Winter in Canada

As everyone is well aware, winter in Canada is long and cold. We have weeks at a time in Calgary that we can't leave the house without 5 layers on with minimal skin exposure. The winter ninja look is something I feel I've perfected. BUT living in Calgary we also get chinooks ( for those of you unaware, a chinook is a warm pressure system of air that comes over the Rocky Mountains, that warms us, like 20-30 degree temperature shifts overnight) And with those comes all the chance and opportunity to get out and enjoy our winter wonderland. I love when families want to do winter sessions as it truly is so beautiful. The  sparkling snow and the low glowing sun enhance these images and help create such a magical ambiance. 

The Cross family was more than willing to be outside and take a chance with our weather. These three were so sweet and beautiful, about to celebrate Aria's first birthday. She was the cutest and has the most stunning clear blue eyes. So happy and full of smiles. It was so fun hanging out with them and capturing their love. We were at a new location (to me) and I loved how they turned out. Right along the elbow river, a beautiful little park/garden area. Now mind you, it was winter and snow covered everything, but it was gorgeous, and they were ready for this. Such naturals in front of my camera, and spending their time doting on each other and their sweet baby girl. We had a great a time and I really loved the way these turned out. Winter sessions can be just as beautiful as summer and fall ones, and this one is among a favourite of mine. 

Here's a few of our time together

Turning my camera on mom and dad in these sessions is one of my favourite things to do. Usually its been since their wedding day (for the most part) that they've had any one on one photos done. Its very easy to get caught up with the daily activities and whirlwind that life is with children, so taking a few minutes and capturing their bond and connection is important to me. I love capturing the way the man looks at his love. These two were still just as smitten with each other as I can imagine they were when they first fell in love, and capturing their love was easy. 

We ended the session with a few more shots of all of them together, capturing their laughter and joy as they celebrated the first year of being a family of three. 

Tracy + Basil - Engagement

As Valentine's Day approaches, I can't help but love love, and reminiscing about a couple who was everything that stands for love. The first time I met Tracy, I knew we'd be a good fit. Her energy was so kind and genuinely happy, and the way she spoke about her family, and the man she was about to marry said it all. Our ideas and vision was so in tune that I knew it was going to be so wonderful working with them.

We picked a beautiful evening in July to do their engagement session at a most incredible location. Now I'd heard about this place from a few people, but never ventured to check it out. I'm so glad I did as it's one of the most beautiful locations I've ever seen. It's somewhat of a secret garden just outside downtown. Now you'd never know it from the outside looking in. Completely secluded from the world around you with the most intricate stone paths, leading from garden to garden with the most beautiful flowers of every color. Seriously I was in heaven when I went to have a look with my boys before hand. 

The evening of the session was pure magic, Tracy and Basil exude love and devotion. I loved their connection with each other and the way they looked at each other and laughed together. True love that has an incredible foundation. I knew after this session that their wedding was going to be amazing, full of romance and emotion. I was right..

I'll get to their wedding in a separate post... one day! 

The Werbicki's

I love how different each family is. Everyone's dynamic is so individual, so learning all about you is truly amazing. Some families are crazy and wild, while some are more quiet and sensitive, regardless how your family interacts, my goal is to capture your truth. From capturing the joy and magic of childhood, to the love that created the family between mom and dad and everything in between. I love getting in your face and getting these real emotions and expressions. If you've had a family session with me, you probably know my one and only lame joke... I swear I'm working on remembering more, but I just can't seem to retain any... but that lame joke is awesome, and (usually) gets you all laughing. Recently I did a session, and when I was getting shots of the kids, the dad quickly blurted out  "poop!" and I got the biggest most genuine roaring laughter from these two... so watch out, it may be in my repertoire... 

On to this sweet family. The Werbicki's. 

I was contacted by Rachel to do their family photos last July. We picked East Village and St.Patricks Island to do the session, which is a spot I absolutely love. You get a bit of urban with some amazing city views, mixed in with the perfect touch of nature. Now when I say these kids were cute, you have no idea. (you'll have to keep reading to see) All three of them were so sweet and well mannered, but still laughing, joking and having fun, just being themselves. It was so easy capturing their connections, because that's just how they are.  Sweet cuddles and giggles then running and laughing. It was such a great day and I really loved learning all about them. 

Family lifestyle sessions are the perfect way to capture a moment in your lives. The authenticity of this approach will leave you with images that reflect you personally, and tell your story.