Posts Tagged ‘photographer’

Magical moments.

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

Here are a few magical moments from Stephanie & Brian’s wedding day. I cannot express in words the gratitude and warmth that I feel for this couple. Stephanie & Brian first met with me and subsequently hired me while I was still dealing with my inner ear issues and vertigo. Even though their wedding was a few months away I had no idea whether I would be healthy for it (I am still so jubilant and grateful that I am healed!). When they said they wanted to book me I replied that I totally appreciated their support and confidence but that this was their wedding and if they wanted to hire someone else I would completely understand. They told me that nothing is guaranteed in life. They could hire someone else and something could happen to them. They wanted to hire the person that they wanted the most. They wanted to hire me. I cried. Ok I waited until after the meeting and then I cried. I was so touched by their compassion and insistence. And the story gets better. Stephanie is an Athletic Therapist and she practices cranio-sacral techniques ( which can help ease vertigo). Stephanie not only supported and believed in me but she also helped heal me. Yes, she is that awesome. Yes, her husband Brian is that awesome. Yes, this couple is pure greatness. I love you guys. xoxo

It runs in the family.

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011

I had a shoot last year around this time with Dr.S the dentist who worked it for the camera (he definitley picked up some tips from Tyra when his daughter was watching ANTM).  Some people just have that camera zen, that ease with themselves that makes for spectacular images. I can vouch that this family has that quality in at least two of its generations. Dean gave his daughter Taryl a gift certficate for a portrait session and here is how the gorgeous girl rocked it:

Stephanie & Blake

Friday, August 19th, 2011

I met up with Stephanie & Blake at the Roundhouse a couple weeks ago for a wedding portrait session. It was evident right away that in marrying each other, they were marrying their best friend. Their serenity in each other’s company made photographing them a treat. Here’s to a lifetime of love and memories.

Lovely Lilie

Thursday, August 18th, 2011

This is part one of a two part series for this scrumptious family. They are avid surfers so part two is going to involve sand, surf and snuggles but we wanted to get some images of the first days at home too. There is something so special about those first couple of weeks of settling in as a family. You enter a cocoon and your entire world exists within the four walls of your house. Hours pass just staring at your baby and nothing feels so rewarding. And the love. Oh the love.

Morning at the Track.

Sunday, February 13th, 2011

I was in Vancouver on Tuesday and thought I’d stop by the track to say hi to a friend and to get some shots of the horses as training begins.  Some of the horses were pretty wild getting back out there!  I can’t wait to go back in April when the races start. So much fun!  I really miss working with horses. It was nice to be around them again, even if it was watching them from afar ;)

Definition of Adorable: Abdu

Saturday, April 17th, 2010

How is this much cuteness even possible? Abdu totally stole my heart. We had a fantastic shoot at Cordova Bay Beach. Lots of fun was had by all. This family has an ease and grace about them that is so inspirational. They were oozing with love and respect for each other. It was a privilege to spend the afternoon with them.

A lovely, lovely family.

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

This family was such a joy to shoot. I adore it when love transfers so well onto “film”. The boys were so sweet and full of life! Check out this precious love:

Lucas Family

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

I just had the Lucas family back for another wonderful photo shoot. Philippe’s mother was in town so it was a great chance to capture the magical bond between grandmother and granddaughter. I just love shooting family love; especially when three generations are involved ;)

Little Sophie stole a piece of my heart when I first met her (you can check out our first Lucas family photo here). She is such a little darling!

I got a very sweet email from Philippe after I dropped off their cd of images. A bit of it went like this…”Mary and I are once again blown away by what a wonderful photographer you are.  We love the slideshow montage, and my mom will lose her mind.    We remember the day as one in which Sophie would barely cooperate, but the shots that you got are amazing.”

The reason I share Philippe’s response is that it highlights what I feel is my mission as a photographer. It is my responsibility to peel away your layers of anxiety (baby didn’t nap today, child not cooperating, feeling unphotogenic, etc) to be able to capture images that are true to who you are. I am here to witness your love and to pass it back to you in a tangible treasure that you can celebrate forever. All relationships evolve and change constantly. You will never again be at this time and place. Unfortunately, a photograph’s worth is not usually fully understood until it cannot be recreated.

A few years ago when I was working at a camera store in town, a mother and daughter came in holding a 4×6 print. It was hard to make out the facial features of the man in the underexposed photo. They apologized for not having the negative but they hoped I could scan the image, crop to his head and shoulders and enlarge it to an 11×14. I looked up at them to warn them of what they already knew…the quality would be horrible. Their eyes welled up and the mother explained that the image was for her husband’s funeral. He had always hated and refused to have his picture taken so this was the ONLY image they had of him. The mother made me make a promise that day. She left me with the following message:

“No matter how much you don’t like your picture being taken, allow it to happen. It is not for you. It is for those that love you.”

I thank that woman for teaching me to appreciate the magnitude of family photo shoots.

Speaking of family photo shoots, let’s get back to some images of the Lucas family.