Christine Donovan Photography

Catalogue Feature - Books and Accordions.

2012-01-25T15:55:00.001-04:00

As a part of my "blog at least once a week" resolution, I've decided to add a few themes or topics that will reoccur occasionally. This is one of them! Catalogue Feature, will highlight different products that I have available to order.

These books make such great presents and little surprises for loved ones and friends.

The accordions remind me of my grandmother and the little faux wallet that she carried around and showed anyone who would look. She would open the snap and the photos would come sailing out of it, she treasured that bundle of pictures as much as she treasured us, they were all dog eared and cracked and creased and anytime she opened it when we were around, she'd say, "wish I had one that was more recent."

Included in this order was a large accordion book (4x80 , and 2 different sized photo books, the 5x5 and the 8x8. They were custom designed by yours truly!

If this is something that you'd like to add on to your photo shoot, please let me know, I'm happy to design something especially for you!!!

This is something that can be ordered at anytime, if you have had a session with me, and would like to purchase one of these designs, please, just get in touch and I can make arrangements!

Here are some pictures of the accordion!

And the soft covered books...

Method, Quaker and a wee little bit of yoga

2012-01-18T17:24:00.000-04:00

Aside from family and friends and all the standard safe answers, I just really wanted to share what I've been in love with for the past few months.

Method, ok, this is not a new love afair, if you know me, you know I love this company, and their products. Between Christmas & New Years, a FedEx truck showed up in my driveway, I hadn't ordered anything, so was perplexed when they dropped off a package for me.

Inside was one of their hand soap pumps with the holiday flavor of Fir, coupons and a note addressed to "Dear person against dirty". It was a thank you, a gift to thank me for my support over the year. On my recent move, I realized just how many bottles of different products I had [hoarded] stashed away, the most wonderful part is that it got me thinking about how important it is to show my appreciation to my clients. I'm quite certain that I'll have more to share on that thought later this year.

2.
(a)Henry's, and their ability to spend my money while I thank them! Seriously, I started shopping Henry's in the last 6 months for anything I've needed photographically speaking. I have shopped online and was even able to make it into the store in Dartmouth Crossing last fall. If you are in the market for anything camera or picture taking related, shop Henrys! If you can get to the Dartmouth Crossing shop, ask for Danique, she is particularly good at shopping and has great practical advice for anything you may be looking for. Their customer service is above and beyond anything I've experienced in the world of camera stuff!

(b)Off Camera Flash. My latest Henry's purchase, a light stand, umbrella and off camera flash triggers. Seriously fun, and oh so intriguing, I have so much to learn, and I am grateful for these cold wintery nights to do just that!

3.
Walking. Ok, I set a goal. I am keeping track of my journey and have my first goal set at 100 miles. today, I surpassed the 1/4 way mark. I've been walking 2 miles each day. It's been cold, and it's been wet, and it has been painful, but now, I find my body craving it. Not just me, but my doggie pal Harley. He is pretty good for motivating me to get going, he pushes me for the first mile and I push him the second. I wouldn't dare go out without my [cracked] ipod, and wouldn't be caught outside without my hand knitted hat and fingerless mitts. I picked these up in Halifax, at my cousin Krista's yoga boutique, Bhavana. Her Mom knits them and sells them amongst the yoga clothes & accessories, aromatherapy oils and a ton of other holistic products. Please check her shop out if you are in Halifax, it's above the Heartwood Bakery on Quinpool Road.

4.
I know what you're saying... "How original, a photographer who loves coffee" & while yes, that is very true, I do love coffee, I think I love my keurig machine, just a little bit more than the coffee itself. It brews a mean cup. It's not messy, it's quick, and I use it for tea and also for hot water, and for my quick oats in the morning. I also Love Love Love these new mugs. They are giants and so comfy in my hand, I even use them for soup!

5.
This, is the most embarrassing of all my loves though. I have, for as long as I can remember, hated oatmeal. I couldn't get over the gummy sticky texture. I started reading about how good it can be for me, and I thought I'd give it a go. It had been about 10 years, I wanted to see if my tastes had developed any over the years. I have been missing out, on good things, for a lot of years... oatmeal is one of them. I've been adding in a tiny splash of maple syrup, blueberries, blackberries, granola and craisins.

Sooo, those are some of the things I've been loving lately, Hope I've inspired you to appreciate the little things in your life. Things that make your day run smooth, things that make you feel good about yourself and the road you are heading down! I would love to hear if you are loving any of the same things I am, or maybe have some suggestions for new things for me to try.

Old Friends

2012-01-16T22:32:00.001-04:00

"Keeping in touch is one thing we won't have to worry about" is what she wrote in my high school year book, the year we graduated together.

You see, I've known her all of my life, and she's family, but, we're not just family, I think a cool mixture of family/friend/sister mixed in there.

Oh dear, we've grown up, but the years have been pretty good, I think, packed with a million memories and three hundred million laughs, and we still don't have to worry about keeping in touch!

Thank you Amy, to you, and your beautiful family. Thank you for being a constant in my life, and for trusting me to shoot your family.

Holderville

2012-01-09T12:17:00.000-04:00

Stepping into the house, Nat and Bill left me to me own devices to take pictures in her family home. I stood back, looking around the room that used to be a store, there are bits and pieces left that define what this home used to be, and still is today.

A place where milk and hay bales were sold on the same receipt. Where settling into a rocking chair on the front verandah could take up all of your free time.

Thank you for asking me to photograph a piece of your beautiful families history. It has been an honor.

Beach Babies

2012-01-05T11:37:00.000-04:00

So, obviously, these weren't taken yesterday!!

This is one of the sessions, I've been holding onto since the fall, one of my all time favorite beach sessions, with some of my favorite people!! These were a hoot to shoot, and we made if off the beach just before the raindrops started falling... now that is good timing if I do say so myself!

It was worth holding onto them though, they were a Christmas Present for their family, especially worth it when I opened the message from their Grandmother thanking me for taking them!! (way to make me cry at Christmas Kim!) ;)

Enjoy! & Hey, if the snow stays away, and you are feeling it, message me, and I'd be happy to set up a beach shoot for you too!

Jenna and Jeremy

2011-12-05T17:51:00.001-04:00

I had to share these images, prepare for an overload, I think it's probably the largest post of pictures I've ever shared, but, I love them.

I loved this wedding. I love Jeremy and Jenna.

They got married in a barn, in a big open field, sitting on a hill overlooking Belleisle Bay. The weather was beautiful, it was a perfectly beautiful day. Thank you, Jenna and Jeremy, for having me be there with you folks for your day.

At home.

2011-12-03T16:35:00.001-04:00

After about a month of tweaking and sorting and editing, I am feeling more at home in my new space. It's cosy, and comfortable, and I'm making it mine. I lived in this space a few years ago, for about 8 years, it's where Ben grew up, and where I first started my business. It has a lot of great memories attached to it, so I'm happy to be back in this space, and have had fun making in mine again.

There is something about this kitchen, maybe it's because every room in the apartment is connected to the kitchen, maybe it's because of it's history, but I love this kitchen. I love to cook in it, I even don't mind washing the dishes in it. It's not fancy, or huge, but it's comfortable.

I had to make something for a pot luck last for Friday night, and have had this pizza balls on my mind since I found them on pinterest a few months ago, I thought it'd be a great opportunity to try them out, so I picked up the ingredients and put them together, and thought I'd share the adventure with ya'll out there reading my blog.

Here's my modern day cookbook, recipe on the ipad!

My mom is the genius in this idea, putting the ipad in an easel makes it easy to watch netflix, and follow a recipe!

Here is the nucleus of the kitchen, forgive me, i had just gotten back from grocery shopping, so excuse the mess!

Ingredients, oh and don't go scouring all over the internets for those beautiful spice jars... those are my own creation... a few bottles a la dollar store, and a score on really adorable labels, and voila!

Mixed up the dough, just letting it rest....

So I chopped the cheese and sliced the pepperoni...

Love a good knife shot!

Still waiting for it to rest, so I put up my first Christmas Decoration!

And snacked on grapes...

So I wrapped the dough around a piece of pepperoni and a cube of cheese, I brushed the balls with olive oil and herbs and parmesan cheese!

And into the oven they go... and out came deliciousness...

These would be awesome for a quiet Sunday afternoon, a great snack while movie watching, or anytime of the day you are wanting an easy pizza fix! I think they do need a dip and I'm open to suggestions!
Thanks to Nikki, for the inspiration from her blog, Pennies on a platter Check out her site!!

Snow Days

2011-11-23T17:22:00.001-04:00

I have been sitting here working, most of the day. I've been watching the snow pile up in the yard and it's bringing back some memories.

Snow days, when I was a kid, were the best. I remember baking cookies with my mom, watching The price is right, with my grandfather, and scrap-booking with my grandmother.

Oh, it wasn't the scrap-booking that we do today. It was with the same purpose, though, that we saved little bits and memories of our daily lives. The events we had gone to, the cabbage patch kid I adopted, the speeches I wrote for 4-H. It was a space to put things, a safe book to store things, and it gave us a spot to look when we wanted to remember something. It was brown manilla paper and a stick of glue, and with that, we created books of our lives.

I recently sent out a number of different packages to my clients, and it made me wonder, what will happen to these when they arrive at their destination.

Where will they end up and how will they be displayed, Who will they share them with?

I have been on an editing marathon the last couple of days, sitting here, I am freezing, and so thankful that I don't have to be out anywhere driving in this mess.

As I edit these pictures, I can almost feel the warmth from the sun, hope they warm up your day too!

A good fit.

2011-11-21T20:19:00.001-04:00

I'm not what you would call typical. Never have, never will be. I'm not the type of person to do something, just because everyone else tried it.

Growing up, I'm sure I confused my parents when I refused to drink pop (still don't care for it), and had to be bribed to eat a burger. I've never watched ET, or the Titanic, and haven't seen a single episode of Lost. And unlike 99% of the population of Moncton, I don't like Tim Horton's coffee.

In high school, I tried to like to smoke, I really did, because, of course, most of my friends did. I didn't, thankfully, and never made it through the first (and last) pack I bought. Like others, I want desperately to fit in, but am not willing to compromise my sense, if the following along isn't for me.

I think, (hope) I've been successful in incorporating this into my photography as well. I feel like this has helped me find my style, and what has kept me moving forward when I've reached points where I knew what I was doing, wasn't going to be part of my future.

Over the past year, I feel like I have found myself, photographically speaking. I have embraced a lifestyle theme, making your pictures about you, as individuals.

This particular shoot was very special to me, Troy, my cousin, and his wife, with their daughter, and now a new baby on the way, are very special to me. They've stood in front of my camera many times before, and I always walk away with killer images, I shot part of their session in "my studio", these are just a few of my favorites... yeah, this lifestyle thing is totally working for me!

Kristy and Mitch

2011-11-20T17:25:00.001-04:00

When Kristy asked if she could bring along her dogs for the photo shoot, I didn't hesitate when I said "yes". The lifestyle shoots that I have been doing, mean so much more when you incorporate more of you. Family, friends, pets, special locations, etc., plus, I love dogs... plus plus I LOVE dachshunds.

It was a very cold fall afternoon, with a perfectly beautiful sun in the sky when we did this shoot, I thank both Kristy and Mitch for braving the cold and shivering while we captured these photos!

Many Miles.

2011-10-29T01:28:00.001-03:00

This summer, I've seen a lot of miles. I've travelled over 10, 000kms. 98% of those miles, were miles travelled to reach my clients. Mostly, when traveling to a shoot, I'm alone, & without doing the math, I know that 10,000kms equates to a lot of alone time.

A lot of that time is spent listening to my ipod, and the thousands of songs I have downloaded, but some of that time, it's quiet, and I'm thinking. Sometimes I'm crying, and sometimes I'm smiling, as I like to say, right out loud. I'm fortunate, in that, I feel, that every time I turn away and head home after a session, that I'm taking a little bit of those people with me.

When I said good bye to Keisha and her Mom, at the bend in the road, and headed down a long country road towards home, I was smiling. Smiling, because, it isn't everyday in our lives that something ends up perfect. But, from the weather to the location, to the subjects, it was a perfect shoot.

We did some beautiful shots of Keisha the grad, and then she disappeared in the house and came out with a halter for May. This halter was purple, and I could tell, that it had probably never been outside, it was shimmering, so clean and fresh. Keisha said, in that quiet little voice, "you know, I've had this halter for 3 years, just saving it for this day" She humbled me, a lump jumped into my throat, and, with that sweet little gesture, she reminded me to never take this job and not appreciate it. To never forget or lose sight of it's real purpose.

And with that, we jumped the fence into the paddock with May, and we had a blast.

And these are some of the images that made me smile the most.

Summer Nights.

2011-10-20T09:22:00.000-03:00

I'm not usually the type of person to wish time away. I learned this lesson, as a mother. At first, you long for days when your child will talk, and walk and then before you know it they are off to school and you are wishing for those years back. I try to live in each moment as it comes along, even if, at the time, it's unpleasant, I try to work with what I have.

When I think back to this shoot, it had been a perfect day, not too hot, and I had enough time to shoot and still make it home from Fredericton before sunset, when I look at the sun setting now, way before 7, I do kind of wish we could go back in time and enjoy just a few more of those beautifully long days, and take advantage of all that light!

Here is how I found Hanna and Skooter.

Do you find yourself wishing your hours/days/weeks/years away? What is it you are longing for? Feel free to share it below in the comments!

Thanks Boys.

2011-10-19T21:22:00.000-03:00

For the first time, in a long time, I was nervous. I was off to shoot two High School Seniors, brothers/twins, both reps on my High School Street Team. Oh boy.

Not that I was worried about the boys, nah, I had shot them before, quite a few times, actually, but, these pictures had to be different, and I was worried about failing.

I should have known that I would be fine. That the boys wouldn't roll their eyes much, and that I wouldn't lose their focus, and that I wouldn't freeze, trying to come up with different ideas and poses.

I should have known that I would have been fine, and that the shoot would end up as one of my very favorite shoots of all times. They had me, and their mother in stitches, the whole time.

Thanks boys, for humoring me, for having fun, for being comfortable and being yourselves.

I shot the train tracks, the steel bridge, & the bricks, like I've never shot them before, and here is what we came up with.

Graduating? Or, know someone who is. Email me for details on my special senior package.

Up North.

2011-10-06T00:13:00.000-03:00

I thought, as a kid, growing up, that I was pretty well travelled, at least, in my own province. But, when I started this photography journey, I soon realized, that, really I wasn't. I remember driving to Sussex, for the first time, on my own, to a horse show. I had to stop in Petticodiac, to take a break from the Highway. I got off the highway, on the wrong exit and panicked, thinking that I was lost. Brilliant. lost, somewhere between Moncton and Sussex, (a 45 minute drive) surely I would be the only person in history to claim that kind of title.

Things Change, As the years have rolled by, I can drive to Sussex almost in my sleep, I drive the 2 hour trip to and from Fredericton, in one day, at least once a month. Shooting has broaden my horizon, and opened my eyes to just how beautiful this Province is. Well, mostly anyway, excluding that boring drive to Fredericton! I love to drive on the highway through Salisbury, I have nick named it, Big Sky. When you are driving on the highway, in either direction, you get to a spot where the fields open up, the trees disappear, and the sky is huge. On beautiful days, it's where I see the fluffiest clouds, and the bluest blue in the skies.

The Northern part of the province is more foreign to me though. Anywhere past the Miramichi and Chatam, are kind of lost to me, and I need to visit the map, (frequently) to understand where things are. Thankfully, the gps and my mother accompanied me for the wedding that I shot in Caraquet this summer. It's away, up North, and it's beautiful!

Here are some pictures from the Winters Wedding, Congrats Melanie and Kyle. Thank you for introducing me to another beautiful spot in this beautiful Province!

All the fine details.

2011-10-04T11:00:00.000-03:00

Confession Time.

I love Weddings.

During the day, I don't think that it's any secret that I wear my largest smile during the "getting ready" part of the day.

I love those candid moments, so filled with emotion, so busy, so many things happening, and often, where I feel like I have the most creative freedom.

Here are some favorite getting ready moments from a special wedding this past summer.

Check out more weddings featured on my blog by clicking this link.

Unboring my blog.

2011-10-02T18:42:00.000-03:00

I sincerely don't realize how much I miss school, until it's time, each year, to go school supply shopping. I love all the cool & fun things they have for students. I did all of Bens' back to school shopping at the Superstore this year. They have a supply line through Joe fresh. I love that company. I love their fresh simple design, it's like no nonsense, utilitarian, while being ultra sheik.

So back to school shopping gave me a craving for learning. I've been looking at different correspondence classes, and looking at tutorials, and courses that might be something that I want to work on. And, I found it.

From my stats counter, I can tell that my blogs are well read, but, I can't get people to comment, I don't know if I'm boring my audience as a writer, that by the time they've reached the bottom of the post, they are too tired or too uninterested to comment, or what. The thing is, I can't get any feedback, even though I've tried to keep it super simple, not requiring signing up to a service or website in order to post.

So, I stumbled upon a course called "The unboring blog camp" It sets you up to blog, and allows you to preplan your blog for 6 months at a time, while keeping content different and useful and interesting. It came with a super cute pdf workbook. I downloaded it to my ipad, and work on it, between editing, and shooting and sleeping. It's fun, and I am enjoying having homework.

So, here's hoping that the investment was worth it, and that I'll finish my workbook very soon, and blogging will become easier, and more frequent.

Oh, and if you are still reading... please just leave a little not below to let me know you've been here... pretty please! :)

Gorgeous Grad | Moncton Portrait Photographer

2011-09-29T10:10:00.000-03:00

When I look at the work that my colleagues, and I are doing for the sake of Graduates these days, it makes me wish that I could still be in school, just so I could be a part of one of these super cool grad sessions. When I was in school, Graduation, meant a cap and gown and walking across the stage, and a cheesy photo, holding a fake diploma, add your biggest farce of a smile you could produce.

These days, graduation is more like a right of passage, it's an event, from the start to the finish of each year, realizing this, I realized how important it was for these grads to have something that shows who they were, at this time in their lives.

I signed Jenna up first thing as one of my grad reps, I've known her for a lot of years, and was excited to have her in my Street Team Grad Program. But, see, I'm used to seeing Jenna at the barn, in her barn clothes or under her hat at the horse shows... although we do have a session planned with her horse, we did these on a beautifully lit September Evening, just before school started!

Enjoy

Out on a limb

2011-09-01T20:44:00.001-03:00

I remembered receiving my 2010 Congress edition of the Equine Chronicle in the mail last year... if you haven't had the pleasure, think Sears wish book, and almost double it again. It's big, and glossy, and beautiful, and with six hundred and seventy some pages, it's a heavy duty read. Of course, though, I shamelessly, thumbed through the pages until landing upon the ad I had created. There, amongst all the biggest names in the business, was my work. It was a thrill, to say the least. I smiled, right out loud!

This time... I wanted to be different. So, instead of looking to the magazine for inspiration, I looked at my favorite home magazine. Clean, and tidy, and when the idea struck, I went with it, I was worried that my clients would think I had lost my mind, but I trusted that they wouldn't go with it unless they believed in it.

So here, is our ad, for the 2011 Congress Edition of the Equine Chronicle, can't wait to have this one in my hands! Thanks to Taylor, Shauna, Marven, Troy, and Alicia, Tim & Bev.

Congrats Taylor, and best of luck at Congress!

One of those days | Moncton Photographer

2011-08-28T01:59:00.000-03:00

Have you ever had one of those days?

I did. Yesterday, was one of those days.
I didn't stub my toe, I didn't wake up late, I wasn't late for work & I didn't spill my coffee.

It wasn't filled with anything exceptional, either way, it was neither terrible or wonderful, it was the perfect amount of good and bad... everything evened itself out.

It seems like, we often take note of the really great, or the really horrible instances, but never, to my knowledge, acknowledge the times like these. It's just life, cruising on by. I love days like that.

I did a shoot in Saint John a few weeks back. I love to shoot in Saint John, maybe it's a case of "the grass is always greener" but, I have the best time shooting there. There are great locations that make brilliant backgrounds. For this shoot, we started at the library and ended at a Castle, yup, a real life, honest to goodness Castle.

This day of shooting, was not, one of those days. It included some major ups and downs, including camera batteries, and a lack thereof, and wonderful customer service from Ivans Camera, in Moncton.
But the day ended, with another great shoot under my belt. Extreme highs, and lows, check out these photos, mostly definitely some of the highs!

Oh, did I tell you it was a shoot with Brad Pitt? No, well, see for yourself! Actually, no, it's just Brads look alike! These pictures were really for his Mom, the day after our shoot, Rex headed across the country for a two year mission leave with his church.

Thanks for looking

Jon Married Pam | Moncton Wedding Photographer

2011-08-26T12:02:00.000-03:00

And it was spectacular.

Have you ever walked away from someone's wedding, without any doubt, not one doubt in your mind, that they, will, no matter what, end up holding each others hands until the very end.

Their wedding day was perfect. It was beautifully hot, without being humid, the sun was spectacular. The setting and details were incredible. I am, admittedly smitten though, and fall a little bit more in love with "My Couples" when I make the cut into the thank you speech. I giggle and blush, and inside, I'm dying, because I am touched that they thought of me, not as a salesperson, or a vendor, but as a part of their day, someone who helped make it work, so , Thank you, Pam and Jon, for thanking me!

Jon and Pam danced their first dance, they cut their cake, and then they danced some more.

As I was leaving the reception, I got in my truck and turned on the radio, and Alan Jackson's song, Living on Love, was just wrapping up. I've always loved that song, and sometimes, get a little weepy about the message, and can't watch the video with company, so I sang, horribly, and way out loud, to the last bit of the verse, a kind of toast of sorts, to Pam and Jon, who thankfully wouldn't get to hear my shattered rendition...

Livin on love, buyin on timeWithout somebody nothing aint worth a dimeJust like an old fashioned story book rhymeLivin on loveIt sounds simple thats what you're thinkin'But love can walk through fire without blinkin'It doesnt take much when you get enoughLivin' on loveNo it doesnt take much when you get enoughLivin' on love

Their gifts to their guests were trees!

Loved this moment...
Pam's dad was pointing to her Mom, who was getting emotional, it broke the tension, and everyone laughed, I'm so glad I caught this mili second! He seemed so close to becoming emotional himself, that, I think he was worried about his wife starting, and him not being able to stop himself as well.

When asked if they knew of any reason why the two of them should not be married, Pam answered, "we're good!" lol!

Pams parents were celebrating their wedding anniversary on the same day!

Thanks for looking!

Wanna go Seeum? | Moncton Photographer

2011-07-27T23:05:00.001-03:00

I've been meaning to blog, I've been trying to blog, but the summer, has been a blur of activity. From shooting, editing and emailing to beach runs and soccer games, time has flown by faster than I care to admit.

I am right now getting ready, (who am I kidding?), I'm procrastinating, I should be packing stuff up for the MQHA Summer Sizzler Show, which starts tomorrow, but, I've decided that right now, this is more important.

Just before supper...
me : "where have you been Anna?"
Anna "At gamy and gampies"
me : "your hair is quite curley"
Anna "yup, teen, it's fwom the wain"
me : "oh, did you get wet coming home?"
Anna "Wes, wes I did teen, see..." she shows me her wet pants, and notices the bottle of pink nail polish on the table
"TEEEENNNN, I'm sooooo e-cited, you found the pink nail powish, Vat's my favorite, can you paint my toesnails, paweese?"

In stitches, this kid keeps me laughing, she keeps me honest! My niece, try to get anything past her, and she'll give you a run for your money. Two, going on 18, she is a diva, she has a nose like a blood hound, especially when it comes to sniffing out chocolate. She often stops in to check on me when I'm working, she loves to catch me editing a set of pictures from a horse shoot. "Who's that ones horse teen?" "Where does she live?" "Who's it's momma?" And she is especially excited if she catches me editing pictures with children. "Who's her name?" "What's she doing?" "Where is her Momma and her Dada?" "Wanna go seeum?"

I wish everyone, everywhere, had the chance to meet her, she is cuteness personified. She has a personality the size of the Moon shoved into that little body, so, of course, it's bursting to get out, in every direction.

I promised to paint her toenails pink, if she would just sit still for a few pictures.

"Want to take a pikcha of the nail polish teen?"

"Ok, hold it way up high".... "Can you see it now Teen?"

A wee bit dramatic, reaction to the supper her Momma brought her. (In all honesty, it was worth getting excited over, roast beef and all the fixings!)

"Teen, Is this my smile?"

"a-hahaha"

"Nope, here's my smile"

"A-hahahaha"

"K, teen, I fink I'm done now"

So, as I promised, her little toes were painted pink when she went off to read her favorite stories for Bed time. "Goodnight little Anna, wuv you."

These pictures are soft technically, but tack sharp emotionally. Just having fun with me favorite girl, so please excuse the unprofessional appearance!

Simply Love | Moncton Wedding Photographer

2011-06-22T15:42:00.000-03:00

Pam and Jon, Wow. I don't really know if words are necessary for this blog.

When I met Pam last winter, I knew that, just from her personality, that we'd be creating some incredible pictures... not only because of her natural beauty, but because of her presence. She is confident, and caring, and beautiful, and allows herself to feel beautiful. A lot of women, could learn a lot from this gal. She is a nurse, and as is true, of all other nurses I have known, they have hearts, filled right up with gold.

I am so fortunate to be their photographer!

We met up a few weeks ago, at my favorite spot in Moncton for pictures, and this, is what I captured.

I know, gorgeous right, and, the belt, it's epic, she got it from my all time favorite store, Ruche

Then headed downtown, hitting up the beautiful brick and iron work in Oak Park. See how adorable, two outfits, this was her, downtown date night outfit! Love!

My Dad.

2011-06-19T20:16:00.000-03:00

He's handmade stove top popcorn on Sunday nights, while watching Disney, He's brushing my long hair on Sunday mornings before Church, He's the one who tucked me in so tight I couldn't move at night. He is a lover of animals, no matter how much he tries to convince you otherwise.

He's patience personified, whether he was waiting for the teenager me to be done work in the barn, or in trying to teach life's lessons. He is one of my biggest cheerleaders. He makes me believe that I can do it, from learning to drive standard, to making this photography passion a business.

He is slow and steady, he is calm and determined, he is a hard worker. He taught me that you should be proud of what you do, take the time to do it right, the very first time. He reminds me that good food is worth the wait. That the best things in life, are free, but damn, girl, when you buy, buy something of good quality so you don't have to buy it 2 or 3 times.

He loves, from planting a garden in the spring, to corvettes, to fishing the brooks, to listening to music, to my mother. He loves with all of his heart, and he wears those emotions for all of us to see.

He is camping with his family, he is bonfires at night. He is a mentor, a life liver. He is a friend to everyone, and when people speak of him, their lips curl up with a grin. He's a tease, he loves to joke, and has fooled me with more stories in my life than I care to acknowledge!

He is Willie Nelson on long drives, and admires music, almost all of it, except that "twingy twangy" stuff. He appreciates an honest voice and true talent with instruments. He is my trumpeter.

He is my Dad, and I love him with every ounce of my being. Happy Fathers Day, Dad. I love you. For all these reasons, and so many more.

In love with the world | Moncton Saint John Equine Photographer

2011-06-12T12:28:00.000-03:00

Have you looked outside this week?
Have you seen, I mean, really seen the beauty out there. It's June, and all the rain that we endured in May, has created an absolute oasis out there. Queen Annes Lace, Lupins, buttercups, Dandelion Fluff, and green green grasses. Everything is so beautiful.

Please, if you haven't, visit Westfield. After 7, on a perfectly lit night. You'll drive through the town, and see boys with their fathers walking home, fishing rods in hands, and smiles on their faces. You'll see the sun shining on the water, you'll see boats. You'll see people walking and talking and loving life, and how could they not, they live in one of the most beautiful places in New Brunswick. I had an incredible shoot last night, we had a beautiful location, perfect lighting and fun and beautiful models. I love that I love my job, and that I can have so much fun doing it.

An engagement shoot with ponies, in a field of lupins? Yes, please!

Monty, or, Fabio! He is the Ken, to the Barbie Horse.

Equally as special, Journey, his personality abounds. Thanks Sue, for sharing your Horses, and family with me, and thank you for introducing me to such a beautiful location!

Doubt | Moncton Photographer

2011-06-07T18:34:00.001-03:00

It was, one of those days. You know, the ones where you feel the only good that came from you getting out of bed, was that the sheets had a rest from your company. One of those days, where, it seems, like everyone else, in the whole world are enjoying epic achievements. While, there you sit, questioning yourself, your every move and wondering why, why on earth you even take the time to try.

I'm talking, one of those days, where you can't even toast a bagel without getting it wrong. When you go to add milk to your coffee and remember you ran out, yesterday. Those days when doubt, doesn't even knock, it just arrives, throws open the door, totally uninvited, and gets comfortable, sometimes, curls up to take a long nap on your sofa.

Doubt, sometimes even brings along friends, you know, fear, resentment, indecision, and uncertainty.

Oh boy. It was, one of those days. A sequence of events, now, from this perspective, which were totally trivial, sent out a text message to doubt... "party at Christines' place, bring your friends."

So, here I sat. Missing Ben, hating my work, my obligations, on my last "free to be me" weekend of the summer (that hasn't yet arrived). I let doubt come in and get comfortable. Silly me. I tried to read inspirational quotes online, but that lead me to other websites, that made me feel insignificant, and left me feeling even more inadequate. So, I walked away from the internetz and played angry birds, which, just made Me angry, when I couldn't knock the monkey out of it's tree. I couldn't find anything worth watching on TV, and was too restless to find a movie.

So, I decided, retail therapy, it may have been drastic, but, it is, what it is. The garden center was my first stop. I went up and down the isles smelling the herbs, admiring the flowers & scents, from the flowers that I love the most.

From there, I started to pick up steam, went to a hardware store and picked up some valve clamps, yes, valve clamps, for a DIY project. (I'll share pics when I complete it!) Onto another store to get a card and to get lost in fabric, ribbon, baskets, beads, and every other item that inspires a spark in me. The best part of my retail therapy, is that often, I don't even feel obligated to buy anything. When I left the last store, I felt better. I played my favorite song, over and over, and took the long way home.

When I got home, doubt was gone, & so were all of his buddies.

In the time I took for myself, I had the opportunity to check in with myself. To make sure, that, where I was going, is still going to lead me to the direction of where I want to be. I realized that the people whom I started out with, won't necessarily be the ones at the finish line, and won't necessarily always been cheering for me, in fact, some of those people, may actually have fishing line strung across the path, hoping that I'll trip. And, I am ok with that, I have to be, after all, in the end, all I can be is me, and that, in itself, is quite empowering. I had the opportunity to attend an online learning session with my idols, Justin and Mary Marantz, and learned a lot, one of the most powerful messages that I took from that was this. "Find those who love you, and let the rest go." How empowering is that? To allow yourself to recognize that we are not meant to please everyone at all times, and that it is OK. And that we don't have to make people love us. No matter how hard we try, not everyone is destined to love us, and that is also, OK.

I saw to fruition on Sunday, something that I have been planning since February. Leave it to me, to think of Apple Blossoms during the coldest, snowiest, winter in years. I may be more optimistic than I realize.
I filled in my name, beside the cancelled time slot I had, which, was one of the events that, incidentally, was responsible for doubt coming over to visit in the first place. I took that time slot of me, for my development, for my mind, for my pleasure. I shot all over the Orchard, and shot for the pure joy of shooting. I saw things the way I wanted to see them, and manipulated the light to make it happen.

Wish the internetz could convey smells, because you would be in Heaven. The apple blossoms are almost all gone by now, but take the time to visit if you can, Verger Belliveau Orchard. Or, wait til next year, and join me, when I do it all over again!

So, here are some shots, that I took for me, from me, to me. Pretty darn good gift, if you ask me!

On the Way to the Orchard, grass was so green, and the sky was so blue, and the clouds, so fluffy and white...

This one, I promise, is not even a mistake. I had pulled out my old lens, really old lens, and popped on my magnifying rings. I looked up at a bloom and when I went to far past the focus, I realized just how beautiful the light was!

My favorites.

Straight out of a fairy tale.

If you ever have the urge to feel small... go and stand in the presence of these trees.

The hardest of all workers. I knew better than to stand in their flight path. With approximately a week to pollinate these 60 acres of blooms, there is no time to rest.

I don't know if there is a message in this post that you can learn from. Maybe, just knowing that there is someone else out there, that has had a bad day is enough. I think, that as time consuming as it is to have a bad day.... sometimes they are a necessary evil, to make us stop and think, and put things back into perspective. That of bad things, sometimes, beautiful things happen. If I hadn't had that cancellation, I wouldn't have had the time to take these pictures to gift to myself...

We locked her in the chicken coop and giggled | Moncton Lifestyle Photographer

2011-05-31T17:40:00.002-03:00

Funny, My Mom made a comment awhile back that made me think, they had just returned from Florida, and we laughed, about how my sister and I, were the only kids in our classes at school that didn't make it to Disney. In all honesty, my sister and I were probably the only two who didn't dream about going. I think we were just too busy with learning about real things, that we didn't have time to think of cartoon characters and fantasy lands.

A great deal of our childhood was spent at our camp. It's about an hours drive away, with no less than 100 combinations of ways to drive there, meant, just the mere trip there was the start of our adventures. It wasn't always about getting there the quickest way possible, it was about enjoying the journey, as much as the destination. I have talked about the camp before, I know, after all, when something has been such a big part of your life, it does play a big part in who you are, and who you've become. I've often thought that the poem, "All I really needed to know I learned in Kindergarten" could be adapted to a version specific of "All I really needed to know, I learned at the camp.."

We spent countless hours on the beach, crafting clay dishes, & making dams in the cold spring water to hold our juice boxes. We built sand fortresses, and dug clams, had seaweed fights, caught chubs and tickle fish, and scoured the rock piles, looking for the perfect skipping rock. We threw rocks, why that river isn't filled in, I can't quite explain. We threw rocks until our arms hurt; in the heat of the day; and as our shadows grew taller. We went on beach walks and admired broken pieces of dishes and plates, and their delicate patterns, worn from time and the salty water.

We sat in the truck box and delivered lunches to the boys working in the fields. We let our imagination move dirt while we sat on the bulldozers brought in for the barn expansion. We went speeding down hills in hand made go carts without brakes. We packed picnics and explored all our favorite places on the farm. We built elaborate roadways, and villages in the garden, between the beans and peas. We explored the ditches, & picked bottles and wildflowers. We blew bubbles and chewed gum, we swung on swings, and pushed when it wasn't our turn. We played tag on the round bales. We sat patiently behind the cows when it was calving season, waiting for the calves to be brave enough to approach and suck on our fingers and coats. We would sit on Jack or Bell or Duke, the horses used for logging, and wrap their manes around our hands, and sit listening to them chew their hay. We'd brush as much of them as we could reach, and climb up into the hay manger to scratch their heads.

We had bon fires, we sang songs, played games, and roasted marshmallows, we picked out the big and little dippers & waited for shooting stars. We set off great firework displays, and all still remember our favorite... the burning school house. When we came home at night, we were filthy, and we were exhausted.

Of course, we got into plenty of trouble; used cattle prods on each other, closed the door and locked the smallest one in the chicken coop, giggled with delight as the hens got brave and started to circle her, we let her out just as she was on the verge of tears, and tried to plead our remorse when we let her out and and she threatened to tell her Mom. Flooded the barn when we forgot to turn off the water spout, and made friends with the nervous heifers when we found their grain.

We were engaged, and were engaging. We listened to stories about horses and cattle and the people that tended them, the ones that shaped the land that we played on. We learned about the good old days, and that they weren't always soo good or easy. We learned how to sit still under an oak or a maple and listened to stories of who planted them. We learned how to find and visit the grave sites of great grandparents and lost relatives, and thought quietly of what their lives were like. We were curious, and asked questions, and were silent and respectful for tears when they were shed. Each day was a new adventure, and we started them early in the day.

When I think about these things, I can step back into the moment and relive them. I can feel the sun on my back, feel the warm breeze on my face. I can smell the homemade bread, and I can taste those tuna & celery sandwiches, and hear the cows balling for their calves when they were weaned. I have those vivid memories, because I lived them.

What I see these days, are people having wonderful experiences, but they are not actually living them. They are distracted by the desire to capture them, with their cameras, or, worse, their phones. The thing with this is, although a photograph or a video is powerful media, it will never, ever be as strong as replaying a memory. Also, it has been studied and said that scent, not sight, is the sense tied closest to memory recall. It's funny that this thought has come to me, as a photographer.

Seriously, am I saying this out loud, telling you to put your camera down? No, I am not saying put your camera away. What I am suggesting is that the next time you are out somewhere, really live the moment you are in. Take time to take a picture with your minds eye, and not be distracted by setting up a composition. Feel the breeze, smell the wind and listen to the laughter and voices. Take a picture in your mind, and then capture a small element of it with your camera... or, in the case of a major event in your life... hire a professional to do it for you.

To end, I'll share a picture, one of a total of 40 that I took from a trip that Ben and I took a few weeks ago to Cape Enrage. I was tempted to take more, I could have totally just photographed the beauty all day, instead, we talked, we watched, and we listened, and we'll remember, not because of the pictures, but, because we were there.

Silent Sunday iv | Moncton Photographer

2011-05-30T00:02:00.000-03:00

Squeaking in under the deadline for a Sunday post. I think this message is pure genius, and instills hope that, whatever you are going through, is worth waiting out.

Silent Sunday iii | Moncton Baby Photographer

2011-05-22T12:17:00.000-03:00

This has been baby belly week... with 3 weeks of straight rain, I was worried that these babies would arrive before the sun did. One more belly shoot this evening will make 3 bellies, and 4 babies.

I don't know of anyone who has carried twins more elegantly and beautifully than Jen. Can't wait to meet their girls!

Silent Sunday ii | Moncton Photographer

2011-05-15T12:02:00.000-03:00

See, told you. Week 3, and I've already missed a week. I was too busy being showered with love on mothers day to sit down and blog about anything. Our wonderfully large family (9 of us) went to Sunday Brunch at Broadleaf. Be careful, you go once, and you'll want to go again, and again, etc.
So, being a mom, is pretty darn awesome, but, being an aunt ranks a pretty close second...Here is William, dubbed Wee-um, by his sister, on his very first birthday.

Gracie | Moncton Equine Photographer

2011-05-13T17:23:00.001-03:00

It's a funny thing about time. It waits for no one, it marches on. I have been meaning to post this blog for at least a month now, just never finding the time. I wish I was more efficient in my use of time, or that I could stop being so easily distracted by new things, shiny pretty, fun things.

You see, I've found a new addiction. It's horrible, awful & distracting.

It's called Pinterest. It's a site that allows you to collect all those wonderfully amazing incredible awesome ideas, recipes, quotes, inspirations, do it yourself instructions. You "pin" them and it gives you quick access to them. It's like a modern day version of the old school, idea/concept/dream boards.

Remember going through magazines and clipping out favorite things? This allows you to do it virtually. It's amazing what you learn about yourself, based on what it is you pin! And, it totally works, I pinned a totally adorable water/juice dispenser, and voila, I got one very similar for my mothers day gift... coincidence, I think not... be sure to share your link with fam/friends to ensure this happens!!

So, seriously, check it out, they released an iphone version just last week... so it's now mobile... dangerous. If you need an invite, just email me, I'm happy to send a referral... that's right my friends, it's exclusive, you need an invitation!! (but don't worry about the process, they let me in.. so..)

So, back to Gracie, (see, easily distracted :D)

Gracie and Michelle, two beautiful gals from Double Diamond Stables. This is session 1 of 2, but you'll have to wait til the fall to see those, Can't wait for our next session Michelle. Thank you for the privilege!

(How is it that I get so lucky to have such beautiful models)

Thanks for looking, hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Silent Sunday | Moncton Photographer

2011-05-01T15:15:00.000-03:00

What a great Weekend to be inside! You know, rainy days are sometimes blessings in disguise.

I'm sending a big hello to everyone at the Equine Review this weekend, I had plans to attend, plans for a booth, but had the opportunity to book a photo shoot instead, so, I opted for that, and then, in the end, the wicked weather has wreaked havoc with those ideas, so we ended up rescheduling... So, as disappointed as I am with Mother Nature, I must say, I am now thrilled. Thrilled, because I am sitting here, enjoying day two, of kicking my "to do" lists butt. From editing and packaging up shoots, to reordering supplies, it has gone from daunting to manageable.

The matter of blogging is always on my to do list. In fact, when I sit in my chair and look at my "to do" board, it's eye level, staring me right in the face! It is one item that never gets erased, rather stays pinned to the top. It's because I want to share more here. This past week, while doing the mundane things, you know, grocery shopping, driving, cooking, I came up with an idea to force me to blog, at least, once a week.

I'm calling it, Silent Sunday.
After today, Silent Sunday will be more visual than verbal. I will share some of my favorite shots from the week, or inspiring quotes I have found, or perhaps a new product or idea that has inspired me to do something. Basically, I am going easy on myself... you may find a post, you may not, and really it could be anything from nothing to something, without any category or classification... now, that, my friends, is my kind of commitment!

So, yes, I made it easy on myself, and am hopeful that I will follow through. I'll be honest, starting something like this, often makes me feel defeated even before I have begun. The pressure of coming up with something on a schedule, seems a bit daunting, so, but don't hold your breath, and certainly don't remain glued to your computer screen Sunday morning/afternoon/evening, waiting for my update, rather please do enjoy what I'm sharing, and feel free to leave a comment, let me know you've been here!

Tippy Toe | Moncton Baby Photographer

2011-04-22T13:17:00.000-03:00

Having a child is surely the most beautifully irrational act that two people in love can commit. -Bill Cosby

First Smiles, first laughs, first stumbles, first steps... the first year of your babies life flies by in a heartbeat. Having pictures to look back to when they start school, go off to college, and get married, are priceless investments. Keeping all of this in mind, I've created a package to satisfy a number of requests. This package includes four sessions, suggested for the last trimester of pregnancy, within the first week of birth, at six months and on their first birthday.

Each session includes digital files, edited, ready to print and a beautiful online gallery, showcasing each session. Package Priced at $600.

Additional sessions are encouraged, inquire about special pricing.

Payments can be made at once, or in two installments.

Contact Christine to Book your session today.

Because, it would go against almost every fiber of my being to blog without a photo, I'll leave you with a photo of beautiful baby Sadie.

Blogs Here, Blog There, Blog Everywhere. | Moncton Photographer

2011-04-22T01:18:00.000-03:00

Soooo, I'm back. I think I've said this before. A few times. But, here, I am. I tried blogging on my home site, and just couldn't get it to look/feel the way that felt comfortable to me. It took a lot of time to create a blog post, and if I know me, and there is any excuse to not do something, I'll use it.

So here, here on this blog, things are easier, simplified. You can search through key words, you can share/link (please) to facebook. You can scroll through the images at your own leisure. Here's hoping that I can convince myself that it IS easy, and continue sharing here.

I'm off to a good start anyway. Here is a set of images that I am currently editing. Chance was a little over a week old in this pictures. Which incidentally, is really the best timing if you are considering having pictures taken of your newborn... they are still tiny and sleep lots!

Since we are talking about babies, Due to high demand, I'm currently building a package for expecting families, a way to follow you through pregnancy until their first birthday, details will follow soon!

The Two Wedding Weekend | Moncton Wedding Photographer

2010-10-05T23:55:00.000-03:00

Trying to come up with a word or phrase that would describe the month of September for me, I could call it "the month that I didn't get to sleep in" or just plain ole busy!! But, in the wedding department, I could call it "from 0-60".

I booked 3 weddings this year, all in the month of September, 2 of them on the same weekend. That is not typically something that I would do, but, you see, I just couldn't say no to either one of them, and it wasn't because they were bridezillas!!

Mel and Jeremy were married on Friday, I've known Mel easily for 15 years now, horses are what originally brought us together, and we've always remained friends. Sherry and Julien were married Saturday, although I've known Julien for just a few years now, I've known Sherry as far back as I can remember. We are actually 2nd or 3 cousins, (not sure how that goes) we grew up spending a lot of time together, at our favorite address in Bass River Point.

So here is a quick sneak peek of a few of my favorites from my "Two Wedding Weekend"

Mel and her pup Riley had to be included in photos!

Mom of the bride was still busy with all the little details!
Mel and her girls getting her into the dress
What a gorgeous smile!
Incredible bouquets, they were so vibrant!
Hitched!

Saturday early afternoon I arrived just before the girls got back from their hair appointments to take pictures of all the little details in the tent!
Bouquets, just like Sherry had described when she started her wedding planning. She wanted them to look like she had gone out and picked a big bouquet of wild flowers. Something that she'd bring home to her Mom and Gramma. The florist hit it dead on!
The dress!
The Shoes
The Hands
I do's!

Would you look at the way she looks at him!

This was during the toast to the bride and groom, which my dad delivered. A lot of wonderful memories looking back over the years, a lot of laughs too!
The B&G with their little darling ring boys, and the flower girl!

Cheers!!!

Thanks girls for having me be such a big part of both of your days, it was an incredible weekend!!!

On Assignment with Hawkeye. | Moncton Equine Photographer

2010-09-27T18:47:00.000-03:00

hehe! I have been wanting to write that blog title for weeks now!

I did a day trip to Saint John NB about a month ago, and along with two other shoots, got the chance to meet Jessica and her two horses, On Assignment, or Alex, her Quarter Horse Mare, and Hawkeye, or Holly, her big German Import Gelding! And yes, you probably read that again, but I assure you, I did get the genders and names correct!

This trip was the first time I had ever driven by myself to Saint John, not only to but through and past the city, and over the bridge! I was terrified. I don't really know why, but I have always dreaded shoots that might take me to Saint John, just incase it meant I had to go over that bridge. Looking at it today, I don't understand my fear. It was easy, I had my toll change ready (before I left Moncton) and a back up pile just incase I dropped it, or missed the basket!

Anyway, the trip across the bridge was more than worth it, it was a very fun shoot with Jessica and kids!

This is Alex, a sweet little lady, the prettiest little face, I thought for sure she must be an Arabian, but I was wrong.

Look at that beautiful big black expressive eye!
And this is Holly, He is such a pretty boy!
I don't know who is wrapped around who here!

And I couldn't finish this post without including Eddie, Jess's teeny tiny little barn helper. He stays close by, and he relies more on his hearing than sight at his age!!

Hope you enjoy the quick preview Jess, many many more to come!

Quinn | Moncton Equine Photographer

2010-09-17T16:07:00.000-03:00

Even my hard days are quite incredible!

I say this because last week, while going through one of the hardest personal stretches in my life, I was booked to shoot Quinn. Upon normal circumstances, I probably would have rebooked or rescheduled, but, I had worked with Quinns' mom before, (you'll see the pictures if you look back through my blog a couple of years) and was confident that she'd understand if I needed a time out or to look the other way if my eyes were filled with tears.

If you've followed my blog, you've already met a lot of Quinns family. He is a two year old who was bred at Fresh Paint Farm in Petticodiac.

Here is just a quick preview of the shots, hopefully I've gotten them up before Cindy has gone home for the weekend!

Enjoy your preview!

I totally laughed when I saw this first photo as I was editing... she's totally reaching in her pocket for treats for Quinn!!

Crystal and Shawn | Moncton Wedding Photographer

2010-09-16T16:18:00.000-03:00

So, all of last week I had such anxiety. I had a wedding to shoot and the weather was looking like it wanted to fight. I always tell my brides, the weather is going to do what it wants to do, and no amount of worry is going to fix it, so worry about things you can fix. Secretly, I say this, because I pray enough for the whole wedding party, their families and well, the entire province, really. Snow, wind, cold, we can deal with, easily, rain, not so much. Mostly because I dislike rain a great deal. I love the sound of raindrops hitting the roof at the camp, and I love to watch them fall in the river, and I love the smell after a summer rain, where sweet summer grass meets the black top. But I really don't like standing in the rain as the drops hit my lashes and make me squint. I don't like spending the rest of the day in damp clothing and my hair, well, it doesn't like rain either.

Imagine my horror when I wake up to the sound of rain beating against my bedroom window. I thought, surely to god, no, that has to be the wind, it wasn't. I kept telling myself, it's going to be ok, the wind will blow these rain clouds right outta here. I went to pick up a coffee and on the way home I thought my miracle wish had come true. The blue sky came out and the sun was shining, while I was packing my gear, I realized it wasn't going to be long lived. So, I got my rain coat, and left early so I'd have time to shop for an umbrella. As I drove from Moncton, through Riverview, to Hillsborough to Hopewell Cape, the need for windshield wipers was intermittent.

The bride arrived and the sun was shining and kept returning throughout our day. Thankfully, I didn't have to use the umbrella that I had picked up. I think it was my good luck charm.

The wedding was at the Albert County Museum. A place that I have driven by countless times before, but never, ever stopped. I didn't realize what a gem I had passed by so many times. First of all, if you ever have the opportunity to stop in, Do it. Brides, if you are looking for somewhere to host your wedding, check them out. The can seat up to 150 ppl in the beautiful courthouse, and have a reception hall right there... Did I mention... it's beautiful!

ok, ok, pictures. So the day went like this. rain, clear, rain, clear. In those clear time slots we jetted outside to take pictures, and here is some of them. And by some, I mean, probably way too many, but I really had to work hard at cutting the number back. Thank you to Crystal and Shawn for sharing your day with me. It was a beautiful one.

Enjoy.

A quiet moment with mom before she walked down the isle to marry dad.
Drop Dead Gorgeous.

Look at the way she looks at him. Love it.

Go on, Kiss her!
Beautiful detail on a door inside the Courthouse where they were married.

The Courthouse from the outside
Inside the Gaol
Some fine details

and really, I could keep going and going. This was such a beautiful day!!

Thanks for looking!

Horses and High Heels | Moncton Equine Photographer

2010-08-24T19:33:00.000-03:00

There was no question in my mind, I knew as I was driving out the driveway what I would call this blog entry. Which is a relief, if you look back, some titles have been less than exciting, and some very cliche (ewwww)

But what else could you title a story about a gal, who is obsessed with those two very things?

I remember Sarah and BJ from the very first horse show I ever attended with any kind of an official status. I handed out business cards at the show, in hopes that someone would see something they liked, I remember the email from Sarah, in fact, I still have it. If I had time to drag out my old pc and search through the archives I'd pull it out, but, it was one of my very first emails that made me cry. No, no she wasn't mean, in fact, quite the opposite. She talked about how I made Bj and her look like superstars, heck, that wasn't really me, I just shoot what I see! She became one of my first and most loyal clients and in turn, a friend.

I was excited when Sarah contacted me early this spring, I couldn't wait to see these two outside of the show ring, in their element, doing what they do. They have always made an awesome team in the show pen, so I knew that their bond at home would be true, natural and easy to capture. They didn't disappoint, and neither did the weather. Seriously, I couldn't have ordered better lighting if I tried.

So here is Sarah and BJ, this is what we captured.

See, perfect lighting!

He took good care of her, BJ is a big boy, over 16hh!

See what I mean, natural, and happy.

The details, hers...

and his.

Backdrop to die for out behind the outdoor pen

More of that sweet lighting at the barn door.

And, the shoes! I was down in the dirt shooting these, but it was worth it!

I laughed to myself when I saw this, his shiny toes in the background, her beautiful shoes in that beautiful sunlight. It was another beautiful shot.

Thanks Sarah and BJ!

The Ridge. | Moncton Equine Photographer

2010-08-19T20:58:00.000-03:00

I love sleeping in. I love my bed... especially in the morning. However, a guaranteed way to get me out of bed, with a bit of a spring in my step, is to promise me a perfect day with beautiful people and horses to photograph.

It's funny, a road that I have driven by countless times in my life, always intrigued me, but driving by meant we were either on the way to the camp, or coming home, so I had never explored it.

So last Thursday, I got up extra early to drive down this road to meet beautiful people and their horses.

And not just any horses. A beautiful filly, whose sire is the great Gatsby, of Foxdale Farm and two beautiful rescued Thoroughbreds, right out of New York. We joked it was a "Sex in the City" Shoot, but couldn't decide who could be Carrie and who could be Samantha!! Needless to say, we had lots of laughs, and I got to take pictures of beautiful people and beautiful horses.

Without further delay, here is the first beauty. Gradie.

And the Gang. These folks were quite leary of me, well, mostly my camera, so I got lots of great action shots when they were let out to pasture.

And what a pasture it is!

These are the two gals from New York. They travelled to their new homes together, and now just live a minute walk from each other. We'll pretend that they remained civil to each other!

Such a beautiful barn, was a lot of fun to play with the lighting in there.

What did I tell you about beautiful people, and beautiful horses...

Such a sweetheart, she sure loves her mom.

And her mom loves her right back.

What more can be said, beautiful people, beautiful horses.

I go back. | Moncton Equine Photographer

2010-08-09T20:42:00.000-03:00

Picture it, Moncton, 1989 (or there about). A friend of a friend was getting rid of old horse magazines, my sister rescued them from their fate, the dump (this was before recycling was invented!) In the pile were Horse&Riders, Western Horseman, and a number of Quarter Horse Journals. I couldn't get enough of them, but the Journals were my favorite. I remember looking at the pictures, over and over and over. Stallions at stud, you know, the big ones at the time, Zippo Pine Bar, Impressive, Zips Chocolate Chip, Genuine Doc, etc. Reading the ads for people showing at Congress and Worlds. I remember looking at those pictures, the details, the set ups, over and over, until the pages were nearly falling out. I remember picking out my favorites, and my favorites were in different categories, because, well, that's how nerdy I was/am. Favorites by most original name, colors used in the ad to compliment the horse, and best background. I remember chuckling at unfortunate pictures, you know the ones where you have a side profile shot and someone is standing on the other side of the horse, and suddenly, when you look quick, their leg looks like an appendage that nice horses don't bring out in public. I still laugh when I capture those myself. (by the way, if I have one of those of your horse, it's an easy fix to get rid of it, so don't pass up a good side shot because your horse is showing more of themselves, than you'd wanted!)

Safe to say, I loved those magazines.

Now, imagine my reaction when asked to create an ad for a magazine, just like the ones that I had poured over as a kid. I was immediately nervous, excited, happy, overwhelmed, you name it, I felt it. I worked with Shawna & Marven of MacLean Quarter Horses, from Prince Edward Island, Taylor Fielding, and Edie or "Shes that Sweet". At the time of the design Taylor and Edie were sitting in 7th place in the Nation in Youth 14-18 Western Pleasure, the whole team will be traveling and competing at The All American Quarter Horse Congress this year.

The long wait is finally over, the current issue of The Equine Chronicle was released today, and uploaded to their website. It's a little bit surreal, I've probably overloaded their server with views of it myself, just to be sure that I'm not dreaming, that it's really there!

Here is a copy of the Ad design, if you'd like to see it in the magazine, go to The Equine Chronicle and click on the link on the right hand side of the page to view the digital version. It sits on page 201.

Thanks to everyone involved who made this possible. I can't wait to have my own copy in my hands. It makes me wonder, if someone, somewhere out there, will look through the magazine and be inspired as I once was. It's a nice thought anyway.

Thank you.

2010-08-09T10:47:00.001-03:00

I just wanted to thank you all for your patience with me this past week. I'm back to work now and trying to catch up, as quickly as possible.

As a thank you to you, I've decided to offer a special promotion. On any horse show product purchases. When you spend $100, you'll receive a $20 credit. This offer is valid between June 26, 2010 and December 31, 2010. No cash value. Not combinable with other offers. Not applicable to photo shoot payments.

Have you already purchased $100 worth of products? Awesome, your credit is waiting for you to claim! Bonus, the $100 purchase doesn't have to be made all at the same time!!

Hot... Principly Hot | Moncton Equine Photographer

2010-08-01T00:01:00.000-03:00

Heading back to the MQHA show again tomorrow, day 3 of the 4 day show, but before going to bed, I wanted to share just a quick preview of the photos from a shoot this afternoon. Prince & his mom, until I have more sleep and time to edit the rest, this will have to do!

Ahh, yeah, not her sister, her mom. They are both beauties! Thanks Girls, I had a blast doing your photos!

Nominated! | Moncton Equine Photographer

2010-07-30T21:59:00.000-03:00

Awhile back, right before Christmas, I posted a contest on my facebook group (which you should join, if you haven't already). I was working on Winter time promotions, and wanted to somehow give back, I wanted to set up a free photo shoot, but wanted to have more thought behind it than the regular, put your name in a hat gig.

So, I asked that people, not ask for themselves, but to nominate someone they felt was deserving, and to explain why they deserved it. I was overwhelmed by the response. It was incredible, the out pouring of emotion and the want to give, it was very touching. It took a while, but, I kept coming back to a letter that a Mom had sent about her daughter.

Today, after the show was over, we "cashed in" the shoot!

Here are just a few previews of Chelsea and Lewis for and from her Mom, Anne.

Enjoy!

If you ever wondered if a beautiful photo shoot was possible at the show grounds in Sussex... wonder no more!

of course, beautiful models help!

Monty | Moncton Portrait Photographer

2010-07-30T00:13:00.000-03:00

I should be in bed. I have to be up in a few short hours to get to Sussex. I'm the official Photographer at the Maritime Quarter Horse Associations 4 Day Summer Sizzler Show. I should be asleep, but I just couldn't rest my head until I blogged this shoot.

I've known Kristen for more years than I haven't. We met in kindergarten, grew up through elementary, middle, and high school. There's something to be said about a friend who can just pop in and out of your life, and are able to catch up like you've never missed a beat. Kristen is one of those people. I think it's because we have known each other for so long, we know each other so well. Kristen is good people!

When she moved back to Moncton a few years ago, she brought her boy Monty along... we've been going to photo shoot for a long time, but finally picked a date stuck to it! Thanks, Kristen, for having me do your photos, it was a pleasure!

So here's Monty... careful, cuteness overload ahead.

That nose, it's irresistible!

That face, that nose, those eyes, those ears.

Monty does love his ball...

and his Mom!

Beautiful Baby Belly. | Moncton Baby Photographer

2010-07-25T21:59:00.000-03:00

I must be honest. Pregnancy photos are something that challenge me. I'm an "in your element" type of photographer. I'm able to set up a posed shot when needed, but most happy when you are just being you. I've tried and succeeded at the totally posed & draped bare bellies paying homage to Demi Moore's famous pregnancy photo, that appeared in Vanity Fair so many years ago. I succeeded, but it never felt quite right.

When Beth asked me to "get some pics before she popped" I agreed, (did I have a choice? She's my sister) and told her they were not going to be my norm, we were going outside, so pick a nice night! And she did.

So neat to look back at these, after so many months now knowing and have met the little boy that was in these pictures. Will was born on April 29th... 8 days after we took these photos.

Anna loved hugging Mommas belly, and at just over a year old seemed to understand on her level that something big was to come from this belly.

The belly baby. Beautiful.

All of these photos were taken to take advantage of the beautiful sunset that was happening in the orchard that night. I didn't realize it at the time, but this was really my first session in my studio...

A natural beauty, the baby belly just bumped it up a little

There is no better friend than a sister. And there is no better sister than you. ~Author Unknown

(mom and dad, I know you are reading.... stop crying!!)

Haven. | Moncton Photographer

2010-07-25T16:51:00.000-03:00

Quite a spot we have here. My backyard offers interesting things that you would think you'd have to go to the deep woods to see. The Orchard, or my studio as I call it, is home to many animals, pheasants (to my sister and her gardens' dismay) and deer are among the most frequent visitors.

At this time of year Momma is traveling with her babies. It's fun to see her slink through the tall grass, on her way to the corn pile that my neighbors leave for them, and she leaves the kids in the safety of the orchard. We hadn't seen the family of 3 for a few days and started to worry that something may have happened to them. It's just a fact of life when living on a major road, with train tracks almost in the backyard, that not every set of babies is going to make it year over year.

Happily though this morning in the pouring rain, we saw momma walking through the grass, and the babies playing up in the orchard. It was pouring rain, but warm, so I snuck out with my camera, these visitors in my studio were pretty camera shy, but very curious.

This was before either of them spotted me. They were both very cautious, good training on momas' part!

The little fellow in behind left the worrying part up to his sibling, he continued to eat, while the other stood guard!

Momma wasn't long coming back though, the cautious baby stomped her front foot at me, deer language for, something isn't right here, an alert to the others. The cautious one here is cleaning momma up, she probably had corn remnants on her face... not for long! Momma sees me in this picture, but I was standing very still so she couldn't quite figure out what she was looking at

Babies are hidden behind the tree, she's investigating. Good Momma.

Alright, let's Go!

Then they stopped, they got to a distance where they felt safer and tried to investigate what I was doing, when they stopped running I turned and left. I didn't want to be the thing that pushed them out of the field, I want them to leave on their own watch. By the time I got back into the house and dried off, they were back in the orchard, grazing on the grasses. Until next time...

cousins, family, friends. | Moncton Portrait Photographer

2010-07-25T10:23:00.000-03:00

At the end of June, I raced home from day one of the MQHA show to be home in time for a portrait shoot. I've known Patsy for a long time, and when we found out our common passion in a camera, it opened up a whole new line of communication! Her grandchildren were all going to be together for one weekend, and this was the only day we could fit in for a shoot, so we booked it and prayed for a sunny day! We couldn't have asked for more in the weather department, and I couldn't have asked for more in the cuteness department

So Patsy, or Mema, as the kids call her, brought Jack, Jude, Emma, Cait & Zach, along for the shoot.

I'm not gonna lie, I had my work cut out for me, but it was a blast!! Pictures too numerous to share them all, but wanted to share my favorites so far from their shoot!!

I Love that they will have this to look at 20 years from now!

Gorgeous little gal. I love the bokeh (technical term for the creamy backgroud) in this picture, it's all natural, no photoshop could ever replicate what can be created in the camera!

Sweet Sweet Summertime. | Moncton Portrait Photographer

2010-07-24T23:04:00.000-03:00

Flip flop tan lines, strawberries, fresh garden veggies, bbq's, baseball, pool time. So far, summer has been pretty darn close to being perfect.

Being busy, is both a curse and a blessing! Let me explain, I feel a bit like a kid on summer vacation. You see, during the summer, I'm fortunate enough to take the summer off from my regular job. So although I step away from a set daily schedule... I step into the responsibility of setting and sticking to my own schedule. So impromptu trips to the camp, beach and pool are awesome, however, I often have to make up for my time off with late nights, or by sitting inside on a day I'd rather be anywhere else! But it's a hard ship that I'll live with! In fact I look forward to it!

I want to thank all my clients for their support this summer, for booking me to capture you, your horse, your friends, your family.

Earlier today I was looking at my calendar for the next few months. It's filling up... Fast! If you are looking to book any shoots this fall, please do so soon. My dates are filling up fast, August is super busy, September weekends are booked, I am still flexible for shoots during the week, and October is almost equally as busy... so please, if booking a shoot has crossed your mind. Please don't hesitate any longer!!

But enough of that... back to the pictures!

I blogged briefly about this set of pictures a while ago when I talked about my new studio. This was an engagement session turned into family adventure when I insisted on playing with the dandelions!

How magical are families and dandelion fluff?

Once again, thanks for looking!

Hot, Hot, Hawt! | Moncton Equine Photographer

2010-07-17T13:37:00.000-03:00

Maybe it is the heat, maybe I've spent too much time in the heat and the pool, maybe too much time editing... whatever the cause, I hit a wall, an editing wall. Thursday, I couldn't resize or crop an image, let alone make it pretty, staring at a picture in photoshop, not knowing what to do, is never good. So, I did other things, watched webinars, updated my portfolio on my website (long over due). Friday was better, and I was getting an order ready to pretty up from the Reining Show, and was really paying attention to the slide series that I had captured of one of my clients during one of her amazing runs over that weekend. I had shot it from the center of the arena, bleacher side, (which I love, as the lighting allows the focus to concentrate on the horse/rider, not the buildings, people, etc that are outside.) I thought it would be cool to have grabbed it with slow motion video, but I had something almost as good... burst mode on my 5dMarkII

My creativity came back to me last night it hit me... and here's what I did.

It's actually HUGE, and I can't wait for the poster to arrive!!

Now, back to the regularly scheduled program of hot summer days, pools, friends, family, cameras and photoshop.

Couldn't think of a witty title, so I'll just call it "this". | Moncton Equine Photographer

2010-07-13T14:35:00.000-03:00

Have you ever head that joke, it's been emailed around, about the absent minded lady? She sets out to do a few small tasks and by the end of the day, she has started each task, but hasn't finished any of them. That's how I feel my life runs, almost everyday. I accomplish a lot of things, but a lot of things get started and bit by bit, little by little they are finished up.

I uploaded these pictures that I'm going to share about 2 weeks ago, totally intending to blog about them, well, better late than never??!

The last weekend of June, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, I was at the Maritime Quarter Horse Association Show, (MQHA) in Sussex. 4 full days of showing and picturing, (did I just make up a word?)

I am always excited to do these shows, see who has new horses, who has joined which show team, new riders, old horses, old riders, new horses and on and on, but I like the familiar as well.

MQHA shows wouldn't be the same if Kevin, from North Stream Tack Shop, wasn't there shaping hats, and the barns weren't buzzing with mane banding, tail extending, pepi spraying, number pinning, etc.

I'll admit that I have favorites at the shows, Western Pleasure is my favorite, the bling, the colors, the pretty pretty silver, the saddles, the bridles, every little piece of detail makes me happy, especially when I have a camera in front of my face. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate a good Hunter Under Saddle Class, but I'm really smiling during the fashion shows, I mean, WP classes!

Remember how I talked about the old familiar? Well, sometimes there is a new familiar, here's 3 generations of Perkins, John, Beth and Ashley (props to Denver too)

Familiar Face | Moncton Equine Photographer

2010-07-08T11:33:00.000-03:00

Last weekend found me at the New Brunswick Codiac Reining Show in Sussex NB. I love this show, and working with this group of people! Not to mention how much fun it is to watch the patterns, and year over year, see who has new horses, who has improved. Last weekend though, it made my heart happy when I spotted an old familiar face on the grounds.

Mr Tyrone Redford, at 21 this year, is back in the show ring. This time, it's not to navigate trail obstacles, or win a pleasure class, he's reining, and he's really good at it. You see, I knew him back when he was just a young fellow. Working at D&J stables at the time, I spent quite a bit of time with Tyrone, and his brothers and sisters.

The years have been good to him, and he's still the same horse, goes around that pen loping and spinning and stopping (with a nice slide btw Anabelle) with his ears perked forward, totally enjoying the experience.

His owner says that they didn't realize what a celebrity they had on their hands until they started showing. They are known as "Tyrones owners" to anyone who hasn't met them before, and I'm sure that the old guy probably smiles every time he hears it!

See those ears!!

Brilliant. | Moncton Portrait Photographer

2010-06-23T00:53:00.001-03:00

Elyssa, It's people like you who deserve the moon and all the stars, because you work the hardest for them. It was an honor to be there for you and your family this afternoon. Hope you enjoy the pictures!!

Ahh The Prom | Moncton Portrait Photographer

2010-06-21T23:18:00.000-03:00

The dresses, the hair, the manis and pedis, the bling, the cars, the limos, ahh, the prom!

Congrats to all the HTHS Grads!

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Not your everyday Grad photos.

2010-06-10T08:55:00.000-03:00

I think you'd be hard pressed to find a horse person in the Maritimes that doesn't recognize this fellows face. Reece, and his moms had me out to do grad photos and fun pictures yesterday!

The Mega Futurity!

2010-06-04T16:36:00.001-03:00

The MQHA (Maritime Quarter Horse Association) will be hosting the Mega Futurity again this fall! Thought I'd share the Ad poster that I designed for the occasion!

For more details check out the website or call Marven MacLean

New Studio.

2010-06-01T16:29:00.000-03:00

I've opened a studio, rather, Mother Nature has, and allows me to use it.

5 acres of old horse and cattle pasture, an apple orchard, blue, black and raspberry bushes, a few honey bee hives, old poplar trees that were born in England, just a few of the things awaiting me out my back door.

So, I guess what I'm trying to tell you is that, I can say without a doubt when you call wondering where we can shoot your photos, either family, engagement, prom, graduation, I've got just the place! And of course, I'll still travel to you too!

I shot my first Engagement session in my new old studio yesterday, and fell in love with it all over again, I'll share a couple of my favorites!

Beautiful Day for a Horse Show.

2010-05-30T13:10:00.000-03:00

It was sunny and warm, there was a nice breeze and a great atmosphere. The First Annual Training Show at Spring Brook Stables was a hit. I wanted to thank those of you who signed up for photos, that you believe in me and my work means a lot! In the end, because of the perfect weather, I decided to stay for the full day, so I did take photos of most everyone, even if you hadn't signed up.

I have lots of photos to come, but am on my way to the beach, so thought I'd just share a few photos of Jessie and Ben, or, as he was shown under, Ben there done that (love it)

Hope you enjoy the preview, Many more photos to come. Check my website

I'm back Tracking.

2010-05-26T21:25:00.000-03:00

I tend to do that when I have different shoots on the editing list. I shared the paint foal photos from Fresh Paint Farm, and now have the most adorable mini photos to share too.

I don't think words can express how adorable, unbelievably cute, etc, etc. these minis actually are, so we'll just end my commentary with this.

I love this, at first glance, it's very average, as far as shots go, but that little breeze that came along at the perfect time, and lifted her mane every so slightly, made such a big impact.

Cruise and Switch

2010-05-26T02:13:00.000-03:00

Check out these dogs. Their little sister, Emerson, had to take a quick cat nap during our shoot, so, Bill brought out the dogs to play. By play, I mean, run and run, and fetch and run, and jump and run, and swim, and they really like to run too. I first met Cruiser as a wee puppy on my first photo shoot with Nat and Bill. Since that shoot with Silver, one more dog, Switch, and one beautiful baby have been added to their family. I'm always so happy to have new clients, but my repeat clients, and their families, have a special place in my heart. I'll have more to share when I finish editing the whole shoot, but just had to share these dog shots!

Cruiser, somewhat of a superstar, jump-star.

So adorable when they fetch together!

Another super jump from Cruiser

Incredible Focus.

Aw Switchy, must you shake?

Shaken, not stirred.

Must Love Dogs.

2010-05-11T20:25:00.000-03:00

There is something about the face of an aging dog that draws me in. I don't know if it's the eyes, or the white hairs slowly creeping along their snout. I don't know if they all remind me of my childhood dog, Honey, or if it reminds me of how wonderful a life a dog can have when they have a wonderful family.

Daisy has that face. She's loved, and she loves. I wanted to reach right out and hug her around her neck... which I did, when her family left her and I alone to get some solo pictures. Truthfully, she followed me around, and I think wondered what I was doing there, pointing that funny thing at her. She grabbed at stick half heartedly, and I was worried that I wasn't going to be able to get any real framers. I cued the family to come back... and her eyes lit up and she started to smile... and that is when the magic happened.

The MOTHER of all sales...

2010-05-09T16:54:00.000-03:00

Get it...it's Mothers day and...

Yes, I should be lounging around, doing next to nothing, and I will, but first... I have to take a few moments to tell you about the sale that I'm running...

Starting today, for bookings in the months of July and August, I'm running a BOGO sale.

Yes, Buy One Get One sale on Photo shoots.

Weekends are available in limited quantities, so please book early to avoid disappointment, week days are available as well!

Have you always wanted that family shoot on the beach, or maybe at your cottage by the lake? Have you been putting off that farm call for way too long? Think ahead, these photos will make wonderful gifts, for birthdays, and Christmas!

How to book? Either catch me on facebook with a message or email me. donovanphotos@gmail.com, or give me a call 506.862.1107

Put your glasses on and be sure to read the fine print.

Photo shoots must be redeemed on the same day, and either at the same location or one near by. Cannot be combined with other offers and discounts, or with gift certificates. Applies to farm calls and portrait shoots only.

I'm not one to post a lot of personal pictures, but this is a picture of Ben, and for 11 years he's made this day very special for me. I love you Ben. xo

Fresh Paint Farm

2010-05-09T00:06:00.000-03:00

Must be some kind of a miracle, but I'm blogging, again, twice in the same night.

I recently had a visit at Fresh Paint Farms. They Stand a beautiful Paint Stud, C Explorer. Wendy and Bruce are very well know for their beautiful babies, this year, was of course, no exception. I visited, Piper and Maddie and Iggy. Here are some of my favorites! Hope you enjoy them too!

New New New

2010-05-08T23:06:00.000-03:00

Hi Folks.

Its been a while.

Its been busy.

Its been good.

I'm back, to blogging, I've made several attempts at this, hopefully this one will stick.

I've spent the last few months redesigning my website. Oh my. It started out so simple. Then my ideas took over and I had too much going on. It's simple again.

My website is now in 3 different parts.

First is my Portfolio, where when you click on that link, it will allow you to watch slide shows of my favorite photos from weddings, farm calls and horse shows and portrait work I've done.

Second is this, my blog.

Third is where my clients go to see their photos, in their own password protected gallery, and where the MQHA and NBCRA folks will go to view their show photos.

I'm really happy with my latest update, and think that this will be the way the site will remain over the next few months at least. If you see something you hate, please tell me. If you love it, pretty please, tell me! I'm always up for feedback, and constructive criticism, so if you have anything to say, please tell me!!

I'm thinking that my first blog post back here is going to be picture-less, just because I don't want to take anything away from the pictures that I will be posting!!

Anyway, I'm back. I just wanted to let you know.

Falling into place

2009-04-04T23:00:00.001-03:00

Just a few to share from a stroll at Double Diamond Stables in Irishtown NB.

Announcing a First Time ever Sale!

2009-03-09T00:03:00.000-03:00

Wanted to get the word out on a limited time offer, a sale on 2008 show prints ordered online, and show disks. Pretty much explained below, but please contact me if you have any questions!

Snow day creativity bug.

2009-02-24T09:16:00.001-04:00

In the recent months, I've been working at creating fresh and clean designs for baby birth announcements, and thank you cards, I've focused a lot of energy lately on all things baby, and as a spin off with that created some new Ads for local classifieds!
These are so much fun to do, especially when you have a major snowstorm happening outside your door!
Kiddies

Weddings

Equine/Pet Photography

Looking back

2009-01-02T14:23:00.001-04:00

A day to reflect, the sun is shining, but it's very cold. It's a great day to try out new products and technology that I have been wanting to.

A common theme....

2008-11-24T23:16:00.000-04:00

For the next while...or until I grow tired of it (never) will be babies....I am going to be an Aunt very soon......I was out shopping tonight, and just couldn't resist these little treasures.....

2008-11-11T00:41:00.000-04:00

Thought I'd share a few from a recent shoot.

Puppy Breath, These 8 little beauties were full of it. The hardest part of these shoots ends up being that I need the willpower to walk away without one stuffed in a camera bag, or up my sleeve.

This darling mare was not so patiently waiting her turn to come in for supper.

Thankfully this guy is penned up, as beautiful as they are...these birds kinda scare me!!!

Thinking about you.

2008-10-31T02:03:00.000-03:00

"Don't be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is before you can meet again. And meeting again after a moment or a lifetime is certain for those who are friends."
- Richard Bach

Learning...continued.

2008-10-31T01:20:00.000-03:00

As promised, I wanted to share some images from my latest shoot, I thought this would be an easier way to share them!

Learning.

2008-10-28T09:22:00.000-03:00

So much to say, but the major thought on my mind the last few days has been that I believe in learning, and always giving yourself the opportunity to learn anything new. I don't believe in learning in an environment where you are forced into a mold, where thinking outside the box, and experimenting are not encouraged......However.......
I was given some unsolicited advice awhile back, it came at a time when I was a little bored with my work, and I took it whole heartedly, sucked it right up and became so married to the idea that I completly threw all my other techniques out of my mind. After being discouraged with a some of my work, it finally occurred to me that I wasn't bored with my work, rather my technique. I was no longer experimenting, I was just doing, going through the motions, rather than letting my emotions take control behind the camera. My latest farm call shows the results of forgetting that advice! I'll be back later to share some photos.

Fawcett Hill

2008-10-08T00:40:00.000-03:00

Lovely lovely spot, almost a year to the date, wedding bells will be ringing here, and I'm thrilled to be the one who will be capturing it for them! Thanks Erin and Tim for having me out to your beautiful spot, and I am absolutely excited for the wedding!