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!
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!
Joey is One!
Joey is One! It was an absolute pleasure having this young man in front of my camera over this past year! In fact, I guess it is fair to say, it has been even longer than that if I count photographing him while he was still in his mother’s womb! He is a clever, loveable, little boy with a wonderful personality and a super smile! I was always amazed how much he grew within a few months from one session to the next. Here are a few of the images we captured in the studio as we celebrated him turning one! Cake Smash-Yeah!! Enjoy! 
It’s Christmas Eve!
Its Christmas Eve!!! I can’t believe how this year has flown by! Hopefully all presents are wrapped, gatherings planned and you’re finding some time just to enjoy the next couple of days with friends or family!
Nov. was a bustle with holiday portrait sessions in the studio. I’ve had a wonderful time photographing this family over the years and a few more times this year as we captured Baby Amelia growing up in her first year! Little Derek had a wish to do this years Family Christmas photos in pj’s! Why not! So we made that happen in the studio and had a really fun time creating some unique images. (Great idea Derek!) Here are just a few of the images we captured at their session. P.S.-Don’t forget to leave cookies out for Santa tonight! 🙂
Early Evening Family Session
Early evening, late afternoon, sunset -no matter what you call it, it’s a magical time to photograph! When I can, I always try to schedule families in the evening, just as the sun creeps behind the trees and horizon and sends its wonderful warm colours onto my clients and into the images. It’s a bit of a gamble- depends on the cloud coverage that day and timing of the sunset and of course the challenge of a lot more insects (Usually gigantic mosquitoes here in Winnipeg :-)) . Even images thrown into black and white work as the light catches on leaves and thistles and hair and makes the images seem to “twinkle”. So glad the “W” Family agreed to give it a go-I loved the way the images turned out with the colours and light! Here are just a few images we captured as the sun went down and light faded in the park! Thanks go out to the family for a fun session! Enjoy!
Fall Countdown- The S Family.
I love meeting new client families! This family was a referral from another client and I count my blessings every time someone someone passes on my name and I get to meet some really awesome new clients!! I had a great time with the Family- I especially enjoyed the Frog catching! 🙂 Hoping to see more of them in the future! Here are just a few pics we captured on our session together!
Fall Family Time
And I’m back! Sorry, it’s been a while since the last post! This past fall season has been a blur- time just flew and here we are just a couple of weeks before Christmas. Although the pace was hectic, it was an absolutely wonderful time of the year, filled with the most awesome clients, fun sessions and some cherished memories! I’ve decided that I will post a blog a day till Christmas and share some of the beautiful locations, wonderful clients and fun times. Let’s begin with this super Family! I have enjoyed working with Desiree over the past few years as a business client, but this year’s “bonus” was having her share her family with me for this photo session! We took advantage of this year’s amazing fall weather and had the perfect day for a session at Birds Hill Park. Here are just a few images captured that Day! You can really see the changing leaf colour in the last shot-Enjoy!
N&J Maternity session
Congratulations go out to N&J on the arrival of their new Baby girl a couple of days ago! I spent some time with them a couple of weeks ago doing an evening Maternity session. I love the natural light that the evening sun provides and it was super seeing this couple who I had not seen since their Wedding the year before. We braved the mosquitos and had some fun in the woods with props and wardrobe changes. Please enjoy just a few of the images we captured that evening!
K&S Lake Engagement Session Sneak Peek
Who says rain isn’t romantic! 🙂 I had the opportunity to head out to K&S’s lake spot near the Whiteshell this past weekend with associate photographers Colin Vandenberg and Kristen Sawatzky. We had a fun afternoon photographing the couple, doing things they love at the lake-including canoeing, kayaking and quading! Just as we were winding up we had a great storm pass through-good thing we were able to dip into a bird sanctuary building for a bit of shelter -and another amazing photography location! I’m still working on their proofing link -playing with some editing presets..but here are a few images as a sneak peek! Enjoy!
Above image by Kristen Sawatzky
Above and below image by Kirsten Sawatzky.
Last Chance to View the Adventures of Mr. Potato Head!
If you haven’t gone to see the great interactive display “The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head” at the Manitoba Children’s Museum you only have a couple of more weeks to go! I loved Mr. Potato Head as a child and was so excited when I was asked to photograph the new exhibit. Not the easiest of assignments as I seriously caught myself being tempted to put down the camera and pick up a plastic mouth/ear/arm/leg…. and play build a Potato Head! 🙂 I loved the bright colours of the exhibit and the fun interactive stations!! For more Exhibit details for dates and times click here- The Adventures of Mr. Potato Head. Here are just a few of the images I captured during the Exhibit Opening. To view more of the images click here.
I would highly recommend it! It’s a must see for both the young and the young at heart!
Birthday Flowers-Flower Project week 3.
Yesterday was my Birthday. My husband walked in the door from work and brought with him a huge beautiful arrangement of flowers. My heart soared – I’m so lucky to have this man in my life and so blessed to have such a big supporter of my photography. (He did say to me as he handed them over -that the flowers were for my birthday AND my flower photography project this week. ) 🙂 So I guess this weeks challenge is to photograph flowers chosen for me and to keep the images in tune with the natural/classic feel of the flower arrangement. This arrangement was a creation from the amazing Tatiana from OAK&LILY florists on Corydon. Check out her work by clicking on the link! 
Welcome Newborn J!
Congratulations go out to R & J !! On Feb 17th at 3:28 a.m. they were blessed to have this sweet bundle arrive! At just 8 days old it was a pleasure to meet and photograph their new baby boy, Mr. J! He’s the strong silent, serious type- and what a cutie in those great hand knitted caterpillar outfits he received as a gift! Here are just a few images for you to enjoy -captured during the afternoon at the studio.
New Website!
Looking towards the future! Photo credit: Katy Winterflood
Happy Anniversary! Going into my 5th year of my dream job-full time photography! I’m looking forward to this year- focused on 2 major goals. I’m happy to announce goal #1 was completed last week!! It’s not easy- but change is good. I’ve know for the last couple of years that my Website needed to be updated…no, needed to be revamped! I began work on my new Website back in November. After finding a new template that would bring me into 2014 with iPad & iPhone compatibility, I was left with the daunting task of choosing my images from thousands to represent my photography on the site.
Let’s face it-I ‘m terrible at that! I fall in serious like with all my clients and it’s hard to detach emotion or memories from the images. Special thanks go out to my mentor Cory Aronec for going through the images and helping with the selections and flow of the site. Next came the task of updating my head shot and thanks go out to the talented photographer Katy Winterflood and assistant Jules Joyal who helped capture my personality and create images that would work with the feel of the site. Out in the woods, snow just starting to fall around us-she braved the temps. for a full hour putting me at ease in front of her lens.
After putting the site together I was left wondering what to do about music. I wanted visitors to the site to get a full understanding of me and my work- I LOVE life, people, colour and photography.
Good thing for Facebook. Just as I was completeing my site I saw a post by an aquintance in Alberta who posted a song review by Ryan Seacrest of a friend of his from California . The song was entitled “Color” by Sara Oliveira. I could not believe how perfect the lyrics were and I sent her a FB message and we started correspondence on working out the details to use her song on the site. She is an amazing talent with a beautiful voice!! Check out her bio and links to social media here: Sara Oliveira. Thank-you Sara for the wonderful song with its beautiful lyrics that make the site complete.
I hope you enjoy the site- I’d love to have you check it out here!
As for Goal #2 that’s coming up in a couple of weeks! You’ll just have to wait for it! 🙂
Trouble is due to arrive soon!!
Trouble is due to arrive soon! Trouble was affectionally named a while back, shortly after R & J found out they were expecting! I had a great Maternity session with the couple at Aspire Studios in December. R & J brought with them tons of great ideas and wonderful props including articles of clothing from when they were Newborns -including both couple’s baby shoes!! One and a half hours flew by and we managed to get a number of great images. Here are just a few I’ve selected for the blog. Looking forward to photographing and introducing you to Trouble in an upcoming blog real soon!:)
K&D Maternity Session
I love the phone calls with great news! I photographed K&D’s wedding a couple of years back and when I heard K’s voice on the phone a few months back I knew this must be it! Yes-They were expecting! I loved spending time with them in the studio and celebrating the anticipation of a newborn. Here are just a few of the images captured during the session- Congrats K&D!! Looking forward to meeting the newest family member soon!!:-)
Someone’s okay with being a big brother soon!
Daddy snuggles!
A& J Winter Wedding Sneak Peek
Congratulations go out to Astrid and Jeff ! They were married at the end of November and I’m just putting the final touches on their wedding images! I always photograph a couple’s Wedding Day with an Associate photographer to ensure all the events of the day are captured and to provide images with different perspectives. With regular wedding associate Paolo Porquez off to visit family in the Philippines and associate Matthew Sawatzky on assignment in Europe (Yep-I know one day soon I’ll lose him to National Geographic..:)), I was left to expand the associate group with someone new. I met photographer, David Lipnowski, this past year at a Prairie View School of Photography Staff Meeting and then again a month later in a parking lot at The Forks. He was in the middle of a portrait session for his 365 Day project. I had been introduced to this amazing 365 project he has been working on. (Just click on the name to check it out.) I knew A & J’s Wedding would be 95% indoor photography and experience with lighting and flash would be a must. I was really impressed with David’s project work and his ability to create and utilize light in so many different environments. So super happy he agreed to photograph this wedding with me and it was a pleasure working along side him during the Day! Here are just a few of the images we captured during the Day – stay tuned for an upcoming blog of the Wedding as well!
While I spent the morning with the Bride and her attendants getting ready, associate David was with the Groom and his Family. Below are some of the images he captured.
The couple’s first meet on the Day was at Red River Campus on Princess Ave. So thankful for great indoor locations like this with lots of window light and warmth-great considering the day turned out to be a typical “Winterpeg” November Day – snowy, chilly and windy!
Above picture by David Lipnowski.
above image by David Lipnowski.
I’ve been truly impressed with some of the beautiful Historic Churches I’ve been able to photograph in Winnipeg this past year. This Church featured beautiful stain glass windows and ceiling murals. We did a “studio” set-up” at the front of the Church to capture the Family Formals right after the ceremony.
While I was completing the Family Formals at the Church, David headed off to Club Regent to photograph the Reception Room. Here are some of my favourite Reception images captured by him below:
And here are some of my favourite images captured during the Reception below:
Family and Holidays
Hope your Holidays have been a wonderful time of relaxing and spending time creating memories with family. I’ve had a wonderful time this past week catching up with friends and entertaining family. I’m shaking my head in amazement-this past season has just flown by!! It just seems like yesterday that we were spending time with family visiting from Alberta during Thanksgiving in October. I was thrilled to spend a morning with them at Birds Hill Park-I can’t believe how the kids have grown! It was a perfect day- not too cold considering the weather we can get in October! Here are just a few of my favourite memories captured during that morning in the park. Enjoy!
M&M Married!
Congratulations go out to M&M who were married at the beginning of September! Could not have asked for a nicer day weather wise! I spent the morning with M at her home with mom and flower girls while they got hair and make-up done and then we met up at a great Winnipeg Historic Church for the Ceremony. Associate Matt Sawatzky spent a bit of time at the church before the ceremony and got some great shots of the church and the pre-ceremony prep. We completed Family Formals at the Church after the Ceremony and then headed to The Hamilton Building and The Exchange District for the couple’s Formals. The Reception was held at the Norwood Community Centre with a social that followed dinner. Here is just a small collection of the images we captured during the day-Enjoy!
I had fun with their dog in the morning on this shot above-I can just see her thinking…”Is there is something special about today I should know about???”
Above image and below 2 images by Matt.
above image by Matt.
Above image by Matt.
Above image by Matt.
Above image by Matt.
Below: I had some time during the Reception and realized I had brought my chalk board along-I set up an impromptu photo booth . Thanks to the friends and family who participated by writing out messages to the couple that they would later view when they received their images!
M&D’s Wedding Sneak Peek
It seems that all my wedding couples this year are making it really difficult to choose which images to show for a sneak Peek!!!! They have all put so much effort and beautiful details into their Special Days that it has become quite difficult to show a small sampling. M & D’s wedding this past weekend was no exception! The couple chose a beautiful Birds Hill location for their first meet and some Wedding Formals. Then it was off to the breathtaking Leo Mol Sculptural Garden for their Wedding Ceremony and finally over to the Qualico Family Centre for the “fishing” themed reception. I’ll definitely look forward to blogging more of their wedding in the near future including details on the florist, make-up artists, hair stylists and Wedding Planners. Stay tuned!!! Congrats go out to M&D-Paolo and I so enjoyed spending your Wedding Day with you!
A&D Engagement Sneak Peek
A wonderful week of Engagement sessions- I went out with A & D this past Saturday morning to Kildonan Park. Days like this, I’m certain I have the best wedding clients! I loved spending time with the couple- finding out that we even have reading and the love for the same genre in common! They were naturals infront of the camera or maybe it was that there love for each other was just so apparent. 🙂 On to editing up their proofs!
RBC Cruisin’ Down the Crescent 2013 Details!
Plans are underway to photograph this years 17th annual RBC Cruisin’ Down the Crescent Event! I love photographing this event! It’s a morning full of smiling & energetic people, fun activities, bright colours -all coming together to raise funds for an awesome cause- The Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation! Participants bring their families, bikes, skateboards, pets, etc. and enjoy a morning full of fun activities and of course a walk, run or ride down scenic Wellington Cres. . This years event is on June 9th with registration starting at 8 a.m. at the Rehabilitation Centre for Children grounds at 633 Wellington Crescent. For more information about the event visit their website at Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation.
Associate Jonah O’Neil and I covered the event last year and here are some of the fun morning festivities! You can expect this year to include…
Lots of smiles!:)
Great music!
Face Painting!
Guests from Winnipeg
Radio/T.V. Personalities
Heartfelt Speeches
Generous people & companies!
A “Warm up” to the walk
Ribbon cutting
A Special Host!
Lots of Amazing Participants
More music as you walk..
A super scenic walk!
All ages participating!
Mascots!
An Activity Centre!
Car Clubs!
Performers!
and more Smiles…
and an amazing team of Organizers!
Food, Draws, T-shirts, Displays… and just so much more!!!
Please come out and support this year’s Event!!
Tianna’s 1!
I can’t believe it-It just seemed like yesterday I was photographing this beautiful new born baby girl and creating announcement cards. I’ve been so privileged to have photographed her over the year and capture some important stages in her first year. A sweet, beautiful gem. A little shy at first-hiding behind her blanket, teasing me and my camera with one gleaming eye-and then a few minutes later capturing my heart with her big brown eyes, waterfall pony-and her trademark side tongued smile 🙂
K&J’s Wedding Sneak Peek
It’s only a Sneak Peek- I have to be careful not to give too much away (picture wise) before the couple get to see their images. But I can tell you this..
The Bride wore an awesome pair of shoes…and an incredibly beautiful gown!
The flower girls and Ring Bearer were so cute! (And the Ring Bearer sported Blue highlights in his blond hair!)
The Bridal Party was gorgeous/ handsome and a lot of fun! 🙂
The flower’s were stunning with bold pinks and blues- as were the other Wedding Day accents.
The Reception featured a vintage styled record candy Bar including these above gems! It also had Gummie Teeth, Tootsie rolls, black licorice cigars and much more!…oh and you wouldn’t believe the amazing cake design!
and MOST IMPORTANTLY the day featured a couple DEEPLY in Love!
Watch for their Wedding blog next month!
Kristin and Daryl’s June Wedding
June 16th, Kristin and Daryl’s Wedding Day- and such a beautifully detailed wedding it was!!! Amazing, handcrafted Bride and Bridesmaid’s hangers featuring their names, bride and groom cookie thank-you handouts, engagement photo posters for guests to sign, and a wonderful bright fuchsia colour for the flowers and wedding party dresses and accents-just perfect against the outdoor bright green setting of the Ceremony and the Wedding Party Formals. This brings me to the topic of the weather that day. I don’t know if in all the years I’ve been photographing weddings, that I have ever experienced such a day of crazy weather that seemed to conform to the wishes and plans of a bride. The morning began with rain as the bride and her attendants got ready at the hairdressers, but on cue, the sun broke through the clouds just on time and just long enough to allow for an outdoor ceremony at The Gates. The rain continued just minutes after the ceremony had concluded, but broke once again for the Wedding Party Formals at outdoor venues in Assiniboine Park and Headingly. “Made to order” blue skies, white fluffy clouds and green grass and leaves were perfect setting for this photographer and for this couple -especially with their appreciation of the outdoors!!!
My second photographer on this Wedding was Matthew Sawatzky, an alumni of Prairie View School of Photography. I just love his Camera perspective and editing finesse. Some of the images below are just a few of my favorites captured by him during the day. Please enjoy a slide show of our combined images below! Thanks Kristin and Daryl and Wedding Party for a fun-filled Day!
Ebonie K Photography 