Rain or Shine, The Farming Must Go On! | Vancouver Commercial Photographer

The commercial side of my business really has been taking me here, there and everywhere lately! A couple of weeks ago, it was to this fantastic urban farming project in North Vancouver...

This acre of land, at Loutet Farm, not only produces great, fresh produce for people in need, but it also provides valuable education and community inspiration. (You can see more info at www.ediblegardenproject.com.)

This was a fun shoot, which gave me some great tips for my own vegetable garden. However, it did come with its own challenges... because we live in BC... which boasts a temperate rainforest climate... meaning we get a lot of... rain! It is great for plants, but not so great for cameras. Of course, I came prepared... boots, BIG umbrella and lots of waterproof stuff!

What to Wear at Your Family Photoshoot! | Chilliwack Family & Newborn Photographer

When clients book a family session with me, the most common question I am asked is "what should we wear?". To help them, I have an info page and have put together a Pinterest Board... but I thought I would also share a few of my top tips/ideas with you... my lovely blog readers!

1. A great place to start is colour! Coordinating the colours of your family's clothing will get you the best results. Oh... and co-ordinate doesn't mean you must all match exactly! (Reminds me of those funny '70's awkward family photos, where the whole family are wearing identical pyjamas or bad Christmas sweaters!)

Just pick 3 or 4 complementary colours, and pick outfits that use shades of those colours! (Colour wheels are GREAT for picking complementary colours - a quick google search will find you plenty of examples like this one.) Then, try to pick outfits that keep everyone in the same tone range, if possible. 

2. Avoid bright colours, bold patterns or logos. If one family member is wearing a much brighter colour than the rest, or a bold logo, it really distracts the eye away from the other family members and their fabulous faces!

3. Pick outfits that make you feel comfortable about your body type! For example, 3/4-length or long sleeves are more flattering on adults who are very self-critical about their upper arms. Again, this something you can easily google.

4. If shooting outdoors, I advise families to pick something fairly comfortable and "every day" - that way everyone's smiles will look happier and more comfortable too! (And you aren't so worried or stressed that your child's fancy dress is getting trashed!)

5. It is a great idea to wear layers and have a back-up outfit, just in case (expecially with young children!). Just wearing a different shirt under a cardigan or sweater can give us multiple looks without carrying extra outfits around! Even having an extra accessory, like a scarf, can make an interesting difference.

For more ideas, you can check out my Pinterest Board, or a really great blog that I love, called What to Wear Guides. I hope this all helps and don't forget to enjoy your family photo session - after all, you are making happy memories, not having your teeth pulled! ;-)

A little Summer Family Flashback... | Chilliwack Family Photographer

Wow, things have been busy for the past few months, but I am FINALLY finding a small gap in my schedule, this morning, to sort out a few of our own personal photos from the Summer & Fall.

Being so busy as a Business Owner and Mom, it is very easy to let the important moments whoosh by and then disappear in the dark depths of my hard drive. I really need to make more effort to actually do something with these photos more often!! (Practice what I preach, right?!) I'm sensing an early New Years Resolution coming on...

Anyway, here are a few shots I am enjoying, this morning, from one of our Summer evening attempts at kite flying...

Another Sizzling Show... | Abbotsford & Vancouver Commercial Photographer

I recently had the great pleasure to be working again with the award-winning Marketing Team from Valley Countertops, at the IDS West Show in Vancouver. Every year, these guys sizzle with fresh ideas that sets their booth apart from the pack... but this year the sizzling was literal, as Chef Jorge cooked up some delicious bites for show guests!

Planting a Greener Future | Vancouver & Surrey Commercial Photographer

I had the great honour, in September, of being invited to photograph 2 special community events, organized by the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, called TD Tree Days. I had already shot a similar event, earlier in the year for the City of Abbotsford, so knew exactly what these fantastic events were like and was thrilled to be a part of it.

The project is in its 5th year, and helps to develop green spaces in urban areas. The Tree Days not only help develop some beautiful environments for communities to enjoy (the thousands of volunteers involved have planted over 135,000 trees so far!), but they are also a fun bonding experience for families and friends alike. (Oh yes... and they lay on some great food to keep you going!!)

These particular 2 were in Stanley Park & Surrey's Royal Heights Park.

Oh... and as if shooting these events weren't already fun enough for me, one of my shots also made it into that week's Vancouver Sun!

If you would like to get involved in a future Tree Day, head on over to www.tdtreedays.com  to find out more!