Bright, Bold & Full Of Joy Family Photos

There’s something special about finding the perfect backdrop that mirrors the energy and personality of a family. For this session, that perfect spot was a row of vibrant, painted shipping containers. I had been eyeing these colourful containers for ages, but knowing the sun was facing directly on them always made me hesitate to try a family session there.

This year one of my goals for my photography was leaning into full sun and stepping outside of my normal box lighting wise. This seemed like the perfect opportunity and as the family stepped in front of the containers it was as if the colors had been waiting just for them, with each bold hue seeming to reflect their laughter, love, and zest for life.

The Dawn of New Life: Mabel's WaterBirth Story

Birth is something that has always fascinated me. In my 20s, I studied to be a doula and then photography (and a husband and family) found me, and well, we all know that babies come when they come and when you have your own babies to attend to, it makes it a little difficult to be on call and drop everything at a moments notice!

I’ve dabbled a bit in birth photography over the years and perhaps it’s something I will do more of once my children are older and I have more availability, but it truly was an honour to witness this little life be born into a room filled with so much love you could almost physically feel it.

This experience left a mark on my heart that I don’t know if I will ever be able to quite put into words. Watching this mama be so in tune with her body, knowing every movement and what every contraction did in her body to bring this baby forth was powerful. The atmosphere in the room was so peaceful, yet so intense - like the veil between life itself and life to come almost didn’t exist.

When I tell you I shed tears.

Mabel was born up out of the water at 3:09am into a room bursting with love, welcomed with tears of joy and relief.

Welcome to the world Mabey-Baby. (The nickname given by her oldest sister).

A Candid, Cozy Winter Family Session In Stratford

I absolutely loved how these winter time family photos turned out. A lot of people prefer spring. summer or fall photos - and I get it! It’s warmer and more enjoyable! But look how cozy and cute these are! It helped that the snow fell in that perfect, gentle way.

If you want something a little different for your family photos, a winter time session might be the perfect alternative for you!

The Lockdown Diaries: Candids In The Time Of Covid

In the midst of a global pandemic, life as we knew it came to a grinding halt. Lockdowns, masks, and social distancing became the norm, and uncertainty loomed large. For us, the chaos of the outside world served as the backdrop for a series of candid photographs that would come to define a unique chapter in our family's life.

As the world outside grew quieter, Our home became a sanctuary—a place where the simple joys of childhood reigned supreme. With the click of a shutter, we captured moments of laughter, mischief, and imagination as our children, simply played with their blocks.

Each image presented here is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is light to be found.

My children showed me the power of resilience and the importance of finding joy in the little things.

The Lockdown Diaries: Candids In The Time Of Covid is more than just a photographic series—it's a testament to the human spirit and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is hope, there is joy, there is light and love. <3

A Modern, Black and White Stratford Family Session

When a well-known designer in town reached out to me last year about doing her family photos and had an out of the box idea for how she wanted them to look, I was totally up for the challenge.

Most people like to stick to what they know. And I do. I really do. Golden hour fields are my thing. But every once in a while I LOVE a good challenge.

This family didn’t want the cookie cutter family photos and wanted something more editorial, modern and dare I say “urban” (a term SO overused in the photography world!)

We found this white stone wall and knew it was the perfect backdrop. White and Black, Black and White. Perfection.

I’m pretty proud of how these turned out!

Family Joy: A Day At The Stratford-Perth Museum Trails

On the outskirts of Stratford, Ontario, lies the Stratford Perth Museum, a hidden gem with picturesque walking trails that offer a serene escape.

As a photographer, capturing the love and connection of families is always a privilege, and with this family, it was pure joy! Their affectionate gestures, playful banter, and genuine smiles made for an unforgettable session, highlighting the beauty of family bonds.

Their session at the Stratford Perth Museum trails was a reminder of the simple joys of family, and the beauty of spending quality time together in nature.

A Bohemian Sunset Engagement in Stratford, Ontario

In the golden hour light of rural Stratford, Ontario area, this couple’s bohemian-style engagement session radiated pure love. Their laughter and gentle embraces spoke volumes, capturing the beauty of their deep connection with one another.

Dressed in flowing bohemian attire that matched the ethereal light, each photograph told a story of love, connection, and happiness, painting a beautiful picture of their relationship.

This session was a reminder of the magic of golden hour light, showcasing the beauty of a couple deeply in love against a stunning backdrop!

A Mid-Century Meets Modern Wedding At The Walper Hotel

It’s no secret. The Walper Hotel in Kitchener has a totally classy ‘Old Hollywood’/ Mid-Century Modern style. It makes the perfect backdrop for a wedding and it’s quickly become one of our favourite venues to shoot at!

From the architecture to the decor, to the wooden floors, white walls and ultra modern bar area, The Walper has it all.

In addition to being a photographer’s dream backdrop, The Walper provides excellence in every detail. The food is amazing, the service impeccable and the staff are so lovely and easy to work with.

We so enjoyed this day at The Walper Hotel, and have enjoyed photographing weddings there ever since! How “Gone With The Wind” are these two in those last few shots!?

An Epic Stormy Sky At Sunset Maternity Session

When this stunning mama showed up in her flowy red dress and I looked out into the field at the blazing sunset on one side and epic dark clouds on the other, I could only think one thing “oh this is going to be good.”

When I got home and took a peek at the images, I was absolutely giddy at how dramatic and epic these shots had turned out! Sometimes the stars just align like that!

A Fall Stratford Family Photo Story

One of my absolute favourite things about family photography is getting to follow families who hire me year after year.

This family holds a special place in my heart. It started with newborn photos of their second daughter, and I have done family photos year after year for them. Now they have three kiddos and it has been so fun to see them grow and change.

I am so grateful to the clients who continue to come back year after year and support my small business!

A Kairos Moment

Kairos (Greek for “right time,” “season” or “opportunity”)

Baby Kairos came at the right time and the right season for these two, and when he was born, the first picture I saw of him that his mom sent I squealed out loud! Look at that face! Look at that hair!

You are sooooo loved Kairos!

A Tom Patterson Theatre Family Session

When I tell you I GASPED when they revealed the plans for the new Tom Patterson Theatre in Stratford, I GASPED.

The gold, the stone, the glass, the landscaping, the modern lines and classic curves - it truly is one of the most stunning pieces of architecture I’ve ever seen!

Having photographed weddings in and around this building, I had the idea when a good friend and fellow photographer reached out asking for family photos to take them here during golden hour and finish off with my typical nature scenes.

I was soooo excited with how different and unique these photos turned out!

The Gibson Family

The shores of Lake Huron hold a special place in my family’s hearts. We vacation there at least once a year and make many weekend trips to the beach.

A late summer sunset session was such a refreshing change from rural Ontario’s golden fields and forests, and the Gibson family made this just so much fun! Take a peek at their relaxed golden hour portraits below!