Kathleen + Lucas Wedding - The Centennial Conservatory

Kathleen and Lucas invited me to capture their wedding ceremony and some photos afterwards at the Centennial Conservatory. Anytime I get to shoot there, it makes me so happy. It’s such a beautiful location. It also helped that Kathleen and Lucas were an equally beautiful couple.

Makaila + Family Portraits - Cascades

I have been pretty much growing up alongside Lucas, which is why I once again photographed him for his birthday. Each year he gets bigger and bigger, and even funnier. This time around he was going on and on about his Halloween costume, which is a banana. I guess it’s a Fortnite thing, which I know nothing about.

We of course got photos of everyone, as it wasn’t just about Lucas. The backdrop was the stunning Cascades. I’m shocked that I don’t do more sessions here. It really is a crime. The fall colours looked absolutely amazing.

Now I just have to wait until next year to see Lucas and everyone else again. I can’t wait!

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.

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. 

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!

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. 

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.

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.