But that's what neighbours are for. Sometimes you don't even need their help, it's enough to know they are there in case.
Shortly after I became a single mother I met my neighbours Liz and Jamie. They were always working hard, and busy with their little boy, they mainly seemed to come and go. But each time they did and we saw each other in our driveway, they would have time for a hello.
They kept an eye out for me, and that small act made a difference to someone going through transition.
They are the kind of people, that if you are fortunate to be called a friend, who you can always trust and who will always have your back. That is how they are with each other.
Jamie, Liz, what impresses me so much about the two of you is how you clearly put each other first, how you always talk so highly of each other, and how you laugh together about the hard things in life, and seem to laugh even harder at the joy.
Together you are an incredible team, and together you are raising an amazing, and adorable little boy.
Together, I am pretty sure, you can do anything.
John and I are proud to call you friends, and even prouder to be chosen to document a very special day.
It was one of the wettest weddings I have shot, but did that dampen the spirits - not one bit
I think we broke seven umbrellas due to wind and rain - worth it -
Olivia is just beautiful. Beautiful photography too!!
Thank You for sharing her with us.
I hope you get a bunch of "free" 8 x 10 pictures of her, and a whole lot of "freebies" for birth announcing or whatever else you want them for.... maye one will fit in her baby book. :-D
Wow, I don't think Olivia could look anymore like an angel! This is such a beautiful shot!
(02.16.10 @ 12:29 PM)Just as beautiful and precious as the moment she was born....Nice job Karen you captured her perfectly
(02.16.10 @ 12:38 PM)Absolutely a beautiful picture! She looks like a little doll! It's been great seeing how excited her grandma has been!
(02.16.10 @ 01:38 PM)Beautiful baby.
(02.16.10 @ 01:53 PM)i have lots of fave's but love her lips in this one, isn't she adorable!
(02.16.10 @ 05:58 PM)Love the hat and booties! So sweet.
(02.16.10 @ 08:45 PM)Wow she is so precious!!! Angelic!!
(02.16.10 @ 10:49 PM)Such a beautiful photo of a beautiful baby.
(02.17.10 @ 06:58 AM)Thank you for all the wonderful comments and Karen for the beautiful photo! We can't wait to see the rest. Having Olivia's photos done with Karen was so much. Karen it is always a pleasure to work with you, thus we knw we had to have you take Olivia's photos!
(02.17.10 @ 11:56 AM)Awww .. thanks Sandra, I am so thankful that you brought in Olivia to hang with me - I truly and sincerely love the people I work with an my wedding clients hold a very special place in my heart - seeing you two, well now three, so happy, makes me really smile!!
(02.17.10 @ 05:32 PM)My intention was actually to blog them right away.
But, I didn't know what to say. Sure I could fill this space up with words, if you know me, you know being chatty is one of my forte's - but I probably wouldn't say the right ones.
This session will be one of the most important to me this year, and yes, I know it is only February, but I say this with confidence.
I first met Taeia's parents last year when I had the privilege and unique experience of spending time with them at Vancouver Children's Hospital where I photographed their daughter Ali, who was fighting for her life. Ali passed away last year, and since then, the family has never been far from my thoughts, and I made sure to take life lessons from my experience with them - thank you!
Taeia entered this world to a family whose heart was already open and waiting.
She is a beauty, just like her mother, and a charmer, like her dad.
Thank you for letting me be part of your journey - your openness and honesty is inspiring - Taeia is a blessed girl. Happy Valentines Taeia.
Some knowing eyes:
love the superhero stretch:
Wow!!! Karen you expressed how we feel, and you captured Taeia beautifully.
(02.14.10 @ 05:35 PM)Oh Karen, your write up got me all teary and by the time I got to the pics I was a mess. Thank you for the beautiful words and gorgeous photos. Like my mom said, you captured her just beautifully! I can't wait to see them all :)
~ Taeia's Mommy ~
(02.14.10 @ 05:59 PM)Such a beautiful little girl! Great photo's!
(02.14.10 @ 06:10 PM)Taeia is a pure beauty and these two pictures capture it amazingly!!
(02.14.10 @ 06:14 PM)What a beautiful little girl. She will do great things in her life just as her big sister did.
(02.14.10 @ 06:37 PM)Beautiful little girl!
(02.14.10 @ 06:42 PM)These newborn photos capture Taeia beautifully - a little girl who will bring so much joy to her parents. Lovely!
(02.14.10 @ 06:46 PM)She is truly a gorgeous gift from big sister Ali. Beautiful photos!
(02.14.10 @ 06:50 PM)She is precious! Lovely pictures....she has great eyes!
(02.14.10 @ 06:51 PM)Beautiful pictures!!!
(02.14.10 @ 06:53 PM)What a BEAUTY! They just don't make them any cuter than this!!
(02.14.10 @ 06:59 PM)So gorgeous! Just love the shot with her eyes open - a photo they'll look back on forever.
(02.14.10 @ 07:18 PM)She's a beauty!
(02.14.10 @ 07:22 PM)Wow! She is beautiful!
(02.14.10 @ 07:24 PM)Beautiful pictures of a beautiful (and VERY loved) little girl! We love you Taeia:-)
(02.14.10 @ 07:28 PM)Taeia is so gorgeous! She's so luck to be joining such a wonderful family who are going to love her so much!
(02.14.10 @ 07:31 PM)Congrats again! She's perfect!
(02.14.10 @ 07:38 PM)She is beautiful! Great photos. I love the catch lights in her gorgeous eyes.
(02.14.10 @ 08:04 PM)She is all kinds of wonderful, that baby there. Beautiful!
(02.14.10 @ 08:55 PM)As always Karen, you have so candidly captured beauty and love... in photos and in words! These will be treasured shots for sure. Congrats again Chelsea & Jesse... Big welcome to Taeia!
(02.14.10 @ 09:04 PM)thanks everyone, we all know this is a very special little one - I look forward to watching her grow up
(02.24.10 @ 06:45 AM)Our impromptu move set us up with the right mood for the style of images Helen wanted to capture.
I have had the sincere honor of photographing Helen many times, what I love it about is that each time it challenges me to create something different and better than the last time, and the collection of photos that we have created over the years are like an evolving story. Helen is that she is also full of ideas - so it feels like a true collaboration, as someone who creatively flies pretty solo, this always gets me excited.
Helen is on the up and up, people would say she is going places - songs purchased by movies and mtv, constant new musical creations and much more.
Yet, that saying, "going places" is pretty lame if you ask me. It implies that where you are isn't enough.
If the beauty of what she creates is any measure, Helen is exactly in the right place.
You can check her out here : Helen Austin Website
And if you haven't heard her musical comedy songs prepare to bust a gut: Go here
Check out the Childbirth Song - it's the fave of mine and Christine's.
Do you know where these photos were taken?
If so leave a comment letting us know where it was taken and which of these photos of Helen is your favorite and we will do a draw next week for a gift certificate to the location, because we like giving presents.
When you are leaving a comment it will ask for your email, if you want us to contact you when you win please be sure to fill this in. (The email address does not show up to anyone other than us - it remains private.)
I'm guessing The Freakin' Coffeeshop b/c of all the retro awesomeness. I really like the first shot b/c of the saturated colours :)
(02.12.10 @ 10:33 AM)You've really captured Helen's inner beauty. She's one of a kind.
(02.12.10 @ 10:48 AM)I would guess the Rusty Rooster, I love the first one! Gorgeous shots K!!!
(02.12.10 @ 10:55 AM)Without a doubt it's freakin. I've sat next to that TV a few times!
Beautiful pictures Karen.
Kathy
(02.12.10 @ 10:57 AM)Ah, definitely Freakin. Helen is such a beauty, as is her music.
Gorgeous work Karen.
These are beautiful shots. I love the colour one with Helen's eyes sooo full of life and mischief- as always.
I say this was at the Freakin' Coffee Shop. Where else are there so many interesting retro pieces.
Beautiful work as always on your blog, Karen.
It is the Freakin Coffee Shop! and I love all the photo's, but the last one is my favorite!
(02.12.10 @ 11:39 AM)I totally think it's the Freakin Cafe (love it there!) and my fave photo is the second one. It makes me warm inside, reminds me of the long-lost sun!
(02.12.10 @ 11:51 AM)Love them, wow...you are both such talented ladies...Location?? Freakin Coffee Shop, thanks to Helen for posting the link shortly after her shoot. Never been but now I definately will. Especially like the black and white :0)
(02.12.10 @ 11:54 AM)Definitely the freaking coffee shop in Tintown!!!
(02.12.10 @ 12:03 PM)Freaking Coffee Shop of course. I kinda love the 2nd picture - it's the colors. And the 4th.
(02.12.10 @ 04:25 PM)It is totally the Freakin' Coffee Shop! My favourite shot is the last one-it's so natural and Helen looks so happy:-)
(02.12.10 @ 04:38 PM)Even though I've never been inside (they've always been closed when I stopped by) it looks like Freakin' Coffeeshop to me. My fave photo is the first one, because of the helmet with the STP racing sticker on the helmet. We had the same sticker on one of the windows of the crappy Corolla that my hubby and I drove from Vancouver to halfway down the Baja and back.
(02.12.10 @ 05:46 PM)Let's try this again. I love the last photo in B&W. The location has to be the Freakin' Coffee shop in Tin Town.
(02.12.10 @ 09:31 PM)No freakin' clue.
(02.12.10 @ 09:50 PM)The place Freakin' Coffee.... the photo ~ just one choice??? They like Helen ~ are beautiful, I'd say the second one... a humble confidence with dancing eyes & a warmth that makes me smile too!!
(02.12.10 @ 10:39 PM)I love the last photo! Classic! It makes me want to sit and have a coffee with the beautiful Helen!! Freakin coffee shop must be it as everyone else has mentioned.
These pics were without a doubt, taken at Freakin' Coffee! Who doesn't love that little cafe/shop?! As for my favourite pic - the last one wins. I think that Helen has a beautiful smile and this showcases it. Incredible pics as always Karen!
(02.13.10 @ 12:36 AM)what Chelsea? You have never been to freakin' - you will have to remedy that, it is a great place to chill with kids in tow as well
(02.13.10 @ 09:32 AM)Hello Karen,
It is the Freekin Coffee shop ambieance. I personally like the one in the middle the yellow one it shows her spirit in her eyes. I like the back drop of the window idea but she looks cold...
You are a very talented woman Karen Keep on Shinning up our world.
Oh yeah Richards pick for the bella c.d is #249 should I call you about this?
Hello Karen,
It is the Freekin Coffee shop. I personally like the one in the middle the yellow one it shows her spirit in her eyes. I like the back drop of the window idea but she looks cold... I also like the last one it is playful and expresses a relaxed aura about her Like" if you were with me at this coffee shop we would be all laughing together." Jeannie
You are a very talented woman Karen Keep on Shinning up our world.
Oh yeah Richards pick for the bella c.d is #249 should I call you about this?
I'm with you Jeannie, is looking rather sombe, but you know those "musician types" - they need to be kind of dark and somber sometimes
(02.14.10 @ 11:58 AM)Freakin' awesome singer and photos (and coffee shop). I love the third photo - it has a subtle attitude to it.
(02.16.10 @ 09:44 PM)nice Bevin, I think I am going to steal that "subtle attitude" - you kind of have a subtle attitude!
(02.17.10 @ 08:26 AM)Tanya Petri, you are the name the household seven year old very scientifically chose as the winner of the gift certificate - we have emailed you!
We really should give me gifts out around here.
Absolutely this is the Freakin Coffeeshop in Tin Town (my hood)! I love all the pics but especially the last one (I love that couch) and it's such a natural shot. I also like the pic of Helen with that hint of impishness - she's so playful!
(02.17.10 @ 10:57 PM)If have blogged about it before, and probably will again, because if you can have a crush on a place, Frelones would be my Valentine.
13 kids, a movie of their choice, yummy popcorn, owner Sarah as your welcoming host, and of course a popcorn fight.
All the kids were saying it was "the best birthday party EVER"
Thanks Sarah, the kids are still talking about it! See you soon for a grown-up evening out at your lovely movie house.
This looks like sooo much fun! Great idea, especially when the weather is not so nice out. We still have to check out the movie house!
(02.11.10 @ 09:51 PM)Happy Belated Birthday Gabby! I hope I get to see you guys soon!
(02.11.10 @ 09:51 PM)
Absolutely stunning, You captured Nish perfectly. I look forward to seeing the rest. It was a pleasure to meet you.
(02.20.10 @ 07:33 PM)Your amazing!! Just got home from mexico....... cant wait to see the rest. OMG cant wait!!!
(02.26.10 @ 01:30 PM)