Heather Ward Photography

I HAVE A SURPRISE!

2009-02-24T11:59:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for it?

(DRUM ROLL PLEEEASE.......)

I am SUPER excited to introduce my NEW BLOG! Be sure to bookmark the new link, and subscribe to the feed if you so desire! I hope you all enjoy it as much as I am!

http://www.heatherwardblog.com/

Want to Win a $1000 Mommy Make-Over?

2009-02-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

Birth of a Mother Magazine is giving away a $1000 Mommy Make-Over! You could win prizes from Posh Mommy, Swizzlestix Spa, Bo Bebe, and more! To enter, visit their website or pick up your copy of Birth of a Mother Magazine.

Today I had the opportunity to shoot more of the magazines contributors photos. And in doing so, I got to visit with a few of my favorite people! Check out some of my faves...and a few shots of their sweet little men who tagged along.

"Prison Broke-d"

2009-02-22T18:26:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a couple of days since I've updated, so I wanted to post something...only I'm a bit brain dead today. Since I woke up WAY too early this morning, I can't speak properly, or pronounce things like "pronounce" correctly. My vocal grammar has been atrocious and I finally decided I need to stop trying to talk and retire to my room where I can instead do precisely the things that are causing my brain-damage;

*watch Prison Break one episode after another - I've just completed Season 1 and am a few episodes into Season 2. That show is the current love of my life and consumes much of my evening-time.
*drink Diet Dr Pepper - the substance allowing me to maintain my current schedule, including all that caffeine and aspartame that is no doubt contributing to my word-vomit.
*Average 4 hours of sleep per night - when the Prison Break goes off and the house shuts down, I lay awake tearing into my newest novel. I can't help it - it's gooooood, and just a tad trashy.

So, I blog this with the intention of watching a few more episodes as I chug away on my half-poison soda addiction, followed by several more chapters of my book, under the covers with a flashlight.

As I head off to continue my unhealthy routine (at least until I finish Season 3) - I will leave you with a new self-portrait. What fun is a post without a picture and maybe a quote?

“Ordinary riches can be stolen, real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you." ~Oscar Wilde

Soul Mate / Idaho Family Photography

2009-02-19T15:45:00.001-08:00

I've said it before and I'll say it again - few things are as fun to me as photographing the people I love! This past long weekend we headed down to Southern Idaho to visit some of my husbands sweet family, a few friends, and my cousin Brooke, who holds a little piece of my soul. We grew up taking semi-anual trips to each others houses where we'd spend holidays, and school breaks getting into minor amounts of trouble, and having massive amounts of fun (we even have matching foot-tat's to prove it.) Brooke, along with her incredible siblings are as dear to me as my immediate family is. I love these people with all of my heart and soul! So, it was a HUGE pleasure to spend the day with them, and photograph her cute family.

I've Been Away....

2009-02-19T00:07:00.000-08:00

"Some roads aren't meant to be travelled alone."
~Proverb Quote

Yes, I've been out of town. I took a little "road trip." I haven't meant to neglect my blog....but between travelling, shooting, visiting, and so on....I guess I did. I went to Idaho for a few days to visit some family, friends, and to do some sessions. It was a fabulous little trip! Anyway...I'll post as soon as I can. I have a busy week and weekend ahead of me. But until then...here is a little peek at what is to come....

Nothing Sweeter...than a Free Session for Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T12:19:00.000-08:00

"Love is a choice you make from moment to moment."
~Ambrose Bierce

The entries are in, the judges have spoken. I was both overwhelmed and flattered by the number of entries to our little Valentine's Day Contest, and let me tell you that choosing a winner was NOT easy!! Knowing the choice would be difficult, I gathered a panel of 6 judges and showed them each entry individually. Each person then voted, and the contest entry with the highest number of votes was chosen. Only - there was a catch - we had a tie! So - we re-read the entries to try and choose which entry should win...but we couldn't come to a unanimous decision....so we have no choice but award TWO first place winners. That's right people, two couples will be winning a free session at the location of their choice. So, without further adieu......(drum roll please...)

The Winners Are.........

Bryn Seitz & her hubby Philip, AND Sara Pellan & her fiance Evan

The winning entries were:

Brynn's 365 Days of Love; 365 reasons she loves her husband are placed in a glass jar. Every day he gets to open and read a reason she loves him! How romantic and creative is that? Her gift lasts ALL year long!

Sara's Surprise Proposal; Her (now) fiance re-enacted their entire first date, which finished at their special, romantic spot that overlooks the city where he dropped to one knee and surprised her with a romantic proposal. We were all almost in tears as I read the details of this one aloud.

A BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS. Please get in touch with me at Heatherwardphotography@gmail.com or 403.869.7747 to pick up your Gift Certificate valued at OVER $400.00 each!!!

Published....Birth Of A Mother Magazine

2009-02-13T12:06:00.001-08:00

I've had the privelledge of working with Birth of a Mother Magazine the last couple of months and have really enjoyed doing shoots for their layouts. Last month my work was featured in their "Post Baby Fitness" article, and tune in next month for some photos of Mom & Tot Yoga. Be sure to grab your copy at Calgary's Bo Bebe locations, or check them out online.
Cover Cover shot, not a photograph done by Heather Ward Photography.

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive."

2009-02-12T16:43:00.000-08:00

~Gilda Radner

D&S - Kids Short & Sweet Session

2009-02-10T21:14:00.000-08:00

Every session is different, and each child or person brings something special to their images. Often it's a combination of a child's personality and a charming smile, or a couple's passion and amazing connection, and in this case; innocence, sweetness and some seriously amazing eyes. Even though I loved all of the images from this session, I think my faves are from the downtime when the little ones were being bribed with hot chocolate & marshmallows. :)

The Punch Pack - Actions

2009-02-10T10:58:00.001-08:00

Yes, I'm on an action kick this week so I thought I'd post a new set of my favorites. This nifty little pack has 10 actions that rock! And the best part - they are CS/2/3/4 & PSE5/6/7 compatible!

The Punch Pack/Mini Processing Set: $20.00
The following actions are included in the set:
Base Sharpen, Clarify (my new fave sharpening action that both defogs & sharpens the details perfectly), Color Pop, Warm It Up, Cool It Down, Antique Color, High Contrast BW, Chocolate BW, Resize for Web, Hollywood Portrait.
(example photo: slight curves adjustment to fix exposure, Clarify @ 75%, color pop 60%).

Buy Individual Actions - $5 (button below)
If you you are a CS user and already have most of the actions in this set - you can purchase any of the new ones (I highly recommend clarify) for just $5/each. PLEASE NOTE, individual actions from the PUNCH PACK only, no other individual actions from other sets, including the processing set are available).
Simply Press the Buy Now button, and note in with purchase which action you want.

"No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap."

2009-02-08T20:48:00.001-08:00

~Carrie Snow

Free Simple Valentine Card Template

2009-02-08T14:50:00.000-08:00

This Simple Valentine Card is available as a FREE download. You will need a working knowledge of layers, as there are a few options for the front of the card.
The Terms of Use are included so please review them.
Get the Card HERE

Chocolate BW Actions: Set of Two - $5

2009-02-08T14:15:00.000-08:00

Now Available: Lolly's Chocolate Black & White Action Set (set of 2)
for Photoshop CS versions.
Dark Chocolate BW & Milk Chocolate BW
Get them now for $5.00
(textures not included)
For more actions, visit this link.
ORIGINAL IMAGE

DARK CHOCOLATE CONVERSION

MILK CHOCOLATE CONVERSION

"Is not a kiss the very autograph of love?"

2009-02-07T09:57:00.000-08:00

~Henry Finck

"The eye sees a thing more clearly in dreams than the imagination awake."

2009-02-05T13:41:00.000-08:00

-Leonardo da Vinci -

Share the Love Promotion

2009-02-02T13:33:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Miss G / Calgary Baby Photographer

2009-02-02T12:28:00.000-08:00

This weekend I met, and photographed a stunning family here in Calgary. The youngest of the bunch was beautiful Miss "G". She is definately a looker (look at those amazing eyes), and I spent much of the session resisting the urge to squeeze those adorable cheeks! Here are some of my favorites from their session.

Canadian Rockies

2009-02-02T00:01:00.001-08:00

I know it's been a couple of days since I last posted. I've got some adorable photos from a Saturday session almost ready to share, but it's too late and I'm too wiped. So stay tuned tomorrow. Until then, here is one photo I took today as I drove home from BC. While I have been very open about missing the Ocean and the great photo opps it provides me....I have to admit that the majestic Rockies are helping to fill the void. :)

Fine Art Prints....Finally

2009-01-31T00:16:00.001-08:00

At last I have finished adding the "Fine Art Gallery" to my website. I hope you like my addition and that it gives you a little extra eye candy to spy on. I'm sure I'll be adding to it frequently in the coming seasons.

For those of you who are interested, prints and canvases can be purchased directly through the site. I'm eagerly awaiting a couple of canvases for myself of my favorite Portland landscapes. I can hardly wait to see them in person....

Colorado Baby / Calgary Children's Photographer

2009-01-30T13:36:00.000-08:00

This cute little man is visiting from out of town and was a really good sport today despite some serious wind. The temp is warm(ish), but it doesn't feel like it when you are being blown and whipped around. Needless to say, I am counting the days until it's warm and pleasant ALL the time. :) Anyway...I'm sure Mr. L is no stranger to chilly temps where he's from, but he was sure a good little guy today and I'm so glad I got to meet him!

BFF Maternity / Calgary Maternity Photographer

2009-01-30T11:23:00.000-08:00

There is something about pregnant woman that I find completely adorable. Maybe it's their perfect round bellies, the gentle glow that finds them while they are expecting, the sweet smile the crawls across their faces whenever their little one moves....or the fact that every single one of them looks much more comfortable than I did when I was pregnant. :) Whatever it is, I love it, it draws me in and makes me smile. This session with my dear friend was no different; glow, baby-belly, lot's of smiles and some great chit-chat. It was such a privelledge to do these photos! And can you believe...she only has a few short weeks left? I can't wait to meet the little man that has set up shop in her little belly!

New Mexico Sessions Planned

2009-01-29T22:46:00.000-08:00

Calling all Albuquerque residents. As requested, a trip to New Mexico is in the works for sessions in the Albuquerque area. Bookings are now being accepted, but must be secured by or before April 1st, 2009 to ensure availability. Limited space available, dates TBA. Please email me at HeatherWardPhotography@gmail.com for information and bookings.

It's ALLLL About the Color!

2009-01-29T15:02:00.001-08:00

While I LOVE a good vintage conversion, or a cool texture...for the most part, I am ALL about the color! I love bright, vibrant color - it makes me happy! I had so many great spots in Portland, that I was worried after moving back to Calgary that I wouldn't find any funky walls, or brightly painted ally-ways. BUT, I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon this new location while hunting for a spot to shoot this week. I think it was a fabulous find, and I'm super excited to use it again in the future because the backside of this building (yes it was all one building) had a whole-'nother series of colors that can be used when the light is just right.
Yey for me!
Special thanks to my cute little models! :)

Tubby Dog

2009-01-25T19:40:00.000-08:00

My little brother and his girlfriend just introduced us to a little place near downtown called "Tubby Dog." I have to admit I was skeptical at first about a $7 hotdog with PB&J and Cap'n Crunch on it....but, I stand corrected and must admit that it was delicious!
Here are a few of the treats the 4 of us tried this weekend.
From the top:
Yam fries with a yummy spicey dip
PB&J with French Toast Crunch Cereal
The A-Bomb: cheese, a mysterious sauce, and crunched up Ketchup Chips
Tubby Dog: Chilly, Cheese, Onions.

If you live in Calgary and haven't been there yet...go...run....get one!

Just One / Calgary Baby Photographer

2009-01-24T14:17:00.000-08:00

Baby Legs are my new obsession. They are the greatest invention ever!

It's My Birthday!

2009-01-23T10:11:00.001-08:00

Wednesday was my birthday! And it was a fabulous one! I celebrated with my sweet family on the actual day - which they made very special, and then my girlfriends threw me a little party the following morning (see the photos they snapped below). It's been a fabulous birthday week! Thank you to everyone for all of the birthday wishes via email, phone call, text message, facebook and otherwise! I sincerely appreciated all of them!

Caught In The Act - A Silhouette

2009-01-21T17:06:00.000-08:00

My friend Dani forwarded this photo to me this week for a photo/workshop pamphlet I was putting together. So, I figured since I don't have anything else ready to post right now - this would do the trick, along with the corresponding photo that I was shooting at the time. Just looking at it really makes me miss Oregon. I've been quite homesick for it since I moved back, but the warm weather this week is helping to downplay it a bit. I am really looking forward to my upcoming visit this spring. I'll post more details on that trip when I have the dates finalized.

Finally...A Freshy Fresh!/Calgary Newborn Photographer

2009-01-19T15:26:00.000-08:00

Meet the newest member of my extended family! BOY is he CA-UUUUTE!!! He was surprisingly tollerant of the experiments I tried out on him today (even though some didn't turn out quite as I'd hoped). Here are a few photos from our session today....

Valentine's Day Contest

2009-01-18T15:48:00.000-08:00

Check It Out

2009-01-17T12:30:00.000-08:00

Childhood

2009-01-16T09:13:00.000-08:00

We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.
~Stacia Tauscher

Valentines Day.....

2009-01-15T16:31:00.000-08:00

It's on it's way! And I'm excited....something about all the flowers and candy makes me happy. :) Last year I had a Valentines Day Contest and gave away a free couples session, which was a blast. I'd like to do another contest of some kind again this year for all of your love birds out there. I'm going to be doing some brain storming over the next couple of weeks so stay tuned for updates on that!

Pink Bunny Princess

2009-01-10T23:22:00.000-08:00

I got to photograph this cutie-pie today, and boy did she make me work for what I got. She was very worth it though! I love this age...still so tiny, but FULL of personality and spice. She thought my lens cap was delicious...

Surviving!

2009-01-07T19:27:00.000-08:00

This FREEZING cold, snowy weather is getting old...even for Canada! It's hard to get outside, let alone expose my fingers to take photos! Frost-bite is a very real possibility. :) I'm sorry for the slacking...when a Chinook blows in, or the sun comes out I promise to post something decent. Until then....my surroundings will have to do...

Mini Vacay - Banff

2009-01-04T17:57:00.001-08:00

I was able to get away this weekend with my entire family, to the Banff Springs hotel. Going to Banff early in the New Year has become a tradition for our family so I look forward to it each year. Here are some photos from my weekend, and of the hotel. If you've never been to Banff...I highly recommend looking into a little getaway! ;)

This fudgery boasts the BEST MAPLE FUDGE on earth! It's part of the reason I'm starting P90x tomorrow! :)

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T00:47:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone had a Happy New Year! And, I hope it was warmer than mine! I'm going to have to do some research on some kind of dance to bring in the warm weather....or I'll have to go buy a new coat. It's entirely too cold up here for my liking. :) But, I do have my family and that adds a little warmth to the chill in the air. Today I got to spend much of my New Years Eve with my sister. Oh how I love her...and the complete idiocrocy that engulfs us when we are together.

Friends/Family - a little bit of both

2008-12-27T18:06:00.000-08:00

All right, I'm somewhat settled up here in the great white north and back in the swing of things. Somewhere in the mass of boxes my Wacom tablet and Pantone calibrator are quietly waiting for me to find them...I miss them and it's only been a week. :)

Despite my missing tools - I had a fabulous (and chilly) photoshoot this morning with one of my BFF's, Jen and her fabulous family who you've seen on my blog before. They are among the BEST people I know - and DNA aside, they are practically my own! I grew up with this clan, crashing on their couches, sneaking in and out of their house at night, and eternally spooking myself by watching horror movies in their basement. I love them all to pieces! Here are a few of their photos.

Merry Christmas - From Canada!

2008-12-25T19:38:00.001-08:00

Greetings! I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas today! I know we did. We made it to town with 2 days to spare despite horrible travelling conditions and a moving truck that kept having mechanical difficulties. But we are here and are excited to begin a new chapter in our lives. We are already missing Portland terribly, but it helps to know we'll be back in town frequently (both for business and pleasure!)

Though there are many reasons we are happy to be living here in Calgary once again, this is one of the main ones! ;) Dear Smarties...we have indeed missed you!!!

Stranded

2008-12-20T19:22:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that I might be a little bit slow responding to emails and posting on this blog over the next few days. I am in the processing of moving up to Canada right now, and will not have access to my regular files and email for a few days until we get settled.

However, right now....I'm stranded at a hotel in snowy Oregon. Strange I know...the weather has been crazy and the freeways are closed. Let's all hope and pray for good weather tomorrow so we can travel and make it home safely before Christmas. :)

Be Patient With Me...

2008-12-17T00:21:00.001-08:00

I know I haven't posted in forever...but right now my house is a mad mess of boxes and I'm moving as quickly as I can to get everything packed and ready. We are just days away from our BIG move. Whose brilliant idea was it to do this just days before Christmas?? :) And to top it off, the weather has decided to turn sour just in time to drive 1000 miles! I guess I've been so spoiled with the 60*F weather, clear skies, and good roads that I took it for granted.

As much as I don't enjoy the snow...I do get a good laugh at how EVERYTHING is closed when the forcast calls for it. (Snow being a skiff, maybe an inch, a small amount). Anyway...as our neighbour so appropriately noted in passing yesterday "I guess this is God's way of preparing you for Canada!" :) He's probably right. Personally though, I took it as a sign that I should head south and move somewhere with warmer weather.

California Love

2008-12-12T20:20:00.001-08:00

No matter how many times I've been to a certain city...I always end up wearing a big fat sign across my forehead that says "TOURIST!!!"; (Meaning my Camera is constantly fixed to my eye.) I can't help it. I have to photograph everything...and it drives my husband crazy. "Pull over here!" "Drive over there." "This will be my last stop I promise." A 3 hour drive will take us 5 hours because I have to stop to shoot everything. Often times I get home and view the photos only to hear myself say "I shot it better the last time." or "that shot didn't turn out." But sometimes I get home and I'm super thrilled that I made myself stop to take a photograph...even if it doubled the length of our journey.

Don't mind the splotches you see in some of the photos. I forgot to bring a sensor cleaning kit for my camera and it got amazingly dirty. I would have stopped to grab one while I was away but I had zero time. We were going going going all the time... Anyway - I took care of a few in photoshop but my eyes are tired and I'm bound to have missed a few.

Anyway...I hope you enjoy a few of these.

In LA all we really did was Disney. I was dying to see the San Juan mission but I decided to save it for my next trip.
Sunset...notice the Seals on the beach in front of me. Man they were STINKY!!

San Fransisco Bay - Fishermans Warf where we stayed.
...and again...
and again...Man I really love the Bay Area.

The Bay Bridge

From just below Coit Tower

The Golden Gate

Napa Valley

Canon Rules....

2008-12-12T16:18:00.000-08:00

Yes I'm back from California and I've been a bad blogger. I had no idea how busy I was going to be down there! I was going to bed at the same time as my kids, I was so exhausted at the end of each day! (What is that all about? )
So in the mean time, while I get some photos edited to post - here is a little something for you to watch. I got a good laugh over it. And yes...I'm a Canon user.

Holla!!! It's Holiday Time!

2008-12-05T19:17:00.000-08:00

So...amidst all of the craziness of our move - we decided to take a little holiday down South to explore Southern California. We leave this weekend so I won't be posting much as far as session photos...but I plan to post plenty of landscapes, sights & maybe a few of my crew. So stay tuned for posts from my hotel rooms....

Until then...I'll leave you with a little somethin' somethin'...
Here is a photo of Miss P who was our model today for a mentoring session. She was happy to smile for us today...or...at least to look our direction. :)

Also...I've been meaning to get out and get a shot of Mt Hood for ages. It's been clear this week so I ran out and snapped a quick shot of it. It's so gorgeous...and I get to see it every single clear day as I drive down the road. Next on my list...my other daily view - Mt Saint Helens.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

JMac Fam - An Almost Perfect Session

2008-12-03T17:17:00.000-08:00

Today I had a session with our good friends the "Mac" family, as my kids call them. It started out really well...but as you can see - Miss P got very tired of me, very quickly. I can't help with giggle at her, and her photos though because she's such a cute little drama queen! Here are a few from today (and look - you can see Jada's cute little Baby-Belly.)

So, this is how it started out...all smiles. :)

This is about when it turned 'sour' and P had had enough of me.... But look at her - just as cute as when she's happy!

Ok - my focus is a little off, but this might be my fave from the session...I thought it was hilarious...
And here is Jada's TINY Baby Bump! Can you believe she only has a couple of months to go?? She still looks first trimester!! She always amazes me...(aka I'm jealous).

A Few More....

2008-12-01T13:06:00.001-08:00

I'm just doing some editing and had to post a few more of cute little miss "S".

Trista & Son - Mentoring Session

2008-12-01T10:03:00.000-08:00

Here are a few photos from my last mentoring session. I had a great time with Trista, and we used her cute little boy as our model.

FAQ - Photoshop Actions

2008-11-30T15:45:00.000-08:00

I know it's been awhile since I have done an FAQ so I hope this one is useful to many of you. I often get questions about how I process my photos. First of all, it's important to start with a properly exposed photo wherever possible, and then learning to process photos effectively is the next step. There are a MILLION ways to process a photo, and not everyone's style is the same....but personally I love a really colorful, crisp & clear photo.

To cut back on processing time I have created a number of Photoshop Actions to use on my photos. Actions are a number of prerecorded steps that are used to create a certain effect (color boosting, sharpening, airbrushing, etc). To learn more about my actions and what they can do, click here.

Damon & Tiffany - Adorable Family

2008-11-29T21:34:00.001-08:00

I'm feeling a surge of emotion as I edit & post these photos. I'm just realizing that I only have a couple of sessions left before I move...so I have to start counting these as my last Oregon photo sessions until the summer! I can't believe my move is creeping up on me so quickly! It feels very sad to be leaving this beautiful place, with it's beautiful landscapes and wonderful, incredible, fun, fabulous families I've had the privelledge of working with here!

I can't count the number of smiles and laughs we shared today at our session. I have been excited all week knowing it was coming up because I had so much fun the last time I worked with them, and have been able to keep in touch with Tiffany since we last worked together! This family is a blast and so like my own! It always rocks when a client becomes a friend, and I definately feel like that is what she has become!

I have quite a few left to edit from their session, but was so excited about the few I did edit - that I had to share them.....

ROCKSTARS!!!

2008-11-28T19:47:00.000-08:00

"Ninja's....they're everywhere!"

My little sissy "Kandle" and her college BFF "LoPree" (as they call each other) came to stay with me for Thanksgiving, and today we had a fabulously fun photohoot! Here are just SOME of the faves from their session!

Black Friday - Thanksgiving Sale!

2008-11-27T21:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I hope everyone had a fabulous day today! We definately did, and we certainly have so much to be thankful for!
Yesterday we went to my sister in laws house in Salem for "pie night", and today she fed us an amazing meal; Turkey, Potatoes, Stuffing - the works. I definately gained a few today...but as my friend Lauren likes to say..."We're not losing...today we're just maintaining...." :) lol

We can't have a holiday without some kind of promotion...so for this weekend only - the first two people that email me at HeatherWardPhotography@gmail.com to book their photo session will receive 50% OFF the session fee!!!

Hurry....offer expires Sunday and is only valid for the first two requests.

-No cash value, limited session dates available, not applicable with existing promotions-

This isn't the greatest photo but I had to share this cute sign my sister in law has at her house... I got a kick out of it. :)

Just for Fun....

2008-11-23T18:30:00.000-08:00

So my sissy Kandice & her fun friend/roommate from college, Lauren are in town (hense my lack of posting session photos) and we have been doing some exploring the last couple of days. Most of the miles we've driven have been "uh-oh we're lost" miles, but we are working our way down our list of 'things to do.' Today I snapped these photos of the LDS Temple here, and the Portland skyline (the one without all the bridges). Eventually I've got to get right down there and grab some photos of all of the bridges. I'll regret it if I don't do it before we move...
Stay tuned for more.....

Clear Skies - Family Session

2008-11-19T19:49:00.000-08:00

My good-luck with the weather has finally ended. Today was windy and this weekend it's supposed to rain. I can't complain one bit though...I'm thanking my lucky stars for the awesome weather I've had up to this point. And I'm counting on some decent skies for me next week too! So keep your fingers crossed.

Eariler this week I had a great session with this cute family. I was really pleased with their images. They were such naturals in front of the camera! And their little one was so cute. She didn't want to smile much for me at first but she came around. I love all of their photos...I had a really hard time choosing which ones to share here....

Teaser

2008-11-19T18:25:00.000-08:00

“Childhood is frequently a solemn business for those inside it.”
George F. Will

I Love Fall! - Family Session

2008-11-17T21:51:00.000-08:00

The weather is still holding up and I can't believe it! Today I got to shoot this cute little family and happily their little man was mostly all smiles for me. YEY! I thought their photos turned out really cute...how could they not though - look at them!

Baby boy was fighting it on this one...he wanted in on that kiss and kept turning around to try...

Wish

2008-11-17T16:22:00.000-08:00

Wishes are free.
~George Ella Lyons~

I have another photographer friend who is very dedicated in posting her photos with beautiful quotes. She inspires me...

Color Me Jealous

2008-11-17T00:09:00.001-08:00

This weekend I had another WONDERFUL session with an incredible family that I have had the opportunity to work with a few times before. I always look forward to my visits with them, I have such a great time! And can I just tell you that they have the most AMAZING back yard I've ever seen?! We did their entire session there! It was so beautiful I didn't want to leave when we were finished! :)

I am only part way through editing their session, but I couldn't wait to post some of their photos. So without further adieu...
(anyone using their 'color aware' internet browsers yet?? I'm totally diggin' mine!)

J, J, J, J &J - Friends

2008-11-13T21:07:00.000-08:00

Graduating from grad-school (my husband) is exciting, and happy...but one of the sad things is that all of our friends have started moving away; back home, to new cities, far away. It's heartbreaking to think that the people we've built relationships with who have been a big part of our lives here will be living so very far away from us, forever.

One of the first to go was this family - whom you've seen on my blog many times. We love them, so we were very excited when we heard they were coming to visit AND wanted to do some photos! I sincerely enjoy photographing them, and their adorable children! Plus, I'm super thrilled when parents want to do 'couples' photos. They are some of my favorites to shoot...especially when the couples relationship shines through in the pictures!

Here are some fun ones from their session today. (by the way, per my title - every member of this family has a name beginning with "J".)

A Close Bond

2008-11-11T18:29:00.000-08:00

I got rained on this past weekend when I worked with this beautiful mother & son. They drove all the way down from Seattle that afternoon, just to be greeted by dreary skies. I guess I can't get lucky EVERY time I work outside, but I can hope! :) Luckily their 'session-atire' was appropriate for the weather, so they didn't freeze or get too terribly wet.

I had a great time with Darcy & Chris! They were a lot of fun, and very easy to work with! And they have an amazing bond. I hope I have that kind of relationship with my son when he's grown up. Here are a few photos from their session....and honestly...how gorgeous is she?! Mom of a teenager?? Unbelievable!

This is a recreation of a photo Darcy has of her and Chris when he was very little.

Babies x 2

2008-11-10T16:00:00.000-08:00

I got to photograph another set of Twin this week! I can't believe how much they've grown since I last worked with them a few months ago. It's so fun to see how these babies have changed! And even though they aren't identical, I couldn't for the life of me tell them apart. Even when I was editing their photos, and their mom and dad had given me some tips on how to tell...I was still having a hard time. Anyway...no matter who is who - they are one gorgeous family. Here are a few from their session.

Holiday Mini-Sessions

2008-11-10T13:56:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak-a-peek at our Christmas cards that just arrived. I'm in love with them....

DuBois - Family

2008-11-09T17:05:00.000-08:00

You probably recognize this family....they are our great friends and I love to photograph them! Talea will kill me for posting this first photo, but it's totally "them" and it's my absolute favorite from their session. So...sorry hun, but I love it!

HELP!

2008-11-06T09:03:00.000-08:00

This morning I started packing. I am not a good packer. I need packing advice! Please please please send me your packing tips on where to start, how to do it well...and anything else you have to offer!!
Please!

Calgary Sessions

2008-11-04T17:58:00.000-08:00

I am now taking bookings for the City of Calgary for February and on into the New Year. Please contact me for availability.

Mentoring Session & Cute Model

2008-11-04T17:47:00.001-08:00

Today I had a mentoring session with the fabulous Katie, who is a friend of mine! If you are looking for a photographer in MN, let me know! She is awesome! We had a great time today chatting, and taking photos of our cute little 'model'. I have had the opportunity to photograph this little cutie several times and it's so fun! Isn't she stunning?! Here are some of the photos from our session/shoot.

FAQ: Color Awareness & Calibration

2008-11-02T19:57:00.001-08:00

I think I've posted about this briefly before but I wanted to quickly touch on it again. Monitor calibration. Monitor calibration is "the process of optimizing the color settings of a monitor to match selected colors of a printed output."

By having a calibrated monitor it ensures that you see on your screen, what you will get in print. If your monitor ISN'T calibrated, photos you view on the web (or your computer) can appear slightly more red, green or overly bright. Of course, MOST people do NOT have a calibrated monitor. And unless you edit photos on a regular basis, or for a living - you may not have a need for these devices or software.

If your monitor isn't calibrated, you can still take steps to help the photos you view on the web look correct by downloading "color aware" internet browsers. Safari (mac) & Mozilla Firefox (pc) are a couple of them (Internet Explorer is not). With Firefox you just have to go to Tools, Options, Manage Addons and search for color awareness. It's as simple as that. My laptop isn't calibrated, and I can tell. But viewing my blog through the Color Aware browser certainly helps!

Kelly - Family/Baby

2008-11-02T19:47:00.000-08:00

I can't tell you how much I love this family! I love all of my clients, but when I have the opportunity to 'grow' with a family and watch them carry, deliver, and raise their children - I feel a special connection with them. I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph this special and STUNNING family this weekend...it was the last time before I move. That thought makes me so sad, but I take comfort in knowing I'll be back every year to pick up where I left off. :)

Custom Graduation Announcements - WSCC

2008-11-02T02:09:00.001-08:00

It's getting to be that time for many of you...and if you haven't already thought about graduation announcements - you should! From now until December 1st I will be offering Custom Designed 2-sided graduation announcements to WSCC students at a special discounted rate.
An array of designs are available, contact me for samples.

Once orders are placed, announcements will be received in less than 7 business days.
Details are as follows:
-Sizes available: 4x6, 5x5, 5x7 - Envelopes included (parchment available at no additional fee).
-Price: $50/25 cards, $30/additional 25
-Announcements are custom designed, professionally printed on heavy weight, UV coated semi-gloss paper, and include your choice of text, including commencement information on the back side (optional).

Don't wait...offer expires December 1st! Email me for more information & additional designs.

FAQ: Blog Issues & Mentoring

2008-11-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

I've had a couple people email me asking why they can't pull the exif data on some of my photos posted here. I apologize. Normally I just upload them through blogger so you can click on them and get the exif...but blogger has been having some upload issues and won't let me post large size images. Therefore, I've had to go another route. As soon as blogger cleans up it's act I will resume my original posting methods.

And yes...I have a couple spots left for mentoring sessions (private & group). If you are interested, let me know - dates are filling up quickly. Thank you so much for all of the interest!

Colin & Kara - Anytime

2008-11-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

I often wake up on the day of a session, and look out the window to see a down-pouring of rain. That's life in the Pacific North West for ya! Most people would probably be discouraged, and worried about the weather knowing that they might get rained out...but I have to be honest - I never am. I will probably jinx myself by saying this, but most of the time the weather clears up, or slows down just in time for me to head outside for a session. Let's hope that my good luck continues throughout the remainder of the rainy season....just like it did today for Colin & Kara's photo session. They were a fun couple, and I could have spent hours chatting with them and photographing them.

Jeff & Natalie - Anytime

2008-11-01T17:57:00.001-07:00

I snapped a couple of photos for our friends, Jeff & Natalie today. Here are a couple of my faves. You guys rock!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T00:27:00.001-07:00

I hope everyone had a safe and Happy Halloween! I'm going to go hibernate now since I've eaten enough candy to last me all winter.....(these two were kind enough to collect it for me).

Zack & Kami - Couple

2008-10-29T22:31:00.000-07:00

My husband met both Zack and Kami before I did...so I had heard some great things about this couple. It was awesome to meet them and find out that all of the wonderful things he'd told me about them was completely true! These are two of the most pleasant people I have ever met. I had a great afternoon them! Here is their sneak-a-peak.

Mentoring Session

2008-10-28T23:54:00.000-07:00

I had my first mentoring session today... I'm so thrilled with how it went! I had a fabulous time with Julie, who was wonderful and very talented. It was great to spend the day with her, hang out, and talk photography! Here are a few photos from our session. Thank you to these cutie pies for being our models!

The Beach...and more Jeff & Dani...

2008-10-26T23:45:00.000-07:00

This weekend was an incredible weekend! I got to photograph a really fun couple (stay tuned) - and I got to go to the beach!! We had been planning a trip out this weekend because it looked like possibly one of the last weekends we'd be able to head out there before it gets cold/rainy...and of course before we move. It turned out that it was the PERFECT day to go! It was HOT, had no wind, and an amazing sunset! A great way to close out my beach-goin'-year! I felt like I was on a little tropic vacation! We dragged our friends Jeff & Dani out with us...and we snapped a few more photos for their collection. They are such a cute family and we love hanging out with them!

(side note: I shot with my backup camera today; 40D because last time I took my 5D to the beach I was cleaning my sensor for hours. I forgot how much I love my 40!)

My girl enjoying the sunset & surf.

Rafe - Mini-Man

2008-10-22T17:53:00.000-07:00

As you can see, this cute little gentleman is full of silly faces, and mischevious grins...and he likes to get into trouble with my little guy. They are the perfect "search and destroy" team. I had a great time photographing him last week and was really pleased with the images. I think they reflect him pretty accurately. :) Is he stinkin' adorable or what?!!!
(for some reason blogger is having a glitch in the Matrix, and won't post large images today...so they are an array of sizes here until blogger shapes up).

Jeff & Dani - Family

2008-10-19T22:05:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite families! I absolutely love working with my friends! On top of being a lot of fun...they are very photogenic and have the cutest little munchkins. Tonight they fed me and my little family, and I enjoyed every bite!
Here are my favorites from their session this weekend....

Mentoring Sessions - Updated

2008-10-19T15:04:00.001-07:00

I've been approached several times this year about doing mentoring sessions. Up until now I haven't felt that I would be able to do it due to my schedule...but since I'm moving in a few months I've decided to go for it.

Help Save the Tatas!

2008-10-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

Let's not forget that it's breast cancer awareness month! Several of us have been touched by this disease....my own family has. It's important that we do what we can to help the foundations who raise money for research, screening, and treatment. A list of breast cancer awareness sites & charities can be found below. A portion of each of my October sessions will be going towards one of the charities linked here on my blog.
Time for a Cure, National Breast Cancer, Susan G Koman, The Breast Cancer Site, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Save the Tatas.
(I am in no way affiliated with any of these sites).

Last Chance for Mini Sessions.....

2008-10-14T10:25:00.001-07:00

Last chance to sign up for mini-sessions this Saturday. Check out the details HERE.

Little Girls...

2008-10-13T14:36:00.001-07:00

I got to work with these two cute girls on Saturday! I've worked with them before and they are just the sweetest, cutest little things! I had a blast, AND we got to go to my beloved blue wall! If the owners ever paint that thing I'm going to be heart broken. :)
Here are a few from their session....

Evening at the Beach....

2008-10-13T00:48:00.000-07:00

As many of you know...one of my favorite things to do is go to the beach and veg out in front of a fire in the sand. (Smores might have a LITTLE something to do with that as well). This weekend I got to do just that...and the weather was perfect, and beautiful, and wonderful, and amazing. Especially for October. Here are a few photos from my evening. I was so bummed that I didn't have a tripod with me...the moon was unreal hanging over the rock in the clear night skies.

FAQ....Me...

2008-10-10T17:20:00.000-07:00

You've already seen these now that I've put my little Welcome blurb under my flash header...but I thought I'd post them anyway and tell you a little bit about myself. I've received a few FAQ emails recently, asking about ME (of all things). So I will take this opportunity to chat a little bit....

First of all...as I'm sure I've mentioned a million times before, I hate having my photo taken. As in...I see a lens-I turn my head and hide-kind of hate. I'm trying to be better, but it's tough when I'm used to being the one behind the camera. So...the only person I really allow to take my picture, is my daughter...whose 5. :) She LOVES to risk the life of my 5D and use the 'big camera' to take photos. And she totally mimicks me when she does it. Everything from the way she holds the camera to what she says when she uses it. It's so cute that I end up laughing while I watch her shoot, and struggle to fit the camera in her tiny hands. Plus, I don't mind posing for her since she's FIVE, and always doing the same for me. So...in hopes of grabbing a few new photos for my site, and a new brochure, I allowed the near death of my beloved camera today when she asked if she could play with it. I gave her 5 minutes to shoot me while my son climbed all over my back (many little hands cloned out of these photos). I managed to get a few keepers out of the bunch and spent part of the afternoon making myself look presentable (aka lot's of photoshop). Maybe I will get brave one day and post a before and after.

Other than that there isn't much to tell you about me. I am 28 years old, and I plan to stay that way from now on. I will be celebrating my next birthday as 28, plus 1. It just sounds better. I am married, and have been for almost 7 years. Wow that is crazy to say that, or write it, out loud. I have two gorgeous kids who are both under age 6 and I have a large extended family that I am extremely close to. I like to read, like to go to the movies, and love to take photos...of just about anything.

That should do it for ME info for now, don't ya think? :) That is...if you made it this far into the post. ;)

(Oh...also, I feel the need to mention that I don't have anything stuck in my teeth in that first photo. I have a tiny diamond in that tooth that I've had since I was about 16. I keep trying to decide if I should take it out. Anyway...just so you know that I did floss before these photos).

It's Baby Season - Newborn

2008-10-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, I've just had an influx of newborns...and it's fabulous. They are definately among my favorites; all curled up and tiny. Here are a few from my session with a family I've worked with a few times! It's always a pleasure...

I thought this one was hilarious....

A Personal Note

2008-10-08T12:27:00.000-07:00

My friend Rachel was in town from Arizona this weekend and showed me a fun new website that I think I am now addicted to. Those of you who know me know that I am don't cook, like ever! My idea of a home cooked meal is a bag-mix salad, homestyle mashed potatoes by Country Crock & a rotisserie chicken from Safeway. Homecooked in about 3 minutes! :) I do however like making fun snacks for my kids, and trying new recipes when I have someone willing to sit and chat with me while I make it. So this site is a fun one. Check out Picky Palate here.

Also...some of you have written and asked me why I never post photos of my own family on this blog. The answer to that is that I'm not sure. I do have a personal blog that I post on regularly, so I guess I just figured that this blog was for all of your beautiful children and their photos. I will try to post a few now and then of my own.

I have another newborn to share this week so stay tuned. :)

Which One?

2008-10-07T22:04:00.000-07:00

Which shot do you like better? I took these today in hopes of finding one that I liked enough to blow up and display on my wall. I'm kind of leaning towards #3 but could use some other opinions. What do you think?

Samantha - Newborn

2008-10-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

It doesn't get any sweeter than a fresh new baby. Samantha was just days old when I photographed her and she was completely adorable! She was very 'well behaved' during our shoot, and it was fun to have some grandparents there to help out! Here are a few from our session....

Phillip & Jennifer - Cute Family

2008-10-01T17:25:00.000-07:00

This is the second time I've photographed this family. It's so fun to be able to photograph children as they grow up...and it always amazes me at how quickly they grow, and mature. Both of these kids have the most incredible blue eyes and are completely adorable...so it's not hard to get good shots. Plus...look how cute they are together!

I just loved this one...so thought I would throw it in the S-a-P.
Sometimes with little ones, getting them to snuggle up and face the same direction isn't always easy...lol. But I love some of the 'outtake' photos that result....
I love family feet photos! I haven't done one forever!

The Family "H" - Newborn/Fam

2008-09-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

Every time I come home from doing a Newborn session, my husband says to me (with a hopeful grin on his face) "did that inspire any cravings for a new baby?"...and I have to admit, that on my way home from every session I marvel at the tiny being I have just held, oogled over, and photographed. This session was no exception....she was just as precious as she could possibly be with her adorable little face and her full head of hair....

These children were destined to be beautiful.....just look at their gorgeous mom!

How cute is he??? With his little curls and massive green eyes!

Dan & Sandra - Couple

2008-09-29T16:51:00.000-07:00

I have to appologize to everyone because I am running a little behind on my processing. Both of my kids have had the flu this weekend and it's only barely starting to look like we are nearing the end of it. I promise to be caught up and posting asap...

Dan and Sandra. I can not even DESCRIBE the amount of fun I had on this Calgary shoot. But, as you look at the photos I'm sure you'll be able to feel the fun radiating from them. These two have an electric chemistry and I had a smile on my face the entire time I was sorting and editing their photos. I had SUCH a hard time choosing which ones to share with you that I literally went "Eny meny myni mo...." And here are the ones that got the "mo"....

And a little American old-school for ya.

Lybbert - Family

2008-09-26T19:39:00.000-07:00

Despite having to watch where we sat in the somewhat 'questionable' downtown neighbourhood that we shot in, I had a great time with this family! You probably remember stunning & beautiful Elyse from her Anytime session a couple of months back. This time she was accompanied by her fabulous family for a session in the heart of downtown Calgary. There were definately no shortage of beautiful and fun areas for us to shoot, and I think the results of our wandering turned out pretty great! Thanks for a wonderful time Lybbert family!!

How wicked is that? He pulled these babies out while I was checking some settings and completely caught me off guard. My first thought was "Oh man...I don't know if I can fix those babies in my post processing." :)

Oh My Cuteness...

2008-09-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share a couple more faves with you...I finished editing their session this afternoon and these two just demanded to be blogged... (for some reason some of the warmer-toned images are having pixelation issues in blogger this week. Sorry for the crappy display.)

Fall Portrait Special

2008-09-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

Layton - Couple

2008-09-24T21:34:00.000-07:00

Just how small is the world, you ask? About this small... Three quarters of the way into my session with this beautiful couple, I'm thinking "Wow - this guy looks like my friend from way back when"...."and, hold on, funny because he has the same last name".... "wait a minute".... so I realize that this gentleman is the little brother of a fabulous friend of mine that I haven't seen in years! How fun is that?!

I had a great time with Wade & Jamie...once we got loosened up, the good stuff just kept on flowin'...

Little Bits Of My Heart - Family

2008-09-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a peek at my first family session from my time away. And quite literally, this 'family' session was my family! You've seen them before on my blog/site...and they are just THE BEST people out there. I can't ever get enough of them! And just look at their sweet little kissable girl! Is she delicious or what?!

I'm Baaaack!

2008-09-23T21:03:00.000-07:00

I have been gone this past week/weekend, which is why I've been MIA on my blog. I have lot's of catching up to as I had 6 sessions while I away - so I'll have lot's to post during the coming week. Until then...here is a quick pic of my baby brother and his cute GF/BFF! I love them so much, and was so glad that they posed for me! Aren't they cute?!

It's Party Time...and YOU'RE Invited!

2008-09-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

My faves: Lemon Lavendar, Grapefruit Pommegranite, Tahiti Pear, Havana Cabana, Spruceberry.

Carly Crew - Family

2008-09-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

Brothers and sisters are always so much fun to shoot...but this particular pair was especially playful and at a great age to capture personality! I really enjoyed my time with them, and have had a blast going through their photos. I still have some to sort through, but wanted to post a little peek at their session.....

Gift Certificates....

2008-09-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

Just in time for the season of giving....I have some new Gift Certificates available. They are two-sided, 4.5x5 and printed on pearl coated heavy print paper and come beautifully packaged. They can be purchased in any amount, and can be sent directly to the beneficiary, or provided to you directly as the purchaser.

Contact me about giving the gift of portraits this holiday season.

Perfect Skin & Fabulous Dimples - Family

2008-09-12T11:45:00.001-07:00

You may recognize a couple of these beautiful people from sessions passed....it's always a pleasure to see Kevin & Angela and their cute little man! The rest of this good-lookin' family of theirs was just as much fun as they are, and actually reminded me a lot of my own! (And yes, ladies - a couple of these handsome blokes are single! I'll be collecting phone numbers for them...:)

I had a really hard time picking which photos I would share for their sneak-a-peek. The entire crew is extremely photogenic and had incredible skin and the most adorable dimples! Here are a few from their session...

Happy Happy Happy

2008-09-11T21:13:00.001-07:00

Stumbled upon this photo tonight when I was cleaning out one of my hard drives. It's from last fall/winter I believe. Doesn't my sweet hubby look so happy to be married to me? haha. :) You'd think he'd be used to having the camera thrust in his face constantly...but apparently on that day he wasn't happy to see it. (or I was just doing something to really annoy him).