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, April 30, 2012

"Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them." Bruce Lee

This week I made (what I thought was) a big mistake.  I missed a meeting.  I have no idea how it happened and I could blame it on mommy brain, lack of sleep or car trouble - if I was into lying.  But the truth was that I just forgot.  Forgot to put it in my calendar, forgot to set a reminder, and forgot to put it in my brain.  And the worst part is I have no idea why.  After I spoke with my clients on the phone and made arrangements for the next day, I felt like such a failure.  I had wasted my clients' time and quite possibly lost their confidence.

I decided that I needed to make a gesture of apology to my clients and bought them 4 beautiful cupcakes.  As I drove to my rescheduled meeting, my stomach was in knots and I hoped that the four lovelies in the pink box (along with my carefully practiced apology) would be enough to gain their confidence back.  I sheepishly approached them with the ribbon-wrapped box extended, apologized and held my breath.  My bride looked at me, smiled, and casually said "oh it's no problem"  RELIEF! Air flew out of my lungs. 

Although this obviously isn't an ideal situation, it is a chance to learn and grow.  I'm not proud of it, but I easily share it with you.  It's taught me that the people that I connect with in my everyday life and in my business are the kind of people that will happily accept 4 cupcakes and move on.

Photo courtesy of www.marketcupcakes.com


Wednesday, April 25, 2012

"Stories are the creative conversion of life itself into a more powerful, clearer, more meaningful experience. They are the currency of human contact." — Robert McKee

Recently my 4 year old, Maria, wanted to write a story.  It was a princess story (of course) about her and Ariel.  But the story took a turn and got deep.  As she was dictating, I began to laugh.  I couldn't stop.  I was giggling and crying and trying not to drool.  Seriously, I was laughing that hard.   I felt wonderful and horrible at the same time. 

Here are a few lines:  ...Fun was nothing.  The days were over.  Next page: now it was so much fun. The days were not over...

Am I mean for laughing?

 




Monday, April 23, 2012

Babies are always more trouble than you thought - and more wonderful. -- Charles Osgood

You'd think a room full of 29 babies and moms ready to change diapers would be noisy, crowded and well, stinky.  But that wasn't the case on Saturday at The Extraordinary Baby Shoppe in Waterloo.  Crowded yes, but worth it.  Moms (and dads) all over North America participated in The Great Cloth Diaper Change, as part of a Guinness World Record Attempt.  I was there to take some photos of these adorable little monkeys.  A big thanks to my friends, Angela and Faith for helping me out.  Couldn't have done it without you two.  Also thanks to Snicklefritz Knits for the adorable hats and accessories for the shoots!

Here are a few of my faves from Saturday!











Wednesday, April 18, 2012

“ Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from the photograph. – Matt Hardy

You've scheduled your child for a portrait session.  Finally and Yay! Someone else can try to encourage your child to co-operate with the camera.  Even my own kids constantly turn away, make grumpy faces and cry when mom is taking pictures.  For some reason, someone different (and experienced) can always get the best out of your child - even if its for only a few minutes.

So how do you prepare your child for a portrait session?

1. Don't make a big deal about it.  The more you talk about it and try to coach them, the more nervous they will get.

2. Dress them in something comfortable.  That doesn't mean they need to be in play clothes, but ensure that their clothing isn't tight, scratchy or uncomfortable in some way.

3. Prepare your photographer.  Let them know if your child is super shy, very outgoing or extremely energetic (oh wait, that's every kid!)

4. Let them be.  The best images come when your child is completely themselves.  As a photographer, I want the child 100% focused on me.  When mom is popping up saying "Look here.  Smile sweety. Don't put your hands there." It can be very confusing and overwhelming for a child.  I often tell Mom and Dad that they are off the hook.  No discipline, no coaching, no nothing...they can step back for a few minutes and I will call them if I need to.

5. Reschedule if they are sick.  There's nothing worse than trying to get a smile out of a little one that isn't feeling well.  Your child will not be happy, mom won't be happy and that doesn't make a positive experience for anyone.   Plus, I don't want to get sick either. 

6. Most importantly, let your child know that they will have fun!  Portrait sessions shouldn't be stuffy and boring - especially for kids.

Happy Birthday Thomas!





Monday, April 16, 2012

If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands? ~Milton Berle

I stared longingly at my bed.  The pile of blankets.  The soft mattress.  The cozy pillow.  I had just put all 3 kids down for a nap, and my bed was calling me.  But I knew I wouldn't sleep.  I had too much to do.  The house resembled a line drawing made by my 2 year old son.  My to-do list was a scroll of book-keeping, editing and writing to complete.  I knew that whatever I chose to do with my only free time of the day, I would feel like I should be doing something else. I am constantly pulled in 6 thousand different directions at the same time  By little hands and voices, by the hum of the computer, by a pile of blankets and pillows, by the mess in the kitchen, by the dog at the door, by my husbands arms, by life.  Life has a way of feeling like a tornado most all a lot of the time. I have to remind myself that I'm so lucky that these are the problems of my day and that I have the choice to jump into bed and cover myself with the blanket.

Here are a few shots of my little hands and little voices!








Monday, April 2, 2012

"Eventually everything connects - people, ideas, objects. The quality of the connections is the key to quality per se." Charles Eames

There are connections we make, with people in our lives, that somehow constantly come back to us.

I had booked a maternity shoot for March and after communicating via email, the mom-to-be and I discovered that we had several connections to one another.  One of her good friends was my next-door neighbour when I was growing up and we both attended her wedding.  Mom-to-be is my cousin's personal trainer.  Her Uncle was my boss at my first part-time job (at a candy and cookie store - yummy).  And as I was unloading my gear from the car, I ran into another client of mine on the street.

I always find it interesting how this works and often we don't even know about it.  Social media now allows us to find out who knows who and how they are connected.  But it  is the real, face to face connections that enrich our lives.

K and D,  Thank you for welcoming me into your home.  It was one of the funnest (yes I said funnest) shoots I've had. ever.  D, you made me and K laugh the entire time.  Although I think I caught her rolling her eyes more than me.  K you look amazing with your little baby bump!  It was a pleasure to photograph you as you make the transition to mommy!  Can't wait to meet your beautiful baby girl.  Only a month (or so) to go!!!

Please enjoy a few of my favourite images.


  To see more of my favourites, please visit


"No one likes change but babies in diapers." ~ Barbara Johnson

I'm pleased to announce that I will be taking portraits for an amazing event.  Do you want to be part of a Guinness World Record?  Contact The Extraordinary Baby Shoppe in Waterloo for your chance.

On April 21st I will be taking photos of babies in their cloth diapers as they participate in the Great Cloth Diaper Change!  For event information, check out their facebook page.  There will be raffle prizes, swag bags and lots of fun!  Every participant will receive a $20.00 voucher from yours truly!  Use it for a portrait session or a portrait of your baby in the cloth diaper!  So cute!  Who doesn't love a little squishy baby?

The shop is located in uptown Waterloo, so stop by if you can!