Redhanded Photography Blog

[events: Suzanne's Bridal Shower.]

2012-01-26T16:07:00.000-08:00

This weekend, we're adding a member to the family.

My hubby's bro is getting married to the lovely Suzanne and this past Sunday all of us "sisters" threw her a bridal shower. You may remember this couple from THIS shoot and THIS one too ...

My sis-in-laws are incredible. Both are extremely talented and have such a vision for details. I, on the other hand, simply like to take the images of all their hard work *grin* ...

It was held at my mom-in-law's home ... and, in true Italian fashion, there was a lot of food. Skewers of bocconicini, grape tomatoes and a basil leaf, cups of fresh cut veggies with dip at the bottom ... there was cannelloni, marinated pork tenderloin, salad and yummy treats of home-baked cupcakes, meringues with cream and raspberries and a table full of bakery delights.

It wasn't a surprise ...

My one sis, Silvia, owns a party store called "Party On" ... she is dang good at what she does - and if you ever need any party supplies or help ... she's the one to call.

It was an afternoon of both sides getting to know each other, and celebrating the joy of having Suzanne in our family ...

We had a sit down lunch ... no body wanted to mess the table up, though *grin*.

My mom-in-law ... isn't she the cutest?? You'd never make another lasagna again if you tried hers. I've been married for 13 years and have NEVER made one. Why would I? She'll make us hers, any time. And it's perfection *grin*.

There were gifts ... lovely gifts.

Suzanne and her girls had gone to the gun range ... those things in this special box? The bullet casings *grin*.

... the perfect apron.

And slippers that dust hardwood floors *laughing* ...

I actually didn't get to stay for the entire thing *blush*. I had another appointment I needed to be at that evening, so I missed out on some of the fun ... boo. But I know that every girl there had a wonderful time, left well fed and had sore cheeks from smiling so much *grin*.

And I for one am REALLY excited about the wedding on Saturday. I will be photographing the civil ceremony - a small, intimate gathering. And then I get to party it up for their reception downtown, and be a "guest" ...

Joele. Suzanne. You've chosen well ... and I can't WAIT for you two to make the cutest Italian/Chinese babies EVER *grin*.

For all enquiries, please head over to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch." Thanks!

[iheartfaces: By the Book.]

2012-01-23T13:06:00.000-08:00

I'm not a prop girl ...

Man, there are photographers out there who do it top-notch. Me? I find it tricky to stage things and make them look ... honest.

Ah well ... I'll keep working at it *grin*.

But, for this week's "I Heart Faces" competition, the theme was "By The Book" and an image ACTUALLY came to mind. Probably because it's the only photo that I've ever taken with a book *blush*.

This little bundle was prayed for, for almost a decade. And when she arrived - her parents rejoiced and believed that God came through for them in a magnificent way.

She is already resting on His promises.

To see other fantastic entires, please head to the I Heart Faces site HERE.

For all my regular readers - and the new ones too - please take a moment to check out THIS POST for how you could WIN a Nicole Roberts Design cowl scarf by sending me your VOTE!! I've entered a small photo contest, and this voting section is the PEOPLE'S CHOICE - and I need your vote :-)! You must vote and leave a COMMENT on THIS POST to be eligible to win! Thanks so, so much!

[engagement: Aaron & Emma.]

2012-01-23T11:46:00.000-08:00

Every time I talk about these two, I feel the need to have a disclaimer *grin*. See ... this was not an engagement session ... it was a family-session, and it just happened that a family member was engaged.

But I LOVE couple pics. So I asked if I could take a few of them ... so. Please don't confuse this with any "official" engagement pics that they have done or will do ...

Ok. Enough of the disclaimer ... here's Aaron and Emma.

*siggggggh*

Aren't they lovely?

This photo makes me smile because I kept asking the family to move out of the shot, but they kept creeping back in. On purpose *grin*.

Emma's a model. Like, a real one *grin*. So she played beautifully in front of the camera. But I assure you ... she wasn't pretending.

And how brave were they? I mean ... imagine - the entire family standing behind me ... chirping and jeering. These two handled it like pros ...

So, yeah.

That's Aaron and Emma. And our 7minute photoshoot *grin*. Thanks, you two, for letting me snap these. You really are ... lovely (hmmm ... I need to start increasing my vocab, I think).

AND ... if you HAVEN'T vote for a chance to WIN of FREE cowl scarf from Nicole Roberts Design. I would love to have your vote - so please follow the CONTEST RULES HERE. Someone has to win ... it might as well be you :-). (If you're from far, far away ... I'll mail it *grin*!!).

For all enquiries, please head to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch." Thanks!

[contest: Who Wants to Win?]

2012-01-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

CONTEST. CONTEST. CONTEST.

I'm having a contest and YOU can WIN too!! I really, really need your help. And I know - it's a pain ... it's not something that you probably would like to do ... but I'm going to be brave and ask with a heartfelt "PLEEEEEASE."

See, I entered a photo contest. A real one. With real prizes ... like a new camera *eek*. And, like, a bucketload of photography gadgets and gizmos.

Oh how I would LOVE to win ... something. *grin*.

So ... my images entered are being judged by professionals in their categories, BUT there is a "People's Choice" award. And I'm a bit behind. See, I just entered last night. There are a few photos that are way ahead of my "3" votes *blush*.

Would you? Please??

Here are the images that have already received votes:

and this one:

BUT, if my readers could ban together and JUST VOTE for the SAME image (the first one has the best head start) ... that would be SO great. Please choose this one:

SO. Here's what I need you to do:

1. Head to this link: http://rangefinderweddingcontest.com/bin/Rate

2. Then you need to click "VOTE" under the image. At that point, they will ask for an EMAIL ADDY to verify your vote. Each email addy only gets ONE vote ... I know this is a pain - but if you happen to have a garbage email like I do (one that I use for junk mail and logins), then would you mind?

3. Once you give your email addy, you need to then go to that email's inbox and VERIFY. Click the link in the email - and it'll send you STRAIGHT to the voting page. There, pick the RedHanded Photography image shown above.

That's it. You only get ONE vote ...

And as a "Thank You", one of you will WIN a SCARF by Nicole Roberts Designs!! That's right ... the coveted scarf in OATMEAL. A little preview ...

How can you win?? Simple ...

1. VOTE for my image HERE

2. JOIN my "RedHanded Photography" FaceBook Page HERE

3. JOIN Nicole's "Nicole Roberts Designs" FaceBook Page HERE

4. TWEET about this contest on your Twitter by clicking the "T" link at the bottom of this post.

5. CLICK the FACEBOOK link at the bottom of this post and MAKE THIS POST your STATUS.

4. LEAVE A COMMENT here on this site, letting me know that you VOTED & JOINED, CLICKED & TWEETED. If you're already a member of those sites, let me know :-)).

A winner will randomly chosen FROM THE LIST OF COMMENTS ON THIS POST and will be announced on FEBRUARY 1st, 2012.

AND if you're NOT local ... no worries. I will SEND you the scarf :-))).

YAY!

Oh boy ...

I do love contests.

Good luck, and THANK YOU.

[family: Hank, Annette & The Gang.]

2012-01-18T08:54:00.000-08:00

There are a couple of organizations that I've donated my services to - a small way that I can help raise funds for their events. Annette bid and won the photography session I donated to LCS back in the fall of 2010. Now, due to circumstances, we were unable to get the session in before the expiry date of October 2011 ... but with some of her family being in school back east - well - I had to make an exception *smile*.

I'm so glad that I did.

We met at a location that had a large enough "under cover" area, should it have decided to rain like the weatherman had been threatening. But it didn't ... and so - the world was our oyster. Well. At least the park was *wink* ...

Meet Hank and Annette, a really wonderful couple. And let me just say - I LOVE this about my job. Taking photos of couples who haven't had their pics taken in years ... I know that for me, 13 years after we have said our "I dos" - photos are STILL important. Our society tells us that beauty is in youth, that looking a certain way - or posing like a rockstar - is how we'll want to be remembered and look back at our lives.

I just don't think so ... I think this couple are incredibly beautiful beyond words. They must have such wisdom, in that their family shone in friendship and love. These images show who they are ... and it excites me.

Ok ... I'm getting ahead of myself here ... but I just had to throw that in.

Again. Hank and Annette ... *smile*.

Most times, it's the mom who really wants the photos taken. And most husbands simply show up - and they know that this is going to make their wife very happy. Hank knew just that ... and did exactly as he was supposed to for those 60minutes ... what a good man *grin*.

Their four kids ... they're far from dull. Each one, full of personality and self confidence. I didn't even need to guide them, really. I was never quite sure what they were going to do next.

Levi, the youngest ... does a mean dinosaur. *grin*

Hanah ... she's not afraid to do the ridiculous ... and when you're this beautiful, nobody minds.

Derek? Every time I went to take the photo, I had to snap at least three pics to make sure I got at least one semi-serious one ... *grin*.

And Aaron? ... why, he was smitten with Emma. But more on that later ...

The truth is, I had to keep these guys busy or else they'd find something to do on their own. Like planking on the bleachers. You know ... normal stuff *grin*.

Yes ... they had so much fun with each other - egging one another on, just playing around. It almost made me wish I would've stuck it out for my own fourth kid. ALLLLLmost.

And Hanah is not going to be the "lone" girl for much longer. Aaron and Emma are engaged and it's just so lovely ...

Emma's already "family". It was obvious.

... and then ... of course. The random "picking-Levi-up" stuff. *laughing*

Whatever I suggested, they were full-tilt on. I was dying as they stretched ...

And Emma kept cheating *grin*. Smart girl.

I just love it when parents let their kids be who they are. Hank and Annette didn't try for a moment to make this session "perfect". They just laughed with their kids. It was so great. They even helped with "puttin'-out-the-vibe" ... *grin*

I don't know about you ... but perfectly perfect photos don't always tell the true story. I think that's why this series of images gets me so pumped ... you really get a sense of WHO this family is. They're a real team, real friends ... you can't help but think they're doing something right for their family to be THIS great ...

Hank, Annette ... and the gang, THANK you. Really. For taking a chance on my little advert at the LCS auction ... for being willing to try and do pretty-much anything ... for making my job feel more like play than anything else.

Same time, same place next year?? *grin*

OH! And there are a few more pics that I'm going to be sharing ... kinda a "mini" engagement session. Well. It wasn't even really "mini". More like a mini-mini. But Aaron and Emma were so stunning, I have to share them on their own ... Please note that I am not their hired photographer, and these are not their official engagement pics ... They were just a few that I snapped and looooooved *smile*.

Come back for more of those :-).

For all enquiries, please contact me by heading to my RedHanded Photography page HERE and click "get.in.touch."

Thanks!

[family: Preview - Hank, Annette and the Gang.]

2012-01-17T15:24:00.000-08:00

I really am looking forward to sharing this session with you - and am thinking I'm going to do it in two parts. It was a family session - more on how this session came about later - but one of the "children" is engaged.

Children. Like how I used that word *grin*?

Anyway - I will do the full family-shoot ... and then I'm going to do a little "engagement" post. Please note ... this was NOT their engagement shoot (I am not their photographer), but rather they're just a few pics that I took of these two on their own.

I'd just like to separate it from the others ... I'm weird that way *grin*.

SO - *drumroll* - a little preview of this family ...

Ah yes.

So much to show ... come back soon!

For all enquiries, please head over to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch." Thanks!

[iheartfaces: Family Fun.]

2012-01-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

This week's photo challenged is "Family Fun". Um. I meet so many great families all the time ... how on earth would I pick??

Eeny. Meeny. Miny.

Moe.

This pic is one I actually just took last week with a family who was FULL of personality. Can you tell *grin*??

Yup. Definitely "family fun".

Thanks so much for stopping by, and for those who choose to leave a comment - THANK YOU - you made my day *grin*!! And hey, why not come and check out other fantastic entries by heading to the "I Heart Faces" site HERE.

For all enquiries, please head over to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch". Thanks!

[iheartfaces: Best Face Photo of 2011.]

2012-01-08T21:30:00.000-08:00

EEK. I didn't even see this coming.

And yet - I must be on the same page as I Heart Faces .., because I completed THIS POST on my "Faves of 2011" in December, and this image was my personal favourite ...

So. Needless-to-say, when I Heart Faces's challenge was titled "Best Face Photo of 2011" I didn't even go through my portfolio. Hannah was my choice *smile*.

To see other fantastic faces of 2011, head over to the "I Heart Faces" page HERE.

[engagement: Joele & Suzanne. Pt2. ]

2012-01-04T21:21:00.000-08:00

Joele. Suzanne. Part Two.

Did you see Part One? Oh, one of my faves for certain ... Yeah, yeah - I say that a lot. But I'm pretty invested in most clients - and these ones are no exception *grin*.

You met my bro-in-law and his fiance in my last post. And here's the post on the second location. Funny ... the first location was Joele's favourite, and Suzanne actually preferred the second. Glad I did both *grin*.

So ... from our first location, we hopped in our vehicles and headed about 5 minutes south to a little spot I had noticed the week before. I had told them to bring their boots *grin* ... it was murky, for sure.

I live in my boots when I take pics ...

I tossed down a blanket, told them to plant themselves down ... and started snapping.

I love this one ...

I love the way these two interact ... honestly, as I went through the massive amount of images I took, so-so-so many were full of spontaneous laughter. Truly.

... and genuine smiles.

... then, they'd try and be serious. Sensual. Models.

And then ... bursts of laughter. Again *grin*.

And sorry, Joele. She's so stunning, that most of the time my lens went straight to Suzanne *grin*. I can tease him about that ... after all, he's my bro.

You'd think they could find the blade of grass that I asked them to pull ... *laughing*. Nope. But it sure made for a great series of pics ...

I really couldn't go wrong with these two.

And when they were able to pull it together for a split second ... it was magic.

Actually. I think I just might ask for a "re-do" with these two. I mean ... now my head is full of ideas and locations ...

Maybe for a maternity shoot in the next five years *grin*??? (Joele's gonna hang me for that one ... )

Joele, Suzanne. YAY! Thank you for letting me be a part of this incredible time in our family's lives. I really feel like this was something small that I was able to do for you both, to let you know that you're loved and welcomed ... and *eek* ... I'm so excited for January 28th!

For all enquiries, please head over to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch". There is also information on packages and rates under "investment". Thanks!

[engagement: Joele & Suzanne. Pt1. Industrial.]

2012-01-04T19:30:00.000-08:00

Before I even start ... there needs to be some explanation on this one. Or maybe not, but I'd like to anyways *grin*. See ... a lifetime ago, I married Lu and he had a brother who was 9 years younger than him ... Joele.

I've almost been Joele's sister longer than I haven't been. Does that make sense?

So ... when Joele got engaged to Suzanne in 2011, our entire family was THRILLED and waited to hear of a "date". There were a number of reasons why they just couldn't get one nailed down, and so just before Christmas they decided ... January, 2012.

EEK! That's not a lot of time ...

Now, being the sis-in-law, I'm not the photographer for their actual wedding event. They wanted me to just be "family" and enjoy the day with them. Sooo sweet of them, but it would've been great either way *grin*!

But I did get brave and offer to do an engagement shoot with these two. They whole-heartedly said, "yes!" and we made it happen. I scouted out a couple of locations, with the idea of having two very different shoots with two very different wardrobes. I wanted one more edgy/urban/current ... and the other more cozy/calm/relaxed.

They gave me the thumbs up to that.

So ... without further a-do, let me introduce you to my bro-in-law, Joele and my new (yippee!!) sis-in-law-to-be, Suzanne.

She's fierce ... fiercely intelligent, fiercely funny, fiercely beautiful.

And Joele adores her.

I tried to get him to get in for a kiss ... and these two couldn't do it without a good chuckle. That's ok ... sometimes those moments make the best photos *grin*.

They really had no expectations ... were willing to do anything. They both said they were nervous - and felt that they weren't photogenic at all.

Um. REALLY?? I don't think so ...

Joele works with my father-in-law ... he's a man of many talents. Builder, framer ... he does renos like no-man's-business. In fact, he just finished my own parent's home reno. They were beyond thrilled. Just a little promo thrown in there *wink* ...

And Suzanne works at Virgin Radio after she did her schooling at BCIT in marketing management.

And together, they're magic.

Their January wedding will be simple and intimate. Their "party" will be held at Brix in Yaletown. It is going to be centred around great people and great food ... definitely a quality event *grin*!

I can hardly wait. And seriously ... as I'm typing this, my little guy just said, "... are they married yet?" And I replied, "... no, sweetheart. But soon. And she will be your Zia (Italian word for "auntie") forever."

He looked at me and said, " ... she's a really young Zia."

Trust me. I can't make this stuff up.

SO. That's the FIRST post. Yup. There has to be two. Why? Because I've only shown you bits of the first location ... so be sure to come back and see these two get cozied up in a field.

*grin*.

For all enquiries ... please head over to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch". Also - all pricing and packaging is on my site under "investment". Thanks!

[talk: The Best of 2011.]

2011-12-30T11:10:00.000-08:00

So ... I've been noticing that a lot of photographer's blogs have been dedicated to their "top 10 of 2011" or something like that.

I'm too afraid to do that *squinted eyes*. I mean, I don't want to offend any clients by not choosing from their photoshoot. And the truth is, I have a favourite from EVERY shoot.

So ... I decided to post my one fave in each category ... here 'goes ...

ENGAGEMENT: Zane & Tanya.

This couple is getting married in 2012 ... and we had a BLAST during their engagement shoot. Full of laughs and hot moments *grin*. My fave kind of shoot ...

WEDDING: Joel & Avin.

There were SO many great weddings this year, but this portion of the wedding shoot stood out to me. Bride, groom, and a car. Avin's legs went on forever, and Joel couldn't stop bursting into random songs ... a total highlight. And I like the pic too *grin*.

COUPLES: Brian & Oksana.

This Yaletown shoot made me LAUGH. We had so much fun ... wandering the streets of Vancouver, pretending we owned it. And I loved the chemistry between these two ... one of my faves, for sure.

FAMILY: The Pue Gang.

So ... this may not be the most creative pic, or candid to boot. There were some fantastic moments captured this year during the family shoots ... but this one stood out to me for one reason: I was told it would be impossible to have all three little guys look at the camera. But - I got it ... a sheer miracle *grin*.

MATERNITY: Sawyer Family.

Angie was willing to do anything ... and I was able to capture this shot of her with her two kids while her hubby looked on ... I love this concept and her children really made it work!

NEWBORN: Cindy with Jayce .... and Vanessa with Caleb.

Sorry. I had to choose two ... I just had to. A mom with her newborn does something to my heartstrings.

KIDDIES: Natalia.

I took so many pics of this little one this year ... and her most recent shoot proved to have my favourite kiddie image this year ...

And my fave image of 2011? Well ... after looking through every photo and feeling like I'm trying to choose which child I like best (as IF) ... I decided on this one. Why? Because there was nothing else like it ... and it was an honour to be chosen for this shoot ...

Fave Image of 2011: Hannah & Adrienne.

Yes ... so those were some of my favourite images from 2011. But I will tell you that I've just gone through my site here and been, like, "OH! I forgot that one ... and THAT one. Awe man, and thaaaaaat one. Shoot."

The Daveyduck shoot, the Bralovich shoot, the Melissa's Family shoot ... Ruthanne and her girls ... then there's the weddings, the newborn shoots ... list goes onnnn and on. Really, I'm feeling yucky that I can't choose them all.

So, thank YOU so much, so-so-much, for letting me be the one who you chose to capture these shots. I still can hardly believe that I get to do this ... to be creative, to meet fantastic people, to do something I love. I am so blessed ...

And I cannot WAIT for 2012. It's gonna be goooooood *grin* ...

For all enquiries, please head to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch." Thanks!

[talk: Merry Christmas.]

2011-12-29T20:46:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Oh. Is it over? Why yes, I guess it is.

Our tree is down, the Christmas village put away ... kids toys are in the process of being sorted through (notice I said "in the processsssss") ... and my bazillion photos are being uploaded for yet another bunch of pics to sort through.

And I am HAPPY about that.

December/January are pretty calm for me, which allows me to spend ample amounts of time on my personal stuff. Eek. That REALLY does make me happy.

I'm working on one project right now, finishing it up for the second week of January. And so, I thought I'd share my own family Christmas card with my RHP viewers ... just to hold you over for a bit *wink*.

Oh! And a photo that I can share now. I took a few family pics of them while we were away together for the weekend ... and my friend asked if I would hold-off in sharing this one until her Christmas cards were out. And yup ... Christmas is over, so I can share *grin*.

Here's their family pic:

And here's the front of my own family Christmas card for 2011. I love designing our Christmas card every year, I'm a bit of a fanatic about it. Photo courtesy of Matt Kennedy Photos ... thanks to him, I didn't have to bring out my tripod this year!

For all enquiries, please head over to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch." Thanks!

[kiddies: Natalia - First Birthday.]

2011-12-23T15:29:00.000-08:00

For the last year, little Natalia has become a special client. I've gotten to see her every 12 weeks (on the dot, right Nicole? *grin*) ... and have had the privilege of documenting her first year.

Natalia's parents were actually in a bit of a transition with their home, and so her mom made special arrangements for this shoot at a friends' house. It was her ACTUAL first birtdhay and Natalia was in good spirits, the lighting in the kitchen was perfect ... and so out came my camera.

Those EYES.

It wasn't terribly "Canadian Cold" outside ... so off to the front porch we went. And Natalia did really well ... until she realized she could crawl away *grin*.

So, mom Nicole came to the rescue - and I convinced her to get in for a few photos. As a mom of four - three boys and this little pink bundle - Nicole has her hands full. She handles it with such grace. And a big smile ...

Natalia was getting tired. Or bored ... hard to say which *wink*.

Then we headed inside for the "cake smash". Nicole made a perfectly-pink-and-purple butterfly cake ... it was super cute - and ready to be demolished.

But in true "girl" fashion, little Natalia daintily picked and tasted.

... not even a crumb.

Finally ... after some persuading ... she went for it. Well. In "girl-fashion".

Jeff, Nicole ... wow!! A whole year ... and I'm gonna miss seeing you and your family in twelve weeks time. Thank you SO much for trusting me with this project ... I had a great time making and capturing memories of your little girl.

Are you SURE you don't want any more?? *grin*

For all enquiries, please head over to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch." Thanks!

[family: Jason, Cindy & Jayce ... ]

2011-12-20T12:27:00.000-08:00

I love love love it when I get to document people's lives. First off, I feel like it's a bit of a "high-five". Secondly, I'm a relational-girl ... and seeing clients over and over again makes them more than clients ... it makes them friends.

That's how I feel about Jason & Cindy. You can see their engagement pics HERE, their wedding pics HERE, and their newborn pics HERE.

So ... they wanted some family pics done for Christmas. Now - due to some craziness at the end of November, we moved their shoot to December and that made things even crazier for me. BUT this couple is so good natured, and it all worked out so great.

We met in Yaletown, at the Roundhouse. It was a cold day, and baby-girl Jayce was NOT happy - poor little thing. But I started snapping away - and caught some great ones ...

It happens so often, and I just smile. Poor parents are dumbfounded when their good-natured-always-smiling baby turns into a puddle of tears during the shoot. If it's only for a few moments, I think it makes for some super-cute pics *grin* ...

But then ... a few tearless moments *smile* ...

We thought we would try and get some outside shots - but it was bitterly cold. Little Jayce was a trouper though ... almost 'til the very end *smile*.

... I love this one.

Cheeks touching ... and that LOOK on Jayce's face: priceless.

Jason, Cindy - thank you AGAIN for choosing RedHanded Photography. It's been more than a pleasure getting to know you both over the last 2 years ... and I'll look forward to another "bump" shoot one day *grin??

For all enquiries, please contact me by heading over to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch". Thanks!

[iheartfaces: Furry Faces.]

2011-12-12T09:30:00.000-08:00

Another week ... another contest.

This week's theme? "Furry Faces" ... and that was an EASY image for me to choose.

This little one was not much bigger than her family pet ... and so, so sweet.

Check out other entries at HERE.

Have a great one :-)!

[iheartfaces: 6th Place.]

2011-12-09T12:38:00.001-08:00

I'm so excited to have been awarded 6th PLACE in the "I Heart Faces: On Your Feet" contest with an image of my little girl's crinkly toes. There were over 500+ entries - so it's such a honour to be in the Top 10 this week!

And I took a look at a lot of the fantastic work that was submitted ... really inspiring and definitely worth checking out if you're into viewing different perspectives on the same subject.

Congratulations to all the entries and winners (you can click the "top 10 photo" link above to view the winners ...)... such a fun group to be a part of!

[engagement: Zane & Tanya.]

2011-12-07T13:28:00.001-08:00

Zane and Tanya. Tanya and Zane.

It has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? *grin*. Well ... if you know these two - you've been putting both names together for a looooong time ... since high school, in fact. And after years of dating, Zane finally popped the question this summer ...

She said, "yes". *wink*

Tanya emailed me immediately - lucky for me! And when I met these two, I knew we were going to be a perfect match. They booked an engagement session right away.

Originally, they had hoped to head to Grouse Mountain for their shoot ... but with their shift work and the ridiculously horrible fall weather, we ended up heading to Campbell Valley Park on a beautiful day and got right to it ...

"Where do I look? What do I do??" Zane wasn't totally sure about this ...

... but it didn't take long for him to get used to my lens being in his ... um. Face? *grin*

It was a perfect day ... and it was so easy to get these two to be relaxed with each other. Smiles were all over the place ...

Tanya is lovely, bubbly ... and stunning ... and truthfully, I can't WAIT to photograph her on her wedding day. Whenever I meet a bride, I get a picture in my head of what kind of dress she'll choose, how she'll wear her hair, what her shoes will look like. Oh, come on ... I'm a GIRL. That's what girls do *grin* ...

But this girl could wear a burlap sack and look like gold.

And Zane? SUCH a nice guy ... super easy going, and he is all about making his girl happy. Which is pretty easy to do - since she's happiest when he's around.

Getting these two to curl up together, wasn't a problem ...

Sometimes they made me blush *grin*. "Hey - I'm RIGHT HERE." *laughing*

Then we headed out of Campbell Valley Park, because I had seen the coolest path while I had driven by earlier that morning. They were game ... and I thought it looked magical.

Cozy. Dreamy. Love it.

Tanya. Zane. YAY!!! I love doing engagement shoots because it lets me know what I'm in for on the wedding day ... and man-oh-man, I cannot wait for your special day!! I had such a great time with you two; you made my job easy-peasy. Thanks for letting me be a part of your plans ...

For all enquiries, please head to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch". Thanks!

[I Heart Faces: On Your Feet.]

2011-12-04T21:50:00.001-08:00

This week's "I Heart Faces" contest is focussing on feet ... not faces *grin*. And once again I was scrounging around for possible pics I could enter. One of these days I should get it together and find out what the following week's entry is going to be ... and DO that photo. That would make sense, eh *grin*.

You may wonder why I enter this week in and week out ... with only one of my images receiving a "Top 10" award. Well, that's easy enough to answer *grin*. I do it because I think having my work critiqued will only make me better ... and having other photographers stop by my site to view what I've submitted, and possibly leave an encouraging word or two ... well, those are reasons enough for me ...

This week's entry was taken at a seaside cottage while my family was on a little weekend get-away with friends ... I love this pic. My little girls curled toes, her unfinished bottle between her fingers ... her head turned, making me believe she's spotted a whale off in the distance (which - she didn't ... but still *grin* ... ).

Hope you like it too ...

And to see all the other fantastic "feet" compositions, head over to the "I Heart Faces" site HERE. Or better yet ... just click this link:

... and for those who are able - thanks for your comments. I read them all and they are so appreciated!

[family: Kevin, Dawn & The Gang.]

2011-12-01T23:18:00.001-08:00

I am SO excited to share these images of this incredible family with you all ... all, being - well - the entire world *grin*.

My story with the B-fam started when I didn't even realize it, apparently. See, Kevin and I went to the same high-school - but he was a few years younger ... so, we didn't exactly run in the same "circles" *grin*.

He likes to make me feel bad about that ... *grin*.

But when he and his lovely family began attending our church after living back east for a while, our circles definitely crossed ... that being mainly with our mutual love for the Recovery Service at our church.

But enough of intros ... let's get to the pics. And here - the character known as Teagan. Full of personality ... all boy ... all "B-Fam". *grin*

... and the exceptional beauty, Taya. The older sis, the girl who arranges to tutor her classmates, the one taking voice lessons ... yup. She's lovely.

... siblings.

Then there's Dawn. I remember the very first time I met her at the church. I said to Kev, "yeah, I'd love to meet your wife" to which he put his hands out and said, "STAY HERE ... I'll be right back!" And as he dragged her over to meet me, her smile didn't waver. She's a hostess ... the best darn cheesecake-maker ever, and I'm pretty sure Kev would give her the "very-best-wife-in-the-world" award.

... and Kevin? A man who knows God and is always in pursuit of knowing Him more. He doesn't waver, and isn't afraid to call you on things if he has to. He's a husband, a father and friend.

... and they make a terrific team *smile*.

I had the shoot in their backyard ... and all over their property. So many cool spots, and Dawn was so eager to try just about anything ... but first - she wanted to make sure that she had a pic with each of her kids. Moms are known for making this happen *grin. After all, most find themselves beHIND the camera ...

When Dawn booked this shoot, we had this crazy idea of setting up her livingroom in the backyard ... "Really? You'll do it??" I asked. "Full on!!" she grinned. White leather couch and all ... much to Kevin's horror. After all, he was the furniture mover *grin*.

... and then, how fitting was it to have a pic on the roof of an old building on their property?? I mean ... Kev's in the roofing business so ... seemed pretty perfect to me. And Dawn? Scared out of her mind being up there *laughing* ... but look how calm and poised she looks!

Kevin, Dawn ... YAY for letting me do this!! Your family continues to grow in my heart and I am thankful to know you and be challenged by you - and how you always strive to seek His plan first .

Thanks for being the perfect models *grin*.

For all enquiries, please head to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch". Thanks!

[newborn: Hannah.]

2011-11-30T00:57:00.001-08:00

I had met Joel and Angie only a few weeks earlier, and am so glad that we had been smart and gotten their maternity shots done early ... because little Hannah was an eager-beaver and showed her pretty face to the world before her due date ...

I love a girl who's knows how to not be late *grin*.

So, now Joel and Angie were thrown into being a family of five - with Jakob and Rayah quickly adjusting to being the "big" siblings ... and Angie? She was in love with her newest little angel ...

Rayah took her job seriously ... but she couldn't help but laugh at the sounds and "stuff" that little Hannah would do. I don't think anything makes a child smile more than the sound of a diaper being filled *grin*.

Angie was game for anything ... and I love the bare-shoulder-with-newborn pose. It's natural, it's intimate ... and that little bum? Awe, man ... so teensy, so sweet.

Hannah was WIDE awake for the entire shoot ... a five-day-old EARLY baby ... awake! It was crazy - and Angie couldn't believe it ... Hannah was alert and acting like she'd done all of this before *grin*.

So, because she wasn't cooperating with poses and props, I simply chose to use her dad's loving hands to show her little-ness. These are some of my favourite newborn shots ever ...

... then Jakob and Rayah had to have their special photo taken too *smile*!

And at the very end of the shoot, we tried to get a family pic ... the kids were pretty much "done" ... Hannah was still wide awake ... and you know what? I love these pics ... it shows exactly what they were like ... the black and white one is my fave ... I love candid family shots.

Joel, Angie, what a pleasure to get to know you during these two shoots ... seeing you grow from four to five - and how quickly you made the adjustment ... so great. You have a beautiful family, and I pray much blessing and rest on your home ...

For all enquiries, please contact me by heading to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch". Thanks!

[iheartfaces: Bust A Gut.]

2011-11-28T10:10:00.001-08:00

Bustin' a gut ... they really are the best pics. And after going through almost every single image that I've saved to my "favourites" from 2011, I ended up deciding on this one ...

Casey & Christa waited 10 years for their little girl to arrive, and the JOY that they had during their first "family shoot" was contagious. Except little Christianna wasn't happy all of the time ... which made it even funnier *grin*.

For all of you in the "I Heart Faces" community - thanks for leaving the love, I appreciate it! And for everyone else, come check out other smiley-entries in this week's "I Heart Faces" challenge - click HERE.

[weddings: Garey & Chelsea.]

2011-11-27T20:19:00.001-08:00

As a little preface, I just want to say that both Garey and Chelsea are private people. They have agreed to let me share these images with you (namely those who come here to specifically to view images of people they know and love) - but they have had specific requests on what I was permitted to share online.

Because of this - there are images that I love from this session, that I cannot share. And that's ok *smile*. I just wanted to put that out there ... in case you were thinking that something "important" was missing from the images ...

Ok ... let's get started.

I went to Jr. High with Chelsea ... which is just so incredibly fantastic as this is my 2nd "Jr. High Friend" wedding I've done this fall ... Chelsea, Mat and I all classed together - and when her and Garey decided that they needed a photographer for her special day ... she emailed me.

Yay!

I met Garey and Chelsea at the newly renovated Rosewood Hotel Georgia in the heart of downtown Vancouver. It really was truly spectacular and I really, really loved seeing that Chelsea kept true to herself on this special day. I hadn't seen her in years, but she was as stunning and classic as I would have imagined her to have been ...

The ceremony was a civil service, dotted with personal touches such as a vocal jazz number and a special reading. It was not stuffy or formal - despite the perfect setting. Garey had no problem being witty and making his guests feel right at home, while Chelsea looked relaxed and calm.

I loved this. Both Chelsea and Garey had one of their grandparents sign as witnesses for them.

After the ceremony, Garey & Chelsea mingled with guests, while some chose to have a bite to eat at the fabulous spread laid out for them.

Garey, Chelsea and I - however - were chauffeured to a nearby alleyway. It was pouring with rain - and we didn't have much time at all. This lovely couple really wanted to be with their guests, not parade around the city looking for new and inventive ways to have their photos taken. They simply wanted a few shots snapped, and then they wanted to head right back to the party ... after all - it was THEIR party *grin*.

So, after about 20 minutes, we headed back to the hotel - where Garey and Chelsea really wanted a city scape image taken with the hotel sign in the background. With their 40's inspired-style, I loved how they turned out ...

Then off to their reception ... The location was 5-star in both design and in quality. The food was exceptional and it was obvious that the guests were thoroughly enjoying the party that the bride and groom were hosting.

The hired music was also brilliant ... and it didn't take long to get the kiddies out on the dance floor. But first ... a father/daughter dance. And a mother/son dance ...

Chelsea, Garey ... what an honour to be included in such a fabulously planned day. It was so personal and full of love. And even despite the rain - it all worked out perfectly. I'm certain you'll look back on this day, knowing it really was ... perfect.

Thank you for letting me be a part of it (insert cheering here ...). *GRIN*.

For all enquiries, please contact me by heading to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch." . Thanks!

[family: Carson, Brenda & The Gang ... Pt.2]

2011-11-17T16:23:00.001-08:00

... Part 2.

Where was I? Ah yes ... the whole gang. Carson and Brenda wanted a photo with the boys. Seemed simple enough *grin*. And with those cute faces - how could you go wrong? Grandparents and grandkids - a truly fantastic thing. The joy that grandchildren bring ... so huge. You can see it all over Carson and Brenda's faces ...

(meanwhile ... )

Then ... a mom and her daughters. Daughters from different mothers, but daughters just the same. Honestly, what a gift to have her sons choose so well ... All I ever hear is how highly respected Brenda is ... how incredible she is. Really. I'm not making this stuff up *grin* ... her children have "risen up and called her blessed."

And the men. For everyone who has three boys - this is what you have to look forward to. A brotherhood, a camaraderie. I think it's such a great thing ... To raise three boys who have such discernment, strength of character and wit - speaks so highly of their father-figure. Carson's done a bang-up job ...

Brenda with her boys ... this actually gets me teary-eyed.

Carson with his boy's girls *grin* ... Oh how he loves them.

Well ... despite all the fun pics that were taken, the whole purpose of this shoot was to get one good group shot. No pressure *wink* ... especially with three little boys ... and three big boys *grin*.

See what I mean *grin*? JERE.

And then? The money shot ...

To the entire Pue clan ... THANK YOU. So glad to have been chosen ... so glad to have gotten to spend time with you all together.

For all enquiries, please head to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch." Thanks!

[family: Carson, Brenda & The Gang ... Pt.1]

2011-11-16T16:45:00.001-08:00

That's right. Part One. I haven't even started this post, and I know it's going to be too much to show in one shot ... so - here 'goes.

Where do I start??

I've had the privilege of taking family pics within this family HERE ... a maternity shoot HERE, a newborn shoot HERE and HERE ... Yeah. I like this family ... And for a gift to their Mom and Dad, the whole gang pitched in to get some much-needed family photos ... and I was asked to help out.

Carson & Brenda are the NEATEST people. They've raised three incredible men (yeah, yeah, I said "men" not "boys" *grin), two of which have started their own families ... and the third? They're all waiting *wink* ...

Carson & Brenda love each other ... respect each other. They are known for their wisdom and their love for laughing ... those three boys must have some great stories to tell of growing up in their home *grin* ...

Their two eldest boys have families of their own ... boys, boys and more boys. All with strong Irish names and leader-personalities to boot. They are going to grow up to be incredible men ...

... what this family will do to make Mac smile *grin*.

And their youngest, Jon? Come on, Jon ... her finger's lookin' and little bare *grin*.

Then there are the grand kiddies. All so striking with their good looks ... Now little Liam is so bang-up with personality, you can see the sparkle in his eyes a mile away. He was mighty interested in my camera ... at first *grin*. Got right up close ...

Then I attempted at getting a group of the boys together. Notice I said, "attempted" *GRIN*.

So I opted to wide angle it a bit ... Liam wasn't all that interested in my camera anymore *grin*.

And Landon ... handsome Landy ... Those eyes are gonna get you any girl you want *grin*.

And Mac ... just starting to walk, almost a year old - and already trying to keep up with his big-boy cousins, and he loves his Auntie Kristin ...

But then all three boys stayed still for a ... split second *grin*. But poor Mac was just about done.

So ... then there were two *grin*.

I have a WHOLE other post I'm working on ... family group shots and some candids. So make sure you come back to see what's coming up soon ... I'll be sure to let you know *wink*.

For all enquiries, please head to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch". Thanks!

[family: Lisa and her Kiddies ... ]

2011-11-14T21:47:00.001-08:00

Many photographers have a way that they "give back" and I when I started my business I wanted to do the same. I believe that everyone deserves great photos, and I believe it's almost even more-so true for single parents. Single parents who do their job, and do it well - amaze me. One way I'm able to honour them, is by giving a single-parent discount to those who are raising their children on their own.

So - meet a fantastic mom that I had the pleasure of meeting recently ... Lisa. And before I get to the photos - let me just say that her kids were simply amazing. They were polite, obedient and Lisa had a quiet strength about her that earned their respect without her having to demand it.

Isn't she lovely?

We met just a few blocks away from my house - and it was a not-a-cloud-in-the-sky kind of a sunny day. Lisa had a few ideas that she wanted - and I got right to work.

I love taking "candid-style" images ... I love the way a mother looks at her child. I love capturing that - so that the child can actually SEE it. Her kids will always be able to look at these images and know how their mother feels about them ....

Lisa - what a pleasure it was to be chosen to capture your beautiful family with my camera. You are an incredible mom, doing an incredible job ...

For all enquiries, please head to my RedHanded Photography site HERE and click "get.in.touch." Thanks!