Recent Shoot

Jesse
It was a pleasure to have Jesse, a local actor and generally good guy, back in front of my lens. He's a joy to have in studio and often after he leaves my cheeks hurt from laughing. For this shoot I was aiming for some dramatic lighting and some more interesting portraiture than I have done in the past. I think it was pretty successful. 

  
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Preping Baby for a Photo shoot

Days before:

Discuss Babies Schedule

Try and pick a time when baby is typically awake and calm. A photographer should be willing to be flexible and understand the needs of your little one- speaking from experience I don’t really want to show up in the middle of your baby’s fussiest time if that time could have been predicted. If baby has no predictable schedule pick a time when you as the parents will feel well rested and as relaxed as possible. The photo shoot should be a really fun experience, if you are not a morning person book an afternoon.

Discuss wardrobe with your photographer

Some people like baby bums and some like tutus. For really young and tiny babies the buff look will really capture they're features. But if you are not comfortable with that make sure that clothes fit as well as possible so that baby doesn’t get lost in all the fabric. Many photographers (me included) have a "tickle trunk" of baby props, hats and accessories. If your baby has any… umm… let call them head shape issues… hats can really be helpful to soften that appearance and focus the attention on her adorable little face.

Determine the optimal number of people to be present.
Often, while an extra set of hands can be great, too many cooks in the kitchen could be frazzling. Younger children and pets may need arrangements for baby-sitting or a plan for being amused if included in the shoot.
  
24 hours before:

Confirm everything with your photographer

Date, time, location. It’s great to make sure that everyone is on the same page and to make sure everyone is healthy and ready to go!
Try to maintain any schedule your baby may have. Sleep disturbances could spill over to the next day so try and keep things as normal as you can.

Minutes before:

Create a Happy and Calm Environment

• Come prepared. Remember the clothes for the shoot and an addition outfit for after, a few extra diapers, feeding items, comforting items (binky? Teddy?) and toys. 

• Feed your little munchkin! Well rested and well fed babies are typically calmer, happier, little creatures. 
• Apply some lotion to babies skin. Most babies in Calgary have dry skin so apply either some oil (olive oil can work well) or some lotion that you have previously used.
• Take a moment for yourself so that you feel good as well; whether that means eating breakfast, doing your hair and make-up or just being ready 5 minutes early so you can breathe.

Don’t sweat it! 

A professional newborn photographer knows how to handle and pose babies. A professional with experience should have a patient, calm and happy presence either in their studio or in your home.

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What to look for in a Wedding Photographer

I didn’t want to write today about what questions to ask your photographer, nor did I want to tell you what aesthetic in your wedding photographer’s art you should prefer- that’s your choice and it is subjective and personal. So what do I want to tell you about? I think there is a lesser considered but very important attribute that any fabulous wedding photographer should have. This quality is a lot less about the skill or training of your photographer and more to do with their motivations. I feel every good wedding photographer should have a deep desire to capture the innate beauty of love.

Isn’t funny how you can cruise through some photographer’s portfolios and see nothing but young, stunning people. Not that there is anything wrong with being what is societally accepted as beautiful, but I do have issue with photographers who seem to only photograph the young, thin, hip and beautiful. Love is beautiful regardless of what kind of package it comes in.

I have respect for a photographer that prominently highlights images of a couple that maybe took longer to find each other or who aren’t model thin. They highlight that photo because that image captures the essence of the moment and the joy in love. Capturing true beauty goes beyond white balance, depth of field etc. I think it’s about respecting and reverencing love.

So seriously consider the motives of your prospective wedding photographer. I’m not perfect, not even close some days. But I breathe to be behind the lens for that next tender moment. The stolen kisses, the softly held hands, the looks across the room...

…and my life is blessed when I get to capture those looks again. 

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How to look your best 34+ weeks pregnant

I have had the pleasure of interacting with women as they prepare to become mothers. Despite the profound natural beauty that women emanate at this time in life they can often feel less than gorgeous. Whether it is the baby weight, stretch marks, karate kids, high emotions or just a good old fashion case of the "blahs" it can be hard to feel like leaving the house let alone posing in front of the camera. Here are some suggestions to feel as “Glowing” as you can in the weeks before meeting baby:

Take Care of Yourself

Seems obvious, I know, but it can be the answer to many bad moments. For example: If you are hungry, don’t wait, have a small snack; if you get sleepy take a cat nap! Growing a new human being takes a lot of energy so make sure you have all the rest and fuel that it will require. Keep in mind also that moderate activity is a good idea and fresh air can feel great! So maybe after that nap take a nice paced walk (who cares if you waddle a bit!)

Buy New Clothes

I can’t even count the number of moms-to-be I’ve heard talk about waiting too long to buy new clothes that fit. I have found for myself that nothing makes you feel crankier than being all bunched up in clothes that don’t fit. Also try some stretchy fabrics that will move with you. Clothes don’t have to be super expensive to look nice and many baby consignment stores have a maternity consignment area too. Flowing dresses are great and won’t put as much pressure around your waist and pelvis which can mean less red pressure lines.  

Pamper Yourself Once in a While

Before each of my children were born I went and got a pedicure. Nothing like sparkly toes to distract you from swollen ankles! Get a hair cut, get your make-up done… have a photo shoot!! Do something that reminds you that you are special and beautiful. There is nothing as beautifully feminine than a woman about to have a baby and don’t let yourself forget it!

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Wedding Without Breaking the Bank

As a photographer and general lover of romance- I've found myself at a couple of weddings and I'm always surprised by how unique each bride is. What I find particularly interesting is how two weddings with the same budget can look so very different. I always feel bad for the girl who's wedding doesn't match her personal style. In my travels I've found that style doesn't have to break the bank or have you up 24-7 crafting more than Martha herself. Here is some of that wisdom.

* Warning shameless self-promotion ahead!*

Book Glowing Photography: P 

Ok, all joking aside- I do offer some pretty sweet wedding deals, but that is not 100% my point. My point is look for the "little guys", newer local starts ups can be great places to find deals on services. Some people may worry about the risk of choosing a local little guy but as long as you do your due diligence to check references and previous work, I don't think it’s any riskier than choosing a larger or better known supplier.

 

         For this tip think:

• photography
• invitations
• make-up artists 
• caters

  

 

Borrow More than one thing

Something borrowed, something blue... how about A LOT borrowed or acquired used. Here's an earth shaker: most people only use their wedding stuff once. But don't just settle for anyone's leftovers maybe try an approach like, “I have a vision in my head, I'd love to see if what you have fits that". And if borrowing or lending isn't really your thing there a ton of consignment galleries and thrift stores offering great solutions for up to 90% less on the price tag.

For this tip think:

• dresses
• suits
• center pieces
• decorations

Be Yourself and Be Unique

One of the most beautiful bouquets I’ve ever seen was made of feathers and buttons, which held up to the rigor of the day much better and cost a fraction of the price of live flowers. Plus, no preservation fees! Another adorable idea I saw was a wedding in a field with hay bails with beautiful fabric scraps on them instead of costly rented benches or chairs. At my wedding instead of hiring a DJ we played all of the cheesy mix tapes we had made each other while we were dating. The key here is to express something about who YOU are and it will often cost less than the "keeping up with the Kardashian's" way of doing things

For this tip think:

• Really anything!