It was a chilly that afternoon but all the kids did so well. Not one complaint about the cold. I was impressed especially since I was chattering behind the lens. The kids even did an outfit change. Outside. in. the. cold.  I’m such a sissy when it comes to the cold. Those kids got extra points in my books that day. Speaking of an outfit change Trevor is a huge sports fan so of course it was only natural that we took a photo of everyone in a jersey. Forgive me Trevor but I don’t know if they were football or hockey jerseys. I think those particular  photos is a true Kempner family photo. I love it! I’m sure Ginny would say different.

Thanks again Trevor and Ginny for having me back to photograph your family.

Enjoy!

When I met with Leigha to discuss her session I found out she was scheduled for a c-section. I was a bit nervous as I’d never shot a c-section birth before and knowing I wouldn’t be let into the OR I wasn’t quite sure how documenting the arrival of her little one would go. I think it turned out wonderfully. I may not have been able to capture the birth but I was able to capture the sweet moments of Everleigh meeting her older sisters, grandmas and friends for the first time.

I returned a week later to meet up with Leigha’s family at home to take some newborn and family photos. Please watch the slideshow below.

Enjoy!
*Please note: the first few photos in the slideshow are courtesy of Dad and hospital staff as I was not allowed in the OR for obvious reasons.

Enjoy the slideshow!

Click here to view the embedded video.

I’ve been trying to avoid writing this post for far too long. I can’t procrastinate any longer (even though it is my middle name). We’re going to be starting a new year soon and I want to start it with a fresh new start.

A few months ago I was faced with a big decision to make. I wasn’t sure if it was the best decision, but something was stirring in my heart  and I knew I had to acknowledge it. I weighed the pros and cons and prayed that the decision was the right one because it  would greatly effect my business, my family and my happiness.

I have decided that I will no longer be photographing weddings.

Photography has always been something that interested me. When I was 16 I fell in love with a photo I saw in a LIFE book. I wanted to be that person behind the camera capturing that raw, deep emotion.  I never thought it was something I could per sue. I thought it was just an art-form that I would have to admire from afar. To make a really long story some what short, I bought a camera, took classes.

The path that I took  to become a wedding was an unusual one. I began second shooting for a friend that is a wedding photographer. When we spoke of my interest in photography and recent purchase of a DSLR she invited me to shoot with her. She loved shooting weddings and wanted me to experience the same joy and satisfaction she had and I quite enjoyed it! I really do love weddings.  Whether it’s attending as a bridesmaid, a guest or photographer I enjoy sharing in the day when two people in love commit themselves to each other ‘til death do them part.

When we moved back to Kelowna it seemed only right to start up my own business as a wedding photographer. Since being back we have added another child and a dog to our family. To say life is busy is a bit of an understatement.

I started my own business and away I went. Fast forward to today. I’ve met a lot of clients and wonderful peers. A common question I get asked is, “how do you do it with 4 kids?” I smile, shrug and might give credit to my husband, having good kids. But the truth is I have no idea how I mange to run a photography business, be a full-time mom, wife, friend etc.  What I do know is that I’m not running it as successfully as I would like to and I’m starting to feel like the effects of it and it spill over to other areas of my life and I hate this feeling. I admire the other moms who can stay up late all night editing  and then look after their kids the next day. I just can’t do it. It’s not fair to my kids to deal with mean, cranky mommy because I was up late working. They deserve better than that because they are my first priority. But then there’s the financial hit our family takes by not doing wedding photography. Is it worth it? I don’t know. I do know, I want to be happy, I want my kids to be happy so if that means I need to cut out what’s stressing me  or change my focus then I’m willing to do it.

Don’t get me wrong this was a hard decision to make. I enjoyed shooting weddings but I didn’t LOVE it. I mean live it, breath it-always looking for new ways of doing it kind of LOVED it. I always made sure to give my clients 100%. I tried to give them the best customer service possible. I’m a huge advocate of excellent customer service. I think that’s were working in the retail and service industry for 10yrs. comes into play. But it comes down to what truly makes you happy? It feels weird to turn down weddings for next year but I know I’m making the right decision for me, my sanity and my family. Maybe when my kids are older and they’re all in school I’ll return to it. Maybe not.

During this whole journey I have found something that makes me really happy in terms of photography. Something that gets me giddy, and stirs something up in me like no other project has and it’s Birth Photography. I think it draws me back to that image I saw in that LIFE book many years ago. The raw yet tender emotions that is documented during a birth is something so special to me that I have a terrible time putting into words. Forgive me if this doesn’t make sense. All this to say that I will now be focusing birth photography.

I’m still open to second shooting weddings.  I’ve had the privilege to second shoot with some pretty fantastic photographers in the Okanagan and I hope I still get the opportunity to continue second shoot with many more. So any photographers out there that needing a second shooter than I’m your gal. Like I said before, who doesn’t love going to weddings?

To all my past clients: thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to photograph your weddings. It’s not a job I took lightly and deemed it an honor to be able to photograph your special day.

To my current client: I will still be posting your weddings once you have all received your disc. Keep checking back.

On this blog I will post my recent weddings and family sessions until I am all caught up then it will probably look more like a family photography blog. I have to say that all my clients from this past summer have to be some of my favourites. I can’t wait to blog their images. If you want to check out my Birth Photography blogsite take a look here: http://kelownabirthphotography.com/

Thank you all for understanding and support. I look forward to this next journey in our lives. Bring it on 2012!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Stay tuned more of her coming up soon!

Sarah and Garnet I hope you are enjoying your European Honeymoon. Eat some bread and cheese for me!

More to come soon!

Well to make a long story short Miriam was the perfect first client. Her labour was so fast. I was so impressed at how she handled each contraction. On of my favorite moments was when she was telling me a story about what she was doing earlier on in the day suddenly a contraction came on, she worked through it and then once it was over she picked up in the story where she left of. There is no way you would have caught me doing that. I didn’t want to talk at all during my labor and if you tried I’m sure you got THE LOOK. Miriam was a pillar of strength. And I can’t forget Rob. He was such an attentive husband. Payed close attention to Miriam at every second. It was so sweet. The moment I cried was when Rob saw Kaian for the first time and tears welled up in his eyes. He had that look. Moms, you know what I’m talking about. The look your husbands get when they see your baby for the time. *SIGH*

Ok, enough of my rambling. I could go on about that evening. Don’t forget I’m offering 3 free birth photography session so please contact me if this is something you would like to do before the spots fill up.

Here are just a few photos of sweet baby Kain’s birth. Don’t forget to check out the newborn session that Daniela did. Check it out here.

Stay tuned for the slideshow!

Simone

Here are just a few of my favourites.

Enjoy!

Enjoy a few of my faves.

When Melanie contacted me to photograph her birth I have to say I was extremely nervous because we pretty much run in the same circle. It’s always nerve-wracking photographing another photographer or someone who in the same line of work but once I got to the hospital all nervousness that had been built up were gone and I couldn’t wait to document their little ones arrival. Melanie’s labor was the quietest labor I’ve attended. The whole vibe in the room was so calm. You could really feel Melanie’s inner strength shining through as she stayed focus on pushing her little baby out. Tim was also great. He was always at Melanie’s side keeping his focus all on his wife. It was so sweet to watch. Melanie’s mom and sister were also in the room too and as I watched Melanie’s mom be a support for her daughter I quietly hoped I could have that same experience with my girls when it’s their turn. There was such a great family bond in that room. It was so great to a part of.  For Melanie’s first baby, Piper sure came quickly.  I had expected to be there for the long haul but as I got back in my van I realized i was only there for a few hours. I tell you Melanie is one tough lady.

Thank you and Melanie and Tim for allowing me to photograph Piper’s arrival.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here are just a few of my favorites!