So what else is new?

I recently had someone say to me... 'well you must have so much time off during the week, really you only work weddings on the weekends'... If only that were true.On that note, I thought I'd share with you all what my weeks look like...

I shoot weddings Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Monday is my day off (which I always spend editing and answering emails), Tuesday/Wednesday I shoot family sessions, Thursday I edit, answer emails, send out contracts and answer phone messages, which takes me back to Friday... hey.... right back at weddings.

I love every moment of it... but I am a bit busy.

In saying that, I am fully booked until end of September. I am currently taking bookings for October. But a pre-warning I am taking most of November and all of December off. (by time off, I mean not shooting, I'll still be organizing my life, updating brochures, wedding albums, websites, etc) I feel it is entirely necessary, so that I can continue to produce quality work. I need some time to recharge my batteries, and gather up all of my creative energy, and quite honestly just relax (oooh and shoot a wedding in the Mexican Riviera!!!!) I realize that many of you may be interested in Christmas Presents and gifts of the photographic nature... so I am urging you to book now, or forever hold your peace (until after the holidays).

As for the rest of the summer, I will summon up all of the creative muses of the west coast, and keep working away.

I love all of you reading my blog, and am so excited to have such a warm response from so many of you about my shoots/weddings and daily happenings. You are all truly wonderful! I am so incredibly grateful to be given the opportunity to meet/connect and photograph so many inspiring families, and so many amazing milestones in peoples lives. I truly wouldn't have it any other way. What happend in July??? Beautiful people, perfect moments I'd like to share a few of my favorites!

Beginning with Marlo and company... Shelly's renewal of vows.... Paulas clan... Travis, Michelle and girls. Ryan, Lisa and Rhianna. Darcy and crew. Kims backyard babes And who can resist Preslee. Don't be afraid to leave comments!!! Let me know what you think!!!

Inspiration Lives Here.

From the moment Andrea and I spoke on the phone, I knew we were going to make magic together. Our shoot was at Rebecca Spit on Quadra Island. Bob pulled up in the most amazing old truck... Mariah came armed with her guitar, and the boys came prepared to be boys!!!

I was so incredibly inspired at the time, overwhelmed with opportunities and moments! I absolutely love that Andrea had so much faith in me and let me run wild with my wild ideas and creative craziness. Some days everything just fits together so perfectly. This was one of those days. I also had an amazing time editing these images, and hope you enjoy them as well. Mariah is an incredible gal, full of ideas, full of life and awesome with her guitar! Near the end of our shoot, I knew I had yet to 'crack' River into a smile... so I stole him away for a little one on one, which included talk of hockey and tree climbing... and finally, a smile. I love this image of Andrea and River. And Sjor with his amazing curls... running through the grass into the sunlight. Perfect.

Byron, Scotia plus 3!

If you know this family, you love them. Going into this shoot, I knew how much Scotia wanted her family, her children captured. We had talked about it a few times before, and some times you just know how important it is for a mom to have her babies beautiful little faces photographed. When I know how excited people are about their shoots, it does nothing short of spiral me into a wild whirl wind of inspiration. I loved spending time with this bunch, and was so excited when the Dawson started flashing smiles my way! (something he is usually reluctant to do initially!) What a beautiful bunch!

40 years?!?

I can only imagine what it takes to hold a marriage together for this long.

40 YEARS!

I know of marriages that have lasted all of 2 weeks. 40 years seems like somewhat of an old wives tale. The mythological creature you hear about, but never see.

I met Terry and Maureen along with their 2 sons and their beautiful families this past weekend. Upon introductions and getting everyone polished up, hair combed, and tucked in... Maureen said "40 years ago today, I was stepping into my wedding dress". I had goosebumps.

I was instantly inspired. Here are my favorite images from their session.

Full of Life...

Thats how I would describe Brooklyn!!! Full of life. Absolutely!!!

The first time I met Brooklyn was at the ice arena (she was watching her dad play hockey). It did not take long to realize that she was someone with a whole lot of energy! Within moments of our first meeting she was sitting on my knee, telling me all kinds of stories.

I have known both parents for a long time, (in fact in high school I seem to recall driving around with Michelle singing Pam Tillis' "spilled perfume") When Michelle asked me to capture her family with an energized Brooklyn and a baby on the way, I was in. Their session took less than an hour, and in all honesty I felt like I had it after the first 10 minutes... it was effortless.

I look forward to meeting the little one tucked inside Michelles belly very soon! (Brooklyn announced during our session that it was in fact a boy, although she has always just said previously "well.... girl or boy") I'll keep you posted to what they welcome into the world!!!

This first image, may just be my favorite. The light was perfect, the wind was blowing... gives me goosebumps still! A rare, still moment with Brooklyn.