Taylor + Grant Engagement - Tree Farm

What can I say about Taylor and Grant? They were such an awesome couple to photography. It was the perfect example of a beautiful couple in a beautiful location, which ended up being the Tree Farm. Even though the original plan was to wait for a fresh snowfall, we decided to do the session on one of the warmest December weekends I can remember. It was worth it though, because the resulting photos turned out great.

It wasn't just Taylor and Grant either that I ended up photographing, their bulldog Stella joined us and boy was she a blast. She definitely made me work for every photo I took of her too. 

The tree farm is such a huge piece of land that anytime you take photos there you kind of have to have good idea of where you want to go, especially for an hour session which tends to go by very quickly. I chose to do it near the far end of the tree farm which I find is a lot more wide open and not as busy. Plus I know where a lot of good hidden spots are. 

As with most couples, Taylor and Grant were a bit nervous at first, not knowing what to do exactly, but it didn't take long for them to get the hang of things and look completely natural in from of the camera. It also helped that Stella was there to lighten the mood by trying to take me out on multiple occasions. It think there were even a few instances where she attempted to tackle me, so I had to be on my toes. I didn't mind though, as I love animals and it was fun for me, almost a challenge in a way.

All in all, it was a such a fun session and it was a pleasure to capture some special moments between Taylor and Grant and especially Stella. 

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Cydney + Tyler Engagement - Trow Bridge Falls

My latest engagement session was kind of a unique one because Cydney and Tyler were visiting Thunder Bay for a couple days from Minnesota. They decided to hire me to take their engagement photos while on vacation, in a city they had never been before. How cool is that!? Suffice it to say, I jumped at the opportunity. 

The next step was deciding on a location that would wow them. After all, I wanted to make sure they saw some of the beauty Thunder Bay had to offer. I thought Trow Bridge would be a good location for that. It has the beautiful trails and amazing rapids. 

As with most couples I meet for the first time, they were a bit nervous for the beginning of the session but that quickly faded. Aside from choosing the locations in the park and a little bit of direction, Cydney and Tyler were so easy to photograph. 

During the session I gave them some ideas for spots to explore in Thunder Bay so hopefully they took me up on some of them. I know they weren't in Thunder Bay for too long but I'm so honoured that they chose me to capture such a special occasion. 

Jamilee + Michael Engagement - Kam River Park

Over the weekend I got the chance to photograph another fun engaged couple in Jamilee and Michael. We decided on Kam River Park as the location. The weather ended up being perfect once again, so it turned out to be the perfect session. I had actually photographed both Jamilee and Michael, as well as their family in the past. This time around it was just about them though!

Kam Park is one of the 'new' locations I have been suggesting to a few engaged couples booking with me. Even though I have now done a couple session in a row there, that doesn't mean the photos are going to be the same. If anything, it has challenged me to find different angles and perspectives to work with. Of course it helps that each couple is completely different and unique which creates a totally different look and feel. 

We ended up walking around Kam River Park, stopping here and there, and just having both Jamilee and Michael simply interact. I really try to keep these engagement sessions as natural as possible with minimal direction. There is nothing against completely posed photos, I'm just more of a photo journalistic type of guy. 

Before our time was up, we quickly drove to Simpson Street and took advantage of this huge brick wall that I have been wanting to use for the longest time. The photos captured by this wall were my favourite photos of the session.

Jamilee and Michael were so amazing to work with and I'm glad I was able to spend an hour with them capturing some moments along the way.

Megan + Nick Engagement - Kam River Park

I'm currently running a small Facebook promotion for engaged couples looking to explore some different locations in town. The response I got so far was amazing, and one of the first couples to book a session was Megan and Nick. It was my first time meeting them that day, but it didn't take long for me to see just how great of a couple they were.

Megan and Nick decided they wanted to start the session at Starbucks, which is where Megan used to work, and also where they got engaged. So, that particular location was the perfect one to start at. I decided to simply get some candid photos showing natural moments between them, just like if they were hanging out by themselves. 

The next stop on our session, which I suggested was Kam River Park. It's not necessarily an unknown location, but I don't think it's really used all that much for photo sessions. That's why I decided to recommend it to a few initial couples. 

What I like most about Kam Park, is that it actually has a lot of different spots within it, including the Via Train, the tunnels, the boardwalk and some of the views. We literally took advantage of all of them. Megan and Nick were very easy to photograph and most of the time I didn't even really have to direct them. It's hard not to have a certain posed nature to engagement sessions, but I think we found nice balance, and Megan and Nick played a huge part in that. 

If this session was any indication, I can't wait to meet all the other couples that have taken me up on my offer. I couldn't have asked for a better first engaged couple to photograph in Megan and Nick.

For those interested, you can view my current promotion by clicking here!

Ashley + Isaac Engagement - Trow Bridge Falls

It was my first engagement session of the year this past Saturday and it was so much fun. Ashley and Isaac decided they wanted to do use Trow Bridge Falls as the location, and that is exactly what we did. I suggested 5:30 for timing, that way the light was a bit better and it wouldn't be too cold. Well, the light was good, but it was still pretty darn cold. Ashley and Isaac didn't complain once and they even managed to do a couple quick photos at the end without any jackets on. 

I will be photographing Ashley and Isaac's wedding this summer and I really can't wait. It's always nice when couples opt in for an engagement session because it allows me that much more time with both of them. We started the engagement session by walking down towards the park, attempting not to slip on the massive amount of ice. I had a couple close calls but we managed to go the whole session without one wipe out. 

As soon as I started taking photos, Ashley and Isaac were naturals behind the camera. I tried my best to keep the whole session moving and not staying still for too long, but without being rushed of course. That is the main challenge when working in extreme conditions. There are so many great little spots at Trow Bridge and we took advantage of a couple of them. The trails, the bridge, and of course the rushing water. My favourite photo of the session was probably the one of Ashley and Isaac on the bridge. 

For the entire shoot I used my new Fuji X-Pro2 combined with the 90mm. I did pull out the 16-55mm for one or two photos and also the 35mm 1.4 for a couple headshots. The X-Pro2 performed admirably. The only issue I had, which I didn't let on to both Ashley and Isaac was that it froze up on me a couple times. But that was due to the extreme cold. I even noticed this in the past with my Nikon D750. Other than that though, it was a joy to use and I can't wait to put it through the paces for the upcoming season. 

Thanks as always to Ashely and Isaac for being so easy going during the whole session. 

Danielle + Steven Engagement - Centennial Park

I will be photographing Danielle and Steven's wedding next year but we decided before it got to cold out, we had better get their engagement photos done. We did so this past weekend and the weather turned out to be pretty cool. The location was Centennial Park and upon arrival, Danielle looked at me and seemed just a bit hesitant, not completely sure if we should still do the photos. Mainly because it was starting to snow pretty heavy. Well, I assured her that the photos would turn out fine and the snow would only add to the character, which it definitely did, as you can see from the photos below. 

We kept the shoot fairly simple and laid back, as are all of my sessions. If you look at my previous posts, you will see that I have had quite a few sessions at this park but I will never get tired of shooting there. Plus, with the snow coming down it provided a very unique atmosphere which I took advantage of. I made sure to get in close for a lot of the photos and also pull away to get some far away shots. Danielle and Steven were complete naturals behind the camera and it really came through in the photos. Even with the last shot, they pretended to put their tongues on the cold metal pole. At least I think they were pretending ... it looks pretty real. :)

I'm very much looking forward to capturing their wedding next year, and if this engagement session is any indication, it's going to be so much fun.

Jamie + Cory Engagement - Vickers Park

It looks like winter is slowly creeping in so I was so excited when Jamie and Cory contacted me for an engagement session. I decided to do it at Vickers Park because there was still some colour there and plenty of leaves. Plus, there was a playground for the kids too! 

The shoot didn't get off to the greatest start though. As Jamie and Cory were getting the little ones ready I decided to get up close for a quick photo of Sophia and she wanted nothing of the sort. She screamed and cried like I just took away her favourite toy. Luckily it didn't last long and she calmed down shortly after. Jamie told me that she was just going through her terrible 2's phase. Well, it wasn't the first time I have made a kid cry during a portrait session. I'm sure it won't be the last though.

We made our way to the middle of the park and found a nice spot where there were some leaves and an open area. Jamie had a fantastic idea to bring a red wagon, some pumpkins and she also managed to find matching outfits for both Teagan and Sophia! Sophia was not the happiest camper for the first few minutes but as soon as Cory propped her on her shoulders and started running around she loosened up quite quickly. After that, we were off to the races. 

Even though it was an engagement session, we managed to get a lot of family portraits well along with some great candid photos of the kids. I think they enjoyed the playground the most, and some of my favourite photos came when they were on the swing set. 

I'm looking forward to Jamie and Cory's wedding next year! They are such a great family to photograph and they always make me look good.

Jayme + Charlie Engagement - Trow Bridge Falls

Jayme and Charlie's wedding day isn't until next year but that didn't mean we could take advantage of this great Fall weather and get out for an engagement session. That's exactly what we decided to do! The location they chose was Trow Bridge Falls, which couldn't have been a more perfect setting. With the leaves slowly falling and the water flowing it provided a fantastic backdrop. It also helped that I had such wonderful couple to work with.

They mentioned that Charlie originally proposed at Niagara Falls while they lived in Southern Ontario, so, since they have recently moved back home to Thunder Bay, they figured it was fitting to do the engagement photos at some local Falls. 

It was an hour session so we had plenty of time to try out different spots at Trow Bridge. The first area we used was the bridge overlooking the Falls. I have always loved that bridge and, if done right, it allows for some truly majestic photos. The reason I loved photographing Jayme and Charlie so much was because they were so natural in front of the camera. 

We eventually made our way down to the water and that's where they broke out the champagne. Jayme also brought a very nice blanket which was the perfect contrast to the backdrop. Suffice it to say, these were some of my favourite photos of the session. 

Just before we finished off, we took a moment to capture a few more photos on the swings and by the colourful forest. It was a perfect end to a beautiful engagement session. After meeting Jayme and Charlie, I'm even more excited to shoot their wedding next year. 

Alexa + Shawn Engagement - Trow Bridge Falls

After having such fun wedding last the other weekend, it was nice to keep things going with an engagement session with Alexa and Shawn. Their wedding is this October so the wedding is fast approaching but before that takes place we wanted to get some engagement photos done. The location of choice this time around was Trow Bridge Falls which is always beautiful this time of year. Along with it being an engagement session, I also got to meet their newest addition to the family, Kolter. He's only 14 weeks old if I remember correctly, but he was the perfect model.

We started the session near the playground in some open shade. I brought a couple blankets and after setting up, we got some great initial photos. Of course, Alexa and Shawn were extremely easy going and very natural to photograph. So even though we had a lot of 'posed' photos, I was still able to add a candid flair to some of the shots. 

Another great spot that we ended up using was the bridge crossing over the rapids. Just over the bridge was also a the beginning of the trails so we obviously captured some photos there as well. I don't usually come with too many 'props' to sessions but for this one we definitely wanted to have at least one variation which ended up being Alexa and Shawn's initials. I think a few of those shots will make the perfect wedding invite. 

Lastly, after a quick wardrobe change by Alexa, we made our way down to the water to finish off with a bunch of different photos. The hour went by so fast but at the end of the day, for an hour session they came away with 50 final photos. It was so great finally meeting Alexa and Shawn and I simply can't wait to shoot their wedding. 

Sophie + Caleb Engagement - Centennial Park

We have been so lucky with the weather lately and this past Saturday was no exception. It couldn't have been a nicer day to do an engagement session with Sophie and Caleb. I will be photographing their wedding next May but they wanted to be sure to get some engagement photos done well before the wedding. The location they chose was Centennial Park which is very convenient as they live right down the street.

As soon as we all arrived we immediately started walking down the trail stopping along the way. I must say, sometimes it take a little while for couples to get 'comfortable' in front of the camera but Sophie and Caleb were absolute naturals. I honestly really didn't have to tell them anything other then where to stop and interact. This made the day so easy, relaxed and extremely fun. 

After walking through most of the park we ended up back where we started in the parking lot. Before we finished up, we made sure to go down to the river and get some beautiful photos on the water. What I found cool was that in a couple of the photos you could actually see their breath. It just added this nice little touch. As I was saying earlier, they were both very easy going and they proved it on the final few photos. I asked them both to walk back on to the bridge so I could get a nice wide angle shot of the two of them. 

And, that was it. The hour went be extremely fast and I'm very happy with how the photos turned out. Both Sophie and Caleb were a pleasure to photograph and I simply can't wait until the wedding next year. 

Brianne + Darren Engagement - Tree Farm

Going into the weekend I wasn't sure how the weather was going to be but Saturday ended up clearing up quite a bit and the sun even made an appearance. It was perfect timing for my first session of the day, and engagement session with Brianne, Darren and their dog Cora. They decided they wanted to do a mini-session, which is 30 minutes long, at the Tree Farm. 

Like most couples, Brianne immediately told me that she doesn't really know what to do in front of the camera and I was quick to reassure them both. I get that exact question more then I can count from people and I say the same thing to each and every one of them. Just be yourself. I find it usually takes are few shots for couples to get truly comfortable but once they do it's a breeze. That is exactly what happened during this session. Both Brianne and Darren were naturals by the end of it all. It helps that I keep the entire shoot very relaxed. I always direct each couple a little bit, but at the end of the day, it's up to them to be themselves.

Because it was a 30 minute session we stayed in the first part of the Tree Farm which was just fine. There was a couple great areas with the usual tall trees as well as a few different trails. I even managed to get some great photos of Cora, doing her best pose. All in all, it was a fun little session and I think that comes through in all the photos below. Thanks as always to Brianne and Darren for letting me photograph their engagement session. They were a pleasure to work with!

Alicia + Ghislain Engagement - Waverly Park

Most of my photo sessions the last few months has either been weddings or family portraits, so when Alicia and Ghislain contacted me to take some engagement photos for them, I was super excited. Not that there is anything wrong with weddings and family portraits, but it's always nice to do some engagement sessions to mix it up a bit.

Since Alicia is going to law school, she figured what better location, then Waverly Park, which is where the law school is located. It also happens to be my old high school which used to be called P.A.C.I. Back then it was a beautiful building and it still is to this day. 

After a quick hello in the parking lot, I immediately took Alicia and Ghislain to the back of the school. There is very nice brick wall there so we spent a bit of time using that as a backdrop. We then headed back to the front of the school to get some more photos. It's hard not to come away with great looking shots with such a beautiful and historical building the background. 

They both brought some props to the shoot as well which I was more then happy to incorporate into the session. Because they hadn't decided on the exact date, we made sure to do two different dates. So if you are wondering why the date is different in some of the photos, that is why. It's actually very smart if you ask me, and something I will recommend to future couples who are still unsure about their date.

Once we were done in front of the school, we headed on down to Waverly Park. I have done many wedding portraits here so I already had some ideas of where to go. With that being said, I always look for different angles and perspectives. As a photographer, it's important to always challenge yourself to do something different, which I think I was able to this time around. Sometimes it's getting down lower, or perhaps using a different lens. One of my favourite photos is the last one, where I got a while expansive shot of both of them kissing with the law school in the background. 

Another spot we took advantage of was the Magnus Theatre back wall. Admittedly, I have used this was a couple times before but I just couldn't resist. Even though I had used it before, I still made sure to try something a bit different. With the sun low in the sky, it created some great soft shadows, on the wall, so I played with that a little.

One that can be overlooked sometimes during an engagement sessions just focusing on the couple and not getting any ring shots. So we took a few minutes to get some interesting photos of Alicia's ring. Then after a few more photos of the happy couple, we were done. I say this every single blog post, but it always holds true ... Alicia and Ghislain where the perfect couple to photograph. They were very easy going, and the fact that they brought some of their own props helped us get some truly unique photos. I'm glad I was able to be a part of the engagement!