doing the work…

It’s been quite the wild and amazing journey creating my budding family photography business during these past months. It’s been challenging to find time and reflect upon all that has been happening. I guess that time is now. I’ve been fortunate to work with the most incredible families. Each family has their own special dynamic and are inspiring in the ways they love. They’re all the real deal. Parents who are devoted to giving their all and more for the fam. Kids who are having a blast being kids. I truly feel honored to be capturing their cherished moments.

The 3 words that has kept me moving in this business/craft is well…do.the.work. It’s so easy to get caught up in the millions of thoughts that ‘i’m not good enough’ or ‘he/she is better than me so why bother’. All people who are involved in any art of creating struggle with it. It’s enough to have anybody quit. Nothing gets accomplished. No one becomes inspired. Steven Pressfield’s previous book, ‘The War of Art’ is summed up by the title of his new book ‘Do the Work!’ Actually, I gained more insight than that, but that’s what sticks. Have I read the new book yet? Nope, cuz I’ve been busy practicing the title:P

Summer is coming to an end so that means it’s back to school. Maternity leave is officially done. I’m returning to my current day job of being an elementary school teacher. I do however intend on continuing with my family photography business as well. What will that look like? It will depend on how my teaching and being a mom schedule goes:P The last thing I want to do is quit. Onward we go.

posted in personal on August 22, 2011 | leave a comment

julie + fred = owen + lauren

Owen has the kindest soul. He readily shares about his most precious things and thoughts of life with a big grin on his face. Being a firefighter is one aspiration. It’s hard not to be drawn to those big red trucks! There’s no doubt he’ll have the strength and stamina with the way he eats:P Gotta love Lauren’s bursts of laughter and squeals. She’s gonna be a heart breaker. Good thing big brother Owen will be there to defend and protect his lil’ sis.

Julie has a definite zest for life. She can easily find the good in any challenging situation. Julie does a lot on little sleep. She makes sure to pack each day with fun for the kids and providing enough food for her big eaters, all 3. Fred is amazing with Julie and the kids. Owen and Lauren both have a great dad who will always love and lead. What more can you ask for?

posted in family,kids on August 8, 2011 | leave a comment

sarah elizabeth + ezra

It’s been fun watching these two crazy kids grow up over the years. Sarah is such a young beauty. She’s soft spoken yet with a bright and imaginative mind. Her heart is as pure as can be. Ezra’s all boy. I have memories of him downing whole chicken wings around the time he discovered he can hold onto things:P These two monkeys are not only crazy for McDonald’s nuggets, but they have crazy love for each other. Their soon to be new baby sister will be joining a family of big love.

posted in family,kids on August 3, 2011 | leave a comment

mika + vincent = aidan + kian

mommy, where did the plane go?Aidan and Kian are best buds. I mean, they even dress alike:P They love playing with each others stuffed toys, and well, especially with their awesome collection of trains and cars. Aidan’s fave train is named Hiro, same as his own Japanese name. If it wasn’t so boxy and made out of metal/plastic, I think it would be his next best sleeping buddy. He’s a great big brother, always caring for his little bro. Kian is such a little character. I love his quirky expressions and his love for food. He loves to explore and so sitting around isn’t his way of life. He’s a bundle of joy.

Mika is a super-momma. She works during part of the week but then makes sure her boys have full tilt fun during the rest of the week. She carefully plans ahead all play time and meal times to ensure her family gets the most out of each day. Oh and she also put together this fabulous family photo session wardrobe—just LOVE the different shades of green:) Love colour. Vincent strives to keep up the pace with his boys. He’s in tune with meeting all their needs and then gives more. I wonder if he secretly stays up at night playing with their cars and trains?

posted in family,kids on July 23, 2011 | leave a comment

janet kwan: wedding and portrait photographer

work it gurl, work it.It’s now my turn to post. Janet, my photografriend (she coined the term:P), came to me with the idea to spend some time one afternoon to take portraits of each other. I couldn’t pass it up! Brilliant!! It was definitely a great way to catch up on life, business and other stuff. It just so happened that we found this amazing space with concrete walls, amAZing light and a wind tunnel that acted as our own hair blowing wind machine!

Janet has always graciously openly shared her wisdom and experience with photography:) She’s also traveled far and wide to attend a variety of photography workshops given by some masters. If you check out her site, you’ll see some portraits she’s taken of me, her documented amazing work and travels:D

In the past, I know she’s battled with the forced-wide-grinned-pearly-white smile, including myself:P Hopefully,these images above showcase a glimpse into the natural true beauty of Janet.

Thanks Jan for this awesome time and all that you learn and share:D

posted in personal on July 19, 2011 | leave a comment

brigitte + wes = sabrina + zach

Sabrina and Zach are full of life. They make every minute count. Whether it’s play time, meal time, or even nap time. Sabrina and Zach make sure they enjoy all of it. Sabrina is exuberant and makes good use of her imagination. Almost anything in the house is used as props for her play productions:) She also makes sure to include all of the guests in the house into her world. Zach is a big bundle of oozing joy. He simply can’t keep it in. It’s very rare to see him without a huge grin spread across his face:) Food is of high importance to him…beginnings of a top chef?

Brigitte loves big. Her house is always open to a constant flow of friends and family. She loves to entertain and be the designated photographer, making sure to capture all of the important moments of the day. She works hard and gives her all to family. Wes is an amazing husband and father. He speaks highly of Brigitte and fully supports her in every way possible. The kids just can’t get enough of their daddy:) Always a joy to witness the love of a family.

posted in family,kids on July 14, 2011 | leave a comment

mary-ann + warren = rachel + evie

Our family session was long overdue…but definitely worth the wait. I had so much fun with big sister Rachel and little Evie:) Rachel loves her turtle, named Turtle and her princess book. But most of all, she loves to dance! Luckily, her dad is musically gifted on the guitar and in song. It wouldn’t surprise me if she grows up and takes the stage:D Evie loves to move and groove as well. She smiles big and wide. Evie loves the company of her older sister and wants to join in on the big girl fun!

Mary-Ann is such a dedicated working mom. Even with little sleep, she’s on the move with her girls to entertain and pack in as much fun as possible. She would do and give anything for her two beauties. Warren is one of those cool and composed dads. Don’t let that fool you, he’s also fully involved in the every day activities of the girls. He also makes special appearances with the girls at mommy group to substitute for Mary-Ann;P Warren and Mary-Ann work as an amazing team so that Rachel and Evie don’t even miss a beat.

posted in family,kids on July 7, 2011 | leave a comment

serena + ray = baby ryan

I can’t help but smile from ear to ear whenever I see baby Ryan. Is it his saggy cheeks? His perky ears? Or just his entire fabulous face? I love allll of it!! I remember the day Serena told me she and Ray were expecting their first child…cuz I had tears–yes I’m an emotional woman:P Serena and I have been teacher colleagues for quite some time. We’ve seen each other through the tough times and the super glorious days. I’ve always had great respect for her as a person, colleague and now a super mom:) She has an unlimited amount of patience and love for people. Ryan is going to be spoiled with her goodness. Ray is an awesome dad. He’s great at lending a listening ear and giving the very best advice. Plus he’s also multi-talented with his video/photography/drumming gigs. Ryan has inherited some serious gear. I know without a doubt baby Ryan is now part of an amazing family.

posted in babies,family on June 28, 2011 | 1 comment

zinnia + xavier

How cute are they?!? Once I arrived at my friend Serena’s house to take photos of baby Ryan, his two older cousins Zinnia & Xavier were over visiting him. We decided to do a little mini-session with the brother and sister. Umm…how could I pass up on those faces?! Zinnia and Xavier were both super awesome at taking directions, plus it was almost impossible not to laugh the whole time. The entire 10 minutes was full of crazy fun!

Angela, their mom, is no doubt one lucky momma. Just the by the way Zinnia and Xavier interacted with each other in such a short amount of time tells me just how immense their love is for each other…sooo sweet. My cheeks got sore from all the constant smiling I was doing while working on photos. Do these kids have an agent yet? :)

posted in family,kids on June 24, 2011 | 1 comment

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →