kyla + marc + karlyn = love

It's always a teensy bit nerve-wracking going to someone's home for a photo shoot. You never quite know what you're going to walk into and of course, I'm always plagued by the "what if I can't get a good shot?" doubts.

But the instant I walked in the front door, Kyla and Marc put my nerves at ease. These two are the most easy-going, warm and welcoming folks you'd ever want to meet. I felt comfortable right away and knew this was going to be an enjoyable hour.

Their baby girl Karlyn is an absolute pleasure. She was so well behaved and the camera loves her. I got some absolutely breath-taking shots of this blue-eyed beauty.

I wasn't able to capture an a-one traditional family portrait (it's hard to get everyone looking at the camera with a normal expression!). But what I think I did do, was capture a moment in time - a new family in love with each other and so very happy. (I'm sure Merlot the Cat is happy too, despite his grouchy scowl!)

Thank-you Kyla and Marc, for inviting me into your home and allowing me to share in this special time!

little men

Last week I hosted a crafternoon at my place (which I will blog about eventually). I know! Isn't the term crafternoon super-awesome? Sadly, I can't take credit for the idea, which lies here. And I certainly can't take any credit for the two handsome gentlemen who also attended crafternoon. But what I can take credit for, is snapping these pictures. These adorable little dudes are all about the eyes!

here comes trouble!

Another shot of Rhianna, this time enjoying a game of Trouble. I absolutely love taking shots of kids doing what kids do best - playing and having fun. It's such a happy and sacred time in our lives that I consider it a privilege to document it... and by doing so, hopefully remind people to hold on to this care-free attitude and embrace the importance of PLAY! xoxo.

sarah & joel {in love}

After months and months of talking about it, Sarah, Joel and I got together for their engagement shoot in January. Sarah wanted to do it outside on the beach because Joel proposed on a beach... God love their hardiness because it was COLD and you can barely see how freezing Sarah is in any of these images. Afterwards, I don't think I felt my fingers for 45 minutes!

But these shots were totally worth it. Sarah is stunningly beautiful and her and Joel simply glow. You can tell that these two are meant to be together and it's wonderful to see two people so in love. Hopefully their wedding down south this Spring will be a touch warmer than this day was. :)

four decades of love

Ever since I first started taking my photography seriously, I've wanted to do a shoot with Mom and Dad. But you know how it is - there's never time or it's never convenient. And one sad but true fact I've observed is that as people get older (and I'm talking sometimes 35 or 40!) they become more and more reluctant to have their portrait taken. I don't know why, as the stories on people's faces become ever-so-much-more interesting with every day that passes.

But I digress. One fine fall day this November as they were driving me back to Halifax, the sun was slanting at such an angle that I absolutely had to pull over and get some shots. My parents essentially had no choice in the matter. And just like that, their impromptu photo shoot began.

Have I mentioned before how amazing my parents are? Well, they are. And I consider myself a lucky pup to have witnessed the growth of a marriage - a delicate balance cemented by love - that I can refer to as a healthy and vibrant reference point when navigating my own life. For two people to have been in love every single day for over 40 years is nothing short of incredible. And I really do think these pictures highlight something magical. xo.

PS: This jumping shot was all Mom's idea. Seriously!! :)

a morning's contemplation

I don't know why I've had a hard time pinning myself down long enough to blog lately. My mind has been scattered and my heart has been pulled in many directions. Consequently, my focus has been a tad blurry, if not completely lacking these past few weeks (er... months).

The drama of life continues to unfold on a daily basis. The thoughts of, "have I chosen the correct path?" and "how am I going to make this work?" continue to poke holes in my normally determined and hopeful bubble of thoughts. I've been getting discouraged with my job-that-pays-the-bills and have been employing lame excuses for Not Getting Anything Done. (I have a headache. My room is too messy and is stifling my creative flow. And so on).

But this morning as I looked at the light falling on my delicious cream cheese brownie (made in celebration of a dear friend's birthday) sitting on its immaculate white plate, I felt something creep in and nestle in my heart. Was it the promise of spring? Was it a renewal of faith that everything will be OK and all is well? Was it the whispering of, "don't forget about the small things that really matter?" I don't know what it was, but it felt warm and good and my stomach felt fizzy with excitement.

It's so easy to get bogged down with the must-dos, should-have-dones and the don't-really-matter-details that I sometimes forget to broaden my mind to the bigger picture and those things that truly bring me joy. And sometimes all you need as a reminder is delicate light cast on a homemade brownie.

(These are easy and delicious. Click HERE for the recipe from Betty Crocker).

i get along with a little help from my friends

This blog post is dedicated to the wonderful people I call friends. These beautiful people make life magical. Why don't you click here and shed a tear while you think about how amazing your friends are too. xoxo.

(All images taken September 12, 2009 at Cooper's wedding).

little miss jaida

Before Christmas I did a shoot with beautiful Jaida. This was a secret mission because the photos were a present for her Mommy. We had fun climbing trees, jumping in puddles and running around and best of all, the pictures remained a secret all the way til Christmas morning! Good job Jaida! Here are a few of my favourite shots of this precious little girl.


And here's Jaida with her wonderful and amazing Aunt Dawn. So cute! So much love! xo.

megan & lg {part II}

I don't think you need me to tell you how in love these two are, the pictures tell the story loud and clear. I especially like the first one - I think it's dead sexy with a very intense energy... when I first saw it, I got goosebumps!

Congratulations Megan and Lg - I'm super stoked to shoot your wedding in April!