These two have always been a joy to photograph. I love them dearly. Each opportunity we have I get them infront of my camera – luckily we have access to the loveliest beach front just north of Muskoka.
My dear friend Wendy of Sacred Breath Yoga in Huntsville, Ontario is always willing to explore with me. One afternoon I messaged her to see if she’d be open to posing for me? That’s about all I could tell her. Just pose? Maybe with fabric, maybe nude? Maybe dance. We giggled the entire time. I just love her so much.
She is a beautiful human. Her energy is enchanting. I haven’t yet had the opportunity to join her, it’s on my bucket list – she hosts yoga and wellness retreats all over the world.
Thanks to my sweet Vanessa Monteith for hair and mu.
Baby William Richard. You’re arrival is a little bit epic…is that even possible? You’re kind of a big deal around these parts.
Here are a couple of thoughts I’ve been wanting to share with you. First of all – I love your parents dearly. The whole Hartman Clan in fact. You and that Midland crew are a solid bunch of friends and I’m in love with each and every one of you. As you’ll soon learn I grew up with your mom and your aunty. They have become my summer sisters, my cottage people – some of my favourite chosen family. I think I’ve known them longer than I’ve known any other friends. My own sister and I have a long history with those two. A lot of messy summer memories. Some quite distant, from when we were just small people, others much more vivid from just days and weeks ago. I’m certain, as you grow up on the shores of Lake Bernard and Georgian Bay you too will find your summer family. Likely not summer sisters, as none of us have been able to produce more than a single, blond, precocious, little girl. You will find your summer brothers. You will all do things your mothers cringe at. You will sneak around, light fires, dig holes, ride to town, play on the raft, watch movies on rainy days, and learn to love this cottage life as if it is your very best life ever. I hope that you remember your cottage life as fondly as we do, our own.
What I want you to know is how deeply you are loved, from the moment we found out you were coming – you have been loved. I spent just 3 short hours with you and your parents this week and do you know what they did? They watched you. Just looking and loving. They watched you with an incredible sense of confidence, that I don’t often see in first time parents. The looked at you, then each other, and then back at you. They talked about who you look like and who you might be later on. They talked about whether you’d like basketball or volleyball. They agreed that it didn’t matter and that you could like anything you wanted…maybe you’d be an artist? Your parents are an impressive pair. They seem confident and calm. And let me tell you, if they can keep that vibe going (most of the time) you’ll be one happy kid.
So Will, I can’t wait to see you again. I can’t wait to photograph your family, as you and your cousins grow up. And I can’t wait to find out who you will be.
We love you, very, very much. xo
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.
Muskoka and Toronto; Specializing in Documentary Cottage Weddings, Elopements, and Boudoir 