Afternoon explorations

It has been a while since I've done any photos for myself. Every now and then I'll pull my camera out and take the odd portrait of my boys, but recently I've been busy and haven't had too much of a chance (I know, poor excuse) But today I decided that we would go and explore the Saskatoon Farm. I had heard so many great reviews about it and all the images I've seen from there are so beautiful, so I figured it would be the perfect place to spend our afternoon.  Sometimes it can be hard to get kids excited about going to new places... "hey let's go to a garden centre" isn't every 10 year olds dream adventure... But with *promises* of Pokemon Go in his future, we were off. And knowing my boys, I knew (if it was as good as it sounded) they'd be just as excited about it as I was. The farm is only a 20 minutes drive south of where I live, and really didn't feel that long. The drive in through the entrance area is beautiful. From what it appears, they grow most of everything they sell there... (could be wrong)

Once we parked and started walking, they were both instantly interested in what we were about to see. First impressions speak loudly to children, and this one didn't disappoint.The grounds are covered with beautiful buildings with rustic charm and greenhouses filled with fresh flowers ready to take home. One of the bigger greenhouses even had a big hen house, which we weren't expecting.  We had just walked in  and were suddenly startled by a roosters crow.. then another, and another. We quickly found they had quite the living quarters in there. a large hen house full of roosters, chickens, pheasants and even a giant turkey. 

All in all it was a great way to spend the afternoon. I found it very therapeutic walking through the grounds and enjoying the sweet conversations with my boys. It is absolutely stunning and I'm so happy I brought my camera as apposed to just taking photos with my phone.... We ended our time there with ice cream and a new plant for one of our back deck pots. I can't wait to get back there and plan out a whole gardens worth of goodies.  Here are some of the shots I snapped while walking around. Enjoy the weekend! 

motherhood

Being a mother is one of the most rewarding, tiring, amazing, roles I've ever had. I have two incredible little (big) boys and they are my world. There's not a day that goes by that my heart isn't overwhelmed by love for them. They are kind, loving, thoughtful and sincere. I'm doing my best to raise nice boys, with good values and moral. Who treat people with respect, which they do. They are my greatest accomplishment.  And on that note, as mother's we do so much. SO MUCH. I don't know a mom out there that doesn't have a "to do" list that could wrap around their house... We give so much to create a loving and safe home, that we usually forget about ourselves. I know I'm the last on my list every time, which is normal, but doesn't make it right. SO I decided as a mother,  we need to celebrate our amazingness more often. We need to help build each other up with support and love and not compete with another.  One of the ways I felt I could do something about this is to offer a session that reflects on your bond with your children.  Many of us are busy taking the photos of our kids that WE don't ever get in the frame with them. Their childhoods are well documented through Facebook and Instagram, but rarely are us mom's in the photos too. There's a few feeds I follow on Instagram that encourage women to get in the frame, and have these moments for our children for when they're older to look back on. I love the idea and what it stands for. I for one, am the worst at being in photos. I always feel like I'm not looking good that day, or my hair isn't done, or I feel too fat.. I can think of so many excuses as to why I shouldn't be photographed, which I think a lot of us struggle with, but in all honesty, our children look at us with the most incredible eyes. They see us as their everything, and as the most beautiful person they've ever laid eyes on.... I could go on and on about this. I am making many attempts at being in photos with my boys. And trust me, I don't always like them, but at least I'm trying... 

Anyhow, I have had a few of these sessions and have more coming soon. They melt my heart, and I feel very honoured to do these for these mama's. Here's a few from the first one I did. So playful and light hearted with plenty of cuddles in between. My mantra for the way I take these images is "to capture moments I would want to have of myself and my children/family/love. Real moments, real emotion, real joy, real love."

growing families

I've had the pleasure of knowing this couple since we were in jr. high... (yes all the way back then!) Throughout the years we've maintained contact and it's been fun watching their family grow. Now with baby number 3 here, I was asked to take a few pictures to celebrate this occasion before his arrival. This absolutely gorgeous family was a dream to shoot. The interaction between them was so loving and calm, exuding love and adoration for each other. These two were pro's in front of the camera, feeding off each other and creating connections only real love can convey. We also included their two other children and had some fun family style. Lots of laughs and fun. Pure family sweetness. 

We did the majority of the session in their master bedroom which had windows all across the one side. This amount of light helped create such a light and airy feeling that keeps the focus on them.  Truly a dream setting and I can't wait to get back there this weekend to capture some some more with their new little baby.