Portrait Patrick Chondon Portrait Patrick Chondon

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.

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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!

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Portrait Patrick Chondon Portrait Patrick Chondon

Nancy + Family Portraits

It was yet another beautiful fall day just in time for my latest portrait session with Nancy and her 3 daughters. The location this time around was the Thunder Bay Marina. I like using this location especially when there are kids in the family as it really provides a nice relaxed atmosphere with plenty of distractions.

It was yet another beautiful fall day just in time for my latest portrait session with Nancy and her 3 daughters. The location this time around was the Thunder Bay Marina. I like using this location especially when there are kids in the family as it really provides a nice relaxed atmosphere with plenty of distractions. That is exactly what happened this time around. We walked down one of the walkways and everyone was jumping off the raised ledges. Then it was off big grassy hill, but along the way there were plenty of things to climb. There were even a couple ducks here and there which provided for some priceless reactions from the girls. 

As usual, the hour went by really quick. Just before we were going to finish up I saw a small patch of long grass by the parking lot. This is where some of the best photos came from as the girls wouldn’t stop running around and through it. With the sun beaming the in background it made for some truly fantastic photos. I couldn’t have asked for better weather and even better family to photograph. I still can’t get over how much energy they all had.

 

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Wedding Patrick Chondon Wedding Patrick Chondon

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.

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Engagement Patrick Chondon Engagement Patrick Chondon

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.

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Melissa + Robert Engagement

With Melissa and Robert’s wedding fast approaching we needed to do their engagement photos sooner then later. I suggested the Thunder Bay Marina as the location and that is what we went with. I have already done a few photo sessions here but there are so many different ways to take advantage of the scenery. Plus, they brought their son Liam with them, so it gave him a chance to explore the whole area as we walked around.

With Melissa and Robert’s wedding fast approaching we needed to do their engagement photos sooner then later. I suggested the Thunder Bay Marina as the location and that is what we went with. I have already done a few photo sessions here but there are so many different ways to take advantage of the scenery. Plus, they brought their son Liam with them, so it gave him a chance to explore the whole area as we walked around.

Liam was just full of energy and kept moving the whole time. This is standard for most kids his age so I was more then prepared. We walked all over the park and he explored every last part of it. I can’t wait for the wedding to get here. In the meantime, these photos will have to hold everyone over!

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