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.
Shelly + Family Portraits - Centennial Park
I was so happy when Shelly asked if I could do another family session with them, this time at Centennial Park which is of course always beautiful. The session was actually a Christmas present for her Mom. I had photographed her and the family before so I knew that it would be fun and relaxed time. As I always do, we just walked and stopped along the way getting a mix of candid and posed photos. Shelly and Jason had some great ideas for portraits too which is always welcome.
I was so happy when Shelly asked if I could do another family session with them, this time at Centennial Park which is of course always beautiful. The session was actually a Christmas present for her Mom. I had photographed her and the family before so I knew that it would be fun and relaxed time. As I always do, we just walked and stopped along the way getting a mix of candid and posed photos. Shelly and Jason had some great ideas for portraits too which is always welcome.
We made sure to use the beautiful cabins as a backdrop and even the old red tractor that has been there as long as I can remember. The kids loved the tractor and were climbing all over it. Before the session was done, I suggested everyone go down to the river to get a couple final photos. I'm so glad I did as those ones turned out to be some of my favourites. I can't wait until the next session!
Dany + Family Portraits - Centennial Park
I had an amazing 30 minute session with Dany and her family this past weekend at Centennial Park. Even though it was a short session I laughed so much during the entirety of it. Everyone had such a good time and I think that came through in the photos.
I had an amazing 30 minute session with Dany and her family this past weekend at Centennial Park. Even though it was a short session I laughed so much during the entirety of it. Everyone had such a good time and I think that came through in the photos.
It also helped they everyone was very laid back and willing to do pretty much whatever I told them too. Plus, they had their own ideas on some of the photos as well. Those are my favourite type of sessions!
Check out the highlights below.
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.
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!
Patrick + Family Portraits - Centennial Park
My session of the weekend took place this past Friday at Centennial Park with Patrick and his family. In all, there were 5 families members including Patrick, and they were all extremely fun to photograph. The weather was beautiful and the sun was behind the clouds for the most part, so it was the perfect setting for an hour long family session.
My session of the weekend took place this past Friday at Centennial Park with Patrick and his family. In all, there were 5 families members including Patrick, and they were all extremely fun to photograph. The weather was beautiful and the sun was behind the clouds for the most part, so it was the perfect setting for an hour long family session.
We all met in the parking lot and then made our way down the trail towards the cabins, stopping along the way. Anyone who has read or seen any of my blog posts in the past knows that I have done plenty of session at Centennial Park. One of the main reasons being that is one of the most beautiful and family friendly spots to take photos in town. The challenge with that though, is not making every session look the same.
Luckily, that's not a hard thing to do, because the families change each and every time and they bring their own personality to the shoot. This one was no different. There was a lot of laughing and joking around, and you could just tell, they all get along very well. This atmosphere made for some really 'natural' posted photos as well as some good candid ones too.
I was hoping to finish up by the horses, but for some reason the gate was closed, so we couldn't do that. Although, we did end up getting a few good shots in and around the park. After that, the session was done. It was a great start to the weekend, and I'm thankful I was able to spend an hour of my time photographing such a fun family.
Vicki + Lincoln Family Portraits - Centennial Park
My second session with Vicki and her family was at Centennial Park this time. It was a mini-session just like last time at the Marina and this one went by just as fast. We started by the playground at Centennial Park and slowly worked our way around it. The whole session had a great flow to it and of course, Lincoln and Vicki were the perfect helpers.
My second session with Vicki and her family was at Centennial Park this time. It was a mini-session just like last time at the Marina and this one went by just as fast. We started by the playground at Centennial Park and slowly worked our way around it. The whole session had a great flow to it and of course, Lincoln and Vicki were the perfect helpers.
They decided, just like the last session, that we would focus solely on the the kids. They were the perfect little models and pretty much open to doing anything. This meant I was able to capture some great candid photos in between some of the more posed photos. Although it was fairly hot out it was still perfect weather for an outdoor photo shoot.
Thanks again to Vicki and Lincoln for letting me photograph their wonderful children once again. I can't wait until the next session!
Sophie + Caleb Engagement - Centennial Park
We have been so lucky with the weather lately and this past Saturday was no exception. It couldn't have been a nicer day to do an engagement session with Sophie and Caleb. I will be photographing their wedding next May but they wanted to be sure to get some engagement photos done well before the wedding. The location they chose was Centennial Park which is very convenient as they live right down the street.
We have been so lucky with the weather lately and this past Saturday was no exception. It couldn't have been a nicer day to do an engagement session with Sophie and Caleb. I will be photographing their wedding next May but they wanted to be sure to get some engagement photos done well before the wedding. The location they chose was Centennial Park which is very convenient as they live right down the street.
As soon as we all arrived we immediately started walking down the trail stopping along the way. I must say, sometimes it take a little while for couples to get 'comfortable' in front of the camera but Sophie and Caleb were absolute naturals. I honestly really didn't have to tell them anything other then where to stop and interact. This made the day so easy, relaxed and extremely fun.
After walking through most of the park we ended up back where we started in the parking lot. Before we finished up, we made sure to go down to the river and get some beautiful photos on the water. What I found cool was that in a couple of the photos you could actually see their breath. It just added this nice little touch. As I was saying earlier, they were both very easy going and they proved it on the final few photos. I asked them both to walk back on to the bridge so I could get a nice wide angle shot of the two of them.
And, that was it. The hour went be extremely fast and I'm very happy with how the photos turned out. Both Sophie and Caleb were a pleasure to photograph and I simply can't wait until the wedding next year.
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.
Rochelle + Family Portraits - Centennial Park
Centennial Park was the location of yet another great photo session, this time with Rochelle and her family. With the fall colours slowly coming in we found some great spots that took advantage of that. After getting a few family shots right by the park we eventually made our way to the barn area. The horses were out, along with the chickens and pigs. Anytime animals are involved I always like to try and let the family interact for a short while, and catching candids along the way.
Centennial Park was the location of yet another great photo session, this time with Rochelle and her family. With the fall colours slowly coming in we found some great spots that took advantage of that. After getting a few family shots right by the park we eventually made our way to the barn area. The horses were out, along with the chickens and pigs. Anytime animals are involved I always like to try and let the family interact for a short while, and catching candids along the way.
One of my favourite spots in the park is the big red and white barn. So I had to make sure to get some good family and individual photos using that as a backdrop. Shortly thereafter we headed back to the playground area and then it was off to the cabins on the other side of the park. We ended with some fantastic photos agains the log cabins as well as the trail. As I mentioned above, the fall colours are really starting to come through so it's the perfect time for portrait sessions.
I'm so glad Rochelle decided to get photos taken. It once again gave me an excuse to get out and take photos during the most beautiful time of year and of course, I got the chance to meet yet another great family!
Mariam + Hassanali Family Portraits - Centennial Park
This past Saturday I had the pleasure of photographing some old friends and their visiting family at Centennial Park. I've known Mariam and Hassanali for a few years now and when they called me out of the blue to do some portraits the following day, I jumped at the chance. It was a very quick turnaround seeing as how their relatives were only in town for a couple days so we booked the session for 8:00 on a Saturday morning and the that was that.
This past Saturday I had the pleasure of photographing some old friends and their visiting family at Centennial Park. I've known Mariam and Hassanali for a few years now and when they called me out of the blue to do some portraits the following day, I jumped at the chance. It was a very quick turnaround seeing as how their relatives were only in town for a couple days so we booked the session for 8:00 on a Saturday morning and the that was that.
Even though it was an early morning shoot, everyone had a great time in front of the camera. It was a really laid back session which I think shows through the photos below. Those are all genuine smiles and reactions. It was also great to show everyone Centennial Park as none of them had been there before. It really is a one of my favourite locations in town, especially for photographing families.
Thanks as always to Mariam and Hassanali for a fun Saturday morning. It was so nice seeing them again and also meeting their extended family.
Alisha + Derek Family Portraits
It had been a while since I last saw Alisha and Derek, their wedding to be exact. Well, when Derek called me up to do a portrait session with him and his family I couldn't wait. The occasion this time around was his mom's birthday so what better reason then that! It was fitting that this particular session was once again at Centennial seeing as how I originally did the engagement session there as well.
It had been a while since I last saw Alisha and Derek, their wedding to be exact. Well, when Derek called me up to do a portrait session with him and his family I couldn't wait. The occasion this time around was his mom's birthday so what better reason then that! It was fitting that this particular session was once again at Centennial seeing as how I originally did the engagement session there as well.
This time around it wasn't just Alisha and Derek of course. Their whole family was there which made it so much fun. As with all large family sessions it can be a bit difficult to fit everything in and get all the necessary shots within an hour. We did end up doing and ended up getting some truly great photos. My favourites of the day were the ones buy the stable with the horses. It was as if the horses new we were coming and posed for us perfectly.
Thanks again to Alisha and Derek as well as their family. I had a fantastic time and hopefully we get to do it again in the near future.
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.
