Lauren Joan Photography - Vancouver BC based photographer

Australia Part 2 - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2012-01-27T22:13:00.000-08:00

I'm a little bummed. Close to three weeks ago I hurt my knee while shooting and have been on crutches ever since. Being injured is very new to me and makes it impossible for me to shoot. Its slowly getting better but I'm still waiting to see a specialist. It also makes it very hard to blog with no new shoots or the fact that I couldn't sit at my desk because I couldn't bend me knee. Then I remembered I haven't posted all my Australia trip. Woo hoo.

You can see the first part here Australia Part 1

After a few days in Melbourne we headed down to Mt Hotham with two cars crammed full of wedding supplies. I was the co-pilot with the groom on our quick five hour drive to Village Plain located at the base of Mt Hotham. We arrived pretty late at the cozy Rundells Lodge but we could see right away the snow we had hoped for was no longer around. We spent the next day scouting locations and enjoying the down time before everyone arrived the next day. I normally don't attend rehearsal dinners so it was great for me getting to know everyone which is something I don't have time for when the day arrives.

Maternity Portraits Langley BC - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2012-01-19T19:00:00.000-08:00

Just before Christmas I headed out to Langley to do a last minute shoot with the beautiful family below. They were a pleasure to spend a few hours with them in their home getting to know them and catch up on life with our common friends. Stay tuned for the new arrival next month.

Island Bound - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2012-01-03T22:56:00.000-08:00

Every year my husband and I rotate who we spend Christmas with so headed to Vancouver Island to do early Christmas with his family. We have a 18 year old diabetic cat so she travels with us when we leave town. On these trips we always stay in the car with her so to pass time I take out the camera and wander around the car deck. The light was just perfect.

Happy New Year - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2012-01-01T21:49:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all my faithful followers and anyone else you stumbles upon this blog. It was quite the year but I am so very happy to say good-bye to 2011. Cheers to a new year and new challenges.

The shot below was from my trip to Australia in September.

Australia Part 1 - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-12-19T19:37:00.000-08:00

My first exposure to anything Australian was in 1991 the year I moved to Whistler and within the next year I was headed there for a year with two closest friends. I was back there briefly in 1994 so it blew my mind being there 17 years later. It was hard to wrap my mind around the fact that it had been that long. The motivation of course for this visit was for my girlfriends wedding. The flight there was less painful than I remember which might be due to the fact that I flew to Sydney direct with a quick flight to Melbourne after convincing Australian customs I did not have drugs in my luggage. The first few days were filled with wedding errands and prep but with my camera in hand I was never bored.

Ugly Sweater Photo Contest - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-12-09T23:28:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of the holiday season I'm holding a photo contest with the winner receiving a portrait session with me in the new year. So grab your ugly sweaters, wigs moustaches, antlers, etc. Be as creative as you like the crazier the better. Use your phone, your computer camera or your digital camera as you will not be judged on photography skills.

The session is limited to 4 people and must be booked in advance. Please read the contest rules below.

Rules:

1. Like this page.

www.facebook.com/LaurenJoanPhotography

2. Follow me on twitter

twitter.com/LaurenJoanPhoto

3. Upload your photo to the "ugly sweater" album on facebook and tag your name on it.

4. Have fun. See your inspiration below.

I will announce here on my Facebook business page on Dec 24th, 2011.

Newest Addition - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-12-06T21:09:00.000-08:00

I'm exactly four months behind in announcing the arrival of my newest niece or otherwise known as photo model No. 2. Her older sister has done an excellent job over the last three years and now I have a back up thanks to my sister, thanks sis! It brings tears to my eyes seeing my father hold her which I'm extremely grateful every time I witness it.

I am also grateful that I have a warm place to sleep at night, food on the table and an amazing support system of family and friends. I will be announcing a portrait giveaway in the next few days. You will have the opportunity to enter starting Friday.

Family Christmas Portraits - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-12-03T18:04:00.000-08:00

This session was so fun for me because it involved my girlfriend that I have known since I was 10 which is scary because I'm about to turn 40 in exactly twenty three days. Every time I receive a text from her she reminds me of this very fact. She is so very sweet. So with santa hats, Christmas sweaters and my hand carved mustaches we did family portraits today with her husband and two children. Nothing ends a great session with a jumping family photo. (no two year olds were hurt to achieve this photo)

Happy 1st Birthday - Langley BC - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-11-29T20:51:00.000-08:00

A first birthday is a huge deal in a new families life. It means you survived the first year in one piece and are maybe a little less stressed about every tiny detail. That is unless you are Samantha and have a second already on the way and are creating a new business catering to people that would like something extra special for their children's birthday.

Styled by:
Itzy Ritzy Parties: Itzy-Ritzy-Parties Facebook

Whistler Family Portraits - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-11-17T17:10:00.000-08:00

One of the things I miss the most about living in Whistler is the people. Of course I miss going up the hill everyday on my snowboard but its the people living there that make it so great. Its full of larger than life personalities and Rev. J. Michael Varrin, Esq is one of those people. We had been trying to coordinate some photos since the birth of their first child and with the arrival of their second our schedules aligned. It was wonderful to spend a few hours with the whole Varrin family.

Happy Birthday - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-11-10T22:35:00.000-08:00

My favorite little photo model turned 3 on the weekend. She brings a smile to my face every time I think of her.

I Love You Fall - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-10-26T00:05:00.000-07:00

Fall at Queen Elizabeth Park - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-10-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to Queen E Park expecting nothing but fall but the park was still holding onto a little bit of summer. This park never disappoints as I am always able to find something new to shoot. It always makes me happy to go there.

We Day 2011 - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-10-18T19:14:00.000-07:00

On October 13th, 2011 Rogers Arena was filled with 18,000 youth and educators from BC to inspire and celebrate the youth movement for global change. To gain access, each student must commit to take the knowledge and inspiration of We Day and turn it into tangible local and global actions. Through messages from world-renowned celebrities, speakers and musicians, young people not only learn about a diverse range of current issues, they gain the inspiration and knowledge needed to act.

Happy Belated Birthday To My Husband - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-10-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

When I booked my trip to Australia my husband was planning on coming with me so I wasn't worried that I was leaving two days before his birthday. In the end he wasn't able to come with me so we had a celebration for his birthday before I left. We headed up to Squamish to go on a boat ride with our closest friends with a dinner to follow with a larger group. My husband I both love being on the water so with a recommendation from Feet we headed to Squamish Harbour Boat Rentals for our three hour tour. Its always good times hanging out with this crew.

So Very Thankful - Vancouver BC Based Photgrapher

2011-10-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

On this beautiful sunny day its hard not to be thankful for everything in my life. I recently received an email from a follower of my blog asking me how my father is doing which made me realize that I had not updated the blogger universe about him. HE IS DOING AMAZING! After about six months of non stop sadness he made a huge turn around and is now living a normal life at home. We were told by the nurses at his hospice that he was 1 of 3 people in years to actually leave the hospice better. He is back home doing all the things he loves, he got to hold his new grandchild and we are making plans for Christmas. Makes me want to cry just writing that. Wow. Hardest year of my life.

I was also reminded this week that everyone has hard things to deal with. One my closest friends gave birth to her second child this week a month a head of schedule with some scary complications. Its been a rough weekend for her but I wanted her to know how grateful I am for our friendship over the last 20 years.

Kytami - Cover Me Canada - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-10-03T20:03:00.000-07:00

Have you been watching "Cover Me Canada"? Well you should be. My favorite extreme violinist, Kytami, is competing with the Gerogia Murray band in a reality music show where undiscovered bands cover the most iconic chart-topping songs from the greatest Canadian artists and make them into their own. Make sure you watch and then go here "vote & support" and help save them from elimination.

At the beginning of the year I got together with Kytami to shoot some new portraits as she started down a new path in her career.

Australian Winter Wedding - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-09-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

If you are a frequent visitor to my blog you know I was in Australia last month for my close friends wedding. I'm in the middle of sorting through thousands of images now but wanted to put up a quick preview for the bride and groom. This beautiful wedding was held in Dinner Plain at the base of Mt Hotham in the province of Victoria.

Family Portraits - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-09-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

A new addition to the family is always a good reason to have some portraits done.

Calming Nature - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-09-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

I hate to be late for anything but I am never late for a photo session. I would prefer to be there an hour ahead of time than have a client waiting around for me. It also gives me a chance to check out a location and be ready for when everyone arrives. Shooting nature also calms me before a session starts. These beauties were captured at Campbell Valley Park just before my last family session.

Family portraits in Langley BC - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-09-22T21:57:00.000-07:00

I'm back I'm back. It finally feels like I'm over my jetlag from my flight home from Australia. It was a great break but now its serious catch up time with my blog. Sorry to my followers who came by and had nothing new to view. Thanks for checking in and keep coming back.

Before I headed to Australia I had a couple family sessions. The first one was in Langley and Campbell Valley Park. Its always a great spot to let the kids run around in between photos so they don't get too restless. I first met Jesse just before I had moved from Langley to Whistler in the early nineties. I didn't see again until almost ten years later and she went from a freckly little teenager into this stunning woman. It was great to spend the afternoon shooting her and her two children.

Heading home from Australia - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-09-11T04:53:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lacking of blogging folks. I have been enjoying my short 14 day visit to Australia and not worrying about getting to the computer everyday to edit and post. There is no shortage of pictures though so stay tuned as I am on a plane in 12 hours. Until then please enjoy this beautiful morning on the beaches of Dee Why, NSW.

Australia - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-09-01T04:56:00.000-07:00

The first time I went to Australia I was 20 years old and stayed a whole year with two of my closest friends at the time. It was an amazing trip. I got to see and do so much and meet people that I'm still friends with today almost 20 years later. I'm in Australia to photograph the wedding of a very special friend that I met back so stay tuned for the amazing pictures. Here are a few quick pics from my trip here and will be posting more once the wedding is done.

Maple Ridge Maternity Session - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-08-27T15:35:00.000-07:00

I met this lovely mother to be in Mexico last year for the Van Eyk wedding. I don't think I have met anyone who enjoyed being pregnant more than Katie. So relaxed and calm during the whole session which also was part family portraits but this post is all about her. I look forward to coming home from Australia and shooting the new arrival.

Karie Young and Robbie King Memorial Tournament - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-08-25T20:25:00.000-07:00

A year after I graduated from high school a girl I knew passed away in a car accident in which her boyfriend at the time barely survived. She was one of those kind girls who was friends with everyone and always had a great smile on her face. She was also big into soccer so as a way to keep her memory alive and to raise some money for charity her friends started an annual soccer tournament in 1993 named in her honor. Some years passed and "Robbie King's" name was added to the tournament after he lost his life in the same way. Much of the success of this tournament is from the hard work of Jennifer Newman and Gary Kilby.

Vancouver Wedding - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-08-22T21:18:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy to finally be able to share this wedding with you. The bride and groom were doing it in two parts and didn't want the photos published until they had their second celebration with their friends and family in Toronto. If you are a frequent reader to my blog you will recognize the lovely Erin Boniferro. She is the owner of the very creative shop Collage Collage and an amazing supporter of mine. Her intimate wedding was held in a church converted into a gallery just up from her store. It was truly an honor to be involved with this wedding and always makes me happy to shoot a friend on their special day.

Nature in Fort Langley - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-08-09T21:52:00.000-07:00

Last week I got to spend some quality time with my oldest friend at her place in Fort Langley. I also got to catch up with her visiting family who I hadn't seen in over 20 years and shoot some of beautiful blooming garden.

Waiting For Baby - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-08-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

I had some great one on one time with my niece this week while my sister was at the doctors. She is now very overdue and wanting this next baby out which according to my niece all she has to do is lift her shirt and the baby will come out.

Whistler Family Portraits - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-08-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

You may recognize this smiley family from last September when I met them at the Vancouver airport to photograph their homecoming with their new addition from China, Aili. In the last year she has brought them so much joy and is thriving in her new home in Whistler. You can see the happy homecoming from last year here.

Granville Island Family Portraits Part 2 - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-07-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a few more of my favorites from my session with the Barnes family. If you don't know Dave Barnes he is a talented artist who is worth checking out. I'm lucky to have quite a few of his paintings done specifically for my husband.

www.davebarnes.ca

Family Portraits in Abbotsford BC - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-07-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I met up with my very photogenic cousin and her family in Clayburn Village, Abbotsford which is located at the foot of Sumas Mountain. It was designated for conversation as a Heritage Site in 1996 and was the first "company town" in BC. It was built by the Clayburn Company to provide employee housing and services it was also a beautiful location for family photos as you can see for yourself.

Teddy Bear Picnic in Langley BC - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-07-23T16:44:00.000-07:00

So far mother nature has been pretty kind on my shooting days. Last weekend in Langley she wasn't listening but all the kids at the party didn't seem to mind. This gorgeous family has invited me into some great moments in their lives the last couple of years.

Granville Island Maternity
Baby Morgan

Abbotsford Farm Wedding Part 2- Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-07-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

It was incredibly hard picking some favorites from this wedding to post on my blog. I'm still in editing it and I have change my mind on what to post with every photograph. This wedding was a dream to shoot. The couple was so relaxed, fun and the location was beautiful. We also lucked out with the weather that day. While the rest of Canada and the US are having a heat wave we are getting rain and cold. Enjoy.

My Family - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-07-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

Today was a great! After over two months of living at a Burnaby hospice my father was sent home. I won't go into the details but his diagnosis was wrong and he did nothing but improve while he was there. This is something that most people do not do when they go there. My family means a lot to me and this year has been incredibly hard on all of us. I don't have children of my own so when I get to spend time with my nieces and nephews I feel very lucky. All the cute faces below are related to me.

Granville Island Family Portraits - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-07-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

This is for you Mr. and Mrs. Barnes.

Abbotsford Farm Wedding - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-07-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

I was so happy when mother nature cooperated for the wedding I shot yesterday at the Saar Bank Farms in Abbotsford. Here is a quick preview for the lovely bride and groom.

Then and Now - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-07-07T14:51:00.000-07:00

I know everyone feels their children are the cutest but my niece really is the cutest. Its amazing to me that they show their personality so young. She is around 7 months on the left and 2 1/2 on the right.

Langley Family Portraits - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-07-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

I was so happy to have sunshine last month for these family portraits because up until this last week we haven't had much summer. This family was a pleasure to shoot and brought me back to my hometown where I grew up.

Happy Canada Day!!! - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-07-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

Good times in Squamish - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-06-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

When I was little I loved when the traveling amusement rides showed up in Langley. I was young enough to not notice how sketchy the rides were and I could head there myself without the parents. These pics have that feel.

Family Portraits - Vancouver BC Photographer

2011-06-27T21:06:00.000-07:00

This family is like family to me. We have lots of history together so shooting their family portraits a few weeks back made me very happy. I have shot thousands of photos of Mason when I was his nanny and that is seriously not an exaggeration. That poor boy put up with the endless requests to stop and take a photo which I hope he looks back fondly when he is much older.

Flower Therapy - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-06-19T21:29:00.000-07:00

For me heading outside by myself with my camera is definitely therapeutic. Its a great distraction from the world racing around me. I love flowers in all shapes and forms but one of my favorites is tulips. Last month I headed up to Queen Elizabeth Park to shoot some spring flowers when I came across a beautiful white tulip with a red stripe through the middle of one petal. So beautiful and unique. My world is quite calm right now (knock on wood) as I got to spend the afternoon with my Father on Father's Day. A day I would have dreaded a few months ago but things are holding steady right now. A normal day today which is so different from a normal day 6 months ago.

Happy Fathers Day Dad. These flowers are for you.

Miksa Restaurant - Bowen Island - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-06-14T18:25:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of the month I headed over to Bowen Island to shoot local eatery Miksa. This local favorite is just a few minutes walk from the ferry is owned and run by an old friend from Whistler Michael Nagy and his lovely girlfriend Jazzmin Carson. My husband and I were lucky to be at the receiving end of many home cooked meals by Chef Nagy during his time in Whistler. So happy to see the success they have had with Miksa and Jazzmin also doubled as model, which she pulled of well considering she just gave birth to their second child at the end of April.

Kelowna Body Building Competition Part 2 - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-06-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

Last month I was in Kelowna for the weekend to shoot one of my oldest friends and a few others in 2011 BCABBA (British Columbia Amateur Bodybuilding Association). It was pretty fun to watch her get on stage knowing the dedication it took to get there. There was a bit of everything from bodybuilding, to fitness and bikini. I'm extremely shy when it comes to anything that puts me in front of any size of group so I give all the women and men who stood up there to be judge huge props.

They Grow So Fast - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-06-09T18:22:00.000-07:00

When I was in Kelowna a few weeks ago to shoot a friend in a body building competition I was so happy to have some time to hang out with her two little girls. They're not too little anymore and in fact will probably be taller than me before they finish elementary school.

(I also love cats especially the ones that pose for me.)

GO CANUCKS GO - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-06-01T19:14:00.000-07:00

In honor of Game 1 in the Stanley Cup Finals here is part 2 of my shoot with the Dillon/Banks crew at the Kuda Paradiso Ranch. This is one family that loves the Canucks.

You can see part 1 here.

Dillon Family Ranch - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-05-29T23:08:00.000-07:00

Not only did I shoot some buff bodies last weekend but also made it out to one of my favorite places in British Columbia. Westwold is located in the heart of Crater Valley, 60 kilometers southeast of Kamloops and where you will find "Kuda Paradiso". I was lucky enough to spend some quality time there with my friends over the last five years. Her parents had moved overseas and needed someone to take care of the property while they were away. On this visit I was there to shoot her whole family, four generations. Too many great shots for one post so stay tuned for more

My Salon in Chinatown - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-05-28T19:47:00.000-07:00

I think I'm like most woman and maybe some men that are really loyal to their hairdressers. When I lost my hairdresser last year to the film industry I took a long time to find a new one. I asked everyone I knew for recommendations but none of them clicked until I read about a new salon in Chinatown on "Vancouver Is Awesome" blog. I love the "Coup Salon" and my stylist Spencer. Every time I head down there I go early and bring my camera. I love the colors of Chinatown and the salon is just a block away from "Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden".

Kelowna Body Building Competition - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-05-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

I had a great long weekend and completely filled 56gb of memory cards. I will have lots of great posts in the coming week but I wanted to put up a quick preview for one my oldest friends who competed in a body building competition in Kelowna BC this past weekend. She came 1st in her category which I was so happy to be there to witness. I'm so proud of her for all her dedication and hard work in the gym.

Paper Hug - Vancouver BC Photographer

2011-05-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

Its not every day you receive a paper hug in the mail. It's not every day you receive anything in the mail but flyers and bills. Today could have not been a better day to receive it as my father-in-law was having surgery, my Grandmother passed a away a few days ago and my father is battling cancer in a hospice in Burnaby. Its definitely too much for our family to take right now but when I checked the mail today it sure made me smile and lightened the weight on my shoulders just a little. The sender of the "paper hug" is the lovely Erin Boniferro who came in to my life a few years back when she was dating a friend of mine. They are no longer together but lucky for me we stayed friends and I will be shooting her next month when she gets married. I wanted to share this wonderful gesture with the blogger universe to show you that yes the little things do make the biggest impact.

Modeling the paper hug is my 18-year-old diabetic cat Oreo. (she hates the camera)

A Beautiful Non Wedding - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-05-13T22:48:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago on a very rainy day in Vancouver I headed over to Ambleside to shoot an intimate gathering at The Beach House restaurant. There was a beautiful bride and handsome groom but there was no wedding. This was very unique experience because I usually spend the day with the bride but this time I met her coming in the door of the restaurant. The couple plan on getting married in a civil ceremony when they move to Montreal but they wanted to have a get together with friends and family first. We were lucky to have about a thirty minute break in the torrential downpour to shoot a few pictures outside.

Visiting with Hawksley - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-05-05T22:30:00.000-07:00

My circle of friends has been growing rapidly in the last year with the addition of all the new babies. My husband and I are lucky to have all these little ones in our life. I look forward to giving Hawk lots of sugar, getting him all excited and handing him back to his parents.

I Love You Nature - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-04-23T21:26:00.000-07:00

As you may of noticed I really love nature. I don't get that much living in my apartment but when I'm at my parents I get to enjoy all my Dads hard work.

A Superhero Birthday at Collage Collage - Vancouver Based Photographer

2011-04-21T22:22:00.000-07:00

I must say for a person who loves costume parties as much as me I have never been to a superhero themed one. There is nothing cuter than 5 year olds dressed as Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Robin and even a Ironman.

Happy Anniversary to My Husband - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-04-20T15:23:00.000-07:00

Today is my twelve wedding anniversary with my amazingly awesome husband Travis. I wouldn't be able to get through the worst year of my life without him.

Brief Hiatus - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-04-13T21:17:00.000-07:00

Hello Blogger Universe. I sure miss you right now but my family needs me more at the moment. I will be back but the blog posts will be few for the time being. The man who inspired me to take photos needs all my energy right now. None of my talent would be possible without him.

Love you Dad.

Smile - Vancouver BC based photographer

2011-04-06T23:49:00.000-07:00

A good way to beat the blues is to hang with the cutest 2 year old in Vancouver who loves to sing "do re mi" from the Sound of Music.

Stormy Vancouver BC- Vancouver BC based photographer

2011-04-05T23:33:00.000-07:00

There has been some crazy beautiful skies with all this lovely spring weather.

Party - Vancouver BC based photographer

2011-04-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

I was back at Collage Collage a few weeks ago. I think the pictures speak for themselves. Loving parents, the sweetest birthday girl equally cute friends.

SPRING!!!!!!! - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-03-27T21:39:00.000-07:00

Just in case you were wondering it is now spring in Mt Pleasant. All the cherry blossom trees and their friends say so. I might have said this before but my neighborhood MT PLEASANT rules.

Bunny Baby Shower- Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-03-21T00:10:00.000-07:00

The last couple weeks my life has gone in some unstoppable directions. I have had to come face to face with some destinations I had hoped that I would never have to reach. During this time I have never needed my friends and family more and my need will be there for a long time to come. I am really delayed in sharing this great night with you because I am rarely at my computer now and the long awaited baby has already arrived. The theme for this shower was "bunny" which really meant a cocktail party full of great friends wearing bunny ears and knuckle tattoo's. All the usual suspects were there from past and present.

Kytami - Vancouver BC based Photographer

2011-03-08T19:39:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know Kytami you should go straight to her website and give her a listen, www.kytami.ca. She recently departed ways with Delhi 2 Dublin and is headed back into the studio to finish up a second solo album. She continues to rock dance floors as a part of a duo with turntablist/producer DJ The Phonograff. You can also find her fiddling her heart out with Blackie and The Triumphs, a band she spearheads with her husband Jason Le Blanc who are also currently in the studio recording their debut album “Thinkinaboutdrinkin".

I thought I would share some more greats shots from our shoot a few weeks ago.

Bunny - Vancouver BC based Photographer

2011-02-28T21:09:00.000-08:00

I don't even know how to start this post. I have written and rewritten it so many times because it didn't seem enough. This shoot meant a lot to me not only because Pilar is one of my closest friends but I wanted to capture her in the right way in one of the most important times of her life. Her life is about to change in such a wonderful way which will also change how we spend our time together. She is a complete original and I can not wait to meet the beautiful little one that will benefit from that.

So excited to meet you Bunny.

Fort Langley Visit - Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2011-02-22T23:22:00.000-08:00

Last week I drove out to Fort Langley to have coffee with my oldest friend and her little guy, Luke. He is definitely the most stylish local in that town. This isn't Luke's first appearance on my blog. You can also find him here and here.

Kytami Preview

2011-02-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share a few pics from my shoot last week with the very talented Kytami. It was fun, creative and we totally lucked out with the weather. More to come....

Kytami: http://www.kytami.ca/
Styling: Angela Cooney
Hair & Make Up: Sabina Chandrabalan

Rainy day blues - Vancouver BC Based Vancouver

2011-02-14T21:37:00.000-08:00

If I'm having down day for any reason all I need is to look at this face and I smile. It doesn't matter if I see her in person, hear her cute voice on the phone or look at a picture I took of her. After the rain we received here today Vancouver we need a cute little face in our life.

I love Big White!!!

2011-02-11T23:20:00.000-08:00

I had the best time at Big White last weekend. It was my first time up there and had a really great experience. My close friend runs the design department and gave us the extra push to come up for some riding. I lived in Whistler for 10 years and I must say it kind of kicked Whistler’s butt. The snow was amazing and we weren’t standing in lift lines all day. They also have a lot of great activities to do after you are finished on the hill like tubing, ice climbing and skating. We headed down one of the slower tube runs with our friends 1 year old for his first ride. He got faced washed the whole way down and loved it. With inexpensive lift tickets and all the additional activities right at the base its much more attractive for families gateways than Whistler.

I wanted to send a special thank you to senior management Michael J. Ballingall and Blair Ireland for the unbelievable treatment we received and for making our first visit to Big White so amazing.

Check it out for yourself www.bigwhite.com

Home from Big White

2011-02-11T21:06:00.000-08:00

Wow the drive from Big White today was long and a little sad. We had to say good-bye to our closest friends but the mountain also received 30cm of fresh champagne powder which we didn't get to ride. Tears. Sniff. We had such a great time. More pics tomorrow when I have had a little rest.

The Importance of Thank-You

2011-02-03T19:23:00.000-08:00

It only takes a moment but it means so much. In my house growing up the importance of saying please and thank-you was huge and still is to this day. It doesn't matter what it is for when someone takes the time to call, email or write the recipient always feels appreciated. This week I received the sweetest thank-you note for a wedding I shot in Mexico in November. They didn't have to send it as I was there to do my job but it certainly made me feel great to receive. Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Van Eyk!

Birthday time in North Vancouver - Vancouver Children Photographer

2011-02-01T22:09:00.000-08:00

I don't really remember my 8th birthday. It may because it was sooooo long ago but being born on the 26th of December it all kind of blends in with Christmas. I love to shoot in new locations so I was curious to see what it would be like at the indoor climbing center in North Vancouver. I think the birthday girl will remember this one for a long time to come.

I love (little) visitors

2011-01-28T21:16:00.000-08:00

My husband and I love it when this little visitor comes town...oh of course we love his parents to.

Baby Shower - Tsawwassen British Columbia

2011-01-24T20:14:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I was hired as a baby shower present for a very new mother which turned into a mini family session as well. A baby shower is so much more fun when the baby has already arrived.

Afrika Bambaataa

2011-01-06T21:29:00.000-08:00

So back in November my husband got the opportunity to interview the "Godfather" of Hip Hop, Afrika Bambaataa. He had worked on music video for Fort Knox Five which featured Bambaataa so when he came to town to play in Whistler and Vancouver his manager set up some time for my husband to speak with him. Bambaataa was instrumental in the early development of Hip Hop throughout the 1980's. My husband was also accompanied by the very talented Stu MacKay Smith who worked his magic on the "Shift" music video and Syd Woodward from Grounded TV. You can watch the full interview here.

Langley welcomes Baby Morgan

2011-01-03T20:30:00.000-08:00

So back in September I shot expectant parents of Morgan at Granville Island, session here. They were pretty much ready to meet her then so they must have been over the moon when she arrived at the end of November. We did a quick session in December so they would have presents for friends and family at Christmas.

Happy 2011

2011-01-02T22:07:00.000-08:00

I'm back! I'm back! Sorry for the blog neglect. Its not that I didn't think about it everyday day but with Christmas, birthday, out of town friends, New Years, blah blah blah it got a little ignored.

My husband and I headed to Vancouver Island for Christmas to be with his family. We have three sets of parents so its always a juggle. My mother in law invited me out to a visit her local hair salon/mini farm. It was definitely unique. While she was getting a new hairdo I walked around the farm taking pictures and met a pig named "Bacon".

CLEAR SKIES + CAMERA = HAPPINESS

2010-12-17T22:46:00.000-08:00

On a day full of errands, meet up with a client and the last of the Christmas shopping I was happy to get out for an hour with my camera to take a few pics.

Last wedding of 2010

2010-12-16T23:47:00.000-08:00

I just finished editing my last wedding of the year. I'm meeting the bride tomorrow to hand of the images and will be waiting impatiently for a reaction. Thank you to all the brides and grooms who invited me into their world this year. I look forward to the 2011 season.

A Collage Collage Birthday

2010-12-14T20:27:00.000-08:00

I was back at Collage Collage this past weekend for another birthday party. I love them. They are stress free because the kids and parents are so involved with their art projects and having fun that I go unnoticed. It allows me to capture some really great moments and hanging out with the owner Erin is also a plus.

If you would like to know about having your own party at Collage Collage go her party details page here.

Winter family portraits - Kitsilano Beach

2010-11-29T23:26:00.000-08:00

On what seemed the coldest day ever in Vancouver I dragged a California family down to the beach for some pictures. Fortunately we didn't have any wind that day but with the snow capped mountains in the background it was hard to leave because everyone hands were freezing.

Winter in Vancouver -Vancouver BC Based Photographer

2010-11-26T22:07:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of the week it started to feel like we were living in Winnipeg. I should know because I lived their for a winter and my husband is from there. Today of course we are right back to the rain after it snowed all day yesterday. We were tempted to go clear off the car but seeing the weather report for today we knew it was completely unnecessary. On the coldest day this week I decided it would be great to be outside taking pictures. There was still snow on the ground and the sun was out. After a family shoot my first stop was Queen Elizabeth Park and to my surprise the fountain was still running which made for some beautiful frozen pictures.

Preview for the newly married Mr & Mrs. Van Eyk

2010-11-22T18:04:00.000-08:00

Jazz hands Mexico style

2010-11-18T21:38:00.000-08:00

On a dreary Vancouver day like today I thought I would cheer you up with this iguana giving me the best jazz hands I have ever seen.

Home Sweet Home

2010-11-15T18:13:00.000-08:00

Wow what a fun work trip I had to Mexico. It was great to see some old faces and meet some new ones. It was a long travel day home yesterday and unfortunately for my friends and family I had my phone off and was totally unaware the explosion that happened that morning. So very sad to hear about all the people that lost their lives.

The lovely bride and groom that I shot won't be home for another week so I won't post a preview until then. In the meantime here is a view to daydream about...

Saludos desde Mexico

2010-11-09T08:07:00.000-08:00

B-Grade Horror Festival - Whistler BC

2010-11-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

For those who know me know that I love Halloween and count the days until I get to dress up in something crazy. For the last nine years I also have had the B-Grade Horror Festival to look forward to the night before. Started by my friends Feet and Chili the night has turned into the party of the year with over 1000 costumed horror lovers coming to get their fill of fake blood and sub-par acting. I was allowed to shoot some stills on the making of the new intro film created by the amazing Stu MacKay Smith, my brother from another mother. The whole thing was shot against a green screen so I was completely clueless about the story until it was shown at the festival. It was awesome. Here is a small sampling of the behind scenes action.

Fun times at Collage Collage

2010-11-02T18:01:00.000-07:00

I love shooting birthday parties at Collage Collage. Its always a stress free shoot because its more about documenting the birthday then forcing them into posing for me. Plus the little ones are ridiculously cute. If you would like more info about having a birthday party at Collage Collage go to www.collagecollage.ca

I love you fall

2010-10-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

New Brighton Park - Family Portrait Session

2010-10-22T19:21:00.000-07:00

This family was so very fun to shoot. I love it when a customer suggests the location because it helps me discover new places that I might have never know about which was the case with this park.