[family: Terry, Kerry & Family]

Just the week prior, I had been helping at our church's Women's Retreat.  It was a great weekend away, and I had been busy helping with the music and also teaching a small photography workshop.  Kerry had been there that weekend, and by the time I had gotten home and checked my work emails - there was one from Kerry.

She was hoping to get a family photoshoot in quickly - as her daughter was expecting her own little girl in a few short weeks.  This wasn't a photoshoot that could be put off ... the baby would come with or without me capturing it ... So, book it - we did.  

This family was full of easy-teasing - and it was a lovely thing to capture the candid-style images Kerry had wanted of her family ... 

... the trickier thing was trying to get a posed photo with them all looking and not talking with each other *laughing* ...

... they were much more at ease, just being with each other ... rather than worrying about me and smiling for my camera.

Terry and Kerry are originally from back east - and actually from all over - but eventually settled on the Coast.  They had been a part of a church in the city, but have been faithfully attending the same church as myself for over a decade.

I love taking photos of "parents" ... as one myself, I know that it's far more common to have photos of the kids, rather than of yourselves ... 

Christina glowed ...

... and Patrick.  Well - a 15 year old guy tends to hate these kinds of things.  But he was obliging *grin* and by the end ... I actually think he didn't mind my shutter at all.

... this series of images are my favourite of the bunch.  Big sister.  Little brother.  Love.

A big "thank you" to Terry and Kerry ... and also to Christina and Patrick *wink* ... for hanging out with me and my camera.  It was such a pleasure getting to know you during our shoot ... and hey - see you on Sunday *wink*!!

For all enquiries, please visit my RedHanded Photography site and click "get.in.touch".  Or you can email me directly at tania@redhandedphotography.com ...

[kiddies: James.]

Little James is not so little.  He's a little man, is what he is.  A yummy, scrumptious, charming little man with the bluest eyes you've ever seen.  I remember when Matt and Tracy told my hubby and I that they were adding to their little family of two beautiful girls.  They knew they were having a boy ... and this little guy is all boy. 

James is just a year old - learning to walk, popping up new teeth, just beginning to realize that there's a big world out there .. And these photos were to help document everything about him, as a one year old.

I love taking photos in the nursery ... and James' nursery is the most lovely shade of blue with white furniture.  The sunlight was wonderful and he felt super comfortable in his pad.  He knew it was his room - and I was his guest and even though he's used to seeing me, he's not used to me with a camera in hand.  The sound of the shutter intrigued him ... 

It was a lovely sunny day - and the park was a short walk away ... the cold was nippy - but this little guy was so excited to be outside.  Well ... once he was out of his cozy stroller ... 

I love watching a toddler discover new things, realize new freedoms ... and the playground met all of those needs.  So we put him in the swing - just to keep him from running away *grin*.

I love taking photos of people I know - but this shoot was even more special.  Knowing how loved James is, how great his parents are, how important God is in their home ... his future is so bright.  

Thanks for letting me be a part of your lives, Trace - and for letting me snap these images for you.  I pray that they will bless you for years to come.

For all enquiries, please contact me by visiting my RedHanded Photography website and clicking "Get In Touch".  Thanks so much!

[newborn: Natalia]

I was genuinely excited when Nicole contacted me through my brand-new RedHanded Photography site ...  I've known her and Jeff for many years - first meeting them at the Young Marrieds group at our church.  And the years since then have been full of blessing for them ... Three glorious boys ... and then ... pink. 

Introducing little Natalia.

This wasn't EXACTLY a "newborn" shoot.  Natalia was already six weeks old - but Nicole really wanted some pics to show just how little Natalia was ... and she was teensy tiny - even for 6 weeks.  And those eyes ... my oh my.  Lovely.

And I managed to convince them to have a few family pics too ... and with three little guys and a morning full of rain - I had my work cut out for me.  But this family - they were so cute!! 

We headed outside ... and the rain held off.  But it was COLD.  And these fantastic little boys really did their best to listen and hold it together ... it.was.COLD.

... I'm glad we were able to get some fun pics inside too.  Family pics that show each child's personality ... those are the ones that means the most to a proud parent.  Seeing Jeff and Nicole with their family ... it really, truly, warmed my heart. 

And at the end of all of this - we headed upstairs for this little girl to have a sleep.  And she was so, so peaceful .... so, so beautiful.

Thank you, Jeff and Nicole, for sharing your family with me.  You have your hands full - full of blessing and love ... and as these children grow up, you're going to have a home full of laughter and joy.  I'm so, so happy for you ... and pray that you will find a few moments for yourselves *grin*.

** for all enquiries, please visit me at my NEW RedHanded Photography website and click "Get In Touch" ... would love to hear from you :-) **