New Toy

I'd rather not use flash when I take photos...I just prefer the lighting and look of a photo if I don't. However, I've learned that sometimes it needs to be used, that being said, I HATE the built in flash on my camera, cause it makes weird shadows and doesn't "light" the way I would like. So.....

I bought this!!!

It's a speedlight!!! Woo-hoo! Now I just need to figure it out....?!?!? :)

It's "much" more complicated then the external flash we have for the old film Nikon that we have. But practice makes perfect right? I'll be right on that! Wish me luck.

Til next time, C.

Cullihall Christmas

It's been a few times now that I've photographed this family. Not only are they good friends but so easy to work with, even if the hubby is the worse blinker ever...just kidding :)

Here's my favourite shots from the session

First the whole family

Then the little one...isn't he just adorable???

And I know a few days ago I said that was it for the Christmas card design choices but look at these!!

Simple green with a more traditional feel

Blue & Brown if you're looking to go a bit modern

Thanks again to the Cullihall Family, it was my pleasure :)

Til next time, C.

Operation: Mission Possible

My friend Tara is headed to Guatemala, spring of 2009 on her first missions trip. In an effort to raise funds she's selling Personalized Christmas Cards. You send her $10, pick one of 15 samples and then you have your 2008 Christmas cards to share with friends & family.

Please check out her blog here

If you have booked a Christmas card session with myself and prefer any of her Christmas cards, let me know. I'll send her a full resolution file from your shoot and personally donate the $10 for your order. Let's help her out, even if you don't want the Christmas cards, donate anyway.
It's better to give than receive :)

Til next time, C.

David

He's quiet and shy, you ask him to smile and he says "cheeeeeesssseeee"

Too cute!

I was able to get some "natural" shots of him though without all of them having the "cheese pose" going on :)

This one I think he's guilty of the "cheese"

This is more natural

Peek-a-boo .....or hide-n-seek maybe?

he he

My favourite shot of the day :)

Til Next Time, C.

Okay so I lied....

...but not intentionally!

When I said that was it for the Christmas card designs, I really did think it was,....until I found these:

And now that's it....I think???  :)

Til next time, C.

Isabella

This little girl is so sweet....she's 15 months old (if I remember correctly...sorry if I'm wrong). She's quiet, cheerful, and so cute.

Here's a few of my favourites from our session

It was a perfect Fall day

I can honestly say I'm impressed with myself that I thought to bring this mini pumpkin as a prop

Too cute

Seriously....look how cute!!!

I think she's Cabbage Patch Doll material in this one. She can totally pull off the biker chick look :)

Scroll down for more on the slideshow.

Til next time, C.

Contest Winner

Here's a few photos from my session with the Fall contest winner, Georgina :) Had lots of fun! The weather was warm & sunny and I'm thrilled with the results.

Take a peek....

First the oh so pretty pink tree, I had a few photo sessions here so you'll see this same background in a few upcoming sneek peaks. HAD to take advantage of the beautiful fall colours.

She & the hubby

Playing with some sepia tones

And who could forget the classic black and white?

Thanks again to all who entered the contest. Hoping to have another contest before Christmas (not necessarily a free photo shoot....hmm...what could it be???) Stay tuned.

Til next time, C.

Kyle & Kennedy

I had fun doing this shoot, Kyle & Kennedy are my cousin's children....when I was little she was my babysitter and I LOVED when I could hang out with her and her sister. They were older than me and I loved watching them doing their hair, makeup, nails, whatever. I thought they were just wonderful. On to now, she's a mom and even though I don't see her often it seems our conversations always pick up right where we left off. There are times I see so much of myself in her, and that's a good thing she's a great person, mom and friend.

Now on to the photos of her oh so cute kidlets :)

First we did family photos for Christmas cards

A few of my favourites

I don't know why but whenever I look at this I think it needs to be called "A boy & his dog"

Kyle showing me how good he is at climbing

And sweet Kennedy ....she's very photogenic

I'm a junkie for walls, brick walls especially, this is why

The family dog...Missy

And last but not least my FAVOURITE family pose....just them casually walking down the street. They all look so happy :)

Scroll down to the slideshow for more photos.

Thanks again, til next time.

C.

Newborn: Tristan

I was a little worried about this session since it was a dark rainy day and the indoor lighting was not in my favour. However, I'm am happy with the end result.

This little, not so little guy, was 23 inches when he was born. He was already 3 weeks when we did this session, meaning he was one tall/long boy. That being said, every inch of him was super cute :)

Now to the photos.....

Here are a few of my favourites:

Tristan's Mommy had some of the BEST props ever!

First a trunk in her living room that I HAD to use

Then blocks to spell his name

And the BEST wicker basket ever, I think I might have to make an offer on it for future use :)

Thanks again, I had a great time. Even though he was a squirmy little one he was lots of fun and very cooperative of us moving and jostling him around :)

Scroll down for more photos on the slideshow.

Til next time, C.

Happy Thanksgiving

I'm soooo thankful to you my clients, my friends, who have been supportive of my new adventure to take on the photography world.

I couldn't have asked for a better bunch :)

To you and your family "Happy Thanksgiving"

PS: Tomorrow it begins....lots of new photo shoots

Til then, C.

The Cutest Blog on the Block

I discovered THIS website today called The Cutest Blog on the Block.

And am I ever freakin' excited!!!!!

I've been searching and searching for digital scrapbooking papers/kits for a while now to use as my background when I re-launch my blog in January, new look, new prices, and so on.

And I've found this website!!!!!! Here's their free yes I said FREE backgrounds (272 to choose from)  http://www.thecutestblogontheblock.com/backgrounds.php?pageNum_rs_backs=0&totalRows_rs_backs=272&cat=39 

 I haven't chosen one yet....there's too many to choose from and I haven't finalized all of my many ideas running around in my head. And for $30 you can have them design your header too. Not sure what I'm doing in that area yet....too much information to process today along with my happiness.... :)

But I had to share this awesome find with my blogger friends if you're looking to give your blog a bit of a punch.

Happy Friday & Happy Thanksgiving!

Til next time, C.

True Spirit of Christmas

I am one of the people who is tired of saying Happy Holidays and do feel we should say Merry Christmas, especially if you're Christian (which I am) and IT IS a Christian holiday that we're celebrating.

Soooo...in light of that here are some true Christmas samples.

This also demonstrates different photos, writings and fonts that can be used on your customized card.

Til next time, C.

You the Customer

As a customer, when you hire a photographer, what do you expect?

Most photographers these days charge a sitting fee for a session, then that's it!

No proofs (they're now an online gallery)

No extras (you order your prints from the online gallery, and most at BRUTAL rates)

Don't get me wrong I understand you can't undercharge, especially if you're trying to make a living and a lot of hours go into the processing of each photo shoot (trust me I know!)

However....

I have a problem with the lack of photos, I think, as a customer, a fee should include not only "time & talent" as some put it but something REAL as part of the package, not just all this virtual stuff. Which is why in 2009, though I will be increasing prices, PROOFS actual physical 4x6 prints will still be included with your package...with a new twist....will share more details on that later. But I'm super excited about it, it's more of my own personal touch in this very high tech world.

If you agree or disagree, I welcome all feedback. Let me know what you think!

Also I apologize for the lack of photos these days but happy news the holiday photo shoots are beginning THIS week, so LOTS of new photos on the way :)

Til next time, C.

Newfoundland Confirmed.....

I'll definitely be in Newfoundland July 2009 for a wedding (super excited) so around the date of July 18th (excluding that day specifically) I'll be taking bookings...but not yet. In the new year,...more details to come.

Til next time, C.

Another Card Choice

Add this card to your selections :)

It says "Christmas Blessings" in case you can't read it. And that's it for this year....will add more to the selection in 2009

Happy Friday!!

Til Monday....C.

Kudos & an addition to Christmas Card Selection

I LOVE the Christmas card templates that I purchased this year, for you my lovely clients. Have to give kudos to Tina Parker of  "My Lil Creations" the designer of them. Thanks, love your work! She's also the creator of the Fall template that was the prize of my contest. I'm not creative enough to do them myself, so buying them from other amazingly talented people will have to do, wink ;)

I'm also a fan of the blog Pay it Foward, a photography blog that has freebies for Photographers.

My latest free gift from this blog was a Christmas card template which I'm adding to this year's selection. It's by Kelly Haddad Designs....thanks soooo much Kelly for the freebie.

Here's the sample.....our puppy Boone was my "model" for this one :)

Til next time, C.