New Paints - 30 minutes in the Life - January 2020

Flying through the store this last weekend, we were in a rush. I’d strategically planned our route through the store for maximum efficiency ( please tell me I’m not the only one who does this). We’d be out of there in 15 minutes tops. Both girls in tow, doing their part to make sure we didn’t forget anything, and I quietly hear a voice from behind me. “Mom, do you think we could stop and get some new paints? “ I looked behind me to see Hadley, and her big blue eyes looking up at me with that face kids make when they really want something.

A quick detour down the craft aisle, and she was the proud new owner of a new set up paints. She left the store with a big smile, and I could already see the ideas swirling in her head. …and well to be honest they were starting to brew in mine as well.

Her first masterpiece had her trying all the colours……as for me , well it had me experimenting with different perspectives, approaches, and took me from standing on the dining room table amongst the chandelier (which I will say, is in need of a good cleaning…..who’s job is that anyways…whoops) to asking her to hold the paint tray up to her face. Creating, that’s what it’s all about right?

I’ve teamed up with a group of amazing photographers committed to capturing 30 minutes of our day each month. Next up in the blog circle is Ceri Herd Photography .

Year end wrap up

2019, you were a gift. 12 months of beautiful experiences, challenges, lessons, unexpected twists and turns and so much more.

This last year I met so many new families, took on more client sessions than ever before, and challenged myself creatively in both my personal and client work. It is hard to properly express the level of gratitude I feel to those who trust me to come into their space, to capture their family. Families that trust the process, allow me to laugh with them, chase their kids through the park, stand on furniture in their home. Families that invite me back year after year, families that recommend me to their friends and family, and families that send the sweetest notes of thanks and kindness. All of these moments fill my heart with so much joy and are the reason I continue to do what I do. I take away something from each and every session , and can attribute so much of my personal growth to these experiences.

The year ahead brings new goals, some exciting challenges, and I am so ready to see where it all takes me. Thanks for helping make 2019 an amazing year, and cheers to 2020!

30 Minutes in the Life - Office Dance Party - November 2019

I’ve always been the type of person who takes life pretty seriously. Sure, I have fun from time to time, but it’s easy to get wrapped up in the day to day. There is satisfaction in crossing things off the to-do list…..and I have lists….so many lists. I love a good goal, working towards it, reaching it and setting a new one. But one of the goals and I am working on, is to put down the list more often and just embrace the moment. Have fun, let go, laugh, be silly, and just relax. Fortunately I have three amazing kids in my life who know exactly how to do just that, and I couldn’t think of better people to spend these moments with. So here is a brief look into a recent weekend where we put everything aside and had an office dance party.

Next up in the blog circle is the super talented Kristina Dominianni , sharing 30 minutes from her month http://www.hellooliviaphotography.com/long-island-children-family-photographer-blog-365/30-minutes-in-the-life-november

30 minutes in the life - The power of a walk

Here we are in September and I find myself right in the middle of what seems like a crazy storm of back to school routines, extra-curricular activities and commitments. The month of September is always a busy one as we try to settle and find balance with the new school year. October always seems to bring that balance but getting there sure can be a bumpy road.

I was recently reminded by a good friend of the importance to take time to be outdoors, and we are working on that. It is amazing how refreshing a walk with some sunshine can feel.

On a recent Sunday evening with a never ending list of things to do, weekly preparation, household chores….we put them all on hold. We got outside and for 30 minutes didn’t think about any of the other stuff.

And we all came back a little more relaxed, a little more refreshed, and ready to tackle that to-do list.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read about a brief moment in my life this month. I’ve teamed up with a group of super talented photographers who are dedicated to photographing 30 minutes in their lives every month. Next up in our blog circle is Sharleen Stuart

I went to the ocean, but apparently didn't photograph it

This July I headed back to beautiful PEI to attend a photography conference. My second year attending Land and See and it was every bit as amazing as the first year. I tried to look at things a little differently than the previous year, photograph different areas, and different light. The lack of red sand and ocean in the photos below is visual proof, but having had a couple weeks to reflect I can honestly say this experience was different than last year. I took fewer photos and took in more of the experience. Spending time with not only some of my favourite photographers, but favourite people. Listening to their words, absorbing the atmosphere, taking it all in, and appreciating the time. Until next year PEI