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!

Waterloo Dance Photographer. Meet Saskia

I love photographing people who are passionate about what they do.  It speaks to me so deeply, and what could be more beautiful than another ballerina.  Meet Saskia, a wonderful, kind, friendly girl with a passion for ballet and dance.  She was so kind to tag along with me on another personal project while I created video for the first time.

Saskia - Thank you so much for all the time and effort you put into choreography, the time at the session, and being so honest in our little interview.  I'm so happy with the way the whole thing turned out.  Thank you!  Please enjoy the video and images from our session.

A big thanks to my friend Grant, for providing the lovely space for our little adventure here.

To find the video right on youtube click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=807GgrF_UFk

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

Best winter activities in Waterloo Region. Elmira Family Photographer

A few weeks ago I asked fans on my facebook page about their favourite local winter activities for families.  Afterall, we live with the snow for nearly half the year - we should probably try to enjoy it.  Here are a few great ways to spend winter with your family.

One of the most mentioned was Winterloo.  Complete with everything we love about winter... "dog sled rides, ice sculpting, 4-on-4 hockey, great art activities at the Button Factory, free public skating, free family movies, and a great Chili cook-off featuring some of Waterloo’s top eateries… there’s something for everyone!"  Spend Family day weekend - February 14-16, 2015, from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily, in Uptown Waterloo. For more information, please call us 519.885.1921.

Also topping the list was tobogganing and tubing.  There are some great local hills including Columbia Lake in Waterloo, Bolender Park in Elmira and a favourite spot - Elmira Golf Club.  But these are just a few spots I've been to with my family...do you have a fave spot - let us know in the comments below.

Tobogganing not enough of an adrenaline rush - check out Chicopee Tube Park .  A great winter activity for the whole family.  I've never been, so fill me in on it's awesomeness in the comments!!!

What about winter hikes, cross country skiing, or walks with the dog?  You can find some of the best trails in Woolwich Township for all these activities. 

As much as I love winter, I have to say that a good book, warm fire and cozy blanket would do just fine too! Enjoy your winter!

Blue Mountain family photographer. Sisters!

I would consider this family my friends - and yes, that may seem weird considering that I've likely only talked with them a handful of times.  But they are quite literally awesome!
They welcomed these 2 beautiful girls into their lives in the last couple of years and created a family.  The girls are fun, spunky and so kind!  They love each other the way any 2 sisters would and I don't think that could ever change.  Please help them celebrate  adoption awareness month with 30 ways to celebrate adoption.

Amanda and Ken, thank you for allowing me to photograph your family at Blue Mountain.  What an amazing time we had! Please enjoy a few of my favourites from your session!  And enjoy them with your new{ish} family.

Guelph Family Photographer. From belly to baby

Ahhh!  I just love this family.  They are so kind, friendly, and pretty much wonderful.  I was so honoured to photograph baby H when he was still inside mommy's tummy (and it wasn't known whether he was a boy or girl - at least to me) and then again once he arrived!

We spent an evening at Riverside Park in Guelph and ran around in the grass and played on the playground and I found a beautiful spot along the trail to photograph sweet little S - those curls!

Then I came back to their home for H's newborn session when he was less than 2 weeks old.  He needed lots of feeding and cuddling and so I had some time to photograph their 9 year old lab and of course sweet S again.  We also needed some time for clean up when, not once, but twice, H decided to wee on daddy.

Rebecca and Chris,  Thank you so much for welcoming me into your home.  I really appreciate your kind words about my photography, my business and listening to my sometimes crazy ideas.  Your feedback is invaluable and I will continue to use the word "artistic-ey" and credit you, Chris.  Please enjoy a few of my favourites from our 2 sessions.

Kitchener Photographer. The Generous Host

I'm so excited to partner with The Generous Host for this years Christmas Card Special.  I had a chance to meet with Renee Peers (who is as generous as her business name) and visit her shop  on Saturday.  She is located just steps from the Kitchener Market and she offers adorable single serve desserts, custom hand painted pillows and beautiful home accents and gift ideas. 

Although I only had my phone when I went to meet with her, I couldn't resist capturing a few of the items in her shop.  Also, you may notice I don't have a photo of those desserts I mentioned...well I ate my sample up pretty quickly!  But you should go check her out and have a taste!

If you like what you see, please visit her at 18 Eby street south in Kitchener.

Newborn twins photography. Elmira Children's Photographer

I held a contest and gave away 3 portrait packages.  This family had just had twins and it was perfect timing for their session.  We booked their session 2 days after I called to let them know they won!  Talk about timing.

The boys were little angels when I arrived at their home.  They slept beautifully and I had such a great time.

Dana and Melo, thank you for introducing me to your family.  Jackson was such a great big brother and the twins were awesome!  I hope you have found a spare moment to hang your framed print on the wall.  They will cherish it for years!  Please enjoy a few of my favourite images.

Elmira Family Photographer. Thankful at Thanksgiving

The fall is by far my busiest season, but it's also my favourite.  The warm sun, colourful leaves and gorgeous light!  I love photographing families and children, but when I get the opportunity to witness families like this, it really takes my breath away!  This family's connection is really amazing!

Tonja and Lawrence,  Thank you for welcoming me on Thanksgiving day.  It truly was a wonderful way to spend some time on the holiday.  Your children are wonderful, sweet and just plain beautiful.  Please enjoy a few of my favourites from our session.

Click here to see more from this Elmira Family Photography Session.

Elmira Children's Photographer. Siblings

I love this family.  These kids are fun and spunky and downright adorable.  But they did pose a bit of a challenge too.  I've known them all since they were born, I was in their parents' wedding and I see them a lot.  So this wasn't a typical children's session for me.  This was {almost} like photographing my own children.  They don't respond to me the same way a new client would.  When I get silly, they don't laugh - allowing me to capture their awesome, natural smiles - they copy me and get silly too.  When I stick my tongue out - they do it to.  So this presented a new challenge and I'm so happy with the results.  oh...did I mention they rarely stood still.  If one wasn't running away, someone else was.  But we did it and despite the full on craziness we got some amazing images.

Melissa and Brian, thank you for allowing me to capture your adorable children. They are wonderful and fun and they looked perfect.  Thanks for taking the time to sort through their clothes and come up with some great choices.  Brian- I can't promise the "turn the house upside down to find a coordinating shirt" won't happen again sometime, but I think you'll agree it was worth it ;)  Anyway, please enjoy a few of my faves from the session.

For more favourites from this Elmira family photography session, click here.