Muddy Boots Photography

baby West

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:04:00 +0000

A new baby.

A new family.

The morning of this session, I realized that it'd been almost two years since a photographed a new family. That moment in life where two turns to three.

I loved it.

And I might've gone a bit crazy editing these images. I just couldn't stop. There was too much to love.

James and Laramie, I hope these images will always remind you of the birth of your sweet West... AND of the beginning of your life together as a family of three.

Ottawa Maternity Photographer ~Sneak Peak~

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:56:00 +0000

A quick sneak peak from Part I of a session I did yesterday... my first session back in my home and native land! Our original plan was to head down to Westboro beach, but 50 km/hr winds made us change our plans. It was cold and cloudy and grey and blustery and threatening to rain at any minute, but we still snuck outside to the backyard for a bit.

It was great to break the ice with this genuinely fun family.

Stay tuned for Part II...

Home! Sweet! Home!

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 21:02:00 +0000

We're coming home!

Our year here in Bogota is drawing to a close. We've made many friends, new memories... and also a new family member! It's been quite the year!

That being said, we couldn't be more excited to be coming (going?) home. Colombia is amazing but Canada will definitely always be home for us. We have a new house that I can't wait to set up and make memories in. We also can't wait to get back to our amazing friends who've we missed dearly this past year. And I have this wee business that's been on hiatus for the last year!

Our move to Bogota last year was so unforeseen and happened so quickly that I had to leave several clients in the lurch, needing to hire a new photographer, for some at the last minute. This time, I promise we'll be in the area for at least two years... so you all have two years to book a session with me! :)

As a "Welcome Me Back to Canada", I plan on putting together a special offer, but I still haven't decided what it will be... any suggestions?

And while I hope to add an availability calendar to the site sometime soon(ish), I'm not sure when that will be... what with an international move coming up and trying to entertain four kids in an empty house. For now I can say that I have ~~two spaces~~ one space open for the last week of September and then possibly two spots open the weeks in October following Thanksgiving. November onwards is wide open... for now!

If you'd like to discuss a session or have any questions, I can be reached at muddybootsphotography@live.ca.

a video {breastfeeding photography} Ottawa Gatineau Lifestyle Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:10:00 +0000

Over the past year, I've had the pleasure of photographing many sweet little newborns. Many of those sessions have included breastfeeding images... feeding the baby to calm/quiet/get them to sleep is ALWAYS part of a newborn session, so why not take advantage, right? Some of the resulting images end up being favourites of both mine and my clients.

For some nursing is natural and comes easily, and for others it can be a struggle and often is a sacrifice. Either way, I find the images documenting this bond and expression of love to be equally moving. A huge breastfeeding advocate myself, I love when the moms I'm photographing are as excited about these images as I am.

I know the quality of these little videos is a bit low, but please enjoy nonetheless.

Lila {newborn photography} Ottawa Gatineau Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:24:00 +0000

The video of Miss Lila and her family.

The images from the session are below in the previous post.

Lila {newborn photography} Ottawa Gatineau Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:38:00 +0000

My first photography session here in Bogota! And a sweet newborn girl, at that!

After all the baby boys I photographed last year, I really loved being able to photograph baby Lila and her family. Unfortunately it was a cold, rainy day here in Bogota and the house was a bit too chilly to make being undressed comfortable. Although we're in South America, we're also at over 9000 feet. When it's a cold, cloudy, rainy day it can really chill you through. Even though Lila would fall asleep each time she was wrapped up and nursed, no matter how carefully we unwrapped her, she always woke immediately screaming. Nonetheless, the session still resulted in some really beautiful, fun and special shots.

I love this one! (and check out the amazing purple couch!)

a few shots with Grandma

Nicolas is a very doting big brother

so pretty, Ana

another favourite

yawwwwwn!

am loving the perspective of this breastfeeding shot

a beautiful family

Thank you, Ana, for contacting me for this session. It was a wonderful way to get "back to work" here in Colombia.

Although we likely only have a few months left in Bogota before returning to the Ottawa/Gatineau area, I hope to have the chance for many more session before leaving.

And here's the video of our session.

Brad + Saffron + boys {family photography) Gatineau Ottawa Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:34:00 +0000

Another family session with some wonderful friends while in Regina over the summer. These two, Brad and Saffron, kind of define what it means to be a friend. Besides my family, they're some of the best things about Regina (some *coughcoughmyhusbandcough* may say "some of the ONLY good things" about Regina). The various friends we have "out west" certainly make the trip back worth while.

And so it was a huge pleasure to be able to spend some time photographing them. Even with the distraction of five other kids running around (and making certain little boys want to join them rather than sit still for pictures), we still managed to pull of some great shots.

my dear Saff, I don't know why you were nervous... you look AMAZING!

a little fall/scrape/being-tackled-by-one-of-my-ruffians... nothing dad can't fix

how cute are these two??

After the park, we all loaded up and headed to local ice cream/candy shoppe, Dessart. The ice cream was delicious, but the darkening sky and orange overhead lights made these pictures a bit tricky to edit. We'll have to head back some time when the light is better, since the shoppe is so fun and colourful.

I love how intense their conversation looks!

ice cream face

We sure miss you guys and CAN'T WAIT to see you all again in spring.

Geoff + Teresa + kids {family photography) Gatineau Ottawa Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 02:19:00 +0000

While in Regina this summer visiting family, I was lucky enough to find time to fit in a few family photography sessions. This next session is with some friends from high school. After spending some time taking pictures in their backyard, we headed to a nearby park to meet friends so the kids could all run around (while they weren't needed), and then to a local ice cream and candy shoppe. A great night with wonderful friends.

I know the focus is a bit soft in some of the following shots... I'd just gotten a new prime lens and was seduced by its f1.8 aperture and shot a bit too wide open. That being said, I'm still in love with so many of these images... and the lens!

little boys are awesome!

awww, little girls and their mamas

I love this little moment

I know this upside down... that's how I shot it!

you're beautiful, Tree!

It was great to see you guys and to see how much your kiddos have grown. We'll have to do this again when I'm back in Regina... and I promise not to get pregnant right afterwards (and brutally sick) and take forever to get your pictures to you!

Sandy + girls {family photography} Gatineau Ottawa Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:44:00 +0000

Another quick photography session with friends while out in Calgary. While not a full-blown session, it was still fun and resulted in some images that I know my friend was really happy with... and it took all of maybe 15 minutes!

One of the best parts about doing all these mini sessions with friends is that I now have great pictures of them all to keep for myself!

It was great seeing you, Sandy, and seeing what fun your girls have together. Next time we'll have to drag Darren out for some family shots!

Dan + Wendy + kids {family photography} Gatineau Ottawa Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:42:00 +0000

Another mini photography session with a friend and her family while out in Calgary this fall. I hadn't been back for over two years, so it was so good to get together with some really special ladies who were amazing friends to me during our years living there.

We arranged a morning together where our many kids could play together while we drank tea, ate scones, and caught up on each other's lives. Since we met at Wendy's house, we were able to drag her hubby up from his home office in the basement and get some shots of the whole family together.

although the girls look a bit nervous, if I remember correctly they were actually
looking at my three likely rowdy boys on the front lawn of their home

my favourite

these little chairs were perfect

Wendy, you're girls are beautiful and dainty and so, so sweet... it's clear to those who know you where they get it from! It was wonderful to see you!

Heidi + kids {family photography} Gatineau Ottawa Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:35:00 +0000

While in Calgary this summer, I had the chance to do a mini session with my good friend, Heidi, and her four kiddos. Dad was away... was it Kenya? Uganda? I forget.

Even though dad wasn't there and the middle two kiddos would've much rather been playing than having their pictures taken, we did manage to get some great shots. And just look what I had to work with! An awesome pink couch and amazing light from a huge window... not to mention some pretty cute kids!

had enough, Sloan?

is this done yet??

when you crop out all the scowls, you get a pretty cute and different picture!

if you look up the word "sweet" in the dictionary, you'll see this picture. promise.

I wish our time together had been longer, Heidi, but am glad we could fit in a bit of time to take pictures. Sadie, Telly, Sloan and Mabel (yes, these kids have great names!) have changed so much since I saw them last! They're wonderful kids and you're an amazing, amazing mom!

Dan + Jen + kids {family photography} Gatineau Ottawa Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 03:23:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of photographing my cousin and her beautiful family this summer while in Calgary for a family reunion. The setting at another cousin's acreage was perfect. The sun came out just at the right times. The kids were absolute pros... clearly not their first rodeo.

ha! I love Carson's face here!

can you tell they're sitting in front of a dumpster? the colour was perfect

gorgeous, Jen!

Jen and Dan, I loved photographing you and your boys, and the pictures of the two of you alone are some of my favourites of the year. I know your boys will love seeing you two like this when they're grown up.

Trevor + Kristi + kids {family photography} Gatineau Ottawa Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 02:51:00 +0000

A family with eight kids ranging in age from twenty down to not-quite-two years old... hows that for a challenge? But it was also a ton of fun! You'd think being part of a family this size one might get lost, but the personality of each member truly shone through.

While I was in Calgary for a family reunion, my cousins Kristi and Trevor booked me for a photo session with their big, amazing family. We spread it out over both days of the reunion so I'd have time with each kids AND time to visit with the rest of our extended family. What was fun was that mom and dad let me do what I wanted and take off with each member individually. The only "mini session" that mom was in on was the last one with little Caydence. The rest were all a surprise!

a beautiful mom of eight

one of my favourites

I know this has been total picture overload, but I can't stop now. Not before getting to the youngest member of the family. And I just couldn't narrow down which pictures I wanted to post... I hope you enjoy them all! Such a sweetheart.

loooove this one!

Kristi, what a pleasure and honour to photograph your family... even if a lot of work! I thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of your kids a bit better.

Pat + Shelley + Alexandra {maternity photography} Gatineau Ottawa Maternity Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 03:25:00 +0000

For this maternity session, I drove out to Buckingham early in order to scope out a location that would lend itself well to photography. On a back road, I spotted this farm. Old buildings, layers of peeling paint... cows! Perfection.

After meeting up with Pat, Shelley and a very sleepy Alexandra at their home, we loaded up and I had them follow me to the farm. My plan was to simply knock on the door and ask -in my broken french- if we could walk around the property and take some pictures. Luck would have it that no one was home... except for the ~~nosy~~ concerned neighbour who walked over, demanding to know what we were doing. I'm sure she was put on her guard by the suspicious looking two year old...

Thankfully we were able to continue with our session after promising not to touch anything and to not stay long.

I love the results.

poor babe was running on about six hours of sleep

isn't she sweet??

a family of three for not-too-much-longer

when an airplane went by overhead

poor Alexandra had about had it by this point, but bribing her with Cheerios did the trick

Although our move to Bogota took me away just before the birth of Gabriella, I was so honoured to be able to capture this special time for you, Shelley.

Simon + Erin + kids {family photography} Gatineau Ottawa Family Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 02:55:00 +0000

Erin contacted me through my email, inquiring about a family photography session. After a few issues with miscommunication, we were finally able to set up a time for me to visit them in their home in Ottawa.

look at that pout!

I looooooove this image! sooooooo much

Erin really wanted a silhouette image, so we made it happen

This is really one of my favourite kinds of sessions. A bit of time at home so the kids have the chance to get comfortable with me and my camera, maybe some time in the backyard or a walk around the neighbourhood, and then back to the family home where it all started.

I love photographing families in their space.

In this case, we started in mom and dad's room where we read a few favourite books, then down to the living room for some family pictures, out to the backyard for some bubbles and swinging, then a short walk to the Ottawa Experimental Farm.

A pretty typical summer evening for this lovely family.

Eric + Renée + kids {family photography} Gatineau Ottawa Family Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 02:34:00 +0000

This was a combined family and newborn session with a wonderful family in their beautiful home along the Gatineau River. After a quiet breastfeeding session, we walked down a flight of a hundred and some stairs to the family's boat dock where we watched the Wakefield steam locomotive go by on the other side of the river. Then back up allllll those stairs to play in the yard and take some more pictures.

look at that wee face!

such proud brothers

*sigh* not sure I can put into words how much I love this

Renée and Eric, your home is beautiful, your family is beautiful and I hope you enjoyed the result of our session as much as I enjoyed working on it.

Steve+Sarah+kids {family photography} Gatineau Ottawa Family Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 02:13:00 +0000

During a trip back to visit my mom and sisters, I had the chance to photograph an old friend from high school. I also new her husband back then, but had never had much chance to spend time with them as a couple or meet their kids.

We were able to have a quiet evening at their home, followed by a walk to the park for a picnic with Grandpa and Grandma, and then back home to try to get some breastfeeding pictures of Sarah with her sweet baby girl... her refused-to-quiet-down-because-she-was-too-interested-in-the-big-black-camera baby girl. But we did manage to get a few.

I love these two together!

one of my favourites from the session

squeeeeze

a goodbye kiss from grandma

reading a comic with dad while mom tried to quiet the baby

I love the look on Micah's face

I was so happy to be able to spend this time with you, Sarah, and catch up a bit on where life has taken each of us. It was really, really a pleasure.

Zack+Brie+kids {family photography} Gatineau Ottawa Family Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 01:33:00 +0000

Continuing with the blog-updating-marathon, we have the lovely family of Zack and Brie and their two sweet, fun and full-of-life kids. I know Brie through blogging and Twitter. She blogs at Capital Mom and Kids in the Capital.

I had a lovely morning with you and your family, Brie. Hope to see you again once we're back in the Capital region.

cause I love my family {family photography} Gatineau Ottawa Family Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 01:15:00 +0000

Not a paid photography session, but I wanted to share anyways. These were taken this summer when my in-laws stopped over on their way from Calgary home to Egypt. I think my husband was pretending to pants me, thus the hysterics from my boys.

Even though Peter has on the grubby clothes he'd been wearing all day to build our new deck (and I, um, look about five months pregnant... when I wasn't), I still love this picture. We see Peter's family so seldom that any time together is precious.

Often times photography is less about that "prefect picture" and more about those perfect moments.

Martin+Valérie+girls {family photography} - Ottawa Gatineau Family Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 01:39:00 +0000

Last spring, a friend of my son, Liam, did something very brave. Only seven years old, Léa, decided to participate in the Head Shave Challenge to raise money for families fighting cancer. She ended up raising over $2500 (or was it $3500?? I can't remember now!). We did a photo session in the park prior to the event, to make sure she had some lovely portraits of her with her long, long hair (click on the link above to see all the "before" pictures)... and then did another family session near their house only 10 days after her head was shaved.

this is looking REALLY pixelated on my screen for some reason. sorry.

my favourite

She was a little bit shy at first, so wore a scarf on her head, but you'll see how cute she looks even without it. And hair or no hair, this is one special, brave, beautiful little person.

Pat+Elise+Lévi {newborn photography} - Ottawa Gatineau Newborn Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:35:00 +0000

Now for some of my favourite people! This summer I was able to take some time to photograph my dear friend Elise and her family before the birth of their fourth baby. I was worried that I might not get to see the little guy or girl before our move to Bogota, but I needn't have worried. Not-so-little Lévi was born in plenty of time for me to see him a couple of times before we left.

And WHAT A CUTIE! Not surprising though since these two make BEAUTIFUL babies!

he was only 3 or 5 days old when these were taken, so still all flaky... love it!

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

does this baby look 5 days old?? he was a little monster!

my favourite!

NOT happy!

so flaky still

BEFORE

AFTER

Can't wait to see all your smiling faces again this fall! Miss you, my friends!

Mike+Marta+Lukian {newborn photography} - Ottawa Gatineau Newborn Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 23:43:00 +0000

Mike and Marta's maternity session is HERE.

Again, I'm going to forego the comments in the interest of time... and of the other dozen sessions I'd like to get posted!

Lukian wasn't too sleepy during our session and it was over 40C with the humidity that day, so all in all he did really, really well. Such a sweet boy and I can't wait to hopefully see how much he's changed in the last year.

Bruno+Marie-Hélène+Victor {newborn photography} - Ottawa Gatineau Newborn Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 23:28:00 +0000

It's been awhile!

With our move to Bogota and then an almost immediate -surprise!- pregnancy, this blog has been SERIOUSLY neglected over the last six months. But with some recent interest in photography services from some friends and friends-of-friends down here -and a renewed ability to keep food down and my eyes open for more than 2 hours at a time- I will attempt to catch up on posting sessions from last summer and fall.

So get ready for an onslaught of posts!!

First up is sweet little Victor. He was only nine days old in these pictures, but having been born three weeks early he was such a tiny peanut.

(Since I have so many sessions to post, I'm going to keep my commentary to a minimum. Just enjoy.)

one of my favourites

It was a pleasure to meet your little family Bruno and Marie-Hélène. Hopefully I'll have the chance to see you and your little man on our return to Canada!

Muddy Boots Photography is...

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 14:51:00 +0000

...MOVING!

It seems I forgot to update this blog to say that my family and I are moving to Bogota, Colombia. My apologies to anyone who contacted me only to be informed you wouldn't be able to book a session any time soon.

If you're willing to wait, however, we'll will be back! And I'll be sure to let everyone know in advance.

A huge thank you to all my amazing clients who made this first year so successful and so much fun!

~Amy

Patrick+Isabel+Marcus {newborn session} - Ottawa Gatineau Baby Photographer

noreply@blogger.com (Amy) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:58:00 +0000

Having photographed Patrick and Isabel's maternity session the weekend of Mother's Day, it seemed only fitting that the timing worked out to do their newborn session the day before Father's Day!

Let me introduce to you baby Marcus!

Can you believe that this little guy -at only 10 days old- was awake for all but maybe 15 mins of our session? Seriously! When all was said and done, he was awake for most of about five or six hours I think!

This is actually my first chance to see these side by side... Yeah! I love it!

a polka dot baby burrito

(I think I might lighten this one a bit before I give it to you, Pat and Isabel)

This might have been the last picture I took of Marcus. Clearly, he'd had enough. But he did so well FOR BEING AWAKE FOR ALMOST SIX HOURS. He's super cute, even with a scowl!

Pat and Isabel, best of luck with your big move and hopefully our paths will cross again down the road. You never know!

(Those reading in a reader, click through for the video.)