Tween Photography. Building self-esteem

Moms,  I'm writing this to you because I see it coming.  I see the tween years only a wee bit off in the distance and it brings me back .

Do you remember when you were 9,10,11 years old?  Do you remember how you felt about yourself? I sure do.  I was the smart kid who wore glasses who never thought she was beautiful.  I was always self conscious about what I was saying, doing, wearing...heck even how I was standing.

Now imagine how a single, beautiful portrait could have done for you when you were that age?  To not see yourself as just the fat, skinny, glasses-wearing, hair never working girl...but to just see yourself as beautiful! 

And how many of you don't even have photos of yourself at that age? Don't have anything but the soft blue background (or cool lazers) of a school photo (you know the one you could have done re-takes for 1000 times and still not loved).

Let's give your daughter something you never had the opportunity for, something that studies have shown can help self-worth. Something she'll likely never outright thank you for, but you'll feel it everytime she stares at herself in these images.

I will be offering limited Tween sessions in the new year.  Contact me for more details about how together we can raise self-esteem, give an amazing experience and you can spend some one-on-one time with your daughter (or son).

Elmira Dance Photographer. Degas portraits

Each month I try to create photographs just for me.  I have a list of personal projects or ideas and with the help of some great people, I am able to create for the sake of creating.  In January I wanted to do a Edgar Degas inspired ballerina portrait.  If you haven't seen his work, here is a quick google image search to see what I mean. 

One of his most famous pieces is his Blue Dancers, which I think is absolutely lovely.  So I took my idea to facebook and got some great responses.  I was able to connect with Agata, my dancer and conveniently she owns a dance studio which we were able to use for the portraits.  Her and her fiance were so generous to allow me to come and do this.  They own Bringing Tap Back located in Kitchener and I truly appreciate their help in this.  They offer classes for kids to adults (even beginners)

Anyway, I couldn't wait to get home and edit the images.  I used a new technique which is shooting through a piece of tulle.  It helped me to create that blue feel for some of the images.

Please enjoy a few of my favourites.

To see more, please visit http://www.greenapplephotography.ca/Ballerina/i-k2KWSDX

Elmira Children's Photographer. Mommy boost

I've seen a lot of posts on social media which are meant to boost moms up and I kinda like it.  And I think that if more people share, the more moms will feel ok with stuff like this. 

I don't know where it comes from, exactly, but sometimes we feel self conscious, uncomfortable or downright ugly.  We all feel it sometimes.  But I think it is important that we don't pass that on to our kids.  It is important that they don't see the anxiety about wearing a bathing suit, or the way we describe that photo of ourselves.  We can stop the cycle if we just stop. 

So if you are in for a few moments of mommy boosting - check out these articles here:

Moms- Put on the swimsuit
The Mom Stays in the Picture

Feel free to add more of your favourite articles in the comments below.

Winter Wonderland. Elmira Children's Photographer

I've had this vision for a winter session (when we aren't part of the polar vortex) and I convinced my 6 year old to join me in the yard (with piles of snow) so I could photograph her.  But it was cold and not quite the right time of day but I still managed to get a couple of amazing shots of her.  I'd like to do more of this so I'm looking for a few young people ages 6-18 for some more winter wonderland sessions.  The sessions will be complimentary and take place this week while it is warm and wonderfully snowy.  So if you don't have any March Break plans, please contact me asap.

Elmira Children's Photographer. "The kids had so much fun!"

These kids are AWESOME!  We had so much fun at our Kissing Bridge Trail session in Elmira.  The weather was perfect (which was amazing considering the temperature these days), the light was ideal and the kiddos were ready for fun.  I was over the moon when mom told me the next day (after bumping into her at school) that the kids had such a great time and loved getting their photos taken.  Plus at the session, Mom and Dad were patient and let the kids lead the session.  It made it oh-so-wonderful!  I love when parents step back a bit, in fact I recommend it.  The session runs so much smoother!

Sheri and Brian, Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your Thanksgiving and for not laughing at my bad jokes, silly noises and toilet humor - It makes the kids laugh and I'm happy to make a fool of myself for "the shot".  Can't wait to see the canvas up on your wall!  Please enjoy a few of my faves from the session.

 Click here to see more from this Elmira Children's Photography Session.

Elmira Newborn Photographer - my beautiful niece

It's always an honour to photograph newborns and their families, but it's especially wonderful when it's your own sister and her brand new baby that you are photographing.  Little A was one week old when I arrived for her newborn session.  And it was a dream session.  Even her big sister J cooperated and we got some wonderful images of the two of them together.  I even had some time to snap a few of J while A had a feeding.

Cindy,  Thank you for allowing me to capture such amazing moments for your family.  I'm so excited for you, Joe and your house of girls!  Please enjoy a few of my faves.

Please check out more Elmira newborn session images here!

Elmira Children's Photographer - Sisters at sunset

I love using the Kissing Bridge Trail in Elmira to photograph.  There is a lot of variety this time of year.  I've photographed R and A many times before, but I was very excited to see them as part of my sunset series.  The girls have two very awesome, but different personalities.  R is quiet, a bit shy and has amazing eyelashes.  A is bold, bright and has a beautiful smile.  Together, these sisters made for a fun and adventurous session. 

Michelle,  Thanks again for bringing the girls.  I loved having them.  Please enjoy a few of my faves.

Click here to see more from this Children's Photography session.

Elmira Newborn Photographer - Angel Boy

One of my fave newborn photography sessions this year, took place in Guelph.  I entered little C's home and immediately fell in love with the decor and style - Linda and Bryan, I've told you already, but I LOVE your place.  I often do newborn sessions in my client's homes since I feel like it makes for a better experience for mom and baby. 

Little C was a perfect angel and that made photographing him a breeze.  This was the quickest newborn session in a long time.

Linda and Bryan, Thank you so much for inviting me into your home and for allowing me to capture such a wonderful time in your lives.  I hope you 3 are doing well.

Please enjoy a few of my faves from your session.

Waterloo Newborn Photographer.

Jamie had received a voucher for a free session as part of a Mother's day promotion I did with a local coffee shop.  She was very excited to use it when her new baby arrived.  At the time of our session, little A was less than a week old (my favourite time for newborns) and she was a beauty! A gorgeous little girl.  Aside from a few pauses for feedings, little A was pure magic and quite easy to photograph.

Jamie - thank you so much for trusting me to capture your beautiful daughter.  It was a pleasure chatting with you and getting to know you.  Please enjoy a few of my faves.

Please click to see more of my faves from this newborn photography session.

Kitchener newborn photography - Adorable fireman

Little J was born early and I was excited to meet this little fireman.  Since he was early and had to spend a little time in the NICU, he was past my usual 5-9 day rule.  In order to get the curly, sleepy poses with a baby, you have to photograph them within the first 9 or so days of life.  After that they are more alert and their muscles start to stretch out and they don't like being curled up as much. But Jacob was supposed to be inside his mama's tummy for another week or so, and I was glad to break my rule for this cutie.

Sarah and Shawn,  your little man is absolutely adorable and it was my honour to photograph him!  I loved learning more about you both and I can't wait to see him grow up!  Hope he is sleeping for you!  Please enjoy a few of my faves from our session.

Please click here to see a slideshow with  more of my favourites from this session: Kitchener Newborn Photography

Little Toes - Waterloo Children's Photographer

Becky had contacted me because she wanted to capture little Cs toes - his chubby little feet and the way they made her smile.  She worried that she would forget what they looked like and how she adored them as he grew into a boy from a baby.   So we settled on a wonderful outdoor family session on The Walter Bean trail near Grey Silo Golf Course in Waterloo, On.  The warm sun was perfect!  And it it made little As hair glow!

Becky and Kevin, it was wonderful to capture some really great images of you and your family.  The kids were amazingly cooperative and made my job look easy!  I hope you are enjoying all of your images!  Here are a few of my faves!

To see more of my favourites, please visit their Waterloo Children's Photographer page