Kristi in the City

When I thought about the kind of glamour shoot that would be perfect for Kristi, the first thing that came to mind was... shopping! I came up the idea as just one option and she ended up loving it.

Not just any kind of shopping though. I wanted to take Chilliwack's historic downtown and add a little Sex in the City. I wanted a real contrast between her glamorous style and the empty city streets. Kind of like a fish out of water... or Carrie out of New York. We shot on a Sunday so there wouldn’t be too many distractions (all the shops downtown are closed on Sundays). Also I felt Kristi would feel a little more relaxed without too many curious eyes.

Shopping alone just isnt as much fun as shopping with a with a friend so Kristi invited her friend Tracey to join her in the shoot. The shoot went really well with the both of them. Although what photographer wouldn’t be thrilled to shoot the both of them. They looked completely gorgeous, confident and they were completely natural in front of the camera. Kristi had some fantastic ideas of places to shoot and they had definitely been taking notes from ANTM. They were so fierce! It made my job really easy.

We continued the shoot inside along with a wardrobe change. I tried out some new backdrops I had just added to my collection. Even after all that shopping they continued to shoot really well. Both Kristi and Tracey were so natural. I hope that they were happy with the results. I know I was.

Thanks ladies... next time we will do lunch!

Kids Will Be Kids

Kids will be kids...

Children grow up and become functioning adults, but in our mothers eyes we are still her kids. This is true in most families including the Parson family who I shot this Christmas Eve Day.

Isnt it funny there isnt really a term we use to describe adult offspring? Individualy a mother would refers to her offspring as her daughter or her son, but when she groups them they become her kids...no matter their current age.

I am the first to admit that in the presence of my two sibblings my maturity levels reverts back to somewhere between the ages of 9 and 13. I have noticed that this is especially true for me and my sibblings when we are squished into a confined space.

A few years ago we had to share the back seat of a car and it started happening... each turn the car took my brother exaggerated it with his entire body, totally annoying me in the middle and my sister reverted back to being especially whiny (or was that me).

 I wonder if when we are in our 60's the three of us will revert back to being kids when we find ourselves in a confined space together... I hope so. Its much more fun that way!

The Parson kids are not often able to be all together since Mary moved to Ontario, so we had to seize this rare opportunity for a family portrait - even if that meant shooting a couple hours before Christmas Dinner.

Sandra (mom) has the most amazing green thumb. She and Randy have done some amazing improvements to their home both inside and outside. I will have to make a point of photographing her garden in its colourful glory come springtime. But this family portrait cant wait for any flowers to bloom. The turkey is in the oven and more guests are arriving as we shoot.

Some things never change and family dynamics is one of them. Whether we like it or not.

So I am very lucky that I have a great family who I wouldnt change at all... even if I could.

 Happy New Year Everyone!

Walking and Wondering

The Herron Reserve in Chilliwack is a fantastic spot for a family walk. We didnt see any herron's though. In fact I dont think I ever have. I guess we always go the wrong time of year.

Parks like these I enjoy the most on days when you need to pull on your puddle boots, scarfs and mittens. It reminds me of going for walks all throughout my childhood at the bird sanctuary in Ladner. That place provides me with such good memories. As a kid it was magical place where there was always something new to discover. Each visit different from the last.

The kids either ran speeding through the leaf covered trail or doddling along poking at random things with their new found walking sticks. Every once in a while we would spot empty Herron nests up in the trees.

This time we went a different way and lead down a different path we hadnt walked down before. It felt a little like an adventure through uncharted territory.

Everytime I go to the Herron Reserve I think to myself - why dont i do this more often?

And it is true, we really should go more often.

Motor Mash Up

This was kind of an accident but one of those good accidents.

Beachy Keen

When you think of Christmas spent on the beach, you most likely do not imagine wool coats and parkas...but if you are thinking of White Rock Beach during Christmas you sure would.

I wanted to get a silhouette of the family against the ocean as an alternative to a traditional family portrait. The sun was gently encouraging this decision also.

We had a great time NOT preparing a big traditional Christmas dinner. The only stuffing was the stuffing of stomachs with multiple helpings of Chinese food.

Santa didn't come by the hotel because technically Christmas was over but his little helpers did tidy up and bring fresh towels while we were gone.

This year one of the best traditions was simply being completely non-traditional.