Perchance... to laugh.

There are many beautiful gifts in this world. They come in the most amazing packages, and at times, exactly when you need it.

What I find amazingly rewarding, is to witness, and be apart of one of the most beautiful gifts of all, laughter. Where there is laughter there is joy, freedom, and most importantly there is hope.

In my travels, and right here at home...I have learned that not all childhood is bright, sunny and full of happiness. Sadly, so many children are not smiling, or laughing. So, when I can witness children exploding with joy... well that my friends is pure happiness.

This session originates from the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's need for images. I've partnered with them to create a bit of a stock library for their fundraising materials, brochures documents, etc... I've had a long and profound connection with the foundation because of my Uncle Michael's early loss of life because of CF. Also the long and beautiful relationship with the Black Family.

In any case, I'm always thrilled to do whatever I can, and I love this cause!!! The Campbell Rivers annual Rod Brind'Amour Golf Classic is also coming up, and if you have anything you would like to donate, to the silent or live auction, or wish to help out in any way, please do not hesitate to contact them.. HERE!

Now! The sun is shining... that is my cue... Have an amazing weekend everyone! Thanks always, for all of your love and support, your comments make my day ALWAYS!

And go on, have a laugh, you'll feel better!

Up close and intimate

I love babies, and kids first thing in the morning. Some fresh, rested and rosy cheeked... some cranky and tired... all equally entertaining and most amazing. So real, so pure. I loved photographing Liana and her crew, bright and early to catch them at their best! We started off at their home, and then a few at the beach as well! What a gorgeous bunch!

Love is art.

If I were to sum up my entire day, with one image... today, it would be this one.

There is just so much I love about this image, starting from her moms hand tenderly placing the flower in her hair... right down to the peaceful, innocence on her little face. There is so much beauty in the world, at times, my heart feels like it might explode.

Today I had the pleasure of photographing two beautiful families, and next week, I'll share both shoots with you. But for now, I just had to introduce you to this little ball of sunshine. My heart melts with this photo. Love is art. Truly.

Chris and Alanna...

Finally it is beginning to feel like Spring around Campbell River!!! This past Saturday turned out to be a beautiful day, with gorgeous people and was my first experience photographing a wedding at Crown Isle in the Comox Valley. I was certainly not disappointed. A perfect day, for an amazing couple... Meet Chris, Alanna and all of those who love them!!!

Noah

I have had the immense pleasure of knowing The Richardson family for, forever.

June 2000 I photographed the safe and happy arrival of a little gem named Brooklynne, April 2003 I photographed her parents, Kristie and Jason's wedding, here in Campbell River. These are not every day ordinary human beings. They are extraordinary.

When Kristie contacted me she was pregnant with their second baby, we decided on some studio images some time in March. The email I received in March, was both moving and beautiful. Kristie and I have decided to share some of Noah's life here with you, as she says "it might be a good example for your viewers showing, that everyone has their own beauty." (I couldn't agree more)

Noah was born with Down Syndrome. One of the most heartfelt emails I have ever received was the one from Kristie explaining some of the circumstances surrounding his arrival. She says,

"Our son, Noah Ross Richardson, was born on March 2 at 12:33pm. He weighed a whopping 9 pounds 2.4 ounces and was 21 inches long. Now I am ready to tell you that Noah does have Down Syndrome. He has many, many positive things going for him in that his heart is very healthy, he is very big and alert, and is very responsive to all of us. I am just learning about all of this myself, but the doctors tell us this is already good news for Noah. There will not be any way of telling the severity of his developmental issues until he grows and gets older. All I can tell you is that he is a beautiful, healthy boy that will have some special needs, and Jason and I are fully prepared to help him conquer all of those challenges. He is our son and we are very, very proud of him."

If that doesn't rock your soul, nothing will. "He is our son and we are very, very proud of him." Beautiful. Kristie, Jason and Brooklynne, you are all absolutely what true love is all about. It chokes me up, puts giant tears in my eyes. Your strength, acceptance and understanding are nothing short of spectacular. I love that you view it as "He chose us to be his parents because he knew we would love him no matter what--and we do. We are so lucky to have him in our lives and we wouldn't trade him for anything in this world."

One of my deepest pleasures comes from seeing beauty everywhere, in everyone. It doesn't take you long, to notice that Noah is perfect. He has such calm and loving energy, I could have photographed him for hours.

I am honored The Richardson's chose me to photograph them along their journeys and can only hope that you all have people in your lives that move you to tears and inspire you to be better as well. After all, we are all so fragile, trying to get through our own little lives. Go easy on each other. Be amazing.

Welcome to the world, little man. I look forward to photographing you again and again!