Holiday Special!

I did a last-minute portrait session 2 days before Christmas proving that 'it's never too late'! It was pouring rain and freezing cold but we all had a GREAT time. I always say 'it is what you make it' and if you keep a smile on your face and have fun no matter what happens, you can NEVER go wrong. Each member of the family had a very distinct personality and I made sure to bring them out. Although they were twins, Jessica was outgoing and flamboyant while her brother, John, was quieter and so not into having his picture taken! It was great!

For this holiday season, I'm offering all families and couples a chance to have a portrait session done for only $100 (regular rate is $300)! This limited time offer is only available until January 30, 2008 so call or email me now! Let's have fun and celebrate the season as it is in beautiful Vancouver!

A "World Vision" Christmas

Every year I struggle with "Christmas" and what it really means versus all the hype, commercialism and expectations it brings. I LOVE that it brings my family together and I LOVE how generous people become (did you hear the story of the Starbucks Drive-Thru in the U.S. where customers were buying coffee for the people behind them??? This went on for 2 HOURS!). I LOVE the excitement in the air and I LOVE the smell of a pine tree filling the house as we put decorations on it. However, when it comes to buying gifts for people who already have everything (love, health, prosperity, not to mention the 'material' possessions) I find it really difficult to consciously think of something they might want or need. I'm the kind of person who, at any given moment throughout the year, will see something that I absolutely have to get for a friend or family member because it's just so 'them'. I'll give it to them right away because it makes me so happy! (It's all about the 'immediate gratification'...)

THIS year I've discovered something that I think is just BRILLIANT! World Vision has a Gift Catalogue in which you can give a life-changing gift in the name of your friend or family member to a child or family in need anywhere in the world. For example, you can provide a Goat to a family in Malawi which will nourish them with fresh milk, cheese, yogurt, etc. There's hundreds of gifts you can choose from!!! If you have difficulty trying to think of what to get for that 'person who has everything', check out www.worldvision.org! It's BRILLIANT!

Whistler Film Festival

I can't believe the caliber of films presented at the Whistler Film Festival! Among them is a short produced and directed by a friend of mine, Gary Hawes. If you get a chance, check out Swap. I went up with my friend Ally and we stayed with Gary and his beautiful partner, Courtney who was a very gracious hostess. We all played a wicked game of... (can't remember the name, but it WAS pretty wicked) and went to a few of the parties... As amazing as the festival was, it was driving back to Vancouver Sunday afternoon that proved to be a BIG challenge. I drove past 5 separate accidents and watched as most vehicles slid out of control and couldn't get up the hill by Horseshoe Bay. I did a fair bit of sliding too but thankfully I learned to drive in Calgary and know how to stay in control in the ice and snow. I thank God for getting me home safely and pray that no one was seriously hurt.

BC Children's Hospital Foundation

Although the Miracle Telethon isn't until May/June, plans are in full swing for yet another record-breaking year! Monday I was invited to join many prominent individuals dedicated to the Foundation and the incredible work it does. I was able to see first-hand the research currently underway that will help fight the many ailments and diseases this province's children face on a daily basis along with their families. There is so much hope for these children BECAUSE of what the BC Children's Hospital Foundation does. That is what keeps me contributing to the Foundation. For every family or child portrait I'm commissioned to do, I contribute a portion of my proceeds directly to the BC Children's Hospital Foundation. If you would like to contribute, please go to www.bcchf.ca or give me a call for your next family portrait!

Wedding Bells Dream Destination Wedding Winners

I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Dana & Derrick this past Friday. They were the winners of the $40,000 Wedding Bells Dream Destination Wedding contest. I have to take a moment here to thank Susan Hyatt (aka The Wedding Lady). She put together this entire contest and I can't speak more highly of this extremely gifted wedding coordinator! You must contact her if you're getting married. Visit her site at www.weddinglady.com.

I took Dana & Derrick through Stanley Park and made numerous stops around the park. It just happened to be the day the Park opened up the section that was hit by the wind storm last year so we were able to get more than we bargained for.

Dana & Derrick had to be THE most fun to shoot and apparently had the most fun... especially after I made them jump in the ocean! I wish you all the best as you head to Mexico for your actual wedding!

Jacklin + Graham

Although their wedding isn't until the hot, balmy month of August 2008, Jacklin & Graham were looking forward to getting some photographs with the colourful autumn leaves on a somewhat cool, crisp day. Thank goodness it was a dry day here on the 'wet' coast.

Times Square

This year I have traveled more than any other year to date! I was recently on a whirlwind trip from Upstate New York to NYC to Washington, DC to Virginia and back. New York City is one of my favourite cities to visit but this time around I was only there overnight. I took advantage of what little time I had and called one of my New York brides from this year. I got together with her and her sister for a VERY quick shoot in Times Square late that night. The lights in Times Square were enough to capture some really interesting shots. I LOVE to play with light and angles! I literally only had 20 minutes but it was well worth it!

Laila

I'd like to introduce you to my new family addition! She's the sweetest, cutest, most mishievous little baby girl and I LOVE her to bits! I never thought I'd like a small dog (never mind 'teacup' size). I mean, what can you do with something so small??? But I got her from a family who was never home. They got her when she was 9 weeks and, due to their schedule, they'd be gone up to 14 hours leaving this poor little baby by herself. The moment I heard that I called and said I was on my way to pick her up. Within hours I had this precious little doll in my hands. So what can I do with something so small? Love her with all my heart!

Seahawks!

Football season has begun and I'm so EXCITED! I've been traveling quite a bit and have only been able to go to one of the Seahawks games. But I have watched most of them on TV in whichever city I happen to be in at the time. I'm quite embarassed by my team's performance last Sunday... that was painful! But did you see Monday Night's game between Dallas and Buffalo?!? I had just checked into my hotel room at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC and quickly turned on the game. That was insane!

"Once"

Once in a while a movie comes along that is so pure that it reverberates into your very soul, bypassing the walls and filters created by today's violent, sex-oriented and anti-social society. "Once" is that movie. A musical by rights, it also tells a very heart-felt story of two artists who fall in love but in a very gritty and 'real' way (a 'chic flick' it is not). I LOVED this movie!

The Gorge

Oh my! I can't believe it's the middle of August... Summer is almost over. I've been shooting almost every day and haven't had a chance to keep up with my blog. I have so many fabulous stories about my couples and their weddings and I promise to show those to you as soon as I can! That being said, I actually had a chance to go away in the middle of the week for some camping! I haven't been camping in almost 25 years and have been dying to go for years. We went an hour past The Gorge in Washington State. I did some wakeboarding and even some surfing! Check it out: (please don't laugh too hard at my attempt...)

The Four Seasons, Whistler

This past weekend Anita & Gilbert said their vows at the new Four Seasons Resort in Whistler. It is not only a gorgeous hotel with refined detail and a well-kept garden courtyard, but the service was impeccable! They cleaned Anita's dress and got all the excess wrinkles out the night before and even repaired her veil when her fiance accidentally stepped on it the day of the wedding!
Litsa, the coordinator, made sure every moment of the day went smoothly and that all the pieces came together flawlessly. For anyone considering Whistler as their wedding destination, I highly recommend contacting the Four Seasons!
Anita & Gilbert were so happy and content... and it shows in their imagery. We were able to take advantage of the grounds as well as the trails across the road (for a little added 'wilderness' setting to offset the luxurious setting of the resort).

BC Children's Hospital

BC Children's Hospital is a place very close to my heart. Every year the hospital receives up to 80,000 little patients who need care, as well as a place to feel safe while away from home. I can't imagine what it would be like for a child to be placed in a cold, unfamiliar room surrounded by, or hooked up to scary-looking machines. Or a parent watching their child endure such sadness, fear and unpleasantness. BC Children's Hospital Foundation ensures that each child is given the best possible care - including a place where they can play, learn, laugh and grow - through fundraising and donations.
I was very fortunate last weekend to be able to donate my time at the annual BC Children's Hospital Telethon hosted by Global TV (June 2 & 3). They raised $14,688,536 during the 20th annual Miracle Weekend! This is just one of the ways I have given to BC Children's Hospital. For every child or family portrait session, I donate 10% of my profit to the Foundation. If you would like to help, please visit www.bcchf.ca. Check out all the great things they do!

Granville Island

Rain. I LOVE the rain! The air smells so much fresher, the leaves become so much greener, the sound of it against the roof relaxes and calms me.

Unfortunately, photographing in it is completely different.

Very rarely (if ever) do any of my couples (especially my brides) want to be outside in it when we're photographing... and understandably so.

However, last week I had scheduled several engagement shoots. I had emailed each of my couples the day before and warned them that it would rain the next day and asked if they wanted to postpone. Each of them said "absolutely not!" In that instant I got really excited! Finally! I get to do some really creative things in the rain! I was picturing my couples sopping wet, hair stuck to their faces and water droplets rolling down their cheeks! How romantic! I couldn't WAIT!

I suggested Granville Island because there are quite a few undercover sections (including under the bridge itself). Fortunately for my couples they remained dry while set against some fun and interesting backdrops. Interestingly enough, the rain even stopped! All of them had so much fun! They were such great sports about getting out in the cold and miserable dampness.
Unfortunately for me, I didn't get the shots I wanted of my couples sopping wet... but this is Vancouver... it's only a matter of time. All I need is another couple who are willing to take a chance and do something completely different! ... any takers out there?...

Serbian Wedding

Dijana & Steven's wedding was by far, the most celebrated wedding I've ever been to! Family and Friends danced from sun up to way past sun down to the traditional music of their homeland - Serbia. A 5-piece Serbian band was flown in from Arizona and lit up the streets of Vancouver while the Serbian flag fluttered in the wind among them.

What struck me the most about this wedding was the bond and connection with both families and the love, respect, acceptance and joy each and every one of them gave to one another. They even included me as part of the 'family'! I went home that night feeling so "full" and happy.

Dijana and Steven - You have given me such a precious gift! Thank you for letting me be a part of your day!

CountDown Events

Stephanie and Matthew had an AMAZING day thanks in large part to the incredible women at CountDown Events! Nathalie had everything under control.
Stephanie was calm and elegant in her dress from Something Blue and pink studded shoes from Louis Vuitton. They were so CUTE! If ever a bride wants to do something unique, a colourful pair of shoes on her feet can be so much fun instead of the traditional white.
As usual, Hotel Vancouver hosted a breathtaking event and served delicious fare. And, of course, Colin of Upright Decor created a magical atmosphere in the ballroom.

Lake Tahoe

I love my career and I cherish the wonderful people I've met in the photography industry. I'm always inspired by the many talented people out there and have worked with some of the best. They are not only artists but they are truly giving, caring and self-less people and I've had so much fun with them! Every now and then I still am surprised... I just received this email from a photographer in Lake Tahoe:

I am a photographer in the Lake Tahoe area. Your work and presentation is so.....deep and emotional....you just don't come across that every day. I really appreciate your style and your work and all that you put into it...the energy transfers!.....
sincerely,
gina munda

I was so overjoyed that someone would write to me out of the blue with such kind words that I called Gina right away. Her work is also very intimate and emotional and we've decided that we must get together and do some shooting. Please check out Gina's site - www.ginamunda.com

Mother's Day

I had an incredible Mother's Day with my Mum. It lasted several days! Sunday I woke up after an exhausting shoot on Saturday and took my Mum out for brunch at Cafe Crepe on Granville Street (one of my Mum's favourite breakfast places). If you've never been there you HAVE to go! The Americano is divine, the service is par excellence and the variety of crepes you can get are 4 pages long!

After Brunch I took my mom for a manicure and pedicure at Bella Nails on West Boulevard in Kerrisdale (5777 W Boulevard, 604-269-9188). It may not have been one of the finer spas we all know in Vancouver but I have never been any place that takes better care of you, does a better job AND the price is reasonable. They all know me by name every time I walk in.

Once Mum was relaxed and beautified, I took her to my favourite Steak place for dinner. 4 days later, I'm sending her off for a 2 week sun-filled vacation to the Bahamas.

My Mum is the best Mum in the world. She has blessed me with her love, understanding, acceptance and generosity all my life and continues to be my rock.

I love you Mummy!

Las Vegas

Although it has been almost 2 months, I'm still reeling from the Photographer's convention in Las Vegas this past March. I had so much fun catching up with my fave photogs and running out between seminars to capture some images with them! A bunch of us went down to a dry lakebed in the middle of the desert to test different ideas and techniques.
I love to 'play' and experiment and try new things! I always prepare my couples and clients that I'll be trying something different - it may work, it may not. But we'll have fun and inevitably they LOVE them!

Jericho Beach

Tina and Paul called me from London, England late last year to inquire about my availability for their wedding in September here in Vancouver. Tina and I had talked on the phone like we had known each other for years! She was so much fun! They ended up booking over the phone and only last month did I meet them in person for the first time! We went to Jericho Beach to take some pictures of the two of them while Tina's family looked on. The whole family was just so amazing! I've never seen any family so close and so loving! It was just a natural progression to get them ALL in there.
Here's one of the girls (Tina's sister, mom, and Tina)
Now look at Tina and her fiance... pretty steamy!

Happy Birthday... to ME!

I LOVE my birthday! It's a day to celebrate the gift of Life God has given me. I woke up to brilliant sunshine streaming through my bedroom window and a German Chocolate Cake served to me by my amazing, loving man for breakfast.

I was treated to a day of spa pampering - massage, facial, pedicure... and some other wonderful gifts!
My wonderful, amazing, loving man then took me to my favourite steak house and we had a bottle of our favourite red wine - Caymus Select. I'm so blessed!
I thank God every day for all the blessings He has given me. Every morning during my run I reflect on all of God's creation and all the beauty in this world. Every day I thank Him for all the people in my life who love and care for me and all the gifts He has given me. And I thank Him every year on my birthday for giving me the gift of Life.

Stephanie & Matt

Spring is here but it's still so cold! Every now and then I get a fleeting glimpse of summer then a cool breeze comes along and reminds me we still have a little while to go. Although I'm sure it's going to be a beautiful day for Stephanie & Matt. They have amazing plans for their wedding next week. Soha and Nathalie from CountDown Events are in charge so I'm excited!


Stephanie & Matt are a GREAT couple and I had a lot of fun bringing them out of their shell. It took a little coaxing and coaching (and a few sneaky tricks) to stop them from staring at my lens but by the end they were completely in control of the camera! Stephanie became a 'natural' and Matt... well... Matt kept me in stitches and a lot of fun was made at his expense - you're a ham Matt!