Old Fort William this time around. Right up until the morning of we weren't sure if the weather was going to cooperate but the rain ended up holding off and we managed to get an hour plus of photos in.

Once they arrived, Anika made sure to get a washroom break in for the kids just in case. We then headed outside and started our walk down the beautiful trail that leads to the park. Fall isn't quite in full swing yet but the colours leading up to the park were still very pretty. Both Abby and Will had a ton of energy and I simply tried to keep up with them. We still managed to stop along the trail here and there and get some good family photos as well as some great candid ones. One of my favourites was when Will decided to take off down the trail and Abby ran after him a bit, only to stop and wave her arms and yell. It was such a funny moment. 

Just before the we got the actual park we stopped in quickly where the Teepee's were. I suggested that we try and get a photo of the kids in front of it but they were a bit scared of what might be inside the Teepee's. So we moved on, but not without a good candid photo of Anika showing Will that there was nothing to be afraid of.

Once in the park, we simply walked around a bit and stopped here and there for some photos. The biggest challenge of the day, for me at least, was getting Will to smile instead of making a face. As it turns out, I managed to get at least a couple genuine smiles from him. Although, they were few and far between. 

On the way to where the animals were I decided to try and outrun Will and Abby. It didn't work out as planned because after hiding quickly around one of the cabins, I immediately popped out and scared them only to realize that Abby didn't take it so well. She started crying, and I felt bad, but Aaron assured me that she just gets like that sometimes. In any case, it led to my favourite photo of the day where Anika was consoling her on the path trying to get her to calm down. It ended up working and I came away with such a sincere photo.

We eventually made it to where the goats were but by then, both kids were not really feeling it so we got a few more photos within the park and then headed back down the trail. As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, the rain held out just long enough to finish the shoot. Each session I do with Anika and her family, is more and more fun each year. I really can't wait until the next one and I'm anxious to see what location we do next time!

Sandy + Family Portraits - Thunder Bay Marina

Last May I had the pleasure of photographing Anika and Aaron's family at Chippewa Park. It was such a fun shoot and one of my favourites of the year. When Aaron approached me again for some family portraits this past weekend, it was actually a surprise for his Mom and Dad. So this time around there were 13 people plus one very pretty dog. The location this time around was also the Thunder Bay Marina. The forecast initially called for rain, so we had planned on possibly an indoor shoot. That was far from the case because it ended up being on of the hottest days of the year.

Aaron's parents were the last to arrive which Anika said is ironic, because they are typically always on the time. It didn't matter to me since it allowed me to capture a few candid moments. Once they did arrive, they were pleasantly surprised. First we made our way down the boardwalk and got a few family portraits. The kids were awesome the entire session, especially with it being so hot. Because it was so hot, we decided to stick to the shade. A really pretty spot at the Marina that we took advantage of is the archway. It's such a great location for family portraits, especially when it's shady. It gave us a chance to cool down, somewhat. 

After a few more photos at one of the lookouts on the trail we headed back to the waterpark. As soon as we got there the kids ran wild through the water. It was a fantastic way to end the session, plus I was able to finish off with a few of my favourite photos of the day. 

Thank you so much to the entire family for a great time. Even though it was extremely hot out, everyone was super patient and it resulted in some really special moments. Of course, I'd also like to thank my beautiful wife for helping as well.

Anika + Family Portraits - Chippewa Park

Chippewa Park was the latest location for my most recent portrait session. This time around around it was Anika and her fantastic family. It was later in the afternoon but it wasn't too cold at all, especially once we all started moving around. We started off at the playground which got everyone's blood flowing and it was off to the races from there.

Next up, we spent a bit of time right on the beach. There is a beautiful wooden railing that surrounds the entire area and we took advantage of that. We played in the sand for a bit and then made our way towards the boardwalk area. Instead of going straight there we decided to take the trail through the trees and it was a great choice because some of my favourite photos came from that short walk. One of which is the one used directly above for the main photo!

As we got to the boardwalk there was a nice little shaded area on the rocks off to the right. It's probably my favourite location at Chippewa, it's just so beautiful. Once again, we came away with some truly memorable moments here as well. Then after we got a couple quick shots on the boardwalk itself it was time to head back. Before we packed up we made sure to get one last photo of there stuffed animals. I thought it was fitting since they carried them around the whole time!