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, December 10, 2012

Elmira Children's Photographer: A little holiday cheer

Over the weekend, the littlest elf and I were out delivering a little gift to my local 2012 clients (out of towners should check their mailboxes in the next week or so.

It's just a little token of my appreciation to the people who trust me to capture the essence of their families each year.  It is wonderful to be able to provide this for them.  As a mom, I know it's important for me to have quality images so I'm happy to do that for so many of you too.

If you haven't checked your mailbox over the weekend, take a little peak now!




Friday, November 30, 2012

Elmira lifestyle photography: The holidays

I'm very excited about some of the changes I will be making to my business this coming year.  You can check out a little teaser in this post here.  I'm so excited that I haven't been sleeping - I've been thinking too much about it all.  I've also been planning a gift for my 2012 clients and am impatiently patiently waiting for those to arrive.  My business is slightly in limbo as I wind down the 2012 year and get ready for 2013.  As the holiday season quickly approaches, I want to wish you all a wonderful time and I hope you find shopping (and giving) as simple as possible.  Still looking for something for that someone? I have gift certificates ready and waiting for you all, just place your order here, or send me an email!

 {insert shameless plug here}


Tuesday, November 27, 2012

A little fall family fun. Elmira Family Photographer

If you are from the Elmira area, you may recognize a few faces in these next photos.  Especially three year old Kate.  She is the inspiration behind Kate's Kause.  And. She's. A. Fighter.  So it was my pleasure to photographer her and her brother, with mommy and daddy last week.  We were lucky enough to get some surprisingly warm weather before the snow arrived.

Kelly and Jeremy, I always love taking your photos.  I get to spend a few moments with some really amazing souls and it's always a lot of fun.  Hope you are loving these as much as I am.



To see more of my favourites, please visit

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Elmira Family Photographer: What Mom wants

I recently posted a photo on facebook from a session I had had the previous day.  I like to tease my clients sometimes.  I like to get people excited about their photos and truthfully...I like the positive feedback.  It helps to fuel my creative juices (so to speak).  This particular photo was a group of people I hold close to my heart: my brother-in-law and his family.  I love taking photos of them because of how easy it is, how flexible they are and because I kinda like them.

So when Kelly commented on the photo: "THAT is the most perfect picture...thank you! It's beautiful and just what I wanted!! Thank you thank you!",  I knew three things. 1- I had done half my job (the taking of the photographs) and 2 - I had to make this happen for her.  To make sure that this image she loved so much didn't end up in a file folder on her computer. and 3-That this is something I want as well.  That all moms want that photograph where their family is together, forever captured in that moment. That. Is. My. Job.  

For those reasons, I will be making the move to specializing in custom designed wall groupings and fine framed pieces of your family and children in 2013.   So that my clients smiles, hugs and lovely faces have a place in their homes.  So that everyday they can truly appreciate that moment; their moment.




Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Waterloo Maternity Photographer: Nicole

I was totally amazed by Nicole from the first time we spoke on the phone.  She's strong, kind and just plain lovely...and yes that all came across in a single phone call.  It was a pleasure to photograph her as she steps into the next stage of her life: motherhood. 

We had planned to meet at her home and shoot indoors, but since it was such a lovely day, plans changed and we managed to get some amazing shots at a nearby wooded area.  It was awesome!  I love when my clients understand my style and are willing to be flexible, depending on mother nature. 

Nicole, it was great to finally meet you and so lovely chatting with you as we strolled (or power-walked) our way through the trails.  Thanks for the lovely conversation.  Please enjoy a few of my favourites from our session.  Hope you love them.

To see more of my favourites, please visit

Friday, November 16, 2012

Elmira Children's Photographer: Ashley, Mike and a little monkey!

I've known this little guy since he was born (see his newborn session here). He's a wonderful little man:  polite, sweet and cooperative - he's a photographer's dream!  And who could resist his amazing lashes!  I spent many minutes trying to get some lovely shots of those.  These images will look amazing in my clients home.  They really capture the essence of family.  They show love, togetherness and joy. 

Ashley and Mike, thank you for allowing me to capture these moments for your family.  Your little guys is wonderful.  Hope you love the images as much as I do.


To see more of my favourites, please visit

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Envisioning Family: How a few words on a few pages changed my photography

I kinda have this girl crush.  This woman is amazing to me.  She has 3 kids, runs several successful businesses, is an author, teacher, and is pretty much awesomeness wrapped in a beautiful woman.  To me, Tamara Lackey is brilliant.  I love her style in all its forms (personal style, family style,  photography style - all of it).   Plus, she has a real grasp on how to successfully do it all - by not doing it all.  I recently purchased her latest book: Envisioning Family A photographer's guide to making meaningful portraits of the modern family and her words really knocked. me. in. the. head.

Tamara Lackey was able to capture everything family; starting with the definition of family, her journey to create her own family, right down to the photography gear she recommends and how to interact with your subjects and clients.  But it was the final section of the book on the aesthetics of making a great family portrait that really made me pause.  Don't get me wrong, I really appreciated the previous chapters in the book including the "bare it all" details of the adoption of 2 of her 3 children, but it was the section on lighting in particular that made me realize I wasn't doing everything I could to make an amazing portrait.  I was getting lazy.  I was fully capable of making that exceptional portrait - but I just wasn't.  Why, because it wasn't convenient.  I didn't want to interrupt the flow of the shoot by changing a lens or grabbing the reflector.  Believe me, when you get an 18 month old rolling, you don't want to break that.  The trick is to keep that flow, while still doing those things - and it is worth it in the end.  As much as adjusting your focus is worth it, or changing your position to get a better angle is worth it.  Or changing your location to improve the composition is worth it.  It makes a huge difference and before reading the last chapters, I didn't quite see that worth. That all those other things I was trying to do to get the best expression or location or angle, didn't really matter if I wasn't doing it all.

So my light bulb moment while reading these pages was that I can do it.  And in fact I should do it.  Otherwise I'm not doing myself, my clients, or my photography justice.  That although I come back from a shoot completely exhausted and spent, I'm not giving all that I can give.  So thank you Tamara Lackey, for the kick in the butt and the growth.  I actually feel empowered, so I hope that was your goal!

Below are two images from a recent session where I needed to break free to grab the reflector to ensure a better portrait.  The expressions and angle are different, yes.  And I prefer the expression on the left, but the improvement is in the lighting.  It's something my clients may not ever notice.  But I notice and it's the next step in making some epic family portraits.


To see more from this session, please visit

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Elmira Children's Photographer. My {not so} little girl

My little girl isn't so little anymore.  I asked her if I could take a few photos of her when I was setting up the studio this past weekend.  Here are a few of my fave shots.




Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Waterloo Wedding Photography. Matt & Leslie

Leslie stood, laughing while she waited for her turn to walk down the aisle.  Today was her very favourite, most wonderful day ever.  Today she married her best friend.  Today she met him at the end of the aisle.  Today she chose to spend the rest of her life with her match.  Matthew and Leslie are a perfect match.  Like two covers of a book, they meet with a volume of stories in between, forever linking them together.

Their wedding took place on a dreary Saturday afternoon five years to the day from when they first met.  This is why today is Leslie's favourite day.

Matthew and Leslie, your wedding was gorgeous and classy and wonderful to be a part of.  I was so happy to photograph my two friends as they added another chapter to their lives.  Enjoy New York.  Can't wait to hear all about it.












To see more of my favourites, please visit

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Elmira Family Photographer. The Houston Family

I am just in love with this family. We were scheduled to meet on a Saturday evening, but after the skies opened up, we decided to reschedule.  And our "rain date" didn't prove to be much better.  But then something glorious happened - the clouds cleared and the sun popped out (if only for a while) and we co-ordinated via email to meet early.  For a photographer who depends on the quality of the light for outdoor shoots, sometimes I'm at the mercy of mother nature.  But this family understood and was right there with me - even through a little rain shower (check out the second to last image below - raindrops everywhere).  Their flexibility and go-with-the-flow nature made for some awesome photos and one of my favourite sessions! 

Mary Beth and Sam - your family is fantastic and I had the best time with the girls.  They've grown up into wonderful little ladies.  Hope you are loving these images as much as I am! Enjoy



To see more of my favourites, please visit

Monday, October 22, 2012

St. Jacobs Children's Photography. Sunset in the fall

It hasn't been the best weather for photos this fall.  We've had a lot of rain and not so much sun.  But once in a while, the sun is shining.  Shining so much that it warms your soul.  And the fall trees...amazing.  Last week we had one such day and I put a call out on facebook to see if someone wanted to do an impromptu session.  After a few calls and messages, we met at Mill Race trail in St. Jacobs and spent some time in sunset's glow.

Paula, thanks for answering my call to enjoy everything fall has to offer.  Loved my time with L.  Can't wait to do it again.  She is an absolute doll!



 To see more of my faves, please visit


Monday, October 8, 2012

Elmira Children's Photographer. Newborn Angel!

Baby A makes my job look easy.  She slept soundly while we posed her, moved her, put adorable pumpkin hats on her.  She was a dream subject!  As a mom of 3 growing kids, it's these peaceful moments that you want to remember-not the teething or fussy nights.  The peaceful newborn moments.  And Lindsay and Paul are so lucky to have captured them of their first born - beautiful wonderful little A!

Lindsay and Paul, it was a pleasure to meet you!  Your daughter was a rock star at her first photo shoot!  She is beautiful!  Please enjoy a few of my favourite shots.

  To see more of my favourites, please visit

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Elmira Photographer. Love in the rain.

They met at work over 5 years ago and it's easy to see why they are still together.  Trevor is Amber's protector.  He wraps his arms around her and she never wants him to let go.  And even though their lives have changed, Trevor's arms haven't.  Forever wrapped around his girl, his love, his Amber.  Last Sunday I had the pleasure of meeting these two for their engagement session.  And it rained.  The kind of cold rain that moves sideways and chills to the bone.  But Amber and Trevor were amazing and the rain didn't bother them (ok maybe a bit).  But it made for some epic, romantic, kissing in the rain kinda pictures.  Thanks you two for trusting me to capture your love!

To see more of my favourites, please visit

Monday, October 1, 2012

Elmira Children's Photography. Newborn baby T

Baby T arrived many days late.  Too many for his mom and when things started happening, he still took his time.  He arrived on his own terms and in his own time.  And his parents couldn't be happier.  When little T slept for me at his newborn session a few weeks ago, it was gold! He was out cold and I could move his little hands, feet and his tiny 3 day old body whichever way worked best.  He let me put hats on him (handmade by Snicklefritz Knits) and put him in props.  He was a real trooper and it made for some amazing images.

Tiff and Richard, enjoy your little man.  He is going to grow up too fast and I hope you can look back on these images for years to come and remember the way he felt in your arms and how he smelled and the little sounds he made!


Thursday, September 27, 2012

Elmira Children's Photography. Cupcakes! Cupcakes! Cupcakes!

On Saturday I met with Angela from Market cupcakes to discuss cupcake smash!  I will soon be offering cake...er cupcake smash packages for those memorable birthdays!  Check back soon for more details.  And by the way...the cupcakes are amazing!



Monday, September 24, 2012

Elmira Children's Photographer. The Grandkids!

Whenever the family gets together, I like to try to get a few shots...try being the key word here.  With a family of 16 people, this is sometimes impossible.  But this past weekend the stars aligned (at least for the grandkids), so we got them all together for a few shots at a nearby school.  Ages 6, 4, 2, 2, 1, 10 months don't always cooperate, or want to leave the fun playground.  Needless to say, it was a bit of a struggle.  Here are a few of my faves...and an out-take at the end!







Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Elmira Children's Photographer. What I want to be when I grow up

I never really knew what I wanted to be when I grew up.  I never felt like I had a "calling" in life.  I knew I wanted to have kids, but never gave much thought to a career.  Not to say I hadn't experienced something I felt I could do forever, but that feeling past and I grew out of it.  At one point I wanted to be a doctor.  I liked music, but wasn't that good any instrument and you don't even want to hear me sing.  I loved sports, but didn't think that could be a career. 

In highschool, I really liked science and decided to major in biology in university.  After several months, it just didn't feel right.  I was bored, not interested and thus not meeting my potential.  I didn't feel good about it any more and so I passed on that too.  It was my mom that sat down with me and looked at all the things I loved to do.  Photography stood out. She went so far to call her wedding photographer - from 25 years ago - to see what my direction should be.  He recommended Fanshawe College in London - which has an amazing photography program.  I also took several evening courses that Conestoga College offered.

And all these years later, I have my mom to thank for directing me down that path. For getting on the phone and helping me find my way. 




Monday, September 17, 2012

Elmira Children's Photographer - Chubby Cheeks

William sat on my lap and we snuggled.  It was early evening and we were reading books before bed.  The sun was shining in the side windows and kissed his face.  I motioned Joe to grab my camera because I loved how the light was outlining his nose, forehead and chubby boy cheeks.  I had my 50mm lens on, and with nowhere to move (since he was on my lap) here's what I captured.  I tried to be sneaky while he was distracted, but I was pretty obvious I guess.   Enjoy a few shots of my chubby cheeked boy.















Wednesday, September 12, 2012

First day of school. Elmira Children's Photography

My oldest set off for her first day of school this week.  She picked out her new dress, pulled on her backpack - even though it weighed more than her, and I grabbed my camera.  When I was young, we always got our picture taken on the first day of school.  And usually in front of the family car.  I decided to continue the tradition, but added a few little fun facts about my monkey.  After highschool, she will have a collection!


And her poor brother just wanted to be included - dress and all!

Monday, September 10, 2012

Elmira Wedding Photography, Neill and Marion get hitched

"Wow", he said quietly as he turned to see his bride.  He couldn't take his eyes off her or the smile from his lips.  It's how he looked all day - eyes on his bride, smile on his face.  And Marion was floating -Loving her day, her gown, her groom.  Loving it all. 

Their day was amazing - beautiful weather, wonderful friends and family, and an amazing setting at Station Creek Golf Club. We rode around in golf carts, stopping for golfers and for a couple shots on the green.

Marion and Neill, it was a pleasure to work with you.  Your wedding was romantic, lovely, fun and wonderful.  Thank you for inviting Joe and I to be a part of it.  Please enjoy a few of my favourites.



To see more of my favourites, please visit

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Elmira Children's Photograher. 8 steps to taking pictures of your own kids.

Taking pictures of your own children can be very difficult.  Especially when they are young.  Here are a few tips I have for all the mama paparazzi out there.

1.  You child should be in a relatively good mood, fed, and clean(optional...lol).  Nothing worse then trying to keep them happy AND get great shots of them. 

2.You should be in a good mood, fed, and clean...joking - but I was serious about the good mood.  Cranky mom with a camera = cranky child

3. Let your child play and have fun.  If taking pictures of you kids is something you want to do on a regular basis, then it has to be a fun experience for them.  When you let them play and have fun, you get natural joyous expressions.  If you are forcing them into a specific pose or asking them to smile, you are going to get the "scary smile".  The squished up face, squinty eyes smile!  Tell them jokes, have them tell you jokes, tickle them or laugh with them.

4. Lighting. In my opinion it is the most important part of photography.  After all photography means Light Painting.  Overhead light and on-camera flash can be harsh and create bad shadows.  Put your kids in front of a big window (not direct sun) and use that lovely diffused light for your images.   

5. Focus.  make sure your little cutie is in focus.  Nothing worse then having expression, lighting and your kid cooperating and having a blurry image. Make sure your monkeys eyes are in focus and that's all that matters.

6. Composition. Once you get comfortable you can start to work on different ways to improve the composition of your images - more on that soon.

7. Print your good and great shots.  Hang them on your walls. Display them in your home.  What good are amazing shots, if you aren't going to show them off.

8. Practice.  The more you shoot, the better you will get and more comfortable you will be.  That's when it gets fun. 

I will be posting more about making and taking great shots.  If there's a subject you'd like more information on, let me know.  Just post a questions in the comments below.

Here are some shots I took of my kids!  Enjoy!






Tuesday, September 4, 2012

My chocolate addiction

I'm a chocoholic and I don't care who knows.  I seek it out.  I eat it, I eat it, I eat it.  I try not to buy it...so I won't eat it.  But I can't help myself.  And when there's no chocolate in the house, I eat chocolate chips. 



Friday, August 24, 2012

Waterloo Children's Photography - 3 months old and growing far too quickly

"We've had bad luck with our kids - they've all grown up." ~Christopher Morley

Swimming lessons and a photography shoot.  Made for a big day for little A, but as usual she was amazing and adorable.  I had a lovely time catching up with Kristy and Derek - we've had the pleasure of working together several times (Kristy's maternity shoot and Little A's newborn session).  Can't wait to document more of A as she grows this first year. 


   To see more of my faves, please visit

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Elmira newborn photographer - Beautiful little A

The world is full of endless possibilities - especially when you have your new baby girl in your arms.  Natalie's little A was already 2 weeks old when she contacted me for her newborn session.  We booked something right away, since with infants, sooner is always better.  I actually recommend contacting me while you are still pregnant so that we can make sure to fit you in within baby's first week of life.  This session turned out to be a marathon.  Little A was exactly how a 2+ week old should be - sleepy for a while, and then fussy - for a long while.  Together, Natalie and I chatted about everything baby while she nursed or rocked, or nursed again.

Natalie, thank you for the wonderful conversation.  Despite what the clock said, our session flew by and I hope you feel the same way - the last image was totally worth the wait. (check out the last image below).  I hope you are enjoying your time with A.  It was a pleasure to work with you!
To see more of my favourites, please visit

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Elmira Children's Photographer, Columbia Lake photography - Little J turns two

"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky. " ~Rabindranath Tagore



I was so excited to photograph Bethany, Chris and little J for one of my July sunset specials.  We met at Columbia Lake during "golden hour" to get some great shots of J for his 2nd birthday.  He was adorable and energetic, just like a 2 year old should be.  It's my favourite kind of energy.  Chasing him around and encouraging him to play and laugh, while I got images of his beautiful smile.

Bethany it was so great to see you again and wonderful to finally meet Chris.  I truly hope you enjoyed your family time and holidays together.  Hope you had as much fun during our shoot as I did.  Please enjoy a few of my favourites.







To see more of my favourites, please visit