Family Session - Miranda + Mariyah

Red balloons, two beautiful, bubbly blonds and a peaceful farmer's field on a warm summer afternoon were the models this day. Inspiration, perseverance, beauty and grace come in a plethora of different packages and a perfect example would be the incredible, Miss Miranda Hancock. Even though this woman has endured many trials and tribulations beyond her young years, she remains full of warmth and sunshine. Her faith is firmly planted and her strength is in her Lord and Saviour. Something she loves to share with the world.

Mariyah with her pink, "bubble gum" smile is the proud older sister of miracle baby, Micah, who was prematurely born at only 5 1/2 months. These photo's of Miranda and Mariyah, temporary residents of the Ronald Macdonald House, were taken while they patiently awaited Micah's release from the Calgary Foothills hospital. Today, Miranda, Mariyah and Micah live out full and rich lives in Medicine Hat and Miranda continues to share her resiliency with inspiration, perseverance, beauty and grace. Miranda you are an amazing, One-of-a-kind!

Mini Session - Darlene Kun

"Come on Dar, I hike in flip flops all the time," I persuade as we gear up to hike the trails of beautiful Waterton National Park on a hot July day. Despite my better judgement of hiking footwear, the beautiful Darlene and I became fast friends almost a year ago even after a badly stubbed toe (if I recall there was blood).  Darlene is one of those special few that has really touched my life in so many ways since my arrival in Calgary. Her heart overflows with generosity and compassion that could easily be mistaken as instinct on her part, as it seems to come with such ease. Lastly, I must mention that Darlene graces an eye for incredible fashion and uncanny thrift store finds. I am so blessed to call her friend. xo.

Mini Session - Kelly Woods

Kelly. Perhaps unbeknownst to her, Kelly has a personality and presence that lights up the room when she enters, gracing all present with her quirky humor and gorgeous smile. On several occasions I have been doubled over with side stitches at her slapstick comments. Apart from her contagious humor, Kelly has a beautiful sensitivity and drive to find balance in her life. You could easily find her sipping a pint in a trendy pub, practicing the lotus position in a hot yoga studio or spending some quality time at home cooking for friends or exercising her artist's hand. Kelly, you are so lovely.  

The Photographer

It has been much too long since I last blogged. The last couple of months of 2010 were wild and 2011 has not been shy of crazy weeks and insane days. Time seems to fly with out regard for my desire to slow it down so I jealously cling to the unhurried moments, usually with a hot steamy coffee and a chocolate chip cookie. Sometimes photography gets a bit of the back seat while I focus on some of my other passions, but today, not the case - it took centre stage. Today, with two of some of the most beautiful women I know my trigger finger got in a little practice and much to my own shy discomfort ended up on the other side of the lens. What follows are some of my better "sides" thanks to Darlene Kun and KellyWoods.  Thanks Ladies.

Personal - Reflections of Loss.

Photography records the gamut of feelings written on the human face, the beauty of the earth and skies that man has inherited, and the wealth and confusion man has created. It is a major force in explaining man to man. ~Edward Steichen


A photograph captures a thousand words and can express deeper than words sometimes. 

Photography and Cooking? - Tuesday's Gotta be "Triple Chocolate Cookie" Day.

As an artist and creative, I am never limited to creativity just with the camera. In fact one goal I have this year is to stretch beyond any creativity I may already possess in the photographic arena and to blow into something new. Typically, when thinking creatively I revert into cooking brain and I think I can whip up a cooking analogy for almost anything possible! Having spent years in the kitchen and enjoying the cuisines of several different nations I am familiar with spices, herbs, vegetables, meats, flours, fruits....and on and on. I love stretching out of the bounds of conventional cooking to create everyday gourmet with simplicity and love. Once upon a time "pastry chef" was a vocation calling my name but I have chosen to simply do this out of my home. 

Photography is a lot like cooking (so here is my analogy). There's a timing about everything. One minute to long and you have a dunker, one minute too less and the soft melt-in-your-mouth cookie becomes a doughy mess. To each their own, but I love the cookie that is golden and crisp around the edges and gooey soft (but not underdone) on the inside. So the timing of photography is the very similar. One second to slow your image is blurred - the underdone doughy mess. One second to fast and your image is under exposed - the dunker. Better yet, one second too slow on that candid shot and rather than capturing a heart felt laugh, you get the awkward talking face and if you've ever had to shoot speeches of any sort you know what I mean. I am pretty sure everyone of us has "untagged" those unflattering candid shots that our pals thought would be hilarious to post for the world to see

So timing is everything? I shall continue to navigate these waters, with grace (?), good timing (?) Well I believe so. May you enjoy my treasured cookie recipe that will have them coming back for more and a candid shot that I am particularly fond of. 

Stay tuned for next Tuesday's "Photography and Cooking?"!

Personal/Creative - MO-VEMBER: Bearded is Beautiful.

November, or shall we say MoVember, happens to be a month that I find particularly fascinating. The month where it is okay for men to retire that razor and let that 5 o'clock shadow become something more; something it was always meant to be. A moustache, or for the very risque, a beard. All this, in tribute and recognition of prostate cancer.


One fabulous difference between men and women is the ability to grow facial hair. Now I know that some of you may be thinking, "NOT TRUE!" Not true, meaning, you have encountered that one particular lady who, has the unfortunate demise of growing her own manly facial hair - (Ladies with this struggle I am very sorry, no insult intended) or perhaps you are the unfortunate gentleman that goes unshaven for months at a time and could still be the poster child in an ad for pre-pubescent teenage boys - perhaps priding the odd straggly hair you try to shape into a moustache. 
But...for all you gentlemen with the facial hair genes, I dare you to take advantage of my special MoVember promotion. I want to photograph your whiskery mug for a personal creative project in tribute to prostate cancer. At the end of Mo-Vember, I, with the help of facebook and blogger fans, will choose one Gentlemen to receive a complimentary Lifestyle portrait package, starting value of $350.00. Lifestyle packages to choose from include Family, Couples or Newborn portraits. Your choice. Your Time.
Single Gentlemen, this makes an excellent gift for someone you might know, should you be the lucky hairy man to win. 


Don't wait. Put your razor away now! Happy growing - Ladies, its only a month - and when you are ready, with your fabulous moustache or beard (I am non-discriminating)  - Set up a time for your mug shot! You will be featured in my photo-blog and facebook page.
Please note I can not take credit for this bearded photograph! Which is why I need you!