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!

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.