Mike + Janelle Family Portraits + Surprise Birthday
One my recent portrait sessions was quite the unique one. It was a surprise birthday! The plan was to convince Janelle her husband Mike booked a family session. Which he did, and it was fun. At the end of the session, a limo picked up Janelle, which already had 3 of her best friends in it. She was then whisked away for a bit and I met them for another mini session down at the Marina before their dinner.
One my recent portrait sessions was quite the unique one. It was a surprise birthday! The plan was to convince Janelle her husband Mike booked a family session. Which he did, and it was fun. At the end of the session, a limo picked up Janelle, which already had 3 of her best friends in it. She was then whisked away for a bit and I met them for another mini session down at the Marina before their dinner.
It was a snowy day, but it just made everything that much more epic. Plus, seeing the different levels of happiness throughout the sessions was so rewarding. Not only did Janelle have fun on her family shoot, she had a blast on the shoot with her and her friends.
Zaylee Mae Cake Smash Session
Zaylee Mae will be turning one very soon so her mom Brittney decided it would be a good opportunity to do a cake smash! Using the word smash may be a bit generous, but you get the idea. Zaylee Mae definitely needed a bit of encouragement to even touch the cake which was quite funny. For the first few minutes she just stared at it, not really knowing what to do. Once Brittany gave her a little taste of the cake Zaylee settled right in.
Zaylee Mae will be turning one very soon so her mom Brittney decided it would be a good opportunity to do a cake smash! Using the word smash may be a bit generous, but you get the idea. Zaylee Mae definitely needed a bit of encouragement to even touch the cake which was quite funny. For the first few minutes she just stared at it, not really knowing what to do. Once Brittany gave her a little taste of the cake Zaylee settled right in.
By the end of the session she had a face full of cake and a smile on her face. Although, there was a tiny bit of crying mixed in to and I made sure to capture some of those photos. At the very least, they can be used at her wedding way down the road. I apologize in advance!
Overall it was a very fun session and I’m sure by the time she turns two she will be much more aggressive with the cake.
Lucas Birthday Portraits at Centennial Park
I have done birthday portraits of Lucas for a number of years now and each time has been a lot of fun. He has so much character and personality that I have always come away with good moments. This year it was just him, his mom and grandma. It as a nice intimate fall session. Upon greeting Lucas at the start of the session he was all smiles but that quickly when away.
I have done birthday portraits of Lucas for a number of years now and each time has been a lot of fun. He has so much character and personality that I have always come away with good moments. This year it was just him, his mom and grandma. It as a nice intimate fall session. Upon greeting Lucas at the start of the session he was all smiles but that quickly when away.
For whatever reason he was in a mood, like all kids get into. He definitely made us work for these shots but that signature smile of his came through here and there and I made sure to be quick in capturing them. To be honest, I also got some good shots of him not so happy which are just as special. The last part of the session we headed down to the entrance of Centennial and spent some time on the water getting a few more photos. By that time, he was his old self, for the most part. With the promise of Walmart, his favourite place, looming in the future he toughed the session out. After all, being a model is hard work.
Even though it wasn’t his best day, we still came away with another memorable session. I can’t wait until next years birthday.
Lucas' 4th Birthday - Tree Farm
One of the best things about being a photographer, at least for me, is creating relationships with families over the years, and seeing how quickly the children grow up. Case in point, Lucas is already 4 years old, and it truly seems like yesterday that I was photographing him on his 1st birthday. That first session was essentially propping him up on a chair and trying to capture photos before he started losing interest. This session, is now running in behind him trying to get him to settle down and pose for a few seconds.
One of the best things about being a photographer, at least for me, is creating relationships with families over the years, and seeing how quickly the children grow up. Case in point, Lucas is already 4 years old, and it truly seems like yesterday that I was photographing him on his 1st birthday. That first session was essentially propping him up on a chair and trying to capture photos before he started losing interest. This session, is now running in behind him trying to get him to settle down and pose for a few seconds.
The location for this session was the tree farm. It was the perfect setting and right away, Lucas loved it. As always, Makaila brought a good amount of props which allowed from some truly unique photos. Of course, Lucas was proud to use every single one of them. He continually announced to everyone that it was his party. I'm lucky that I was invited. :)
From what everyone told me, Lucas is quite the hockey player so he made sure to bring his hockey stick. Along with posing for some great shots, he also decided to snapshot some pine combs at me while taking his picture. Something he greatly enjoyed. Lucas had so much energy and you can really see that in the highlights below. I really can't wait until his 5th birthday next year!
Betty's 80th Birthday at the Norwester Hotel
Today the weather held off just long enough for me to have a very fun family portrait session over at the Norwester Hotel. The occasion for this particular session was to celebrate Betty's 80th Birthday. Plus, it was one of the rare occasions where most of the family would all be together at once. As soon as I arrived at the hotel, we all made our way out to the back field which overlooks Mount McKay.
Today the weather held off just long enough for me to have a very fun family portrait session over at the Norwester Hotel. The occasion for this particular session was to celebrate Betty's 80th Birthday. Plus, it was one of the rare occasions where most of the family would all be together at once. As soon as I arrived at the hotel, we all made our way out to the back field which overlooks Mount McKay.
We started off by getting an entire family portrait and then worked our way down from there into different groupings. Even though this was more a 'posed' session, it was still very natural and I was able to sneak in a few candids here and there.
With one of the most beautiful backdrops in Thunder Bay, and a perfectly overcast day, it really did make my day that much easier. Plus, the whole family was a pleasure to work with. I managed to get about 40 minutes worth of photos in before the rain told it was time to wrap things up. Regardless, because we worked fairly fast and loose, I still came away with tons of great photos.
Thanks as always to the whole family for letting me be a part of such a special occasion. I hope these photos provide memories for years to come!
Makaila + Family Portraits - Centennial Park
This past Saturday marked the third time photographing Makaila and her family. Each time it was to celebrate Lucas's birthday. With the past couple sessions it has always been the immediate family, so I was quite shocked when I saw about 20 people ready to take photos. It turns out, they invited the extended family for portraits as well. This was completely fine with me and the more the merrier. It was actually great meeting some of their extended family, especially their grandmother.
This past Saturday marked the third time photographing Makaila and her family. Each time it was to celebrate Lucas's birthday. With the past couple sessions it has always been the immediate family, so I was quite shocked when I saw about 20 people ready to take photos. It turns out, they invited the extended family for portraits as well. This was completely fine with me and the more the merrier. It was actually great meeting some of their extended family, especially their grandmother.
Since there were a few more people this time around we focused on getting a lot of family portraits first and then it was time to focus on Lucas. Right from the get go he was running around. I couldn't believe how much he was moving around, especially compared to just a year ago. I don't think he cried once either and he was the perfect little poser.
Ask we have done the previous 2 years, Makaila brought some balloons. Near the end of the session, she gave them to Lucas, who of course eventually let go of them and watched as they sailed into the sky above.
It's so rewarding seeing families like Makaila's each year and watching their son Lucas grow up. I look forward to each and every session and I can't wait until next years.
Lucas' 2nd Birthday - Centennial Park
Centennial Park was the setting for yet another memorable session with Carol and her family. This was the second year in a row that we celebrated Lucas and his birthday. This time around he was turning 2. I still can't believe just how big he has gotten since one year ago. Whereas, the last time we did this, we were able to just plop him where we wanted and shoot away. This time around he was a lot more mobile, obviously walking and sometimes running on his own.
Centennial Park was the setting for yet another memorable session with Carol and her family. This was the second year in a row that we celebrated Lucas and his birthday. This time around he was turning 2. I still can't believe just how big he has gotten since one year ago. Whereas, the last time we did this, we were able to just plop him where we wanted and shoot away. This time around he was a lot more mobile, obviously walking and sometimes running on his own.
Regardless of his new found mobility, we had a fantastic session. He was actually quite cooperative and fairly easy going. As with most kids his age, he had his moments, but it wasn't exactly the warmest day of the year so I'm sure he was also a bit cold.
One of the first photos of the day was one of the most memorable. Carol and her family had brought a few props like balloons and letters etc... So we set up the first posed shot against one of the cabins and we got Lucas to hold the balloons. Although they were tied briefly around his wrist, I guess they weren't tight enough and after managing to capture a few quick photos, off the balloons went into the Fall sky.
From that point forward we just stopped in different spots and tried to keep warm. Although this day was centred around Lucas, I did still get a few shots here and there of the family as well. Anytime there are young kids involved, and we are at Centennial Park, I always try and head on over to the stable and animal farm. We did manage to do it this time around which was awesome. I find with kids, and adults to of course, I get some of the most natural moments when they are interacting with the animals.
Lucas thoroughly enjoyed the roosters and horses. Some of my favourite photos of the day stemmed from the time we spent there. Lastly, and certainly not least, we finished off by the park. After a few joyous minutes on the swings it was off to the slide. Lucas was brave enough to venture on a couple of the slides, obviously with a little bit of help. He did have a bit of a stumble on the last time down but he is as tough as they come.
I wish I could have spent another hour out there with Carol and her family but we simply ran out of time and it was pretty chilly. In any case, we came away with so many great moments that I hope Lucas and his family can look back on when he is much older. Thanks to Carol and her wonderful family for letting me be a part of Lucas and his birthday celebration.
Lucas' 1st Birthday + Cake Smash
This past Saturday I had the opportunity to photography Carol and her family again. Whereas last year we focused on the entire family, this time around it was a special occasion. Lucas just turned 1, so they decided they wanted to do a cake smash! This was my first cake smash so I really couldn't wait.
This past Saturday I had the opportunity to photography Carol and her family again. Whereas last year we focused on the entire family, this time around it was a special occasion. Lucas just turned 1, so they decided they wanted to do a cake smash! This was my first cake smash so I really couldn't wait.
The location was the same as last years which was Centennial Park. As soon as I arrived I saw all the great props they brought. We made our way to the trail and eventually the cabin area. Once there we took some quick family photos and then it was all about Lucas. He sat perfectly agains the log cabin and then eventually the bench. He decided he was going to go the serious route for a few shots so we pulled out his little hockey stick and he warmed up a bit once he saw that.
One of the great props they brought was a set of blue balloons. This led to one of my favourite photos of the day. We moved to the open field where he was then handed the balloons. It turned into a very genuine and spontaneous photo.
After we were done with the balloons we set up a chair in the leafy path. This particular part was a bit tough for Lucas as he just didn't want to sit still on the chair. He had a little bit of a fall but he recovered very quickly and was still smiling the rest of the session.
The train tracks were the next stop and here we got another bunch of great photos. My favourite moment from this part was when they put the crown on him. He immediately started crying. It ended up being one of the funniest and most sincere photos of the day. It's easy to always get smiling photos but it's also the other moments that can lead to some interesting outcomes.
It was then time for the final portion of the shoot. The cake smash! Being a one year old, I wouldn't say he really quite smashed the cake but once we got his hands full of icing it was off to the races. He was simply in his glory the rest of the way. I will most definitely be looking to do some more cake smashes in the near future. I have a ton of ideas and I can't wait to incorporate them. Once again Carol and her family were so much fun to photograph. It was a pleasure to be part of Lucas' first birthday.
Cathy + Family Portraits
Normally when I do family portraits it's no more then a family of 5. In this case there were about 13 people! The occasion was for this session was an 80th birthday party for Cathy's dad Bernie.
Normally when I do family portraits it's no more then a family of 5. In this case there were about 13 people! The occasion was for this session was an 80th birthday party for Cathy's dad Bernie.
The portraits took place at the Vahalla Inn inside the Fireside Room off the main lobby. We decided to do all the group and couple shots right in front of the fireplace which made for a nice setting. Once we finished off all the groupings we made our way to the courtyard for a few outdoor shots.
It was an overcast day with a bit of sun peaking through so it was almost perfect weather. After finding some shade, we took some beautiful photos. My favourite of the entire day was the very last one of Bernie. I got him to lean against the tree and look away from the camera. Suffice it to say he looked pretty cool. Thanks to Cathy for inviting me to spend an hour with her and the family. I know the 'whole' family wasn't there but I hope these photos will bring a bit of happiness to those that couldn't make it.
