My Path

Ahhh... at last I am here.

At a recent workshop I attended in Atlanta, we were requested to ask ourselves, 'what is your path?'. In many ways, I had never really asked myself that question with regards to my photography. However, as soon as I asked the question - I knew the answer - and that is that my heart belongs to shooting all natural light, on-location (at client's homes or at various outdoor locations). This was so clear to me, as I had spent most of last year shooting away from my home studio - always gently nudging clients away from studio. For me, I love not knowing what to expect at each client's home. In essence - a new backdrop at every session! This allows for a fresh canvas so-to-speak, with numerous possibilities for creativity - both during the session and in post-processing after the session.

The other aspect of my path that I acknowledged is that I very much need and want to have a dedicated space (picture fabulous loft space somewhere in Toronto :-)). This would be a beautiful space where I would set up my office, consult with clients, and showcase my different product offerings and my work. This is very exciting, but obviously takes considerable planning before making it a reality.

For those that are still sticking with me in this longer-than-usual post - I would like to post some of my favorite on-location photographs - which will hopefully clarify for those of you reading - why shooting on-location with all natural light is the right path for me. Thanks for reading.

#1 - A great family with a fabulous bed...


#2 - A client's great bowl, blanket, and kitchen counter


#3 - New sisters - great purple bedspread...


#4 - Cutie-pie with Mom's lipstick...


#5 - Looking up from play...


#6 - High Park - lookin' out...


#7 - Ahh - what a great space to shoot in...


#8 - Making use of the artwork on the wall...


#9 - Fabulous grassy field on a warm summer day...


#10 - On older brothers bedspread - a favorite...


#11 - A boy in his room...


#12 - A bowl, a baby, some books, and a window...


#13 - A fun family game for anything...


#14 - Sweet babe and a great chair...


#15 - Gorgeous blue eyes in a sea of warm green colours...

A Good Night's Sleep

This was a rare Sunday morning shoot, that was due to start on the earlier side - 9a.m. - due to the fact that the 2 young boys were early risers. Alas, when I arrived and knocked on the door, it appeared that no one was home :-o! Not to worry, as Dad finally opened the door in his robe - with shaving cream still on and apparently Mom was still in the shower :-)! The good news, however, was that both boys had slept in until 8a.m. - which for me meant that they would be in good spirits.

What a great time we had. Everyone (including Mom and Dad) was in a great mood, and a good time was had by all. The focus was a little heavier on the younger boy, as we had shot his older brother at the same young age. Below is a sampling from our festive and fun morning...

#1 - Beautiful Big Brother


#2 - Can you say 'so friggin' cute!'...


#3 - Those eyes...

No Need for Plan B :-)

This was one of those sessions that started out very promising (before I started shooting :-)), and quickly went downhill from there... until... it went uphill once again to my great relief and delight.

My subjects were an 8 1/2 year old and her 4 year old sister (who I previously photographed when she was around 8 months). The younger sister had been asleep when she arrived, but woke up soon thereafter to her parent's dismay. She seemed happy at first, but had no interest in having her picture taken at all. Alas, it was fairly close to her lunchtime, so we thought perhaps she could have something to eat and all would be good. For the first 15 minutes of eating, this little girl was just not a happy camper at all - crying and fussing while being fed, and rubbing her eyes, indicating her fatique. This was not promising. At this point I said to the parents, 'we may have to think about a Plan B'. Having said that, Dad, older sister, and myself disappeared downstairs for a bit while the baby continued having her lunch.

15 minutes later, I come back upstairs to see how the baby is doing - and she is looking VERY happy. I still wasn't convinced that she was going to deliver, but suffice to say she did in spades. I posted two close-ups of her so you could get a sense of her impishness and energy. Her sister delivered from the beginning, and did not disappoint either. All in all, a long but successful session!

#1 - Woohoo!


#2 - Am I cute or what!?


#3 - Her beautiful older sister


#4 - Sisters...

Two Sparks

Over the Easter weekend, I shot 2 sisters - one of whom I had already photographed when she was a baby - like her sister is now. I remember the first sibling very well, because she really was so *sparkly*. I can see that it must run in the family, as sister #2 was full of spark as well. Overall, I enjoyed myself immensely with these 2 girls! Thanks for looking.

#1


#2

What a Marvel

I have just returned from a 4 day workshop, that brought me together with some amazing photographers worldwide. My head is spinning with ideas!! One of the photographers talked about how very precious children are, and put up a quote by Pablo Casals, the great Spanish cellist, which brought me to tears (especially since I was away from my kids for 4 days). Pablo's message is that we need to teach our children more than 2+2=4, and more about how special and unique they are.
Here is the quote...

You are a marvel.

You are unique.
In all the years that have passed,
there has never been another child like you.

Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers,
the way you move.
You may become a Shakespeare,
a Michaelangelo, a Beethoven.

You have the capacity for anything.

Yes, you are a marvel
And when you grow up, can you then harm another
who is, like you, a marvel?
You must work - we must all work
to make the world
worthy of its children

~Pablo Casals~

I was so touched when I heard this poem, as I had not heard it before. It reinforced for me how important it is when I walk into a shoot, to recognize the uniqueness of each child I encounter.

Before signing off, I would like to share one of my all time favorite pictures of my husband and two kids, which is my 'wallpaper' on my phone, and which reminds me daily how truly amazing and spirited my kids are (and my husband!).



Oh...and one last thing. I was reminded during my 4 days away that I have become a very lazy blogger! So... I have made a serious commitment to change that, and promise to post more from my sessions on a regular basis.

Happy Easter everyone! I hope that everyone takes some extra time this weekend to be present with their children and let them know how amazing they are!