Ahhhh!  I fell off the internet.  I”m not mad at my site.  I was just ignoring it for a while with a very busy summer and fall season.   I promised that a few sessions would go up on the blog so that will have to be now, while the snow is flying.

My friends Adrienne and Greg came out for extended family portraits at summer camp (thanks Brent!!).   This whole family is perfect for this place with their playful, friendly ways.   I love their natural, casual vibe   . . . so much better than posed, formal portraits for me!

. . . and a session slideshow:

Can you imagine being 2?   . . . and feeling joy and belonging?  . . . with parents that understand play and exploration matter more than getting some dirt on your dress?    Who delight in what a funny, strange person you are?

You live in a place where two talented, thoughtful people have invested their personalities, their smarts, their creativity and their attitudes into making your world rich, fun, safe and loving.   Being 2 is amazing.    This is how remarkable people are made . . .

This is what it looks like to love, laugh, learn and develop your unique talents.   I frequently get this front row seat for an ongoing workshop series on how to be incredible parents.

No staged studio sets,  no “smile for the camera”,  no stereotyped image of what some marketer has defined as a happy family.   These are the real, quirky, natural photos I most love to capture.   When I look at them 5 years from now, I won’t say, “That’s so 2010″   –>  I’ll say,  “That’s so them”.

. . . and a slideshow video, showing part of the session:

This family’s closeness and their visible care and interest in each other are compelling and moving to me.  Janelle called me to arrange a family session as a gift for her dad.   A high school student, paying for and organizing a professional family lifestyle session because she knew it would be a meaningful gift for her dad and her family.   Wow.

At every turn, there were more happy surprises like that.   From the shared family inside jokes to their sense of fun, the undercurrent that each child is valued for their unique selves; to the open-hearted welcome and inclusiveness for the newest family member, Tracey.   This is Belonging.

Mallory, Courtney and Madison trekked into the bush, over hills, rocks and gullies – all in their sandals! – to create some sweet images for their mom.  I was completely impressed and appreciative that they were up for serious hiking and had the perfect attitude to get this done.   These 3 laugh easily together and show a natural closeness, without coaching.

Mallory used to go to Silverlake summer camp, where my daughter Kayla went.   . . . . yes, they’re still jumping in the cold lagoon before breakfast every morning!   Thanks for pulling this all together Mallory!

Courtney is at my old school – Brock.   I wish she could have experienced Alphie’s Trough, the best campus pub ever  ( a beautiful ski lodge style building in the woods on the Niagara escarpment ).   Sadly, they turned it into a faculty lounge ( Booooooo!!).   So glad Mallory nudged you into unleashing your hair Courtney!

Madison has a totally infectious grin and attitude.   She radiates good humour.   She could read a phone book and make me laugh.

A slideshow of their session:

Dave and Anne had a family session on Saturday – the day they were married.   I was not so secretly hoping the weather forecast would be wrong – NOPE – rain and 60km/hour winds!   We stayed inside while wet furniture tumbled across back yards outside.

These parents are the kind that join in on imaginary games – that build cushion and blanket forts with the kids – so we were OK inside.

Hope you have a great time in Barbados guys!

I dug this 2008 session out of the archives this week when Rajivi asked for some prints.   Two things really grab my attention about these photos.  …… 2 years later …..   1st, my portrait style has changed and I rarely pose people anymore.   …. and 2nd, that I still love these – and I mark that down to how fun, easy-going and loving these 3 are.   I asked Rajivi and Sam what their secret was for having a 4 year old boy who was remarkable – friendly – considerate – sociable – interested – articulate and very secure  –

….. their answers stayed with me because I could see what they were doing in their everyday interactions.    1st was for him to know (all the time) that he is loved.   …. and next was treating him with a level of respect and interaction that most people only give to other adults.

…. and their slideshow video:

All of the families were over for the holidays   ….. so …. extended family portraits!

I was thrilled when Deb told me they wanted these out in the snow!  These are so much more natural and real than a studio backdrop.   I crack a giant grin, knowing that a group of 19! people can be this easy going and up for something non-traditional.  That’s how they roll!

Thanks you guys. You made the whole day fun and interesting!

From tropics to snow.  ….   As families go, these guys were much like teenagers, joking and singing/playing around the campfire.   This is what I miss most from my old place in the country.

Thanks you guys for doing something cool that reminded me of so many good times!  …. and for later, when you lived through my most air-headed moments with patience and good humour!

Here are the Voss, Witt and Voss families with mom and dad.  They came out in the morning with me and braved the dew laden field grasses and flowers.   ….who needs formal gardens!?!  I was very happy to have such a large group that was up for trying several locations – and even did some last moment location scouting with me.

I like it when everyone is wearing clothes that work together – but don’t look like a family uniform.  This is so much more real and natural looking than 14 people in tan pants and white shirts!

See? …. I shoot formal portraits! :

Thanks for your hospitality and for being good sports guys!

My fellow photographer Zelia came out with her boys for family portraits.    She’s always up for trying anything.  Jakob Markus and Mathew were a riot!  This kind of session is all about fun.  I haven’t seen these guys since the winter and it was so cool to be talking with Mathew  ….. cuz now he talks back!

We’re not throwin down gang signs here – these guys are just natural web slingers:

I love it! :

Thanks you guys – you were so much fun!

Tomorrow (Sunday) is the last day to book your session under

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the fall portrait special .   519 589 1723

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We still have 2 weeks of good outdoor weather to play in.   Book your session tomorrow by phone or by email and you will get the fall portrait special half-price session fee for a full, custom portrait session.