upandaway

I am a wee bit behind in my blogging. Ok a lot bit behind. I have so many exciting shoots to share, but for now, I thought I would take a tiny baby step forward and post a preview from a recent wedding. 

Connie and Reuben are inspiring! I think I am pretty talented at multi-tasking, but these two put me to shame. Connie is a writer, dancer, creator, and lover of life. She is passionate about helping people, and devotes her life to making this world a better place. Reuben is loyal, wise, and a musician who really keeps his family running at tip top shape. The type of guy who can probably do anything he put his mind too.  I think he might be Connie’s secret weapon. Ben, is hilarious, high energy, and smart. He often prefers to watch his movies in french, just for fun. Christopher, is the epitome of chill! So sweet. Working with this family was a delight, and kept me on my toes. I am sure by looking at them you can tell that we were laughing a lot and never standing still. I love the spontaneity of working with kids and families. I try to set the stage and just let them loose and they provide the show. If you want to know more about this amazing family, I would check out Connie’s blog. Connie is also putting on a dance performance about poverty in Canada, the website for that is http://mpactdance.com/ and you can purchase tickets at www.vertigotheatre.com. I got Connie to write a little blurb to tell explain more about the show :

There is a new face to poverty in Canada, particularly in Calgary. Poverty is no longer impacting the stereotypical “street person”, It’s people like you and I who suffer from a minimum wage that doesn’t meet the standard of living in Calgary. Poverty doesn’t just stop at the “poor.” The wealthy can experience poverty too, particularly in light of the tragic economic circumstances of recent years. That very connection is what the show presents. 

Something To Say is a powerful, dramatic dance presentation about how both poverty AND wealth are defacing humanity. “Defacing”? Yes, the problem that poverty brings to those living behind the nice suburban home and those on the street is disfiguring the very essence of humanity and the community we all long to live in.

Something To Say will be performed by the pre-professional hip-hop company Mpact (mpactdance.com), artists such as Corinne Vessey, Sabrina Naz, Nicole Pemberton, Gomo Cabarroguis and will feature work from Dikaios Dance, Legacy One and artwork from A.C.A.D. graduate, Harriet Stanley.

The show is partnering with organizations such as The Mustard Seed, The Calgary Dream Centre, Neighbourlink, Brown Baggin’ It For Kids, The Calgary Homeless Foundation, and Derek Cook of the Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative. 

The show will be at the Vertigo Theatre, April 4-7 at 8pm. Tickets can be purchased through vertigotheatre.com or by calling the theatre at 403.221.3708

“‘This is not who I am!’, isn’t that what all our souls cry out to one another regardless of our financial status? The goal of the show is to return to community; to care about my neighbor”

For further details about the show or to set up interviews, please contact Connie Jakab. 
at 403.399.0402 or by e-mail at rcbjakab@shaw.ca

Shame, all done! 

Jessi and Evan were a dream to work with. They were fun, easy going, very trusting, and had killer style. Their October wedding was held at the gorgeous SilverTip Resort on a crisp fall day.  To watch as two people in love share such intimate magical moments, and to witness family gather to celebrate and support a beautiful union of lives, is truly a priviledge. Something I never want to take for granted. Despite the breathtaking sceneary it was the bride who shon with her stunning beauty and elegance. The ceremony was meaningful and gazing into the crowd you could just clearly see how loved these two were.  Evan was a classy groom, every aspect of his attire was perfect, and fun to photograph. These two really put a lot of thought into making their day unqiue and memorable.  The reception had a rustic elegance, the room was filled with candles that gave a lovely glow to the room. The food was unbelievable, SilverTip definitely didn’t disappoint. Jessi and Evan, you were a pleasure to work with, Darryl and I thank you so much for letting us into your lives, and allowing us to be a part of your day. 

Tracey is a dear friend and a neighbour so I pretty much had a play by play of her whole pregnancy. I was pretty invested in this little one. So when I got the news that Gus was born, I couldn’t wait to meet him, hold him, smell him! I was excited to do a shoot welcoming Gus to the family. Tracey wanted something a bit non traditional and I loved her ideas. She wanted these pictures to depict who they really are and what they are about. They love the mornings when they can all just cuddle up on their bed together, letting the time drift by, enjoying the beauty of just being together. The simple things are often the most beautiful things. 

I hope that as Winnie and Gus continue to grow, that the Saturday morning tradition of all cuddling up on the bed together doesn’t.  I also hope that Gus will always know how deeply loved he is by his family and friends. 

Hannah has a big personality! I can totally imagine Cosette being like this in a few years. Jen and Mark are clearly in love with their little star. You can tell that Hannah spreads sunshine wherever she goes, her joyful spirit is a gift to the world.Little girls are so much fun! Hannah brought her “princess” dress to wear for a part of the shoot. When she put on the dress her whole posture and attitude changed. She put her hands to the sides all proper and strutted around like a true princess. I can only imagine what hilarious antics this girl gets up to at home. I smiled the whole shoot, and went home feeling so thankful to have spent time with these three. To my delight I got an email from Jen a short while later telling me that Hannah was still talking about me, and called me her best friend. I can’t think of anything better. I want to be best friends with all my clients. Thanks Jen, Mark, and Hannah for such a great day. I am looking forward to working with you guys again this summer! 

Leon is a talent, an amazing talent. He is known and loved by many, not just for his amazing voice, but also for being an outstanding friend and human. If you meet him, you will like him, it’s just the way it is. I dare you to not like him, but I know I will win, for it’s not possible.  Leon has accomplished much touring around the world. He is probably best known for his work in the Canadian Tenors as well as the pop opera group Destino. He is now working on a solo project that is bound to get him noticed. Remember his name now, because there will be a time, when you won’t need to be reminded. You should really check him out for yourself. He will be preforming at The One Night Benefit Concert on March 31st. There are some other very talented musicians playing as well, but best of all, it is for a great cause. Their goal this year is to raise $50,000 for the Calgary Dream Centre. Tickets are on sale now, so head over to the website and buy some tickets, hear some great local artists and support an important organization. 

Last day to get to take advantage of our  free digital negatives promotion… You still have time… book a  shoot! 

I find it such a privilege to do newborn shoots, to be let into peoples homes, and celebrate with them the birth of a little miracle. I get excited with the Moms, awaiting the news of babies arrival. I think my love for newborn shoots has definitely increased since I had my own baby (who by the way is growing up way too quickly). Seeing the tiny toes, smelling that baby scent, floods me with emotions, as I remember holding Cosette for the first time. 

Erin and Kevin are amazing people, amazing parents, and amazing friends. The type of people I definitely wish I got to spend time with on a regular basis. They are kind, smart, interesting, loyal and selfless. Seriously, these are the type of people you want on your side. Luciana is a doll, she reminds me of a tiny more adorable Shirley Temple. Erin gets stopped all the time by people commenting on Luci’s hair. She has spunk, personality and is extremely clever. She is also a big sister to little Archer.  Little mister Archer, growing up surrounded by those 3 you are bound to have a wonderful life. Archer, I hope you someday look at these photos and know how deeply you are loved. 

This is my second time photographing this vibrant family, although last time there was one less member. Years ago Cory’s grandma wrote a story about little Cory. Her grandma had always hoped it would be published, but alas it never happened. The story was all about how Cory goes and discovers the signs that spring is on its way. Cory approached me with the idea of trying to capture photographs of Tayah (playing the role of little Cory) acting out the book. We spent some time storyboarding the book, and Cory spent even more time getting props and outfits. On the day of the shoot everything came together, right down to the fact that we got a gopher shot, and crocuses (which were both elements of the book). Cory got put together the story and images and printed up a copy for her Grandmother. She gave it to her this past christmas, and from what I hear she was beyond delighted with this special gift. 

What a thoughtful gift, from a thoughtful person. Cory is amazing.  Firstly, I think any mother of three deserves a medal. I award you an honorary gold star. She is sweet, creative and strong. Trent is a very talented musician, and a great father. Tayah, this girl makes me laugh. She is full of energy but she is never to busy to give you a hug. Tayah is the kind of girl that makes everyone feel special. Ferris is a little man, who does an amazing job keeping up with his sister. He has a big personality for such a little guy. Lena is a sweet china doll. She is 2 days older than Cosette. Born on Christmas day! So of course our girls are going to be best buddies. Spending time with these guys makes me feel more alive, and inspired. 

Hope you all had wonderful Valentines days!