I’ve photographed this family more times than I can count. It’s a show every single time. And they’re having their fourth little one. What a team they’re raising. So proud to call them my friends.
I arrived. With beer, all kinds of delicious, interesting beer. Their sweet little Bostons met me with vocal furror that can only be associated with wild love and excitement for life…and new visitors. Emma and Robert (Oggie) were skeptical. She giggled and sipped. It was nice. Then we found some light. It was a perfect little session. Oh! Then when all was said and done, the last drips were being sipped Emma and I realized we knew some of the same childhood friends. Good End.
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.”
It is clear to me now that winter is the best and only time to make pretty pictures of lovers. Saturday, sunny (snowy) Sundridge was magnificent. Despite the slippery roads, the coolish temperature, boots filled with snow, and a frozen trigger finger – Trevor and Renee’s winter engagement session could not have been anymore delightful. On Saturday afternoon they packed their car and ventured south. I love shooting with clients in my neighbourhood. Not only does my sweet little town have great scenery (and the most beautiful fresh water lake in the world) but I already know all the best spots.
We ate a delicious lunch at Danny’s Justa Pasta, drove ALL over Sundridge, making sure to take secret, only locally known routes to sparkling forest locations. We shot well into sundown on Lake Bernard.
Trevor and Renee, I’m so looking forward to shooting you two again. Cheers to your April wedding in North Bay.
Trevor took the above shot…he’s super tall. I am not. Thanks Trevor! Trevor Oscar Photography…
Sandy told me tonight that this was on her bucket list. Before our fall session she’d never had professional family photographs with her boys. And—-CHECK! Cheers to Sandy, her boys, and a future full of bucket-list-check-offs.
Muskoka and Toronto; Specializing in Documentary Cottage Weddings, Elopements, and Boudoir 