Jennifer Blaauw PhotoBlog

Happy Holidays

2011-12-24T14:17:00.000-08:00

Almost forgot. When we went on my 10 minute family pilgrimage to get our Christmas Tree, my husband spotted this. Is it too late to put these light bouncers on my wish list?

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours from me and mine!

My 2012 Calendar

2011-12-23T19:03:00.000-08:00

Two more sleeps before Christmas and I've finally finished my 2012 calendar. I usually do a monthly view version, but maybe I'll do a year at a glance too.

I don't know if I'll post any more this year. Likely I will, but in case I don't I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday. I love this time of year when kids are bubbling over with excitement. I also want to Thank everyone for checking in on my little blog. It means a lot to me.

Sneak Peek: When Mom is in the picture

2011-12-15T20:34:00.000-08:00

I love it when a mom wants to be in the photos. Don't get me wrong, I have avoided more than my share of photo ops, so I get the inclination to step back. But when your babe is this little, really, how could you not be in the picture?

5 Best Toys of All Time (Geek Dad)

2011-12-09T18:56:00.001-08:00

This is the first time that I've posted purely because I love a blog post from another blog. I often love posts from other blogs, but I especially love this one. It's truly the 5 Best Toys of All Time. What are they?

I'll give you a hint...check out this and this or just go and see what Geek Dad has to say on Wired.com.

Perfect timing as I sit here with 16 days to Christmas and not a single present at the ready. Better get on it as I definitely don't want to see this again

Sneak Peek: Photography = Playtime

2011-12-05T19:58:00.001-08:00

Photography is playtime for me. Every once and a while I find some great kids who love to play as much as I do. We spent almost the entire session playing. Kids are used to being asked to stop doing that fun thing to smile for that camera. I like to encourage kids to START doing that fun thing and you can bet I'll be ready with that camera.

2012 Photo Calendar Template

2011-12-02T20:22:00.001-08:00

Last year I stumbled upon the Shuttersisters' calendar. It was exactly what I was looking for. Simple and modern, it showcases your images in a quiet, beautiful way. I made a number of them for gifts and sent it to a great printer. Needless to say they were well received. Mine certainly has a prominent place on my desk.

Well, they've done it again, the Shuttersisters have provided another photoshop template to allow us to make our own photo calendars for 2012.

To help you get started; here are a couple of tips garnered from last years calendar making experience:

1) Apparently if you include more photos of one child than another, it does in fact mean that you love that child more.

2) If you have identical twins, try to remember which one you've said is in each photo and be consistent. This trick should reduce the necessity for your child to manipulate you with his Jedi Mind Tricks.

BCC:Beautiful Chaos Chapture

2011-12-02T06:07:00.001-08:00

Haven't posted any Beautiful Chaos Captures in a while. Yesterday after school the boys built "traps" for each other. They spent a long time scavenging and assembling these traps. Both boys included cleverly laid out candies to lure each other to the snare.

Evan was first to find Sam's trap. It went a little like this:

Evan: "Oh, what's this?...candy...yummy...huh? What happens if I go down this little path? "
WHACK...WHACK,whack!
Evan: "whaaaa...boohoohoo...whaa! Sam hit me!"
Meanwhile...
Sam: "THAT WENT ACCORDING TO PLAN! THAT WENT ACCORDING TO PLAN! I PLANNED TO DO THAT! MY TRAP HAD FIGHTING IN IT!

Unfortunately I don't have a photo of that, but it reminded me how important it is to capture who they are not just what they look like. Here are a few images of how they "share" popcorn.

Don't feed too bad for Evan. I found out later that day, that there was "fighting in his trap" too.

Sneak Peek: Photo Adventure Walk

2011-11-17T18:14:00.001-08:00

Typically, when I do a photo shoot focused on kids, one or both of the parents are close by. This time we switched it up a little and I took the kids on a photo adventure walk (gasp!) at Brickworks. Now this doesn't always work, but we all know that our kids act differently when we're not around. I just had a parent teacher interview with Sam and Evan's teachers. Case in point, to my surprise the boys don't spend the entire morning running at top speed around the classroom, arguing, laughing, screaming and ninja fighting.

Sneak Peek: Christmas Card Hopefulls

2011-11-11T10:21:00.001-08:00

It's so rewarding for me to have multiple photos sessions with the same family. Our first photo session was two years ago. Although many things have changed, many have stayed the same. Iain's sisters are still very hands on and Iain is still flexible. Not sure if any of these will make it on to this year's Christmas card, but I hope so.

Sneak Peak: The Farm

2011-11-07T20:08:00.000-08:00

I needed two days...maybe three. There was so much to capture. They wanted a family portrait. For me, the real glance into the family is in the in between moments. I barely scratched the surface. And yes, I've already begged an invitation back.

Hope you like the sneak peek Erika, Heidi and Antje!

Sneak Peek - Little Lucy at Lil' Bean and Green

2011-10-28T20:33:00.000-07:00

Little Lucy is a little older. A fantastic time was had by all at Lil' Bean and Green. What a great spot for a birthday celebration.

10 Tips to help you photograph your Children

2011-10-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

I've just finished an article for the Toronto Parents of Multiple Births Association (TPOMBA). I'm posting it here because it can definitely apply to families with singletons or multiple children. This article is for anyone who wants to learn to take better photographs with their Point and Shoot or dslr permanently set to auto.

10 Tips to help you photograph your multiples

I’ve put together alist of 10 easy tips to help you improve your photo making. These Tips are for those of you thatare content with using your camera’s auto settings and don’t want to invest more money or, let’s be perfectlyhonest, have zero interest in reading your manual. This is an exercise in using what you have and thinkingabout it in a different way. Inthe words of Ansel Adams: “You don’ttake a photograph you make it.”

Response to Q: Who's taller?

1. Tell a story – Before taking the photo, ask yourself, why?Why do I want to make thisphoto? Why is it interesting tome? The answer can help you figureout what to emphasize. Will you focus on them holding hands? Will you pull back to show howthey sleep mirror image to each other? If you love how they smile when they catch a glimpse of each other, thenmaybe you’ll work on a series. Thefirst shot before they’ve noticed each other, and second capturing eyecontact and interaction.

2. Set it up – If your multiples are anything like mine, from the day theycould walk they ran. From the daythey could run, they ran in different directions. So, if you want to capture them together, give them a reasonto be together. For example, put two interestingtoys (read: shinny objects) in the same spot. How about a milkshake with two straws, a new storybook or a cakewith two spoons. You know whatwill work with your kids.

3. Connect and Redirect – Although I love a good camera smile. I really love natural expressions. This means “no cheese” and no requeststo smile at the camera. If youwant them to smile, give themsomething to smile about. If youwant to capture happiness or laughter, be funny. If you want them to look at the camera orlinger, talk to them. Ask themquestions. Sing songs. Connect. All the while your camera is turned on and at the ready.

4. Find the light – Working with the light is one of the mostimportant technical components of taking a good photograph even when using anautomatic camera. When I’mshooting, I’m constantly looking at how the light is changing and how to findlight that will accentuate the story I want to tell. There are some easy ways to minimize lightingchallenges. Shoot on an overcastday. Soft, even light that isbounced around means you can freely follow the leaders. Light shinning through a window canprovide a great light source. With some practice you will be moreaware of harsh shadows that can get in the way of what you want tocapture. Take a testshot. Does the picture on the LCDscreen look as if it’s missing important details? Too light? Move the kids further away from the light. Too dark? – Time to move the kids closer to the light. If the kids are on the bed, adjust the positionof the bed or move yourself to a better vantage point. You can also shoot in the earlymorning or evening when the light is softer. Take note of how your camera behaves in different lightingsituations, then schedule your photo op at a time and place accordingly.

Sam forges ahead with a look of excitement

5. Deflect – Go on a family outing. Explore. Play. Adventures put the focus on the experienceinstead of the camera (at least for the kids). For example, I find that an unstructured walk puts kids atease and allows them to create their own experience – bringing out theirpersonalities and the dynamics of their relationship with each other. Consider bringing a second or third setof hands along to chaperone the kids while you focus on making the photos.

6. Stillness and Blur – Stillness and blur both have their place inphoto making. Much of the time people grapple with blur caused by subjectmovement, camera movement, and long exposure times (due to low light). There are many ways to work withthis. Panning the camera in thedirection your children are moving can help to freeze their motion while thebackground remains a blur. Usingyour elbows as a tripod on a table or leaning on a wall can help to stabilizeyour body and reduce camera shake. Believe it or not, holding your breath as you press the shutter releasecan also help. Half pressing theshutter release to freeze the focus then waiting until you children come intoposition before fully releasing the shutter can also work. Working outdoors where there isgenerally more available light should also increase your chances of gettingsharp images. On the other hand, blurin an image can be an important part of the story. If a child is in constant motion, nothing shows that betterthan a good blur.

7. Stack the deck – If your kids get hungry at 10:00am and liketo nap at 10:30am, DO NOT try to photograph them at this time. That is unless you want to capturetheir grumpy sides. It’s importantto work with their schedules and bring food, water, tissues, and bribes (yes, Isaid bribes). A hungry or tiredchild will mean that you have less time to play, err, I mean photograph them. What about photographing your childreneating their favourite snack? Noneed to keep them hovering on the brink of starvation while saying “just acouple more photos.”

Moving further back and shooting low to the ground

places the importance on both the artist and the art work

8. Use your legs – Most digital cameras come with some abilityto zoom. My favourite type of zoomis my legs. Walking closer ormoving farther away from your kids is not only cost effective, but will giveyou a whole different perspective. Closing in will allow you to remove details in the frame that don’t addto the story. Moving further awaymeans that you’ve included those favourite shoes and some of the surroundingenvironment. When I zoom in I havea clean house. When I step back Icapture the true chaos that is our lives.

9. Bring the compass - Often in order to get the focus correct wehave to center our kids in the frame. Why not start out centered, half press the shutter release, recompose, andthen complete the shot? Remember wecan shift the camera North, South, East and West to vary the composition. And while we are talking aboutcomposition, lets talk about perspective. Sometimes, you can convey a story better from adifferent angle. Try lying on theground, crouching down, or standing on the bed above your child. Think about how changing yourperspective can help tell the story.

10. Quantity can lead to quality – Now, I’m not endorsing hoarding, but thereis significant value in the, “get out and shoot perspective.” By shooting a lot we give ourselves theopportunity to learn from our mistakes, experiment, and repeat what weliked. Practice is key. Andat the end of the year when you are ready to capture those pirouetting, karatekicking, whirling dervishes, don’t hold back. At least a third of the images will have one or more closedeyes, and at least a third more will be rejected for nose picking. If you only snap twice there’s a goodchance you’ll miss the shot.

The more of yourselfyou put into making your family photos the more meaningful they are. Try applying my Top 10 Tips and have fun with your photo making.

Sneak Peek: Mimico Mollusks and Insect Club

2011-10-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun Sneak Peek from September. Have to say it feels strange to post this one without any snails or caterpillars. We were at the Mimico Boat Club, not really a place that I would expect to see so many creepy crawlies. Not to worry, I think we probably cleared most of them out. It's pretty much the plain old Mimico Boat Club now.

Sneak Peek: Is that GQ calling?

2011-10-19T17:23:00.000-07:00

This beautiful family came to me to get photos for their Christmas Card. Check out the photo of Isiah with his hands in his pocket. His idea! Is that GQ I hear calling?

If you're doing your own photos this year, think about leaving some negative space to include text. The last image is a quick mock up of what could be done.

Seed pod wonderment at Tommy Thompson Park

2011-10-19T05:16:00.000-07:00

I'm sure it's obvious, I wasn't a kid who was in a big hurry to grow up. Still not. I loved being a kid. I had a great childhood. I'm sure that's at the root of why I love photographing kids so much. I get to absorb their wonderment. I get to feel their excitement. I get a front row seat and if I'm lucky I get pulled right out of that seat and I love it.

I think...I hope...we've started a tradition. Seems that the kids remembered last year's seed pod adventure and were eager to experience it again.

Brickworks REALLY big show!

2011-10-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

Big things are happening at Brickworks. Yesterday there was a REALLY big show! Now SHHHH! Listen up!

and APPLAUSE!

Sneak Peek: Mothers and Daughters

2011-10-04T19:21:00.000-07:00

Mamas hug your daughters. They grow so fast.

Feelin' it

2011-10-02T19:18:00.000-07:00

What's the story?

2011-09-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

I think great images pull the onlooker in. Make us want to decipher the story. Make us care about the story.

When I look at this image I wonder if I am the onlooker or is she? Seems to me that she is wondering what my story is.

Busy Hands

2011-09-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

Brickworks is an ever evolving wonderland. I love stopping by to see what busy hands have created.

The Sun is Setting

2011-08-30T21:28:00.000-07:00

I remember as a kid thinking summer would last forever. Time used to feel as if it was standing still. Not true anymore. Now we keep moving from one adventure to another and tired as I feel, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Sneak Peek: Stretching your eyes

2011-08-28T19:54:00.000-07:00

This session was held at the beach where we could roam far and wide. I love it when I get to stretch my legs and eyes at the same time! True to form, Zoe repeatedly stretched her legs. I'm happy to see that she's still a runner and so are her parents!

I really like this little series as I have a feeling that it captures what a typical outing with Zoe is like. She's clearly an explorer at heart.

Cross your fingers!

2011-08-22T19:54:00.000-07:00

We're going back! Cross your fingers for sunny days and starry nights! Pinery here we come!

Up, Up and Away

2011-08-10T20:11:00.000-07:00

I love camping but until this trip, I had never gone with the kids. Some friends of ours generously asked us to join them at their campsite for a couple of days. Before leaving I tried telling myself not to expect much. It was our first trip afterall.

It was perfect. Sometimes living in the city, I forget how having room to float, breath, think, pause, and dig can fill you up and open you up. There was also much laughter and silliness too, which I realize now my images don't reflect...must have been too busy laughing and being silly to pick up the camera then.

In the Evening Light

2011-08-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

After an evening swim at the Pinery on Lake Huron. Soft light. Low contrast. Lots of sand. Lots of grainy goodness. Definitely going back for more.

In the Morning Light

2011-08-04T13:57:00.000-07:00

When they just wake up, even before they say one word, there is a sweet, sleepy, peacefulness about them.

A Reason to Embrace Make-Believe

2011-08-03T20:30:00.000-07:00

Evan is fishing.

You may think that he's crouching down to get that "fishing rod" really low in the water, you know where the fish swim. I think he would be shocked and dismayed if he actually caught a fish. No, wait that would be me, as I tried to figure out how to touch it, get it off of the hook, touch it, did I say touch it?

We're camping this weekend and I'm bringing real rods with real hooks...somebody stop me.

Using Your Head, Your Hands and Your Heart.

2011-07-31T21:09:00.000-07:00

Many of the great story tellers I've listened to use their hands, their head and their heart. Ella is definitely in that category.

Three more from Windreach Farm

2011-07-29T13:26:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peek: Victoria, Alexandra and...

2011-07-27T12:15:00.000-07:00

and...don't kill me Liz. I know you weren't dressed. I know you didn't have your hair done. I know you came straight from work, but I couldn't resist putting in just one.

Goodness of the cookie kind

2011-07-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

More Dufferin Grove goodness. That cookie was about the size of Sam's head. Regular cookies don't have a chance now.

Just Beautiful

2011-07-14T18:21:00.000-07:00

...no chaos here.

Somewhere Down the Crazy River

2011-07-12T07:26:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peek: Windreach Farm

2011-06-27T21:51:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peek from a fabulous Adoption Party at Windreach Farm. I have loads of images to prep from this session, but couldn't hold this one back.

Happy Accidents?

2011-06-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

Shutter bugs? Name mean anything to you? No...hmmm. I thought I mentioned it in a previous post. Course outline ring a bell? Nope, o.k. well, I have been working with some teachers at my children's school on a photography club.

The kids in the camera club are predominately in grades 4-6 and the sessions are held over lunch once a week. Because we were using point and shoot digital cameras we focused on things that the kids could control. Here are some of the end results of their exploration.

The above images were framed and donated to our school Silent Auction. Happy accidents...maybe? Expanding their way of seeing...hopefully. Regardless, the kids were so proud that someone liked their photos enough to pay for them. In a future post I will layout the class outline.

Don't try this at home.

2011-06-25T16:07:00.000-07:00

I bought headlamps for my kids so they could read at night. Good parenting? Questionable Good photography? Oh yeah!

And, uh huh, yup, that is Evan sucking on the headlamp.

If only we had known

2011-06-24T13:58:00.000-07:00

If only we had known we would have bought a King size bed.

Though, sometime a squash and a squeeze is perfect.

We like to bake.

2011-06-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

We like to make cookies...

Ahem, I mean we like Sprinkles...

Ahem, I mean, we like to eat Sprinkles..and the Sprinkle holders...

...preferably cookies.

Back to sticks and stones

2011-06-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

And when sticks and stones are involved there is more than one good reason to be standing behind the action.

Painted faces

2011-06-21T13:00:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine asked me to take photos of the face painting designs she planned to use at our kid's Fun Fair. She set up at a local park and painted faces..and some hands.

Balls in the air

2011-06-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

Many balls in the air right now, but luckily, finding time for lots of chalk on the ground too.

Silent Auction Ideas...Knuffle who?

2011-06-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

Each year towards the end of the school term, my children's school holds a Fun Fair. True there is some FUNdraising in the FUN Fair, however it goes directly into programming for the kids so it's a win-win. This year our Silent Auction includes some fantastic artwork from the classes. I'm especially proud of the Junior Kindergarten classes submission. One of the fantastic teachers (and yes there is more than one) in the Kindergarten room suggested doing a piece inspired by Knuffle Bunny (author: Mo Williems). Although I know many of Mo's books, I had never heard of Knuffle Bunny. Now, I will never be the same. Here's what the class came up with:

Each drawing represents a child and was drawn by a different child in the class. The leggy blond is the brains behind the operation and I'm the muscle. This little masterpiece will be beautifully framed and available to the highest bidder.

Our photo club is going to donate some of their images as well. Once they're ready I'll post some of them too. Check back soon!

Sunning, Spitting and Sliding

2011-05-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

We did a little sunning, spitting and sliding today. Fun was had by all. Well, until Evan slipped and Emily was swarmed by thousands of tiny bugs. So, I guess it's more precise to say that fun was had by Sam.

Must haves

2011-05-19T18:48:00.000-07:00

Two things I will not find myself without in the foreseeable future:

1) WET WIPES...secret weapon discovered only after having a child

2) RUBBERBANDS...you never know when you're going to be at High Park and will need to braid someone's hair so the Cherry Blossoms will stay in .

BCC:Beautiful Chaos Capture

2011-05-07T18:03:00.000-07:00

Two out of three isn't bad

2011-05-02T20:19:00.000-07:00

I had a fun session a little while back. Got to spend some time in Olivia's world. Unfortunately, we only got to 2/3 of her loves.

Mommy:

Reading:

Next time, it will be ALL about food! (Girl after my own heart!)

BCC:Beautiful Chaos Capture

2011-04-27T06:33:00.000-07:00

Funny, didn't look so dangerous when we were there.

My Super Heros

2011-04-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

My Super Heros had their spring concert this week. They were fantastic and they were SO proud of themselves. The boys wanted to add a mask to their costumes so I search the web and found a template. They were so easy to make and the kids really enjoyed decorating them. Tell me, why is it that my boys can find fault with invisible spiky bumps in their shoes, but will wear a Super Hero mask that leaves indents on their heads?

And the Spring Winds Blew

2011-04-12T17:13:00.001-07:00

I have a confession

2011-04-05T21:05:00.000-07:00

Emily's chocolate making-tea party-birthday party was a little less of this and

and a little more of

Wrapped

2011-04-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

She was wrapped in light. She was wrapped up in the t.v. I, as I'm sure you already know, am wrapped up in her.

ChocolateEmily

2011-03-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

Do you have a child that has trouble focusing?

Problems with small motor skills?

Sign him or her up for chocolate making class or find yourself an Aunty ChocolateClare.

Not only does our ChocolateClare make delicious chocolate confections, but she willingly (o.k. maybe I pushed her a little bit) jumped into a room full of 7 and 8 year olds, and taught them how to make chocolate covered toffee, chocolate clusters and CHOCOLATE LOLLIPOPS! No surprise, we have received reports that the best part of March Break was Emily's birthday party.

Confirmation: chocolate = happiness. ChocolateClare = happiness. Click on the link. Go see for yourself.

Yet another difference between Adults and Children

2011-03-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I don't look this cute with food in my mouth.

Putting a face to a name

2011-03-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked to take a headshot. The client wanted to have a photo to go along with the bio. for her website. She went with the second shot. Professional. Trustworthy. Straightforward.

BCC:Beautiful Chaos Capture

2011-03-10T19:30:00.000-08:00

Our legacy

2011-03-01T13:46:00.000-08:00

Had a great lunch/playdate with friends today. We were talking about how as your kids get older it's harder to control what they are exposed too. They're like little sponges, soaking it all in. We talked about how important it is to provide them with tools to help them when confronted with confusing, uncomfortable or even scary things.

Ultimately as parents we try to teach our children how to deal with these situations. We hope that they take what we teach them and make it their own.

Exhibit #1: STINK EYE

This little one doesn't have a thing to worry about...especially because this is actually a wink. You should see her REAL stink eye!

Plug your nose and Persevere

2011-02-10T20:18:00.000-08:00

I do realize that it's February already and I seem to remember saying something last winter about embracing next (this) winter. Yet, somehow, it's already February.

Here is a photo from one little outing that involved my daughter carrying home an oversized snowball that became an undersized snow lady, that fit perfectly with her aptly sized proud smile.

What have I been doing instead of playing in the snow?

A little, yummy product photography. Developing a photography 101 course for children using digital point and shoot cameras (exciting!). There's the development on the website, which although exciting, is starting to feel like it will never end. Also, I've had a wonderful opportunity to present to our TDSB (Toronto District School Board) Ward council on how we can improve upon existing Anaphylaxis safety measures within the school environment. I've mentioned before that my daughter is Anaphylactic. This opportunity has meant the world to me as it could open the doors for children in other schools to benefit from having access to better Risk management plans, more inclusive and safe events, and better support. We have been lucky enough to work with a Principle who believes that a safe and healthy learning environment can be extended to children with life threatening allergies. Hopefully exposure to our school's simple and cost effective changes will inspire other schools to revisit their own Anaphylaxis management strategy and procedures.

I, like many others, have also spent some time dealing with a bit of Plug your nose and Persevere (a.k.a. stay calm and carry on business). Looks like we're coming up for air so will likely venture out soon...er or later.

I'm back

2011-01-29T17:37:00.000-08:00

HI THERE!...silence...AHMMM...HELLO...oh, good your back too. Have you missed me? Noticed I was gone? No...hmm, o.k. well I'm back. I've been working on my website, and for some reason that meant my blog had to come down. Then, when it went back up again well, I stayed down.

BUT now I'm BACK!

And I must tell you, I'm having a fantastic time working on my website. Reviewing images from the past year, making some branding decisions, and gathering the images that best represent my point of view.

In assembling my portfolio I would like to take you on a journey, to grab your interest and pull you in, to make you smile and to make you want to click on that connect button. Does your little boy like to show off his karate moves? Is your baby an expert bubble blower? Are you fascinated with your grandchild's little hands? What's your story?

I'll leave you with a smile from a recent school trip to the National Film Board of Canada.

I'm glad you're back. Please check back soon for a tutorial and some fun winter adventures!

Jenny

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T21:19:00.000-08:00

How's your break been? We've been busy. Spent time getting close...

and getting down!

but something tells me it's time for us to get out!

Happy New Year! All the best for 2011!

Jenny

The best steamless gifts

2010-12-24T10:26:00.000-08:00

Right now, ideas for our family Holiday card are running through my mind. Yes it would have been lovely to have these thoughts oh, say a month ago, but nope. I feel like I've put all my favourites in the calendar already, so it's time to go digging in the archives. I tend to gather together lots of ideas each November/December. Buy tonnes of supplies. Make a nice chunk of things...then run out of steam.

Ultimately the best gifts are from the heart...

whether hand picked...

...ummm, I have a number of "hand picked images"

or handmade...

Hope you are enjoying all the fun of this holiday season...no steam required. I'm off to make cookies with the kids. Santa should be making a stop at our house tonight!

Lighting the Menorah

2010-12-20T09:37:00.000-08:00

We went to our first Hanukkah party. Friends invited some of the neighbourhood children over to celebrate what I can only assume was a truly Canadian Hanukkah party. We played, we heard a story, we lit the Menorah. We sat outside in the snow drinking hot chocolate and watching a bonfire. My kids loved the story about "the mean king" and the bonfire. My favourite part is in the images below:

Sneak Peek - Little Lucy

2010-12-16T20:26:00.000-08:00

We snuck in a quick one today! Little Lucy is adorable, see for yourself...

The focus of the session was Lucy, but here are a few with Lucy's daddy (couldn't resist)...

And of course, some with bubbles...

And don't miss that sweet elbow dimple!

Thanks for a great session Rosemary, Mark and Lucy!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2010-12-05T17:29:00.000-08:00

It's that cookie baking, concentration face making, ornament folding, letter writing, busy time of year again.

2011 Calendar template - let the gift making begin!

2010-11-26T10:52:00.000-08:00

O.k. so it's that time of year again. Perfect excuse to scour the internet to look for gift ideas. Shuttersisters is a photography site I like to check on from time to time. For the second year in a row they have offered a free calendar template that can be housed in a CD cover. I'm going to be churning out a number of these this year. Here's the first one:

Can I have some paper mommy?

2010-11-22T13:29:00.000-08:00

It started with a simple request. It always does. Can I have some paper mommy? Why I wonder?

Still wondering...

Bubbles are so last summer.

2010-11-15T17:56:00.000-08:00

Back at the Spit...bubbles smubbles. This fall, blowing wishes is where it's at.

Leslie Spit Sculpture Garden

2010-11-10T05:21:00.000-08:00

We went back to the Leslie Spit again. The Sculpture Garden is fantastic. I love that at each visit, I notice something new. While there, we met the person that started the Garden three years ago as a way to help the land heal. The garden is constantly evolving. There is a tree in the centre that he plans to adorn with odd mittens. It's sure to be a be site to behold, and you can bet I'll go back with the kids to photograph it! The plan is to have it completed before December 1st, so if you have any odd mittens drop them off at the bottom of the tree.

Happy Birthday Iain

2010-11-04T07:11:00.000-07:00

I photographed this little guy just over a year ago. I was searching for a photo and stumbled upon this Homage to Iain I put together for his mom. I'm always trying to find new ways to display photos. I love a compilation as shows a good range of expressions and experiences a child will have in a day...well, actually in this case an hour.

Happy Belated Birthday Iain!

Peace at Tommy Thompson Park

2010-11-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of quiet images from last week. Have you been to Tommy Thompson Park in Toronto? I think I've found a new favourite spot to shoot.

Halloween is coming...are you ready?

2010-10-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

Halloween is fast approaching! All the telltale signs are here. I have bought a million chocolate bars. I have eaten half a million chocolate bars. I have made one and a half Dolphin costumes. I have given up on half a Dolphin costume and improvised one Diego costume. I have conducted a successful search and recover mission finding one gold lame Superhero cape. The best sign of all, is that little ones are starting to show up in their costumes.

Are you ready? Tinkerbell may be coming to your door, and something tells me she's going to want something other than her shoe!

Sneak Peek - Connecting

2010-10-24T17:08:00.000-07:00

All the women I know are great multi-taskers. All of them. Whether it's nature or nurture or a little of both, that's the way it is. Happily, some are also excellent at knowing how to slow down, connect and take it all in.

Photographing the SV family, it was really obvious to me that these moms appreciate their connections - their family. They are the type of people who really look at you when they see you, who really listen to you when you speak. When they focus on their boys you can you see that they are genuinely there, connecting, listening, and absorbing it all.

The plan is to include some images in the family cards going out this December, so at the risk of spoiling the surprise here's a sneak peek of a few favourites.

Sneak Peek - In and Out

2010-10-19T19:14:00.000-07:00

I photographed this family a year ago so I thought we'd try something a little different this time. We started the session at their home. These three are so creative and love their arts and crafts time. I wanted to capture them at home in their element. From this post, you can see that I'm in a bit of a black and white mood. These kiddies are full of energy and so colourful, yet sometimes I feel like colour can detract from the mood.

Sneak Peek - Max

2010-10-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

Roden Jr. Public School's Early Learning Centre was my lifeline when the boys were young. The facilitator is amazing, the parents are supportive and caring, and the children, well, just as they should be - playful, inquisitive and busy! This summer the school raffled off a certificate for a one on one photo session with me.

A 7 year old boy named Max won, and I'm so glad he did. He brought props and an abundance of energy. I loved that he was so enthusiastic. We had the session in Roden's playground. Following Max's lead the session was chock full of action shots. I've included a combination of action and the in between.

BCC:Beautiful Chaos Capture - All in favour say aye!

2010-10-13T06:56:00.000-07:00

Can you hear the silence? Yup, NOT in agreement with this one.

Educational field trip

2010-10-08T07:27:00.000-07:00

We were on an "educational field trip" yesterday afternoon, that involved pulling Emily and her friend out of class to go to Chuddleigh's Apple farm in Milton. Kid's had a wonderful time. Went through a maze, rode a pony, feed a goat, played on tractors, and slid down enormous slides. All this and more in the span of 1 1/2 hrs.

I'm posting some fun tractor shots. Sam was particularly interested in them. He spent a significant amount of time trying to figure out why the tractors were not moving. He checked out ALL the wires, levers, buttons and doodads. Evan, having just woken up from a nap was still fairly stunned, but happy to take the driver's seat.

So what did we learn on our "educational field trip"? All ways bring your tools. If only we had the right thingamajig to fix the broken thingamajig those tractors really would have hummed along. Oh yes, and one more thing. Don't leave Milton 45 minutes before a swimming lesson in Toronto, when it's rush hour and expect to remain sane.

It's Hard to Take the Path Less Travelled When You Won't Walk

2010-10-04T07:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we went for a hike. To Sam's disappointment we went to Mount Nemo not Home Depot. Note to self: I should really try to enunciate my words.

And, as it turns out it was good that I didn't bring a big backpack, because Sam ended up on my shoulders almost the entire time. Oh yeah, except for that minute when I insisted he walk. But no, rather than walking, Sam just paused to explain why he couldn't. It was simple really, you see, it seems that he "didn't have enough energy". And funnily enough, he didn't like my suggestion to nap, or rather sleepwalk so he could gain energy while continuing on our exciting adventure.

Luckily the kids enjoy deceiving me, so there was a lot of stopping to hide in bushes.
Luckily they didn't hide in any poison ivy.
Luckily the hiding gave me time to stop, and breath in some silence, fresh air and beauty.

Perhaps, I will have to admit that my little boys are really city boys. Um, yeah, not yet. Next trip will be shorter with built in options for my husband and daughter to take the path less travelled. Hopefully we won't be far behind.

Heartfelt.Playful.Real.

2010-09-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

I've been doing some thinking. Not overly impressive really, as generally I spend a lot of time thinking and not a lot of time DOing. So, rather then continuing to ruminate over which photos to use in my blog header (oh, yeah - that's a BIG decision), or should I use photos at all or what colour am I? or boy do I need a logo...I've chosen three images ..that you very well may not see here the next time you look, but, ultimately I think they reflect what is important to me in photography and in life.

If anything, I hope that my images convey heartfelt moments, feelings and connections. I hope that my images capture the playful nature of things. And ultimately, regardless of whether my clients are completely carefree or require a little guidance in front of the camera, I want my images to reflect reality. There is so much beauty in our real lives. Chaotic as they may be. That is what moves me.

Understanding can be overrated and overwhelming.

2010-09-22T19:43:00.000-07:00

Being 7 is hard, being an older sister of twin boys can be challenging. I tell myself that what she learns now will help her cope in the future. Somedays, I think it just beats her down.

It feels like so much is going on in her head, in her heart, and I know it'll just get more complicated as she gets older. Lately, we've had more rough times then smooth. Funny how being a parent can make you feel like you've been through so much, yet, still know so little. I remember (in a fuzzy, hazy way) when my kids were newborns. I remember feeling finally, like I was beginning to understand, to learn their needs, to learn how to provide, then everything would change. Well, not to be a downer, but it seems to be continuing on that trend.

I've been thinking and I've come up with a new goal around that. I think...I hope that children are forgiving, so I will continue to try to connect, to focus, to breath, to count to 10, to listen, to really listen, and to pause. Forget about understanding, perhaps that's to lofty, for now.

Step 1: I am arranging more daughter/mother dates. For the record a d/m date is when said mother does not try and teacher said daughter social mores. A d/m date does not include mother telling daughter to stop biting nails. And a d/m date does not include questions like, "how was school today? or have any homework?". A d/m date DOES include slow and deliberate anxiety free, schedule free, deadline absent, connecting, talking, breathing, smiling, laughing, storytelling, sharing, loving, oh, and chocolate milk.

And you know what? I relish Step 1 so much, I think I'm gonna stay here for a while.

Staring contest

2010-09-17T17:47:00.000-07:00

Big fish. Small boy. Staring contest. Boy didn't stand a chance.

Which gives me an idea...Next time I have a little boy or girl that does not want to look at my camera, I'm going to challenge him or her to a staring contest. Something tells me I won't win ;)

Transitions are a nice way of saying Endings and Beginnings: Part 2

2010-09-10T07:01:00.000-07:00

The start of school is officially here. Already on their first day, we were running behind. By the time we arrived, most of the little ones had congregated in the playground with their parents. Frequently over the summer I had wondered how my boys would do on their first day of school. Would they use their indoor voices? Would they tow the party line? Would they stand in a line? Did they know what a line was?

Evan said, " mommy, you can drop me off and I'll find my classroom". Sam repeatedly asked when they were going to get on the bus, as "you need to take a school bus to school". Evan proudly told everyone he saw on the way to school that, "he was going to school today". Sam repeatedly told me he wanted to go home.

Look at my sweet Sammie's expression. He was so brave. He didn't shed a tear, until...

it was time to go home. But by then the tears were because he didn't want to leave!

Transitions are a nice way of saying Endings and Beginnings: Part 1

2010-09-07T22:03:00.000-07:00

Summer has definitely ended. I've been so lucky to spend my days playing. One of the things I love about children is their unyielding joy of discovery and play. Play is vital and the summer affords it in spades.

Thinking back, I would say it was a summer of push and pulls, of struggles, of growth...I hope. My children continue on the path of figuring out who they are and where the boundaries lay. I continue to struggle with how to guide them. Now that summer has ended the same challenges remain but the playing field has changed. So forgive me if I'm a little melancholy as transitions can be challenging for me. Really it's the perfect opportunity to stop, review and figure out what's next. Call it what you will, Debriefing, a Lesson's Learned, regrouping...it's time.

These images are from our last summer trip to the beach.

It was late, too late but...

2010-09-06T06:39:00.000-07:00

...I had to go. I had to get my camera. I was compelled to move.

I often read other photography blogs. It's trumps flipping t.v. channels by a landslide. Today I checked in on Chris Orwig's "flipside" blog. Chris is someone I would love to learn from. He quoted Jay Maisel, "…you should never take a picture without a trigger. only take pictures when something compels you to move.” I know when I follow this advice, I will get something I love.

They were up late, too late. A good parent would have stopped things and put them to bed. I on the other hand, took out my camera. They have learned that when I get my camera, the fun can continue because I loose track of time.

Taking risks one flight at a time

2010-08-30T09:39:00.000-07:00

I wasn't a risk taker. Well, I would indulge in a calculated risk here and there, but on a scale of 1-10, I'd say I was a 3. Then I had kids, and something happened. They opened me up to the possibilities. They forced me outside (o.k. WAY outside) of my comfort zone.

I feel like before my kids I was luckily to live in "I want land". After kids, I started to understand the "I need land".

I needed to be with them

I needed to be away from them.

I needed to learn patience

I needed to be disciplined

I needed to lose myself

I needed to find myself

Honestly, if you told me 8 years ago that I would be doing what I am today, I would have never believed you. NEVER.

So this post is in celebration of an exhilarating, frightening and beautiful trip to "I need land". And don't worry, I'm fastening my seatbelt, it's bound to be a bumpy ride.

Embracing and photographing the camera smile

2010-08-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

The closest I've come to asking my children to pose is to say...give each other a big hug. But the other day, I thought, just for fun, I'll ask Sam if I can take his picture. Luckily, he agreed. I said, "excellent, why don't you stand over there and strike a pose". Now, I'm fairly sure that he has no idea what "strike a pose" means...but that's never stopped him before.

Here's what he did:

Last Spring, my daughter "posed" for me. It was wonderful to see how she wanted herself portrayed.

Next time your children put on their camera smile, embrace it and photograph it. After all isn't how they see themselves as important, if not more important then how we see them?

Concentration, Practice, Sharing, Turn-taking, Perseverance and Success!

2010-08-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

Or yeah, bubble blowing...same dif.

Captive Audience

2010-08-13T15:46:00.000-07:00

We went to the zoo today. Started with a nice ride on the zoomobile. Ended with a nice ride on the zoomobile. It was a totally different experience each time. To begin with the boys were awake on the first trip.

I felt compelled to take photographs of them despite one sleeping in my left arm and the other in my right. I had the camera on my knee with the lens pointed to their faces. Focus was on auto. You can't always rely on the viewfinder or LCD screen. Sometimes you have to use your intuition.

While the camera was sitting on my lap, I noticed my daughter staring into the lens. Again, camera at the ready, I pressed the shutter release.

When I go out, my camera is on and lens cap off. I don't put it away until I am packing up the van. You can't always bank on having enough time to get ready and set up for a shot. I don't know about you, but I'd rather try a risky shot then get nothing at all.

P.S. Much easier to photograph a captive audience...ie: those that cannot run away easily! Zoomobile=children sitting/children relaxed/children asleep.

Muskoka

2010-08-12T06:46:00.000-07:00

We went to a cottage in Muskoka on the July long weekend. No surprise, it was fantastic. The hosts were generous with their hearts and time. The children experienced so many new things. It was so wonderful that I felt compelled to take them to Centre Island on our first day back so they wouldn't be let down by their real life!

I have so many photos still to go through, so expect a another post. Here are a few to start:

I was a gymnast today. How about you?

2010-08-08T16:14:00.000-07:00

Observe gymnast #1. Notice the grip, uh, and the expression. Barely holding on. Not a soul to help him in the background, and crazy lady with camera seemingly useless.

Now check out gymnast #2. Proud, confident, relaxed even. Could hang out for days.

And here is gymnast #3. Focused, poised, visualizing her next move. Solid grip on the bars, if not reality.

And now here she is again: joyous, assured, dynamic, accomplished.

Today, I started with a little of #1, followed by #3, pausing ever so slightly at #2 then a rapid descent back to #1 again.

Which one were you today?

BCC:Beautiful Chaos Capture

2010-08-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

I'm going to start featuring Beautiful Chaos Captures. If you've been following my blog you know that I'm partial to appreciating the beauty in chaos, so much so that I search for it. The days that I recognize it are good days. The days that I capture it are better. My BCCs will celebrate the little things, the day to day things, the full of life things.

Up and out...or in, yeah in!

2010-08-06T19:19:00.000-07:00

Some of the sweet little kiddies we know are starting school in September. My last two babies included.

This summer is speeding by. I spent the first part of July thinking...get them up and get them out (outside that is). Finally, I have built up some momentum...a rhythm even, now that August is here.

Now that August is here, I want to stomp on the brakes. I want to slow them down. I want to play with them. Connect with them. Savour them.

At the beginning of July I worried that they may not be ready for school. Now I worry that I may not be ready.

Just in case, they do have some troubles, I'll make sure to pack a water bottle or a step ladder.

More sticks and stones

2010-07-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

Sticks...

and stones...

What have we been doing this summer? A whole lotta sticks and stones., Luckily, no broken bones...yet...knock on wood!

Sneak Peek - Gabriel

2010-07-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

This is Gabriel. A lovely little buddha baby.

Gabriel's mommy asked me to photograph him for his Birth announcement cards. I suggested a mini session, which is for 1 person and includes between 10-15 images.

And Veronica, I'm sorry, I know you didn't want to be in the images, but you have such a beautiful profile, and I thought it would be nice to see who was making Gabriel smile!

Sneak Peek - Carole's Family

2010-07-12T19:36:00.000-07:00

Carole said that she wanted photos of herself with her family. Her family that doesn't get the opportunity to be together often enough. Her family that has families of their own.

Honestly, makes me want to run out and have photos taken with my mom and sister.

Check!

2010-07-06T06:42:00.000-07:00

If you remember my post, back in March, I promised Evan I would take a photo of him "like Sammie". Check!

Sticks and stones can hurt your bones...Summer's Here

2010-07-03T06:53:00.000-07:00

Summer is HERE! I have a lot of images to post, but as you would expect, I'm spending more time outside than in.

So many reasons to be outside. Most importantly, kids can run and scream further and louder outdoors then in. We see the occasional scrape:

But because the birds are singing and the skies are blue, the kiddies seem better able to pick themselves up and carry on. However, just in case the blue skies are not enough, we always carry a first aid kit. For the really bad booboos the never fail cure is...

...CHOCOLATE

Sneak Peek - Amelia

2010-06-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

Sometimes words are not necessary...or possible

Babies...awww.

2010-05-30T05:30:00.000-07:00

Babies get away with a lot.

Old man foaming at the mouth...ewww.

Lovely baby with mouth bubbles...awww.

Luckily, Holden has a lot of years ahead of him before he has to kick the habit.

Sneak Peek - Being a one year old.

2010-05-25T13:18:00.000-07:00

A lot can be accomplished in an hour...if you're a one year old.

You can meet a photographer...

Charm a photographer...

Stop for a snack...

ahem...or two snacks...

Stop for a kiss...

Melt your mommy's heart.

All that and more in one hour. Play. Love. Be Loved. Explore. Walk. Snack. Charm. Snack. I'm tired, aren't you?

o.k. here we go!

2010-05-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

This is my little sister. I love this photo of her.

My children adore her. When the kids and I descend upon her there is a whirlwind of activity that somehow invigorates the kiddies and exhausts the auntie. With three on one, she doesn't really stand a chance.

When we arrive the kids always race to ring the door bell. As I walk up to the house, I picture her peering into the mirror, splashing water on her face and saying, "o.k., here we go"!

Ontario Early Learning Centres

2010-05-11T20:53:00.000-07:00

Have you been to an Early Learning Centre yet? They are wonderful places. Children play, sing, listen to stories, interact with other children and parents. You can connect with other parents. And the facilitators are a wealth of knowledge. There are mothers, fathers, grandparents, caregivers and children ages newborn-6. It's a free service that allows you to meet your neighbours, and prepare your child for school. They are truly wonderful places.

We have a great local centre. The parents work together to care for and support each other. I have made some wonderful friends from our parenting centre visits. My children have made friends, discoveries, trains, paintings, messes...

Did I mention they have coffee? Not good coffee but HOT coffee! Hot coffee always trumps no coffee.

If you are looking for a Early Learning centre, contact a Public school in your district. They will either have one in their building or be able to redirect you to one. When my boys were 6 weeks old and my daughter was 3 we frequented Roden Jr. Public School Drop-in. I searched for one with children my daughter's age. She made friends. People held my babies. I played with my daughter and drank coffee...sometimes, not in that order.