Waterloo Family Photographer. Not so long ago

It wasn't so long ago that: you needed to lower them into the crib, their hair was all fluffy, those little socks were always slipping off,  you taught them to smoosh their first birthday cake, they smiled with just 1 tooth in their mouth, you watched them take their first step, you got to buy them those cute little baby shoes, But there are so many more memories to make, right ... right?

Seriously - where does the time go?  Enjoy these photos from the same family only a few short years apart.

2013

2014

 2016

How quickly it seems to go, right?!?!

Kitchener-Waterloo Family Photographer. Extend your living space to the great outdoors

Like many of you, I love spending my summers outside. On the deck with a good book, my kids running around in the yard and a cool breeze passing by. We also enjoy exploring and hiking.  This summer we are tackling "Ontario's 17 best hikes".  I'm really looking forward to discovering more of this province. 

I also enjoy my vegetable garden. It grows a little bigger each year and I plant anything from onions to cantaloupe. I'm looking forward to the harvest this year.

As I've been sitting on my deck lately, I've been thinking more and more about how I can create a "living space" outdoors.  How can I make it more comfortable and visual.  Did you know that your photography doesn't just need to be enjoyed inside? There are lots of products that can be hung outside on your deck or wall. I've met with a local supplier and we looked at all the options for outdoor products and how to care for them (note: some products need to be brought in over the winter). What a great way to extend your living space outdoors. So while you've got a cold drink in your hand on the deck, you can enjoy a few family memories too!

Here are a few images I captured while enjoying the great outdoors.   If you want to learn more about the products I have available for outside, please contact me today!

Waterloo Baby Photographer. Baby's first year

I have to tell you how much I love my Baby's First Year Program.  I cannot tell you how wonderful it has been to work with a family for an entire year and capture their beautifully changing baby.  This little peanut was such a joy to work with and I'm excited to see her smiling face again as I photograph her newborn sister for the next year!  Please enjoy a few from Miss L's first year.

I started the baby's first year many years ago and it has morphed and changed as I discovered what my clients are really looking for.  Right now, I visit them each month and photograph their baby.  We also do a full family session between the first and second birthday.  Parents have choice and options for how they'd like to enjoy their photographs.  My most popular item is a baby's first year book and I often incorporate milestones and special dates throughout the book.  Stay tuned for a product reveal soon. To learn more about the Baby's First Year program, contact me!

Family Gallery Wall Design. Waterloo Family Photographer

My absolute favourite part of my "job" is creating and seeing art up on the walls.  It is so very important to our children to see them selves hugging & cuddling together with their family.  This is the reason that I'm so passionate about getting images off the hard-drive and devices and onto the walls!  Here are some of my favourites designs of 2015.

Kitchener Newborn Photographer. Where miracles happen

When I arrive at my clients' home for their newborn session, I take a quick peek around to find the best possible light for the session. I've worked in family rooms, kitchens and even hallways - It's all about the light. But once in a while I find the best spot in the bedroom. And for this family, it meant even more because that's where little W was born. Right at home with dad and family and their midwife bringing him into the world. And mom - well she rocked it! So this session was special to them. W was fussy and awake and not feeling it when I first arrived, but with a little patients and some cuddles and feeding, he settled and we went to work. These are some of my very favourite newborn images.

Nick and Shana, thank you for welcoming me into your home. Your family is amazing and kind and I loved working with you. Please enjoy a few of my favourites from your session.

Elmira Family Photography. New adventures and a little fire

We met at one of my favourite spots - the Kissing Bridge trail - for this family's session.  Little W was turning one and what better way to celebrate than with family photos.  Big brother L is starting school in the fall and mom just started back at work after maternity leave, so this family has lots of new adventures ahead.  And the session was full of adventure too - I've never had a session interrupted with a volunteer fire call...but we did.  The session was a wee bit shorter as a result, but there were still lots of images and it was the perfect length for these little guys. 

Jason and Jennifer, thank you for the fun evening with your family.  Can't wait to see these hanging on your walls!

Instagram Round-up. Elmira Family Photographer

Have I mentioned before how much I love instagram?  I've found myself enjoying the beautiful weather and pulling out my phone to capture everything spring!

Here are a few of my favourites.

You can find me @karen_meissner on instagram

Elmira Family Photographer. Fall!!!

Fall seems so long ago, but I'm still catching up on the blog from a very busy season.  So let's (just for a moment) think back to warmer days, leaves, going out with just a sweater and a scarf and the occasional warm breeze. 

Please enjoy a few images from some of my very favourite people!

Elmira Family Photographer. The Kinsella Family

Laurie and I have known each other for  a while - we played volleyball together and see each other once in a while.  When she approached me about doing a family session, I was honoured.  With 3 busy girls and lots of different personalities, we discussed the best approach prior to our session - knowing full well, that anything can happen at a family portrait session.  But I have to say - despite the cool temperatures, the girls were amazing and fun and so easy to photograph.  We had such a blast running around.  And if you saw my post from earlier this week, they chose a beautiful family wall grouping to go up their staircase. 

Laurie and Alex, it really was a pleasure to work with you and help you design your wall.  Thank you so much for choosing to work with me!  Here are a few of my favourites from our session.