Tacey Photography

I'VE MOVED MY BLOG....

2010-09-07T08:22:00.001-07:00

Come see my NEW blog here...

It's still the same old me...only 'fancier'.

Thank you Blogger-it's been fun!

Remember, if you follow my blog, don't forget to update your bookmark...

I'll be leaving this blog up so I can always remember the journey that I've been on so far...

'Cause it's been a good one!

Lots of love....

Tacey

TRUE LOVE....KELOWNA NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER

2010-09-02T14:26:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what a difference 6 days of 'practice' and a bit of sleep can make when venturing out for a newborn photo session....

In stark contrast to our first attempt (see that post here)...our second attempt went much, muuuuuch smoother.

There is one particular shot from this session that makes me absolutely giddy...I've included it in the sneak peek...Try and guess which one it is....

Love you guys. Enjoy your peek...Lord knows we have one heck of a proofing session coming up!

These two, Gramma and Auntie, each stole a quick moment while Mom was getting changed...I love his little expressions! Too cute.

Holy hotness...(He's a friend, I can say that-but really, what woman doesn't go ga-ga for a handsome man cuddling a wee little baby?)

True love really can fit in the palm of your hand....

PERUVIAN JOY.....{KELOWNA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-08-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

This past June, I had the absolute pleasure of shooting a wedding with my dear friend and colleague, Simone Wittenberg and the ever talented Daniela Sitar.

As excited as I was to be shooting with these two fabulous photographers, it was the bride's family that completely won me over.

Between Dad and his Peruvian protective, yet adoring demeanor; and Mom, a strong woman who swore she wouldn't cry, and the doting brothers who were feeding us the most delicious spread of artisan bread , yummy olives and fabulous cheese....I can honestly say, I was one lucky girl to be a part of their special day...The day their baby (and sister) married the love of her life.

The wedding was held up at the beautiful Summerhill Winery, the sun was shining, the guests were smiling, and Fiorella and Joel, surrounded by their dearest friends and family, joyfully began their lives together as husband and wife...

Ya, it was pretty perfect.

And, Mom....are those tears in your eyes???

Probably one of my favorite reception shots ever...I can feel her love and pride in these photos, taken when her husband was toasting their baby girl...

Again, I was one lucky lady to witness this beautiful event. Thank you Ms. Simone for asking me.

MUSIC MAKES IT BETTER......{KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-08-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love showcasing my images in a slideshow. I love creating the slideshow, I love presenting the slideshow, I love watching the slideshow (umm, pass the tissues please).

While I enjoy the challenge of the hunt for the perfect song for the show...what I love even more, is when a client specifically requests a special song that has sentimental meaning for them.

One of my favorite families (close personal friends as well) specifically requested the song 'Never Gonna Be Alone', by Nickelback...and to be honest, I had never even listened the lyrics to that song, much less considered them for a slideshow...But now, set to their images of love and family life...I see clearly just how perfect this song is for this family....Yes, powerful and perfect....With little surprise...it totally makes me cry.

Have a boo...I think you'll agree.

ATTRAVERSO {KELOWNA LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-08-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

Yes. I joined the millions and stepped out last eve to see Eat Pray Love....I so love Julia, and I simply adore Elizabeth Gilbert's book...I was excited to say the least.

***IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE MOVIE-SKIP DOWN TO THE NEXT PARAGRAPH***

In the movie, at the very end, Julia finally decides upon 'her word'....Attraverso....translates to 'crossing over'....Crossing over....Hmmmmm...not always the easiest thing....But, like for Julia, at the very, very end...Attraverso can be oh-so beautiful and incredibly exciting...

Funny, because also yesterday, I had mylast, last day at my 'old' job...I gave back my key, passed the torch and sat with the new analyst all day....It felt good. It felt like closure. It brings relief...Although one can really ever leave a job in that field...The memories and experiences are forever etched in your mind. I must say at least this once, I have the absolute greatest respect in the whole wide world for those men and women who put themselves 'out there', on the line, for our safety. Full kudos to you.

Anyhow....(my meds keep me scatterbrained-remember?)

The point I'm making is that despite enormous ambition and fabulous intentions, I decided to move away from a career path and industry that I spent a third of my life pursuing....I'm sure many thought I was nuts, and sure, at times I did too...But ya know what? *SIGH* Now that I've 'crossed over'....it's really ooooo-kay. And you know what? I not only have no regrets, but I would go so far as to recommend doing this. Yes, if you find yourself in an unhappy or unhealthy state, you owe it to yourself (and your family) to examine all areas of your life that you can, in fact change...

You'll always have a million excuses why not to, but if you really sit long enough, and methodically work through your fears and obstacles, I really believe anything is possible.

Quoting Bhagavad Ghita, Elizabeth Gilbert writes " It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else's life with perfection."

Annnnnnnnnnnd....in order to discover that destiny, you must find some space to clear your head and quite the negative chatter in your mind...Just like Richard from Texas told Groceries, the Universe will bring you everything you could ever need, but you must create the mental space in order for it to come rushing in....(In the movie, Richard from Texas said it so well!)

Obviously I'm not suggesting anyone living 'willy-nilly' in an attempt to find happiness...I'm just saying that any change is possible (and exciting) if you sit with yourself long enough, ask hard questions, and be ready to work through the answers.

The book Eat Pray Love came into my life around the time I made a decision to make change in my own life....The movie, while in my opinion, not near as powerful as the book, it still provided a gentle reminder to seek daily meditation and silence, and provided a solid affirmation of my recent choices and resulting changes....

And no, you don't need to travel to Italy, India or Bali (although that would be dreamy)...You don't even need an ashram (although I recommend an infrared sauna)....All you need silence and stillness and a journal to track your thoughts and goals....

And finally....don't forget to breath.

Off to the sauna...Need to make some space for the Universe....It's been too long.

LIL' BLESSINGS {KELOWNA WEDDING AND FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-08-22T20:05:00.001-07:00

No matter how excited or prepared an expectant parent can be....nothing, and I mean nothing, can adequately prepare you for everything it takes to be a first time parent. No book, no friendly advice, no DVD, no 'app' can do justice to the stamina and chutzpa required to bring a new life into this world...You just gotta live it to really know what it's all about.

And no...it's not at all easy...

Although, there are moments, amidst the insanity and sleeplessness, that bring temporary relief....Yes, these moments, while likely short-lived, trigger a surge of emotion to which nothing can compare....

Congratulations my friends......Welcome to the club. I am oh so proud of you both....and so incredibly excited for the life you have created and everything that will come with it...

For now...I know many people are waiting for a few shots of Mr. Baby Callum...And although our session didn't go quite as planned...We'll have another go at it later this week...For now...a little peek...

So without further adieu, here is a little peek of our first attempt....I can't wait to do it again soon!

Have a fabulous week everyone...

MY LIL' MONSTER ......{KELOWNA CHILD PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-08-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

"I love you little one....."

"I love you too Mom....You're my best friend."

I could just cry just thinking about it...

For those of you who have been following my blog (love you, by the way)...You have read time and time again about the difficulties I've had with my little guy...Pretty much since birth (and he's nearly 3 and a half).

Well, after returning from our road trip and having my husband return to night shifts, and my daughter fly off to Ontario, it's been just the two of us for the past four nights...

The first night, we both fell asleep on the couch..his head on my lap. When I awoke, and realized that we had both fell asleep (before 7!), I exhaled a sigh of sweet relief...no battles on our first night together...Phew.

Then, night after night, he would ask me "Is it just you and me again tonight Mommy?"....Yup. Just you and me Buddy.

Night after night....Peace.

Sure, I had to play him silly in order to tire him out; but thankfully, I can finally again be the fun and active Mom I was with my first child (before my diagnosis). Chasing him up and down the slides and climbing up and down the jungle gym was not something I could do even a year ago...

'I love you too Mom...You're my best friend.'

And I am so grateful.

EAT PRAY LOVE-FAMILY STYLE {KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-08-16T08:53:00.000-07:00

We ate (oh my-did we ever). We prayed (for the kids to stop fighting). We loved....almost every minute of our First Annual Gosling Family Road Trip.

We're home....at last.

After venturing out, trepidatiously, we survived long hours together in our little SUV. Yes, we had lots of firsts. Noah's first kite flying adventure, his first ocean swim, he actually touched a sea anemone, I made it into my first Anthropologie store (like I died and went to clothes heaven), we went cave exploring, Noah made some new friends (see Curious George below) and we even ate inside a vintage sports car!

Yes, travelling can bring out the best and the worst in people...and I tell you, we saw it all...but I must say though, the hospitality that we experienced in Oregon and Washington was truly remarkable...the level of customer service was truly refreshing.

Now, we are home, and we are safe, and we are happy...and gosh darnnit my neighbour even mowed our lawn while we were away!!!

How's that for a perfect ending to a family road trip?

Here are some highlights of our trip....Many of you who have taken this trip will recognize many of these spots...

Have a fabulous week everyone!

My son has an obsession (seriously) with ceiling fans...so when he saw all these..he went nuts!

These were the most peaceful creatures I have ever been blessed to witness....Ahhhhh..I could stare at them all day long...

What a cool cave...and a challenging exposure for me...but I got it!!!

Last, but not least, Noah and his new BFF...

WIND AND WAVES {KELOWNA FAMILY AND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-08-10T22:01:00.000-07:00

I know I left y'all hanging in Wenatchee....but the First Annual (?) Gosling Family Road Trip has managed to move along, and tonight, as I type this post, my family and I are tucked safely in room 323 at the Best Western in Newport Oregon.....

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

My exagerated exhale reflects the near-bursting level of tension that both my husband and I have been dealing with since our ever-so-peaceful visit to Wenatchee.

I've learned two things this trip.

1. I highly recommend NOT having your children 10 years apart because that pretty much garauntees a doubly crappy few years. A newly hormonal teen and a head strong toddler TOGETHER at the same time is enough to drive anyone mad.

AND

2. The ocean really can soothe an otherwise savage beast.

Yes, once we actually found ourselves at the ocean...our true destination, it was like our little guy was transported to a different place in time....Mr. Noah was transported to his ultimate, undiscovered 'happy' place....

Have a look at these photos taken after 6pm on the water at Cannon Beach, Oregon. It was misty, foggy, and chilly. Most of three hundred or so visitors were dressed in pants and sweaters....Almost everyone that is...

Layer by layer, as the mood moved him...our little Noah was found more and more naked with every crashing wave.

I don't think I've honestly ever seen him more alive in his entire life.

My camera was on fire trying to capture this monumental moment in time....Noah's first experience on the ocean....The day my son fell in love with the Sea.

The photos I captured were worth every 'time out' and temper tantrum from Kelowna to Cannon Beach...

Stay tuned for more adventures in the First Annual (?) Gosling Family Road Trip...

CHAPSTICK....RED. CHAPSTICK {KELOWNA TRAVELLING PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-08-07T17:20:00.000-07:00

Well, we survived our first two days of our First Annual (?) Gosling Family Roadtrip. (I put a question mark on the annual part, because we won't know if it'll be an annual adventure until the end of this one!)

No major drama with the kids...maybe a tad of squabling over who got to use the headphones...But Taija had her laptop and Noah had his portable DVD player, and we had SILENCE......ahhhhhhhh.....miles and miles of long, single lane SILENCE...

We didn't see anything spectular; in fact, I didn't even stop once for a photo op....We kept on truckin...all the way to Wenatchee. Yes indeed, we've spent the first two days of our much anticipated holiday in Wenatchee Washington....Home of....ummmmm...hmmmm....ummmmmm....not a whole lot!

We found a lovely Marriot with a pool, hotub and a partition between our bed and the 'kids' pull out couch...Hey, it wasn't a suite, but it was still a partition...and that mattered.

So far it's been like Eat Pray Love meets Target and Old Navy....

Yes, last night walked across the street to the most incredible, scrumptious Italian eatery I've ever had the blessing to come across...Oh how I love Viscontis....If you're ever passing through Wenatchee, you simply must go!

Mmmmmmm....bruschetta (although not as good as mine), homemade savoury minestrone, pasta so yummy, prawns so plump! And a 10 page wine list (double sided!!!).

Indeed, a true savoury experience.....I love, love, love, love, love food. Fresh, quality, flavourful food...Every time I eat it, I ask myself "Why don't we eat like this at home all the time?". Fresh really is best...

After a scrumptious dinner we walked (or should I say 'waddled') back home, but not before stopping at a nearby 'all in one store' to pick my son up some 'makeup'.....

Yes. You heard me. Makeup for my son. *SIGH* My strong-willed little man has become obsessed with chapstick (which he calls makeup). He knows he can only have the clear kind, because the coloured kind is for girls...

Well, I made the mistake of telling him that 'makeup' came in different flavours...Cherry, and even coconut. So, to the 'all in one' store we went in search of flavoured makeup....the clear kind for boys.

We found a cherry flavoured chapstick and Noah. was. smitten.

Yes, my sweet little Noah (who has been sooooo good so far) fell asleep holding it in his hand. Somewhere between the wrestlessness in going to sleep and the transfer to the pull out couch, we woke to find cherry chapstick smeared everywhere in our modernly decorated Marriot hotel room....Yikes. That might cost us.

Today, we shopped and ate....Today's genre of choice (for lunch anyway) was Mexican. We found an authentic Mexican restaraunt and stuffed our faces (with a corona light or two) for a whopping 30.00. Not too shabby! We'll see how one room filled with little bean-eaters goes tonight...

Now, it's about time to eat again...Hmmmmm...it's only day two and I feel as if my clothes don't fit already!

Ohhhhhh, maybe back to Viscontis...it was THAT good.

Anyway, here's a little peek of what DID inspire me to bring out the Canon...

Here is my little three year old, not a care in the world...finally asleep (at 10pm!)after day one of our road trip...If you look closely, you can see him holding his very own cherry flavoured 'makeup'...God Bless 'em.

Tomorrow, off towards the Oregon Coast...who knows where we'll end up...Stay tuned for more adventures from the First Annual (?) Gosling Family Road trip....So far...so good.

Now, what shall we eat tonight?

MURPHY {KELOWNA MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY}

2010-08-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

It's funny, I saw a poster the other day in Michael's that was all about Murphy's Law. Indeed it listed all the situations that would fall under Murphy.....Well, almost all of them...I have one to add myself.

So. As a photographer, a great deal of time is spent scouting for session locations....Okay, so more than a great deal of time...I would say that everything we do, and everywhere we go, we are scouting...On the way to the grocery store, to the park, to Gramma's house...A part of our conscious is scouting for the perfect, undiscovered shooting location.

Me, I 'see' a shoot before it takes place. I visualize the final print and do my best to recreate it in camera.

So, getting to my point.....For last night's shoot I was in desperate need for a beautiful, flowy, grassy field (preferably flowery too). Oh, and it needs to face east-west for the perfect shooting light at 6:30pm. Was that too much to ask?

Apparently so.

Everytime I drove to check on a field that existed a couple months ago, I arrived only to find it recently mowed. Oh the sad little bundles of fallen grass....My poor little heart sank with every mowed discovery.

I did, however, finally find the perfect place (flowery field and all).

The same day discovery was a bit stressful for me...I hate leaving it that late.

Fast forward 5 hours and I pull into our location. Hmmmmmmmmm....Ahhhhhhhhh...freshly cut grass (one of my favorite smells). AHHHHHHHH.

Wait!!!! I look to my left and see sad little rows of recently cut field....Noooooooo!!!!

Yes.

Thankfully I'm shooting on the field that is on the right.....I drive around back in anticipation.....

Duh-da-daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! It's still standing.

Phew. Wouldn't that be funny if that field was cut too?

Phew.

Not a minute after taking that photo....Brrrrrrrrrr...Oh, what's that I hear?

A big blue tractor comes straight down the line of field and mows that very piece of grass I just photographed.

Seriously!

Ok, so about two minutes prior to my client's arriving to the perfect location for their special shoot...The field is being mowed down.

I couldn't help but laugh.

Thank Goodness it was a huge field, because with sheer determination, my fabulous clients and I refuse to give in to the teeth of the tractor and we head into the middle, knowing it will be some time before he reaches us in the center.

At the end of it all, we had some laughs and captured some gorgeous images.

L and S...Let's keep our eyes out for a similar field for when your little one arrives...I'll do my best, but as we have learned, sometimes it's all about luck and avoiding Mr. Murphy.

AT LAST.......{KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-07-29T21:21:00.000-07:00

At last, my love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song
Oh, yeah, at last
The skies above are blue
My heart was wrapped up in clovers
The night I looked at you
I found a dream that I could speak to
A dream that I can call my own
I found a thrill to rest my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known
Oh, yeah when you smile, you smile
Oh, and then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
For you are mine
At last

Oh Ms. Etta James....

When you belted those soulful lyrics many moons ago, I'm sure you had no idea just how many people you'd be singing to...

The lovely couple I had the pleasure to shoot (with their children of course) have been living apart for over 2 years and have only recently, finally, reunited.

What a fabulous reason for a family photo shoot...

Despite a windy eve, I can honestly say, I couldn't have asked for anything more...

Even Mr. Charlie, the adorable family pooch, was in good spirits and well behaved...

C, S, M, and J....we sure had fun, didn't we?

I almost want to do it all over again, just to hang out with you all....

I sure hope you like this little peek...I had a really hard time finding a 'few' to showcase here...There are many, many more to come!

Here's wishing you all a lifetime of happiness, and may your lonely days be over...

At last.

I HEART PAUL'S TOMB {KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-07-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

Oh dear Lord, I cannot even tell you how wonderful I'm feeling lately. No, I'm not completely 'cured' or without pain altogether, but I'm able to do things I haven't been able to do in years...Things I wondered if I'd ever do again...Like running....

Yes! I'm running....Running up and down a trail that runs along side the water. Up high, down low, around cliff edges, along a mountain's edge, leading all the way down to the waterfront...

The air, the sun, the sound of the water....It's just what my body and soul needed.

I'm sure you've all heard about the 'mind-body connection'...It's so bloody true. When I look at my personal experience with the mind body connection over the past three years, it's akin to the question of what came first, the chicken or the egg? My body deteriorated quickly with the onset of arthritis...Folks, I couldn't walk...it was horrendous. The pain and discomfort left a serious dent in my 'mood', which, in turn, exasperated my condition....and so on and so forth...Since I couldn't exercise (or move for that matter) I had no 'release' for my stress or anxiety...Since I couldn't run, or exercise to relieve the stress of being sick and in pain, the cummulative stress further increased my symptoms (because stress makes my condition worse)...My body affected my mind, which in turn affected my body...

But now......(drum roll please.......)Now, with my super-duper-ali-ooper weekly injections, I am getting my mobility back, and paired with my new workload and routine, I'm able to take the time to get back in shape and get active again, which in turn makes me feel wonderful, both physically and mentally, which has, in turn, had a positive impact on my arthritis...which makes me so much happier, which in turn makes me easier to be around...I'm not near as tense or easily frustrated as I was recently...

Indeed, the mind-body connection is real....and oh so powerful.

It's so wonderful to find myself back on the same running trail I used to hike over 15 years ago...The same trail I used to go with my beloved dog Meika...down to the water to throw rocks (well, I threw the rocks and she 'swam after them'). Indeed, the same trail I waddled down while pregnant with my daughter 13 years ago...

It's funny, I don't really know when it was that I stopped going...Maybe while in University...probably, because that was a pretty insane time in my life...Hmmm, then came work, then came planning a wedding, building a house, oh and let's not forget our somewhat unexpected little baby boy that arrived just over 3 years ago...Oh, and then the darn arthritis...Somewhere along the way, I simply forgot about this place.

But, I'm back...and it feels grrrrrrrreat!

This past weekend I brought my husband and son to this special place (and of course I packed my camera)....

To me, it was absolutely glorious.

Look at those dirty little fingers...how cute.

My boys...

The best part is that my little guy (you know the one who usually drives me crazy?) Well, I'm sure you can tell by the look on his face, he absolutely loved this place...Thank goodness, beacuse we'll be hiking there for many, many years to come. Arthritis or not.

(Gosh darnit.)

TOYS..........{KELOWNA PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-07-21T08:18:00.001-07:00

I was so excited to unwrap my new Epson projector...I didn't even think about the box...More recycling...

As I was busy setting up my new 'toy'...I came upstairs and saw that my little guy found a great use for the packaging...

Oh yes, he played and played and zoomed around the house...

How precious.

Just goes to show, most often it's the simple things in life that bring us the most pleasure...

But for me, it wasn't the box that brought me joy, nor was it the fancy smanchy projector...

It was the sight of this...

I nearly melted....

He was sound asleep, all wrapped up in his blanky...in his new 'home'.

Now, if that doesn't make you smile on a Wednesday, I don't know what will!

Have a fabulous day everyone!

VISION {KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-07-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

•S: (n) vision (a vivid mental image)
•S: (n) imagination, imaginativeness, vision (the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses)

I had a vision. A very specific, premeditated idea of what this shoot would look like...So did my client.

Remarkably, our visions were identical...Right down to a location I'd never even spoken about (but thought of the day before the shoot)...

Oh yes, my client and I were truly in sync...

And boy oh boy, do the images ever reflect it.

J, A, and P...It was a beautiful evening together...I swear, there was some Divine intervention that night...Only we know what I'm talking about! (shhh..our little secret!).

Seriously, you three were a dream to work with. I'm so happy for where you all are in your lives right now, so much promise and excitement...

Now, for the incredible 'sneak peek'...It's a tad epic, but I just couldn't help myself...So many beautiful images, I just couldn't narrow it down to only a few.

Told you...Leaves me breathless...

Happy Monday my friends.

FAVORITE THINGS....{KELOWNA LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY}

2010-07-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

From my first 'Benetton' rugby shirt that I just HAD to have back in 1986, to my fetish with all things 'Le Chateau' at the ripe age of 14, to my 7 years working at Bootlegger...I have had a life long love affair with fashion....Yes, I just LOVE clothes~!

One of the perks of my previous career was frequent trips to Vancouver...Smack dab in the middle of downtown Vancouver. Yes, all my free time was spent, naturally, wondering up and down Robson Street...Like a kid in a candy shop!

Obviously, these trips won't be happening anymore.....

Which is why I was beyond thrilled when I discovered Fresh Fashions in the heart of, believe it or not, KELOWNA! (insert canned applause)

From the moment you walk in the chic boutique you are tantalized with a bouquet of the prettiest, most feminine one-of a kind-easy-to-wear dresses, stunning peasant tops and detailed tanks, Miss Sixty jeans and a plethora of gorgeous hats, belts, earrings and accessories....all hand picked from the latest lines from LA, New York, Montreal and Vancouver. What more could you want in a clothing store?

How about the most amazing, make-you-feel-good-from-the-inside-out store owner? Yes, Fresh just wouldn't be the store that it is without Andrea...the beautiful woman behind everything you see when you walk into Fresh....From the furniture to the clothing to the gorgeous new wallpaper...It`s all Andrea. Andrea has a true passion for dressing women, helping them find outfits that make them feel comfortable and beautiful...No pushy, stuffy sales people here...

I was thrilled when Andrea agreed to collaborate with me in customizing a canvas wall gallery for her store...Our shoot will take place at the end of August...Stay tuned for the results...

In the meantime, you can stop by Fresh Fashions, meet Andrea, and see for yourself...You`ll be glad you did.

Fresh is located at 1560 Pandosy Street, just North of Bernard (Starbucks).

Here are some shots to give you an idea of what to expect inside Fresh....

The lovely Andrea...last but not least. Doesn't she just glow?

Destiny.....{Kelowna Maternity Photography}

2010-07-14T22:30:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you meet people and see that they are truly living out their destiny....Some people were simply meant to be dancers, or acedemics, or technitians or artists...And some people...well for some people, you can't help but think 'Oh my...This woman was born to be a Momma.'

My friend, lovingly known as Bubbles to my daughter(because when we first knew eachother she was always, always asking 'Who has gum?')has always screamed 'Motherhood'.

When my friend 'Bubbles' met Mr. Right-Cute-As-Apple-Pie-And-Then-Some....Well, gosh darnit...I couldn't wait for the procreation to begin!

And it did....Baby Bubbles is expected to arrive in mid-August.

L & S, the pure love and joy you share for one another is rare and beautiful and magical.....Sheeee-oooot, add some deep dimples and I'm simply lost for words....Together you are divine.

I cannot wait to meet you little man (my prediction)....

God bless you both and your future babe...Thank you for the honour of capturing the 'in between'...

Here's a little peek from our recent Belly session...We sure had fun, didn't we?

How gorgeous is this Mommy-to-be???

Last but not least, my new favorite pose....

SURRENDER...

2010-07-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

Now, before you think this is going to be another inspirational, or motivational post...You're wrong. In fact, this post has nothing to do with photography (other than I have a photo to go with it, of course)....Indeed...This post is about my issues with my butt. Yes, my derriere...gluteus maximumus, rear, behind...However you wish to call it.

Now, warning: I'm being for-real in this post...Talking about my butt is not something I ever imagined I'd be doing on the Net...But now that I'm living in a home with a pool (meant to help my arthritis), I find myself nearly living in my bikini. Now, for the past 10 years or so, I've lived way out in the Country...with lots and lots of privacy. Walking around in my bikini was no big deal...no one could see me.

Flash forward to now...In November we moved back to the city (Kelowna, BC-Google it-it's incredible). So now we have a lovely pool, in a lovely home, in a lovely cul-de-sac...With lots, and lots of neighbours.

Soooooo...living in my bikini is a much less private, much more intimidating thing to do...Not that anyone is looking, but seriously, for a girl that's always been body conscious (mostly butt conscious) the notion of strangers, or even worse, my neighbours, seeing me and my butt in my bikini, makes me self conscious....Seriously...I'm sure there are women who can empathize with me and understand where I'm coming from here...I know I'm not alone here...

But ya' know what figure? A) At least I'm not at the beach! B) Hey, I'm 36, have two children and still in a bikini! and C) Who really cares what others think about me and my butt in my bikini!

Ha-ha! So gosh-darn it....In my bikini I will live, unabashedly .....Even without a wrap!

I will surrender to my butt...once and for all!

Speaking of butts....I took this shot of my little guy the other day...It's so Normal Rockwell to me. One of my new favorites, for sure. I just love baby bums...and even though he's not a baby-baby anymore, he still has a cute, squishy little dimpled bum... He was pretty much born with cellulite...

Hmmmmm...I wonder where he got that from?

Surrender to something today...It's easier to simply let it go....

SO MUCH MORE THAN THE CAMERA.....{KELOWNA LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-07-07T14:42:00.000-07:00

Perhaps one of the biggest myths of photography, is that beautiful, professional-quality photography can be created with a beautiful professional-quality camera.

Now, I can just hear my Critical and Logical Thinking Professor in my head...using fancy equations to argue various heated debates....."If all whales are mammals..." And on he would go...

But, here, the erroneous logic lays in the belief that pro camera = pro photos.

No. Sooooooo not true.

I tell you, when I first got the bug (I mean really got the bug...like the I-want-to-go-pro-bug-because-I-can-take-great-photos-with-my-point-and-shoot bug) I set out and purchased a Canon 30D. Sooooo excited and proud....

The UPS man delivers my camera body....Oooooh the build up...

And since you can't take a photo with an SLR without a lens, off I went to purchase a 'nifty fifty', just to get me started....

Ohhhhhh ya...I'm going to be sooooooo goooooooood, because now I have such a gooooooooood camera.

WRONG.

I was like, "What? I SUCK!"

Already completely committed and hell-bent on being good at this....I knew I had to dive into all that it takes to take pro-quality photos with my pro-quality camera.

Holy cow. There is sooo much to know and learn with an SLR. It was extremely ovewhelming, to say the least.

Of course I've studied hard, spent every possible minute learning everything I possibly can about lighting, iso, exposure principals, and apeture. I've attended numerous workshops, read , and Googled more than I'd like to admit....and there's STILL so much to know. Yes, there's an infinite abyss of photography knowledge to absorb...

Indeed, there were many times where I thought, "There MUST be something wrong with my camera...or the lens, or something!! This is an expensive camera...My photos shouldn't be 'soft'!"

Nope. It was me....I had to learn which variables, that I could control through my camera, needed to be altered to ensure consistant prouction of those crystal sharp images I see on other photography blogs...

Yep...It wasn't the camera, it was me.

I am fairly certain that not everyone understands what goes into custom portraiture, nor has any idea what amount of effort goes into a finished image....And that's totally normal...and totally okay...Remember, I'm the one who bought the camera without so much as a clue!

Photography is truly an art form, and a science too....Rarely would two photographers capture the same moment in exact same way, nor would the process the final image in the exact same way....There are simply too many variables, controlled by the artist, that influence the look of a final image.

Here is an example of an image I took while 'playing' with my camera. Nothing fancy, just a pretty picture of some flowers on my table.

Now here's an 'artistic' version of the exact same image...

There must be a million creative ways to alter this particular capture...This just vintage-textured take just happened to be the way I wanted this image to look...Yep...this was my artistic take ...which, by the way, had nothing to do with my camera.

NEW BEGINNINGS.....{KELOWNA MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-07-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

After about 22 emails sent back and forth, we finally met for our maternity session....When I opened the door and I saw this glowing, petite, super fit Mamma-to-be and a Daddy who was willing to go shirtless...Well, I just knew it was going to be a wonderful session.

To the studio we went...

The session had a calm, nearly effortless vibe (minus a few technical glitches)....At one point, as if I've known Mom forever, I actually licked my finger to smooth away a stray hair...We all had a little laugh when I realized what I had just done....Ya, I've known you a whopping hour and I'm smoothing your hair with my spit??? It still cracks me. But, again, we had a smooth vibe going on, and this couple was amazing to work with. Seriously amazing.

Long after my new friends left, I had me a little moment...It was brief, but sureal...I realized just how incredible this 'job' is...Like, seriously...I just had the priviledge of capturing a moment in this couple's lives...The moment when their journey together as a 'twosome' is drawing to an end...Soon, they will be a family...Behind all that flowy material, and that beautiful belly, is their child...Soon these two will become a family of three...

And I, for one, cannot wait...

And perhaps one of my favorites yet...

Can you just imagine their little bundle??? Total gorgeousness.

Thank you both for an amazing session...Finger spit and all.

I. AM. CANADIAN {KELOWNA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-07-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

And, I. AM. PROUD.

MANUAL FOCUS....{KELOWNA BOUTIQUE PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-06-30T09:43:00.000-07:00

It's so hard to believe that I won't have to 'know', much less analyze, all the bad stuff that's going on around us in my area. It's a very weird place for me right now...Leaving behind a career-a 12 year life focus....Hmmm, probably explains why I have been 'absent' from my blog lately...

But, it's all good....Really, it is.

Annnnnd, as I've been exhaling over the past two days, I'm realizing this is, actually an exciting change for me....With photography, I literally surround myself in life, love, and moments of true happiness..Okay, I do chase toddlers, deal with baby puke..but it's nearly the complete opposite of studying crime and criminals...Seriously, I can not think of a better place to be in, nor a better 'fit' for me...

There is no question in my mind that we are all given natural gifts. Gifts that are meant to be used...We're all blessed with natural, unique gifts, and if we fail to honour our gift...Let it breathe....Or even even worse, work against it, we will find ourselves stressed out, ill, anxious, unhealthy and most likely, very unhappy. Which is pretty much where I found myself on my 35th birthday.

Funny, I wasn't born 'naturally' to study crime and know everything about all the bad guys, and make fancy charts. Nor do I have a natural 'gift' for predicting crime patterns...A series of life events shaped my interests and led me to the intense study of the psychology of 'criminals' and overall, the study of our criminal justice system......For the past 12 years, that's where my focus has been...laser sharp, and full speed ahead....Come. What. May.

But, when I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondyliosis two years ago, I realized that while I may have my dream job, live in our dream home, have two perfectly healthy happy kids, but in order for me to find a new balance, a new 'normal' for my life, I knew I had to make some big changes in my life.

I knew I couldn't control the disease (although I'm sure trying), I realized that all I could do was control my environment and personal situation...Sooooo, we made some life changes, and am I made some work changes, and I spent a lo-hooo-haut lots of time in my infrared sauna. It was supposed to help with my condition...At least that's what the sauna makers said...So, while I melted in the sauna, listening to my spa music, practicing every single relaxation technique and read numerous health books (one of which turned my vegetarian in a few pages, but that's another story), I started to journal..Yes, I started a real transormation inside my cedar hideaway...I had me a conversation with me....

I asked myself, "Okay, so we're making some changes with our real estate, selling our home, downsizing closer to the the city, I've reduced my work hours, and we're seeking a better quality of life....But me? What on earth else was I going to do???..

All I ever studied was in the line of Criminal Justice or Psychology. Sure, I was 'nearly' a registered aromatherapist, and yes, I've sung in a travelling duo, but what is it that I can do that would bring in an income, exploit my natural talents (and I didn't really think I had any), fit my role as a wife and a mother of two, AND not be restricted by my stupid illness???

I thought of every Oprah show I'd ever been motivated by, or any passage from any book by Tony Robbins, or Jack Canton, and as corny as it may sound...I knew if I sat and looked at myself honestly, and examined my likes, dislikes, abilities and people skills and started making a list of entrepreneurial avenues...I could choose a fabulous direction and go after something new, be happy and successful! I just had to figure out what exactly it was that I was going to do....

I allowed myself the time to answer the one question we should all ask ourselves...

"If I could wave a magic wand and have all the skill and tools required to be anything, anything in the whole wide world, what would that be..."

Even though it puzzled me that I would arrive at the answer that I did...I acknowledged my answer, of travelling photographer...I suddenly felt empowered and excited by the pure outrageousness of it all...

While in the midst of this personal discovery, I landed upon a photography site, Shutter Sisters, and I was forever changed....

(Too be continued....)

***********************************

It's taken me a while to dig into the question of "Sooooo, what led you to photography?"

But having just experienced a rather surreal final day at my previous job-I thought this was both a therapeutic and appropriate time to begin my answer....

As for the below image....While trying to select a photo for this post, I stumbled across the following...About a month ago I was horsing around my house with my camera in hand (nothing new) and I began unpacking one of my collections (Quarry Critters-and no, I don't have a habit of 'collecting', but I just love these little guys)...Anyhow, I took this photo because I think they're just too darn cute...And for this post, I think it's rather funny just how suiting this photo really is.....

Cheers everyone....I do want to say a sincere thank you all to those who encourage me daily and support me in different ways...

THE REASON....{KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-06-15T10:11:00.001-07:00

With tears in her eyes, she looked me straight in the eye and told me "People like you get this for a reason...".

Me, of course already crying, knew she was right.

Flash back 10 years ago when paying the gas bill was a victory for me, I pursued my goal of a better life for me and my girl, no matter how long it took to complete my degree...Nothing was gonna get in my way....and nothing did.

Flash back 4 years ago, I'll never forget it...I was in the 9-1-1 call center (where I was working at the time)waiting for the call that completely changed my life, and to me, was akin to reaching the top of my personal Mount Everest. I got the job. THE JOB...The job that I worked 7 years for (as a single Mom). I cried...Oh how I cried.

At last, I could exhale.

Flash back to last week....In the Human Resources Department, with my amazing HR lady....Both of eyes in tears,but both of us knowing I simply cannot do it anymore.
Between the constant pain and mental fog from my medication, I am not the same girl I was 4 years ago when they hired me. My brain doesn't work the same way, it too is affected by this darn disease...I can't work in a 'smarty-pants' position anymore. It's a really hard pill to swallow. Again, I cried.

But, she was right. People like me get things like this (arthritis) for a reason...I'm so grateful I know why...

Life really is a journey...Sometimes you start off with the intention to go in one direction, and despite grit, determination, and even success...Fate steps in and moves you in a new direction...to where you're supposed to be.

That's what's happened to me...Never in a million-gazillion years did I think I would shooting babies, and bellies and weddings....

But you know what? Despite the pain, and the meds, and all the rest....I wouldn't have it any other way.

Again, I can exhale....

If you find yourself in a situation where things aren't going 'as planned'...Let go, surrender, and have faith that you really are moving in the direction of your true purpose...Whether you believe it or not....you are.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC {KELOWNA PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-06-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

Adrenaline is a funny thing...When triggered, it can immediately transform a 'happily-cutting-the-lawn' kind of feeling, to 'AHHH!!!-HOLY SH*T!!!! Then POOF a thick, heavy, warm feeling completely takes over your body and you are instantly consumed with a flight or fight response....

Well, that's exactly what happened yesterday while trimming the lawn...Yes, kinda scarey actually, I was happily trimming the lawn, trimmer in full motion, when I looked down at my feet and saw something wiggle toward me!

Oh ya....Talk about adrenaline.

Of course, as soon as I caught my breath, and looked around to see if anyone was watching me have a freak out...I ran in and got my camera and my new macro lens...

Naitonal Geographic...watch out, here I come.

GERTRUDE JEKYLL {KELOWNA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY}

2010-06-07T06:59:00.000-07:00

With a name like Gertrude Jekyll, how could I go wrong???

A few weeks ago, while scouting a wedding location, I stumbled across the nursery inside Elysium Gardens. Wow. Not that I'm an avid green thumb...more of a 'wanna-be' to be honest...but I've been to my share of nurseries, and this nursery was different....I could just tell. The quality and care that went into each little bucket of goodness was beautifully apparent.

I wondered around, not planning on purchasing anything....until my nose met Gertrude. Yes, my olfactory system was head over heels in love with Gertrude Jekyll...As her little sign says "Perfect pink rosettes with a lovely, strong complex Old Rose fragrance. Upright, reliable, and healthy."

Well gosh darn-it...all that and reliable! So, I brought her home and planted her with care....

Say hello to Gertrude Jekyll...

Isn't she lovely? Now...let's hope I can keep her that way!

AN ANGEL {KELOWNA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-06-03T13:35:00.001-07:00

There were so many special moments last Saturday, but when Krystal's Dad hugged Roy at the alter, and Roy thanked him for 'giving him an angel', well, I nearly burst into tears...

Then there was the ride up to the ceremony when 'The Final Count Down' echoed through the limo and all the pretty ladies, most importantly Krystal, the radiant Bride, were finally settling into the realization that a wedding was about to take place....As we climbed the hill and got ever closer to the chapel, I looked around, and felt the energy shift...It went from a bit of an excited frenzy to a deep, ethereal calm...Then, I looked at the very back of the limo-bus, and saw Krystal's Dad...with tears rimming his eyes. He was so proud of his little girl, and you could see it in his eyes how truly happy he was at that very moment.

Yes, it was a beautiful, entertaining day for many....and I was grateful to be a part of it.

Krystal and Roy, enjoy a little sneak peek of your wedding photos. Thank you for the priviledge of capturing your special day....I will truly never forget it.

TWO PHOTOGRAPHER TACEY'S??? {KELOWNA PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-06-01T05:54:00.000-07:00

I almost had to read her first email twice, just to make sure I read everything right.

First, her name was Tacey....She begins her email saying she understands the daily mispronunciations of our name (I wonder what's her 'canned' response is to the puzzled remark we get everytime we correct someone..."Really??? T-acey????").

Then, after I got over the coolness of another Tacey emailing me, I was even more stunned to learn she is also a photographer!

Come on....Two Tacey photographers???

Indeed, there are two of us....Tacey Abney is the photographer behind Laughing Willow Photography, located in Puyallup, Washington. Tacey is a few years my junior, and at only 20 years of age, has already been shooting professionally for three years!

Tacey is a sweet as pie and a total breath of fresh air...Just what I need right now.

I blush, and am flattered that Tacey told me that my work inspired her and she hoped I would answer a few questions for her...

Okay, that was totally me this time last year...

I loved her response to my response...."Oh Yay! You're not too rich and famous to email me back!"

No, my sweet Tacey, I am most certainly not too rich, nor too famous to email anyone back....In fact, I can so vividly recall the trepidation and mere hope that I felt when I approached photographers who inspired me...One in particular reached out from across the country and we've become friends...Sebrina Wilson answered all my pesky questions right from the start...

This is a true community, and many of us are here to lend a hand and help each other along...

Funny to have come full circle...

When I stop to think of where one year has taken me, it really stops me in my tracks. The knowledge that I've gained, the experiences I have witnessed, the friends I have met....Just goes to show that the Law of Attraction really does work...

So much so that I've literally brought another Tacey into my life! What are the chances of that??

What's a post without a photo?

I recently purchased another lens (Canon 50 1.4) and it's a beautiful, sharp, fast piece of glass....I took it out last night and was desperate to shoot anything...So my overgrown Iris patch fit the bill...

MONDAY MORNING PICK UP {KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-05-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

What a great way to start the week....a slideshow of one of the cutest families EVER!

May your week be blessed with lots of love and even a surprise or two...Who doesn't love surprises?

IF I HAD 40 MILLION DOLLARS....{KELOWNA BABY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-05-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

Today is the big Max Lotto draw for 40 million dollars. Insane. Sure, I'm going to buy a ticket (or two), but truth be told, if I won the jackpot.....

I'd still be do this....and probably for free.

40 million or not, doing this kind of work, I honestly feel as if I've already won...

NO CHEESE PLEASE.....{KELOWNA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-05-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

I cannot even count the hours of preparation and forethought that went into this shoot....Seriously, I scouted three separate locations like a crazy, glassy-eyed paparazzi location stalker...I scoured every possible source for inspiration, even wrote down my 'shot list'.

After rescheduling three times, and finally having the perfect sun and setting for the shoot...My couple arrives, only for the groom-to-be to announce he wants nothing more than a classic photo with him and his fiance smiling. That's it. No posing, no direction....and definitely NO CHEESE!

Well then, I guess you don't want the white tablecloth covered bistro table with wine for two then??? (I thought to myself...)

Nope. Wine gives him heartburn.

Ugh. Complete and utter deflation.....

Well, good thing his fiance and I both like wine!

Often I hear of photographers praising their clients for being 'up for anything'...And you know what, that's great...But what I learned from this shoot, is that we, as artists and visionaries, must balance our creative desires and vision with the boundaries of our clients....as hard as this may be at times.

For this shoot, the ultimate request was for clean, classic photos, nothing posey-posey, no popping out from behind trees, or anything that remotely hinted of cheese.

L&F, despite my initial trepidation, you taught me a valuable lesson and challenged me professionally....Thank you for that.

I wish you a wonderful, peaceful, stress-free wedding in St. John's...I pray for sunshine, no rain and most importantly.....no cheese!

JUST LIKE NELSON SAID....{KELOWNA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-05-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,

talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

Your playing small doesn't serve the world.

There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people

won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God who is within us.

It's not just in some of us, it is in everyone.

And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give

other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence

automatically liberates others.

-Marianne Williamson

as quoted by Nelson Mandela in his inaugural speech in 1994

YOUR TRUF {KELOWNA LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY}

2010-05-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

My truf.

When I was 11 I sold gladiolas on a street corner and taught myself the flute at the same time. Imagine. Yes....I played the flute on a street corner while selling flowers to the public.

Ya, that's my truf.

When I was 20 I sang Paradise by the Dashboard Light in a Kelly O'Briens...on St. Patty's Day!

Also my truf.

When I was 10 I spent a month in Mexico with children from 12 other countries in a movement to foster world peace. I fed hungry children, my age, and taught them how to use drink boxes.

My truf.

Jasmine Star (my pal) encourages her audiences to speak their 'truf'....Indeed, when something resonates deep within Ms. Star, she perfuncuates the point by by declaring 'truf' (in pure rapper style)...and we all get it. And yes, I swear, perfunctuate is a word...if it's not...it should be.

I've decided that one's personal 'truf' is something pure, and honest and natural....Often the things we did or said while we were young...Before we cared what others thought...Before we were ever embarrassed by our actions...

Our 'truf' often gets buried...often forgotten...because our 'truf' doesn't 'fit' our current situation...or we care what others think, or we're just scared to be the true version of ourselves.

We are distracted...we are too otherwise focused...

We forget.

We forget our truth...

We deny our truf.

What's your truf?

What did you do, and LOVE to do, that you may not do now out of fear of embarrassment?

Think back...

Find those things...Call them out...Remember them...Remember how you felt when you did those things...

Did you feel alive? Did you care if anyone was watching? Did you get lost for hours upon hours?

That's your truf.

Does your current life reflect your truth?

If not, bring your truth back into you life....

You'll be happy that you did.

And that's the truf.

ANKLES? {KELOWNA MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-05-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

Seriously? Ankles? My beautiful expectant momma-to-be was worried about her swollen ankles?

Seriously???? When she looks THIS beautiful?

My dear beautiful friend, I sure hope these photos help you to see just how truly stunning you are...ankles and all.

I cannot wait for our final maternity session together...

This is my personal fav....I don't think anyone is looking at ankles here...

CUTENESS....(KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-05-13T07:58:00.000-07:00

Cuteness comes in all shapes and sizes and, er, materials....

Any of you who regularly follow my blog (love you!) know that I'm a fanatic about learning, and even more fanatical about getting things right.

So, when you combine those tendencies with the objective of learning new studio light modifiers...it doesn't take long to realize that a toddler (a fiesty one at that) quite simply,doesn't fit the bill for this job.

The other day I received my Westcott Apollo JS 50 inch square softbox, and I've been waiting for the perfect chance to play with it.....It's supposed to provide soft, window-like light, and gosh darnit, I wanted to see it really did.

And you know what? It really does....

PAPER FLOWERS {KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-05-10T05:46:00.000-07:00

I can so vividly remember having a whole 2 dollars to spend on my Mom on Mother's Day. I was about 6 years old and we lived in a little fishing town in town called Port Dover. In Port Dover people bought just about everything from the hardware store. Which is where I took myself and my 2 dollars on this particular Mother's Day.

For some reason I felt so grown up because this Mother's Day I was actually going to buy something 'real' for my Mom, not something 'homemade'....you know, like paper flowers.

So what does a 6 year old buy her Mother on Mother's Day with a whole 2 dollars?

A bar of soap.

Yes, looking back, it's pretty funny....Soap.

But gosh darn it, was I ever proud of myself....I wanted to give my Mother something special on Mother's Day, and I did just that....Nothing like a bar of soap to make you feel special.

Anyway...Now that I'm a Momma of 2, I fully understand that my Mother was probably secretly disappointed...Because there is nothing more heart warming, or precious to a Mamma's soul than homemade paper flowers on Mother's Day.

Here's my salute, my tribute to all the Mother's who've I've been fortunate enough to capture over the past year or so.....Cheers to you all.

DANCING & DARLINGS & DADDY {OKANAGAN FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-05-05T08:38:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love this family...Sadly, they are moving away, but I know we'll remain friends and stay in touch (heck, who doesn't love to come to the Okanagan anyway?).

Despite having completed an amazing outdoor family session last summer, Momma contacted me to squeeze in a studio session before their big move.

We had fun...With music playing, and pettiskirts twirling, and Dad, well, being 'Dad', we managed to capture some beautiful shots (not surprising-you're all so gosh darn good looking).

D, from the first time I met you, long before you were even expecting your little girl, you captured my heart. You inspire me constantly with your patience, grace and caring, thoughtful ways (can you believe she offered to give me a wedding dress she never wore when I was getting married-in one of our first conversations together!).

Here's a little sneak peek at our session...

And, one of my favorite little darlings....

Happy Wednesday!

LATELY.....{KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-04-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

“One of the things that may get in the way of people being lifelong learners is that they’re not in touch with their passion. If you’re passionate about what it is you do, then you’re going to be looking for everything you can to get better at it.”

Jack Canfield, LOVE him...He's the author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and numerous other motivational classics. My personal fav is The Success Principles. In a recent promotional video, Jack recites the purpose of the intention of his book....

"Everyone of us knows what we want. We can feel it. I just tell people, 'if you could have anything you want at all in this world, be anything you want, there were no limitations...what would you do'? Everyone has an answer...little kids, big kids, adults...That's their core essence. If we all just fully do that which we are fully passionate about, and understand the principles on how to bring that into being, then I believe the world would work perfectly."

I so love Jack.

So that's where I've been lately...I've been busy working on my new found love, my new baby, my new creative outlet....I'm fostering the growth of a business, constantly working on 'up-ing' my craft, balancing the roles of Momma and wife, home owner and business owner...while working on my health and managing my darn disease. Balance is an elusive goal sometimes...but gosh darnit, I sure work towards it....

Understand I have nothing, zero, zip, zilch to complain about here...that's not my intention. I just want my regular readers to realize where I've been...

I'm growing...that's where I've been.

Last night, while setting up a few things in my studio, my curious kiddos followed me in.....I had no intentions of cracking out the Canon...but when I saw what was unfolding, of course, I couldn't resist....

Alas, balance......

It was bliss.

Oh, my little monster...

Balance and peace....

IN CELEBRATION OF MOTHERHOOD {KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-04-26T07:05:00.000-07:00

Do you realize there is less than 2 weeks until Mother's Day???

Yikes. I didn't.

Well, to help all you men out there scrambling to figure out the best gift ever for your amazing wives, or all the children out there (young and old) pondering over what to get Mom this year for her big day...Well, a day at the SPA is a sure winner every time...but, if that's been your standby for a few too many years, let's shake it up a bit and give her a gift that not only will last a lifetime, but will truly honour her as a Mother...

In celebration of Motherhood, and to help everyone in their quest for the perfect Mother's Day gift, Tacey Photography is offering the perfect Mother's Day Mini package...

For only 125.00, your Mom (or wife, or daughter, or friend) would receive a 30 minute mini session with her children, either in my studio or on location, and three (yes 3) custom hard cover, mini accordion brag books (one for Mom, and one for each Gramma-if you should so wish). This special package also includes 10-15 professionally edited images in an online gallery from which you can order prints and other wonderful gift products.

Personally, as a photographer, there is nothing more satisfying that capturing the true love and bond between a Mother and her children...There is nothing more pure, nor an emotion more raw...

Spaces and dates are limited, so contact me early to reserve your space.

LIFE IS ART {OKANAGAN FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-04-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

If I never take a single photo ever again, I just may be okay...

Today, looking at the following captures from a recent Saturday afternoon session with my little girl, all the reading and learning and practicing and studying and spendingI have done over the past 11 months has been completely worthwhile...

The past 11 months of my complete obsession with photography brought to me this moment now frozen in time, which for me, is priceless beyond compare...

To be able to capture not only how beautiful my daughter is (I know, I'm a proud Mamma), more importantly for me is that these images show her, how it is that I see her...

My daughter, to me, is art. Life is art I find...Really, I really think it is.

Alrighty then, enough blabber out of me...

Here are some lovely spring time shots, taken in my own backyard. (I guess I could have just said that...But that would have been so boring!)

Phew. Have a boo.

Ahh, yes, the 'no-smiling' look...

Makes them laugh every time!

Have a fabulous weekend everyone!

GREEN, BLUE & LOVE.....{KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-04-21T06:49:00.001-07:00

Deep breath Tacey...You can do this...

Me: "But photos mean everything to her...She's been looking for a photographer ever since she moved here!"

My brother: "What are you afraid of? You know you're gonna kill it....All that negative talk is getting in the way of your awesomeness...The only thing you have to fear is you...and you can do this!"

Deep breath Tacey...remember what you little brother told you....

S&S...These are for you....I think you three are so fabulous and special....The tenderness you show for your son is so special and so rare...Thank you for sharing your love with me, and letting me capture the beauty of your new family...I hope you like what you see so far.

One of my favorite captures ever...S, you are such a beautiful Mother...

BLESSED......{OKANAGAN FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-04-19T10:33:00.001-07:00

Have you ever had a moment where you find yourself totally overwhelmed with gratitude for the very moment you are experiencing?

I had one of those yesterday....Blue skies, kids playing, sweet air, pink fragrant blossoms in our own backyard! (I had no idea there were to be blossoms in my yard since it's our first spring in this home....Eeeee, what a fabulous surprise!).

Today, I'm just feeling incredibly blessed and oh so truly grateful for all the blessings in my life...Especially the three incredible beings that together, make up my family....

And for my Little Noah, Happy 3rd birthday my son...Although we may not always get along...yes, I think we drive eachother crazy....I sure love the new dynamic you've brought to our family...You are truly somethin' else!

I love you my little man...Cheers to you and your spit-fire zest for life...I think you get that from me....I'm sure your Dad would agree.

Have a fabulous week...Remember to take a minute and celebrate the blessings in your life....It'll always cheer you up...guaranteed.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY {KELOWNA LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-04-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

MONDAY MORNING MUSE {KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-04-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

Oh Mondays...

Who really loves Mondays? I'm sure there are a few of you out there that actually cannot wait for Monday morning to arrive....

Well, all you Monday morning lovers, this post is not for you....

This post is for the 98.5% of the population who have a hard time getting over the weekend, getting their butts out of bed, and their minds into the new week...

Okay...in all honesty, this post is for my Mom...

Ever since I posted my first blog slideshow, my Mom has been dying to see another.

This slideshow was created after a Mommy-Daughter session this past January. You can read the original blog post here.

I seriously loved this session....I could never get sick of watching these two together.

Enjoy...and Happy Monday!

JUST DO IT {KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-04-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

I received an email the other day that stopped me in my tracks...Not because of the content, but because of one of the photos used in the email.

I immediately recognized one of the photos, as it was an image that pulled me towards photography in the first place...

Her blonde hair, her beauty and innocence, the magic of the image, the indescribable tragedy that came shortly after the session.

After receiving the email with this photo, I was at first mad. I thought, how dare this photographer use this image in a promo piece! I started my `mad`email to the photographer, then took a breath....

I realized that this photographer captured the essence of this beautiful little girl, mere weeks before her untimely and tragic death. How can I be mad at him for using her image...especially since it was his? After all, if it weren't for his work, Alexa's family would not have these images to cherish...If anything, this photographer, Craig Minielly, deserved recognition and praise...I sent a totally different email than I originally anticipated...

After I sent my email, I received a response...

HI Tacey,

Thank you. The image of Alexa has easily become the most important image I believe I've ever captured... and I can't even begin to express how it has affected me and my outlook of being involved with images... The Middlauers are good friends, and that experience is still raw to the core, and I suspect always will be... There is a message within it all, and I make a point of passing it on every chance I get, as I can see you already appreciate...

Today, I simply want to share Craig`s message....

Seriously folks...We just never know what tomorrow will bring....

Soooooo....Get out your cameras and shoot!!!!! And if you don't have a family photo get out your tripod, or put your camera on a table top, gather your family infront of it, stick your camera on timer mode....and let the laughter begin!

You will never, ever regret doing it...but you may regret not.

Okay, time for an admission....

I, Tacey of Tacey Photography...yes, a family photographer, does NOT have a family photo of my own...Nor do I have a recent photo of me with my children...

I know..it's horrible.

So....I took the same advice I'm giving you and got out the tripod, and put it to good use....

I challenge you all to do the same...If you do, email me the results....I'd LOVE to see them.

Before I sign off, I want to respectfully dedicate this post to the late Alexa Middelaer. Your spirit lives on and your story has touched and changed so many lives, including my own. God bless you little one.

If you would like to learn more about Alexa`s story, please visit this site.

TRUST YOURSELF {KELOWNA LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-04-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

Trust yourself.

Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life.

Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility

into flames of achievement.

-Golda Meir

Remember this photo? This photo was used in my very first blog post. The photo was such a perfect representation of where I was as an artist, and more appropriately, as a being, in complete and total transition into a world unknown....

In the post I told you all that I wasn't 'ready' to blog....but I knew, despite my own insecurities and doubt, I simply had to trust myself, and take the plunge.

Well, if you can believe it, this post today is my 100th post. Can I hear a whooo-whoooo!!.

My intention of this post was to simply share a few spaces that helped lead me to this journey, photographically, and spiritually. Both are websites, and I know, the last thing any of us need is another website to go to...However, I do believe that if we are going to be on the Web, and I know we will...Instead of mindless drizzle, dive into some sites that stir your soul or call you to action...

Here are two that together, pushed me to place of change, a place of courage and inspiration...A place I now call 'home'.

The first is Shutter Sisters. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. Just trust me, if you love photography at all, go to this site...It's more than pretty pictures...It will stir your soul..I promise you.

The other is more of an 'inspiration' magazine...Like Chatelaine crossed with Yoga Journal...I love it. It's called My Inspiration Lounge....Get your comfie womfies on and have a visit...It's like a little treat for us busy women..

Much love to all, and thank you for your faithful readership and support.....

PS. When I started this post, I had no idea this was my 100th post until I looked for my first post to use the photo again...When i looked and saw it was number 1 of 99, I found it oh-so-appropriate! I love it when stuff like that happens....Pretty cool for a Monday, eh?

THE FAB FOUR {KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-04-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

He was the best man at my wedding. I seriously love him to death. She is one of the strongest, most dedicated mothers I know. I was in awe while I watched her care for her 2 year old in full body traction after breaking his little leg last summer. She never complained and simply did what had to be done...It was amazing to witness.

Despite living miles and miles apart for several years, I still managed to hold their first born as a babe and watch her grow into the beautiful princess that she is. Now, we have sons almost the same age, and we finally live in the same town!

I was so nervous going into this shoot....I had to calm myself with some aromatherapy and yoga...Oh yes, I had to call out the big guns to calm my pre-shoot jitters. Why? Well, I've never seen a Mom (or Dad for that matter) proudly carry, and show off, a brand new photo of their child at monthly intervals! Seriously...this family treasures photos of their children. I had to nail it for them...I just had to.

It was a stunningly beautiful morning in Kelowna at the incredible Sarson's beach (my new favorite spot)....Blue skies and happy kids....Pink pettiskirt and a yellow baseball bat! It was perfect!

G & V...I absolutely adore you guys and was totally honoured that you chose me to capture your family.

Enjoy your sneak peek (it was hard to narrow it down to a only a few)....

I SOMETIMES SMELL LIKE LAVENDER {KELOWNA LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-03-31T06:12:00.000-07:00

A funny thing happened the other morning (at 5:13) I woke with a sudden urgency to change my bio on my website.

What, I argued with myself, am I thinking waking up at such an unGodly hour just to change the content on my bio page????

I tossed and turned, but couldn't fight this ridiculous sense of urgency to drag my butt out of bed and start putting the words in my head onto my laptop.

And what was so bloody important???? That I like green grass and sometimes smell like lavender???

Boy, do I need help.

But seriously though...The more I think about it, the more I think I understand why....

Don't we often forget the little things that we love so much, that make us unique and special?

Um hmmmmmm. We do.

So during this 'forced' exercise in honesty, I realized how many little things I love, but lately, have not taken the time to enjoy....

Hmmmmmmmm....

Funny how the Universe operates.

Here is a photo I took, in my studio...Because I loved these flowers that much.

Off to do yoga....it's been a while.

HOW QUICKLY THEY GROW {KELOWNA BABY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-03-29T06:20:00.001-07:00

Geesh, it was only mere weeks ago that I last saw her...So little and so sweet. When I saw sweet baby G on the weekend, I couldn't believe it was the same little girl. Her expressions, her ability to interact...her new teeth!!!

Goodness, how quickly they grow...

Here's a slideshow of our February shoot at Mission Creek Park in Kelowna...Seeing this family together, young new parents, brings me back to when I was a new Mom...Their love for Baby G was palpable...Love it.

Have a great week everyone!

THE DASH {KELOWNA LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-03-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

Most men die at 27, we just bury them at 72.

-Mark Twain

What a profound statement.

I can tell you one thing. I'm not gonna be that guy.

I know there are times in our lives where we don't feel alive....I've been there....Not too long ago, actually.

But you know what?

When you find yourself feeling like you've lost your vibe...your passion...your zest for life (heck, your zest for getting out of bed) grab your sorry sack self and make a decision to change!

Yes! I said sorry sack self-but I'm trying to make a point....

After spending three days at Image Quest 2010 with some of the most inspiring people I've ever had the pleasure to learn from, I feel like I should be spreading their word-sharing their stories, spreading their message....

As Mitche Graf states so passionately in his book, The Passionate Life, it's all about how you spend your dash...

Tacey Marie Gosling.....March 25 1974-????

I don't know what's going to be etched in on the other side of my dash....But sure as shoot I'm gonna fill up that dash with as much life as I possibly can.

As the meticulous and vivacious and amazing Jasmine Star told us, when describing her decision to leave a full scholarship to UCLA law school to pursue Wedding Photography (when she didn't even OWN a camera), she very bluntly, unapologetically announced....."I didn't want to die a lawyer". It wasn't in her heart, it just wasn't for her.

And then their was Dane Sanders....My dear Dane...You know those cartoon characters that have hearts beating out of their eyeballs when they see someone that makes their heart go pitter pat? Well, that was me in the third row watching Dane Sanders speak. Dane's message was beyond powerful. One of the most amazing presentations I've been blessed to experience. His message was clear and concise. Opportunity passes....Are you in this or not? Plain and simple. Watch his trailer video, I dare you not to cry.

Anyhow, my point is this....Today, 36 years ago I was born into this world....and I want my dash to mean something...

This year, I can honestly say, I'm living life with full intention and am savouring every little minute that I've been given...Sure, I don't love my wrinkles, or the size of certain body parts...But I love my life, and I love what I'm doing with it...

What more could a girl want for her birthday?

Absolutely nothing...

SEEING THE LIGHT {KELOWNA CHILD PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-03-18T08:43:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I've been reading....A LOT.

I mean reading so much my eyeballs hurt.

Reading online, reading books, reading blogs, reading manuals....

Amazon.com just loves me.

In all this reading, the one thing I read over and over and over again is that to be a successful photographer, you must be able to 'see' the light.

'Learn light. Watch light. See light. Work with light.'

There's backlight, sidelight, low light, even hair light.

Holy smoly....That's a lot to know about light.

But, really, when you see an image that strikes you, more often than not, it's the lighting that makes the photo what it is...

Yesterday, I had a very rare experience with my little man...Noah became completely and utterly entranced with his train table. It was like he was in the choo choo train 'zone'. He was completely quiet and was totally focused, and sooooo peaceful (told you it was rare).

As I watched in amazement, I realized the lighting was 'interesting'. As he moved around the table, I noticed the light and how it changed...how it hit his face, how it traced his hairline...It became a moment for me too.

I realized that at last! I really do 'see' the light...

So, of course, I grabbed my handy dandy Canon 7D (eeee!) and shot in the various conditions, to see if I could translate what my eye was seeing and manipulate my camera's settings to capture the type of image I was after..

This first one is about sun flare...Or what I call 'sun bubbles'! They're not so easy to capture...At least not that I've found. It's on my list of things to master...I want to master sun bubbles! Some photographers can 'add' them in using Photoshop, but I promise, I'll never do that...I want to learn to master them authentically-I think they're lovely and ethereal...

This next one is rather simple, but it shows how the light illuminates his face and highlights his hair...It's that line of light, how it hits your subject, that you simply watch...When you find it striking your subject in a way that flatters, you shoot away.

This final shot is rather dramatic, but I wanted it to be dramatic. Again, this post is about lighting and learning how to work with it...In this shot, I chose to go after a silhouette style shot, so I had to expose for the lit background, thereby darkening my subject. It didn't turn out exactly as I had imagined (probably too dark), but that's what learning and playing is all about...It's a learning process. Still, I think this image is still kinda cool, the way you can see where the light is skimming his profile.

So, there you have it. My two cents worth on seeing the light. For my readers wanting to take their photography to a higher level, start this week by really noticing the light, and how it hits your subject, how it changes the mood of your image, and try playing with your camera settings (off automatic) and see how these changes affect the light in your image (remember my wee lesson on aperture?).

Just play, and have some fun...You've got nothing to lose!

THE CAKE PARADE.....{KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-03-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

"Birthdays are nature's way of telling us to eat more cake."
- Unknown

I love children's birthday parties....Seriously. I do (okay, just as long as I'm not the one throwing it!).

The entire celebration is punctuated with the birthday cake parade....Ahhhhh yes...the lights go down, the candles are lit, and we all try to sing together, in a mish mash of keys and quirky tones....Yes, the birthday cake parade...

On the other end of the birthday cake parade is a single child (unless you're blessed with twins)....A single child who has waited the entire year for this day...for this moment....Ahhh, the party, the cake, the balloons, the presents!!! For one single day, it's all about them....What's not to love about birthdays????

Funny, as we get older, the thrill of our birthday just isn't the same....

Which is again, why I simply love being at a child's birthday party...

The gushing love of a parent, the pride of a grandparent, the excitement of the birthday boy or birthday girl...

Pure innocence.

Pure potential....

And sometimes...

A pure mess.

Hee he heee!

I just LOVE it!

AVATAR KELOWNA {KELOWNA CHILD & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-03-10T08:08:00.000-08:00

So, like the millions of you out there...I recently went to see the blockbuster movie, Avatar....twice. The first time we missed the 3D showing; so of course, having had my socks blown off in the non 3D version, I quite simply had to go back to experience the movie the way it was intended.

Whether you're in the LOVE it camp, or the LEAVE it camp...You must admit, it was quite the visual masterpiece.

But what I loved about the movie most, was the hidden message, that I hope most of viewers received...

How many times in the movie did you find yourself thinking, 'Wow. I wish our planet had cool glowing plants and wonderous waterfalls, and giant birds, and rugged hillsides, and trees older than us....' Oh, wait a minute....

It does.

There's no need to long for a place like Pandora....We, my friends, are beyond blessed (especially those living in Kelowna) to live in a place that can compete with the magic so wonderously displayed in the movie Avatar. We have Pandora, right in our own backyard.

Let's hope it remains there, for many, many years to come...

Flying birds...

Beautiful waterfalls...

And people in blue suits!

OFF AUTOMATIC......{KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY}

2010-03-08T06:28:00.001-08:00

Having taken pictures my whole life, you can only imagine my excitement when I learned about aperture for the very first time.

What the heck is aperture, you may ask??

Well, aperture is the size of the 'hole' in your lens that allows varying amounts of light in. The different degrees of light are known as 'f-stops'. Each lens has a range of f-stops, depending on it's speed, which is pretty much dependent on price.

Having said this, the camera that I owned before purchasing my first 'pro' camera, was a Canon Powershot XS10 had a large enough aperture to shoot at an f-stop of 2.8 (which is pretty darn good for a point and shoot).

Most everyone owns a digital camera now a day, but I know not everyone knows how to use them to their fullest potential (I know I didn't). So, I'm hoping that the following 'lesson' in aperture will help take your pictures to a higher level of creativity...

First thing you need to know is what the heck do the numbers mean, and what difference will it make in your images....

Okay, first, what the numbers mean:

The larger the f-stop, the smaller the hole is, allowing less light onto your image. Conversely, the smaller the f-stop, the larger the hole...allowing lots of light in. It's really quite simple.

Alrighty then...What can aperture settings do for your images:

Let's say you have a subject (your lovely child, say) that's in a busy park, with lots of distracting background (ie. lots of other kids, benches, etc.). Well, in order to isolate your gorgeous child, and BLUR out the background, you need to use a LOW f-stop (as low as you can go-around 2.8 would be great).

You see aperture allows you to be creative with depth of field...Try this...

Set up three apples on your table, and focus on the first one in the line, with a really large (LOW) aperture...You'll see that only the first one is in focus, and the other two are blurred out. It should look kind of like this (although in this shot, I focused on the centre rung):

I tell ya, many of you may know about this already....But for those of you who have cameras that have the ability to do this and haven't yet tried, give it a whirl!!! You'll be so excited with what you can do, once you get the hang of it!

Okay, so where on my camera do I make these changes? Well, the easiest way is to switch to 'AV' mode (which means aperture priority). It's great...All you have to do is tell it how 'blurry' you want your background to be (remember, lower f-stops mean more blur-higher f-stops mean less background blur). In AV mode, the camera will decide what shutter speed to use, so you don't have to figure it out...All you do is select your aperture to whatever your creative heart desires.

Here are a few more examples of how to use aperture creatively....

All Moms with little babies out there...You can isolate the feet, just like this shot...Grab your hubby (or better yet, give him the camera)and grab some precious shots of your babes feet, or fingers...You get the idea.

Pictures tell a story...and by taking creative images, you can tell the story better.

I hope you found this somewhat helpful...I've learned sooo much over these past 9 months (aperture included) and I would love to share just a wee bit of what I've learned to all those photographers at home with fancy smanchzy cameras that don't have the time to learn how to use it to it's fullest potential (aka MOMS!).

Have a wonderful week everyone!

THE BLANKET {KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY}

2010-03-05T07:35:00.000-08:00

It was a cold and cloudy day...like waaaay colder than originally for casted, but the Daddy in this session was hell bent on having outdoor shots....Even if it was only 3 degrees!

But, you know what? The blanket used to keep their precious little girl warm in between 'shots', turned out to be the perfect accessory to our session...

Holy cuteness.

Actually, the for casted weather eventually came to be; of course in the last few frames of our session...

But, hey....I think the pictures speak for themselves...Despite the chilly, grey weather, we made it work...blanket, hats, warms ups in the car...We made the best of it.

Seriously though, if all children were given as much love and attention as these two parents...The world would be a better place. Little G is one lucky girl.

A and D..It was my pleasure working with you...I look forward to doing it again when little G is walking!

Happy Friday everyone...

GROWTH {KELOWNA CHILDREN PHOTOGRAPHY}

2010-03-03T07:42:00.001-08:00

It's funny, sitting here pouring over some recent images, I realized that my little Noah's growth parallels my growth as a photographer...

For those of you who've been reading for a while (I know there's at least three of you) you may recall that the majority of my earlier posts involved either my frustration with my little man, or my frustration with my camera, or my frustration with my photographic abilities...(remember my OOF issues post???).

Almost 9 months ago today, I put my hands on my first ever DSLR....And as of yesterday, I have my official website up and running and I'm feeling confident behind my camera....I'm feeling quite content.

But y'all know that life doesn't sit still, not even for a moment. No, life moves forward....and so do I. I'm not the type to sit on my haunches for longer than a minute...

But for this minute, this fine moment...I shall savour my sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Ahhhhh....

Okay, now what?

:)

THE LUCKIEST PEOPLE {KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-03-02T06:51:00.000-08:00

Where there is great love, there are always miracles.

-Willa Cather

Now, before I start belting out Barbara Streisand, let me tell you about a family I met during a recent family session...

Talk about 'luck'.

First, their session was won during my Christmas Facebook Friend contest....Indeed, that's what got us to the session...But, get this string of luck....

Grandma was an Olympic Torch bearer. Yep, she won that. Upon further discussion, it was revealed that the day after our session, Grandma and Grandpa were off to the Molson Canadian Hockey House, BOX SEATS, to watch the Canada vs US game in Vancouver. ...Yep, won that too....and Grandpa had just won a leather Football jacket from the local Boston Pizza!

Okay, so this is where it gets nearly comical...

So, I'm on my way home from the session and I stop in at a pharmacy and while chatting with the lady at the till, I recite this family's string of luck....The lady says, "Here, enter this draw we're having...We pick a winner everyday." (It was for Olympic pins and a coffee mug). Ahhh, what the hey I figured...Maybe their luck will rub off.

Well, I tell you, I should have bought a lottery ticket, because the following day my phone rang and I was informed that my name was selected for the previous day's winner...

It still makes me laugh just thinking about it!

All joking aside, I had a blast with this family....Mom, you're so beautiful inside and out. Dad, you're one super Father...The two of you work effortlessly as a team, it was so lovely to see...Grandma and Grandpa, congratulations on your 10th Wedding anniversary...May your luck in life continue...

Here's a little peak from our day at the beach together....

GIFTS & GADGETS & BAGS-OH MY! {KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-02-24T15:25:00.000-08:00

There's nothing more exciting that owning your own business....You get to run the show your way...You get to sell what you want...

I'm really excited about launching my 2010 product line (our little bought with the flu has put off my official launch a teensie bit-but soon...very soon).

Anyhow...I'll give a little peak at just some of the products I will be featuring here at Tacey Photography...

Okay, for all the women out there-show this to your hubbies...Tell them this is what you want for Mother's Day, instead of yet another pair of fuzzy slippers or fragrant bubble bath...Okay, this PLUS a day at the spa! Or Mom's, think of what we could create for the perfect Father's Day gift or even the perfect Christmas gift for your parents??? The list is endless with a storyboard...A touching storyboard is the perfect gift! Here's one that I recently created from a recent family shoot....I know, it's a bit small to see, but you get the idea...

Ok, so the storyboards are one thing...And they are awsome! But, I recently learned about a super cool new product that I will be offering to my clients...Custom photo 'skins' for your iPod, iPhone or Blackberry device! How cool is that? Imagine, your favorite photo from our shoot will be converted into a custom gel 'skin' for your favorite gadget. I don't have a photo of one yet, as I still have to order my sample..But I was quite excited about this one!

Now, that's just a wee sample of the types of products that I will carry in my product line...Trust me, I am always looking for the most unique, most unforgetable products out there...So you, my friends, won't have to!

This last little treat I want to share with you is geared towards my photographer friends (you know who you are!). I recently stumbled upon the most delicious camera bag ever! You may or may not have heard about them yet, but...here they are in all their glory! The Kelly Moore Bag is sooo beautiful, and stylish....BUT, it's practical too (tip: the word practical can be used well when justifying a purchase like this*wink*). Yes, we can fit all our gear for our shoots in this lovely, stylish, durable hand bag. And, what's even better, is if you go here, you can learn how to save $50 of your very own Kelly Moore Bag. The only hard part is picking which colour to buy! Personally, I'm leaning towards this one...

Happy Thursday everyone!

RED BUCKET MOMENT.....{KELOWNA LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-02-23T22:04:00.000-08:00

You know what they say....

You can have everything you've ever wanted in the whole wide world....But it means absolutely nothing if you don't have your health.

Well my friends, I've learned this lesson (or been reminded of it) all too well this past week, and it's given me reason to pause.

It was probably when I was speaking with my Mom, telling her how sick I was (I had a really nasty bought of the flu and when speaking with my Mom, hadn't eaten in a day) and she says very quietly..."Perhaps it's your body's way of telling you to slow down".

Ummmm....Me? Slow down? What? Why? Like there's something wrong with setting your alarm at 530 am in order to get 'everything' in?

But you know what? Mom is right. I, like many of you out there, are sacrificing our health by trying to cram too much in our day. We're putting too much pressure on ourselves to achieve our personal bests without considering the cost to our health and our families.

Please, don't get me wrong, I'm all about success. I have a personal library full of books on success (if you ever want some recommendations, just drop me an email). I applaud every single of us that gets up at the crack of dawn just to accomplish what we see as our goal.

I guess what I'm saying is now, after I'm starting to feel better, I have my little man throwing up for the first time in his little life and it breaks my heart to think that because Mommy was overdoing it and caught a bug, I could have passed my bug on to him...

This may or may not be true...But it's enough to make me think about my priorities. and what I see as my goal...

I LOVE this journey that I'm on...I LOVE that I've discovered a new passion....I LOVE that I can produce keepsake images for my families....But laying in bed myself for the past two days, and now trying to catch my son's you-know-what in a red beach bucket parked at his bedside....It really underscores the importance of taking care of ourselves and our loved ones and remember what's really important in life.

What I'm realizing too, is that our diets are also negatively impacted by our rush-rush-rush-go-go-go lifestyles....I'm grateful to have met (at least virtually) a fellow photographer from Toronto, Ontario, Sebrina Wilson. Sebrina constantly posts facts about food and health and often some damn good recipes. Most recently Sebrina brought the Smitten Kitchen blog to my attention....Yummy, healthy goodness for the whole fam damily. Personally, I'm reading the Skinny Bitch, which, contrary to it's title, is not a diet book....It's a book about what we're putting into our bodies and how those foods are making us sick (certainly not a book for everyone, but holy cow-it's a doozy).

We rush rush rush around to get ahead of the game, and that often means fast food, frozen dinners, or heavily processed, but fast-to-the-table foods. Trust me, I'm saying this with guilt all over my face.....One of our, or let me say my, biggest objections to meals that we should be eating....You know, from scratch (I know, that can be a foreign concept for some) is the time it takes to cook it.

Well, what this week has taught me is that before anything else in life, as hard as it may seem......We must make that time...Cause believe it or not, we have the time, we just need to make it our health (and healthy eating) a priority.

Your family and your family's health (yes, that means you too) must come first...'Cause you can work your tail off and have it all but it's no good to anyone if you're all at home puking.

So, tonight I'll make soup from scratch......At least it's a start.

THE LITTLE THINGS....{KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY}

2010-02-15T08:45:00.000-08:00

Ok...So, tell me...What is it that you love about your sweetie, or your pet, or your best friend? It's the little things, isn't it? The way your friend knows exactly what to say, exactly when you need to hear it. The way your child snuggles in to that cuddly place just beneath your armpit...If you're a Mom, you know the place I'm talking about...Pretty much where your heart is.

Yes, as Valentines Day has come and gone, I was lucky to savour the weekend with my Mom, my hubby and of course, my little man. The weekend was filled with lots of little things, that together, made for a perfect Kelowna weekend.

Saturday, my little guy insisted on walking to the playground at 'his school' (he's only 2-but it's the school he will go to one day-but it's still, his school). So, off we went...But this particular walk was extra special...a milestone actually....You see, this particular walk was missing something...

Yep..

NO DIAPER!!!

Eeeee..Big boy undies all the way (and no accidents either).

Now, perhaps his pants are a bit looser than normal, due to the void space where his diaper used to be, but every few steps, my little guy was pulling up his pants...Step-step-step...pull. Step-step-step....pull.

Now, some of may be thinking, 'what's the big deal in pulling up his pants?'....

Well, for me, it was one of those little things that turned my heart to pure mush....

ONE THING...{KELOWNA BOUTIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY}

2010-02-11T13:56:00.000-08:00

Anyone who has known me for a while, knows how bad I am at telling jokes...I pretty much suck....To be honest, I don't even try anymore... And all you people who can rattle off entire scenes from a host of different movies, without the blink of an eye (like my Mom)....I so admire you...

I can however, thanks to YouTube, share with you a scene I ran across yesterday (on an amazing photography blog, skipsphotonetwork.com). I find this traditional Western cowboy scene from Billy Crystal's 1991 hit, City Slickers, rather profound, even with Billy Crystal in it.

Many of you may recall this scene, and likely even more of you have never seen it...Either way, it's definitely worth watching again.

Thank you YouTube for reminding me of this one ....(This is much better than me trying to recite it...I would've screwed it up somehow!)

Are you confident you've found your one thing?????

I'm telling you....It's never to late to find it....Look at me. ...Heck, even after 7 years in University, for something completely unrelated, I didn't find mine till I turned (shhhhhh) 35.

You know in your heart if you've found your one thing...It's not always a 'job' or a means of employment. Your passion for singing, or music, or painting, or cause....Whatever it is....you'll know. It's the secret of life, just like Jack Palance says..."You stick to that one thing, and everything else don't mean sheee-it."

Yep...Never to late to find that one thing....Your one thing.

Have a great weekend everyone!

ALL GROWN UP.....{KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-02-11T07:01:00.000-08:00

When she was 5, she would eat butter...Yes, just butter...and thought it was the best thing ever. Having moved to Canada from the Dominican Republic at the tender age of 5, our way of life was so incredibly different than what she was used to. This little girl's world changed in ways we could never understand. Needless to say she was the sweetest little girl, with her big blue eyes and curly black hair...Precious.

Indeed, J and I have seen our share of ups and downs...Don't even ask about the time she played 'hairdresser' with my two year old daughter...That didn't go over so well.

Now, to see this once chubby little round faced cherub a Mother to her beautiful blue eyed baby girl...It's wonderful...

It's life...full circle.

Here's a little sneak peek of our recent shoot. The shoot started in my studio and evolved throughout the house...One of my favorite shoots for sure...(I will likely do another post as a Part II-'cause I like them that much and there are sooo many)

Can't you just imagine this last one (the Storyboard)a huge canvas hanging on the wall?? Eeeee! Love them!

J..I love you girl and am so very proud of you.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS...{KELOWNA LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-02-05T21:09:00.000-08:00

Sometimes things happen and and all you can do is shake your head in pure disbelief. You seriously have to shake your head and laugh, because there's not a whole lot than can explain what just happened.

Like the time I won Micheal Jackson concert tickets.

Yes, I was in grade 5 and every single day, on the way to and on the way from school I stopped into the local Becker's (like a Mac's convenience-aka 'candy' store)and filled out multiple ballots for the Micheal Jackson concert ticket draw. Needless to say, when I was called out from the auditorium during a showing of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory...I really thought someone had died. Why else would a teacher go through the trouble of finding me in the darkened gymnasium, only to whisper "there's a telephone call for you". Eeeeee....I don't know about you, but not many kids in school were pulled from situations like that just for a phone call....unless, of course, someone had died. Clearly, when I heard my Mom's voice on the other end of the phone tell me that I had won the tickets to the Micheal Jackson concert.....I nearly died!

Okay, so today's incident wasn't quite that exciting...but it was pretty darn cool.

So, it was around 4 o'clock on a Friday afternoon...Ding Dong. My doorbell rang. (I'm still getting used to living in the 'city' where your doorbell rings on a regular basis). I answer the door and the lady admits she's looking for Fran. The esthetician that used to live in the house we've just moved into. Hmmmm. I wasn't able to provide a forwarding phone number, but since I knew the previous owner's last name, I told the lady to come on in and I'll Google her name to see if we can't find her....In my office she steps. (Now, my office is 'getting there' but I don't even have any pictures on my wall...they're still on the floor, waiting to be placed). While I'm Googling, my visitor tells me how gorgeous the pictures of my children are. Well, I say...They're not my children, I'm actually a photographer...

"WOW. I was just saying that I needed to find a photographer to do our family portraits...After all, my husband and I just got back together after a 2.5 year separation!".

What??? I say with complete sincerity. I never hear of people actually getting back together! That' wonderful I tell her...Then she goes on to say that a series of 'screw ups' had delayed and ultimately prevented the divorce from going through....Now, they are looking to reunite and are wanting to have their family portraits captured....

Not considering the fact that this lady knocked on my door.....This is the perfect family shoot for a photographer(aka mush) like me! All my readers know I'm a sucker for a good love story...But folks, literally this lady knocked on my door.

I love it when 'things happen' like that....Whether it be the multiple 'screw ups' in this lady's divorce process, or the fact that she came to the door not knowing her esthetician had moved...Seems to me (and this I believe) things really do happen for a reason...

And because a post is always better with a photo...here's a cute little shot from the summer.

Have a great day everyone! Remind me to tell you all about the time I won Madonna tickets...(No, I'm serious....I DID!)

LOOKIN' FOR LIGHT...{KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY}

2010-02-04T09:23:00.000-08:00

Lookin' for light in all the wrong places....Lookin' for light in too many faces...

Yes, another bad song stuck in my head (I could give Weird Al a run for his money!).

Seriously though. The single greatest lesson I've learned about photography thus far is about light. Reading light, finding light, the quality of light, the direction of light, the pattern of light...Light really is everything when it comes to capturing a fantastic photo.

Most photographers will tell you natural light is the best, and I would have to agree. Indeed, when us Canadians hibernate in the cold winter months, sometimes working inside a studio is justified (think newborn and maternity shoots), but if at all possible, work with natural light and you can't go wrong.

Again, speaking about cold Canadian winters...Many professional Canadian children photographers discuss the dilemmas of being forced to shoot indoors, without using studio lights. I'm here to say today that as long as you can find some beautiful light (and you can, trust me) you can still take beautiful portraits indoors using only natural light.

It just takes a bit of practice and some trial and error...Once you know where and when the light changes inside your home, you'll be set!

Have a look at the two photos I captured, early afternoon, in two different locations. Both using natural light, from in front of two different windows.

Look at the difference between the two. The first one, while in front of a window, still required a high iso (you can see that in the grain-also known as 'noise' in the image). The light wasn't hitting my subject with enough intensity. But look how simply moving to a different window, facing a different direction, made all the difference in the world.

You see. You don't need to use flash or studio if you don't want to. Just find a natural light source and work it....I've heard of some photographers who will simply place their subject inside a doorway and open the door to light their subject, imitating an open shade setting.

Just like in life, when obstacles present themselves, instead of surrendering to your situation, FIND a way to work around it...Push yourself to try something new....There's always a way...you just have to figure it out.

Have a great day everyone!

[b] REMARKABLE {KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-02-02T05:48:00.000-08:00

Who has confidence in himself will gain the confidence of others.

- Leib Lazarow

This past Thursday I had the pleasure to spend the day with the one and only Christopher Becker (but he's known as simply Becker). Becker is one of those rock star photographers from Southern California (Orange County to be precise). I say 'one of those' because within a 5 mile radius, Becker is surrounded by the likes of Jasmine Starr, Jessica Claire and other near celebrity photographers. Yes, [b]ecker (that's his signature brand) came to Vancouver to share his business secrets....How he can be incredibly successful AND be surrounded by incredible, fierce competition.

The workshop primarily focused on customer service and branding...A great deal of what Becker spoke about was a true affirmation of my current philosophies...Be authentic, be real, be interested, and have fun! Make giving your clients an incredible experience your number one priority-Yes, second to capturing incredible images....Why? Because, quite simply, if you're clients are having a really, really good time...The images will be naturally amazing....

It was nice to know I was on the right track, and even better to know I shared business strategies with someone as successful as Mr. [b].

Thank you Becker for a fabulous day! (Say hi to Jasmine for me!)

Here are a few images captured throughout the day.

BEAUTIFUL MEYHAM...{KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-01-28T22:07:00.000-08:00

I arrived oh so proud of myself...So confident, soooo prepared. After all, I had just nailed an in-home trial shoot with the one and only Tigger...

I can sooo totally do this!!!

Fast forward to my shoot...

Mom was sweatin'...Dad was stressin'...Babes was spitting up....And me??? Well, I was settin' up for my very first EVER indoor studio style family session...

If anyone thinks this is easy, trust me...you're wrong. It's a lot of work...a lot of sweat, yes, even some tears (not from me thank goodness).

Overall, the shoot was a success...

Mom, Dad...(Gramma, Aunties, and Uncles too) here's a little sneak peek of your beautiful children...

ODE TO SADIE {KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-01-25T06:14:00.001-08:00

It is seriously one of the greatest love stories I've ever heard...Excitement, tragedy, perseverance, and commitment....Bones, beaches, table scraps, and lots and lots of long walks. If you weren't thrown by the bone reference, I'll make this clear...This is a story about a man and his best friend...of the likes you've never heard.

Sadie, my brother's 3 legged dog, is 12. I call her 'tri-pawed'..get it??? It just kills me, but don't get me started. Anyhow, they came to visit me this weekend. On a beautiful sunny Sunday, we went for a little 'walk'. Although now, this once exuberant pooch, could barely keep up with my 2 year old on his trike. But, we made it to the park.

I told my brother I wanted to capture some shots of the 2 of them together...Yes, some were posed, but others I took when I saw moments of tenderness that made me just cry.

These two have been together through separation (Sadie was missing for nearly 2 weeks over Christmas about 9 years ago-my poor brother had to return to Vancouver-4 hours from where he lost her-not thinking he would see her again. On New Years Eve, we received a phone call that someone had found Sadie...my sister and my brother's bff drove down 4 hours down to the club that my brother worked at, and just before the stroke of midnight, had the doorman bring my brother to the door where his beloved Sadie was waiting). They've been through surgery and amputation (Sadie, while missing, was injured in her one leg. It never healed and eventually was amputated). The amputation never slowed Sadie down, she ran and swam with the fastest of dogs. This made my brother proud.

Now, Sadie is in her twilight years, and to see their love for one another just made me melt...Now, instead of racing in circles, Sadie will just stop, mid-walk, and lay down. She's tired....but very 'spry' as my brother likes to add. When it gets to be too much for Sadie, my brother carries her. It's the the most heart warming thing you've ever seen...

Cheers to best friends. Sadie, you are one of a kind...my brother was lucky to have found you (and lost you, and found you again) and Sadie, you couldn't have asked for a better friend in my brother...I love you both.

DAUGHTERS {KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-01-21T06:58:00.000-08:00

I knew I was having a girl. I just knew it....But what I didn't know, was how much this little girl was going to bring to my life...

I've always chased her around with a camera, whether digital, disposable, or even film (remember film???). The boxes and boxes of photos that document our life together are without a doubt my most cherished possession....

Now, of course I still take photos of her because I love her and want to capture her many 'looks', and now the way she interacts with her little brother, and for all the normal reasons I've always taken her picture....But now, my poor tween is also my 'guinea pig' I drag out to practice different shots, different lighting, and different angles....She hates it (and I have some pretty funny shots to prove it-but I'd never post those ones...don't worry my sweets).

But, sometimes, on a rare occasion during a 'practice shoot' I manage to truly capture my little girl...Her zest for life, her inquisitive nature, her love for fashion...

I love you my sweets. Thank you for being you and bringing so much to my life.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY X {KELOWNA LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-01-19T22:57:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows 'X' means 10 (ten)! This is the 10th WW post...and most of them were acutally 'wordless'???? Okay, okay...I'll be quiet now and keep this as wordless as possible (I know some of you out there like to argue with me when I put words in my wordless posts!) But I just want to tell you that this photo was taken on Christmas Day, at the park with my husband and children. Pretty gosh-darn magical, don't you think? Sure, snow would have been nice, but this sky was pretty beautiful too....

Okay.....I'll be quiet now.

BALANCE {KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-01-17T21:07:00.000-08:00

Reality check.

Is this real?

Did I do this?

Did I capture this image?

ME???

Really????

I shake my head in disbelief and surrender to the pure 'wow' that I'm feeling...

It wasn't even 7 months ago that I discovered this buried treasure...this undiscovered passion of mine.

Now, to look at my captures and know that this is the work I was destined to create...It's simply incredible to me.

Yet, as I write this, I am fighting with the ongoing pain of my darn arthritis...Breathing in..breathing out...Trying to cope. Some days are better than others, these past few have been pretty tough...I'm too young for this....

But, my passion for photography has brought balance to my life....A glorious, all-consuming distraction...There are so many facets to this business, that I can't help but be wonderfully overwhelmed...Now, while photography can't remove my pain...it certainly distracts me from it.

Seriously, when I look at an image like this......I definitely feel no pain.

EMBRACE {KELOWNA BOUTIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY}

2010-01-14T09:18:00.000-08:00

First, I must start this post with the acknowledgement of the developing tragedy in Haiti. Everyone close to me knows that I am extremely sensitive to these types of events. My heart is truly hurting for the families of Haiti.

In fact, it's too hard for me for me to write about photography today...Somehow it just doesn't feel right, or appropriate, to be blogging about my personal happiness and excitement...Just can't do it today...

Rather, I just want to embrace, in thought, the mother's, the father's, the children, and all the people suffering in Haiti right now...

If you are reading this, please, take a moment and send positive vibes to those who need them right now...The rescuers, the doctors, and the emergency response teams...Send them your love....Please, take a moment and think about what you could possibly do to help, even if it's just prayer...

I know I'm risking coming off 'preacher-ish', but truly, that's not at all my intention...It's just where my mind is at this morning...

However, in an attempt to lighten everyone's mood this morning (or at least my own *sigh*) I thought I'd share a special little capture I caught this summer...I think it's fitting for today...

Give lots of hugs tonight...Tomorrow, I'm off to my first on location, studio style shoot! Can't wait to tell you all about it!

BURIED DREAMS {KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-01-11T07:29:00.000-08:00

So often lately I'm asked about how and why my life has transitioned the way it has. It's a great story (I'll continue the story in a future post, but for those who missed part one, you can find it here)....Anyhow, so much of my transition involved serious soul searching...I spent hours journaling and asking myself questions...it was a long and very involved process of discovery.

Today, I'd like to share a really simple exercise from The Artist's Way ....If you find yourself uninspired, bored, searching....Give it a go...You just may discover something in yourself that you've long forgotten...

BURIED DREAMS-AN EXERCISE

You must be quick when answering these questions. Answer with spontaneity....don't over think it..

1. List 5 hobbies that sound fun.
2. List five classes that sound fun.
3. List 5 things that you personally would never do that sound fun.
4. List five skills that would be fun to have.
5. List 5 things you used to enjoy doing.
6. List 5 silly things you would like to try once.

That's it...That's the whole exercise...Do it, and have a boo at your answers...I encourage you to do at least one item from your entire list...Just ONE....I guarantee you'll be glad you did.

Have a great week everyone!

UH-OHHHH....{KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-01-04T18:41:00.000-08:00

Today while admiring a local photographer's blog, I felt a bit uneasy...

Why?

Well, in what turns out to be his 'swan song' post, this amazingly talented photographer writes about his dilemma in addressing the various 'audiences' he posts for. He goes on to say that he writes certain content for his Facebook 'friends', and different content for his Tweets, and even different content for his photography blog, because what's appropriate and accepted by his Twitter peeps may not be equally appropriate for his Blog audience. (After all, a blog is supposed to be a place to communicate with potential clients, and one must be at your very best...)

While reading this post, all I could think of was....Holy cow, I 'sang' a song from The Sound of Music this morning on my blog!!!!

Uh-ohhhhh....

Maybe I'm too 'silly', or maybe...I'm too 'deep'...or maybe I'm not 'professional' enough????? Oh my swirling thoughts....

Then I took a moment, slapped myself in the face (well, not really) and remembered what Dane Sanders and Jasmine Star, Becker, and many other incredible 'Superstar' photographers repeat time and time again...."What sets you apart from other photographers is YOU. People will want to work with you because they feel comfortable with YOU."

So, I can breath a sigh of relief in knowing all photographers are unique in their own way. We all have our own style, and our own way of doing business...Which is a good thing...You wouldn't want your wedding photos to look exactly the same as everyone else's? Right???

So if what the Superstars say is true...Then I'm okay posting what I post here on my blog. Because it's a true reflection of me...

Today's lesson: Be yourself and you'll never go wrong.

THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS.....{KELOWNA LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-01-04T07:05:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but when I hear, or even read those few words, I can hardly help myself from busting into song..."When the dogs bite, when the bees sting, when I'm feeling sad (okay, now I'm using my arms for dramatic effect...) I simply remember my fav-orite thinnnnnnnnngs....(EVERYBODY now) then I don't feeeeeeeeeeeeel, sooooooooo baaaaaaaaaaaaaadd.

See, told ya. (I know you were singing along...I just know it).

Wow. Pretty impressive for a Monday morning...Especially the first official back-to-work, the- holidays-are-over, kaputz...bam...Back to reality (and NO MORE CHOCOLATE).

Today, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite things, some of my favorite go-to places over the past 7 months...

Okay, so, if you're a photographer (just starting out or a pro) if you want a one-stop place for endless inspiration and a huge sounding board for photography advice...well, if you haven't yet joined Flickr you are soooo missing out. Go...it's incredible the number of groups on Flickr. Be careful though...You may become highly addicted. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Another one of my favorite things I've discovered this year is MOO.com. I know I've talked about them before, but for my newcomers, I'll say it again...MOO.com is amazing!! If you are a business owner of any kind and are looking for incredible business cards...check out MOO. The quality is incredible. You can select a new image for every single card in each set you order. I am can honestly say that every single time, yes, every time,I've handed out a business card, the receiver always comments on the card itself. Beautiful quality, amazing customer service and reasonable prices too. Besides, there are lots of fun things that you can do there too...Check it out.

Looking for a new camera body, or perhaps a lens, but don't want to fork out the money for a brand new one? Check out keh.com. You see, I'm a penny pincher...Yes, I am admitting it to the world...Why pay full price when you don't have to???? It's funny, although I googled my face off to find a place that dealt used equipment, keh.com did not come up in any of my searches...Someone on a forum told me about keh.com, a place where you can buy and sell professional camera equipment that is backed by a reputable company (you don't have to go to craigslist or ebay if you're not comfortable). Every item is ranked by the shape that it is in (ie. LN means like new, etc.). You always know what to expect when you order through keh.com. Their customer service is outstanding. If you're looking for anything, and are okay with a gently used piece, then by all means, save yourself some mooola at keh.com. Oh, and they also sell brand new gear at competitive prices.

Well, my photographer friends...Those are just a few of my favorite things that I wanted to share with you...Here's wishing you a fantastic Monday!

And, as the saying goes...A post is so much better with a photo...Here is one of my son's new favorite things...It was a total candid capture.

2009-THE TIME OF MY LIFE {KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2009-12-31T19:50:00.001-08:00

So, it was a couple weekends ago, on a glorious sunny day...I was out for a 'run' (the best I can muster with my darn arthritis). I was loving every (painful) moment of it....The feeling of freedom, the feeling of pushing myself, the fresh air...the surge of creative inspiration....Yes, in this moment, I was soooo ridiculously happy.

Then, in my little mp3 player (that I barely know how to use) I heard a song from my daughter's play list and I nearly stopped.in.my.tracks.....

You know those moments where you hear a song and swear it was written exclusively for you??? Well, this was one of those moments.

The song completely summarized where I am in my life and I thought it would be the perfect song to use with my 2009 Year in Review slide show.

There is absolutely nothing more gratifying that finding something that makes your heart and soul sing...I am so incredibly grateful to have discovered this passion. I cannot imagine where it will take me this year...

To everyone that has helped and supported me this past year, thank you....Your help has opened up a whole new world to me...

To everyone reading this post.....Here's wishing the New Year, the year 2010, brings as much energy, excitement, passion and spark to your life, as 2009 brought to mine.

Happy, Happy New Year!!!

THE GO-GIVER {OKANAGAN LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER}

2009-12-24T09:26:00.000-08:00

While laying on a massage table, my dear friend, and RMT, worked relentlessly on my arthritic neck, a wonderful thing happened....She told me about a book. She told me, with conviction, that EVERYONE must read this book...And by the time I was dressed and ready to head back to work, Sarah handed me a book that woke something up inside of me...How perfect that she just 'happened' to have the book with her that very day.

It was a little red book, hard cover, and not very thick....I took it home, and once the kids were asleep, cozied in my bed and literally gobbled this book up...I laughed, I cried, and at the end I wanted to shout! Seriously, I smiling, not just on the inside, but on the outside too!

I was beyond excited and even more inspired to carry on with my dream to launch a photography business.

The book that I'm referring to is called The Go-Giver, A Little Story About A Powerful Business Idea, by Bob Burg and John David Mann.

This isn't your average business book...It's a story. A story with life changing lessons not only for business, but for life. In a nutshell, an overworked, middle aged business man named Joe, was desperate to close 'the deal of the century', so he mustered up all the courage he could muster, and went straight to THE guru of business consulting, seeking business advice. This business guru, Pinder, met with Joe for 5 weeks, and over the course of the 5 meetings, taught Joe the 5 Laws of Stratospheric Success.

In the end, Joe learns that by simply switching his focus from getting to giving—putting others’ interests first and continually adding value to their lives—ultimately leads to unexpected returns' (excerpt from The Go-Giver web site).

The give away that I announced a few days ago is an example of how I am incorporating these 5 laws into my business. It really is true that by giving you receive....You see, now, after launching this give away contest, I have over 94 new friends with whom I can communicate with and share my love of photography...

Now, back to the results of the contest....

A funny thing happened during this contest...One lovely lady, who I had the pleasure of photographing recently, set her mind to winning this giveaway and sent a huge number of referrals to my fan page, including her sister. After I mentioned that ANY fan could enter the race for the full family session, the sister encouraged her friends to join my fan page, just enough to secure the mini children's session. But, as the cut off drew near, it was the sister who was in the lead.

Yikes!

But, seriously...I LOVE what I do, and I LOVE to give (after all, it IS Christmas Eve!)...and in following the Laws of Stratospheric Success...I am excited to announce that BOTH sisters, Nicole Abney and Amanda Abney, will receive the full Boutique Family Portrait Session for participating in my first ever, Tacey Photography Give Away.

Congratulations you two! I truly cannot wait to capture your beautiful families!!!

Thank you everyone for your participation...I hope to meet more of you in the coming year.

Signing off now...

On behalf of my entire family.....Merry, Merry Christmas.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY IV {KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2009-12-22T07:25:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY {OKANAGAN LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER}

2009-12-21T07:06:00.001-08:00

Well, in the spirit of the season I am having a little giveaway here at Tacey Photography. Partially being inspired by the season, and partially inspired by the fun I've had entering several viral contests lately. It's fun, and hey, it give you a little slice of excitement in this often stressful time...

Soooo...This is the scoop.

I've 'joined the conversation' and developed a Tacey Photography Facebook page. I see this as another tool to stay in touch with you all...I thought it would be fun to have a giveaway to the first three 'fans' who recruit the most fans to my new page.

There are a two little stipulations. First, the referred fans must live somewhere in BC; and second, the winner must be able to use their 'prize' by the end of February 2010.

Okay....So what's the prize you ask?

Well, the first two fans who recruit 20 new fans to my Facebook page will receive a complimentary Children's Mini Session, complete with a signature slide show and an 8x10 enlargement.

But wait...there's more....

The fan who brings the most 'fans' my way, by midnight on December 23rd, will receive a full blown Boutique Family Portrait session, for up to 6 people in the location of your choice.

All you have to do is become a fan of my page, and then post about it on your Facebook page, or email your friends, however you wish...But most important, in order for me to track your referrals, you must tell your friends that after they become a fan, they must write on the wall "So-and-so sent me". I'll watch for the first two winners, as remember, the first two winners are the two fans who refer 20 fans the fastest...Then after that, it's a full on race to the 'finish'.

I'll be announcing the winners on my blog (which will be linked to my Facebook page) on Christmas Eve day.

Have fun everyone!

GUILTY PLEASURES {OKANAGAN FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2009-12-15T21:34:00.001-08:00

You know what they say???? You can't win if you don't try....

You see, this post is actually an entry for a contest....An amazing contest that will help me tremendously....(more about the prize in a moment).

In order to enter the contest, I had to take a self portrait that creatively incorporates my favorite guilty pleasure and then post it to my blog before midnight on Tuesday December 15th.....Eeeeee, I'm just in under the wire! Phew.

What is my favorite guilty pleasure???? Chocolate? Nooooooo... although I just gobbled some down. Stress.... Red Wine? Nope, not that either....Although pretty darn close.

When I think about my favorite indulgence, one that I feel oh-so-guilty about consuming....The one that gives me Mommy guilt and Wife guilt....

I've posted about it before...

Yes....

My favorite guilty pleasure is reading photography blogs...Yes. That's it....Seriously. When I met MeRa Koh at her workshop in June (about 10 days after owning my first DSLR) she nearly fell over when I told her I had read every single post she had ever written since 2006. Embarrassing, I know...but true.

In the 6 months that I have been feverishly pursuing my new found passion for photography, I cannot gobble down the information fast enough...

Okay...now that I've revealed my favorite guilty pleasure (to the world) let me tell you about the prize....

Seriously, this prize is beyond incredible, especially for someone like me....The winner of this contest (judged exclusively on creativity) will win a spot in a 3 week mentoring session with two incredibly talented (Canadian) photographers from Two Photogs...

I could ramble on excitedly for hours (nooooo-not me...) but I'll stop now, as the deadline is drawing near....

But before I go I want to say a really special Thank you to Jessica Zais...Jessica and I met at a local photographer Christmas party this past Sunday...What a lovely and talented lady...To my complete surprise, the following morning Jessica emailed me with 411 on this contest....Despite decreasing her odds at winning, Jessica told me how moved she was with my 'brave leap' into photography and thought I deserved a prize...I was blown away with her kindness and selflessness. Mwah! The world needs more people like you Jessica!

Anyway...I guess I'm stalling....

Okay, here's my photo...Yes, they were all taken tonight and edited into this composite...from scratch (as I like to say)!

Wish me luck!

RESOLUTION TO SUCCEED {KELOWNA LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER}

2009-12-15T06:48:00.000-08:00

Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more

important that any one thing.

-Abraham Lincoln

What Abe is telling us, is that all that matters is that you are resolved to succeed....the success will follow. Seriously though....if you keep moving forward, one-step-at-a-time, you will succeed. It may take a while, but eventually, you will.

So true, so true.

My journey into photography has been incredible, and yes, all consuming....BUT, if I take a minute, pull my head out from this lap top, breathe, and have a look back at how far I've come in 6 months, it's incredible. The people I've met, the opportunities I've encountered, the images I've captured.....It's amazing.

With a new year approaching, and 2009 coming to an end, it's certainly a time for reflection....A time to look back and see what you've accomplished this year, and a chance to set your dial for 2010....Go BIG...Dream large....Remember Abe's words and simply resolve yourself to success...

Here are some shots of my little man, doing the very same thing...His very first arts and crafts project...Look at his face? Does that oooooooze determination or what???

Have a fabulous day!

PHOTOGRAPHER'S WORTH {OKANAGAN LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY}

2009-12-10T18:42:00.000-08:00

"I guess a photographer just charges whatever they think they are worth".

This is what a potential client said to me recently...and it brought about a weird sense of anxiety in me...Not that there was anything wrong with this statement, but I realized how difficult it must be for an 'outsider' to understand exactly what is involved in a 'session fee'.

I'm hopeful that this post will help explain the true value of a professional photographer (especially when most everyone owns a digital camera now a days).

So much of what a photographer does happens after the photo shoot.....

Indeed, composition, lighting, angles, ISO, shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, white balance, metering (and more), are all technical aspects of photography necessary for that perfect shot...Yes, in order to capture a photo that is worthy of not only commission, but one that that will serve as an heirloom treasure for generations to come....Not only do each of these concepts need to be fully understood, they need to be mastered.

Of course, mastery takes practice and research..Lots and lots of research, and even more practice.

But of course, in order to do any of the above...you need the equipment...Yes, the DSLR body, the multiple lenses (your portrait lens, your zoom lens, your macro lens, your wide angle lens), the lights (on and off camera), the reflectors....the list goes on and on. Ooooh-wee....It's an expensive profession indeed.

But again, the shoot itself (where the combined mastery of these concepts and equipment translate into beautiful captures)...is really just the beginning of the photographic process....

What comes next is what is referred to as the "work flow"...Now that's a whole other monster...One that includes software, knowledge, expertise and TIME..lots and lots of time.

I've shared with friends some 'SOOC' images (straight-out-of-camera images) and then the 'final' edited image, and they were truly amazed to see not only the power of editing programs (Adobe Photoshop), but those who have the opportunity to witness what goes into a final image are most often surprised at the level of complexity and skill required to get from 'A' (SOOC) to 'B' (final print).

Now, while every photographer's goal is to capture a perfect image SOOC, the reality is that even the most amazing 'SOOC' image still requires some post processing to give it that polished, professional look.

So, yes....a photographer can (and should) charge what they think they are worth...It's just really important for the consumer to understand that it's the photographer's creativity, equipment, software, technical expertise, overhead, and last, but not least, their time (for taking the photos and processing the photos) are all factors that contribute to their perceived 'worth'.

Here's just a few examples of the difference between a SOOC image and a final edit:

One of my favorite captures of this year SOOC:

And the final edited version:

Here's another example of a SOOC, and two different creative edits:

SOOC

A fun, 50's vintage edit:

Last, a colour punch edit of the same photo (I tell you, the options are endless!)

I hope this post was helpful in gaining a better understanding of the true time and talent that goes into a finished professional image.

Yes, it's a lot of work (especially if you're a perfectionist like me), but I think both sides of the coin would agree, in the end, it's more than worth it.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY {KELOWNA LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER}

2009-12-09T09:18:00.000-08:00

THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE....

2009-12-07T07:03:00.001-08:00

Well, my 'little' light was far from little...In fact, it was pretty hard to avoid it....I almost even tripped over it a few times (nasty cords!).

Yes, I have entered into the world of studio lighting (hear the theme from Star Wars...'cause seriously, that's what i heard when I set these puppies up).

Now, normally this is not a purchase one would make swiftly. Normally, one would have a decent working knowledge of studio lighting before venturing out to invest in some...Come on. This is Tacey we're talking about...

You see, about a month ago I received a phone call from the owner of a beautiful, high end, luxury salon, who asked me to do some work for him in exchange for exclusive promotion of my business....Hello opportunity!!! But of course, I was smack dab in the middle of a huge move...I knew I would require lighting this time of year...and even though I didn't own studio lights, nor did I know how to use them...There was no way I would pass up this opportunity.

So, me, the day before I needed to use the studio lights, I bravely set out to my local Lens and Shutter and nearly consumed one of their poor salesmen. (Poor Jamie...I did warn him though). BUT...I left with my 600 watt, everything-you-could-possibly-need-and-then-some studio lighting kit.

THANK YOU LORD FOR INCLUDING AN INSTRUCTIONAL DVD!!!!!

Naturally, I stayed up half the night watching the DVD and about a hundred other clips from you-tube on how to successfully shoot with studio lighting. After all, the shoot was the very next day...

So, the next day, I carried all my gear....one bag for the light stands, one bag for the lights, and one bag for my camera....I entered Mirror Mirror Salon and Spa in Kelowna, for a full day of shooting. It was fun...a bit nerve wracking, but fun. Russell has gathered a fantastic team of talented practitioners...The ladies were fun and incredibly attentive to their clients. Overall, it was a great day.

I even managed to do alright with my new lights....

Just goes to show....sometimes 'jumping in' is the only way to go.

It was for me.

Here are a few shots from the day.

Have a fantastic week everyone...Remember, if an opportunity arises...GO for it!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY-KELOWNA FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

2009-12-02T09:08:00.000-08:00

FILLING THE WELL, STOCKING THE POND

2009-11-30T06:42:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!!! It's good to be back....I've missed you. After a move, it's nice to finally feel somewhat 'settled'....During my absence, my mind was constantly pulling towards my blog...but it just wasn't feasible for me to give it the time it requires...

But....I'm back. I set my alarm extra early this morning, woke up, made some instant coffee (I didn't want to wake anyone with the grinder) sat down with my pen and my diary and wrote my loooooong overdue 'morning pages'.

I was introduced to morning pages by the wonderful MeRa Koh, while at her workshop this past summer. Morning pages come from The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron.

As her book reads:

Art is an image-using system. In order to create, we draw from our inner well. This inner well, an artistic reservoir, is ideally like a well-stocked trout pond. We've got big fish, little fish, fat fish, skinny fish-an abundance of artistic fish to fry. As artists, we must realize that we have to maintain this artistic ecosystem. If we don't give some attention to upkeep, our well is apt to become depleted, stagnant, or blocked.

This metaphor is true with all of us, artists or not....We must fill our 'well' and stock our pond....tend to our spirits, nurture our minds and bodies....love ourselves...

Today, as an artist and being whose well was spent...I spent a little time with my morning pages and gave a little to my well......I encourage you all to do the same.

Now, a post is soooo much better with some beautiful images...Have a boo at these...

This lovely couple became engaged just the other day. Congratulations you two...I can't wait to take 'official' engagement photos!

Happy Monday!

THE ROCKING CHAIR

2009-11-17T06:25:00.000-08:00

Who would've thought that getting rid of one piece of furniture could bring about such a flood of emotions...It's just. a. rocking. chair.

But even as I type this post, my eyes are welling and the lump in my throat is palpable...

Ooops...There goes one tear...oh, and another...

Okay, clearly this is harder than I thought.

Today I was supposed to give away the rocking chair that I used with my both my children....

I say 'supposed to' because my husband took everything else (crib, toys, etc.) but accidentally forgot the chair.

Tomorrow, it will go...

To a place that supports single mothers...

Yes, yesterday I lovingly wiped down the chair that I received in my baby shower so generously 12 years ago, while pregnant with my first born.

The very same chair that I dug out of storage 10 years later, quite unexpectedly, to nurse my only son....

No amount of money in the world could equate to the joy and bliss experienced in this chair with my children....

(Ok...here come even more tears...)

Yes, the moments spent in that chair were the sweetest I've ever felt....Yes, even with all the blurry-eyed 2 am feedings that seemed to never end....

Clearly, this polka dotted glider rocking chair is a physical representation of the love and tenderness experienced in the first blissful moments with my two incredible children (now 12 and 2.5).

Letting go of the 'chair' symbolizes so much.

I am grateful to be able to pass this 'chair' off to another mother....

But even more than that (perhaps an explanation to my flood of tears) I am grateful for my children....

You see, another Mother, just like me, recently lost her 4 year old son, Nate, to the H1N1 virus. He was only four. Tonight, in the midst of moving and packing, etc. I stumbled upon her site again. Only this time I saw Nate...everywhere....and it hurt my heart so bad...

I cannot fathom the loss of a child.....

So, tonight, I mourn the loss of my rocking chair....

And am painfully away of how lucky I am.

2009 HOLIDAY CARD COLLECTION

2009-11-16T06:35:00.000-08:00

Funny, I guess I didn't have to title this post '2009' Holiday Card Collection...It should actually read 'Tacey Photography's First EVER Holiday Card Collection'...

But that doesn't really flow...

Anyhow....

I am happy to offer all 2009 clients of Tacey Photography these lovely Holiday cards.

These beautiful designs are offered in sets of 24 and although being shipped from my printer in the US, will arrive in time for holiday mailing (1st week of December).

Simply email me and let me know which images you would like me to use and I can create a custom card just for you!

Upon receipt of your request, I will create a card, then send it back for your approval. If you love it (and I'm sure you will) then I will submit the order.

Unfortunately, in order to ensure the cards arrive in time for Holiday delivery, the deadline for ordering is Wednesday, November 18th.

Have a boo at the following, and if you are interested, just contact me and we'll get things rolling.

Oh, I almost forgot. The cost for one set of these gorgeous, press printed photo cards is 55.00, which includes delivery and design.

This first design is a 5x7 folded card with fresh colours and a modern appeal.

Inside spread:

This next design is so chic...I just love the colours! This card is a square, 5x5 folded card.

Inside spread:

Eeee. I love this one too!!!!! Again, another 5x7 folded design (many designs are simply flat, one sided cards.). The pale blue,white and red...It's so modern, yet retro (is that possible?).

Inside spread:

Last, but certainly not least...The fresh, fun, snowflake design....This card is also a 5x7 folded card.

Inside spread:

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to drop me a line...

Good luck choosing your favorite!

LEST WE FORGET....

2009-11-10T21:08:00.000-08:00

Perhaps it's Grandpa's way of speaking to me, or perhaps it's my own buried fears....Maybe it's just that I'm so grateful to live in Peace. Although I can't explain why, I have regular dreams of being 'at war'.

Yep. At least two times a year I experience what my mind believes to be, a 'day in the line of duty'.

Let me tell you....It scares the living hell out of me.

I mean this with all sincerity.

I so vividly recall my 'dreams' (although I think of them as nightmares).

Me, in the ditches, dodging bullets...Breathing heavily...Sweating profusely....

So grateful that 'they missed'.

I wake from these episodes trembling...

Enlightened, yet ashamed.....

There's no possible way, someone like myself, all warm and snuggly in my high thread count, down duvet, could ever appreciate the reality of a day 'on duty'.....

But the fear that I feel upon waking is real....It's powerful, it's cold, it's harsh....

No matter what I 'see' in my dreams, I am always so happy and grateful when I awake...I am alive and I am free.

Again, whether it's my Grandparent's speaking to me through dream...or whether it's my subconscious revealing my sincere gratitude to those in service....

I don't know why I dream these dreams...but, I do...

When I awake from my dreams, once reality surfaces, I always feel two things:

1. relief that I'm warm and cozy in my bed and I'm safe from gunfire and bombs.

2. gratitude for those who are living my 'dreams' and do so willingly.

Today is remembrance day.....

I salute all those who so bravely march off to battle....I am so grateful for all that your sacrifices have allowed me.

God Bless all our Soldiers and Veterans.

Lest we never forget.

IMAGINATION {KELOWNA CHILD PHOTOGRAPHER}

2009-11-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

The world is but a canvas to the imagination.

-Henry David Thoreau

THE THREE P'S

2009-11-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

Patience, persistence, perseverance.

The 3 P's are what's required to get the good stuff in life...

Now I'm not saying this was the case for this young couple...but it sure was for me loading my very first triptych!

Happy Monday everyone....Remember your 3 P's.

(More to follow on this super fabulous couple....)

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2009-10-28T08:01:00.000-07:00

FORWARD MOTION

2009-10-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's easier to know where you're going, than it is to know how to get there.

Ugh.

Clipping masks, Triptych's and Diptych's....Storyboards and free transform...It's about enough to make your head spin. These are different techniques that display your images in various groupings. Diptych is a side by side display, and a triptych displays three images in a row. Clipping masks and free transform are photoshop steps that one must take to create the diptychs and triptychs....

See what I mean??? It's a lot to know....

Which is why I love Rita at CoffeeShop. Although I'm not sure how she does it....Rita's not a robot in Cyberworld, she's a real, live person...In fact, she's a MOM.

Indeed, somehow Rita not only navigates through the trenches of the ever evolving creative photography world, but she also manages to tend to her children, stay on top of all the latest and greatest in the photoshop world, figure out how to use all the latest and greatest in the photoshop word...THEN (in all her spare time) writes tutorials for the rest of us on how the heck to incorporate this stuff in our own ever evolving photographic work flow.

In other words, Ms. Rita from the CoffeeShop works hard to make the rest of us look good.

Whew....I'm tired just explaining it all...

Ms. Rita...You rock. My hat is completely off to you...Not only it is off' to you, but I'm downright bowing down to you with my hat off .

Thank you.

Today Ms. Rita, I used your latest post on blog headers to give myself a wee little blog-makeover here at Tacey Photography....Yep. That fancy-schmancy three photo blog header is all thanks to Rita.

Now, if I could only get the Triptych to work....

Ugh...See???? I know where I'm going...Just havin' a hard time getting there....Oh well, at least I'm moving in a forward motion...Really, that's all that matters.

Tomorrow, here's hoping for a Triptych....

Let me tell you...it'll be one glorious triptych if I have my way....

It will include this little princess....

And how precious is she???

Happy Monday everyone....Here's to moving forward, whether we know where we're going or doing or not. All that really matters is that we're trying...

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY {OKANAGAN FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2009-10-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

CAN YOU FEEL IT? CHANGE IS IN THE AIR....

2009-10-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Oooooh-weee! You know when you're on the brink of something so exciting, so new, so uncharted, you think you just might explode with excitement???? Well...that's exactly how I feel lately.

Yep. That about sums it up.

Despite ever increasing, ever spreading arthritis pain (have I ever mentioned I'M TOO YOUNG for Arthritis????), I am uber excited about the new territory that lies before me.

Soon...actually, in about 19 more sleeps, we take possession of a new house....Yes, after 10 years of living in the country, I am moving back to the city (I guess it's all relative, but really, it's a small city-more like a suburb that's still quiet, but more family-friendly than the more hoity-toity "I only live here in the summer months" kind of country acreage that we currently live in).

New surroundings, new neighbourhood, new neighbours, new phone number, new home office space, new beautiful, clutter free desk....Oh, and last but not least....New, super-special basement-space-that-I-intend-on-turning-into-a-STUDIO!!!!

See??? Lots to be excited about...

But even sooner than 19 sleeps, I am oh so close to launching my official photography website.

One of the things that had been hanging me up in the launching of a website was my bio page.

My belief, and that of many well established, very successful photographers, is that what sets any one photographer apart from other equally talented photographers is not just the style of images captured by the photographer, but the photographer herself.

I completely recognize (and value) the importance of a bang-on bio...and am striving to create one.

So, step one in website: create a solid base of material. Check.
Step two: select website template. Check.
Step three: select domain name. Check.
Step four: find website host. Check. (Kudos to my amazing friend Jen at Atomic 55 -you rock!)
Step five: find photo of self for bio page.......

Well, this is where I was stuck.....Until last week when my mentor, the amazingly talented, gentle-natured, Jessica Balfour took me to the top of Kelowna and shot my 'bio' pics.

Now, I haven't chosen a favorite yet....and, it must be said (and Jessica would attest) I HATE having my photo taken...I mean HATE it (kind of ironic, don't you think?). Having said this, I am thrilled with the images that Ms. Jessica captured. Jess...I love you girl. Seriously....I do.

Here are some of the contenders for the 'bio page'....Feel free to chime in on your favs.

Anyhow...Now that I have my 'bio photo', or at least a few one's to choose from, I'm one step closer to the official launch of Tacey Photography. Stay tuned.....I promise, you'll be the first to know...

Like I said, change is certainly in the air, and I, for one, couldn't be more excited.

WONDER {KELOWNA FAMILY & CHILDREN PHOTOGRAPHER}

2009-10-19T06:38:00.000-07:00

If I had influence with the good fairy who is supposed to preside over the christening of all children, I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life.

-Rachel Carson

Have an incredible week everyone....Lots of exciting things on the horizon here at Tacey Photography!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY {LOVE}

2009-10-14T08:06:00.000-07:00

EASY-PEASY {KELOWNA CHILDREN & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2009-10-13T07:15:00.000-07:00

Easy peasy....That's how she makes it all look.

Two small children? No problem.
Husband with a demanding work schedule? No problem.
Balancing career and children? You guessed it. No problem.

Easy peasy.

D. I adore you and your beautiful family.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to capture your family. It was an absolute pleasure.

Here are a few photos to tide you over....

Happy Tuesday everyone!

LITTLE GIFTS {KELOWNA CHILDREN & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2009-10-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

Sitting here, in the quiet of the night, simply perusing the multiple blogs I follow....I'm feeling rather grateful...So, tonight, I'm going to blog about blogs....Many of you will totally appreciate what I'm saying, and others will simply conclude I have too much time on my hands...

Regardless....

Every evening, after the kiddos are asleep, I look forward to this time and await each page with anticipation...Often I'm amused, daily I'm inspired, frequently I'm moved to tears....and on occasion, I'm forever changed....(like the first time I watched a birthing video by Pinkle Toes).

I love what this new world is offering me.
I love the community that I am now a part of....even if it is 'virtual'.
I love the stories.
I love the passion.
I love the artistry.
I love the love.

Each day is full of little gifts.

To those photographers out there who take their precious time to blog, and by doing so, share their heart, their wisdom, their talent, and their tricks-of-the-trade.....

THANK YOU.

Thank you JinkyArt.
Thank you Charla.
Thank you MeRa.
Thank you Pinkle Toes.
Thank you Rita from CoffeeShop.
Thank you Ree from Pioneer Woman
Thank you Tara Whitney.

Oh, and last, but certainly not least, my new bff (remember, she emailed me) thank you Ms. Jasmine Starr.

Thank you all for doing what you all do...Your efforts inspire and motivate me. Plugging into your blogs gives me a sense of belonging in a world that doesn't always make sense....

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Me?

Well, I'm just an aspiring photographer sharing my journey with the world....For now, that's my contribution to the greater blogging world...Maybe (hopefully) one day I'll be the one passing along glorious nuggets of photographic wisdom to others like me...

Until then, how's about a photo?

You see, we all cherish different things, yet hold them dear all the same...

It's Thanksgiving. Let us give thanks for all our gifts...big and small...

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2009-10-06T20:50:00.000-07:00

PERSPECTIVE MATTERS

2009-10-04T19:39:00.001-07:00

Sometimes, especially on days like today, you really have to take a step back and see things from a greater perspective...Trust me, no matter who you are, regardless of the situation you are in, I guarantee you, it will do you good.

Right now, all I want to do is pout and rant about how much arthritis sucks. It does. Badly. So much so, that right now, I'd rather get a Brazilian bikini wax than walk over to read my son a good night story...That's how much it hurts right now....Crazy, I know...

But this morning in the paper I read one of my favorite weekly columns, 'Focus on Faith', by one of my favorite local Pastors, Tim Schroeder. Tim's article was titled, "I want to be the person who sees the good in life and accentuates the positive". Yeah, the title's kinda wordy, but, hey, this man has a lot to say....

Tim starts his column with the fact that there is so much focus on negativity in our society lately....The HST, our new HOV lane, and H1N1....the list goes on and on, and that's just for Kelowna!!!

Tim decides, consciously, to itemize a list of things that he is currently grateful for. Tim goes on to list our new hospice, his fortune to go unnoticed by two bears on his morning trail run, H1N1 vaccines, and Skype-as his daughter is currently in China, but they can Skype anytime....

So much to be grateful for, especially in a time when our worldly neighbours are suffering so greatly.

Sure, today I was frustrated by my incredible surge in pain and my sudden inability to walk without excruciating pain. I was so frustrated to not be able to frolic in the leaves with my husband and son on a magnificent fall afternoon....But....

Just when the 'poor me' syndrome started to kick in, I thought of Tim's article, and another article I read this morning about a Samoan mother who survived the recent deadly earthquakes, but tragically lost the grip of her 6 year old daughter in the following tsunami....

Come on Tacey, I realized...Give your head a shake...Grab some perspective and thank your lucky stars that your biggest complaint is the pain in your body....Thank God it's not in your heart...

Yes, perspective matters....It always has, and it always will...

Go have yourself a great week, focus on the positive, don't get sucked into the negativity out there....

Here's just one of my reasons to be grateful....

What are some of yours????

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2009-09-29T21:20:00.000-07:00