Heather + Family Portraits - Mission Marsh
Even though winter is here, it hasn’t been ‘too’ cold so it’s great being able to get out and so some portraits sessions. This past Sunday, I met up with Heather and her family down at the Mission Marsh. I figured this time of year it would be quite pretty with the snow and it indeed was. From the trails to the beach area to the boardwalks, there are plenty of different spots to take advantage of. It is right on Lake Superior so there are certain spots that can get quite windy. Luckily, I always try and keep things moving.
Even though winter is here, it hasn’t been ‘too’ cold so it’s great being able to get out and so some portraits sessions. This past Sunday, I met up with Heather and her family down at the Mission Marsh. I figured this time of year it would be quite pretty with the snow and it indeed was. From the trails to the beach area to the boardwalks, there are plenty of different spots to take advantage of. It is right on Lake Superior so there are certain spots that can get quite windy. Luckily, I always try and keep things moving.
Of course Zoey was the star of the session and she led the way most of the time. That’s ok though, because I love photographing children. She was the perfect little model too. Every time I asked to take her photo with everyone else, or especially on her own, she posed right away. So much so, that I had to work to get a few good candids of her!
Since Thunder Bay has seen some decent snow over the past couple weeks the trails and forest were covered with a nice layer of it. It was pretty easy to come away with great photos because everyone was so natural. The main reason we did the session this weekend was because Heather’s parents were visiting from out of town so the timing worked out perfect.
I could have easily spent another 1 hour photographing everyone it was that much fun. I’m looking forward to the next session!
Jessica + Liam Engagement - Mission Marsh
Jessica and Liam's wedding isn't until next year but that doesn't mean we couldn't do an engagement session this summer, which is exactly what we did! The day before our shoot, Jessica decided they wanted to use Mission Marsh as the location instead of Centennial Park, and I couldn't have been happier. There is nothing wrong with Centennial Park but I have already had a few sessions this year over the past few weeks, so a new location was more then welcome.
Jessica and Liam's wedding isn't until next year but that doesn't mean we couldn't do an engagement session this summer, which is exactly what we did! The day before our shoot, Jessica decided they wanted to use Mission Marsh as the location instead of Centennial Park, and I couldn't have been happier. There is nothing wrong with Centennial Park but I have already had a few sessions this year over the past few weeks, so a new location was more then welcome.
As first, both Jessica and Liam were a bit nervous for the shoot but that quickly went away and they ended up being complete naturals in front of the camera. They took my direction well and were more then capable of doing their own thing as well, which provided a healthy dose of candid photography.
It helped that the weather held up and Mission Marsh is one of my favourite locations in town for portraits. It's a relatively small area but there are a lot of great spots to use if you know where to look.
Jessica and Liam also agreed to let me know film a little bit of video of them as well. This is new for me and something I have spend the last couple months developing my skills in. I didn't want to take up much of their time but we did set aside about 20 minutes at the end of the session. You can view that video below by click on the link. I really hope to do a lot more of these short cinematic videos in the near future. So stay tuned for that!
Thanks as always to Jessica and Liam for a very fun and intimate engagement session. I just love how the photos turned out.
Min + Brooke Family Portraits - Mission Marsh
This was my second time photographing Min, Brooke and the rest of the family. For this particular session, I wanted to mix it up a bit and do a few different locations. Luckily, Min and her family were up for it! I decided to focus on the Mission Marsh area as well as the area around it. I couldn't believe how much taller Charlotte was since the last time I saw her. Of course there was also Shelby, their dog who joined as well.
This was my second time photographing Min, Brooke and the rest of the family. For this particular session, I wanted to mix it up a bit and do a few different locations. Luckily, Min and her family were up for it! I decided to focus on the Mission Marsh area as well as the area around it. I couldn't believe how much taller Charlotte was since the last time I saw her. Of course there was also Shelby, their dog who joined as well.
The first stop was along the trails in East End. We didn't stay too long, but I did manage to get a few initial family group photos and a bunch of Charlotte who was instantly posing for the camera.
After we finished there, we hopped back into the vehicles and drove to where all the deer hang out on the dirt road. I asked Min if she and her family were up for more a rustic background and she was totally down for it. There are a ton of great hidden backdrops if you look hard enough and my absolute favourite is an abandoned car in the field. Some of my favourite photos from the session came from that spot.
When we were done with the car, I peeked around the corner and there was a huge hollow pipe that Charlotte absolutely fell in love with. It was hard to pull her away as she kept on wanting to play in it. It was worth it though, as she provided me with a gem of the photos which you can see below.
The last stop on the was at Mission Marsh. By the time we got there the sun was perfectly low in the sky and I got some great backlit photos. It was so awesome photographing such a laid back and go with the flow family. I even managed to get some keepers of Shelby.
Amanda + Family Portraits - Mission Marsh
Every now and then I give away free portrait session at Shags of wedding couples I am eventually photographing. Well, Amanda won a session and decided to take me up on my offer. We decided on Mission Marsh for the location and it ended up being perfect! All in all, it was a family of 5 and they were all great sports.
Every now and then I give away free portrait session at Shags of wedding couples I am eventually photographing. Well, Amanda won a session and decided to take me up on my offer. We decided on Mission Marsh for the location and it ended up being perfect! All in all, it was a family of 5 and they were all great sports.
Since Mission Marsh is a relatively small location, it was a nicely paced session, taking advantage of a few different spots. It was a good mix of candid and slightly posed shots. As I do with all of my session, I tried to keep it as natural as possible. I couldn't have asked for a better family to photograph and I just love how the photos turned out!
Crystal + Family Portraits - Mission Marsh
Mission Marsh was the setting for my latest portrait session with Crystal and her wonderful family. It was much colder then expected once we arrived but once everyone got moving I think it warmed up a bit. That's the problem with doing a photoshoot right beside Lake Superior I guess. Either way, it was a great venue and the photos we took turned out amazing.
Mission Marsh was the setting for my latest portrait session with Crystal and her wonderful family. It was much colder then expected once we arrived but once everyone got moving I think it warmed up a bit. That's the problem with doing a photoshoot right beside Lake Superior I guess. Either way, it was a great venue and the photos we took turned out amazing.
I've done a few sessions at Mission Marsh before so I'm quite familiar a lot of the nice spots. We started off to the right of the parking lot where the picnic tables and tall grass is. I usually like to get some nice group and couple shots right off the bat as it gets everyone comfortable being the camera. We then made our way down the trail into the forest. From there, it was simply a mix of a few posed shots mixed in with some candid ones. For the candid photos, I just like to stay back and bit, observe, and capture moments that catch my eye. One of my favourites from this portion of the shoot was the nice father and son moment with the bubbles.
Once we got to the end of the trail, we made sure to get a nice wide photo of everyone looking out onto Lake Superior. We finished off at Mission Marsh on the other side where the boardwalk is. There is a very nice lookout at the end of the boardwalk which I was able to get another great father and son moment.
Since we had to head back together we made a couple stops along the way. The first was at park which had a wonderful swing set. Everyone had fun on those! The last spot was along the train tracks, just along the main road. My favourite photo of the day is the one used for the main image of this post. Crystal and her family were so easy and natural to photograph. I had a fantastic time spending time with them and capturing what I hope are some photographs that they can look back on many years from now.
Ryan + Chelsea Wedding
This was probably one of the most last minute weddings I have ever done. Ryan had contacted me about a week prior to their wedding, we met a few days later and then the wedding was here. Just like that. Right up until the Saturday the actual location wasn’t even confirmed. They had it narrowed down to two locations, and depending on the unpredictable weather, they would choose accordingly.
This was probably one of the most last minute weddings I have ever done. Ryan had contacted me about a week prior to their wedding, we met a few days later and then the wedding was here. Just like that. Right up until the Saturday the actual location wasn’t even confirmed. They had it narrowed down to two locations, and depending on the unpredictable weather, they would choose accordingly. Well, with it being a bit too cold outside for an outdoor wedding, they went with the Conservatory. I had previously shot a couple weddings here before and I simply couldn’t wait to do so again. It’s such a great location to work with.
The ceremony itself was very small and intimate. In total there were about 7 people at the wedding, including the bride and groom. This really allowed me to get some nice candid shots of everyone. Once the wedding started Ryan and Chelsea took their spot on the small bridge. As everyone watched on they said their vows and then it was over. Short, sweet and very joyful. As always, we took some time to get some family photos against the various beautiful backdrops within the conservatory. It was then off to the Mission Marsh for some portraits with Ryan and Chelsea.
The weather was very brisk and Chelsea was a real trooper. She was just in her wedding dress with really no protection from the cold. Even after multiple offers from Ryan willing to hand over his jacket she politely said no for fear of ruining some of the photos. It definitely wasn’t in vain as I think these are some of the best portrait shots I have gotten this year. They were very natural behind the camera and it really showed. My favourite was a very simple yet effective shot where they were holding each other down the trail.
After about an hour walking around we quickly finished up with one final shot with the Sleeping Giant in the background. Then it was time to get Chelsea back into the warm vehicle to try and defrost! Ryan and Chelsea were a pleasure to photograph and as always I am so lucky to have been part of their day.
Carol + Family Portraits
My second session of the day took place at Mission Marsh. I had a couple wedding portrait sessions here earlier in the year but that was well over 2 months ago. I was hoping for more leaves on the trees, which there weren’t, but everything else was a nice golden brown which made for some great photos. It was a completely different feel from my earlier session but that is what makes every location in this city unique!
My second session of the day took place at Mission Marsh. I had a couple wedding portrait sessions here earlier in the year but that was well over 2 months ago. I was hoping for more leaves on the trees, which there weren’t, but everything else was a nice golden brown which made for some great photos. It was a completely different feel from my earlier session but that is what makes every location in this city unique!
We started off in the picnic area where there was some long grass. Once Brynnly got used to being behind the camera she got more and more comfortable. Then it was time to head down the path, eventually to the water where we captured some great family photos on the log and in the high brush. It was quite difficult getting photos of their dog Sadie because she wouldn’t stop running but she did slow down once in a while to pose for some group photos.
There were still some leaves on the ground so we quickly tried a couple photos with them falling down on Brynnly. We then finished off the day by the lookout along the boardwalk. It was the perfect weather for the shoot and we came away with some really good candid photos as well as some great family shots. Thanks again to Carol and the rest of her family for letting me photograph her family. I had a blast!
Aya + Denis Wedding
Mission Marsh in Thunder Bay was once again the setting for yet another portrait session. This time around it was with Aya and Dennis. They got married earlier in the day and wanted me to spend an hour taking some post wedding photos.
Mission Marsh in Thunder Bay was once again the setting for yet another portrait session. This time around it was with Aya and Dennis. They got married earlier in the day and wanted me to spend an hour taking some post wedding photos.
First we took some group family shots down on the beach with the sleeping giant in the background. Next we took advantage of the beautiful fields and captured some more group portraits. Then it was all about Aya and Dennis! We basically walked around the area and took some fun and spontaneous photos along the way. The session went by quickly as usual and it was a lot of fun. Good luck to Aya and Dennis and thanks again for the opportunity!
Chellsea + Chris Wedding
It was yet another beautiful day for a wedding. This time around it was Chris and Chellsea getting married. The ceremony was the first thing on the agenda and it took place at the Slovak Legion in the east end of Thunder Bay. This is yet another location I have never photographed at so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. It ended up being perfect for a ceremony. It took place indoors but it was in a room on the side of the hall with a lot of skylights which allowed for tons of natural light.
It was yet another beautiful day for a wedding. This time around it was Chris and Chellsea getting married. The ceremony was the first thing on the agenda and it took place at the Slovak Legion in the east end of Thunder Bay. This is yet another location I have never photographed at so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. It ended up being perfect for a ceremony. It took place indoors but it was in a room on the side of the hall with a lot of skylights which allowed for tons of natural light.
It was a small and intimate wedding. The ceremony took about 15 minutes and then it was off to the Mission Marsh which was about a 5 minute drive. For those who don’t know, it’s a conservation area in Thunder Bay that overlooks the Sleeping Giant. It’s a great spot for portraits which is exactly why we chose this location. After some quick fixes to Chellsea’s dress we made our way to the beach and took all the group family shoots overlooking Lake Superior. Then it was off for some quick photos of just Chellsea and Chris along one of the beautiful paths. Lastly, we took advantage of the lookout and boardwalk.
We then made our way back to the legion and took some photos with the pool tables. This was probably one of my favourite parts of the day. We got some very unique shots here. Plus, once Chellsea left, Chris and I took a couple fun photos of him lying on the pool table, which Chellsea has yet to see until now!
The reception was in the main hall which was equally nice. After the receiving line, dinner was served and then it was time for the first dance and speeches. The cake cutting was to follow and after that it was the end of my night. The whole day just flew by and it was a lot of fun. I love how the photos turned out and I hope Chellsea and Chris do to!
