My Canada-The Maritimes Aug. 2016, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Part 3 of the “Staycation” series. Spending our vacation time as Canadians exploring our Canada.

Who knew-I didn’t. I did not know Nova Scotia had such a beautiful, mountainous, landscape! I am sooo glad we included Cape Breton into our driving trip on Nova Scotia! We had heard from others that it is not always a given that you can actually see the landscape here – fog often moves into place obscuring the view.   We travelled here in Aug. and I was surprised that we also encountered some fog in the lower lying spots in between the mountains- making driving a bit tricky and adding bit of angst to hairpin turns and shear cliff drops. But for the most part-we struck it lucky with being able to see the landscape and the Ocean! Yeah!

  It is definitely an outdoor enthusiasts dream! My husband, Henry’s goal was to hike at least one of the many park trails. We chose the easiest/shortest trail to hike based on our timeframe that day and my fitness ability. I have to say… I thought I was in pretty good shape. But after 1.5 hours hiking the trail to the Ocean- climbing up boulders and going up and down along the paths, I was quite hot and extremely exhausted!  Not only hot and exhausted, upon arriving back at the car, I realized I had a golfball sized insect bite on the back of my neck. EEKKK.  Henry would have liked to do many more trails-I on the other hand, was done at one and spent the next couple of days Googling insects of Nova Scotia and nursing a sore neck and wondering where the closest hospital would be if I needed it. But in hindsight- the bite and sore neck were a small inconvenience in comparison to the vast, incredible views and experiences gained hiking on the Trail!

Our other memorable stop in Cape Breton, was Louisbourg National Historic Site and Lighthouse. Again we had heard mention of this place along our travels and decided to make a point of visiting. Wow- so glad we did. When we arrived at this Canadian Historic Park we entered the visitor services building and wondered where the Fortress was. We then realized that a shuttle bus would transport us to the main Fortress area.

I think Henry and I were both shocked (I’m sure it showed on our faces) at the magnitude of the Historic Fortress when the bus stopped and let us out!!  We wondered if we were going to have enough time to cover the entire grounds! I kept thinking I should have paid more attention in Grade 11 Canadian History class and I would have known about this!

We loved interacting with the costumed interpreters-and the fact that they had livestock including sheep and geese, etc… just made it feel like you were back in history! They included many demonstration (I loved the lace making) and we were even able to enjoy tea in one of the buildings!

We also heard about the lighthouse and stopped there after we left the park. I would highly recommend stopping at the Louisbourg Lighthouse (below) if you’re already in this area!

Cape Breton had numerous great stops that also included the town of Beddeck where we visited the Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site and watched sailing on the lake from the Historic site.(below) I think I could go on and on about this beautiful region. Make sure it is on your agenda if you are heading to Nova Scotia!

My Canada -Maritimes Trip Aug.2016- Lunenburg & Mahone, NS

Part 2 in the Maritimes series! My husband Henry and I discussed our vacation plans last year and came to a quick decision, that based on the rate of the Canadian dollar, we would to stay in our own Canada and explore and appreciate what this great country has to offer. We live in Manitoba, central Canada, and neither us had ever been further east than Montreal. We were encouraged to explore the Maritimes by a number of individuals we knew who had recently travelled there and then decided on a 2 week trip- spending one week in the province of Nova Scotia and one in P.E.I..

This blog I am  focusing in on two of the most “picturesque” villages we visited in Nova Scotia- Mahone Bay and Lunenburg. They were, without a doubt, the most colourful as well as being architecturally and historically interesting. We only spent a few hours in Mahone Bay (some of the later pictures in the blog)- but the short time there was FILLED with views of  the most beautifully painted historic homes -as you would expect from a village established in the 1750’s to be. The well-kept small shops were so unique and interesting (Like the rug hooking store picture below) and the shop keepers were friendly (even if we didn’t buy anything!) I could have spent more time there just wandering up and down the main road but we had scheduled in more stops for the Day.

Lunenburg was another historic town I would highly recommend visiting.  Have to say it was a hub of activity when we arrived. We should have googled town festivals because little did we realize, we arrived on the town’s Harbour Folk festival Day. (Google the town and you’ll find a calendar stating special activities). We arrived there quite early so we were still able to find parking for the day and then walked around the town the rest of the day. If you plan on doing this I’d recommend wearing solid, comfortable, grippy footwear/runners because the town has a number of steep hills. The hike up the town hill from the harbour was well worth the effort to take in the sights of the amazing, black and white , St. John’s Anglican Church!

Being there during the festival was also a bonus as the Bluenose II schooner was docked in the harbour and we were able to go aboard the Nova Scotia’s sailing Ambassador. (Henry was thrilled!). I made sure to include a few pictures of that! I also enjoyed going into a community hall where local vendors were selling everything from homemade delectable desserts to various handcrafted items as part of the festivities.

What impressed me most about the town was its remarkable historical buildings and homes – architecture marvels.  I loved seeing the plaques on the homes that included original owners names and occupations. You could go from home to home reading up about the founders of the town. I also was charmed by the details including the unique ocean related signs about the town including shapes of various fish and shells etc. As we drove away from the town at the end of the day, I could not help but think-Yes- I could live here!

My Canada-The Maritimes Aug.2016-Peggy’s Cove

My husband Henry, and I decided to do a 2016 “Staycation” of sorts- Stay in Canada and appreciate the sights the Maritime provinces of Nova Scotia and P.E.I. have to offer. We decided on a 2 week car trip spending a week in each province the last few of weeks of August. We flew to Halifax where we spent a night and then headed out around Nova Scotia. I thought I would share some of the highlights of our visit around the province beginning with our visit to well known Peggy’s Cove. We had a very EARLY start driving to the Cove. It was a misty, foggy, morning and I was just a little excited when we pulled into the cove around 7:45 a.m. It was pure magic- quiet- calm and blanketed in light fog and misting just ever so softly-exactly how I would imagine the ambience of a Cove on the Atlantic to be. I was actually surprised at how small it was with only a smattering of buildings! I also noticed the line of cars arriving shortly after us, so I jumped out the car, leaving Henry to park in the large parking lot at the entrance of the Cove and quickly set up to photograph the Cove and it’s buildings before other visitors arrived. As I was getting set up for the shot above and gleefully, silently, thanking my lucky starts for such a picture perfect weather related setting, another visitor with a camera popped up beside me and in all seriousness said, ” To bad it’s all misty and foggy, eh?”  My eyebrows went up and I said ” You sir could not be any more wrong- this is absolute perfection!”

I worked my way up the road a bit toward the lighthouse and the docks and then noticed a small fishing boat with some people getting into a boat. I asked the owner where he was heading and he said “going to see Puffins and Seals!” I ran to a small road stand close by the docks and within a “Walter Mitty moment” , bought the last 2 seats on the tour. I had just enough time to run up the hill to the cafe washroom and back and then Henry and I got on the boat for the 2.5 hour trip on the Atlantic. Let me just say the Tour was 100% worth it but we should have had put a bit more thought into the decision and prepared.

Mistake #1 -I have “sea legs”-Henry not so much. He was quite sick by hour 2, and moved to sit downwind at the back of the boat. We should have brought the Gravol medication for him. Mistake #2 -the sides of the boat were open and it was misty and foggy travelling on the Ocean that early morning-10 min. into the trip-our head and clothes were drenched with sea salt spray. Haha -you couldn’t even run your fingers through the hair afterward, we should have worn a rain jacket of some sort and something to offer a bit of warmth and protection instead of our summer attire.

That said, I still stand by the decision as being well worth it. WOW the view back on the Cove from the boat was amazing and I loved being able to photograph the lighthouse in the mist from the boat! We made it to Pearl Island, a bird sanctuary,  where we saw some Puffins and other birds.   We then drove a few more minutes when the driver turned off the boat. We idled a few min., the mist cleared a bit and then we saw them!! A line of curious seals with their heads just above the water looking at us. It was one of those once in a life time experiences-and yes- even seasick Henry was struck by the wonder of it all. Here are just a few images from the Cove . Hope you enjoy! Please feel free to follow the blog if you are considering a trip there in the future-I will be posting a lot more of our adventures in the Maritimes!

N&L Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, Manitoba Wedding

           Absolutely breath-taking, are words to describe Nick and Lucette’s Wedding Day! This country wedding was situated in the beautiful rolling hills of the Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes area of Manitoba. I had photographed Nick’s sister’s wedding a couple of years earlier in that same area and was so taken by its beauty that I was thrilled when I was asked to do a second wedding there! The Wedding Day started out with rain but we worked around it by photographing in sheltered areas such as hay shelters and for the Bride’s side the beautiful Trappist Monastery in Holland, MB. . The sun peeked out a bit in the afternoon for the Ceremony in town and the outdoor formals at a deserted farmstead and an Uncle’s grain field. The clouds and rain returned just as we were finishing up to head back to the reception. I was actually super happy about that because the clouds really added to the dramatic effect of the last few images captured of the couple, over-looking the valley. Thanks go out to the wonderful families and the fun wedding party and last but not least- the amazingly organized, creative, delightful couple, Nick and Lucette! Thanks also go out to my photography Team for the Day- Colin Vandenberg -amazing job with the Grooms side and the rest of the day, Cullen Klassen for his assistance with the Bride’s side in the morning and the formals and of course, Hubby Henry, for is chauffeuring abilities on the country roads.

I started pulling files to post on the blog and found myself laughing out loud at the amount I had pulled. So I culled it back a bit (Okay a lot) and here are a few to give you an idea of what a BEAUTIFUL  day it really was! Enjoy!

Loved seeing the use of the couple’s Engagement pictures on the wine bottles!

Below: Behind the Scenes with the Photography Team : Colin Vandenberg multitasking and Cullen and I at the Farmstead photographing the Wedding Party.

 

 

R&S Engagement

The spring season has to be my favourite season, it always holds the promise of future possibilities and new beginnings!  I have to say, we had the most perfect Spring Day for this couple’s engagement session at BirdsHill Park! The sun was shinning, the sky was blue, and the grass just beginning to to show a hint of green. What a beautiful setting to showcase a perfect Spring Day and of course the love between this couple! Associate Paolo and I enjoyed our early evening time with R & S and their dog Kodi, photographing at various locations around the park and finishing up the day with a wonderful sunset offering up some beautiful colourful light. We loved the playful nature between these two and are looking forward to their early Sept. wedding in Gimli, MB. Please enjoy a few of the images captured that evening! Congratulations go out to R &S on their Engagement!

 

Roaring 20’s Graduate Session

I’ve known Georgia for most of her life.  This past week’s Graduation session with her was a bit emotional as it truly made me realize how fast children grow into adulthood. Before my lens was a confident beautiful lady! Not only have I know her a a friend of the family, I’ve also been a client of Georgia! Georgia  is a super talented Crocheter- creating unique pieces and participating in avenues like the Central Canada Comic Con to showcase them.  You can find some of her creations on the Consulting Crocheter on Face Book.

I was not surprised -considering she is such a creative genius-that her Graduation outfit would be uniquely stunning! I LOVED her choice of a 20’s themed outfit. The Hair by Dina at Hair Obsession and the details down to the nails and cap and pocket watch of her date, Gavin, were amazing! Of course we had to find a prime location for the Family/ Graduation session and our Manitoba Legislative building-with its tall pillars and green space, provided the perfect backdrop! Congratulations go out to Georgia on her Graduation-may your future be filled with wonderful opportunities. Continue to be you and continue to share your wonderful gifts and talents with the community! Assistant/second shooter Kristen Sawatzky and I enjoyed our time with you and your family and Graduation date Gavin, thank-you for spending part of your special day with us!

Women’s Headshots

 Everyone deserves to have a great headshot/ portrait of themselves! If it’s time to update your current profile pic on a social media site or a business site, consider contacting me this coming year! One of the favourite parts of my job is capturing professional portraits. I’ve had the opportunity to meet and photograph numerous amazing women in many different professions over the past year. They were all looking for a professional portrait  for various reasons. Jennifer (image above) recently took on a new opportunity working in the Winnipeg film industry.  She needed a portrait for her Linked In profile and for other applications as well.

I met Andy Dunlop through a friend. She is a very talented/fun Epicure Consultant, her updated images look great on her Website-check it out by clicking here!

Below is Melinda Friesen, an author of a popular new book “Enslavement”. Check out her blog/site here.  She required a portrait to go on the book’s jacket cover. She is currently working on more books and I’m looking forward to reading those!

My most recent session was with Winnipeg based scientist, Nancy, who got in touch with me through a referral from her husband, whose business portrait I also completed a while ago. She needed a portrait to be featured on the Quaker Oats Centre of Excellence portion of their Website.

Pictured below is Tara-Lee. Loved meeting and photographing this referral from friend Jenna.  She had a wonderful bubbly personality which certainly is a feature in her business as an Education Manager of the TutorDoctor here in Winnipeg.

Women’s make-up by the talented Sarah Gurevich!

N & L Fall Engagement in MB

I sat down with N & L a couple of weeks ago, over coffee, to discuss photography plans for their upcoming Wedding in July. Some great ideas were shared and I can honestly say, July in rural Manitoba, a day with these two and their wonderful families, can’t happen soon enough! I was fortunate to spend an afternoon with the couple this past fall at their family farms to capture their engagement photos. The beauty of Manitoba’s fall colours and the charm of some of the settings we photographed at, really show the outdoor splendour this province has to offer! We began the session in cow pastures, followed by  an abandoned farmstead, and finished off at a harvested field on a hill, just as the sun was setting and casting some amazing light onto the couple. Here are just a few examples of images we captured that afternoon. Enjoy! Congrats go out to N & L on their engagement!

 

 

Laura Actor Headshot

It was an absolute pleasure having this young lady into the studio yesterday evening! I’ve been photographing Laura (Winnipeg Based Actor) over the last few years and I always enjoy her laugh, beautiful smile and fun personality.  She never makes it easy for me to narrow down her proofing link-always leaving me with so many great images to choose from! Here are just a couple of the 100 images or so! I’m going to get back to work putting together the proofing link-I can’t wait and see what her and her Agent decide on!

Calving Season

I was working on a Commercial assignment at a colleague’s studio in February and the conversation came up about work and he asked me, “What have you shot for yourself lately? ” Silence. Then I found/heard myself trying to  rationalize out loud my lack of self indulgent photography, with excuses of my busy clientele schedule. It sounded lame. I knew I had to get on it. I knew I needed a new subject to point my lens at and to get me challenged, but to also just enjoy on a personal level.

An idea came to mind. I had spoken to a previous client, Keri , a Vet from Ashern, MB last year about coming out to experience calving season, but just never got around to it. My friend Kat and I decide to make a date to drive out to the town and spend a day with Keri and experience calving season this year. It ended up being one of the most fun filled days I’ll remember for years to come!

We started our day with watching Keri’s Dog enjoy “ditch fishing”. Yep- who knew the fish hang out in the ditches in the spring from the Lake? (Not this city slicker.) It was so much fun to watch her dog go bounding into and through the ditches in pursuit of the fish- The cold and ice, not hindering his joyful efforts! He ran, leaped and shook himself off and did this repeatedly. Eventually we tucked the wet dog into the back of the truck with my friend Kat (lol) and then went to Keri’s Farm to spend sometime with her horses. Keri let the horses out of the pen and they trotted around us. I don’t know if it is just me being a “city slicker” but hearing/feeling the thudding hoofs and seeing these massive animals whipping around us, put me in a slightly awed/unnerved state. I got over that quick enough to make sure I was getting some shots of these beauties.

Then it was off to the Farm to see some of the new born calves. We arrived and I stepped out of the truck into… well, lets just say the ground was very ummmm wet. I was glad for my newly purchased black shiny rubber boots, made upon deciding on the trip. Keri told me the new calves were closer to the back of the pens with their moms. Yep-that would be, right trough the biggest puddle of….. Lets just say I was EXTREMELY grateful for no holes in the new boots!! It was a risk- carrying my gear around my neck, one little slip on the muck and into the puddle and good- bye camera. It was a risk worth taking- we got to the back and I was so amazed by all the beautiful newborn calves-some as recent as 1/2 hour old. I got some looks from the moms in the pen, but tried to stay quiet and calm and carefully raised the camera up slowly so not to scare any one of them. An experience I will never forget. Then we went into the barn where there were a couple of orphaned  calves a day old. Kat fed one with a gigantic bottle and I fell in love with a beautiful red/brown calf with beautiful curly hair. It followed me around and then I thought I would see if it wanted to play. I pranced up and down beside it and then it too started to prance in a playful way. I burst out laughing-The sight of a calf prancing is absolutely, heartwarmingly, adorable.

A huge Thank-you to Keri for her hospitality on a most perfect Day. Please enjoy just a few of the images captured during this wonderful Day. Looking forward to sharing with you more images of my personal projects and days in the very near future!