secret keeper. // Peterborough, ON Photographer

He's such a bad secret keeper, he'll say its not true so i'll clarify - not secrets that others confide in him about, but his own secrets. He just wears the truth on his face. He's forgetful too so when he slips up and needs a quick cover, he just can't do it - everything's written there in that little smile and then his dash to the nearest exit.

When Matt proposed, it was all I imagined it to be. We went to a spot that was special to us, he said all these sweet and wonderful things, he even gave me this beautiful ring in an origami box he made the previous summer and saved for something as special as that day. It was all I imagined - perfection.

The not-so-perfect part? It wasn't exactly a surprise that our engagement was impending. Matt and I lived in a teeny tiny apartment, so teeny that our pantry was my shoe closet, and his dresser was the tv stand in our living room. One evening he was cleaning up after dinner and I was putting some of his laundry away when I noticed a shirt shoved into his short drawer. Now I'm a little bit of an organization and neat freak so naturally I yanked the shirt right out of that drawer and was about to give him a piece of my mind because I spent soo long colour co-ordinating his closet and organizing his dresser that he couldn't just take 1 second and hang his shirt up (of course in the correct colour quadrant of his closet -lol) When a wad of cash dropped to the floor. I was stunned, and as he turned around his face just dropped. I'm all like "whatttttt is thisss" he was speechless for a second, half smiling... then went into ridiculous story telling mode, telling me about his friend who had to remain nameless was in trouble and he had to hold the money and I think there was a biker gang involved in there somewhere, until he eventually grabbed the dog and ran outside.
He calls our moms and both tell him to just fill me in because really, what other ridiculous story could he tell me now. He comes back all sheepish and tells me his plans to get engaged and 3 months later I'm wearing his motorcycle on my finger and it has never been sooo sparkly.

Like I said he just can't keep the secret.
Last week he brings his lunch bag home from work and when I go to empty it, there's like a zillion magazines inside ... I ask what they are for, and his eyes dart to the door and he mumbles something about a work project, snatches the bag out of my hand and practically runs outside. He comes back inside a while later and was all "youuuu ruined my supriseee" and then tells me that he asked a colleague at work to give him copies of his company magazine (Ontario Out of Doors - which has hired me on few occasions to shoot for them) and he bookmarked every single photo of mine that was featured. He was going to surprise me with a scrapbook of all the photos that have been published.
But I haddddd to go and ruin it because I tried to unpack his lunch...

I love that you can't keep secrets like this, they make for funny stories and sweet memories :)

*jad

Besties - Emma, Jacob and Tessa // Peteborough ON Photographer

 This past long weekend I had the opportunity to photograph my neighbor Jacob again, but this time with his two besties - Emma and Tessa. The three have been friends since they were born, all just a few months apart. We started in the studio and then headed outside to grab a few shots while the weather held up.

 Nicole, Malissa and Stefanie -- I had so much fun hanging out with your little darlings, and I hope you all enjoy these images. I loved capturing them!

 I really love photographing kiddies around this age because they are so FULL of personality. You never know what kind of expression your going to get, which can cause a little anxiety but I enjoy images that aren't 'perfect'. I love when a little sassss and a lot of personality is in the photo, which you for sureee get in these shots :)

 I'll end with this because I just think it is the sweetest. Tessa's mom says shes like a mother hen, and I think this photo is just precious with her leading the way :)

**jad

Jacob // Peterborough Family Photographer

 

Let me first start by saying that Jacob is one of the cutest little boys EVER. Seriously, EVER! Nicole and Adam are my neighbors and Jacob is their sweet sweet son! Since moving into our house in November Nicole and Adam have been such a help to us and so welcoming that I decided to surprise them with some photos of Jacob. 

 

I loveeee little toesiesss

 looook at all the facess I got :)

 

Now I tried to be super sneaky and consult with Adams mom Kathy, who is also a neighbor and lives just across the road. Kathy and I set up a date and her and Jacob came over for some fun! I thought we were pretty stealth, but i think our cover was blown when Adam came home early and spotted Jacob in my backyard! It was a great time and I had a ton of fun with Jacob - he certainly kept me on my toes and I learned lots about tractors :)

 We moved inside to do a couple studio type shots, and boy was he the model!

 And I will end with this quick shot I got of Jacob and Grandma Kathy, I love how in the moment they are :)

Adam and Nicole (and Kathy) I hope you enjoy these images as much as I enjoyed capturing them :)
*jad

Jamie + Kristin Engaged // Peterborough Wedding Photographer

Jamie and Kristin are to be married June 18th (yes, THIS June 18th) So when they contacted me to be their wedding photographer I knew we had to hussle and get their engagement photos done like yesterday!

I met them first at their home on Rice Lake to discuss details and then on Sunday at one of my new favourite spots - Needlers Mill in Millbrook for their engagement photos. Let me just say that I adore both of them! Kristin and Jamie you are sooo down to earth and easy going, I had such a great morning photographing you! and you both are totally gorg!

eat your hearttts out kinda gorgeous!!!

When I asked how they met, both started giggling... They said friends set them up at party at Jamies place 4 years ago. After that initial meeting they went on a first 'real' date... Kristin giggles some more and asks Jamie if he remembers where they went, he says yes and then told me they went mini golfing. Cute, right?

Well, Kristin then describes how Jamie was getting frustrated and ended up throwing his little putter ... and hitting Kristin. Kristin saw past this moment and realized her forever was beginning with this passionate man.

 i cant get enough of youu twooo!

On June 18th, I have the honor of documenting their love on their wedding day. I have no doubt that this day will not only be filled with many laughs but also an enormous amount of love. Thank you so much for inviting me into your lives Kristin and Jamie, but for choosing me to be a part of this amazing day.

*jad

Four Weeks...

 

 These nine months have certainly been an experience of ups and downs for Matt and I, and I am so happy that he is the person starting this lifelong journey with me. We have both changed so much since finding out we were expecting and have gone through every emotion you can think of. I can admit that I  have definitely not gone easy on him.  I wouldn’t say I was ‘crazyyyy’ per say - and I’m sure Matt wouldn’t either -- if he knows whats good for him ;) but I have been known to be a little bossy and maybe(that’s a biggg MAYBE) a little demanding and he has taken it all with a smile (sometimes forced, I’m sure) and ice cream in hand.

It’s surprising how much life can change in just 4 weeks. I’m reminded of this daily as I wake up to see a basinet beside my bed, or when I walk downstairs and glance inside the pink nursery that will soon hold a tiny and perfect little girl. Our little girl…
When I found out I was pregnant, I was just four weeks along and now in just four weeks I will be a mother. I don’t know how to take on that role, but I know I have so much love and I hope that my love will be enough in those times when I struggle and don’t know what’s right or where my next steps leads.

 

 *jad

write the book you want to read.

As I was perusing through twitter today, I found this article and found it soooo interesting and funny that I decided to retweet and share it with you!

The author is a write but I think his lecture translate into most self employed businesses. I loved the slide, "write the book you want to read" this really speaks to me as I build my business because I want to capture images that tell a story and that put huge smiles onto my clients faces, but I also want to capture images that I love, and would love them if they were MY own wedding photos. I don't want to give a client images that I'm not satisfied with, I want to achieve not only a satisfaction from my clients but I want to fall in love with the images just as much as my clients have.

I think this also relates to having the right 'fit' and relationship with your clients. As much as the bride ( or groom!) chooses you as their photographer, you have to be comfortable with the relationship as well otherwise, both of you will be uncomfortable and chances are you won't deliver the images the client wants.

"We make art because we like art [so] Write the kind of story you like best."

(ps. this is a little fav from one of my weddings last summer! amazing couple!!)
*jad

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