Ooh La La!!! | Comox Valley Photographer

When you walk into Teresa Doberstein's new salon called 'Ooh La La,' you literally want to say, "Ooh la la!"  From the scent of fresh lilies to the shabby chic decor; it's a feast for the senses!

Teresa hired me to take some publicity photographs with the thought that they could be used for her new website as well as promotional materials.  We had a great time shooting together and it was truly a collaborative effort.

Here's a taste of the Ooh La La experience:

Talented and GORGEOUS stylists Karen and Teresa:

Sweet Chloe welcomes you at the door:

The decor is lovely,  both inside and out:

Exclusive hair products from Italy:

Congratulations Teresa and Karen!  Ooh La La is divine.  You've created a little taste of Europe in downtown Courtenay!

Arrow | Comox Valley Photographer

Arrow was referred to me by Shelly Stanchuk of Tailfeather Graphic Design.  I'm always happy for people who tell me they're working with Tailfeather because I know they're in good hands with Shelly.  She is exceptionally talented, very professional and fun to work with.  I had my logo,  business cards and gift certificates created by Tailfeather and I have been thrilled with everything!

Arrow is new to the Comox Valley and is a master healer.  She has a wonderful energy about her and I really enjoyed our session.  We were going for an approachable, professional, warm shot that would work for her promotional materials.  I think we got it!

I look forward to following Arrow's progress in our Valley.  Check out her services at Heart Drum Beat.

Here's Arrow:

Currently Bumpless | Comox Valley Photographer

The lovely Natasha Milanovich of Bikram's Yoga fame graced me with her pregnant presence at the end of March, when she was still expecting her twin boys.  You'll be happy to know that Jacob and David JR. have now arrived and it seems as though everyone is getting along famously!  I'm so looking forward to photographing those baby boys!

For the purpose of this post, let me now take you back to the end of March...Natasha and I had planned a studio maternity session, but the sun was shining when she arrived so we headed out into the midday light and shot a few images down by Croteau road with her husband David.

I don't need to say anything about how fabulous Natasha looked carrying TWINS because the images speak for themselves, but I will say that several passersby stopped to comment on her beauty during our session!  (There must be something to that hot yoga!)

Sweet Sisters | Comox Valley Photographer

My little Hawaiian holiday has put me WAY behind in my office work, and I'm embarrassed to say that I'm posting about a session that took place at the end of March!  Thankfully, my clients saw these photos prior to my departure, but I had to write about these two adorable sisters.

This lovely family wanted a studio session of their two little girls so that they could give portraits to Grandmas for Mother's Day.  Our session was scheduled for a very dreary day in March, but when this family walked into my studio they brought sunshine through the door.

At the tender age of four, big sister Sienna was SUCH a little lady.  I could tell immediately that she was a wonderful big sister to Sara.  She was so SWEET!  I even got a lovely warm hug from Sienna when her session was over.

The girls' parents were laughing, giggling and puppeteering throughout our session and their energy left me hoping that I get to shoot all four of them some day soon.  Enjoy!

Talking to the animals...

A wonderful woman hired me to photograph some inanimate characters for a project she is working on.  Instead of bringing the characters to my studio, we decided that it would be fun to shoot them outside in their natural habitat.  I started off at Anne's home, then took the characters to MacDonald Park and worked my way down to the beach.

I have to tell you, I had so much fun with this photo shoot!  It was just me and the stuffies in the great outdoors and I literally LAUGHED OUT LOUD when I realized that I was talking to them!  It's true!  I told Eagle something to the effect of, "Oooo, this gives you some nice warm light on your face,"  as I held a reflector up to him.  It suddenly occurred to me that I'd been talking aloud to all of the animals and I was on the fourth character!  At least thirty minutes of 'stuffy-talk' had transpired!  For some reason, it really tickled me.  I had such a good laugh that tears rolled down my face.

So there I was, alone in the forest with the sun streaming down through the trees on a glorious Spring day; I was on my knees with my camera in hand, having a good guffaw with eleven stuffed animals. You can't really plan such moments, but it was a beauty.

I'd like to thank you, Anne Gardner, for using me for this project.  You are a creative genius and I know that your efforts will help many children across the country!

Here is a sneak peek of one of the shots:

At Home with Baby Ben| Comox Valley Photographer

I'm sitting in my studio at the moment; the sun is shining through the windows and Anais Mitchell is providing some mellow background music.  It's a nice space.  I love the clean, white walls and the Asparagus green accents, and I like being surrounded by my gear.  I like being here.

Do you remember a movie about 'walls'?...if these walls could talk?  As I recall, it was a depressing film, but I'm thinking about the walls of my studio in a much more positive light.  If my studio walls could talk, they would speak of all of the people who have shared their LOVE in this room.  Love for their partners, love for their families, their new babies...or themselves.  Some of my favourite sessions have been with women on their own; classy boudoir shoots and maternity sessions.  I have not had a single client bring any negativity into this space.  It has been wonderful.

I'm glad I have the option of shooting in my studio.  I enjoy manipulating light, controlling the environment, and I love the dramatic effects I can create with my studio lights, but studio sessions are not for everyone.   Particularly in the arena of baby photography, the trend is to shoot newborn sessions at home.

I had scheduled a studio session for my sweet little nephew Ben, my brother Kevin and his fiancee Kristi, but at the last minute I suggested a 'home-shoot.'  My brother isn't really a 'studio' kind of guy, so I guessed that I would get more authentic photos of him with his family if they were all relaxing in their own home.

I think I made the right call.  These are very honest, pure, un-staged photos that tell the love story of this new little family.

I can usually predict that I'm going to get shots of parents looking at their new babies with love pouring out through their eyes, but I was just blown away by the expressions of love I witnessed from Ben as he looked at his mom and dad.  He was so expressive, and he was only eight weeks old at the time of our session! You can see how smitten he is with his parents.

I hope you enjoy looking through these; and if you know anyone who is expecting a baby or has a new addition to their family, please lead them in my direction!   (That would really make my day!)

The Givers. | Comox Valley Photographer

I was honoured when Lynn Brandon, president of the Strathcona Sunrise Rotary Club, contacted me about photographing their 25th Anniversary Celebration.  The event took place on March 1st at the Best Western Waverley Hotel, and it was a pleasure to shoot.  It was inspiring to meet the fine people who contribute so generously to the betterment of both our local and global communities.

The Best Western created a stellar environment for the party, and the Jenn Forsland band provided beautiful music throughout the evening.

There were some lovely moments; especially when individuals were recognized by their fellow members.   It's good to be reminded of the importance of service to others.

"Life is about giving, not getting."

Hubert Selby, Jr., Requiem for a Dream (Preface 2000)

I hope you enjoy these photos.  They're portraits of Givers.

Happy Anniversary Strathcona Sunrise Rotary Club!