2011 - Changes

I've been doing a lot of thinking about my business and how to expand and reach more potential Brides and clients. From incorporating more blogging, tweeting and facebook(ing?) into my business I hope I'm off to a good start. With my 2011 business goals in mind I went about the task of creating a better and more efficient website. I wanted something that portrayed my awesome personality (well atleast I think I'm awesome ?;) and my photography work in a more sleek and simple way.

I wanted it to be an easy read, and have quick and seamless navigation. I want potential clients to leave with a sense of who I am, and want to come back and show their friends.

I want my website and entire brand to be a true reflection of me, because your not just hiring anyone - your hiring me. I want you to be as comfortable with me on your day as you would be with a friend, because I don't just want to be the hired help - I want to be a friend.

Here is a sneak peak of what my new design looks like (this is just the initial home page view - the gallery scrolls!), it will be live hopefully sooner rather than later ... I'm just working out a few of the kinks!

And any feedback is GREATTTLLLYY appreciated, I want it to be fabulous.

*jad

my mornings.

Everyday I awake to pretty much the same thing. To little purrrrs that creep up from the bottom of my bed until I can hear them inches away from my head and then a bit of a jealous sigh and some sniffs proceeded by big paws sneaking their way up the bed so they are in easy face licking range too.

This is my usual morning. I then try and push them away for a few extra minutes of precious snooze time.. however the above is just repeated, only the sighs get louder and more dramatic until I finnalllly give in.

Growing up we had a 'family' dog which I loved but never really participated in. I mean sometimes I would take him for a walk or give him the odd dish of food or water... but for the most part he was my parents pet.

When Matt and I first moved in together, this was the same thing. He had his dog, and sometimes I would care for her, but she was HIS dog. It wasn't until recently that this changed. I think it really changed with the purchase of our home, because now I spend most of my days at home with Dakota and Dolly, not only am I an active caretaker of our pets, but I now include them in my daily activities. I make sure I have a few minutes to cuddle and throw a ball and do tricks ( I don't do tricks, thats Dakota silly!) I really get that 'animal' love now. but I can feel how much they love not just Matt but now me. It really is an amazing thing, and I love them so much! I took a few shots of them to remember how it feels to be loved so fiercely by something.

And as for our morning routine, I think its adorable and love their little antics.

*jad

The Steven's extended family // Peterborough Portrait Photographer

Chantelle contacted me months ago inquiring about a gift certificate for her mother, Debbie's birthday. We chatted through email back and forth and Chantelle told me that Debbie has 5 siblings, one of which lives in BC and they don't get to spend time with her as much as they would like. But she would be visiting (finally) in March so Chantelle wanted to give her Mom the gift of portraits of her family.

I thought this was so sweet of Chantelle to be sooo thoughtful and treat her Mom (and aunts and uncles) to this special gift.

Unfortunately we were one sibling short because she was on vacayy down south, but the 5 f us had a blast! I hope you like the images, I really enjoyed meeting you all and shooting them for you :)

*jad

What's out your window?

Recently Matt and I put some bird feeders in our yard, I wasn't really 'into' having a million birds swarming the house but I did think the little houses and feeders were adorable. After only a few short days we didn't have the crazy flock of birds I had originally envisioned BUT some reallllllly cute litttle ones... And they hooked me!

I love them, and I feel like a senior citizen because I sit at the window with my cat (dollyparton) and we bird watch! And one day I even got a few cool shots of them (through the window - it was like -7000 outside!)

Takeee a look!

Bree // Peterborough Family Photographer

Bree came over for a visit last week, and my has she grown since I last photographed her at Thanksgiving! She is the sweetest little girl ever, like seriously ever. I could not get enough of those biiiiiiggg blue eyes and pink bow in her hair. I wanted to keep her cuddles all for myself (momma would have no part of it though, I even offered to babysit for the night, weekend, week? whatevvva)
Bree is identical to her momma, and even has that same easy going personality and kind smile. She was intrigued/terrified of our pup Dakota and thought it was hilarrriouuus to tell her to "get out now!!!"
Ashley and Chad, here are a few quick images I managed to snap of your little angel. I hope you enjoy them, and cherish your sweet girl.

*jad

Happy Groundhog Day

yikes, I don't thing the little guy is going to be seeing his shadow but somehow I don't think winter is even close to being over :(

some client loveeee

I got this lovely note in the mail just before Christmas but Matt and I were in the process of buying our first home and moving, that I decided to tuck it in a safe place so I could blog about it later... Yesterday as I was reorganizing I came across it and it was such a nice surprise that I had had hadddd to share it with you all asap!
I shot Allison and Greggs engagement back in august (http://jadphotography.blogspot.com/2010/08/allisongreg-engaged.html) and their gorgeous wedding in September ( http://jadphotography.blogspot.com/2010/09/greg-allison-married-toronto-wedding.html) and on both occasions they were awesome to photograph and so much fun to hang out with!
Thank you both so much for the kind words, it meant a lot to me :)

helllloooo 2011 //Peterborough ON Photographer

I have to admit that I have been a HUMONGOUS slacker in my holiday blogging. And I blame it all on the holiday cookies and movies that have been occupying my time. But seeing as it is a new year, I thought I would send a little internet love and thanks for a rather extraordinary year 2010 has been.

I hope to have an even better 2011 filled with an abundance of love from family and friends, a ton of home renovations and of coarse a full schedule of photography sessions with familiar faces and new ones too!

To kick off the start of whats to become to best yearrr evvvvvver I have come up with an even more exciting 'just because' portrait session. Send me a little note to find out more and book your session!

Thats all for now, but I wont be such a blogging stranger this year... I promise! Here's a cutey shot of our darling little girl at our New Years cottage retreat! She loves life, for real!
*jad

Clarkes 'not your typical christmas photo' // just because session// Toronto Portrait Photographer

Candace bbm'ed me 2 weeks ago inquiring about Christmas photos of her and her brother Brendon. I happily accepted the request and began thinking of locations and outfit choices in my head, that is until I started asking Candace what her goal and overall vision was with the photos.
Candace is Captain of her roller derby team the DVAS, and Brendon is an awesome lacrosse player for the Brampton Excelsiors. SO they wanted to showcase their pride and talent for the sports in portraits for their parents for Christmas. Needless to say this wasn't what I was expecting for Christmas Portraits so my ideas went out the window and I started visualizing sporty poses and different shots.
I thought this was an amazing idea and the images (I hope) are a true portrayal of this.
Brendon organized the location, we shot in a change room at the Brampton Memorial Arena. It was something different than I have done before which was challenging because of the arena lighting but I worked through it and I think that I learned a lot. I always welcome unique sessions like this because I think taking on tasks that scare you a little and that test your abilities is the only way to become better and to learn.

I think this is a great gift and something very special for your parents.

Happy Holidays and all the love for 2011.
xoxox

Lucas + The Chaves Family ..just because // Toronto Newborn and Family Photographer

A couple weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting the newest addition to the Chaves family, baby Lucas. His momma and I were co workers and as I watched her little bump grow and grow I was anxious to get her little angel in front of my camera.

10 perfect little toesys <3>

Lucas really was the sweetest! He was soo alert and happy for the entire session! I really could have photographed/cuddled him all day! We did a few outfit changes and incorporated some props but my favourite shots were just the simple close up to catch those bigggggg brown eyes of his, soo handsome (the ladies wont stand a chance, he already had my heart meltinnng).
Jason was so wonderful and attentive with his handsome little man!
Thank you so much Janice and Jason for opening your home and new family up to me! It was a pleasure to photograph Lucas and I think you both are truly blessed. I wish you all the best in this new chapter of life, you are great parents!

Sandiford's 'just because' // Mississauga Family Photographer

During my first year of university I transferred from Wilfred Laurier to Trent. I transferred after Christmas break, after everyone had roommates and friends and lots of 'first year' adventures. I didn't have a roommate, a friend or annny first year adventures, that is until a few weeks into the semester we had dorm meeting. After this meeting, I put my nerves and shyness aside and walked up to this group of girls who I thought looked fun and the least hippyish. We talked for a few minutes, and then one of the girls said " my names Anne and no one else is cool soo you should probably be friiends with us" That was it - I became besties with not one but 4 amazing girls, and throughout the next four years we had many adventures that I won't soon forget.


Anne is one of the most vivacious people I know, shes loud, funny, has a sweet sweet heart and is a great friend. Over the years that we have known one another I have also got the pleasure to get to know her family who are also vibrant and such genuine people! Her oldest brother, Patrick moved to Indonesia to pursue his career as a Pilot. This past month he was home for a holiday and her mom really wanted to get some family portraits done. So I went over to their place on Monday for a 'just because' session and it was beyond fun. I think my cheek muscles were stuck in a laughing position when I left!

Leanne and Paul, your family is soso wonderful. Thank you for inviting me into your home to share in these moments with you, I hope you love them, I really enjoyed capturing them :)

Enjoy the sneak peak!

Gallant Family // Brampton ON Family Photographer// GTA Baby Photographer

This weekend I finally had the opportunity to meet the newest addition to the Gallant family, baby Nolan and he is just the sweetest little guy.Ever. His au natural faux hawk and little rocker outfit were soooooo adorable. I had an amazing time working with him and Nathan (who had to have a 'mohawk' just like his little brother) and Nicholas who was a huge help to me by moving furniture and holding a side of my background until I got it into place. Here are some of the shots we got (it was so hard to pick these few because I loveddddd them alll!)

(sorry Brian, I had to show my blue and white loveeee)

(Nathan, you are going to make girls hearts melt!)

Brian and Shari,your family is true perfection. All three boys are so lovely and polite and superr handsome. I really enjoyed capturing Nolans first portraits and all these moments for you to share with your family here in Ontario and out east (Grampy finally gets his updated family photo!). Thank you for letting me rearrange your whole living room and for being so accomodating, I hope that you enjoy these images as much as I enjoyed capturing them.

and ill end with these 10 perfect little toesieeees

*jad

Mcgarret Family //Bowmanville Family Photographer// Oshawa Portrait Photographer

I think this ^ was sooo funny, I knew they made overalls for a reason!

fulll of personality!

I was asked by Matt's mom, Carmel if I would be interested in photographing her girlfriend from works 3 little boys and their family ... would I? of coarsee I would!

We set up a couple dates but because of one thing or another we had to keep rescheduling until finally our schedules lined up and this past weekend I joined Crystal, Scott, Travis, Jacks and Jared in their home in bowmanville for a "Just Because" session.

The kids were beautifullllll, like blond haired, blue eyed little angels kind of beautiful. Travis was quick to become my little bestie and I simply adored him. Jacks and Jared were so sweet and smiley and I loveeeed how easy going Scott and Crystal were. Matt and I were a little early and we arrived as the babies and mommy were still getting ready, so as Crystal went to finish up she just plopped one of the babies in Matt's arms and off she went! I was cutting up some watermelon (a cool idea, but it turned out to work better in my head than with these little darlings, although I think Travis enjoyed it ;) and I quickly releived Matt of his baby cuddling duties and took over ( I literally cannot help myself when it comes to babies, my cutey cutey baby voice comes out and I just haveeeee to hold them!)Scott and Crystal, Thank you for sharing your stunning family with us. You are blessed and Im so happy I was able to get to know the five of you. I hope you enjoy these images as I have.

*jad