Documentary Family Photography // Jess + Monty + Reid

Jess and I used to work together. I was thrilled when she contacted me about a family session with her husband Monty and their adorable son Reid; who has the most amazing hairdo as you will see below :) We played inside, took Reid for a bath, ate in their backyard and they read bedtime stories for Reid. Scenes that capture tidbits of their life. I truly believe some of the most unforgettable memories we hold in our lives come from the smallest moments: the way your baby’s hair feels; the first ray of light sneaking through the curtains; a simple text from a dear friend. That’s what I try to do with my family photography work as well; to document some of those moments and have something visual to treasure years later.

Here are some favourites from the session!

 

Reykjavik Family Photographer // Kristin’s family

I met some really lovely people when I went to Iceland last March. So when I had the opportunity to go back in September, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to photograph Kristin and her family as Kristin is Selma’s sister (you may remember Selma & Andri’s snowy anniversary session).

A lot of people feel that photographers should pick an area of specialty and stick to it, others think that doing a bit of everything is good as you are diversifying. For me, I love weddings as much as photographing families because they both involve storytelling. I love it when families feel relaxed around me and will just do their thing – whether it’s playing, walking, or hanging out. That allows me to just do my thing – document those moments and the in-between moments. To me, the most beautiful photos aren’t the perfectly posed shots, or the “say cheese” smiles, but the ones where they aren’t so perfect, but captured a moment that only lasted a second but is nevertheless precious, and the ones where a bit of the subjects’ souls were captured.

This session was definitely one of those occasions for me.  :)

Family Photographer Toronto // Nicki & Brad + James & Emily

Nicki and I used to work together, years ago. Our desks were diagonally across from each other. Back then, she was freshly married and no kids yet. And now she has handsome James and sweet Emily. I met up with her and her beautiful family last summer and they had a family play date, while I tagged along and documented some memories. The below words from Nicki after she received the photos make my heart sing. Hey Janice, 

Just want to say thanks for the amazing pictures. You truly were able to capture some meaningful moments that I know I will cherish forever. The presentation of the package was incredible. I am so impressed! I am also very happy for you that you are living out your dream. You are a true inspiration. Good luck with everything and thanks agin for a wonderful experience!!
Nicki :)

Thank you Nicki. Here’s to meaningful photos, moments that we can cherish forever, and living out our dreams.

Sarah & Eddie // Toronto Portrait Photographer

I’ve always wanted to photograph horses. There is something about them that I can’t put into words. They seem so majestic, and graceful. I encountered and photographed some on our trip to Iceland last June. Then in August I photographed one of my brides, Sarah with her friend of 10 years, Eddie. Sarah and her sister grew up riding but since she was no longer riding competitively, they were in the process of finding Eddie a new home. Before they say goodbye though, Sarah wanted some photos with Eddie (just a week after she got married) to remember him by.

Here’s to a 10-year friendship, and to friends, no matter who they are.

Maria, Christian & Baby Kleo // Family Photographer Toronto

I love photographing families – to be invited into a snippet of their day to document some authentic moments. Maybe it’s a Sunday morning, maybe it’s going to your favourite park, maybe it’s cooking together. Whatever it is, pick something that you love doing together, something that’s “your thing”. I know life is busy and we don’t always feel we are at your best because we devote so much of our time and energy to keep everything running. But life is also precious, and it will just fly by if we don’t take a moment and pause sometimes. I won’t tell you to “stand there and just smile”. Your hair doesn’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to wear matching outfits (actually, please don’t!). It’ll just be relaxed and natural and I will capture something that not only looks good, but feels good as well.

On a sunny day in May, that’s exactly what I did with Maria, Christian and baby Kleo.

Tara, Abbey & Ryan // Toronto Family Photography

I spent part of an afternoon last May with Tara and her two adorable kids in the park. Judging by the photos, you’d never guess it was the middle of May already because it was quite chilly that day. Oh the joy of living in Canada ;)

We ran around the park, climbed some trees, and rolled in the grass. A lot. Ok, they did, I didn’t climb anything. But, there was a lot of silliness. I’ve said this before, but I really do love working with children. Their energy, sense of adventure, and wonder are just so contagious. It makes you forget all your worries and just focus on the present. Then you remember, yes, I used to do that too; you remember what it’s like to be fully present in the moment.

Right before the below photo was taken, I asked Abbey what was her favourite thing about her Mom, and she said, “everything”. :)

Did I mention, the session was a birthday gift for their Dad?

Told you, a lot of rolling in the grass :)

 

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