“Our wounds are often the openings into the [BEST] and most [BEAUTIFUL] part of us.”

I have had the unique privilege of walking alongside a family that has suffered the deep despair of losing a child.  Although some time has passed, the wounds are fresh and the grief is still very near the surface.  At the same family reunion as I posted in my previous post, (the first without their beautiful son, C.), we spent some time together capturing their family and honouring the memory of the one who is so deeply missed…

quote credit: David Richo

"[FAMILY] - like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions, but our roots remain as one."

My brother and his wife belong to a lovely large family and in August I had a quick session with the entire bunch of them while they were all together for a family reunion.  Such great fun! And, so worth the effort for the lasting memory now captured on "film"!

quote credit: unknown

"A [HERO] is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles…"

My father in law recently retired as a well-respected fire captain and I had the privilege of spending an hour with him and his crew capturing some photo mementos of his career.  Here are a few of my favourites!

quote credit: Christopher Reeve

"a new [BABY] is like the beginning of all things…"

Photographing babies is always a challenge, but how wonderful it is to capture a sweet and precious new life!  Warm hands, a few fun props and a lot of patience goes a long way to getting shots like these:

quote credit: Eda J. LeShan

"Having somewhere to go is [HOME], having someone to love is [FAMILY], having both is a [BLESSING]"

Two days before the flood hit High River, I spent a wonderful evening with the amazing and lovely C. family at Sheppard Park - which sadly was very badly damaged only a short time later, as well as the home of these fine folks.  Through it all, what is truly apparent is that even though material possessions perish in flood waters, the sense of home and family only gets stronger.  One realizes that real blessings don't come in boxes and aren't purchased at any store - they are much more than that!

Here are a few of my faves from the session:

quote credit: unknown

"Grow old along with me, the [BEST] is yet to be…"

This beautiful couple got married this past October, and I had the privilege of being the photographer for their special day (pics to come!).  Back in June, we spent a beautiful evening at Fish Creek Park capturing some engagement photos:

quote credit: Robert Browning

"Hold a TRUE [friend] with both your hands…"

This quote has always brought to mind my kindred spirit friend, K.  She has been my best friend since grade 5 and every time we are lucky enough to be together, it is wonderful!

I had the privilege of spending time with her and her beautiful family in April, shortly after the birth of their 3rd child.  I spent a bit of time photographing baby I. and the rest of the A. family while I was there.  Here are my faves:

quote credit: Nigerian Proverb