The session has been planned on and off for months, for those of you who have ever lived in renovations or built a house, you understand, time and completion schedules are not what you expect them to be. It was worth the wait though, because despite the weeks before, the week after, and the weather forecast we had beautiful light streaming through the window. We photographed the Robertson's as a "lifestyle session". The session was planned to be in their home, that deserved its moment in the spotlight. This house was meant to be, it has been quite an ordeal for them to get to a point where they could put their feet up in their home and I am sure they would say it was definitely worth it. The house screams peace and modern at the same time - I fell in love with their kids, and loved playing with them on the great staircase that as well as being a fabulous design element seems to be a play focussed area of the house.
Matt and Monique, you have give your kids a beautiful home to grow in, and obviously it is filled with love, joy and creativity - what a pleasure it was to document your beginning under this new roof.
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Meant to be.. the Robertson's
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It could have been the beautiful art on the wall, the warm, welcoming and cleanly designed house, but chances are it was what happened when they opened the door. When I went to check out their home in preparation for shooting I was greeted by the warmest smile. Mom Lauren radiates warmth and cuteness, then behind peeks out Sophie who with a smile equal to her mom's led me around for a tour. In the background was Charlotte who watched us carefully giving me the occasional smirk.
When I came back the next day for the session hubby Aaron, also charmed me right away with his easy kind demeanor and the attention he paid to his gals.
The Clarks opted for what I call a "lifestyle" session, one that isn't about looking "just so" but has a more casual feel. I love the chance to document a family relating, and we did just that, the family together, the girls together, the gals individually and even some of just mom and dad.
It really was the type of session that the kids will look back at years from now and be able to get a sense of how much in love with them their parents are. Thank you Clarks for sharing with me.
Here are a few of my fave of all four of you.
There is buckets of love -
Lauren:
love...
(01.21.12 @ 11:48 AM)
margo:
fantastic photos!!
(01.23.12 @ 11:30 AM)
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A family full of magic - the Clarks
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Seriously! At three weeks old this adorable bundle was just a joy to work with. Yes, I said work - because it was like she knew she was coming in to "Get-er done!"
She came in and charmed me with her fine pretty features and beautiful skin, then she happily played along throughout the session. I think she is the first babe in a long time to not even have an "accident" in the studio.
Her baby sweetness definitely gave me goosebumps and made me all mushy ....
Gerlinde:
Awe she's sooo cute! Love the big eyes! Can't wait to meet her :)
(01.20.12 @ 12:22 PM)
Tash:
What a little princess! Love her!!!
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Talia at 3 weeks gets the job done!
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2012 is coming,
But first, let's kiss 2011 goodbye. 2011 took all that I had to offer, and put it to good use. You tested my strength, pushed my creativity, challenged my assumptions and reminded me about the importance of intuition.
It feels hard to see this year go, it meant so much to me. 2011 planted some beautiful strong seeds, and I promise not to waste them and will grow them into 2012.
This year gave me so much to see, feel and experience that I don't feel quite ready to say goodbye.
A bit about my year:
- John, Rowan, Gabby, Maggie, Selah and I had our first family holiday. We spent a week in Mexico on a Make A Wish Foundation trip celebrating Maggie beating Leukaemia. It was an exciting trip for us, as a large family we don't travel together often. To do so, and be there for such a fabulous reason was a abundant blessing.
- I lost a friend this year, as did many others in the passing of Jenn Zahavich. It was heartbreaking. What happened around her illness as the community embraced her and her family, was a thing of deep beauty. Just writing that compels me to pause . I can still feel it, and I can feel Jenn. Jenn's passing changed many. For me, it reduced my very fear of death and it also bonded me even more strongly to some amazing friend.
- This summer I took every weekday off in August. It doesn't sound like such a big deal does it? However, to walk away from all my office work, to turn down sessions - this was hard! I spent the month on Hornby, with family and without daily internet. It was bliss! It is already booked again for next year.
- In October John and I had our first holiday just the two of us. Granted it was a working holiday, as we went to Hawaii to photography Mikhaila and Greg's beautiful wedding. Still, it was our first time away together off the island. It showed me a taste of our future, when the kids are older and we can sneak off.
- In August John started his dream job. It has been a long road of school and it makes my heart soar to see him head every day to a job he loves.
- In November, we made a bold move and pulled our youngest daughter from school to begin homeschooling. It's what our intuition told us to do. I was scared. Really scared. I was concerned that the combination of work, homeschooling and everything else that life brings, would result in me being a failed homeschooler while turning into a nasty super stressed person. The opposite happened, it brought about this lovely sense of peace. As for messing up homeschooling, well, ask me in a few years.
- All of the above was tied together with a daily life of driving kids to dance, preparing dinner, coffee with friends, photographing and more. To me it is these elements that make the year. The little bits that we sometimes take for granted. I see them, and I feel them and am thankful to have such a lovely thread to pull it all together.
- This was my tenth year in photography in the Comox Valley. I remember days when I had just moved here, tearfully expressing my insecurity as to if I could make a life of photography in the Comox Valley work. Here I am, ten years later. So fulfilled professionally and overwhelmed with all this career has brought into my, and my families life. It has given me much more that I expected. Most notably a connection to many fun and loveable people.
- Our holiday season this year, where we celebrate Hanukah and Christmas was calm and restful. Definitely a sign of the kids getting older - which breaks my heart in many ways, but also thrills me to see them come further into their own. Bittersweet.
Bittersweet, I think that is the word to sum up our 2011.
Despite loving pulling out my professional camera gear, we tend to tote around the point and shoot and all use it - I treasure our "snapshots" here are few from this year:
In Mexico, with my good friend Jen Dodd at a conference, Rowan graduates from Grade 7, Hornby with Nana and Papa, Time at the famous Hornby Island Bakery, First Day of School, John and I have our first ever touristy toasting photo.
Wishing you a few days of joyful reflection on what the last 12 months has given you. xoxo
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2011, I am not ready to say goodbye
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I decided to bring along my daughter Selah to the shoot and create these images wearing my volunteer hat. I really wanted Abby to know that she had the power to move people, and that she should feel really proud of herself. That by giving, she could inspire others to give as well.
So we did a few photos before, then she headed up to see Sam at Roots the Salon and came back to the studio giggling with her new look.
Thank you Abby for being such a loving, joyful and generous person!
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Locks for love
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Loves these! A great house for pics, and the adorable kids help too!
(01.23.12 @ 04:07 PM)Love it! Perfect ending to a long year of building your dream home! So happy for you all!
(01.24.12 @ 06:15 PM)Fun family !! Cute shots Karen !
(01.25.12 @ 01:15 PM)Great job Karen! You captured their family so naturally! Mo, Matt, you guys look great!
(01.28.12 @ 07:18 PM)