Quickie Vacation

I'll be away in Montreal this week and back on January 3rd. Have a stellar New Year's Eve!!

Phoooooey! I made it.

I just had a look at the date of my last post and cringed! It's been almost two months since my last entry, which makes sense because that's about when the holiday parade of clients began to roll in, and pretty much how long it's been since I've had a nap!

I decided to take on this holiday season on my own, which was quite a monstrous task. It was non-stop with shoots and orders and holiday cards right up until just a couple of days before Christmas, and I'm just recuperating from the whirlwind now and headed to Montreal for a few days of rest and to ring in the New Year.

It was difficult and exhausting, but these past months have been rewarding in so many ways. I've said it once and I'll say it again; there's no better way to be overworked than to be swimming in a sea of baby faces! I didn't sleep much in December but when I was awake, I was smiling.

I'm looking forward to the New Year and to seeing these babies grow and these families evolve. I'm definitely looking forward to reuniting with the blog and getting back to writing about my experiences with families; it's always been a little something I really enjoy doing. There were so many stars that deserve an appearance on here; if I somehow catch up enough to scroll through the archives I'll definitely post a few up in the next weeks, along with those I meet in January.

Thank you all so much for your support and for the hand you play in assuring my success at capturing your children and families. My heart is truly full with the trust you instill in me in creating these timeless pieces that will be exchanged for generations. I'm honored to play that part in the history of your families.

Warmest wishes to all of you, and here's to hoping your holiday season was full of good cheer... Stay tuned, we'll chat in the New Year!

Meet me at The Baby & Toddler Show

I was there last year, and had such a good time I'm doing it again! Am I doing it for business or the baby parade? I can't decide anymore! I'll be at booth 548... here's what you need to know:

Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Friday November 9, 10am to 6pm
Saturday November 10, 10am to 6pm
Sunday November 11, 10am to 6pm

See you there!

Deadlines Looming

I know it's hard to think about it when we're walking around in sweaters out there, but the holidays are approaching and there are already deadlines to take into consideration.

If you're hoping to have prints, framed storyboards, canvasses and holiday cards on time for the holidays, please don't think twice about booking your session as soon as you can get your hands on that phone. I'm booking up quickly and I'll hate to have to turn anyone away, though eventually it's bound to happen. Here are some important dates to keep in mind when planning your holiday shopping with me.

First, please remember that it takes a minimum of 3 weeks to receive your album & prints from the date of your session. Keep that in mind when booking.

Here are the deadlines to follow in order to receive your prints & gifts before December 20th;

Prints & DVD's: December 10th
Holiday Cards: (take 10 days to be ready... if you want them in early December, plan ahead!)
Canvasses: December 5th
Framed Storyboards: December 1st

I've Been a Bad, Bad Blogger!

What can I possibly say to excuse myself? My non-blogging ways this past month have cast a giant cloud of guilt over my head. I've been terribly busy shooting, getting organized for the Fall (and pre-holiday) season, coming up with new ideas & lovely thingies to offer my clients and at the end of it all, trying to have a personal life. You know, I don't have kids yet, but I jumped into this business imagining that this would be a perfect way for me to be a stay-at-home mom while holding my own as a successful entrepreneur. I think I may have misconstrued how consuming my work would be! I can't complain, though; when I am up to my head in work, I'm still always smiling from ear to ear because I get to spend my days either with or looking at lovely little creatures that always keep life interesting.

With all that said, I do feel guilty for having been so quiet on the blogfront lately. I'm going to try to be better in the next weeks about keeping you all posted on what's going on at the studio. I unfortunately can't find the time to blog about every client I saw in the past month, but here are glimpses at some of my favorite moments (not to say they weren't all great experiences, of course).



Pugs have become a popular addition to family photos lately! I met this little one back at Natasha & Raffi's maternity shoot. She came back for a family photo when Anya was born but we were a little too afraid to take a chance and try our hand at photos of the newborn with the puppy. However, Leah decided to hop up on the futon to kiss little Anya's head in a split second and before Natasha had a chance to get her away, I got to snap this shot of the two together.



I met this little guy's parents when they were pregnant with him and it was lovely to meet him. I love this photo because the little fists just kill me... such a baby move to be boxing in their sleep!





I was really thrilled with the results of my session with Charleigh, not only because she's a gorgeous little girl that photographed beautifully, but because I was told that she was a very shy little cookie and is usually difficult to photograph. I find it so rewarding to be able to introduce a kinder & friendlier approach to portraiture to little children that can often be intimidated by the process.




My session with Regina's angels was a dream. Both of these kids had really sweet & quirky personalities that made them a joy to photograph. I got some of my favorite beach shots ever from this session, including what has to be my most favorite baby-drama shot EVER.



I never feel anything short of excitement when I get to photograph a brand new little baby; especially when I've already met the family during a maternity session. I was really happy to be able to capture Kate and the bonds that were growing in her family. Seeing toddlers with babies is always a weakness of mine!



Alright, that's it for now but I'll do my best to stay on the blog train to keep you posted on who's been in my viewfinder lately. I hope you're all well, swooshing through those Fall leaves and thinking about the holidays!

Alive & Kicking

I can't believe it's already been two weeks since I've posted! I managed to get away for a long weekend this summer but now I'm finding myself swimming through the weeds, trying to find my way out.

I'm not going to lie, I'm not a neatly organized artist (though my office & studio may claim otherwise!) My challenge this year has definitely been the orchestration of a system to keep this business running smoothly. I'm also working on a new website that will offer a few handy items to make both mine & my clients' lives easier. Together, Operation Get-Organized + Operation New-Website have had me quite tangled up in a web I'm slowly conquering.

In the end, the goal is to be ready for the Fall when I'm sure many of you will be coming in to get your holiday cards on time for the season, while I try to sustain some form of a personal & social life as well! With all the changes progressing in the next couple of weeks, the forecast is bright & promising.

So stay tuned in the next two weeks, there will be alot of swank changes at Portraits by Josee. For those subscribed to the sadly neglected newsletter, you'll be the first to be updated on all the new goings on very soon!

As an aside, if you haven't seen the movie "Across the Universe", you simply must! It was by far one of the most gorgeous, interesting & moving films I've seen.

J.

The Difference Trust Makes

I had another afternoon at the beach today, this time with two little dolls named Dylan and Maeve with eyes bluer than the sea. (Well okay, more like Lake Ontario today... but were we at the sea, I do believe these eyes could compete!)

Sometimes it takes a little bit more for kids to warm up... I'm by no means a child-whisperer! But today I think is a great example of how things might be different when you come to me for your child portraiture, as opposed to most commercial studios. The time I invest in getting to know your children, and in letting them take the time to come out of their little shells is what really makes the difference. I don't think anyone who spends less than half an hour with a child can really get near the surface of who they are.

Here's a visual example of the difference between a Maeve that isn't quite yet trusting, and who, finally, is....



I'm looking for more than just a beautiful photograph of your child when I'm working. I'm looking for honesty, and truth... I don't ask your child to smile, I find ways to bring that smile out instead, and I'm sure to capture every little expression that comes along the way. I want them to enjoy their experience as much as I do, and I like to have them remember me as a friend.

Here are a few of my favorite photographs of Maeve and Dylan; enjoy your sneak peek, Alison!

Water Baby

Well, the clothed part of my session with Samantha lasted about three and a half minutes. Then off came the clothes and in came a droopy lake-diaper because this little sweetheart was completely infatuated with the water. I had a great time at this beach session... this is my third session with Lisa & Greg, and they only seem to get better & better! I'm having a wonderful time documenting the growth of this family. Here are a few of my favorites from our session this Sunday!

Where did the summer go?

I've been taking a little time off these past few weeks to catch up on some paper work and get ready for the Fall. Apart from the old Blog, I've also been neglecting my newsletter, so appologies to those of you who have been expecting news this summer. Ironically, there are many news now, but it'll just make the Fall newsletter that much more interesting!

I've got a brand new set of birth announcements and holiday cards (yes, holiday cards... I know it sounds painfully early to be talking about those, but the truth is that Fall is sneaking up on us and it's almost time to be sure you book your session on time to get those back on time for the holidays!)

I'm also working on a new website... the current one hasn't failed me, but the new one will have features that will make mine and possibly my potential & current client's lives a little easier.

Aside from updating you on the goings on at Portraits by Josee, I also just wanted to post something to say how happy & humbled I am to be doing what I'm doing today for a living. I've only been in business for a little over two years, and I still sometimes have to pinch myself to believe I'm living this dream. I think it's important you all know that when I hear your wonderful comments, when you share your life stories with me, when I get hugs from your kids and I see your tears of joy when you see your children in my work, I am fantastically glad to have been chosen to be your family photographer.

Romantic Pregnancy

When I first met Patricia & Ramadam they were a bit shy & nervous, but that only lasted a few moments... During our session they let me get to know the couple they are, which was warm, loving & affectionate. I really loved photographing them; they gave me a romantic perspective on pregnancy that I hope to live myself one day.

A brand new family

I loooove the energy that trails in with first-time parents and their new little babies. I saw Rex & Constance today with their little prince, and the room was full of love! The last time I saw this little cookie, he was hiding in his mum's belly... it was great to finally make his acquaintance. Here he is!

Nicole + Perry = Two Little Gems

I met & fell in love with Nicole's family when Parker was a wee lil' baby, and got to see him again all grown up with his baby sister Charlotte last week. This hour was pretty much everything I hope for everytime I have a session with a baby & a toddler; warm, fun, and full of gorgeous moments to capture.

Double Trouble!

Okay that's a bit of a fib; Zachary & Jordan were nowhere near trouble... I was just looking for a clever twin headline. These two were actually alot of fun, and both had such unique distinct personalities... it always surprises me to come upon that in twins, since you'd think that two little ones born under the same sign might be very much alike! Jordan was a bit shy, and Zachary had enough party in him for the whole family!

Now that's a princess!

How could Denise & Danny's little princess be any cuter?



Well, add a Burberry dress. And a cupcake. And a flower.







I know, I know.... I'm not usually crazy about props. But sometimes, you've just got to!

Princess Giada

I met this cute little button just a few days ago, and had a lot of fun with her parents, too! What can I say about newborn baby girls that hasn't been said already? My heart is just full when I work with them. They're like pretty little flowers, only (I'm sure) much sweeter to cuddle with!

Smitten with Sophie

Sophie. Oh, Sophie! She was like a little poem of a baby. So lovely, and so pretty. Her almond eyes with those long wispy bangs were a recipe that completely stole my heart. See what I'm talking about...

Pretty Susanne

I actually debated on whether to post a few shots from my session with Susanne because it's almost unfair to be as gorgeous as she is while very pregnant! I don't want to make anyone envious, or feel like they need to look like Susanne to capture this special time in their lives. But the photos are so great... I just had to!

One Photogenic Family

When Denise showed up on my doorstep with her husband & little guy, I thought: "Holy Moly! What a good looking family!" People must look at my website and wonder where I get all these pretty people. I'm just one lucky girl! Here's a peek at my session with Denise and her family.







I just loooove these baby-drama shots. Aren't they just hilarious??