Newborns

I had the pleasure of taking photos of a beautiful new addition to my girlfriend's family,  this is her first grandchild and I was super excited to be taking these photos, I knew I was going to get in some baby cuddles.  

Who wouldn't want to cuddle this wee angel? 

 When I start shooting photos I like to capture things which I feel could become a treasured memory one day when one looks back at their photos.  Take this next photo for example:

"The littlest feet make the biggest footprints on our hearts."

I became excited when I learned this child has a moss bag, 
a traditional way of wrapping baby so they're snug, cozy and warm. 

And one close up in black and white...

I felt like a meanie, she had to be changed into  different outfits so out of her cozy, comfy place and into other outfits.  I shot as quickly as I could to get the shots in and I learned when there's a moss bag involved, save those shots for last and leave baby be. 

And one final photo, one which I shall call 

Sleeping Beauty 

Could It Be?

I heard the birds chirping away this morning, could it be the "S" word is on it's way?  I hope so, even though it's been a mild winter, that's about enough of this slip sliding away on all this ice already. 

The words of Maya Angelou came to mind when I shot this one...

A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer.

It sings because it has a song. 

So for today I shall sing like nobody's listening! 

THE Dress

Today was an amazing day, one filled with awe, wonderment, joy, and sheer excitement.  I went with my future daughter-in-law and her two bridesmaids (one being my daughter) to look at wedding dresses and wow what an experience. 

Sam, my future daughter-in-law

The first dress I must admit I had a few tears in my eyes, I had people bumps, but there were more dresses to try on.  The second one, the one she had her heart set on was okay, but not nearly as gorgeous as the first.  I don't even know how many dresses I watched her try on but the last one, oh my goodness...

 It's not really fair to show the dress just yet as it needs alterations, but once these are done I know my son will be in complete awe of his bride on their wedding day, she's going to look like a princess! 

The intricacy of the beading is amazing, I'll share a close up of this as it's difficult to see in the photo...

 I also know that I'd best have a big box of tissues handy as she walks down the isle

... 'cause that's how I roll! :-)

Dance on

My dear sweet niece stopped by for a visit and she gave me this handmade Dance Rattle which is made from a turtle shell, deer skin, glass beads, feathers, horse hair and beaver fur. 

This is an astonishing gift! My niece knows my passion for turtles and all they symbolize, she also knows my love of music.  This is definitely a gift which I shall treasure for years to come.  Thank you Cheryl. 

As I've been known to say... Dance on, regardless of what life may throw your way, always dance! 

Valentine's Day

Being single on Valentines Day I choose not to go out, it gets too depressing to see couples enjoying their time together, sure I'm happy for them, but it makes me wish I was with a special someone as well.  Don't get me wrong, I'm surrounded by love and walk in many circles and I love my life, I make the absolute most of it and have tons of fun doing so.    

So how did I spend my day?  I did some online research, I'm starting to do more portrait shots and thought I'd investigate lighting options. Having no model readily available I pulled out my tripod and remote and got busy not even bothering with makeup or doing my hair and here's a few of the photos I captured. 

 I like the black and white for this one... 

It's sure different being in front of the lens, I'm so used to being behind the camera but I went with 'selfies' and it was game on, play time!  I think out of all the shots I did today this next one is my favorite...

So that's how I chose to spend my Valentine's Day, or a part of it anyways.  

How did you spend your Valentine's Day? Whatever you did I hope you had yourself an awesome day spending it with those you love or with a special someone.  

Little Girls and Photoshoots

With tomorrow being Valentine's Day I think it's now safe to share my granddaughters gift to her Daddy.  Elyssa's Mommy asked me to do a photoshoot with Elyssa and I excitedly said for sure!  Whenever I do anything with Elyssa we're sure to have a blast. 

Here's a few of our photos...

Auntie Michelle had Elyssa laughing so hard, it cracked all of us up! 

After a ton of shots and plenty of laughter Elyssa decided to work with me and got into her posing mode, here's a few of the 'model' shots. 

One for Daddy...

And one for Grammy...

Happy Valentine's Day. 
 I already have my Valentine looking at me and she's so adorable she makes my heart melt! 

Love Is In The Air

My son and his girlfriend have announced their engagement and what an honor and privilege to be asked to do their engagement photo shoot. 

A few of the tons of photos I shot! 

You know it's true love when a diehard Oilers fan proposes to a Leaf's fan. 

I'm totally elated by this news! 

Sam I welcome you into our family! I wish you and Derek immense happiness, tons of joy, plenty of laughter, and the strength to get through the challenges in life and always walk side by side... even when the Oilers win! :-)

Celebration

YAY! More exciting news... 

My middle child and his girlfriend have announced their engagement! I'm absolutely elated with this exciting news!  Soon we will do the engagement photos, until then here's a photo of their Save The Date!

Life is absolutely amazing! What more could this Mama Bear ask for?