Blended families....isn't such a bad thing.

I consider myself one of the luckiest individuals around.  I get to do a job that doesn't feel like work to me.  I have an amazing support system.  My friends and family are seriously incredible.

I seem to regularly meet such inspiring individuals who make my life better.  It never ceases to amaze me how when you project a positive attitude good things happen.

I have been blessed with such wonderful family.  I know we all think that.  I never thought I would come from a blended family.  I always thought I would have a family who was in my terms normal.  However, realizing now.....blended families are amazing!  You now have so many more people in your life to love and support you.

I regularly get to witness such different family dynamics.  I appreciate all of my clients bringing me into their life to capture their memories.  When doing family photography I get to meet such amazing people and hear such fun stories about family dynamics.  Sometimes I'm not always sure how to react and always need to be careful with my words.  For example when photographing a family sometimes I may not always be sure on who exactly are the parents.  It's quite easy to slip up and say to a child "go sit by mommy" when sometimes that isn't their mommy as they know it.

 Also when photographing weddings sometimes the dynamics are even more difficult.  Sometimes divorced parents add to the challenge.  These instances require a little more thinking.  I usually reassure the bride that this is their day and I will help in any way possible in ensuring everyone is comfortable.

I have struggled over the years trying to make sense of my blended family however finally now have come to realize how incredible it really is.  Honestly.....I used to think it was a negative however now it's entirely a positive.  I have an even bigger support system now.

My dad recently got remarried and I have gained a stepmom and some new siblings which is AWESOME!

My mom got married and now I have a Step dad and Step brother.....how lucky am I!

Many of you are unsure as to how to make a family session work.  I have also had situations where families split up right before their sessions.  Life happens.  It doesn't mean we have to stop capturing it.  We just roll with it.  I even photograph families that have split up sometimes.....I start with dad and the kids and then mom and the kids.  Ideas are endless.  Don't stop capturing life, embrace it.  

Christmas Mini Sessions - BOOK NOW!

Are you struggling to think of that perfect gift for the grandparents who have everything. Trust me....they would love a new family photo of you guys.

The ideas are endless.....comfy pj session, tobogganing, or a studio session.  Regardless which you choose it's the perfect time to capture your family.  

Why not send out custom Christmas cards?  Everyone love's receiving these in the mail at the holiday season.

Book now so you have time to get your Christmas cards printed.  CONTACT me to secure your session.

How I balance being a successful photographer and a mother.

Recently I got an email from a super inspiring photographer who I cannot seem to get enough of.  He also mentors and helps other photographers be as successful as they can possibly be.  His work is incredible and the way he balances a family is absolutely inspirational.

In this email he made such great points that totally made me want to share with you so you understand a little bit more about what it takes for me to be a photographer while still being the best mom I can be.

First off.....scheduling.  Super important!  Whether I am booking a time to shoot or just time to edit from home it all requires organization and planning.  When working for myself I have noticed balancing time is a bit more of a challenge.  Usually I plan my time as best I can however there are times I notice balancing work time and family time can be a challenge.  The reason I chose to become a photographer however was so I was able to be the most involved mom I could be.  I didn't want to drop off my son at 7 am at dayhome and then rush to pick him up after work and be exhausted and struggling through dinner, bath, and bed.  I feel blessed to have a wonderful support system with friends and family that I can be the most involved mom possible.  Usually my days consist of spending quality time with my son and editing once he is in bed.

Also mentioned was DRESS up and CLEAN up.  This thankfully is something I take pride in.  I remember there was a point in my life where things didn't feel right.  It was a struggle for me to get ready in the mornings and an unhappy life made this all even harder.  I made huge life changes and now, as many of you know if you have come to my home it's usually organized and clean.  Yes, it is a priviledge to be able to work from home and I guess for some of it I really could be in my PJ's.  However, taking pride in yourself and your looks makes you much more productive.  Something so simple as our day to day routine is definately helpful.   Also a lot of mom's ask me how I do it.  First things first.....I do expect a lot from my son.  Yes he just turned 4 years old, but if I didn't expect a lot from him our home would be total chaos.  I see a lot of parents struggling but honestly the more you expect from your children the more help you have.

Finally, stay healthy and energized.  This is absolutely important.  Getting good sleep allows you to be alert and productive.  In our home we usually begin our days with a protein smoothie and a work out.  (Let's slightly rephrase that....I get on the elliptical and my son pulls out his yoga mat....or sometimes his toys)  We then spend some time getting ready for the day together.  We make games out of it and it's usually our time to crank some music and dance.  Now if I have booked sessions he goes to either a friends or dayhome.  This allows him to be busy while I work.  I do have a studio in my home but having him here isn't always fun for him or I.  He's extremely interested in what I do and a great helper.  Even today he asked if the next wedding I photograph he can be my assistant and hold an umbrella for me.  Hehe.

Balance is difficult in all aspects of life but these are some of the things I do in order to be a successful photographer and mother.

Thank you to Ashley Sykes Photography for capturing these images of my son and I. Much appreciated!

Fall Family Mini Sessions

Fall is absolutely my favorite time to do photos.  The colors and leaves are incredible, the clothes are fantastic and so much fun, and the light and weather is perfect!

It is also my busiest season.  We never really know how long the leaves are going to last and how yellow they will turn.  Last year we totally lucked out and got a longer week of amazing leaves.

I'm sure these sessions will fill up extremely quickly so CONTACT me to book your session.

Why I chose to hire a graphic artist

Guess what.....so you all must think because of my photo's I'm this super creative artistic individual.  When it comes to my photos YES! When it comes to graphics stuff....NO!

I ran into a friend that I hadn't seen in years.  She mentioned she was now doing graphic design.  She came over one evening for a glass of wine after we both got our kids down and we got to chatting.  I knew right there I needed her on my team.  This is when I chose to hire Katherine Wilkinson Design

I would spend many hours trying to put together newborn announcements or Christmas cards, and not absolutely love them.  Photography is my forte not graphics!  

I figured I would test this out before commiting too much.  She did a couple advertisements for me with absolutely no guidance.  I said here is the info....run with it!

Literally when I got her emails I laughed out loud at what I had attempted myself, and what she had come up with.  I knew from this point on I would not attempt any more graphics stuff!!!  

She does it all for me now.  I don't even attempt it.  I simply send her a photo and she sends me something back.  It's brilliant!  When you find someone who makes your business better its a wonderful feeling.

My plan was to launch a new website and rebrand for 2014.  This was a big step as I had spent 6 months trying to figure out and make my own website which clients said was great.  However I knew I wanted better!  Then came my new cards and postcards in the mean time while she worked long hard hours on my new website.

Then....came the time to launch my new website www.urbanimages.ca and the feedback was amazing.  Clients were sharing and linking my website and business and referals kept coming in.  

Katherine! You made my life so much easier and my clients are thrilled.  This was the best step I took in growing my business.

Check out her work and seriously I cannot say enough great things about her.

Katherine Wilkinson Design

In Studio Special

After a busy month of holidays and a big move into a new home.....I am finally settled.  The new studio is set up.  In excitement of this I will be offering a special to my clients on In Studio Special.

This special is for all sessions booked before July 31st, 2014 so don't delay.  

Book Today.

Newborn Sessions are definately a challenge

Recently i've had numerous people asking about newborn sessions and what they involve.  I would like to take this moment to tell you.....they are never easy!  They are definately my most challenging thing to photograph.

So many people absolutely have no clue what to expect when they bring their new little bundles of joy to me.  So here is a few little pointers.

First off....I usually want them in my studio within the first week.  Yes, sometimes that doesn't always happen, however I always try my best.  The reason they are best photographed within the first week is that they are moldable.  They are soft and bendy and not as strong.  They are easier as well because they sleep more.  After that first week this all becomes so much more challenging.

Secondly,  be prepared for a mess.  Most first time parents are so uncomfortable.  As many of you who have already had me photograph their newborns you are probably laughing now.  Many people and props get peed or pooped on.  Usually it's the parents that panic, so I always warn my clients if it doesn't happen I will be shocked.  It also doesn't help that I tend to have parents feed them a lot to make them sleepier.

Finally, as a photographer I have to stay calm and patient.  Newborns unfortunately don't understand. If only I could explain what I needed of them. It just isn't that easy.  Many parents start to get frustrated if their newborns aren't sleeping or aren't settling.  This is why I am patient.  It takes time.  There is no need to stress or worry.  I work with your little one.  Sometimes they don't want to do what we have planned however that doesn't matter.  We play it all by ear and change things up.

If you are interested in booking your newborn session with me please CONTACT me, even if you just have questions to ask regarding a session.