A Growing Family- Ottawa Valley Photographers

In July we had the privilege of capturing some family photos of the “S” Family. After being able to capture both their Engagement and Wedding Photos , it was great to be a part of their first family photos. We absolutely adored Baby K and saw a clear extension of their love in him. The photos were taken on a very hot, sunny day at a local farm in Eganville Ontario. There wasn’t much shade to be found but that did not stop us nor this amazing family!  We are very happy for this couple and their little man and we wish them much happiness as they watch him grow. We have included a few pictures of this families journey with us below. Thanks you for letting us be a part of your special moments together!

Jackson Family has a new addition!

It continues to amaze me that we are so blessed to do this amazing job…and share so many wonderful experiences with our clients!  Last year Jenn and I had the pleasure of sharing a very special wedding with Amanda and Brody

Congratulations Amanda and Brody on the newest addition to the family, he is beyond adorable!

Life’s a beach… Julie and Jody’s Wedding

This Wedding was a very memorable one…. right from the night of the rehearsal I could see an absolute excitement about the Groom.  Even though the Wedding day was very HOT, and Jody (like most men) , would rather have been not taking a zillion pictures… His love for his Bride was shining through. He was an absolute gentleman and I loved watching him pick up her dress, shoes, or flowers, without even asking. His concern was her comfort and happiness and it melted our hearts.  He got very emotional during the ceremony and it was honestly the highlight to my day… We just knew this couple’s journey was so dear and close to his heart.

When we met this couple their Daughter was just a baby…. and on the big day… we realized how much she had grown. It was so great to see how their love was also expressed through her. What a wonderful unity to capture!

The day itself, was HOT HOT HOT, and sunny. But it was a perfect day for a beach Wedding! The couple was married at The Sands on Golden Lake, one of our personal favorite venues in this area, and their formal pictures were done along the shoreline and across the road in a field that belongs to The Sands as well.  Before we started shooting the wedding we took some beautiful pictures of the Spa ( which we will include in a blog at a later time), and after we were done it really struck me that this location was so perfect for this couple. It is so intimate and serene…. peaceful and fulfilling. It feels like a perfect place to start the rest of your life together.

Before the Ceremony began, we captured a few images of the bride and her ladies getting ready.  Lisa and I fell in love with the Bride’s shoes and the Dress immediately….  Then the Bride and Groom’s little 2-year-old princess showed up and the excitement in Julie’s face when she saw her daughter made me want to cry. It was beautiful.  We realized shortly after that the flower girls would be 3 little 2-year-old princess’ and fishy crackers were being passed around frequently as they awaited the Ceremony to start.

The ceremony was very personal and intimate. It highlighted all that we love about our couple. It was an emotional ceremony and it was great to be a part of. I love watching and capturing the couple’s daughter walk up to her mommy and daddy several times throughout the ceremony. I loved that she was just left to be a part of the union! Beautiful!

The formal pictures were  very easy to accomplish because of so much love, friendship, and cooperation from the entire Wedding party. Such a great group to work with! During the private couple photos, again in the heat of the day, you could almost feel this couple’s energy. It was truly like time stopped in those moments and they just felt the Love they needed to feel for these photos to be real.

Julie and Jody we were honored to be there capturing your moments and we wish you a lifetime full of many great memories and much love!

Happy Canada Day ~ Ottawa Valley Photographers Celebrate with Family

It is no secret Canada Day is my favorite holiday.  Canada Day has always meant the official kick off to summer celebration!  As a kid I always enjoyed my town’s Canada Day festivities, Morin Heights always had lots going on and as kids we always enjoyed the live bands and huge bonfire.  I have always enjoyed taking my kids to celebrate around our town.

My son really enjoys the bike parade every year, and spends a few days planning how he is going to decorate his bike in festive red and white.  This year was no different.  There were a few activities for the kids to enjoy at the youth centre.  They played games, some of the prizes at the games were mustaches which the kids had fun with…and these awful looking teeth, which are really funny for little boys!  The kids could have their faces painted, and who doesn’t love a dunk tank!  Is that wrong that we take so much pleasure in making someone fall into ice-cold water?

Summer Fun, and family is what Canada Day is all about!

What Canada Day celebration would be complete without fireworks?  Everyone loves fireworks and we always enjoy them from Nanny and Papa’s deck, we have a great view and avoid any crowds…it’s perfect.  This year Eganville and the Bonnechere Valley Township Fire Department did a fantastic job!

Thanks for a job well done, we can’t wait for next year!

Fireworks!
The Perfect end to our Canada Day Celebration

What Should I Wear for my Portrait Session?

We get asked this question often so I thought I would take a minute and give you a few hints to help you look your best for your photographs.  For family and individual portrait sessions try to find outfits that you are comfortable in, if you are comfortable you will feel more relaxed during the session this will result in better photographs.

Remember to choose your clothing that reflects the location and the season you have chosen.

For families, co-ordinating colours and out fits work well.  Try and avoid wearing all the same colour or matching everyone’s outfit. A peek at our Pinterest Board “What to Wear – Ideas for Sessions” will help.

Here are a few other tips:

• Wear pants that hang long.  It will make you look taller and more slender.  Your pants will also look better if they start at your hip line.
• Avoid shorts and capris pants; these make you look much shorter than you are.
• No prints or patterns.  The prints and patterns that are considered very stylish today may be out of style in 6 months from now. By wearing solid colours you are less likely to look back on your      photos and say “Why did I wear that?”
• Avoid clothes with logos and/or writing.
• Blouses that end at the hip; this give a nice definition to your shape.
• Men may tuck in their shirts, but women should avoid blouses and shirts that tuck in.
• Wear tightly woven garments.  Sweaters and other loose knit fabrics will become see-through in      flash lighting, which will show your under garments.  This does not make for a flattering      photograph.
• Avoid dresses and blouses with high waist lines like the Empire style or tops and dresses with belts or gathers as they flair out.
• Dresses should be a straight cut without a defined waistline this will give you a slimmer look.
• Try and avoid white, it can make your skin look pale and washed out.
• Have a look on our Special Treasures Pinterest Board for a few ideas.  We have an entire board with lots of ideas for the entire family. Click Here.

If you still have questions feel free to contact us: specialtreasuresphotography@gmail.com

A Winter Family Session in Ottawa Valley

I love family sessions!  I love the challenge of capturing kids.  Kids are busy little people, who often don’t want to just sit and smile, the younger they are the more of a challenge they are, but I love it.  Kids are fun, and the truth is I get to act silly for a couple of hours making funny faces and telling silly jokes or stories to get their attention.  Getting adorable shots makes it all worth while.  A special thanks to A & P and the entire L family, we had fun with both of you and your children are just adorable!