If you know Barrie at all, you know their trail system is phenomenal. You never have to go far to find expansive green space, tall trees and beaches. Whenever a client wants to join me there, I celebrate. Jen and Chris were more than happy to make the trek north to Barrie’s forests, to capture her beautiful new belly. Check out our maternity session feature on 100 Layer Cakelet. Yay!
I am so honoured to be able to photograph and share Wendy’s belly. She’s a photographer here in Muskoka as well, and a long time friend. Shortly after I gave birth to my little Charlie Wendy photographed the most beautiful session for us. My hope is that I can continue to document this little on for her. Although we were planning for a bright, sunny mid morning session – thank goodness we were veiled in a beautiful cloud of mist. The forest and lake could not have been any more forgiving and romantic. Thank you, Wendy for allowing me to do this for you.
This was a very special shoot. J.S. is very special client. We took our time planning for this one.
J. S. and I messaged back and forth multiple times but once I was really able to understand what J was facing we were able to gently move forward.
After our session, after another long chat in her sun-room and after I had looked through all her images I asked her to do something that I hadn’t asked anyone else to do. I asked her to write this blog post. She mulled it over and then one day she sent this to me…
“Pregnancy can come with so many miracles and celebrations, but like all of life’s great steps, it’s an incredibly ordinary experience complete with anxieties, fears and discomforts. What’s “not normal” is the new “normal.” This new pilgrimage, as much as I hoped would be well planned and finely executed like the blogs, books and experiences of others laid out in week-by-week stages, was full of surprises – physically, emotionally and spiritually. I spent the first half of my pregnancy with my head spinning at the seismic rearrangement of my body and mind.
The well-intentioned comments and questions from strangers about my pregnancy were overwhelming, especially when I wasn’t feeling so connected with myself or with the little bit of life twitching inside of me.
Kate, you were able to respect that we all approach our impending motherhood in different ways. I felt able to quietly celebrate and connect with my pregnancy whilst you captured every emotion I was truly feeling during this time. “
– J. S.
This is the personal message she shared with me about our experience together…
“Thank you again for such a lovely morning. That day was a turning point in my pregnancy and I wasn’t sure if the ‘high’ was only going last for the afternoon or the weekend (or if I was just in such a good mood because of the spring weather!) A month later, and I’m still feeling it – I can finally celebrate my pregnancy, the energy I’m feeling is incredible and I’m (mostly) comfortable with the never-ending changes in my body.”
So, I was interviewed last week about Birth Photography by John Downs (Friendly Fire) of TALK1010 in Toronto. He caught the recent CBC.ca article in which myself and a couple of my Birth Photography clients were featured. Two very different mediums and two very different stories. It was an exciting week to say the least. I hope you enjoy! Would love to hear your thoughts…
CLICK HERE: Birth Photography Interview Toronto
Thank you so much to my family, friends, and clients for the ongoing support. The little journey is getting pretty thrilling!
You know you have those days. Those days (and I don’t have them often) when it feels like you’re faced with one stumble after another. Your heart sinks deeper and deeper into your chest because things just aren’t going right? I had that day today. It was an office day. All I wanted to do was jump out of my chair, get as far away from my desktop as I could, grab my camera and shoot something! Something that would make me happy. Something that would make me giggle. I wanted to smile! I wanted to laugh. Today, in my office there was NOTHING to laugh about.
Luckily!!! It all turned around. At 530 I kissed my boys goodbye and fled the house. Camera bag in tow, tank full of gas, I pumped something top 40-ish and sang my way to Deb and Martin’s house. I smiled, I felt light hearted, and I took photographs of Deb’s beautiful family. It was a perfect way to end the day. I was met with a baby kiss. I got to snuggle Ethan (who is the same age as my Charlie), and I had the pleasure of watching Deb’s baby belly roll around.
I really am fortunate to do what makes me happy. Not just generally happy but REALLY happy. Taking pictures actually changes my mood. Thank you Deb, Martin, and Ethan for turning my grumpy office day frown into a glorious smile. From now on I will come to your house with my camera every time I feel down! xoxox
PS This is just a very small piece of our time together. I wanted to let Deb and Martin know how much I enjoyed my time with them today. I also just sent her a text…same message, fewer words.
To view larger images click on any one…
I’ve shot many images of Deb. Here is her last session on the beach…my very first family beach session of the season!
Muskoka and Toronto; Specializing in Documentary Cottage Weddings, Elopements, and Boudoir 