I was inspired by some images on a commercial photography website that stopped the motion of splashing liquid out of dishes. Here’s the result:

We just had our monthly the Cliq workshop meeting and one of the in class exercises was photographing Christmas lights intentionally out of focus. After seeing some of the great work from the class, I got inspired to try some out:

Why did I choose these three images? I like the first because of the dialogue between the dominant shape and the cluster of smaller ones. I love how the bleeding to the edge of the frame in the second one creates the negative space. Finally, I chose the last one for the inherent ’s’ curve as well as the simplicity.

Updates:

• Be sure to check out our main website as we refreshed and restructured the wedding gallery section.
• Also check out our new ‘individuals’ section under the portrait gallery section.

Hughes Condon Marler Architects needed an overall exterior image of the Abbotsford Rec Centre, and the day I got out to shoot it could not have been better.

Jason enjoyed photographing a Kubota tractor that has been converted by a resourceful farmer to a tree sprayer. It was a beautiful sunny day and Mt. Cheam in Chilliwack made a gorgeous backdrop for some colourful photographs. Avenue Farm Machinery will be using the photos as part of a display at the Pacific Agriculture Show this weekend at the Tradex in Abbotsford as the tractor is too difficult to transport. Here’s a sneak peek …

If you’re an Avenue Farm Machinery customer, please be extra nice to their wonderful truck driver. He’s my Dad! (Darcie)

Drum roll please ….

Our highly anticipated mini sessions are back as Little Star Sessions!

Each 20 minute session on Saturday, February 28th and Thursday, March 12th, will be planned to bring out your child’s star like qualities. Parents love them as they are a great value and convenient. Kids love them because they are relaxed and fun. Everyone loves them because they result in amazing photographs that you will enjoy for many years.

Included this year is a limited edition Little Star Bib we have custom designed with Mally Bibs. We have had a great time choosing leather colours, a pattern and playing around with different layouts. Our son, Xander, even came to the factory to help lay out stars. We’re pretty proud of bursting our buttons with pride over our first bib design and it will only be available through these sessions. Each family will also receive 24 custom designed Little Star Trading Cards featuring our favorite photo from the session. Together this is a $64 value.

Sessions are $125 (plus $25 for each additional child) and book up quickly. Please call 604-864-6339 today to reserve your time or to find out more.

Here’s what the bib looks like ….

*Your child does not need to be photographed wearing the bib.

In December, we asked people to nominate their friends who had experienced a tragedy, were struggling to stay afloat, were raising kids while holding down more than one job, or were volunteering selflessly despite extenuating circumstances. We were looking for someone wouldn’t normally afford custom photography, but who would cherish it. Someone who deserved a year round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty.

We received many wonderful nominations, many of which moved us to tears, and plan to make this an annual event. The Wills family, who were nominated by their friend Karyn, are our first recipients. The four sisters, Mandy, Holly, Alicia and Becky, recently lost their mother to Crohn’s Disease. Their mother, Donna, was a single mom who raised the four girls on her own. Karyn wrote,

“These sisters have banded together like sisters should since the death of their much-loved mother and are receiving the love and support from each other that is really helping them through this tough time. Their lives have never been a walk in the park, but I would LOVE for them to receive this gift and be able to take a walk in the park with you for some photos with all their kids. These photos would be a special reminder that they will always have each other to turn to and to help them through hard times.”

Mandy, Holly, Alicia + Becky, your mother would be proud of the women you have become and of how you work hard to be family to each other. I’m sure she would have loved to see and hold you and her grandchildren much longer than she was able to. We hope these photographs are a daily, tangible reminder of the importance of sticking together through good times and tough times. Here are a few of our favorites …

Theresa Chevalier is having a book she wrote published and contacted Jason to do a photograph for the cover. She had something specific in mind to depict the shame and strength of her main character. We are looking forward to reading the book in a few months. Here’s what will be on the cover …

Lindsey and Philippe came by our studio one evening this week to have maternity portraits done. They are expecting twins and Lindsey is 26 weeks along. She looks amazing! Here are a few of our favorites …

The pregnant body is beautiful and lends itself to nude photography. Please click “more” to see additional pictures that are not graphic but do involve less clothing.
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I enjoy using functional things. And I adore functional things that look fashionable. Jane Webb’s Bra Bag would definitely be in that category. After having her bras creased and damaged when she traveled, she created the Bra Bag. The hard case will ensure your bras travel in style and arrive in form.

Jane has also developed the Panty Pak so your panties can travel in their own adorable case. There are separate compartments for “clean” and “not so clean” panties. It is much nicer than zip lock bags and may save you from underwear spilling everywhere at customs.

You can visit The Brag Company’s website to learn more about Jane’s journey from a stay-at-home-mom with a great idea, to helping Spanx launch a new product at the Golden Globes.

The Brag Company is now offering free shipping in Canada and the United States when you purchase two or more items. If you’re from Abbotsford, Zammy’s Lingerie carries them. To find retailers in your area, please visit the store locator.

Jason recently photographed an opening night at The Reach for Hughes Condon Marler : Architects and then went back to photograph the new sign and the recent installation for The Reach. As we’ve mentioned before, the space is beautiful and we are proud to have it in our community.

In case you’re interested, there is a family art event on Sunday, February 15th from 1 – 3 where you’re invited to create your own art.