Welcome to the Green Apple Photography Blog. By viewing my stories and images, you will get a glimpse into my shooting style and personal experiences. My mission is to get you excited about your family portraits, about the moments I capture of your gorgeous children and the beauty of your pregnant body. I want you to share them with your friends and family and to see quality and artistry in every image.

For the many people who share their comments, stories, and lives with me, thank you!

Monday, May 30, 2011

Retirement means no pressure, no stress, no heartache... unless you play golf. ~Gene Perret

Retro Shoot - June 2010
There isn't a more beautiful garden.  Or a more wonderful setting to celebrate Mr. Ragula's retirement from teaching.  Wally, Vlad, whatever you call him (*wink*) had a back yard full of friends, family and colleges to help him celebrate.  And then it rained.  It rained.  It rained.  But the rain didn't dampen the spirits or the celebrations.  Wally (that's what I call him), is an amazing person.  Friendly, kind and, from what I heard that night, a truly inspirational teacher.  I felt privileged to be a part of his celebration.  Enjoy!


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Thursday, May 26, 2011

The manner of giving is worth more than the gift. ~Pierre Corneille, Le Menteur

Maria, my 3 year old, loves to give gifts.  Today she wrapped up my cell phone in napkins and gave it to me at the table.  She wraps up anything she can find, and then she wraps it again.  If she can find a gift bag, then she puts her gifts into the bag and tops it with tissue paper.  She gives gifts to her grandparents, her brother and her little 3 year old friends.  Recently she gave her Grandpa Fred a Glad-Ware container full of popsicle sticks, wrapped in tissue, a plastic shopping bag and secured with a clip.  It makes me proud.  They are not the most beautiful gifts.  The tissue is often ripped and reused.  But the act is beautiful.

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www.greenapplephotography.ca

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first. ~Ernestine Ulmer

"Cakes have gotten a bad rap.  People equate virtue with turning down dessert.  There is always one person at the table who holds up her hand when I serve the cake.  No, really, I couldn't, she says, and then gives her flat stomach a conspiratorial  pat.  Everyone who is pressing a fork into that first tender layer looks at the person with discipline, that is a person who has completely lost touch with joy.  A slice of cake never made anybody fat.  You don't eat the whole cake.  You don't eat a cake every day of your life.  You take the cake when it is offered because the cake is delicious.  You have a slice of cake and what it reminds you of is someplace that's safe, uncomplicated, without stress.  A cake is a party, a birthday, a wedding.  A cake is what's served on the happiest days of your life."  ~ Eat Cake, a novel by Jeanne Ray

I couldn't say it better my self...now where's that cake?


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www.greenapplephotography.ca

Friday, May 20, 2011

“All I know is what I read in the papers” ~Will Rogers

Last week I was interviewed by the local newspaper, The Elmira Independent.  It was a great interview, although I felt I talked too much and too fast.  I find it difficult to control myself once I start on how I began in photography and how my business has grown.  I get excited, I can't help it - Just check out my ridiculously giant smile in the photo.  A big thanks to Chuck Kuepfer for deciphering all my ramblings and creating the article found in the May 19th Independent.  Please find a copy below - along with a few shots that I took.

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www.greenapplephotography.ca

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. ~Chinese Proverb

I took a trip to the library yesterday with the kids.  After spending some time in the children's department, we wondered upstairs to the adult section - oh that sounded inappropriate - the Adult library?  Not sure what to call it now.  I grabbed a couple of books - based on the cover and title alone.  One of them was called The Mother Dance.  I thought it might be interesting.  Written by a Ph.D. Psychologist and mom of 2 boys.  Almost immediately it grabbed my interest with this sentence, "Who wants to read anything written by a mother who is arrogant, who sails through effortlessly, who is blissed out putting a snowsuit on her flailing toddler..."  Although I feel, and always felt that I was meant to be a mother,  I never, ever thought it would be this difficult and challenging.  So you can see why I continued to read on.  But my "kinship" with the author, Harriet Lerner quickly disappeared.  She goes on to discuss how she never really had that maternal instinct.  She discusses the distance and differences that grew between her and her husband.  Whereas I truly feel closer to Joe than ever before.    So I stopped reading it.  I might pick it up again since as I looked it over while I was writing this blog, I found a few other things that grabbed my attention.

Now I'm stuck for something to read.  I'd like to ask if anyone has any recommended reading.  Fiction, non-fiction, whatever.  Leave a comment and let me know! 

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www.greenapplephotography.ca

Monday, May 16, 2011

Photograph: a picture painted by the sun without instruction in art. ~Ambrose Bierce

I love getting creative.  And I had THE perfect entry for this weeks I Faces (http://www.iheartfaces.com/2011/05/photo-contest-flowers/)  photo challenge.  This weeks theme is "May Flowers".  Typically a face is required, but not this week.  Please enjoy  Maria and her flowers!

 


Maria



Friday, May 13, 2011

Photo of the Day - May 9-13

This week was all about the outdoors.  It was a beautiful week - summer is just around the corner. I can't wait to get out with my camera in the sunshine!  This week consisted of long lazy evening walks, gardening and some plain old sitting on the patio.



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May 9, 2011
Sunshine

I really love taking photos at, or just before sunset.  Not only is the light amazing, but it creates an gorgeous mood.



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May 10, 2011
Fence Post

This shot was also taken at sunset.  I just love old, twisty things.  What could be better than an old post and wire.




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May 11, 2011
Daffodils

I was lucky to shoot a couple of these before Maria got her hands on them and picked them.  I've had fresh daffodils in the dining room since last week.  A new one everyday.




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May 12, 2011
Lily of the Valley

One of my favourites. Stay tuned for more once the tiny white blooms arrive.


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May 13, 2011
Pink Tulip

Another beauty waiting to open up.  I'm just loving this time of year (minus the allergies). 

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

“She glances at the photo, and the pilot light of memory flickers in her eyes.” ~Frank Deford

When one of my couples receives their wedding album, I want their jaw to drop.  They've seen the images before, and perhaps even a sample of the album, but the final product is spectacular.  A sleek, modern, hand-crafted book.  The handmade end papers (which are my favourite part) and name stamping top it off.  They are like nothing else.  I love the products I get from IRIS book.  Here is a sample of my latest album.

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Monday, May 9, 2011

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever. ~Author Unknown

As a mom, what I really want for mothers day isn't flowers or fancy jewellery.  What I want isn't something you can buy in a store.  It isn't something you can attach a card to, or wrap in beautiful paper.  What I really want is a day where my children don't argue.  Where they sleep all night long.  A day where there's no laundry to do, no dirty diapers, no one pulling at my pant leg while I try to balance a baby on my hip.  What I really want is a day where I don't feel like a mother at all.  But for me at least, one day is enough.

I spent a wonderful couple of hours with Maria outside in the sunshine. I couldn't pass up getting out my camera while she picked flowers in her hat and sundress. 

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Friday, May 6, 2011

Photo of the Day - March 28 to May 5

Yikes...am I ever behind on this...notice the dates.  I can't believe I haven't posted about photo of the day since March.  So you are in for a treat today...lots to catch up on.  I was actually a bit embarrassed to even start this series again since it had been so long.  Here we go.

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March 28, 2011
Sunny Breakfast
I decided to dedicate this week to Maria.  She's growing up really fast and everyday she is doing something new.  Her latest - getting out of bed (after being tucked in) and putting on a warmer pair of pants because she was cold - then tucking herself back in.  It makes me realize how quickly it is/will go.



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 March 29, 2011
Learning to use the mouse

Another thing to put on Maria's "I can do it by myself list".  



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 March 30, 2011
Brushing her hair

She loves brushing her hair.  After any bath or shower she insists on it.  And she will often need to fix her hair at some point during the day.



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 March 31, 2011
Peek-a-boo

Although the plan was to shoot Maria for the entire week, I couldn't pass this up.  William playing with his friend Thomas.  Thomas is in this amazing house (I'd call it more of a mansion) that was built out of boxes by his dad.  There is even a chimney!


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April 4, 2011
Smooch

I love getting my photo taken - with the kids.  Otherwise, I prefer to be on the other side of the camera.  A little tickle and a little kiss...she can hardly stand it.



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 April 5, 2011
Pretzels

One of my favourite snacks.  They never last long.  And I was told it was mean to post this photo during lent.  So sorry to all you who had given up chocolate.



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 April 7, 2011
Spring!

Yes - that is an exclamation point.  How could I resist after a long, cold winter.  After shooting and posting this picture, I decided that this would be my canvas.  It is currently on display at The Robin's Nest in Elmira.


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April 11, 2011
Maria

Whenever I can, I try to get shots of the kids. Sometimes they are reluctant and others they love the camera.  This was one of those great times!



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April 12, 2011
Laundry Day

You've gotta love the smell after laundry has been hung out on the line! Unless you are like my neighbour, who hangs her laundry out year round, it's the signal that summer is just around the corner.



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May 4, 2011
William

William is a little turkey.  He is showing his sly self in this picture.  A little devious, a little happy and a lot cute (but I guess every mother would say that).



Wow...glad that I got that done.  It has been sitting on my to do list for some time.  Can't wait to get back on track and work on one week at a time again.  Hope you enjoyed them!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new. ~Rajneesh

I work with some amazing clients.  It is typically the mom that contacts me regarding family or children shoots - although I do get the occasional dad.  This year I wanted to celebrate those amazing women and I'm hosting a photo contest on my facebook page.  I've chosen my favourite photo from the participants.  At the end of the contest, the photo with the most "likes" wins a free photoshoot, DVD, and $50.00 print credit.  This is a value of  $225.00.  Don't worry - I haven't forgotten all you who are supporting these photos - even if you aren't a mom!  There's a $50.00 Green Apple Photography gift certificate up for grabs.  All you have to do is like a photo and you are entered into the draw.  Here are the entries for the contest - but if you want to like them - and I know you do - visit the contest.

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