What a Change Just One Year Can Make! | Abbotsford & Chilliwack Baby Photographer

Having children is a real eye-opener to how fast life can pass you by. Whilst many things in the world can take decades to change, children do it in the blink of an eye! Another reason to keep taking as many photographs as you can - to put a pause button on those fabulous little moments of time.

You rarely see more change than in that first year of life - they go from tiny, curled-up, feeding & pooping machines... to lively, fast-moving bundles of personality that just absorb everything around them with wonder and a thirst for exploration. This little lady was no exception. 

I remember her well from her Newborn Session - back then, she had a beautiful mass of gorgeous, thick, dark hair - so I was amazed by her change into a sweet, little blondie, when she returned for her 1-Year-Old Portraits! The fabulous personality was all there.. with lots to spare... and dimples that would melt the coldest heart!! She was SO good to shoot... I could've just photographed her for hours...

Happy 1st Birthday, little lady!

Something a Little Festive | Agassiz Family & Child Photographer

It was a very welcome return to the studio for this wonderful family, as they visited for a special Christmas-theme children's portrait session.

I've been photographing this little lady since she was still just a bump at her Mom's Maternity Session, so it is always a joy to see how much she has grown. Her last visit was only a few months ago, but it really is amazing to see how much they change in such a short amount of time. Photographs really are providing a valuable pause button on these cherished moments! 

Now, this little lady is truly "on-the-move" (and at quite a speed in all directions!), so life must be really interesting (and very busy!) for her lovely parents. Shooting toddlers of this speed is also very interesting (and very busy!) for us baby photographers... but I love to be kept on my toes occasionally!  

We kept things light, and just wandered from backdrop to backdrop, as she explored and warmed up to the idea of being photographed. It was such a gorgeous day, though, that we had to finish the session with a little fresh air in our neighbouring park!  

Hitting the big 1! | Chilliwack Baby Portrait Photographer

I can't believe this little guy is 1 already... it only seems like 5 minutes that his Mom came in for her Maternity shots, very quickly followed by his Newborn photos... where is time going??!! (Makes me feel so old! LOL!)

Well, he was a little superstar, as always, and worked his model good looks like a pro.  We did have to pause halfway through, though, for some Momma-cuddle time. To be honest, that just gave me some different cute natural moments that I love - capturing that bound between Momma and son really tugs at the heart strings !

Happy First Birthday, little man!

Be Careful What You Ask Santa For! | Chilliwack Newborn Baby Photographer

Sometimes you do need to make sure you give Santa clear instructions when putting in your Christmas wishes. Take this little lady, for example... she asked Santa for a baby and he delivered an early present of a baby brother! I wonder if she actually meant to order a real one?!

Well, whether she meant a real one or not, she certainly is stepping up to be a great big sister and was an absolute angel for her little brother's newborn session. Mind you, he was pretty well behaved too!

They Grow So Fast! | Chilliwack Baby Photographer

I can't believe how fast the past 6 months have flown by... and how much bigger this little man has got in that time! He was back in the studio recently, to celebrate his first half year milestone.

The Studio Welcomes a 6-Month-Old Cutie... | Chilliwack Baby Photographer

Last week, I had the pleasure of welcoming Holly, and her Mom, into the studio to mark her first half-year milestone. The session was going to just be a solo event but, since the schools were unexpectedly closed, her siblings came along too... which means we had to get at least 1 shot of the 3 together... oh, yes, and a few with Mom too!

2 Gorgeous Little Ladies | Chilliwack Childrens Photographer

I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing this lovely family, last year, so was really happy to see them again.

Little baby Jade has had a rough start at life - a life filled with hospital visits, tests and way more than such a little bug should have to go through. However, she has the best big sister that a little girl could hope for, to support and look after her; big sis really is just as beautiful on the inside as out. Their parents must be so proud!

Top 10 of 2013

It's that time of the year again... time for some reflection and to pick my top 10 shots of the previous 12 months.

Picking this year was tough... REALLY tough... mostly for 2 reasons:
1. You are your own worst critic, and if you are constantly improving, you find it hard not to over-critique previous work
2. Some shots had a story to them that made them special, even if they weren't as technically good as others.

Well, after much deliberation, and some peer consultation (yeh... I cheated a little and asked a few friends!), here are (in no particular order) my top 10 of 2013... enjoy!

I love this shot because I had tried to lure a hummingbird to my garden for 2 years, with no success.
This success was a result of a Moose Peterson tutorial on Kelby Training, and a new hummingbird feeder!

Picking this particular one, from a group of this session's shots, was tough - I loved a few of them!
Captured just off the beach at Porteau Cove, I stalked this guy for about 30 minutes,
gradually (& very patiently) getting closer...

My favourite shot from the 2013 Wedding Season. :-)