Lori Hawrychuk Photography - The Blog

Sunrise Trash the Dress | Wedding Photographer Victoria, BC

2012-01-25T20:29:00.000-08:00

When you are in an exotic place, you can't forgo sunrises for sleep. Just can't happen. That's why Amanda and Jordan got up for 6:15am to catch the sunrise over the ocean the day after their wedding. The morning was amazing and the light gorgeous, the newlyweds, even more gorgeous. They sat on the rocks, played in tide pools and ocean, and then after getting a bit wet, the dress got carried. I really can't pick my favourite shots, as many more from this morning session that I adore. The best line from the day.....when we were leaving the beach and rinsing off the dress and our feet from the sand, a guy said, "that must have been some wedding party." Yes, it sure was. Congratulations Amanda + Jordan. It was my pleasure to be part of your very special week.

Amanda + Jordan | Wedding Photographer Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

2012-01-11T17:15:00.000-08:00

I met Amanda and Jordan through my sister and brother-in-law. They have become friends as they attend family birthdays and dinner parties. When they got engaged last fall and Amanda started to talk about her beach wedding, I was thrilled to be asked to be the photographer. We arrived in Playa del Carmen, Mexico (a resort area about 1 hour south of Cancun) on Boxing Day. The next day was the wedding so not a lot of time to get acquainted with the area, but an early morning run on the beach introduced me to this paradise like location. The location was the Sandos Playacar resort and it was lovely. The wedding was a small and intimate affair on the beach (well if 100 people watching from their reclining chairs on the beach is small and intimate). We had a lot of fun, both the day of the wedding, the sunrise trash the dress session the next morning (images coming this week), and the rest of the week. Enjoy Amanda and Jordan.

Every bride needs a picture with the policia federal on her wedding day!

One of my favourites from Amanda & Jordan's wedding day...stay tuned this week for the sunrise Trash the Dress images.

Countdown to Christmas | Getting Behind!!!

2011-12-20T15:34:00.000-08:00

OK, OK, OK...the last weekend of Christmas got the best of me. Photography, working my seasonal gig, spending time with family, Christmas prep, and prepping for a working vacation in Mexico from the 26th-31st, put the Countdown to the bottom of the to do list. So instead I have 1 last Extravanganzalorious (if you know elf on the shelf-you will know this is a REAL word) promotion for prior and new clients.

First, to all of my 2011 clients.

I had the pleasure of photographing many returning clients and a lot of new faces and smiles this year.

For 4 days only, ending Friday, December 23rd at midnight, purchase all of your edited, full resolution digital images from your session for only $375. That is 50% off the regular price. The disk of image comes with full printing rights, so great for last minute gifts if you want to print some prints at your printer (I can let you know who I would use locally). You will receive your disk with images (if local or mailed if not local) within 24 hours from purchase.

Second, to all of my future clients in 2012.

I didn't want to make you feel left out, and I love to meet new families every year, so for you I have a great digital image package at more than 50% off. Purchase a regular session at $150 and pre-pay for your digital images as detailed above for $350. That is $500 and everything is paid for, we just need to schedule a time for 2012 and you will receive your full edited images with printing rights. Oh, year and if you are a prior client of 2011 and want to plan ahead for 2012....no problem just click below.

Hurry, as this gift to clients from 2011 and my future clients in 2012 will be gone on Friday at midnight, and images archived and deleted for 2011! Please contact me if you have any questions.

Prior Client can purchase digital image disk here.

New 2012 Clients or anyone that wants to purchase a session and digital images for 2012 can purchase session and digital image disk here.

Countdown to Christmas | Day 4 50 % Off Print Sale

2011-12-15T08:40:00.000-08:00

Santa brings to you today a killer deal on prints when you purchase a regular portrait session. Purchase a session today until midnight, and spend at least $200 on prints at the time of your session and receive 50% off of all of your prints. That is $200 worth of prints for $100, $500 worth of prints for only $250. Get all next year's Christmas shopping done by having your session in the fall and knocking all the people off of your list.

Click here to purchase.

Hurry, only until midnight tonight to purchase!

Countdown to Christmas | Day 5 Pet Portaits and Free Simplicity Package

2011-12-14T11:31:00.000-08:00

Lots of people who know me, know that I love dogs....but especially photographing them. It is all about the eyes and performance. Today's daily Christmas promotion is for all the dog lovers in my life (well any pet actually). It is a doozer too!!!

Today only until midnight, purchase a regular pet portrait session at $150 (maximum 4 dogs) and receive a FREE Simplicity Package. This is $250 worth of prints and products, a mix of smaller prints and large wall art ones as well. This package includes 2 sets of wallet sized prints, 4-5x7 prints, 2-8x10 prints, and $100 print credit for wall portraits 11x14 and larger. Perfect for displaying love for your special friend.

This is a fantastic Christmas gift for any dog lover or cat lover in your family.

Click here to purchase, but don't wait as this "pawesome" deal will be gone at midnight tonight!

Countdown to Christmas | Day 6 - Free 6x6 Flushmount Album

2011-12-13T08:06:00.000-08:00

New for 2012! Book a child themed session. Think princess, fairy, fisherman, astronaut. Anything your child is into right now. Or maybe it is about a vintage lemonade stand or a camping setup on the beach. Our imagination can run wild. Purchase a themed session for $150 and receive a FREE 6x6 flushmount album with all of the images from the session as a wonderful keepsake.

Click here to purchase today's promotion!

Hurry Now! This great promotion will be gone at midnight tonight!

Countdown to Christmas | Day 7 FREE Set of Mini Accordian Albums

2011-12-12T09:17:00.000-08:00

The mini accordian albums are a great present for anyone. Many of my clients this fall purchased a set, 1 for each set of grandparents and one for themselves. It is a way to have 9-11 of the images all in one place for bragging and showing to others. Today's promotion is a set of 3 identical albums (value $100) when you purchase a regular portrait session.

Click HERE to purchase today's promotion.

HURRY NOW! This promotion will be gone by midnight tonight!

Countdown to Christmas | Day 8 50% off Small Prints

2011-12-11T00:45:00.000-08:00

Sunday's special promotion is for all of the scrapbookers out there. Or maybe you like a collection of small prints in a gallery format on a large wall (I love that and am just trying to figure out how to do it at my new place as I miss my gallery hallway). Purchase a portrait session and receive 50% off of all prints 8x10 and under.

Click here to purchase Day 8's gift of giving!

Hurry Now as this special expires on December 11th at midnight!!

Countdown to Christmas | Day 9 Newborn and Maternity

2011-12-10T09:00:00.000-08:00

Are you expecting a little bundle of joy in 2012? Is someone you love getting a new addition to their family? Well today's special promotion is for you. Purchase a newborn session and receive a free maternity session for the new mom and dad and siblings. A newborn session is a special session that is held between 6-12 days old. The maternity session ideal time is between 35-38 weeks.

Click here to purchase today's deal.

Don't forgot about yesterday's buy one regular session and get one free. It is the perfect gift for someone you love but as of tonight it will be gone!! I just wanted to give you a bit more time as I didn't post until later in the day yesterday!! Don't you hate when life gets in the way of your plans.

Have a great Saturday! Hope you are enjoying the 2nd last weekend before Christmas.

Countdown to Christmas | Day 10

2011-12-09T14:00:00.000-08:00

It is the time of year for giving. Starting today and running through to next Sunday, December 18th, I am going to have specials for 2012 just for you! I hear all the time from friends and families of clients saying, "oh we need to do this". Well this is your chance. Every day there will be a special promotion. It will be available for just one day, until midnight each night and then the promotion will change to something else. 10 days of fabulous savings and fun. The best way to make sure you don't miss the savings each day is to go to my Facebook Page and "like" my page. Each day, I will post a blog post to explain the Countdown special that will automatically post over to my facebook page so you don't miss out.

Day 10 - Friday, December 9th

Today is all about sharing with others. Are you a client who had their photos taken this year and everyone raved about your photos and said they wished they could have a session too? Or maybe you have a few people still on your Christmas list to buy presents for, but just not sure what to get them? How about a family or child photography session? Today's special is a buy one get one promotion. If you purchase one regular session (child, maternity, newborn, pet, or family), you will receive a gift certificate for another full regular session of the recipient's choice. You can keep the second session for yourself or family, or you can give it to someone special on your list so that they can have their family memories captured too!

Just click here to purchase!

HURRY! Due to the fact that I am posting sooo late today, this offer will expire on Saturday, December 10th at midnight. But stay tuned there will be a new Countdown special tomorrow!!!!!

Let the fun begin!!!

Gorgeous Browns | Victoria BC Family and Portrait Photographer

2011-12-08T23:53:00.000-08:00

Eyes that is. Everyone in the family had dark eyes, either brown or dark hazel. As well, the T. Family were by far the smiley group of the fall. Big, toothy grins, sly grins. We had a great time at Fort Rodd Hill, lots of areas to check out and explore. Enjoy!

Really could the smile be any cuter.

My favourite from the session, like I wasn't even there!

Family Affair | Family and Child Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-11-28T23:06:00.000-08:00

I have know the C. Family since I moved back in 2007 to Victoria. We got rained out twice and finally had a nice sunny day. I haven't seen them in awhile, too long, and Miss Z and Mr. L have grown sooo much. I could hardly believe it. Grandma and Uncle J. joined in on the session as well down at Esquimalt Lagoon. Late afternoon light, the beach, pier pillars....perfection!

Sharing secrets with Grandma.

One of my favourites from the session.

More Mini Sessions | Family and Child Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-11-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

Sometimes clients become friends over the years, you watch their family grow each year, from little ones to big girls. Sometimes I am even luckier and friends becomes clients. My sister lives in a GREAT cul de sac and the K. Family spend a lot of time with my sister's family. I see Maddie and Lila a lot and often see them waving out their front window at me. Last year, I couldn't get Lila to crack a smile, this year, complete different story. These 2 were full of poses. Enjoy!

a little bit of vintage processing....love this one!

isn't that curl on her nose to die for!!!!

Fall Mini Sessions | Victoria BC Child and Family Photographer

2011-11-14T23:39:00.000-08:00

The K. Family were the winners of a mini-session that I raffled away at the Time Out for Moms Exhibition in July (check out the Surviving the Season edition tomorrow, it is not too late to get tickets...and I am going to be one of the speakers). 3 boys...WOW is all I can say, there were full of energy and Mom and Dad is expecting their fourth little one....a girl this time around!!!

Enjoy!!

How I love a serious face.

Such a great smile.

Yearly Tradition | Victoria BC Family and Child Photographer

2011-11-14T15:50:00.000-08:00

I LOVE to see families that come back every year. It is almost as if I know them so well, eventhough I see them just once a year. The P. Family is back for the 4th year. Kira and Makenna have changed sooo much over the years from little girls to big girls! Also, Makenna seems to be losing teeth the last few sessions, but she can work the gap like no other! Really a gorgeous family, with the most beautiful blue eyes I have ever seen (well maybe my nephew only).

It was super windy and I asked them to fix each other's hair...sooo cute!!!

The Weston Family | Child and Family Photographer Victoria BC

2011-10-27T16:05:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful fall day, another gorgeous family. We headed out to Beacon Park (after not meeting in the right place because who knew there were 2 kiddie parks at Beacon Hill) and then down to Dallas Road.

Just a few things that I loved about this family and session:

- I loved the color coordination and outfits Mom put together, layers and color and neutrals, some of my favourites.

- More beautiful eyes, blue and hazel.

- Big toothy grins by Lilah, such a happy little girl.

Enjoy!

I Dare You | Family and Child Photographer

2011-10-25T23:03:00.000-07:00

If Cole could speak full sentences, I am sure he would be saying, "I dare you to try and make me laugh." Yes, we managed to get a few giggles, but he was super serious through our session. This is one of my favourite places to shoot, love the light at all times of the day.

Fall Fun | Family and Child Photographer Victoria BC

2011-10-25T16:32:00.000-07:00

I know I like to preach about taking family photos, so I was sooooo excited when Mom won the grand prize gift certificate from the Time Out for Moms event in July. She was extremely excited as this family had never had professional family photos taken before! I couldn't wait to capture their family. Avery and Ryder were hysterical, cracking me up the entire morning. Some of the things that I loved about the session:

- you could feel the love this family have for each other....really feel it.

- Avery and Ryder are like a comedy act, playing off each other and really got along great.

- Ryder makes hilarious faces.

- I loved Avery's toothless grin the best!

- Both Mom and Dad had the most beautiful eyes, you can see where the kids got those eyes from

I hope you continue to make family photos a yearly tradition.

PS.....I am very excited to be an exhibitor AND a presenter at the new Time Out for Moms Event: Surviving the Season on Nov 15th. I am going to be providing some great hints and tips for taking better photos this Christmas. Hope to see you there! I will be offering a free session as well as a Simplicity Package in the draws as well, so you maybe lucky just like the Kerr Family!

Those eyes are amazing Mom!

Strike a pose.

I think my favourite from the day.

Miss Clara - 7 Days New | Victoria BC Newborn Photographer

2011-10-08T10:05:00.000-07:00

Miss Clara was the tiniest little thing I have had the pleasure to photograph. She was born just over 5 pounds and was the sweetest little thing. She wasn't too thrilled to sleep on her belly, but loved to be swaddled.

Simple | Child Photographer Victoria BC

2011-10-02T15:55:00.000-07:00

These 2 cuties are my good friend's grandchildren. I have watched them grow up and they have appeared on my blog before. A few weeks ago they were visiting Nana and we headed to the beach for a little session at the end of the day. We all just mostly played, but you can see that with beautiful children, beautiful light, and a beautiful backdrop, anything is possible!

I love a serious face.

The little spiky hair LOVE!

Miss Madeline | Victoria BC Newborn Photographer

2011-09-28T00:53:00.000-07:00

Miss Madeline really made us work for her session. She was a great little sleeper when she was asleep, but after sleeping for the first part of the session, she decided it was party time and not sleeping time. It was a good thing her Mommy and Daddy and I had some patience and we waited her out and got a lot more great images as she slept some more at the end of the session. Congratulations Mom and Dad, she is precious!!!

My favourite from the day I think!! Love the colors.

Oh...those lips!!!

Wide awake and ready to party.

Such an adorable nursery...owls were sooo cute!

Wedding Workshop with Funkytown Photography | Victoria BC Wedding Photographer

2011-09-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

Finally a chance to catch up on my own personal projects. I attended a workshop a few weeks back with Christina Craft of Funkytown Photography. I had taken a course with her before and love her work so thought this might be fun, and I wasn't disappointed. Finding the light was on my agenda and I was not disappointed. We had a gorgeous model and here are a few of my favourite images from the day.

a little bit of vintage editing as it fit the look

shooting through!!

reflections

at SFU, show what you can do with a plain university campus

can you guess what the black part is?? shooting through my cupped hand!

2nd picture is "perfect exposure" based on my histogram, but really the light is sooo much better in first shot.

finding the light...don't you love the design from the shadow through a wood structure over the area

Double the Pleasure | Victoria BC Family and Child Photographer

2011-09-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this family...everything about them. They are old friends of my sister that I have known for a long time but have never had the pleasure to photograph all together. By far the happiest 4 year olds ever. They laughed and smiled and played and even stopped to pose for the camera. Oh yeah, and isn't Momma gorgeous....LOVE the hair!! The afternoon ended with a cold dip in the ocean, I love the wild abandon of children! Oh yea

Dance like no one is watching!!!

I think my favourite from the whole day!!!

The many faces of Mr. C!

Look at the collage bigger, the face as the wave hits is priceless!

I had to include the face on the right....cracked me up!!!

Coming Soon | Victoria BC Maternity Photographer

2011-09-25T09:22:00.000-07:00

Ms. F is excited about her new brother or sister arriving soon. We spent the afternoon in her own backyard, a bit of posing, a bit of reading and a few PEZ candies for good measure. I can't wait to meet the new arrival, I wonder if the new baby will have momma's red hair and stunning blue eye!

"Dog Friends" | Victoria BC Pet Photographer

2011-09-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

I LOVE when I get to do a session for my friends, especially my "dog friends". In case you don't know, "dog friends" are my friends with dogs, people I know from dog activities and events. The goal was to get a few shots of the "baby dog" Spring doing some agility apparatus. We did that and then decided to head to the park for a few more posed shots. Doesn't Holly have the distinguished senior look? Or is that a spunky 2 year old look?

Double The Cuteness | Victoria BC Newborn Photographer

2011-09-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness, cuteness. Meet Ms. A and Mr. K. They were 22 days old, right around their original due date and still were just about 8 pounds each of cuteness. They are my first twins to photograph and I was soooo excited. I had many ideas to try and we tried a lot, but they weren't too keen on sleeping for us, and when they did, at the same time was not in their agenda. I loved spending the morning with them and here are a few of my favourites. Mom and Dad have been waiting patiently (wow twins are twice the work on the editing end) for their gallery which will be up today!!!

Mr. K

I know, I know, these look the same BUT thank goodness I remembered that we shot Ms. A first and then Mr. K, so I know that the top picture is Ms. A and the bottom is Mr. K!!!

Such a cute handsome face!

Little girly parts

Mr. K...with the most adorable puckered lips!

Miss O - Growing Up | Victoria BC Family and Child Photographer

2011-09-14T23:39:00.000-07:00

Last fall, Miss O. and her mom and Aunty and I headed out to Beaver Lake for a fall session. I tried every trick in the book and she was just not very excited to be a model for the day. This year and a year older, miss model. She laughed and smiled and played and even "fell" for my "can you see Dora the Explorer in the camera lens trick". We had sooo much fun down at Macauley Point on a gorgeous Saturday morning.

Don't you just love the face on the right? Such a "we're done" now face!!!

When Your Backyard is the Ocean | Victoria BC Family Photographer

2011-09-14T16:09:00.000-07:00

The S. Family have lived in their house by the ocean for 23+ years. The girls have grown up with these rocks as their playground. They laughed and posed the afternoon away. They walked on the rocks like they had done it a thousand times. It was the perfect place to capture their family in their ocean blues. Really, could they be more gorgeous!!!

Urban Mama | Victoria BC Maternity Photographer

2011-08-29T00:52:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when you have a really great idea, it is worth the wait to get it just right. This was the case. I have a picture of my own sister when she was pregnant with my nephew Mathew that I love. It was taken in Fan Tan Alley, and reads, tough, strong, and urban. Ashley is a friend of a friend that I met while wedding dress shopping (yeah Amanda, can't wait to shoot the wedding in Mexico at Christmas time). Honestly, the minute I saw her, I thought, "I wonder if she would be interested in doing a maternity session." She said yes and headed downtown on a lovely evening in early August with the sun going down. They are some of my favourite spots to shoot in Victoria...yes we have the ocean, and Beacon Hill and other great places, but the downtown is vibrant and full of color. I think you can tell we had a good time and even stopped for a coffee half way through for a coffee and a wardrobe change. Ashley looked gorgeous and was working those eyes. Thanks Ashley for a great evening...finally a sneak peak for you!! I had a really hard time picking my favourite. I can't wait to meet the new arrival in September...it is going to be a surprise on the sex.

Love just the peak of the belly!

LOVE everything about this one, the pose and the fact that her eyes are closed!!!!

I adore this fence....I would shoot everyone here if I could. Beautiful light and long grass and wild flowers.

The tattoo? Her 3 year old daugher's full name.

Sunny Days | Victoria BC Family Photographer

2011-08-29T00:14:00.000-07:00

Corina and her family received a gift certificate for this session from a friend whom are close friends of mine whom I finally got to do a session with in the spring (click here for Miss E and her family's session at the same location). It was a bit windy at Macauley Point, but we managed to check out all the great locations, have a few laughs and smile even though Miss S said that all of her smiles were used up :)

An outdoor family session was a new experience for this family and I am pretty sure that they had a good time and we got a lot of great images as well.

Lily | Victoria BC Newborn Photographer

2011-08-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

Miss Lily was an angel. She slept and slept and slept, and then when she would make a fuss, it only took Daddy giving her a tushie tap to put her right back to sleep. I thought she would wake at any moment and our time would be done, but not one bit. Even after 2.5 hours, not one image with eyes open. The dark hair and lips....divine. Just a quick sneak peak for Elizabeth and Aron...more to come later and full gallery up tonight!

Fall Mini Sessions | Victoria BC Newborn, Child, Family, and Pet Photographer

2011-08-26T15:59:00.000-07:00

I love the summer (even though we haven't really had much of one), but I LOVE the fall. I love wearing a sweatshirt or a vest and having just my nose be cold. I love the colors of fall, from the leaves on and off the trees to the blue of the sky.

My fall calendar is starting to fill up with fall sessions for families and there seems to be something in the water as the next month or so brings a handful of maternity and new babes that are coming into this world.

I have decided to do 3 days of mini-sessions and try out a few new locations to spice things up. The first location will be a downtown location in Victoria. Think grafitti walls, brick walls, stairs, concrete, fences. I just finished a maternity session a few weeks back and I love the result so a family into this would be great. The second location will be Beacon Hill Park near the kid's playground. I will be bringing out an armchair to use in the field. There is a great fence and lots of old fallen down trees to use in this area. The third location is Fort Rodd Hill. There is lots of great variety here as well, from grass and trees and leaves, to the old army bunkers, to a short walk down to the beach and the lighthouse. Before booking your session at Fort Rodd Hill, please note that clients are responsible for admission fees.

The flow of the minis is that I will meet you and your family at the location. We will have a lot of fun as we spend 30 minutes capturing your family in the fall (perfect for holiday cards and Christmas gifts). Within 1 week, you will receive a password to your online proofing gallery with 10-15 images from which to choose your prints and products from. Mini-Sessions are not limited to just families, maybe just the kids, or a couple, or even your pet. See the details below on what is included in your mini package.

Book your session by clicking here!

Mini-Sessions will be booked on a first come first serve basis. There are only 4 spots available at location, so don't delay in booking your spot TODAY! Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

A few images from the fall in the past few years!

Miss M. | Victoria BC Child and Family Photographer

2011-08-25T22:34:00.000-07:00

Miss M's Mom won a free Mini-Session draw at a trade expo I attended back in July (Time out for Mom!). She was a character and gave me many faces, so thought these were perfect to share!

The R. Family | Victoria BC Family Photographer

2011-08-24T22:14:00.000-07:00

One of the things that I have learned as a photographer is that 2 is a tough age. A little too young for rationalizing, negotiating and bribery (well Pez candy eventually worked). A little too old for just entertainment - think photographer singing "tiny turtle" and "old mcdonald had a farm". Although big sister A was having a great time at the beach, Miss L had to be convinced that we were really having fun to really let out the smiles, and as you can see those were withheld for really fun things like swinging with Mom and Dad. I am a sucker for a serious face too....so I ate her up! We all still managed to have a fun time in the gorgeous morning sun.

Day in the Sun | Victoria BC Portrait Photographer

2011-08-02T13:45:00.000-07:00

Tina and Brian spent the late afternoon sun with me at Beaver Lake Ponds. I love this location, great light, great grass, and we even added an armchair for good measure. The goal was to do some new headshots for Tina (if you are looking for a mortgage for a new place, drop her an email), but also do some new shots of her and her husband Brian as well. I think we accomplished both!

Feel free to leave some comment love, if they receive 15 comments, the couple will get a free 8x10 print.

Beautiful Belly + the Beach = Gorgeous | Victoria BC Maternity Photographer

2011-07-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

I love water, always have, I guess it is because I am a Cancer--a water baby. The beach is just the place I feel most comfortable. I think that is why this post is sooo large. I met with the B. Family (soon to be family of 3) last week at Willows Beach for their maternity session. Early evening sun, laughs and the results are my favourite maternity images that I have taken. Just love so many, I couldn't narrow down the post to just a few. Enjoy!

Lucky baby...checkout those eyes!

Loved the shadow!

Mama glow!

I think the new baby is pretty lucky to have parents this much in love.

Mr. J at the Beach | Victoria BC Child and Family Photographer

2011-07-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

I met up with Mr. J and his family down at McAuley Point. I know J's mom from the "dog world" and the family was visiting from Edmonton. I think the wind might have been the winner of the day, but we did manage to have a bit of fun and get some shots of this super cute family. Leave them some blog comment love and they will get a free 8x10 print if they get 15 comments.

My favourite of the day I think!!!

Christine + Logan | Love.....for Real! Wedding Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-07-17T22:38:00.000-07:00

Rain, rain, go away, come again another day....or at least a few hours later! Just a quick sneak peak for Christine and Logan before they head off on their honeymoon tomorrow. July in BC should be warm and sunny, well, just wait a minute or two and it will be. Saturday's weather went from pouring rain and clouds to drizzle to sun shining to pouring rain again. The ceremony was moved inside at Sooke Harbour House, but the rain broke long enough to take pictures on the grounds and down at Whiifen Spit. I have not been a part of a wedding where the couple wrote their own vows, and these were a-maz-ing. I could barely keep the camera to my eyes as I had tears welling up----geez I need to stop crying at weddings. This couple is young and beautiful, but mature beyond their years. Oh yeah, and did I mention in love. Logan loves to fish (I hear that Christine is pretty good too) and when I heard this I told him to bring along rods to the wedding. The buddies brought along the fishing rods and the groom had a vision on how to set the shots up and it worked perfectly. Check out his wedding band....gorgeous with the fish on it. Absolutely spectacular. Have a safe and beautiful honeymoon Christine and Logan. I will post a full blog post when you come back!

This is the face........ Child and Family Photographer, Victoria BC

2011-07-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

THIS is the FACE of Breast Cancer.

THESE are the FACES of Breast Cancer.

You probably all think that you know where this story is going to end. I bet you maybe wrong. I met Cheryl and her daughter about 2 years ago and Cheryl's mom Frances last week. I did Miss Ava's pictures for the first time in the fall when she was about 15 months old. Cheryl was going to book a session this past spring, but like what often happens, life gets in the way.

Cheryl is a single mom and in for a fight for her life.....yes Breast Cancer. Cheryl is a facebook friend. She is not someone I know well or talk to regularly, but when I read her updates, her anger, her sadness, her anxiousness, I felt close to her somehow. I think it was because I was approaching my 40th birthday back in June when I first heard about Cheryl's diagnosis. I couldn't even imagine dealing with this, and then I thought about my own sister with 2 small children, how would she cope if she was given this challenge? I thought about this for a couple of weeks and finally I made a decision. I belong to a group called Helping Hearts. We are a group of photographers that volunteer our time and capture memories for families that have sick children. I have yet to do a session with this group but think it is such a great idea and then thought about why couldn't I just do a session for whomever I wanted :)

A few weeks back I posted a link on my facebook page to a link of a fellow photographer friend in Ottawa. I loved this post so much, about how we wait to take pictures, until we are thinner, less grey, dressed appropriately etc. Also about just capturing the moments, all the moments and not putting it off. I know that Cheryl is going to be just fine....I feel it in my SOUL, honestly I do. But I wanted to capture a few moments of her just being with her daughter and her mom and little Sidney. Cheryl had surgery this week and once the healing is done, chemotherapy and radiation will follow. My gift to her was this session and a disk with all the images. I had a hard time culling (going through and getting rid of the ones I wouldn't normally present in a gallery) this session. Instead I think there are going to be about 65 proofs because every laugh and smile--even though the same "pose" captured my heart, and I am sure that they will capture Cheryl's as well.

My wish for her is to cherish all the moments as she undertakes this fight. Hopefully the pics will get her through some of the hard days. I am sure you can tell from the pictures that Ava is a character and that her laugh and smile are contagious.

When I messaged Cheryl to tell her that I would like to give her a session and cd, she responded in a generous and lovely voice, saying that she would be thrilled to have me do the session. Then she gave me the number for the BC Mammogram Agency (that day was my birthday and she saw the well wishes on facebook) and urged me to phone and make an appointment. I made that appointment for August 2nd. I urge any woman who is reading this post who is over 40 and hasn't had a mammogram, to phone on Monday!! If you are in BC, the number is 1-800-669-9203.

Here a few more of my favourite images from the session.

A little bribery for the end of the session never hurts!!

I love a lot of them from the day, but this is one of my favourites......simple.

Dog Days of Summer Mini Sessions | Pet Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-07-12T23:31:00.000-07:00

I love dogs, all kinds, shapes and sizes. I spent a couple of days doing mini-sessions and we had a blast.

Christine + Logan | Love......Actually Engagement Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-06-28T16:06:00.000-07:00

OMG....I LOVE these 2. Never mind that they are both Gorgeous, capital G gorgeous but are fun and in love. They had engagement photos taken already, but I really wanted to do a getting to know you session, but more importantly a "Love....Actually" session. More information on this in a few weeks. It is a session for all of those in love, single, married, dating, etc. As the sun goes down, a time to reconnect and focus on just the two of you.

Christine and Logan, I hope you like these AND I really can't wait to capture your wedding day in a few weeks.

52 Weeks of Matthew | Week 25 Child Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-06-28T15:51:00.000-07:00

Matthew at Johnny's birthday party, many faces.

52 Weeks of Johnny | Week 25 Child Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-06-28T15:50:00.000-07:00

It was Johnny's 3rd birthday on Friday (a birthday he shares with me). He had a very eventful weekend with his first visit to a movie theatre on Friday to see Cars 2 in 3D, which he loved. On Saturday, his birthday party. It was a construction theme and if you asked him what he wanted for his birthday, he said a backhoe. Well an Aunty's role is to make wishes come true, so I arranged for a backhoe to make a visit at the party. It was a huge hit as you can see from the pics.

A giant excavator toy can ALWAYS be used as a fork if needed.

Happy Boy!!

Cool and in control.

Building toolbox with Daddy.

Working hard, the tongue tells everything.

If Mama takes too long dishing out the cake, you need to take matters into your own hands, um mouth!

52 Weeks of Maddie | Week 25 Pet Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-06-28T15:08:00.001-07:00

It is Birthday week in Maddie's house this week (not her own but her mom, mine, and her human brother Johnny). Very tiring!!

52 Weeks of Messina | Week 25 Pet Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-06-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

Although it was not hot today, it was a bit muggy. Messina found a cool spot on the floor with a breeze for a nap.

52 Weeks of Matthew | Week 24

2011-06-28T15:05:00.001-07:00

Sometimes you just need a soother and a sunhat ~ Unknown

52 Weeks of Maddie | Week 24 Pet Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-06-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

I love the light in my sister's playroom at the end of the day. Maddie was a bit of a reluctant model today.

C and his peeps!! | Child and Family Photographer, Victoria BC

2011-06-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

After rescheduling several times due to the most terrible weather we have been getting here in Victoria, Mr. C and his family finally got a chance to head to Saxe Point. He was not his usual smiley self, but he really did have some fun, exploring the rocks, the grass, and the beach.

Dog Days of Summer Mini Sessions | Pet Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-06-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

I really do think summer is going to come soon, really I do. I am doing mini-sessions on 2 different days over the next month for your furry buddies. Details are below. $10 from every session is being donated to Smiling Blue Skies, so book now!

Reserve your session now!

I will update the session times below as they are filled.

Sunday, June 26th Saturday, July 9th

9:00 am - Meredith

9:30 am - Fizz Meredith

10:00 am - Sienna Petra

10:30 am - Cooper Petra

4:00 pm -

4:30 pm -

5:00 pm -

5:30 pm -

6:00 pm -

6:30 pm -

Here a few samples of dog portraits over the last few years.

52 Weeks of Messina | Week 24 Pet Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-06-14T21:25:00.000-07:00

Messina helped me scout out some light and locations for my special shoot on Thursday. Stay tuned as it is a new session called "Love....Actually".

I shot this one from my hip and then looked to see what I got. I love it for a couple of reasons. It shows Mess's curly little cowlick on her chest. It also shows her bald spot from last September where she had a PIC line when she was sick. Since she is still taking meds that are making her hair not grow back, she has this spot, as well as on her side and an almost bald belly. It makes her look like a scarred veteran in a dangerous neighborhood!

52 Weeks of Johnny | Week 24 Child Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-06-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

Johnny was co-operating to take a picture for my June 30 day challenge (check out my facebook page for those pics). This was one of they outtakes and I loved it so new it had to be this week's picture.

52 Weeks of Johnny | Week 23 Child Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-06-09T16:19:00.001-07:00

I said, "Give Aunty a big smile." This is what I got :)

52 Weeks of Matthew | Week 23 Child Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-06-09T16:18:00.000-07:00

Adoring his big brother.

Just playing, but isn't he sooo cute!

52 Weeks of Madison | Week 23 Pet Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-06-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

Life is good when you have the sun and a new bone.

52 Weeks of Messina | Week 23 Pet Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-06-09T16:15:00.000-07:00

A little backlight and vintagey feel.

52 Weeks of Messina | Week 22 Pet Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-06-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

Some days you just need to close your eyes and enjoy the sun.

52 Weeks of Matthew | Week 22 Child and Portrait Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-06-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

Matthew enjoying Touch a Truck (Sooke Preschool fundraiser). He really liked the police car, hopefully he won't have to ride in the back ever again :)

Listening intently to the police officer.

52 Weeks of Maddie | Week 22 Pet Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-06-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

I saw this tree on our walk and had to have Maddie sit in front, love the grey and yellow.

I had to include this one too...happy girl, does she look almost 12 or 2!!!

52 Weeks of Johnny | Week 22 Child and Portrait Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-06-05T11:34:00.000-07:00

Enjoying Touch a Truck, a local fundraiser put on by Sooke Preschool. A 3 year old's dream, all the trucks in one place.

My favourite from the day. Look at the intensity on his face pulling the horn.

Johnny went up on the Cherry Picker for a ride all by himself.

Summer is COMING - Fabulous Digital Image Promotion Portrait Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-05-31T23:16:00.000-07:00

To purchase this promotion, click on Summer is Coming and add the product to your shopping cart. Payment can be made via paypal or email interac transfer.

Just a little sample of summers from the past.

52 Weeks of Matthew | Week 21 Child Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-05-31T15:48:00.000-07:00

Matt loved his first parade (well he went last year, but at 3 months old not too exciting).

Is he just not the cutest thing ever!! Canucks jersey has been the outerwear of choice over the last few weeks as you can see.

52 Weeks of Messina | Week 21 Pet Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-05-31T15:46:00.000-07:00

"Can't you see that I am sleeping Mom."

52 Weeks of Johnny | Week 21 Child Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-05-31T15:42:00.000-07:00

Johnny watching the parade. He looked the whole time for the fire trucks and then finally they came!!

52 Weeks of Maddie | Week 21 Pet Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-05-31T15:40:00.000-07:00

When the boys are away, Maddie has the whole backyard to herself. No interruptions or running or playing, just napping in the sun.

52 Weeks of Matthew | Week 20 Child Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-05-31T15:37:00.000-07:00

Matthew was also busy in week 20, first helping Johnny with the hose.

Matthew can EAT. Enjoying watermelon outside on the patio. Of course, hamming it up for the camera.

He is such a ham and eating again, this time at the airport. This is lizard tongue, a new trick that Aunty taught him.

Watching the airplanes take off between bites.

Do you think he likes to ride his bike???

52 Weeks of Messina | Week 20 Pet Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-05-31T15:30:00.000-07:00

Playing fetch with her best buddy Johnny.

Such focus.

52 Weeks of Johnny | Week 20 Child Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-05-31T15:20:00.000-07:00

Week 20 was a super busy week and too many pictures to pass up sharing.

FINALLY strong enough to use the hose, and that tongue.....sooo cute.

Nothing like the first fudge pop of the summer.

A perfect cure for any rainy day blues and we have had a lot of them this spring, a Tim Horton's bagel breakfast sandwich and a chocolate milk at the airport.

"I'm just watching airplanes."

I have wanted to catch this shot ever since the new "blue bridge park" was completed. There is this curved bench that Johnny always takes a break on and pretends to be napping.

A new bike helmet for Johnny...check out those sharks.

Super serious and full of concentration while "driving".

Practicing his turns.

Hanging with baby brother.

52 Weeks of Madison | Week 20 Pet Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-05-31T15:04:00.000-07:00

Maddie was chasing after her ball and went butt over tea kettle and ended up on her back, legs up. The next shot was her back on her feet with the ball in her mouth looking at me saying, "That was pretty graceful, huh."

52 Weeks of Matthew | Week 19 Child Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-05-31T15:02:00.001-07:00

So curious of the world outside.

52 Weeks of Messina | Week 19 Pet Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-05-31T15:01:00.000-07:00

Please can I have the cookie.

52 Weeks of Johnny | Week 19 Child Photogapher Victoria, BC

2011-05-31T14:32:00.000-07:00

Watching Mama and Daddy running the Oak Bay Half Marathon in the pouring rain!!!

A rainy shot of the runners.

52 Weeks of Maddie | Week 19 Cruising the Perimiter Pet Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-05-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

Maddie often cruises the perimeter of the yard, making sure everything is still the same as last time she was out.

Miss E and her family | Family Portrait Photographer, Victoria BC

2011-05-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

Miss E and her Mom and Papa are very good friends of mine. We have talked about doing a session with them since I met them almost 4 years ago. You will remember Miss Lucy when she was just a baby and now she is almost a year old. Miss E is full of her "4 year oldness". We had a lot of fun, from running in the grass to swinging with Papa to laughing and giggling with Mom. This session for me was not about the weather, the location or getting the shot, it was about the love that I felt---and always feel when I am around this family. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your everyday, if just for an afternoon.

Spring in the City......

2011-05-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

Victoria in the spring is sooo pretty. I love tulips and here are just a few from the last 6 weeks.

52 Weeks of Johnny | Catching up Week 13-18

2011-05-14T18:03:00.000-07:00

Johnny is becoming such a little boy. I think when I look back at the last 6 weeks, I laugh at all the different faces that he gives the camera. Somedays he looks right at Aunty's lens and happily makes faces-smiling, laughing, pouty, and funny. Somedays, he avoids Aunty like the plague. He is a funny, funny, boy, that Johnny Russ.

Week 13 - Playing at the park with baby Tuna and giving Aunty "face".

Week 14 - Playing in the sand table.

Week 16 - Checking out his Easter goodies.

And more Easter goodies, he figured out quickly the eggs that made a noise when he shakes had chocolate in them!

On the left, skyping with Grandma in Manitoba and the right trying out his new shovel.

Week 17 - Serious face in a cardboard box fort.

"I'm wooorrrking Aunty."

Week 18 - Johnny spent his first sleep over at Aunty's house and then we hit all the parks from my house to his house.

52 Weeks of Matthew | Catchup of Weeks 13-18

2011-05-14T14:03:00.000-07:00

Matthew is getting so close to walking, maybe this month of May. Just a few shots of the last 6 weeks. No week 15 :(

Week 3 - Matthew playing at the park.

Week 14 - Playing in the fort and playing peek a boo with Aunty.

Week 16 - First time enjoying the Easter Egg Hunt.

Look how tall I Mama!

Week 17 - Johnny goes into the backyard and Matthew is not impressed that the gate is closed.

Where's Aunty....right there!!!

Matthew and me on Mother's/Aunty Day.

52 Weeks of Messina | Catchup

2011-05-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

Poor Messy Bean.....She is not the official participant in my 52 Weeks for Dogs project this year and she is the one that gets put to the wayside when I am busy. I missed 2 weeks in the last 6 weeks, Weeks 13-18.

Waiting at the park for the boys to finish playing.

Obligatory Easter Bunny Ears!

The Empress and Tulips!

And more tulips.

Just hanging at Aunty Cheryl's.

52 Weeks of Maddie | Catching Up

2011-05-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

Ok, ok.....I can admit it, blogging is not always my friend. I easily let it get behind and I promise to get better. Here are Maddie's Week 13-18 pics. Week 15 was a complete write off for everyone. I moved at the end of that week and my camera didn't get taken out of the bag for over a week. I am going to catch up everyone in the next day or so and a new session with old friends coming soon.

Loving her ball.

What Maddie thinks about this stinkin' 52 Weeks Project!!!

Being the Easter Bunny is tough work.

Tulips on the first really beautifully sunny and warm day in Victoria.

Resting on Mother's Day.

Helping Hearts | Newborn, Child, and Family Portrait Photographer Victoria, BC

2011-03-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

Check out the video below that the talented ladies of this great group created. I am proud to be a member and would love to help with some of your family or friends who are going through some challenges with a sick or ill child. Please see the website for more information and to fill out an application to match you with a photographer. There is NO cost to the family and you will receive all of the session images on a disk.

Helping Hearts from brellowproductions on Vimeo.

52 Weeks of Matthew | Week 12 Just Chilling on the Sidewalk

2011-03-27T23:40:00.000-07:00

Matthew waiting to leave for his first sleepover.

52 Weeks of Johnny | Week 12 Peek A Boo

2011-03-27T23:38:00.001-07:00

Peek a Boo worked today to get a lot of great smiles. Finally the cherry blossoms are blooming here, you can see them in the background. I promise you will see some more next week.

52 Weeks of Messina | Week 12 Poor Messy Bean

2011-03-27T23:37:00.000-07:00

She had to watch while Johnny and Maddie played on the other side of the fence :(

52 Weeks of Madison | Week 12 Best Friends

2011-03-27T23:36:00.000-07:00

So, the plan was to get Johnny to walk Maddie on the leash, which he normally likes to do, but not today. So instead he wanted to run, so we "convinced" Maddie to run too. Do you wonder why Johnny is looking to the left? Well, both Johnny and Maddie were in a "sit stay" and Maddie was on Johnny's left, but Maddie switched sides and Johnny wasn't fast enough to figure this out.

This just makes me smile.

52 Weeks of Everyday | Spring has Sprung

2011-03-27T23:33:00.001-07:00

Casting Call - Still looking for 2 more newborns for April!!!

2011-03-24T15:39:00.000-07:00

Please share with friends and family.

52 Weeks of Matthew | Week 11 Always watching

2011-03-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

Matthew watching Johnny and Mommy putting out the recycling.

52 Weeks of Johnny | Week 11 Monkey Hat......

2011-03-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

I will miss you. It is finally warming up here a bit and soon the monkey hat will be gone and be replaced by a ballcap, but I will miss "his" cute face. The monkey that is.

52 Weeks of Madison | Week 11 Time

2011-03-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

I am convinced Maddie and Messina can tell the time. It is 5 minutes to 5pm and Maddie has started her "sitting and waiting for supper routine." If you look at the bowl long enough it will fill itself.

52 Weeks of Messina | Week 11

2011-03-24T15:29:00.000-07:00

A busy weekend and Messina resting on the bed.

52 Weeks of Everyday | Week 11 Feeding Seals

2011-03-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

Very hard to get a picture of children and seals in the same shot while ensuring 3 year old doesn't fall in the water soooooo instead a picture of the seal itself waiting for food.

52 Weeks of Matthew | Week 10 Who ME?

2011-03-24T15:26:00.000-07:00

Just chilling in his pj's.

52 Weeks of Johnny | Week 10 Just Working Aunty!

2011-03-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

52 Weeks of Messina | Week 10 Whatcha doing Johnny?

2011-03-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

Johnny showing us what the letter K looks like and Messina deciding it was worth getting off the couch and checking it out.

52 Weeks of Maddie | Week 10 Monochromatic

2011-03-24T15:22:00.000-07:00

52 Weeks of Everyday | Week 10 Timeout

2011-03-24T15:21:00.000-07:00

"Can't you see I am on a timeout?"

52 Weeks of Matthew | Week 9 Just a Day at the Park

2011-03-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

Many swinging faces.

Lean into it.

52 Weeks of Johnny | Week 9 | Joy

2011-03-24T14:13:00.000-07:00

Feeding the ducks and swinging. The joys of an almost 3 year old.

52 Weeks of Everyday | Week 9 | Get off MY Dock!

2011-03-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

Mr Duck DID NOT like us on his dock, well he did until we ran out of oats to feed him.

52 Weeks of Messina | Week 9...More Sunny Days

2011-03-24T11:42:00.000-07:00