U11 Fury Outdoor Hockey Session
My second outdoor session was with the U11 Fury who were just coming off a championship weekend so they were flying high. I don’t think they even realized it was minus 30 degrees celsius. Even though it was cold, it was still a very fun session.
My second outdoor session was with the U11 Fury who were just coming off a championship weekend so they were flying high. I don’t think they even realized it was minus 30 degrees celsius. Even though it was cold, it was still a very fun session.
Queens U11 Outdoor Hockey Session - Balsam Pit
I absolutely love the hockey sessions in the rink, and they of course make the most sense. Sometimes though, the kids need to get outside for a change of scenery. That was the case with the Queens U11 team. We gathered everyone up at my old childhood stomping ground, Balsam Pit. Even though it was a baseball diamond, it worked perfectly, and the girls (and me) had a blast. I just love how the photos turned out.
I absolutely love the hockey sessions in the rink, and they of course make the most sense. Sometimes though, the kids need to get outside for a change of scenery. That was the case with the Queens U11 team. We gathered everyone up at my old childhood stomping ground, Balsam Pit. Even though it was a baseball diamond, it worked perfectly, and the girls (and me) had a blast. I just love how the photos turned out.
YLP Embracing Youth Festival - ONWA
ONWA is always hosting great events in and around the community and this time around they had a wonderful event right in their backyard called the YLP Embracing Youth Festival. It was a free festival and it had so many great artists and vendors. I was amazed at how many people showed up.
ONWA is always hosting great events in and around the community and this time around they had a wonderful event right in their backyard called the YLP Embracing Youth Festival. It was a free festival and it had so many great artists and vendors. I was amazed at how many people showed up.
There was music, comedy, contests and of course dancing. All the kids that were there seemed to have a great time, along with everyone else. I'm really hoping they this again soon as I had a fantastic time capturing some of the event. Below you can see some of the highlights from the evening.
Katelyn + Family Portraits - Vickers Park
This was my second family portrait session with Katelyn and her amazing family. This time around Courtney Lynn and Jake joined us as well. I hadn't seen them since I shot their wedding a couple years ago. We decided on Vickers Park this time around and it ended up being the perfect location. It had a nice mix of trees and shade and of course the park for the kids.
This was my second family portrait session with Katelyn and her amazing family. This time around Courtney Lynn and Jake joined us as well. I hadn't seen them since I shot their wedding a couple years ago. We decided on Vickers Park this time around and it ended up being the perfect location. It had a nice mix of trees and shade and of course the park for the kids.
We started off around the trees and slowly made our way to the park at the end of the session. Otherwise, there probably wouldn't have been any hope of getting the kids to sit still. They were great in from of the camera though and they had lots of energy.
The 30 minute session went by so fast but I'm amazed at how many great photos I came away with. Of course it helps that the family I was photographing was a pleasure to capture. 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.
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.
Darla + Family Portraits
My first portrait session this past weekend just goes to show that even though it's winter, it shouldn't stop you from getting outside with your family and getting some photos done. That's exactly what I did with Darla and her family, and the results were awesome. The occasion was actually a special one, in that it was her mom's 60th birthday. I couldn't think of a better reason to get the whole family together for some portraits.
My first portrait session this past weekend just goes to show that even though it's winter, it shouldn't stop you from getting outside with your family and getting some photos done. That's exactly what I did with Darla and her family, and the results were awesome. The occasion was actually a special one, in that it was her mom's 60th birthday. I couldn't think of a better reason to get the whole family together for some portraits.
As soon as I arrived I met Darla and her mom Darlene, along with the rest of the family. Before we got to settled inside, I suggested that we go to their backyard to take some outdoor photos. It was a bit cold for the kids but they managed to survive and it was totally worth it. It helped that it wasn't too cold out, it was a pretty mild afternoon.
Once we finished outside it was time to head inside the house. I spent the last 30 minutes or so just following around the family and capturing moments. There were some posed photos of course, otherwise I was simply staying in the background. I came away with some real keepers! It obviously helped that Darla and her entire family were so easy to work with.
Erin + Family Portraits
It was a very busy weekend, with a lot of different photo shoots going on. Prior to my session with Erin and her family I photographed some of the Oktoberfest at the CLE grounds. When I was driving there, I noticed how extremely foggy it was out, but for only half of the city, which was quite the site. I was scheduled to take photos of Erin and her family for 6:00pm and I was hoping that it stayed foggy, and it did.
It was a very busy weekend, with a lot of different photo shoots going on. Prior to my session with Erin and her family I photographed some of the Oktoberfest at the CLE grounds. When I was driving there, I noticed how extremely foggy it was out, but for only half of the city, which was quite the site. I was scheduled to take photos of Erin and her family for 6:00pm and I was hoping that it stayed foggy, and it did.
The location for this portrait session was actually out on Lakeshore which ended meaning there was even more fog out there. As soon as I arrived, they asked if we were going to do the session inside and I emphatically said no. It is very rare to have this kind of weather so I simply couldn't wait to do the portraits outside. One thing you must realize is that, just because it's foggy out, it doesn't mean it's too foggy to photography. I could see if you were photographing someone 100 feet away, but when dealing with people and portraits it's completely fine. Overall the fog gave a great even light and it generally softened everything up a bit.
Their yard was super nice and there were a few different spots we ended up using for photos. We started on the side of the house where there were some great backdrops of trees and a trail. In between the poses for family portraits, I made sure to get a few candids here and there. We then moved to the front of the house which also offered some interesting settings. It was a big family so we made sure to get different groupings as well.
The hour went by extremely fast and I am so impressed with how the photos turned out. They definitely have a slightly different feel then my usual photos because of the fog. It was great meeting Erin and her entirely family. We joked around a lot and overall the atmosphere was so relaxed, which made for some natural and spontaneous photos.
Katrina + Ed Wedding
It was only a couple weeks ago but Katrina and Ed's Wedding Day is still fresh in my mind. The day turned out to be one of the nicest so far of the summer, although, it was fairly hot. But, there is no way I will ever complain about hot weather in this city with winter always around the corner.
Katrina and Ed's wedding took place at their new house out on Hawkeye Lake. For those of you that haven't been to this lake it is absolutely gorgeous. I had been to their house a year prior but that was for engagement photos and the house wasn't quite done then. Seeing it for the first time with all the guests and family gathered around was quite the site. Of course, the backdrop of the Hawkeye Lake definitely helped set the mood.
It was only a couple weeks ago but Katrina and Ed's Wedding Day is still fresh in my mind. The day turned out to be one of the nicest so far of the summer, although, it was fairly hot. But, there is no way I will ever complain about hot weather in this city with winter always around the corner.
Katrina and Ed's wedding took place at their new house out on Hawkeye Lake. For those of you that haven't been to this lake it is absolutely gorgeous. I had been to their house a year prior but that was for engagement photos and the house wasn't quite done then. Seeing it for the first time with all the guests and family gathered around was quite the site. Of course, the backdrop of the Hawkeye Lake definitely helped set the mood.
Before I made my way to the wedding site however, I first made my way to Katrina's house to capture some moments of her and the other girls getting ready. As I have mentioned many times before, I absolutely love taking getting ready shots. They are truly candid and there are always a ton of raw moments if you know how to look for them.
After about 45 minutes, I made my way to the ceremony. We had to wait a bit for Katrina to arrive but it gave me plenty of time to get a ton of candid photos of the guests. Soon enough it was time to get the ceremony on the way. With the chairs set up right on the water, and the guests gathered around anxiously waiting, Katrina eventually made her way down the steps and into Ed's grasp. I couldn't have asked for a better setting to take photos as you can see from some of the photos below.
Once the ceremony was done, there was some mingling and then we were off on the houseboat. We used this opportunity to get some great photos of the wedding party and of course, Katrina and Ed. Shortly after docking we got all the family portraits out of the way.
There were really some great moments so I had to make sure to always be ready. For instance, Katrina decided to hop on the back of the neighbours jet ski. I ran down the dock grabbed a seat and prepared myself for some action shots of the bride flying through the water. What I wasn't ready for was the fact that the driver decided to come very close to the shore and completely drench me on three occasions. It was a bit of shock, but as they say, anything for the shot. Luckily I was using my XT-1 which is waterproof. So after they were done I went back to my seat at the dinner table much more wet then when I left. Suffice it say, people got a kick out of that.
And that was my day. I got a couple last shots at the end of the road of some of the signs and then it was a 40 minute drive back home. Thanks to Katrina and Ed for letting me photograph their wedding. I still can't believe how many great shots I walked away with. I only hope they think they same.
ONWA Fall Portraits
Thankfully Winter is still holding off because it gave me a chance to get some great outdoor Fall photos at ONWA. If you haven't seen any of my other posts with ONWA, this will be approximately the 7th time I have photographed families for this wonderful organization. This time around there were only 5 families but boy were those families a lot of fun to photograph.
Thankfully Winter is still holding off because it gave me a chance to get some great outdoor Fall photos at ONWA. If you haven't seen any of my other posts with ONWA, this will be approximately the 7th time I have photographed families for this wonderful organization. This time around there were only 5 families but boy were those families a lot of fun to photograph.
As usual, my favourite part of each session is taking photos of the kids. They always provide such spontaneous and candid moments. This time around was no different. That's not to say I didn't get some great family photos as well. All in all, it was so much fun and I can't wait until the next session next year.
ONWA Family Portraits - Session 1
When I was first asked to photograph families for ONWA, I really didn't know what to expect. Mainly because I really didn't fully understand what ONWA was. Once I did a bit of research, I couldn't wait to get in front of all the families and start taking photos. Not only was it for a good cause but I knew it would end up being a lot of fun. Which it was.
When I was first asked to photograph families for ONWA, I really didn't know what to expect. Mainly because I really didn't fully understand what ONWA was. Once I did a bit of research, I couldn't wait to get in front of all the families and start taking photos. Not only was it for a good cause but I knew it would end up being a lot of fun. Which it was.
To those of you who don't know what ONWA is, I suggest you check out there site.
All in all there were 12 families. Some were bigger then others and some were simply mom and child. Regardless, they were all very easy going and great in front of the camera. Some of the kids needed to warm up to being in front of the camera, but once they did, the smiles and posing were non stop.
The 3 hours went by extremely quick, and I am already looking forward to the next photo session.
