Amanda + Serge + Norah - Christmas Portraits

I am planning to run an ugly sweater portrait special very soon so what better way to get some promo photos for it then to ask our close friends Amanda and Serge and of course Norah to model for me. I have photographed them outside a few times so this was the first time I was able to get them into the studio. Norah was ready to go from the beginning. I could have easily photographed her for a couple hours.

After the hour session was done we ended up with about 40 final photos. These are some of my favourite photos from the session. I’m hoping to get some more family’s in the studio in the coming week(s). So if any of you are reading this and you have an ugly Christmas sweater (or just a normal one), don’t hesitate to contact me to book a session.

Kaylee + Carter Studio Session

I have done a few portraits sessions of Kaylee and Carter but they have all been outdoors. This was the first time I had them inside my studio and I was super excited. Not that I don’t like outdoor portraits, it was just a nice change to do them in the studio. This one was just a quick mini session, but as usual, we packed a lot into it.

Upon entering my Kaylee and Carter were asked who wanted to go first and to my surprise, Carter yelled out that he would. From there we were off to the races. Kaylee was of course the perfect model as usual. Carter on the other hand was great, but he did need a couple cookies for incentive. In the end, I’m super happy with how the photos turned out. Both Kaylee and Carter are very photogenic as you can see from the photos below. I’m already looking forward to the next session!

Jake + Brittany Portraits - Tree Farm

Now that the cold weather is here, it’s a bit tougher to plan outdoor portrait sessions, but we managed to just do that this past Saturday at the Tree Farm. Jake and Brittany, and of course their beautiful dog, Molson, joined me for a 30 minute session. It was just enough to time to do a a short walk around the farm and capture some memorable moments along the way.

Jake and Brittany were a tiny bit nervous because it was their first portrait session but they had nothing to worry about. They were so natural in front of the camera as you can see from the photos below. Molson on the other hand didn’t want to stop long enough to get a proper portrait. Suffice it to say, I had to be quick when getting photos of him. The only way we were able to get him to sit for a couple group shots was with the treats.

Even though it was cold, Jake and Brittany were so patient and easy going. I had blast photographing them and I just love how the photos turned out.

Nicole + Family Portraits - Tree Farm

With winter just around the corner, my session with Nicole and her family ended up having the perfect weather, even though we had to delay it by one day. The location was the Tree Farm which is definitely one of the most beautiful locations in general, especially this time of year with the colour turning.

This was my first time meeting and photographing Nicole, Sunny, Sawyer, Hanna and of course their husky Grissom. I really hope I get to do so again next year! Upon entering the park, they let Grissom off his leash and I can honestly say I have never seen a dog run that fast in my life. He literally did about 3 circles in the area at mach 10 speed. It was so cute. I was worried he was going to be like that the whole session but he mellowed out, a bit, as we continued on.

Nicole and her family were so extremely easy to photography. They were very natural in front of the camera and super easy going. As with most of my sessions, we just kept it casual, like we were going for a walk through the forest. We stopped here and there, capturing some posed photos and of course some candids as well.

As I mentioned above, the weather was perfect. It wasn’t too cold and it was a cloudy day which meant great lighting. It also helped that both of the little ones were the perfect models. They were so calm.

I’m really glad we managed to get a nice day this past weekend, after getting rained out on the Saturday. I couldn’t have asked for a better family to spend an hour of my time with on a beautiful fall afternoon.

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.

Tobin + Kristi Family Portraits - Centennial Park

I love photographing families, especially ones that I have been doing for a number of years now. Case in point, Kristi and Tobin and of course Hudson and Grace. It’s just so amazing seeing how fast the kids grow up and mature. Plus it helps that there is no adjustment period, everyone is just comfortable right off the bat.

This time around, we managed to find some time this past weekend at our favourite spot that we have used a couple times in the past, Centennial Park. It was the perfect day and weather for some fall portraits. As usual, we kept it super casual and kind of just went with the flow. Grace and Hudson were awesome models as usual. Although, I truly believe for every single photo, Hudson said ‘cheese’, which as very amusing. After getting some great shots at Centennial Park, we drove down the small park near the entrance captured some more photos on the river bank. Luckily the water wasn’t as high there compared to Centennial Park.

While we were there Grace showed me some more of her special poses and even a few dance moves. Hudson proved that he does have quite the throwing arm on him too.

Before we called it a day, we finished the session off on Cooke Street downtown, using the graffiti walls as a backdrop. It is one of my favourite areas in town and I was so excited when Tobin suggested it. They ended up being some of my favourite photos from the entire session.

It was a fitting end to a very fun session. As I am sure I have said after every session, I very much look forward to the next one!

Talk4Healing Photoshoot - ONWA

When ONWA approached me to help Talk4Healing update all the imagery for their website I jumped at the chance. It all happened in the span of 3 days and before I knew it I was at ONWA photographing a wonderful group of women. For those of you who don’t know, Talk4Healing is a culturally grounded, fully confidential helpline for Indigenous women available in 14 languages all across Ontario.

Basically they need and updated catalogue of photos for their website and social media. The theme was support which is exactly what we focused on during the shoot. I believe the photos below, directly convey that message. Talk4Healing and ONWA are amazing organizations and I’m very proud that I am able to contribute to their message.

If you would like to learn more about either organizations click on the links below.

Ontario Native Women’s Organization

Talk4Healing

Best Bite Shawarma - The Walleye

Every once in a while The Walleye asks me to go to a restaurant here in town and photograph one of their dishes for an upcoming issue. If I can do it, I always say yes. I love food, so it’s pretty much a no brainer for me. This time around the restaurant was Best Bite Shawarma. I’m not going to write a review of the food or anything like that. You are better off heading over to The Walleye’s website for that. But I will say that since photographing the dish, I have been back two more times. The food there is amazing and of course the service is just as good.

If you anywhere near Superior High School, it right across the street. I encourage to go check it out. You definitely won't be disappointed. If you are interested in reading the review I have supplied the link below.

The Walleye - October Issue

Brittney + Adam Family Session - Hillcrest Park

As I have mentioned in previous blog posts I always enjoy portraits sessions where family is involved. This time around it was with my niece Brittney, her husband Adam and the rest of their family. We decided on Hillcrest Park later in the evening and we couldn't have asked for a better day for portraits. The weather was perfect and the sun slowly setting in the sky, so the lighting was ideal. 

The session itself was very casual and I kind of just rolled with the punches. Anytime kids are involved you really have no choice. Luckily everyone was great and it made for some really good 'posed' photos along with a lot of candids. I had a great time spending time the whole family and I can't wait to do it again. 

Kevin + Ayano Portrait Session - Cascades

Last week I was lucky enough to spend an hour with Kevin and Ayano at Cascades, which is by far one of the nicest locations in town to not only walk around, but of course take portraits. Almost all of my portrait sessions are very casual and natural. We simply went for a walk to the water and stopped along the way to take some beautiful portraits. I also captured some candids along the way as well.

Kevin and Ayano were extremely easy to photograph and very photogenic so it made my job very easy. It's sessions like these that already have me worried about summer coming to an end because it was such a fun session. Although, the trail is also nice in the winter, just much colder. 

Shelly + Family Portraits - Centennial Park

I was so happy when Shelly asked if I could do another family session with them, this time at Centennial Park which is of course always beautiful. The session was actually a Christmas present for her Mom. I had photographed her and the family before so I knew that it would be fun and relaxed time. As I always do, we just walked and stopped along the way getting a mix of candid and posed photos. Shelly and Jason had some great ideas for portraits too which is always welcome. 

We made sure to use the beautiful cabins as a backdrop and even the old red tractor that has been there as long as I can remember. The kids loved the tractor and were climbing all over it. Before the session was done, I suggested everyone go down to the river to get a couple final photos. I'm so glad I did as those ones turned out to be some of my favourites. I can't wait until the next session!

Amy + Family Newborn Session

I have lost count how any sessions it has been with Amy and her wonderful family, which is a good thing. I look forward to so many more future session, because each one outdoes the last. Case in point, Amy and David welcome Ellie to the family around 6 weeks ago, so it was a no brainer to get some updated family portraits that include the newest addition to the family. 

As soon as I got there we got started immediately. Of course, I focused on Ellie first, and if I'm being honest, for most of the session. That doesn't mean we didn't get the whole family though as you can see from the photos below. Amy and David have such a beautiful house it's hard not to come away with some great backdrops. The nursery was so cute too, with some nice details which I made sure to capture. 

We finished the session outside which was the perfect end to a perfect session. I still can't believe how fast the hour went by. I could have photographer Ellie (and the rest of the family) or another hour or more! 

As I have been also doing more of lately, there is a short video below that you can view showing a few moments from the session. Thanks for viewing!