Amy + Brad Family Portraits - Chippewa Park
I had the pleasure of photographing a new family a couple days ago at Chippewa Park. Amy, Brad, Jared and Beau were such an awesome family to photograph, I really hope I get to do it again next year. One of the main reasons I love family portrait sessions is admittedly the possibility of kids being present. They always have so much energy and emotion, and this session was no different.
I had the pleasure of photographing a new family a couple days ago at Chippewa Park. Amy, Brad, Jared and Beau were such an awesome family to photograph, I really hope I get to do it again next year. One of the main reasons I love family portrait sessions is admittedly the possibility of kids being present. They always have so much energy and emotion, and this session was no different.
I think Beau was a bit confused by me at first, as you can tell by the first photo. He was definitely sizing me up and determining if he was going to smile at all for that day. Luckily, it didn't take long for him to warm to me. Jared, on the other hand, was going from the minute they arrived. I didn't see him at first as I met Amy and Brad at their vehicle, but that was because he was already at the park running around. He didn't stop running the entire session. But, he did give me some good moments and poses throughout.
This time of year, Chippewa is always nice. The colours were out and the weather was decent. It was a bit chilly but it was actually kind of nice. I tried to keep the session moving at a good pace because I know kids don't have the longest attention span. I essentially let Jared lead the way for most of the session, or, at least make him think he was. :)
I couldn't have asked for a more fun family to spend an hour with!
Sarah + Andrew Wedding - Chippewa Park
My latest wedding was this past weekend at Chippewa Park. Sarah and Andrew chose me to capture their special day I couldn't have felt more honoured. First of all, the location is fantastic, it's so beautiful there that anytime I get to shoot a wedding at Chippewa, I feel so lucky. It also helped that Andrew and Sarah were the absolute perfect couple to follow around for the day. Lastly, it was perfect weather for a wedding. The sun was shining with a few clouds dispersed in the sky offering the occasional shade.
My day stared in the early afternoon catching some fleeting moments of Sarah and her bridesmaids, two of which who were men! As soon as I saw that I thought back to my own wedding where I remember my wife saying she probably would have had a couple of her male friends in her bridal party. I spent about 10 minutes in one of the cabins observing the nervous energy that comes with every wedding. Before I knew it, we were making our way to the main area where the wedding would take place. After a short period, and some great initial candid shots of guests it was time to get the ceremony started. It took place in behind the main building at Chippewa in the open grassy field.
My latest wedding was this past weekend at Chippewa Park. Sarah and Andrew chose me to capture their special day I couldn't have felt more honoured. First of all, the location is fantastic, it's so beautiful there that anytime I get to shoot a wedding at Chippewa, I feel so lucky. It also helped that Andrew and Sarah were the absolute perfect couple to follow around for the day. Lastly, it was perfect weather for a wedding. The sun was shining with a few clouds dispersed in the sky offering the occasional shade.
My day stared in the early afternoon catching some fleeting moments of Sarah and her bridesmaids, two of which who were men! As soon as I saw that I thought back to my own wedding where I remember my wife saying she probably would have had a couple of her male friends in her bridal party. I spent about 10 minutes in one of the cabins observing the nervous energy that comes with every wedding. Before I knew it, we were making our way to the main area where the wedding would take place. After a short period, and some great initial candid shots of guests it was time to get the ceremony started. It took place in behind the main building at Chippewa in the open grassy field.
The ceremony itself was a pleasure to photograph. There was so much genuine emotion, not only from Sarah and Andrew but all the family and friends in the crowd. You could really feel all the love and admiration. As with most ceremonies, it was over before it began, at least that's what felt like. It was then time for some family and group portraits. We decided to do all the portraits right in front of the building which was built from logs. It made for the perfect backdrop.
Unique to Chippewa is the fact that it has a small amusement park which lends itself to some great photos opportunities and that is exactly what happened once the wedding party set out on the rides. The first ride was the bumper cars which was so much fun photographing. Everyone had a great time on those. I almost wish I had hopped on to capture some photos from the action but I just stayed on the side lines and photographed from afar. Next up after that was the Merry-Go-Round and eventually the Tilt-A-Whirl. Suffice it say, I came way with some truly unique photos.
The last part of the day was the reception. From the speeches to the dances to the garter toss, there was never a shortage of important and fun moments happening. The food was also fantastic and was made my Pinetree Catering. The had the food truck there as well. Along with the food and people, the decorations were fantastic as well. There were so many different things to take in that I had to make sure I got everything. From an appetizer table with endless arrays of food, to a tea station and also a couple different dessert tables to name a few.
My favourite part of the reception was by far all the dancing photos I captured. I only included but a few here but I came away with more then any other wedding I can remember. I still can't believe just how many people got up and danced throughout the night. Once my night was over, I said a quick goodbye to Sarah and did my best to find Andrew but he was somewhere I couldn't find him. I know that wherever he was though, he was having a good time because both Sarah and Andrew were smiling the entire day. That is always a good sign that you are enjoying your wedding day which is how it should be. Thank you to both of them for letting me be part of such an important day.
Candace + Family Portraits - Chippewa park
My second session of the weekend was out at Chippewa Park photographing Candace and her family. I had done portraits for Candace once before, but it was at Vickers Park. Just like the last session, there were a lot of kids at this one as well. So, in a way, Chippewa was a great location in that there was a lot of wide open space to run around. And, this might be a new record, but there were 4 dogs total. Although, 3 of them were very small so it was definitely manageable.
My second session of the weekend was out at Chippewa Park photographing Candace and her family. I had done portraits for Candace once before, but it was at Vickers Park. Just like the last session, there were a lot of kids at this one as well. So, in a way, Chippewa was a great location in that there was a lot of wide open space to run around. And, this might be a new record, but there were 4 dogs total. Although, 3 of them were very small so it was definitely manageable.
Right off the bat, we got some family portraits of everyone together. Honestly, with a backdrop like the one at Chippewa it's very hard not to come away with awesome shots. Once we were done around the beach area I took everyone in behind the main cabin. There was a row of picnic tables there as well as the beautiful log cabin. The last spot we took advantage of was the trail leading out to the water. We didn't go all the way down but along the way we did manage to get a couple more family portraits as well as some great candid ones.
During a portrait shoot, there are always going to be 'posed' photos but it's also important to watch out for those moments when the subject isn't even aware of your presence. Those are the photos I am constantly looking for. From this session I came away with both and it was very easy to do so because everyone was just so relaxed and having a good time. Plus, the weather was fantastic so what more could you ask for. Thanks again to Candace and her entire family for a fun time. I can't wait until next years session!
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.
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!
Pat + Anne Engagement - With a twist
This was a very unique engagement session, mainly because I didn't photograph it! What do you do when you are a photographer and you have no choice but to be in front of the camera? Well, you get your son to photograph it for you!
This was a very unique engagement session, mainly because I didn't photograph it! What do you do when you are a photographer and you have no choice but to be in front of the camera? Well, you get your son to photograph it for you!
I considered bringing the old tripod out and setting up the timer but I knew Noah had a good understanding of how to use my cameras. I have let him take photos with my camera's before, giving him tips here and there, but now it was time to put those skills to the test. He delivered with flying colours. He also had his friend Preston with him for comedic relief and moral support.
It was very strange being in front of the camera for once. Luckily it's easy to be natural when you have a beautiful Fiancé like Anne beside you and a 13 year old taking your photos. We started the day at Chippewa Park and luckily we picked one of the warmest days of winter so far (although it was still kind of chilly). Once we were done there we made our way to a small little overpass in Westfort. I have always loved this location and I haven't had the chance to use it on one of my professional shoots.
Overall is was such a fun and spontaneous day. Noah did such a fantastic job. I did manage to take one photo and that was of Noah doing his best photographer pose. When it was all said and done though we really came away with some great photos. Of course, I wouldn't have looked half as good if it were not for Anne, who looked as beautiful as ever.
And of course. Thanks you to Preston for, well.. being Preston.
Alisha + Derek Wedding
After an engagement shoot at Chippewa Park a few works prior, it was time for the real thing. As soon as I arrived I made my way to the cabin where Alisha and her bridesmaids were getting ready. I took some elegant photos of the dress as well as some candid photos of everyone getting ready. With a bit of time to spare I then made my way to the ceremony area. It was located right by the water in behind the main cabin in a beautiful setting.
After an engagement shoot at Chippewa Park a few works prior, it was time for the real thing. As soon as I arrived I made my way to the cabin where Alisha and her bridesmaids were getting ready. I took some elegant photos of the dress as well as some candid photos of everyone getting ready. With a bit of time to spare I then made my way to the ceremony area. It was located right by the water in behind the main cabin in a beautiful setting.
All the seats were setup and guests were gathering as everyone waited for the bride to arrive. Once Alisha did arrive it was a wonderful entrance. There was a nice long pathway coming from around the trees into the ceremony area. The flower girl almost stole the show show, as she smiled the whole way carrying her little bouquet. Once Alisha arrived at the alter the ceremony began. The highlight for me was the poem Alisha and Derek wrote for on another. It was a very nice touch.
Immediately afterwards we did all the family and group shots and then it was time to focus on the bridal party. We began by walking out to the end of the path overlooking Lake Superior followed by a few quick photos along the beach. The thing that made this wedding so different from anything I have photographed up to this point was the fact that there was an amusement park. Alisha and Derek bought tickets for any guests who wanted to take advantage some of the rides. We focused on the bumper cars and the merry go round. They turned out great!
My favourite part of the day came next, where it was just me, Alisha and Derek doing the main portraits. We made our way to the boardwalk and got some truly creative and striking photos there. Next up was the reception which was located in the main lodge. Unlike some receptions, getting the couple to kiss requires a certain challenge. This one was no exception. There was a mystery kiss jar which included the names of couples in the crowd. Once called, they had to come up and perform a unique kiss of their choosing. It was then Alisha and Derek’s turn to copy that exact kiss. As you can imagine, some of the kisses were very creative and fun.
After the speeches were done, it was time for the first dance and then the cake cutting. Before the regular dancing started there were two more things to take care of. The first of which was the bouquet toss. This was followed by the garter toss. Both of these drew huge crowds, and aside from a small tumble, one lucky many and woman made a great catch. And then everyone danced the night away. As always, thanks to Alisha and Derek for a wonderful time.
Alisha + Derek Engagement
This was the second engagement shoot for Alisha & Derek. We decided to do another session closer to their wedding, which is coming up shortly. Plus their wedding is at Chippewa so this gave us a good opportunity to scout out some locations and determine lighting for the day. We also got took the opportunity to test out a couple of the rides which the bridal party will be going on the day of the wedding.
This was the second engagement shoot for Alisha & Derek. We decided to do another session closer to their wedding, which is coming up shortly. Plus their wedding is at Chippewa so this gave us a good opportunity to scout out some locations and determine lighting for the day. We also got took the opportunity to test out a couple of the rides which the bridal party will be going on the day of the wedding.
For this photo session we talked the workers into start up the go carts and the merry go round for us. This resulted in a some really fun photos. We also walked around to the end of the path and used the beach for some great natural shots as well. As always, I can’t wait for the wedding to come. I have never shot one at this location but there are a ton of good spots to use.
