Archive for June, 2008
No Yesterdays…
No Yesterdays are ever wasted for those who give themselves to today- Brendan Francis
I had this quote come into my inbox and it just reminds me of children. When I get a chance to photograph children, one thing is always so prenounced during the session… the innocence of a child. The young spirit, so pure and unblemished with a fresh outlook towards life. I love the freshness and untarnished attitude that seems to reside within a child, so abundant and obvious. Yet, that same innocence being that much harder to find in an older child. They grow up so quickly, and with each year, the innocent view of the world begins to fade, and the realities of the harsh world slowly creep in. When your a mom, and you see your children grow and go off to school, you can witness how quickly they change and see that same innocence shrinking away before your eyes. As a parent, you feel desperate to hold onto it, not wanting to see that part of your child lost.
For me, during a shoot, I am reminded, for a short time, of this childhood innocence. It seems to appear each time while I play with a young child. When I ask them about their life, I can hear it in their little voices that describe their world. Telling me of their likes and dislikes, most often the simple pleasures in life. “I love my doll and his name is Joe.” “My favorite thing in the world is icecream.” “I have a stuffed bear, and a room with pink drapes, and I love to ride my bike” ahhh, yes, the simple things! I find myself remembering that familiar feeling and a wave of nostalgia will pass over me, urging me to stay there for just a bit longer. I find my passion for the “simple things” renewed by a child’s perspective, and once again I am able to see the world through their eyes.
“A” made me feel like this. She loved to read to her dolls, play dress up and was quick to point out all the favorite toys and dolls she had in her room. She had a room fit for a princess, and was completely unaware of how special her life really was. To her, it just….was.
and we went outside for awhile to play and she showed me her doll house and swings.
And she ran, laughed and had fun…
And then downstairs for some dress up. I loved this bed. Her Great Grandfather or perhaps her great great grandfather had built it and it was gorgeous!
Thank you “A” for letting me into your world, and showing me your ‘true self”. It is the best kind of self. Hold on to it tightly little one.
Why I do what I do?
I have to say some days I wonder if I made the right choice in becoming a photographer. Somedays, it is hard to manage a home based business, raise two kids, give to them what they need and ensure your clients get what they hire you to do. Present good images, those that they see on your blog and website. Some days, when I head off to a shoot, I wonder whether I will produce the images the clients are wanting, what they envisioned from our session. Will I suceed at giving them all that they hoped, or will this be the time that I fail miserably.
It is like anything else…some days I feel on my game, like I can’t miss a shot that I take, and all seems to go so well, and then there are days when I think “oh I feel aweful today… I should cancel, I know I will just fail miserably”. To me, I have this need to be sure I can “produce”. If I thought I didn’t get all that I should have I would go back and re shoot the entire session (and have done so) if I thought I didn’t get what I intended. But each time, I seem to even amaze myself at the images I find once I download my card to my computer. There is always those images that are just “o.k” and I continue searching, with baited breath, until I find those images that make me smile and slow my heartbeat to normal, relaxing and knowing that I was able to capture the “true spirit” I set out to find. Phew, it is there. Sometimes, I swear, my camera sees it before I do. I wait, and watch, and eventually it appears. Like this session with little “A”. She only turned three before the shoot, and she was totally independant. Not really wanting much to do with me after she realized I was there to capture her images. She would have rather played, and have me play with her. I do manage to do that a bit. But it is hard to just put the camera down and just play, after all, mom and dad paid me to come and photograph their child(ren). Yet, sometimes, I do wish i could just put my camera down and play the entire time.
Instead, we talk, and chat about their favorite things, and after some time, they deem me trustworthy. It is then that they will relax, and show their true self. The shyness gone, the barriers down, and all that remains is them… who they are and their true self suddenly appears.
So here is little “A”, so pretty in her dress. She lives in the most gorgeous location, just outside of Fredericton, in the country that you would swear was miles away from the “real” world. Barns, fields with Gofers running around, and bright sun rays to play in. I had a great time little one. Thanks for sharing your world with me.
Valerie, thanks so much for your kind words today. They made me feel good about my job, and about the end results of what I do. Clients like you make me want to keep doing this job for a long time to come.
Loved their barn… tea party anyone?
and we took dolly for a walk..
I wish I could remember her dollies name (Payton I think). She names all of her dolls, but I think this one was her favorite!
And we walked down their country road.
And her great rubber boots. colorful and fun.
And lastly… little “A” your gorgeous!
Busy time
I will update my schedule here in a few days but basically I am booked until July. With school ending in a few weeks (still can’t believe it) and the summer gearing up, everyone is turning their attention to photos it would seem. It is great but it does mean I am filling up quickly and so if you thought you would like to book a session with me please contact me asap. I will be contacting those on my booking list in the next few days to confirm those spots a few months in advance.
A few session images to share. One I realized I had not shared. My baby planner… my first actually. I love his Mom and Dad. They are the sweetest and I am truly sad to see them go. But I know that I will see them again. Thanks Jenn and Terry. You and your boys are the best!
This is from our first shoot. His big brother anticipating his arrival.
newborn. One of my sleepiest ever!
6 mos. and a year. Wow how time flies.
And a recent maternity session. With more little siblings. This little one gave me a run for my money. She would have rather played, but then what child wouldn’t rather be out playing? She was fun to be around, and she is going to be a great older sis.
hugs are good!
Mom was gorgeous, and had such great style.
I think pregnant women are beautiful. It is all in the outlook!
good relationships are key! 
and a few more of miss moo. Just because. I would love to show some other ones of this mom but I don’t want to make her blush.
so interested in baby!
or perhaps not! hee hee.
Just a note on maternity sessions. I hate to say it but for now I have decided to discontinue offering maternity sessions. In the past I have only offered them with a combination of newborn but realize that I am presently undecided as to whether I will continue to offer maternity sessions.
As the weather has improved and outdoor sessions are taking off, I decided, for the time being, to put maternity session bookings on hold. If you are considering booking a newborn session with me, I will still be accepting newborns (birth to approx 2 to 3 weeks of age). It is best to call in advance of your due date as much as possible as I tend to book these spots months ahead. I have approx one to two newborn session openings each month due to the time commitment and scheduling involved and therefore they book quite quickly.
I am going to miss doing them, and I have really enjoyed them in the past.
For those who have already booked, don’t fear, you are still on the agenda and I look forward to our session together.
Happy Tuesday everyone.
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