A stitch in time.

August 18th, 2011

This was a really fun and dear shoot for me. Brianna’s grandmother is an incredibly talented knitter and has made gorgeous sweaters for all the new arrivals in her and her daughters’ lives over the last many years. I was so touched to receive one when my Ella was born. Hand-made gifts are always the most precious and I think of the creators everytime I use them. When I heard that Brianna was on the way I asked if Mrs.Fathers would half knit a blanket so we could do a shoot around it and honour all that she has done for the grateful families in her life. Thank you Brianna, Shelly, Blair and Mrs.Fathers for being in my life and making it richer. xo

Exhibit A

April 29th, 2011

What a great show it was. I feel so fortunate to have connected with all these amazingly talented women photographers for the Exhibit A gallery show. The turnout to the opening was incredible; the gallery was packed from the moment we opened the doors right up until the end. The day that I sat the gallery, it was pretty quiet which allowed me to take a few photos and have some fun ;)

The series that I did for this show is called “Modern Portraits of a Heritage Town”. I created abstract art by incorporating movement into my shooting while photographing locations around Victoria, BC.

The movement in the pieces is all done in camera with very little post-processing work.

A big thank you to Georgie Wilson for putting this show together, Verbena Floral Design for the gorgeous flowers, The Community Arts Council for the gallery space, the talented photographers involved in the show (look at the end of this post for a list of all the brilliant ladies), and most importantly, my family and friends for your unwavering support and love. xoxo

Next photo taken by Georgie. Thanks, Georgie!!

Check out the fabulous photographers that were involved with this show:

Andrea Kucherawy
Ashley Ohtsijah Hall
Georgie Wilson
Jenna Shouldice
Jesse Holland
Kelsey Goodwin
Lana Robertson
Laura Taylor
Marisa Savegnago
Nancy Brown
Rachelle Polsom
Ryan Macdonald
Saskia Bjornson

The show would not have been hung nearly as perfectly if Lana Winnichyn didn’t help ;)

Birthday Boy.

April 10th, 2011

Click on the photo below to watch some birthday boy fun with cake.

65 Red Roses – a benefit concert for cystic fibrosis

February 26th, 2011

I first heard of Eva through a friend of mine that directed me toward her blog. Eva documented her battle with cystic fibrosis with such heart and such grace that the world fell in love with her. Eva touched so many people and brought such energy and determination to the fight against CF that support has proliferated since her courageous battle came to an end last March. I attended a benefit concert on Feb.13th that was in honour of Eva. Many of the bands that performed had a personal connection with Eva which made the event extra moving.

When I arrived, Steph Macpherson was taking the stage. She is a very clever songwriter. One of my favorite feelings is when an emotion or sentiment that I have been unable to express through words or images is packaged up in an eloquent and poetic gift by a musician. I have felt this a couple times while listening to Steph.

Rococode took the stage next. As their website explains, “Rococode is an unfamiliar band made up of familiar faces”. I always love seeing Laura Smith live so it was a treat to watch the latest collaboration. They totally rocked the house. Live performances do not always guarantee that the bands will “put on a show”. Some bands just stand on stage and play their music, not really justifying the fact that people payed to WATCH them as well as listen. Well, Rococode are true performers. Their love for their art was very evident. Rococode is a must see when they come to your town. I adore shooting bands that give ‘er.

I caught a little bit of Sunday Buckets just as I was leaving. They certainly had the crowd going. Tons of energy and a super fun way to end the evening.

A little bit of cuteness for Sunday morning

January 30th, 2011

Thought everyone could do with a little bit of cuteness this morning. This family is close to my heart and it was such a joy to photograph them with their latest addition. The Daddy/Daughter photos always make my heart melt. Another thing I love? Baby leg pudge ;)

Beauty at the Base Lounge.

January 12th, 2011

I had contacted Alice at the Base Lounge to see if I could rent their gorgeous space for a photo shoot. We worked out the details and Alice asked if I would photograph her family when I was done with the first shoot. Alice is lovely and radiates health and well-being. I was excited about the opportunity to meet and photograph her family. On the day, the natural light poured in and the family magic began ;)

Growing Grain on Vancouver Island

January 9th, 2011

In 2010 Gene and I bought a share in a grain co-op that was being hosted by Makaria Farms just outside Duncan. We learned how to plant, grow and harvest grain. At the end of the season we were rewarded with harvests of organic Red Fife, Spring Wheat, and Rye. True Grain Bread, the fabulous organic bakery in Cowichan Bay was kind enough to let us use their gorgeous stone grain mill to grind our grain into flour. If you have never been to the bakery, drop what you are doing, go there and bliss out on their luscious organic bread. Then go next door to Hilary’s Cheese and get some of their homemade St.Clair Brie.

Below are some pictures from one of the farm workshops as well as some from milling day. Unfortunately, I don’t have pictures of harvest day.

If you would like information on growing grain locally, Island Grains is a wonderful resource.

Something about that tutu.

January 5th, 2011

Tutus have never been part of my repertoire. Growing up, I was a horse girl through and through. Which meant that I was usually mucky and smelly. Quite far removed from the delicate loveliness of dance recitals and ballet shoes. So I have never related to the tutu and thus it never occurred to me to put a tutu on a munchkin. But then this little darling showed up wearing one and my heart melted into a little puddle of tutu adoration. Isn’t she scrumptious?