Baby Zachary | Newborn Session

I loved this newborn session.  Simple and sweet.  I always make it clear that I am not a photographer that does all the props/set ups/posing of newborns.  Although I think that is beautiful photography, it's not my style and I love to see them as they are naturally.  Joanna and Trevor's home was full of natural light which was so perfect, even on a rainy day.  Their two older kids were able to run around and then they did so amazingly with their newest little brother, Zachary (sometimes with the help of a candy or two :).

I taught Joanna in my very first year of teaching and I don't think I've seen her in about 12 years and it was so great to catch up.  I mean that, I love it!  They have their hands full with three young kids but they somehow just do it so calmly.   Baby Zachary is adorable and I love his hair.  

Enjoy the cuteness!  

Congratulations Joanna and Trevor on the arrival of your beautiful son.  Such a blessing!
Love, Louise

Elly's Birthday | Extended Family Photos

This past weekend was wild weather wise but no matter what, they were going ahead with their family photos!  It was Elly/mom/oma's birthday and the kids all surprised her by coming to the Lower Mainland at the same time.  Her youngest daughter and family weren't supposed to be down from Nunavut for another two weeks, and as they were skyping and pretending to still be up north, they appeared in the living room!  Great start to the birthday weekend.

I love this family.  I went to school with them, am very good friends with Ali (in the pink cardigan), and we were wedding photographers for Kyle and Lindsay.  Oh, and I taught Kyle too!  They are goofy and loving and adventurous.  Love that combo.  I don't usually do extended family photos (oh my goodness, trying to get a whole bunch of cold, young kids to look at me is not the easiest!) but was happy to make an exception in this case.

Happy birthday, Elly!  I'm glad that you were surprised and hopefully you love your newest family photos! 

Gracie | 6 Months Old

I have 16 nieces and nephews and Grace is the youngest one (until July!).  She is about a year younger than Nya and already bigger than her!  It is amazing to me how much a baby can grow on milk alone.  Normally in a session there would be a lot more photos, but in this case (quick free session for your littlest sis!), there are just a few.  Gracie, love the baby rolls!

PS I have so enjoyed having the last two weeks off.  Well, we were sick during those two weeks so it was `perfect' timing :)  Looking forward to a variety of sessions over the next month; two newborns, a family and engagement! 

Christine & Andrew | Granville Island Engagement Session

Christine and Andrew have a long distance relationship so I was so glad that when he was visiting last week, the weather was perfect.   Andrew and Christine met last year and look where they are now...wedding planning!  They have a deep commitment and their `I love you's' are plenty.  I don't have a natural tendency to hug, but I've hugged Christine each time I've seen her, they are both just so friendly.

 I'm so happy that they have found one another as you just never know where you might find your partner!  For Gary and I, we met when we started teaching the same year.  For them, they met the first month they went into online dating (I think it was actually Christine's first day trying it out!). 

We are looking forward to their June wedding which will be filled with smiles and `I love you's'.  I'm also loving that Christine is so detail orientated and prepared...you should have seen her changing from one outfit to the next.  She was uber prepared with leggings and tank top underneath to get changed anywhere.  Just a tip to any future brides:)  Happy wedding planning you two!

Love, Louise and Gary

The W Family | Deer Lake Mini Session

I had a mini session giveaway in December and the winner was....Laura!  Gary and I photographed Laura and David's wedding a few years ago and I always love catching up with them and their family.   They decided to use their session as a chance to get family photos which I think is a great idea.   What parents doesn't want family photos?  I know as a mother and daughter myself, I love family photos:) Also, I think it's important to celebrate family and just take the time to get some good photos with those that you love.  

 We met at Deer Lake Park and it was very foggy but that is so easy to  work with!  Here are a few photos of their family.  I have actually taught Laura, her husband David, and siblings Karen and Mark.  So fun to see them all grown up, and as usual, making me feel old.   So great to see you all again!

Love, Louise

Deer Lake Park in January| Mini Session

I hope you all had a wonderful end to 2013!  We truly enjoyed two weeks off as a family.  Gary is a teacher and he is currently coaching senior boys basketball as well so this two week break over Christmas was much anticipated and appreciated!   Just a friendly reminder that I am booking for 2014 now and I only accept one session per week so if you are interested in a family session, please book sooner than later :) 

This year started off with a mini session at Deer Lake Park which is such a great location as there are many undercover and architectural areas as well as a beautiful lake if you would prefer nature.  Armaan was all over the photos and would've kept going, he loved it!  His little sister Diya was not so sure about me.  Being 13 months old can be tough with teething and lack of sleep.  Believe me, I know!

Here are some photos from our mini session together.  Enjoy!

It was so great to meet your family and I look forward to our next session!

Love, Louise

Koen Turns 5

Our middle child, Koen, turned five this past week!  I like to take pictures of my kids around their birthdays but often it's tricky for a January birthday.  Fortunately this weekend was sunny so I took Koen to a nearby field and got just a few to capture his personality. 

He is energetic and enthusiastic.  He has such a hard time sitting still as he is a very physical boy.  He loves to cuddle and run and wrestle.   He also loves to bug his brother and sister.  He seems quite gifted in this area :)

He is thoughtful and creative and plays so well on his own.  He is friendly and outgoing and can also play well with almost anyone.  

He is an amazing eater of everything except avocado.  His favourite thing to eat are mangoes.

We are so thankful for each of our kids and they each add a unique dimension to our family.  I would say that Koen adds to the fun, laughter, and playfulness in our family.  Such blessings, all of them. 

Happy 5th Birthday, Koen (or as Kai calls you `K-O-E-N' or  Nya calls you `Oooooh-eeee!)!