Tina Graham Photography

NEW Blog

2009-02-12T15:17:00.000-08:00

Well, I've come to find out that many people have actually subscribed to this blog (my old blog). Honestly, I didn't even know one could do that... I didn't realize how 'un-technical' I really am! However, I now have a NEW blog that I think many people have been missing out on. I apologize to everyone who thinks I've dropped off the face of the earth! Here's the link:

My New Blog!

Last Day of 2008

2008-12-31T09:45:00.000-08:00

I want to wish all my couples and families a very safe New Year's Eve tonight!

2008 has been a year of heartache and tragedy for me. But I've laughed more and found more joy this year too. Everyone who I've worked with has been an absolute pleasure and for that I'm truly grateful! I've made so many new friends and have more new and wonderful opportunities than I can count. I have been truly blessed through meeting all my couples and clients and want to thank all of you for that!

Cheers!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-25T15:27:00.000-08:00

I just want to wish EVERYONE a very Merry Christmas today and hope Santa was really good to everyone.

Best wishes, glad tidings and God Bless!

All this SNOW!

2008-12-24T15:20:00.000-08:00

I was REALLY excited about the prospect of having a White Christmas!

Blissfully I anticipated the powdery white flakes and was so happy when I saw it starting to fall from the sky!

Then reality hit... I couldn't go anywhere! I had to have friends rescue me with their 4-wheel drives and rescheduled appointments I had made! Unbelievable!

But look at how beautiful the scenery is! I do still LOVE IT!

Scenes from Tulum

2008-12-21T21:30:00.001-08:00

The Mayan culture is absolutely fascinating and I made a point of going to Tulum while I was in Mexico to witness the 'architecture' and learn more about these intelligent ancient people.

Their way of communicating and telling stories are memorialized in the wall etchings with such amazing detail. Years of weather have worn away a lot of the designs but you can still make it out:

Every building was constructed according to the rising and setting of the sun so that the light would mark the days of the calendar. Absolutely fascinating!

They not only constructed the buildings according to the sun, but also aligned the roofs with the actual horizon! Although they may look slightly crooked to our human eye, if you were to align it with the horizon you would see it's perfectly straight! I'm just in awe!

It boggled my mind to learn how the Mayans created their own calendar, how they determined the world was, indeed, round (centuries before the explorers set out in their ships), how they learned about the planets and the solar system and so much more!

I just LOVE history!

Bonnie & Mike - Mexico Wedding

2008-12-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

To say the least, photographing Bonnie & Mike's wedding was a last minute event but also one of the most exhilarating experiences, not to mention THE MOST FUN I've had with any other couple and their group of friends on a destination wedding EVER! For them, the most important thing was that EVERYONE enjoy the experience - me included. So... I did!

However, the challenge for me was that the bride did NOT want pictures taken of her.... no scheduled engagement shoot, no fashion bridal shoot, no shots on the beach... nothing. THAT was a first for me! Bonnie didn't even want shots of her getting ready! So EVERY shot I took was completely photojournalistic without any direction or encouragement from me. As a matter of fact, I had my zoom lens on all the time so that she wouldn't even see me coming!

Here's the wedding day:

Everything was absolutely perfect the day of the wedding! It was warm and sunny, the view was breathtaking, and most importantly, both Bonnie and Mike enjoyed themselves surrounded by their closest family and friends.

Thank you Bonnie and Mike for having me at your wedding. Not only was the day fabulous, but the entire trip you made me feel as though we had been friends forever! I will never forget your hospitality and genuine warmth!

Stay tuned for the "festive" photos of Mexico...

Grace Ormonde Wedding Style

2008-12-10T11:02:00.000-08:00

With all that has been going on the past few months, I have been remiss in letting you know some GREAT news!

Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Magazine has given me the great honour by selecting me to be in their Platinum Listing! This list consists of all the top wedding professionals from around the WORLD so I am thrilled to be a part of this very elite list.

Grace Ormonde is based out of the US and if you're not familiar with this magazine, it is BY FAR, the most prestigious publication dedicated to the beauty of everything 'wedding'. If you are in the "Planning" stages of your wedding, please be sure to pick up your copy at any major book store or magazine shop.

John Valk BMW / Ducati Grand Opening

2008-12-07T16:41:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday I had the privilege of attending John Valk's Grand Opening of his new store on Grandview Hwy! I scored a new riding jacket too with the hefty discounts they were offering!

(this ISN'T the one I bought... I'll show you that come spring)

It was also the unveiling of the NEW Ducati 1100S! It looks relatively like my 696 Monster but much more powerful. Definitely not something I'm willing to play with! My bike has more than enough torque thank you very much...

Larry Campbell and another minister from Ottawa (I can't remember his name... how bad is that!) were on hand for the ribbon cutting...

The Ducati rep and his "lovely assistant" unveiled the new Monster... (I was so excited!)

And here it is!.....

Just look at those wheels, the Brembo breaks... ahhhh! So beautiful!

The entertainment they had was quite unique! African drummers and dancers were on hand and the performance was exhilarating! But there was a reason behind the "African Theme"...

... John Valk and his crew are planning a 36 day ride from Cape Town, South Africa up the eastern coast of Africa, past Malawi, through the Mojave desert and ending somewhere near the supposed region where mankind was said to have begun... HOW INCREDIBLE WOULD THAT BE!!! For more information, check out the details on his website www.johnvalkbmw.com

A bit of a set back

2008-12-05T17:14:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm back from Mexico and it was INCREDIBLE! However, upon my return it appears I've scratched my corneas and I have been bandaged up the last few days with antibiotic gel. It's nothing serious and it'll heal rather quickly. However, it will affect my workflow so I'm going to be a few days behind in getting things out. If you've left a message or email, I will get back to you as soon as I can!

Mexico

2008-11-24T17:10:00.000-08:00

I'm heading to Mexico first thing tomorrow morning and I doubt I'll have a chance to keep up with my blog. If I don't immediately respond to your emails or phone calls, it's probably because I'm out shooting or catching some "me" time.

When I get back I'll DEFINITELY share some of the images from the wedding!

OLE!

Jayna Bussiere

2008-11-15T16:48:00.000-08:00

Remember this name! Jayna has done all the makeup and hairstyles for all my Fashion-inspired Bridal Shoots the past few months and she is AMAZING! There is nothing she can not do! Very rarely do I meet someone who can do both makeup and hair as well as Jayna. AND her personality makes her SO MUCH FUN to work with! Jayna always stays during the entire shoot and is ready for touch ups, runaway hair spritzes, a complete "look" change and a LOT of cajoling!

PLEASE check out her site www.jaynamarie.com and call her RIGHT AWAY! Jayna ROCKS!

Kirsten & Greg - Engagement

2008-11-11T17:02:00.000-08:00

Kirsten is a fellow photographer here in Vancouver and is planning a very small, intimate wedding in January. I LOVE intimate weddings and I jumped at the chance to work with someone in the industry! For their engagement photos we went to the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club where most of their time is spent. Kirsten has been into sailing since she was a child and Greg shares her passion so it was a propos to be around the water and a multitude of boats. I can't WAIT until January!

It was a chilly day, to say the least, but both Kirsten and Greg were troupers and they managed to stay both warm AND dry! There was a slight drizzle but nothing that we couldn't handle.

Jacklin McMynn - Bridal Shoot

2008-11-10T16:58:00.000-08:00

Hycroft Manor is ALWAYS an amazing place to photograph highly sophisticated and gorgeous brides. Jacklin definitely falls in this category! These images really bring out Jacklin's beauty, warmth and inner joy.

I think both Jacklin AND Graham were a bit surprised as she was getting her hair and makeup done. Graham had never seen her so 'done up'! I think he was a little worried (hee hee) but he LOVED the final results! Jayna Bussiere did an AMAZING job (as usual)!

At this time of year in Vancouver, it's difficult to find much greenery let alone greenery that isn't soggy. But we found some beautiful ivy that contrasted well with the outside wall.

a new surprise coming...

2008-11-07T17:08:00.000-08:00

I was hoping to keep this a secret but I just have to give you a little hint... there's something new on the horizon and I'm just doing some tweaks here and there before the big 'launch'... stay tuned!

Barack Obama

2008-11-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

It's official! Barack Obama is the NEW President of the United States of America. I realize I'm stating the obvious - who doesn't know the results of last night's election... But I'm compelled to verbalize it, in any form, in order to wrap my head around the vast significance of this event. We all the know how many "firsts" this involves so I won't bother with the redundancy but it will be very interesting in the next 4 years to see what actually evolves compared to the 'change' Americans have been promised. I'm excited to witness all the events (whatever they may be) and watch how Obama handles what he has been dealt.

I have been quite impressed so far with how he conducted himself and handled his campaign; with dignity, integrity and good old fashioned hard-working ethics. Although I am not American and had no say in the election, I will be affected indirectly and the fact that a real man of character and principles (in my humble opinion) now presides over the nation south of our border, instills a sense of optimism that the world could actually become a better place. Barack Obama is only one man. But if one other person emulates the same level of tenacity with a high sense of propriety as a result of studying the methods used by Obama, it creates a positive chain reaction.

That being said, (all emotion aside) it still remains to be seen how much actual influence Barack will have in the Nation's Capitol...

Holiday Special!

2008-10-30T17:31:00.000-07:00

For the month of November (and limited dates in December) I'm offering a Christmas special for family portraits! This has been a HUGE hit the past few years so contact me as soon as you can to book at sitting. Currently I only have a few dates left on weekends and they're going fast.

A lot of people prefer to have some GREAT pictures of just the kids and a few prefer to include the whole family. It's completely up to you!

This is my ABSOLUTE favourite time of the year! I have so much fun with all the kids - it makes me feel like a kid again!

Canuck Place & CHC Helicopter

2008-10-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

For the past 4 years Canuck Place Children's Hospice has hosted their "Gift of Time Gala" to help raise awareness, as well as money, to help children cope with life-threatening illness. This year, A local helicopter company, CHC Global Operations, donated a helicopter ride for the auction held at this year's Gala. I was lucky enough to go along for the ride and take some breathtaking sunset images with the lucky winners!

I've been to Canuck Place Children's Hospice and I'm impressed with their level of care and commitment to these children and their families. Please think of Canuck Place if you're considering donating your time or money to a good cause!

And thank you to Dennis and Guido, the pilots at CHC, who provided a safe, fun and breathtaking trip around our beautiful city!

Marathon Training - Update

2008-10-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

Phew.... Training for a marathon requires much more discipline than I thought! I've always gone running every morning so I thought this was going to be a BREEZE! Was I ever wrong. At this time of year, when the sun rises much later and sets much sooner, finding time to run during daylight hours has been a challenge. Which is why I've made running in the dark work for me. I wear LOTS of reflective material and run on 'busy' roads - if you can call any road 'busy' at 5:00 in the morning!

That being said, I'm up to 15 miles! My training is coming along great (albeit challenging).

Now the bad news... looks like I'll be in Mexico during the time I was supposed to run the actual Marathon... hee hee... Oh well. I think I'd much rather be shooting in Mexico than running 26 miles in Seattle during the winter!

My next 'exercise' project? I start training for a triathlon next month. I'm starting with the swimming portion - my weakest area of all time... Once again - I'll keep you updated on my progress.

Please note: this isn't the end of my Marathon hopes...

Crystal & Miko - Engagement

2008-10-10T18:16:00.000-07:00

OH MY! I L-O-V-E Crystal & Miko! I had the BEST time with them this past weekend! It's great coming up with unique ideas and new ways of capturing people's personalities but this shoot tops them all!

Crystal wanted to do a 1960's theme so we came up with several different looks that epitomized that era. We started with a pin-up style shoot complete with bicycles.

The next "storyline" was a sailor back from war:

And the final idea was... well... I'll let you decide...

Miko was incredible! I don't know of very many men who are so confident in who they are as a "man" that they're willing to go through what he did for his fiancee. Dude, hats off to you!

You may recognize Crystal. She's been in such films as "Good Luck Chuck", "Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer", "Scary Movie 4" and more recently on TV in "Bionic Woman".

Here are some more images that I thought were timeless. As much as I LOVED the theme, I also wanted to capture something more. Emotional. Provocative. Loving.

CIBC Run for the Cure - RESULTS

2008-10-05T14:19:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness it wasn't raining this morning! It was a beautiful sunny day for the 5k Run for the Cure.

Mind you it was very cold and for the first kilometre I couldn't feel my legs. After about 2k I was able to get the blood flowing and ran much smoother. I finished in 32 minutes which was consistent with my 10k run (1:04).

I didn't have any of my friends with me this time... 8am on Sunday morning isn't exactly easy for a lot of people. But I DID meet up with one of my BEST friends: it's GREEN!

I always have her with me on movie night (haa haaa). M&M's with a box of popcorn - yum! But I digress...

The BEST part for me was the finish line. Not the fact that I crossed it but standing there watching everyone else come in after me. The smiles and look of accomplishment on everyone's face really lifted my heart.

Most of these people don't run on a regular basis. But their lives have been touched by friends, family members or even themselves who've had breast cancer. A lot of them have lost loved ones to this disease.

Side note: Next year I'm DEFINITELY dressing up!

They're not running 'cause they "like" to run, they're running (or walking) for a purpose that far exceeds the desire to exercise. Every person who crossed the finished line looked like they had just saved a life. The great part is, each one of those people who ran (and raised money) WILL eventually save many lives! What an AMAZING feeling that is!

For me to witness this unbelievable sense of humanity, among over 13,000 people, was quite overwhelming. I stayed close to the finish line for a long time watching this beautiful scene. Eventually the cold took over though and I was forced to head home... NFL, cozy warm clothes, a cup of tea and a bag of M&M's... :-)

(Let's not talk about the Seahawks.... :-( )

CIBC Run for the Cure this Sunday

2008-10-03T16:45:00.000-07:00

I'm off for another run this weekend. This time for a GREAT cause! It's very close to my heart 'cause cancer runs strongly on my Mother's side. I'd LOVE your support and cheers - it always helps me run faster... If you'd like to donate (you don't have to though) you can go online to my personal donation page It's SO easy!

But if you see me out there, be sure to wave and say "hi"!

Bridal Shoot - Parvinder

2008-09-23T23:39:00.001-07:00

I don't have to say a thing... I'll let the images say it all:

First Day of Autumn

2008-09-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Autumn! It's my favourite time of the year! The leaves start turning color, a slight chill is in the air... it's time to get out my cozy, comfy sweaters, sit in an oversized, 'marshmallow-y' couch in front of a warm fire place, catch up on ALL my reading and just relax.

Most people who know me, KNOW that I'm not a cold-weather person. As a matter of fact, I get REALLY cold, REALLY fast. Even now, I'm all bundled up in flannel pj's, fuzzy slippers and zipped up in a huge fleece... and it's not even winter yet! But that's the best part! The tangible feeling of being all bundled up in my 'cozy comfies' feels so much like being wrapped in pure, unadulterated love.

Mind you, even I get tired of being "smothered" so its nice to know I'll be heading south to warmer climates for all my winter destination weddings. I have a few months to go... maybe by then I'll be ready to shed the extra blankets. For now, I'm quite content watching the leaves change and snuggling up on the sofa with a good book.

Stephanie & Damian

2008-09-16T23:38:00.000-07:00

Stephanie is a world-class field hockey champion and Damian is an accomplished kayaker and outdoors-y kind o' guy. So it's only befitting that they get married at Camp Elphinstone on the Sunshine Coast. What a GORGEOUS location! But when I say "camp" I mean roughing-it-wood-huts-bunk-beds and the like! No creature comforts here!

The girls got ready in the nurses' hut which was a modest building at the base of the camp.

The guys got ready in the cabins up the hill (there are a LOT of hills on this property) with ACTUAL bunk beds that could fit a child no bigger than 10 years old! It was so rustic!

Bart was my FAVOURITE camper!

The ceremony was held even further down the hill, right on the lake.

What I loved best was how much fun everyone had! Take away the dresses and the suits and put on some shorts and hiking gear and everything would have been exactly the same! Thank goodness I had my sensible shoes on.

As both Stephanie & Damian are athletic and active, it only seemed fitting to capture them in their natural element.

The bridal party was practicing their 'grand entrance' and everyone one was in hysterics! LOVE this photo of the couple!

The reception was completely different! Steph & Damian had provided wigs, costumes and anything else for the guests to dress up in throughout the night. As the night went on, the guests became much more 'creative'...

Apparently the guests (and the couple) partied until 4:00 in the morning! It was quite evident the following day and my normal 'day after' photo session was nixed rather quickly in favour of a quick nap.

But it wasn't long... I managed to get a couple more photos before they went back to catch up on some real sleep.

The best part of my trip was capturing this image before any of this began...

It was the FIRST picture I took that day...

Charlie & Brent - Engagement

2008-09-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

The Four Seasons in Whistler has been AMAZING! Colin Daly has been gracious to refer SO many couples in my direction than I can count. It looks like I'll be spending a lot of time up there next summer. I can't wait!

Charlie & Brent is just one of my Whistler couples who currently live in Los Angeles but are heading up to the world famous resort in February 09 for their wedding. After 2 days of scouting locations in the area, they were given my name and immediately called to meet with me before jumping on their plane back to Los Angeles. I loved them immediately! Charlie was so excited and her best friend, Courtney, who is acting as their 'coordinator extraordinaire', was also excitedly telling me of their adventures. Brent was a little more reserved and asked the "technical" questions, but it wouldn't be long before I got a real taste of his sense of humour!

I was fortunate enough to head down to Los Angeles to do their engagement shoot. We headed down to the expansive sandy beaches and it was here that I saw how Charlie & Brent REALLY interact with one another! They both kept me in stitches and I don't think we stopped laughing the whole time!

At the beginning Brent was a little nervous. But as soon as I told him he didn't have to look at the camera (as a matter of fact, do anything EXCEPT look at the camera) he became a COMPLETELY different person! Gone was the 'resesrved', stern expression. It was GREAT! Near the end of the shoot he had a whole different outlook and was even bold enough to look straight in my lens...

Although our shoot was quick, I'm so excited about seeing Charlie & Brent again in February! We'll not only have the wedding day, but hopefully a day or two before and/or after the wedding to get some spectacular shots on the mountain!

What kind of car should I get?

2008-09-10T23:40:00.000-07:00

I already have a car - a Honda Civic. It's GREAT on gas! Especially with these ridiculously high prices we're paying at the pump these days. However, I've decided to hand it over to my Mom who doesn't have a car.

Everyday she wakes up early and takes the bus for TWO HOURS to get to work. By car it would only take 20 minutes. With winter surely on it's way (and, believe me, I can feel the cold weather coming) I can't bare the thought of my Mom standing in the cold, wet, Pacific Northwest weather waiting for a bus.

So that brings me to my dilemma... what kind of car should I get? I definitely want something fuel efficient and that I'm not going to get all panicky about if it accidentally gets scratched on one of those hectic days of shooting (trust me, some shooting schedules are SO jam-packed that getting everything into the car becomes a game-show challenge). I don't want to be more concerned about my car than my couple!

Going "green" is also a goal of mine. So far I've only looked at hybrids and/or clean diesel. I have a little while to decide but if anyone has any advice or suggestions I'd REALLY appreciate it!

In the meantime, I look forward to the day I can hand over my warm, safe, reliable car to my Mom. She's always been there for me!

More on Jacklin & Graham

2008-09-04T21:33:00.000-07:00

I actually got an email from Jacklin & Graham today while they're on their honeymoon thanking me for making their day so fun. I thought that was so sweet! Jacklin told me some GREAT stories of their adventures so far and I can't wait to see their pictures.

... Jacklin also gave me permission to post some photos if I'd like. I hadn't even asked them!!!! I guess they read my previous post and wanted to let me know it was ok to show some images. So... here are just a few near the beginning of the day:

Jacklin was getting pampered next door to the McMynn residence when I arrived - getting her makeup done by Jayna (she's awesome!) - while her bridesmaids fed her sushi. Once she was all made up, the process of getting into her dress began. Jacklin's bridesmaids were incredible! Jacklin didn't have to ask for a thing!

Jacklin looked absolutely gorgeous!

A horse and carriage brought the bride from her place to Graham's where the ceremony was being held. LOVE that!

Stay tuned for some more images...

The Human Race - Nike 10k Run

2008-09-01T22:47:00.000-07:00

I wanted to set some minor goals throughout my marathon training and I figured the Nike 10k run was a good starting marker. I was already up to 6 miles in my training so this race was perfect. Just so that I'm clear (and I know all my friends are tired of hearing me say this) I'm a very slow runner. For me, time is not a goal of mine. I just want to be consistent and finish all my runs without stopping.

Now that I've qualified that, my time for this run was 1 hour, 3 minutes and 55 seconds. Very slow... considering the last 10k I ran took me 57 minutes (that was almost 10 years ago). I'm ok with that!

I'm also ok with the fact that my friends who ran with me, finished before me... and they don't even train! Kerry did it in 40 minutes! That's awesome!

The scenery was amazing as the sun started going down. I actually ran with my point and shoot camera, but, because my goal was NOT to stop, most of the pictures I took were blurry. I saw a LOT of people along the way standing on the side with professional equipment. I bet they captured some unbelievable images! I'd LOVE to see them!

Here are some pictures I took before the race:

Here's me just as the race began:

Me AFTER the race:

A few of my friends after the run:

Our legs were killing us (and my glutes were sore) so we headed to the beer garden. Can you believe they served beer after a 10k run??? Needless to say, I had water ('cause I don't drink) while my friends double-fisted the little plastic cups.

The BEST part of the night was that the band "The Trews" played on the open-air stage then "Theory of a Deadman"! They were AWESOME! What a GREAT night! AND I got some good training in...

Leah & Doug

2008-08-31T23:34:00.000-07:00

I wanted to quickly post some images from Leah & Doug's wedding before I hit the road for the Nike 10k run tonight... (more on that later)...

I arrived at the house before the bride arrived which allowed me to get some great detail shots.

Once Leah arrived I could tell she was really nervous but as soon as we started shooting she loosened up and we had a great time! Of course, the champagne helped too...

Gus, the 6 month old family pup, was enthralled with all the activity until he got stung by a bee. Poor Gus!

The ceremony was at the United Church on 15th and Burrard. I LOVE that little church! It's so small and intimate and the stained glass windows are amazing! Both Leah & Doug tried so hard not to cry but Leah came prepared with her handkerchief tucked in a "safe" place. She may have thought no one noticed...

After the ceremony we did some traveling around our beautiful city.

Just a little background - Leah & Doug are high school sweethearts and are quite young (23). So it's only inevitable that the groomsmen (who are also quite young) tend to be rather... 'playful'... to say the least. They kept me in stitches with their antics.

The reception was held at the Rowing Club in Stanley Park. The light was amazing by the time the couple arrived so I had to take them down by the water.

Even though Leah & Doug are just beginning their lives together at an early age, it's clear that their love runs deep. They're going to have a life filled with joy and happiness! You can just feel it when you're around them!

Marathon Training

2008-08-28T22:09:00.000-07:00

Alright, so here goes... I'm letting everyone know that I've started training for a marathon. I should be ready by the end of November at which time the Seattle Marathon is scheduled (November 30).

However, secretly, I'm aiming for December 7 for the marathon in Barbados... I'm thinking it will be less 'hill-y'. That's a good enough excuse for me. Not to mention the warmer climate and exotic feel of a tropical island in the middle of autumn. Sounds good to me!

Before I started to officially train, I had already been running most mornings for 3 - 5 miles anyway with strength training at the gym thrown in. It's something I've done for years.

I also have to tell you this isn't my first attempt at training for a marathon... I've started a few times in the past only to be thrown off my schedule due to time constraints during wedding season. Events tend to be in the middle of summer - the busiest time of year for photographers. I thought I would be smart this time and begin my training at the end of the season instead and aim for a marathon in the winter (a strategic move considering the possible locales).

Wish me luck! And feel free to hold me accountable! I need all the support I can get!

Jacklin & Graham - Wedding

2008-08-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

Jacklin & Graham's wedding day was 'magical' to say the least. It was a warm, sunny day (which has been rare the past few weeks) in Southlands surrounded by beautiful homes and a lot of horses!

Out of respect for their privacy and the current media attention, I won't be displaying any images but I know I captured the spirit of the day! I could feel the love and warmth of family and friends enveloping the couple as they said their vows. After the ceremony, the couple rode in a horse-drawn carriage and we had a chance to escape the camera crews and get some amazing shots at a beautiful, red barn. From there we were able to cruise through the Dunbar area and eventually down to the Vancouver Yacht Club. An old vintage car was awaiting them and I got some great shots with the Vancouver mountains in the background.

I don't think I've ever met a couple so meant for one another than Jacklin & Graham. They know the true meaning of love and have a deeper understanding for how precious life really is. Perhaps part of it is a result of the challenges they have faced early in life. But I get a feeling it goes beyond life experience - it comes from the sense of values given to them from their parents and grandparents. Without this foundation, I believe their journey may have been a little more difficult to bear.

Through everything, they have kept an unbelievable sense of humour and I had SO much fun laughing with them and the rest of the bridal party the entire day. On August 23rd, something I had always known but hadn't thought a lot about lately, came rushing back to me - the importance of strong family values, unconditional love and standing tall in the face of adversity while never losing the joy life has to offer.

Chalane & Patrick - Wedding

2008-07-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

Chalane & Patrick's traditional Asian-Inspired wedding was incredibly fun starting with Patrick bravely succumbing to the bridesmaids' demands to show his love and devotion for his future bride.

What struck me the most about this wedding though was the attention to detail. Chalane really took the time to get all the 'little things' just right!

Harumi was Chalane's coordinator and she did an amazing job of keeping it all together.

After the ceremony at Celebration Pavilion in Stanley Park, we made our way to the beach with the city in the background.

We also headed to UBC where the couple met in University. The Koerner Library holds specific memories for the 2 of them...

What an incredible day! Congratulations Chalane & Patrick!

Kathleen & Cameron - Wedding

2008-07-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

When I showed up at Kathleen & Cameron's house to photograph the girls getting ready, I knew it was going to be an incredible day!

The morning started off with some champagne and a calm, relaxing atmosphere. Kathleen's 2 dogs sat very close while she had her makeup done and they were so cute!

Kathleen was absolutely stunning in her dress!

And all the girls were just as amazing!

St. Andrew's Wesley was the perfect location for the ceremony although Kathleen couldn't stop laughing while Cameron tried signing the registry.

The whole day was so much fun!

The reception was held at the beautifully renovated Terminal City Club.

I also had the privilege of working with Joe Taravella of Cloud Nine Creative. He was an AMAZING part of the team and I hope to work with him again in the near future.

Ducati

2008-07-05T19:07:00.000-07:00

Ok... most of you know I got my motorcycle license in May... well now meet my new addition! It's a brand new white Ducati 696 Monster!

I LOVE it!

Trying to make time to ride it has been a bit difficult right smack in the middle of the busiest time of the year but I have had some GREAT times already!

This picture isn't the greatest... but I can't do ALL my own photography...

25th Wedding Anniversary

2008-07-04T19:10:00.000-07:00

This is what we all aspire to. A lasting, loving relationship full of surprises and intrigue. Not to mention a quick jaunt to Las Vegas, a party in Vancouver with family and friends and a trip to Africa for a safari all within a few weeks of each other just to celebrate 25 years of marriage.

This is what Dave & Judy Chucko have managed to create. Albeit, every event was a complete surprise to Judy thanks to the diabolical, plotting mind of Dave and a few cohorts in the family. This particular event was held at La Terrazza in Yaletown and coordinated by the brilliant Susan Hyatt - event planner extraordinaire!

They even had a Caricaturist create some fun character art. Congratulations Judy & Dave!

Have fun in Africa!

Mission Raceway

2008-07-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

As most of you know I took my motorcycle driving course at Pacific Riding School where Suzuki Canada sponsored racer, Mark (Kramer) Kruger teaches. He's AWESOME! This Canada Day I went down to Mission Raceway where Kramer was racing. I was able to stand at some of the best corners on the track and take pictures as he whizzed by at over 200km/hr!

Just so you all know, you will NEVER see me going that fast on my bike EVER!

Anyway, needless to say, Kramer won every race he was in and I got some great shots of him doing it. Here he's actually giving me the 'thumbs up' after winning his last race... normally he just gives me the 'other' finger...

GO KRAMER!

Doesn't he look "adorable" on this bike?!? What a kid...

Harley Ride for Make A Wish Foundation

2008-06-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

I woke up very early and headed south across the border for a cause that's very dear to my heart. I donate a lot of my work and effort to Make A Wish Foundation up here in Canada but will do my part wherever asked. A good friend of mine is a TV/film Producer and asked me to come down and participate in their Harley Ride for Children's Hospital. As I rarely will turn down a chance to ride on a motorcycle I was more than happy to take the trek. We started in Bellevue and headed to Quest Field where the presentation and actual ride began. From there we road down the highway (police escort et al) for 1 1/2 hours to the Muckleshoot Amphitheatre where we enjoyed some rock music by bands such as The Marshall Tucker Band. It was a GREAT day and I was sad to leave later that afternoon. But there were other shoots to do on this side of the border.

That's me on the right. Beside me are the Make A Wish 'dream team', Marcia and Christine. YOU GUYS ROCK!!!

Anne & Jason - Wedding

2008-06-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

I do believe this was the hottest day this summer! I started out with Anne at her hotel room in White Rock overlooking the beach.

Anne wasn't afraid to go for a more glamorous look rather than the traditional 'minimalist' look. LOVE that!

After the ceremony, we headed back to that area and I told the guys to take off their jackets, ties and vests as well as loosen the buttons on their shirts. I couldn't imagine them being out in that hot sun all bound up and miserable. You would have thought I had asked them to change into their jeans and t-shirts the way they looked at me all wild-eyed and excited. It was great! (By the way, I asked the bride if she minded first... she was just fine with it...).

Once we finished up, we all headed to the ice cream parlour across the street. What a great idea. GREAT shots too!

The whole day was fun and unique.

Jason - you're a riot!

Candace & Chris - Wedding

2008-06-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful day for my New York couple and their friends and family. Candace has incredible taste and looked absolutely stunning in her wedding gown!

Candace was also able to lock down the best vendors in the city! Their ceremony was at Cecil Green overlooking the North Shore mountains. All the flowers were by Darlene Meyers-Jackson of Inspired Event Floral - the arrangements were absolutely incredible! The reception was held at the Vancouver Art Gallery amongst the Anime Art. I LOVED it! Not to mention the catering by Diva at the Met... the food was amazing! But best of all was working with Candace & Chris. They made the day so much fun with their laid-back personality and easy-going style. Thanks guys for allowing me a peak inside your incredible day!

Candace & Chris - Engagement

2008-06-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

Candace & Chris flew out from New York 2 days ago and we found some time to meet up for a pre-wedding "quickie" engagement shoot. We headed out to Jericho Beach and basked in the warmth of the sun! New York is a lot of fun but does it have the scenery like Vancouver? Either way, I'll be photographing these guys in New York later in the year!

Yaletown

2008-06-16T22:39:00.000-07:00

Yaletown used to be an old warehouse district in downtown Vancouver but was revitalized over 10 years ago to become a funky, modern and upscale area where one can shop, dine and... photograph some amazing scenes. I decided to photograph Anne here for her Bridal Shoot 'cause it fits her style to a 't'.

Her dress was ordered from Italy and it just exuded the modern aura of Yaletown. I tried not to get too creative because she still has to wear her dress for her wedding in 2 weeks but we had SO much fun! I can't wait til Jason sees her coming down the aisle!

Kathleen & Cameron

2008-06-08T22:53:00.000-07:00

I never shoot at Queen Elizabeth Park. As beautiful as it is, it is so crowded on the weekends and I prefer my couples to have a more quiet, intimate photoshoot on their special day. However, during the week on a cool, cloudy day it becomes the perfect place for an engagement shoot! It was perfect for Kathleen & Cameron 'cause they're both very private and conservative people. They also prefer a more traditional approach to having their picture taken. Queen E Park is all that!

Thank goodness we captured some great moments before the rain started!

HSBC Childrun

2008-06-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday (June 4), hundreds of parents, kids and supporters participated in the 23rd annual HSBC Childrun and raised over $350,000 for the Oncology Department at BC Children's Hospital.

I was there capturing the event (as I did last year) and giving what I could to the organization. BC Children's Hospital is a place close to my heart so there is no place I would have rather been! The smiles on all their faces make it so worthwhile. This girl was AMAZING! I LOVE how she owned her look!

It was so much fun watching all the kids play, interact and participate in all the games, facepainting and other activities.

I LOVE the expression on this little boy while trying some yoga moves!

One day, hopefully a cure will be found! If you want to donate or help out, please check out BC Children's Hospital Foundation website at www.bcchf.ca

Coal Harbour

2008-05-29T19:33:00.001-07:00

Alison & Graeme decided to have their engagement shoot during working hours so we stole some time and headed to a place that was very close to work. Coal Harbour has some great city skyline views as well as the North Shore mountains on the other side.

If you look really close you can actually see the multitude of spring-time flies. There were hordes of them! On our way out Alison & I hid behind Graeme to protect us. Thanks Graeme!!!

Pacific Riding School

2008-05-21T21:00:00.001-07:00

Here it is... the secret I was telling you about... something I've been 'working' on for the past 2 weeks...

I got my motorcycle license!

With no blood (thank goodness), a lot of sweat and a few tears here and there (I'm such a girl), I did some professional training with the industry kings of motorcycle racing. The guys at Pacific Riding School are definitely the best anywhere! They all have over 18 years riding experience and continually improve their skills every year in Canada, the U.S. and even overseas. With their skills training, an emphasis on defensive riding and safety I was in good hands.

Thank you Mark, Chris, Dat and Rosie for your smiles and encouragement and Mark for giving me such a hard time! You ROCK! Can't wait for the ride down to Baha!

Barnet Marine Park

2008-05-20T08:38:00.000-07:00

The Marine Park may be a bit out of the way if you live downtown but it's a great little hide-away park with picnic tables, hiking trails, boating and a good little beach for sitting in the sun or swimming. It has GREAT views of the North Shore mountains too!

This is where Leah & Douglas come when they have free time. It is (or was) their little secret spot to take walks with their dog and enjoy nature. Leah & Doug are high school sweethearts barely out of college. They're a young couple but they definitely are the real deal as far as finding their soul mate.

A Secret

2008-05-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

I have been holding out on you all... I have something I'm really excited to tell you but I'm gonna hold off until Wednesday. It has nothing to do with photography (not directly anyway) but it's something I've been wanting to do for a long time. Check back on Wednesday... (wish me luck).

Gastown

2008-05-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of photographing Anne & Jason in one of Vancouver's oldest neighbourhoods. There are old lantern-style street lights, cobblestone roads and a tall clock tower run solely on steam (not really, but that's what the city of Vancouver wants everyone to believe). Gastown has a LOT of character which suits Anne & Jason to a tee!

Parvinder & Jay - Reception

2008-05-15T10:13:00.000-07:00

The couple had their reception the day after the wedding. To me this is a GREAT way to spread the activities out and enjoy each event individually. For some couples and their guests it may not work but if you can do it, I highly recommend it. Parvinder & Jay's reception was way out in the middle of an industrial park/warehouse district. The venue itself was beautiful inside and well decorated. Outside was another story. But it's a good example that, as long as you have beautiful, soft natural light, you can have amazing pictures anywhere!

Parvinder & Jay

2008-05-14T13:39:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had the amazing experience of photographing Parvinder and Jay's Indian Wedding! The traditions are absolutely beautiful but not any more beautiful than Parvinder and Jay's love for one another. I'm in awe of a love so pure.

Stay tuned for more images!

Los Angeles, California

2008-05-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

It's my birthday! I LOVE my birthday!!! However, today was a day of rest and relaxation... I needed it 'cause I spent a non-stop weekend in Los Angeles with some great friends. Thursday I went Salsa dancing all night long. Friday I went to the Grand Opening of a new shopping development in Glendale called The Americana where I shopped til I dropped. Saturday night I went to a hip, happening hot spot in downtown L.A. called Edison (which I HIGHLY recommend checking out - www.edisondowntown.com). I'm exhausted! However, the ironic thing about hanging out with other photographers is that none of us carry a camera when we go out. So, fortunately, there are no pictures that prove I was dancing with reckless abandon.

That being said, one of the highlights of my vacation was actually being photographed by one of the best fashion and commercial photographers in L.A. I went to high school with Paul Rumohr and I was shocked to find out he has been living in L.A. for the past 18 years photographing actors, models and celebrities for a living. Check out his site at www.paulrumohr.com. I told Paul to photograph me like he would one of his edgier, fashion layouts. I later regretted this 'cause he really pushed me hard! I thought I was in good shape but evidently not good enough. He had me balancing in high heels on top of a cliff - my quads were killing me!

As a photographer I'm always the one taking the pictures and I'm never in any of them. For the most part I'm very happy about that. However, I wanted to get back in front of the camera again just to step in the shoes of all my fabulous couples and clients. It's tough being in front of the camera and I want you all to know I know exactly how you feel!

Bridal Shoot

2008-04-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

I've started including Bridal Shoots in my packages for brides who want a little something 'extra' before (or after) their wedding day. It's a chance to capture your inner diva... a chance to concentrate on just you and feel how luxurious it is to be in your bridal gown. The Bridal Shoot tends to be a little edgier. It's shot like a spread in a magazine concentrating on the elegance yet allowing you to capture what you can't always get on your wedding day. My brides have LOVED this concept! Especially after the wedding day when they no longer care if there's a wrinkle or a stain. Anything goes! Here's a couple I did for Linzi while I was in the Bahamas:

Linzi & Daniel

2008-04-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

I LOVE shooting in the Caribbean! And I couldn't have had a more fun couple than Linzi & Daniel!

Linzi and Daniel are getting married May 25 at the Cloisters on Paradise Island. I did an engagement shoot with them on the beach right at sunset after they finished work. Linzi is a Marine Biologist and works with the dolphins and sea lions at Atlantis. Daniel also works at Atlantis but out of the water and in administration.

Linzi is in the water all day long so the last thing she wanted to do was get completely wet shortly before nightfall. I don't blame her! But I had fun getting Daniel to threaten throwing her into the ocean...

Believe it or not, these pictures were taken after the sun had already dropped below the horizon. The last bit of daylight was gracing us with beautifully muted light! I'm glad I had my fabulous Canon low-light lens in order to capture these amazing images... I wouldn't have been able to get these otherwise.

Linzi & Daniel are going to have the BEST wedding in May!

Lindsay & Brent - The Bride

2008-04-19T17:18:00.000-07:00

Ok... here are a few of the bride. Isn't she gorgeous!

One & Only Ocean Club, Bahamas

2008-04-18T21:16:00.000-07:00

I'm still going through all the images from the wedding last week and LOVING every minute of it. I've had a lot of people asking when they can see just a snippet from the wedding but I'm gonna keep y'all in suspense! In the meantime, here are just a few of the images of the One & Only Ocean Club.

It was just an amazing place for a wedding. For anyone considering a destination wedding here, you MUST contact Anne Marie Williams (516.620.3530). She is one of two exclusive coordinators who will create the wedding of your dreams!

Lindsay + Brent

2008-04-17T13:17:00.001-07:00

I'm finally back from an amazing week of shooting on Paradise Island! I met Lindsay & Brent the day after I arrived in the Lobby of the One & Only Ocean Club. We hit it off immediately and kept talking all the way through brunch. They're both very down-to-earth, fun and just great people. Lindsay is a fashion designer - check out her site at www.lindsayperry.com!

The day before the wedding, the bride's parents hosted a Welcoming Party at one of the private residences on the island for all the guests that had flown in. They couldn't have chosen a better place! It was right on the ocean !

Guests were served premium Bahamian Fare - grouper, conch, guava duff and an assortment of other goodies.

As the sun was setting I managed to grab the couple for some sunset shots on the beach. It was a little windy and I didn't want to get the bride's hair too windblown... I LOVE these backlit shots!

Stay tuned for some more amazing pictures of their WEDDING!

Paradise Island, Bahamas Sessions

2008-03-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

I'll be in Nassau, Bahamas for several weeks in April. I'm shooting a wedding at the One & Only Ocean Club (where the James Bond movie, Casino Royale was filmed) as well as several other family/kids' sessions and even a couple of engagement sessions! I have several more spots available and I'm taking bookings for any other kids/families or couples who'd like to capture their adventures in the Caribbean! Call or email now to reserve your spot.

Winter's Wrath

2008-03-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

I have the flu. I was determined not to get sick this year and I was feeling GREAT up until this point! If you call and get voicemail, if you email and don't hear back with my usual hyper-drive response time and if I've had to reschedule your portrait session; I truly apologize but will be back to my usual self in no time!

Health and Well-Being

2008-03-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

People who have known me for a long time, know that I am very health-conscious and a bit of a fitness nut. In my early 20's I was a personal trainer, fitness nutritionist and semi-competitive body-builder. Nowadays I keep it down to running up to 8 miles a day and light-weight circuit training a few days a week. I've always enjoyed yoga on occasion and pilates has me quite intrigued. If only I could find a good pilates place in my area! Recently I discovered Bikram's yoga and I will never go back! For those who don't know what Bikram's Yoga is, it's mostly 'stretching' and 'compressing' muscles and joints in a room that is 106 degrees Fahrenheit at about 60% humidity. VERY hot! I go everyday for 90 minutes and it's amazing! Not only am I seeing definition in my legs, arms and shoulders, I'm also a lot more flexible. I'm very calm and relaxed throughout the day. I crave healthy food and not junk like I usually do. I've had lower back pain for quite some time and within a month it has completely disappeared! Even the aches in my shoulders from carrying all my equipment are gone! To top it off, I've lost a few pounds and several inches around my waist, hips and thighs. The biggest payoff for me however is the sense of peace and calm that I feel on a regular basis since starting Bikram's yoga. I'm more aware of my breathing which has allowed my mind (and those racing thoughts in my head) to become quieter. I LOVE hot yoga!

Parvinder + Jay's Engagement

2008-02-24T08:51:00.000-08:00

I can't say enough about Parvinder & Jay! For the most part, engagement shoots are quite casual. However, Parvinder & Jay wanted to do something a little dressier first then change into jeans later. We started from their apartment and I noticed a little area in their back alley. Even though they were dressed up, they were willing to trust my 'vision' (in a back alley) and take my lead. I got some AMAZING shots that they were thrilled with too. Urban settings, no matter how 'rough' they may seem, can be transformed into unbelievable images!

From there we went casual down at the beach. I love hats and had a couple of ideas for Parvinder in Jay's car (a 350Z which, by the way, may be mine in the near future...).

But no matter what ideas I had and no matter what I had them do, they both were so willing to jump right in! They were so fun to photograph and I can't WAIT until their traditional Indian wedding in May!

Aruba & Dominica

2008-02-11T07:48:00.000-08:00

Aruba... What can I say... I spent very little time scouting around Aruba. I bought a post card for my Mom and that was the extent of my excitement.

But Dominica! I LOVED Dominica! Yet another beautiful, lush, mountainous countryside with friendly residents and a culture rich in history. I was driving along a dirt road beside a river at one point and came across this guy washing his jeep in the river - bucket, cloth, soap and all. Coming back along the same road later that day, there was a family doing their laundry in almost the same spot. I know I see this on TV and I know this happens in the world but to actually witness it gave me a far greater connection. What hit me the most though was their visible joy. The children were laughing and playing, the woman was strong, diligent and also smiling. Earlier, the guy washing his jeep had seemed so proud to have a clean car! Back in North America I think I would be hard-pressed to find someone who would find pleasure in something that "inconvenient". It says a lot about how to find joy and happiness in all our tasks, and how to be grateful for everything we have... even the things we consider 'difficult' or unmanageable. I really believe that we create our own happiness and we can choose to look at things as being vexatious or appreciate our own good fortune - however modest it is.

Bonaire, Netherlands

2008-02-09T07:40:00.000-08:00

Bonaire was a very pleasant surprise. It wasn't 'tourist-y' like St. Thomas or Aruba. It had a 'village' atmosphere but with all the modern amenities - casual bar/grills right on the dock over the ocean (don't you just LOVE this?!), some shopping and even a dive centre at the end of the road. It was quiet, relaxing, and soothing. Definitely not a place to go if you want to party all night long. There were a lot of beautiful and affordable vacation rentals right on the water too (I wouldn't mind staying here at all!). It's a place I would definitely consider staying for a longer period of time.

Grenada

2008-02-07T17:00:00.000-08:00

I've ALWAYS wanted to go to Grenada! I remember my Dad telling me stories of his travels to Grenada when he was a pilot out of the Bahamas. He said it was his favourite place and that his dream was to one day live there. I'm sure it has changed a lot since 'his day' but I was absolutely fascinated by the landscape and the 'legendary' place my Dad thought so fondly of. Grenada is an agricultural wonder. All the farm land is on the mountainside - they harvest all their crops by climbing up the hills. There is no 'clear cutting' or landscaping. It's a hard life but their countryside is still 'untouched' by modern technology.

I also had the opportunity to photograph Christine & Jerry while they were on vacation. We didn't have a lot of time - they didn't want to miss their cruise line embarkation! They just wanted a few shots of their day. But we had fun nonetheless exploring the island, the buildings and a few local attractions.

St. Thomas

2008-02-05T16:47:00.000-08:00

So far my travels have been quite exhausting and rather hurried. Today I was in St. Thomas which reminds me very much of New Orleans! The streets are narrow, the shops are plentiful and wrought iron balconies above are abundant. I kept waiting for the bands to start playing and people dressed in elaborate costumes to burst onto the streets! It's a great place for shopping but I was more interested in the lifestyle and the sights. Unfortunately, I wasn't there for long so I didn't get very many images.

Caribbean Bound

2008-02-01T14:42:00.001-08:00

I'm off to the Caribbean for 3 weeks! I'm going to check out Eleuthra, Aruba, Grenada, Netherland Antilles and whichever other island calls my name. I will have limited access to my cell phone so email would be the best way to contact me. If you happen to be on any of these islands and want some images of you and your loved ones on your holiday, I'd be more than happy to meet up with you! I already have a couple of shoots lined up! However, do not expect a response on Sunday, February 3 as I will be glued to the big screen in Florida watching the Superbowl!

Last Day of 2008!

2008-01-31T15:17:00.000-08:00

Viva Las Vegas

2008-01-30T14:31:00.000-08:00

I had the surprise of my life the other day! My man was in Las Vegas for a convention and he called me in between meetings to tell me to pack the essentials, get to the airport and to wear something 'nice'. He had bought me a plane ticket and took me out to dinner at our favorite Vegas restaurant, Le Cirque. We had so much fun and I was back home the next day! I LOVE spontaneous excursions like that! Thanks Baby! Love you!

Harrison & Georgia

2008-01-28T08:37:00.000-08:00

Here's another of the many children I had the pleasure of photographing this weekend. Harrison is 3 years old and already protecting his little sister Georgia who is only 3 months. I photographed their parents wedding also several years ago and it was so much fun catching up and seeing them again!

Harrison's favourite character right now is Spider Man. He was pretending to be him all morning! Here he is spinning his web:

Here he is dodging his enemy and trapping him in yet another web:

Georgia was VERY tired and desparately wanted her nap. But we were actually able to get a bit of a smile from her!

Finally! Peace at last!

Ava: Future Oscar Winner

2008-01-25T12:06:00.000-08:00

This past week has been amazing (and exhausting) playing with and photographing all the kids I've had the pleasure of meeting. Ava is the first daughter of Kay and Alex, whose wedding I photographed 4 years ago in the Dominican Republic in a very intimate ceremony on the beach at the Secret's Excellence Resort.

Ava braved the cold with a smile on her face and we got some beautiful images of her. She's SO adorable and looks exactly like her mom! She's only 3 years old and she already has the bubbly personality of Kate Hudson. Keep an eye out for this cutie - you may see her in a few commercials in the near future...

Back in Vancouver

2008-01-16T16:24:00.000-08:00

I had a FABULOUS 'vacation' in the Bahamas! Coming back to -2 degree weather from 35 (30F - 80F respectively for all you Americans) has been very difficult. I was out shooting yesterday in Coal Harbour after just arriving by plane 2 hours earlier and I thought I was going to pass out from being so cold! But I got some great shots of former Olympic runners, Doug and Diane Clement for their new book:

A hot bath later that day didn't even thaw me out!

But here I am for another 3 weeks with a TON of family shoots between now and January 30th! Everyone is taking advantage of my January Special. If you want to get some images of your kids and/or family NOW IS THE TIME to book a session for only $100 (regular price is $300). I only have a few slots available so get'em while they're hot!

Zachary

2008-01-12T14:25:00.000-08:00

Ok... I HAVE to share my images of my little nephew. I'm such a PROUD Aunty! He's smart, SO loveable, and has such a gentle spirit. He is the perfect combination of both his Mom and his 'Dada'. I just love him to BITS!

Thanks to Janet and Eden for letting me point a camera at him 24/7.

Paradise Island

2008-01-10T16:56:00.000-08:00

I'm on Paradise Island in the Bahamas staying with my family in the shadow of the Atlantis Hotel. I'm originally from the Bahamas and it's my 'home' when I'm not running the business in the Pacific Northwest. My cousin has always worked with dolphins and her husband is a Director at the Atlantis Dolphin Facility. Swimming with the dolpins has always been somewhat of a regular occurrence for me. Here's where my cousin works:
But my greatest joy is seeing my one-year old nephew (or 2nd cousin... whatever the technical term is) and watching him learn the fundamentals of life. In him I see God's miracles and it just blows me away. Look at him playing in the water - he's so cuuuute!

Life is so precious. When I get stressed with deadlines and schedules and the everyday 'toil' of life, I realize that, in the big scheme of things, all that really matters is love, life and laughter (and of course, food, sleep and toys that make a lot of noise).

Tampa

2008-01-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

It's warm, it's sunny, and it feels so goooood! I've been here many times shooting weddings and visiting friends. However, this time time, it's all about conventions, tradeshows and a whole lot of AMAZING photographers sharing, shooting and booty shaking... yes, dancing (post convention hours of course)... if there's music playing - I'm dancing. I just gotta move!

But seriously, I'm so inspired with new ideas and thrilled to spend time with my peers from all over the world - Australia, New Zealand, Italy, the US and of course, Canada. I haven't had a lot of time for myself but I can't wait to show you some images that I've captured on my personal journey here in Tampa.

Oh! And if you're ever here, you HAVE to try the most amazing Cuban food north of Cuba itself - La Terrasita. I have foregone room service the whole time I've been here. It's a real 'hole in the wall' - I have to tell you... But the food... mmmmm mmmmm!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T13:16:00.000-08:00

2008 is going to be an AMAZING year! Full of friends, family and new experiences. At midnight, East Coast time, me and my man spent a romantic evening together in a hot tub by the water drinking Cristalle and enjoying the star-studded warmth of the open sky. This year will be jam-packed with more trips to exotic locales and I have my list of "Personal Commitments" at hand (New Year's "Resolutions" sounds too 'wishy washy').

I wish all my couples, family and friends a very healthy, happy and joyous year in 2008. May you all be blessed with God's Love!

Holiday Special!

2007-12-26T11:37:00.000-08:00

I did a last-minute portrait session 2 days before Christmas proving that 'it's never too late'! It was pouring rain and freezing cold but we all had a GREAT time. I always say 'it is what you make it' and if you keep a smile on your face and have fun no matter what happens, you can NEVER go wrong. Each member of the family had a very distinct personality and I made sure to bring them out. Although they were twins, Jessica was outgoing and flamboyant while her brother, John, was quieter and so not into having his picture taken! It was great!

For this holiday season, I'm offering all families and couples a chance to have a portrait session done for only $100 (regular rate is $300)! This limited time offer is only available until January 30, 2008 so call or email me now! Let's have fun and celebrate the season as it is in beautiful Vancouver!

A "World Vision" Christmas

2007-12-12T12:53:00.000-08:00

Every year I struggle with "Christmas" and what it really means versus all the hype, commercialism and expectations it brings. I LOVE that it brings my family together and I LOVE how generous people become (did you hear the story of the Starbucks Drive-Thru in the U.S. where customers were buying coffee for the people behind them??? This went on for 2 HOURS!). I LOVE the excitement in the air and I LOVE the smell of a pine tree filling the house as we put decorations on it. However, when it comes to buying gifts for people who already have everything (love, health, prosperity, not to mention the 'material' possessions) I find it really difficult to consciously think of something they might want or need. I'm the kind of person who, at any given moment throughout the year, will see something that I absolutely have to get for a friend or family member because it's just so 'them'. I'll give it to them right away because it makes me so happy! (It's all about the 'immediate gratification'...)

THIS year I've discovered something that I think is just BRILLIANT! World Vision has a Gift Catalogue in which you can give a life-changing gift in the name of your friend or family member to a child or family in need anywhere in the world. For example, you can provide a Goat to a family in Malawi which will nourish them with fresh milk, cheese, yogurt, etc. There's hundreds of gifts you can choose from!!! If you have difficulty trying to think of what to get for that 'person who has everything', check out www.worldvision.org! It's BRILLIANT!

Whistler Film Festival

2007-12-03T16:55:00.000-08:00

I can't believe the caliber of films presented at the Whistler Film Festival! Among them is a short produced and directed by a friend of mine, Gary Hawes. If you get a chance, check out Swap. I went up with my friend Ally and we stayed with Gary and his beautiful partner, Courtney who was a very gracious hostess. We all played a wicked game of... (can't remember the name, but it WAS pretty wicked) and went to a few of the parties... As amazing as the festival was, it was driving back to Vancouver Sunday afternoon that proved to be a BIG challenge. I drove past 5 separate accidents and watched as most vehicles slid out of control and couldn't get up the hill by Horseshoe Bay. I did a fair bit of sliding too but thankfully I learned to drive in Calgary and know how to stay in control in the ice and snow. I thank God for getting me home safely and pray that no one was seriously hurt.

BC Children's Hospital Foundation

2007-11-21T22:15:00.000-08:00

Although the Miracle Telethon isn't until May/June, plans are in full swing for yet another record-breaking year! Monday I was invited to join many prominent individuals dedicated to the Foundation and the incredible work it does. I was able to see first-hand the research currently underway that will help fight the many ailments and diseases this province's children face on a daily basis along with their families. There is so much hope for these children BECAUSE of what the BC Children's Hospital Foundation does. That is what keeps me contributing to the Foundation. For every family or child portrait I'm commissioned to do, I contribute a portion of my proceeds directly to the BC Children's Hospital Foundation. If you would like to contribute, please go to www.bcchf.ca or give me a call for your next family portrait!

Wedding Bells Dream Destination Wedding Winners

2007-11-19T21:14:00.000-08:00

I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Dana & Derrick this past Friday. They were the winners of the $40,000 Wedding Bells Dream Destination Wedding contest. I have to take a moment here to thank Susan Hyatt (aka The Wedding Lady). She put together this entire contest and I can't speak more highly of this extremely gifted wedding coordinator! You must contact her if you're getting married. Visit her site at www.weddinglady.com.

I took Dana & Derrick through Stanley Park and made numerous stops around the park. It just happened to be the day the Park opened up the section that was hit by the wind storm last year so we were able to get more than we bargained for.

Dana & Derrick had to be THE most fun to shoot and apparently had the most fun... especially after I made them jump in the ocean! I wish you all the best as you head to Mexico for your actual wedding!

Jacklin + Graham

2007-11-14T20:17:00.000-08:00

Although their wedding isn't until the hot, balmy month of August 2008, Jacklin & Graham were looking forward to getting some photographs with the colourful autumn leaves on a somewhat cool, crisp day. Thank goodness it was a dry day here on the 'wet' coast.

Times Square

2007-11-04T22:17:00.000-08:00

This year I have traveled more than any other year to date! I was recently on a whirlwind trip from Upstate New York to NYC to Washington, DC to Virginia and back. New York City is one of my favourite cities to visit but this time around I was only there overnight. I took advantage of what little time I had and called one of my New York brides from this year. I got together with her and her sister for a VERY quick shoot in Times Square late that night. The lights in Times Square were enough to capture some really interesting shots. I LOVE to play with light and angles! I literally only had 20 minutes but it was well worth it!

Laila

2007-10-30T09:22:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce you to my new family addition! She's the sweetest, cutest, most mishievous little baby girl and I LOVE her to bits! I never thought I'd like a small dog (never mind 'teacup' size). I mean, what can you do with something so small??? But I got her from a family who was never home. They got her when she was 9 weeks and, due to their schedule, they'd be gone up to 14 hours leaving this poor little baby by herself. The moment I heard that I called and said I was on my way to pick her up. Within hours I had this precious little doll in my hands. So what can I do with something so small? Love her with all my heart!

Seahawks!

2007-10-11T14:09:00.000-07:00

Football season has begun and I'm so EXCITED! I've been traveling quite a bit and have only been able to go to one of the Seahawks games. But I have watched most of them on TV in whichever city I happen to be in at the time. I'm quite embarassed by my team's performance last Sunday... that was painful! But did you see Monday Night's game between Dallas and Buffalo?!? I had just checked into my hotel room at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC and quickly turned on the game. That was insane!

"Once"

2007-08-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

Once in a while a movie comes along that is so pure that it reverberates into your very soul, bypassing the walls and filters created by today's violent, sex-oriented and anti-social society. "Once" is that movie. A musical by rights, it also tells a very heart-felt story of two artists who fall in love but in a very gritty and 'real' way (a 'chic flick' it is not). I LOVED this movie!

The Gorge

2007-08-15T21:11:00.000-07:00

Oh my! I can't believe it's the middle of August... Summer is almost over. I've been shooting almost every day and haven't had a chance to keep up with my blog. I have so many fabulous stories about my couples and their weddings and I promise to show those to you as soon as I can! That being said, I actually had a chance to go away in the middle of the week for some camping! I haven't been camping in almost 25 years and have been dying to go for years. We went an hour past The Gorge in Washington State. I did some wakeboarding and even some surfing! Check it out: (please don't laugh too hard at my attempt...)

The Four Seasons, Whistler

2007-06-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Anita & Gilbert said their vows at the new Four Seasons Resort in Whistler. It is not only a gorgeous hotel with refined detail and a well-kept garden courtyard, but the service was impeccable! They cleaned Anita's dress and got all the excess wrinkles out the night before and even repaired her veil when her fiance accidentally stepped on it the day of the wedding!
Litsa, the coordinator, made sure every moment of the day went smoothly and that all the pieces came together flawlessly. For anyone considering Whistler as their wedding destination, I highly recommend contacting the Four Seasons!
Anita & Gilbert were so happy and content... and it shows in their imagery. We were able to take advantage of the grounds as well as the trails across the road (for a little added 'wilderness' setting to offset the luxurious setting of the resort).

BC Children's Hospital

2007-06-11T20:56:00.000-07:00

BC Children's Hospital is a place very close to my heart. Every year the hospital receives up to 80,000 little patients who need care, as well as a place to feel safe while away from home. I can't imagine what it would be like for a child to be placed in a cold, unfamiliar room surrounded by, or hooked up to scary-looking machines. Or a parent watching their child endure such sadness, fear and unpleasantness. BC Children's Hospital Foundation ensures that each child is given the best possible care - including a place where they can play, learn, laugh and grow - through fundraising and donations.
I was very fortunate last weekend to be able to donate my time at the annual BC Children's Hospital Telethon hosted by Global TV (June 2 & 3). They raised $14,688,536 during the 20th annual Miracle Weekend! This is just one of the ways I have given to BC Children's Hospital. For every child or family portrait session, I donate 10% of my profit to the Foundation. If you would like to help, please visit www.bcchf.ca. Check out all the great things they do!

Granville Island

2007-05-27T11:01:00.000-07:00

Rain. I LOVE the rain! The air smells so much fresher, the leaves become so much greener, the sound of it against the roof relaxes and calms me.

Unfortunately, photographing in it is completely different.

Very rarely (if ever) do any of my couples (especially my brides) want to be outside in it when we're photographing... and understandably so.

However, last week I had scheduled several engagement shoots. I had emailed each of my couples the day before and warned them that it would rain the next day and asked if they wanted to postpone. Each of them said "absolutely not!" In that instant I got really excited! Finally! I get to do some really creative things in the rain! I was picturing my couples sopping wet, hair stuck to their faces and water droplets rolling down their cheeks! How romantic! I couldn't WAIT!

I suggested Granville Island because there are quite a few undercover sections (including under the bridge itself). Fortunately for my couples they remained dry while set against some fun and interesting backdrops. Interestingly enough, the rain even stopped! All of them had so much fun! They were such great sports about getting out in the cold and miserable dampness.
Unfortunately for me, I didn't get the shots I wanted of my couples sopping wet... but this is Vancouver... it's only a matter of time. All I need is another couple who are willing to take a chance and do something completely different! ... any takers out there?...

Serbian Wedding

2007-05-23T20:43:00.000-07:00

Dijana & Steven's wedding was by far, the most celebrated wedding I've ever been to! Family and Friends danced from sun up to way past sun down to the traditional music of their homeland - Serbia. A 5-piece Serbian band was flown in from Arizona and lit up the streets of Vancouver while the Serbian flag fluttered in the wind among them.

What struck me the most about this wedding was the bond and connection with both families and the love, respect, acceptance and joy each and every one of them gave to one another. They even included me as part of the 'family'! I went home that night feeling so "full" and happy.

Dijana and Steven - You have given me such a precious gift! Thank you for letting me be a part of your day!

CountDown Events

2007-05-23T20:06:00.000-07:00

Stephanie and Matthew had an AMAZING day thanks in large part to the incredible women at CountDown Events! Nathalie had everything under control.
Stephanie was calm and elegant in her dress from Something Blue and pink studded shoes from Louis Vuitton. They were so CUTE! If ever a bride wants to do something unique, a colourful pair of shoes on her feet can be so much fun instead of the traditional white.
As usual, Hotel Vancouver hosted a breathtaking event and served delicious fare. And, of course, Colin of Upright Decor created a magical atmosphere in the ballroom.

Lake Tahoe

2007-05-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

I love my career and I cherish the wonderful people I've met in the photography industry. I'm always inspired by the many talented people out there and have worked with some of the best. They are not only artists but they are truly giving, caring and self-less people and I've had so much fun with them! Every now and then I still am surprised... I just received this email from a photographer in Lake Tahoe:

I am a photographer in the Lake Tahoe area. Your work and presentation is so.....deep and emotional....you just don't come across that every day. I really appreciate your style and your work and all that you put into it...the energy transfers!.....
sincerely,
gina munda

I was so overjoyed that someone would write to me out of the blue with such kind words that I called Gina right away. Her work is also very intimate and emotional and we've decided that we must get together and do some shooting. Please check out Gina's site - www.ginamunda.com

Mother's Day

2007-05-17T10:33:00.001-07:00

I had an incredible Mother's Day with my Mum. It lasted several days! Sunday I woke up after an exhausting shoot on Saturday and took my Mum out for brunch at Cafe Crepe on Granville Street (one of my Mum's favourite breakfast places). If you've never been there you HAVE to go! The Americano is divine, the service is par excellence and the variety of crepes you can get are 4 pages long!

After Brunch I took my mom for a manicure and pedicure at Bella Nails on West Boulevard in Kerrisdale (5777 W Boulevard, 604-269-9188). It may not have been one of the finer spas we all know in Vancouver but I have never been any place that takes better care of you, does a better job AND the price is reasonable. They all know me by name every time I walk in.

Once Mum was relaxed and beautified, I took her to my favourite Steak place for dinner. 4 days later, I'm sending her off for a 2 week sun-filled vacation to the Bahamas.

My Mum is the best Mum in the world. She has blessed me with her love, understanding, acceptance and generosity all my life and continues to be my rock.

I love you Mummy!

Las Vegas

2007-05-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

Although it has been almost 2 months, I'm still reeling from the Photographer's convention in Las Vegas this past March. I had so much fun catching up with my fave photogs and running out between seminars to capture some images with them! A bunch of us went down to a dry lakebed in the middle of the desert to test different ideas and techniques.
I love to 'play' and experiment and try new things! I always prepare my couples and clients that I'll be trying something different - it may work, it may not. But we'll have fun and inevitably they LOVE them!

Jericho Beach

2007-05-08T18:51:00.000-07:00

Tina and Paul called me from London, England late last year to inquire about my availability for their wedding in September here in Vancouver. Tina and I had talked on the phone like we had known each other for years! She was so much fun! They ended up booking over the phone and only last month did I meet them in person for the first time! We went to Jericho Beach to take some pictures of the two of them while Tina's family looked on. The whole family was just so amazing! I've never seen any family so close and so loving! It was just a natural progression to get them ALL in there.
Here's one of the girls (Tina's sister, mom, and Tina)
Now look at Tina and her fiance... pretty steamy!

Happy Birthday... to ME!

2007-05-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

I LOVE my birthday! It's a day to celebrate the gift of Life God has given me. I woke up to brilliant sunshine streaming through my bedroom window and a German Chocolate Cake served to me by my amazing, loving man for breakfast.

I was treated to a day of spa pampering - massage, facial, pedicure... and some other wonderful gifts!
My wonderful, amazing, loving man then took me to my favourite steak house and we had a bottle of our favourite red wine - Caymus Select. I'm so blessed!
I thank God every day for all the blessings He has given me. Every morning during my run I reflect on all of God's creation and all the beauty in this world. Every day I thank Him for all the people in my life who love and care for me and all the gifts He has given me. And I thank Him every year on my birthday for giving me the gift of Life.

Stephanie & Matt

2007-05-04T17:54:00.000-07:00

Spring is here but it's still so cold! Every now and then I get a fleeting glimpse of summer then a cool breeze comes along and reminds me we still have a little while to go. Although I'm sure it's going to be a beautiful day for Stephanie & Matt. They have amazing plans for their wedding next week. Soha and Nathalie from CountDown Events are in charge so I'm excited!

Stephanie & Matt are a GREAT couple and I had a lot of fun bringing them out of their shell. It took a little coaxing and coaching (and a few sneaky tricks) to stop them from staring at my lens but by the end they were completely in control of the camera! Stephanie became a 'natural' and Matt... well... Matt kept me in stitches and a lot of fun was made at his expense - you're a ham Matt!

Dijana & Steve

2007-04-15T18:07:00.000-07:00

It may be rather cold and blistery this time of year but Dijana and Steve took it all in stride. While Steve kept warm by carrying my heavy equipment, Dijana was jumping around and doing her best to forget the chill... when they weren't snuggling close to one another... We went to several different places and, as usual, I shot way too many images. They were both so great in front of the camera and did everything I suggested... and more! I can't wait till their wedding next month!