Cute and VERY Cuddly! | Abbotsford Newborn Photographer

I had the pleasure of meeting this brand new little man, last week... who was not only very cute, but also happened to bring with him a set of very photogenic parents - double win for me!

He was slightly older than most newborns that come to see me, due to a brief NICU stay. This meant he wasn't quite as "squishy" any more, and was now wanting to stay awake for longer. He was also a bigger fan than most at being held and cuddled. I never mind though. Slightly different photos are far better than no photos at all! It is just more of a challenge for me as a newborn photographer... and means more snuggles for this baby-loving mama of 2! 

Well, perseverance and some modified posing won the day... and we ended up with another great gallery of images... even if I do say so myself! 

Turning the Big 1 in Style! | Agassiz & Chilliwack Baby Photographer

One of the great bonuses of my job is that I have the best clients. I really do! Even better is when these folks come back to me again and again, and refer their friends to me too - as an artist who really cares about giving my clients a great experience, it is the greatest compliment I can receive. So, I was absolutely thrilled to welcome back this little peanut into the studio for her big milestone, celebrating the grand old age of 1! I have watched this little princess grow from just a tummy-bump to an adorable tiny peanut, and then from a cute baby into a dainty little lady.

The whole family are fantastic to work with - both parents are wonderfully patient and great to "direct", and Mom is a natural when it comes to styling and accessorizing. It all helps my job go so much smoother! (Especially with that unpredictable 1-yr-old stage!) Of course, we HAD to add some cake smash fun to the end of the session... although, I will admit that most of the mess was actually made by the big people!

Double Trouble! | Chilliwack Baby Photographer

A year ago, I had the pleasure of meeting these 2 little men (and their awesome big bro) a few weeks earlier than planned. Their poor Mom was getting ready and excited for her maternity session, when the twins had other ideas - they decided that they would hog the limelight, and make a very early entrance instead. So, our first session actually ended up being a lifestyle one in the NICU... followed a few weeks later by their official newborn session, in the studio.

Well, after a dramatic start, I was so excited to see this wonderful family again, and to see how much these little men had grown. I was not disappointed! They have such different characters, and are both still so cute. I can't imagine how crazy life is with 3 little active boys like these... but Mom & Dad are rockstars, and got it all covered way better than I could!

To be different... we also had some cake-smashing fun at the end of the "formal" session... and I had so much fun going through the shots afterwards - I could've written funny captions for every other shot!!

Fun in the Sun... With a Few Photos on the Side! | Chilliwack Family Photographer

I really enjoyed working with this awesome family, last week. It was a family photo session that took over 6 months to happen (delayed by weather, busy schedules etc) but it was SO worth the wait. Not only are they very photogenic, but they are a family that take direction incredibly well... which helps my job a LOT!

An important thing to bear in mind, when shooting little kids, is that the session has to be fun and relaxed... and this may mean breaking some family rules for an hour, dropping the discipline, and let them dictate the pace. It is tough to bite your tongue when junior does not want to go in the same direction, keep their fingers out of their mouth, or sit how you want them too (I know... I am a parent too!)... but for an hour, I ask parents to "let it go", so that we don't end up with everyone having a miserable time, and finish early with an over-frustrated, sulky child and frustrated parents. It is a much more pleasant experience, for everyone, if we can all just relax and have fun for the session... and it makes for much better smiles in the photos!

Well, this family followed my directions to the letter, and we had a lovely stroll through the Heron Reserve, spotting turtles and making grass whistles ... and ended up with some beautiful, relaxed images in between the play.

A Beautiful Belle from the Class of 2015 | Abbotsford Graduation Photographer

It is that time of the year again... when excited teenagers ditch the jeans in favour of slick-looking suits and bedazzled gowns, finished with small flowery adornments...   to celebrate the end of a 13-year era in their lives, and the beginning of a journey into the big, scary world of adulthood! For thousands of teens across BC, it is the time of High School Graduation!

Last week, I had the pleasure of joining this beautiful young lady, and her lovely (and very photogenic) family, for a few formal photographs, before she was whisked away to party. Gardner Park in Abbotsford was our fabulous backdrop, and there were excited teens and proud families everywhere (And I do mean everywhere... you literally couldn't throw a stick without hitting a sequin!) Normally a peaceful park, it was a bustling hive of activity - hugging, chatting, comparing outfits, trying to work out how to pin on buttonholes, and lots of posing for photos, of course.  Congratulations Emma and the Class of 2015!

"If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it." -William Arthur Ward