photocreationstz.com: the blog

Share the love / Partageons l'amour

2012-02-14T00:16:00.002-05:00

Valentine's day is here. And so is a surprise Valentine's Day giveaway.

Enter to win a $50 gift certificate for Tanya Zaleski Photocreations.

How to enter? so easy.

First) Follow my blog. (Google Friends Connect)

Last) Comment on this blog post.

Enter by 11:59 p.m. EST February 15th, 2012. Winner will be selected at random and announced on this blog Thursday, February 16th, 2012.

****************
Participez et courrez la chance de gagner un certificat cadeau de 50$ pour Photocréations Tanya Zaleski.

Comment participer? Façile comme tout.

de un) Suivez mon blog (Google Friends Connect)

et de deux) Laissez un commentaire ici-bas.

Soummettez votre participation avant 23h59, le 15 février, 2012. Le gagnant sera choisi au hasard et annoncé sur ce blog jeudi, le 16 février, 2012

Good luckl! Bonne chance!.

I heart spring - Montreal's South Shore children's photographer

2012-02-13T02:30:00.001-05:00

Just an update. We are still anxiously awaiting spring around here.

(We'd take rain over glacial winds any day.) How are you all faring as winter's end promises to be just around the corner?

A party for 2

2012-02-09T15:08:00.002-05:00

A movie party, complete with popcorn, for these 2 little ladies. And no, Indi, you don't seem to be invited.

Indi was invited to the after-party, though.

And, yes, he is licking the butter out from under their dainty little fingernails.

linking up to The Paper Mama.

Sneak peek(ing baby) - Montreal's South Shore Newborn Photographer

2012-02-09T02:00:00.002-05:00

Lookie who I got to meet yesterday...

Just dozing off, showing the world his baby blues. I could not wait to share.

More to come. Promise.

Wordless Wednesday #2 - Montreal's South Shore child photographer

2012-02-08T01:00:00.007-05:00

Pinteresting #4 - Wordses

2012-02-07T14:47:00.001-05:00

Pinterest. Don't try to tell me it's only pictures.

Here are a few words I really liked.

So six months ago - Montreal's South Shore couples photographer

2012-02-04T17:06:00.006-05:00

(Other possible titles for this post are Know thyself and Introducing my new watermark.)

My amazing friends renewed their vows last summer. (*sigh* I miss summer.)

I decided a while back that, though I loved shooting weddings, they just weren't a job for me. Reason stated: that's alot of photos from one day to sift through and edit.

I'm the girl who likes projects that can be finished in one sitting. I'll paint acrylic over oil on canvas any day...the waiting to dry alone drives me mad.

Right. Thus the Know thyself bit.

So in keeping with all that, here are images from that day, 6 months later. Life lesson: True friends love you even if it takes you 6 months to edit their photos.

You may have seen that last shot before from a previous post. Only, check out the new watermark. (Mmm...coffee...)

Here's to happily ever after.

Wordless Wednesday #1 - Montreal's South Shore family photographer

2012-02-01T00:00:00.005-05:00

Facebook Timeline Covers - Montreal's South Shore photographer

2012-01-31T23:25:00.003-05:00

Facebook's what-now hoozits?

If you have switched over to the new Facebook Timeline (more deets here), you'll have noticed the fab place to show off a photo: the Cover.

Here's some exciting news for all my 2011 clients.

Custom Facebook Covers using pics from your session. Here's a peek...

Want one? Just ask. No charge. I just love ya.

Silly mugs - Montreal's South Shore children's photographer

2012-01-30T13:27:00.004-05:00

Hello Monday. Sometimes that extra coffee doesn't help me embrace you fully. That's when I launch Plan B.

Add a little silly.

And if none of those works, here's my no-fail solution...

Pinteresting #3 - T-shirts

2012-01-30T01:05:00.002-05:00

Something about t-shirt fabric (AKA jersey). Stretchy. Cozy. And easy to re-purpose.

So with the planet being overpopulated with (typically unflattering) t-shirts, it's a good thing I can catalog all my fave t-shirt upcycle projects on Pinterest.

Adding to this board regularly, like the one for the produce bag. See you there!

More editing with Corel PSP - Montreal's South Shore photographer

2012-01-26T14:16:00.005-05:00

We established way back when that I have a dirty little secret.

And judging by the amount of hits that post got, many of you found it helpful, or at least interesting.

This time I'll jump right from an image straight out of camera (SOOC) to the finished product in colour, then walk you through one of my methods for going monochrome.

So here goes.

I knew I wanted to get rid of some background elements. I wasn't wild about the framing once I did that, so I fixed that. And as always, I adjusted the skin, and tweaked overall colour and contrast.

So happy with the end result.

I don't always take the finished product in colour and pop it into monochrome, but in this case, I felt it worked well. (And if it does work, what a time-saver to boot.)

I threw it into black & white, watching not to clarify it too much.

Curves...

I pasted one of my filters as a new layer and adjusted the opacity to 20%.

If you don't make your own actions/filters/whatever-you-wanna-call-them, you can buy them online from endless sources. Many will claim these are Photoshop and Lightroom actions, but if you can find out whether they simply provide you with the JPEG version of the action, you'll be able to apply this technique for your own work.

Under Layers >> New Mask Layer, click From Image...

Select Source Luminance and click OK.

And there it was, my monochrome version.

Hope you found something you can use in there. Thanks for stopping by!

The big sister role - Montreal's South Shore photographer

2012-01-24T21:17:00.001-05:00

You know what I mean...

Vision - Montreal's South Shore photographer

2012-01-21T18:20:00.003-05:00

This past autumn, an everyday supermom contacted me. She knew just what she wanted.

"A great big panoramic image of my 3 kids and me. Just our faces. I want to frame it and place it in our entryway."

These requests are sometimes a little tricky. The client has a relatively clear picture of what she wants me to help her achieve. There's a chance that our shared words are not conveying to one another the images dancing through our respective heads.

But the best thing happened. She trusted my artistic vision.

And I captured this:

So that we could create something like this:

When mom's happy, everyone's happy.

Pinteresting #2 - Yellow

2012-01-20T16:41:00.001-05:00

I. Love. Yellow.

(Yes, "love" is one of those overused words. I am fully aware. But as far as colours go...)

And as I browse the rows and rows of images on Pinterest, some yellow things are just worth remembering. So I pin them. You know, so that I don't forget them.

(Is it wrong that I'm blogging about Pinterest and Yellow whilst my daughter is asking for a snack?)

So have you seen my board all about yellow yet? Here's a sneak. (But you can follow it here.)

Exposing myself to things that inspire me visually keeps my creativity flowing; keeps things from getting stale.

(Speaking of stale, my kid just found her own snack: a half eaten candy cane.)

Before & after baby - Montreal's South Shore newborn photographer

2012-01-16T10:00:00.007-05:00

Very fond of my brand-new wool cocoon which I used for the first time with this cute brand-new baby. Thanks also to the clients' monochromatic textured bedding and tufted headboard, I loved this series of shots even before any edits.

Lovin' it even more after working on it some. And here's another fave from this series of shots...

I have a sudden urge to go snuggle something.

Tête à tête - Montreal's South Shore photographer

2012-01-13T13:38:00.002-05:00

Just a few of the professional head-shots I've had the pleasure...

The camera loves them, even though many of them hate being on that side of the camera (hey, just like me!). So the goal is always to set a very relaxed mood. Admittedly, there is perhaps too much giggling and chuckling going on during what is supposed to be a very serious activity.

After all, I use essentially the same methods on toddlers as I do on business-people. (Except for the animal sounds.)

Pinteresting #1

2012-01-07T19:30:00.003-05:00

Have you heard of Pinterest.com?

If you're visual, you'll soon find yourself fondly addicted to this site. A-dicted.

Thanks to Pinterest, today I've been amassing inspiration for mostly newborn props I'd like to make or otherwise get my hands on.

A taste?

And of course, a beanbag of burlap...

You can follow this board on Pinterest and see all my proppy musings.

Happy weekend!

What I couldn't show off - Montreal's South Shore photographer

2011-12-28T00:16:00.001-05:00

What I couldn't show off until now, that is.

My sister's smoochable kiddies and my very own, all geared up for a photo session especially for Grandma. (AKA Kamou. Long story.)

And Kamou? Driven to tears on Christmas day. Swoosh!

Reruns - Some fave posts from 2011

2011-12-27T11:38:00.003-05:00

Looking back on 2011 through the lens of my blog, I can attest to the following truth: Chronicling moments gives us the ability to freeze time. 2011 doesn't seem as though it flew by as with other years past. I cannot sincerely exclaim, "Where did the year go?"

Score one more point for the power of blogging.

And just in case you missed some of these, here are a collection of my favorite moments.

1) Sleepiest newborn session of 2011...

2) My niece turns 2...

3) My fave maternity session of the year...

4) Best moment with my daughter...

5) Tough call... Fave session of 2011...

Hope you enjoyed.

Counting the days to 2012...

Tender and mild - Montreal's South Shore newborn photographer

2011-12-22T14:18:00.001-05:00

Just 8 days old, and already getting her festivities on like nobody's business.

Christmas cutie - Montreal's South Shore photographer

2011-12-21T12:58:00.003-05:00

Cute Christmas baby pics are like Christmas sugar cookies. You always find yourself saying, "OK, one more!"

So here's just one more...

Double the cute - Montreal's South Shore family photographer

2011-12-20T11:45:00.003-05:00

Several years ago, I photographed these twin sweetlings just before their very first Christmas. Back then, they were wobbly little mites. How they've grown!

Still sweet, though.

Perhaps even sweeter than ever.

Handmade Christmas, week 10 - Some fun sit-down keepsakes

2011-12-19T11:33:00.002-05:00

I love handprint kiddie art.

Handprint. Fingerprint. Footprint. I love 'em all.

Here is the last installment of my Handmade Christmas Series. And a little something just for you and the crafty kidlets in your home. Fingerprinting trees.

We made a playdate out of this festive activity. Using only washable red and green paints, and a bare tree printed onto card stock (template provided below), we all rolled up our sleeves and got down to it.

We needed to kill some time as the red paint dried. Nothing a friendly game of hide-and-seek could't quench.

Time now to add the green...

Each one a perfect keepsake. My daughter's looks great in a frame.

And if you're up for this craft less than a week to Christmas, I'm giving you all the image we used for our tree. Enjoy!

(To use, right click "open in new tab" and zoom in. Then right click "save image as" ... That way, no matter the system you're using, you'll be sure to save the highest resolution version of this image.)

More highlights - Montreal's South Shore photographer

2011-12-16T11:55:00.001-05:00

Remember the Holiday miniSessions? Well, here are some peeks...

Love my $3 wheelbarrow. (What a garage sale find.) More than that, love me a baby sitting in mini wheelbarrow.

Here she is again...

Edible.

Some fave fam fotos of 2011 - Montreal's South Shore family photographer

2011-12-15T10:26:00.003-05:00

Just to name a few.

Thinking a gift of a family photo may please someone on your list this Christmas? There's still time to pick up gift certificates at a savings. (Hey, you can always book your session for when the grass is green and the sun is shining.) Check out the details here.

Handmade Christmas: Almost all wrapped up!

2011-12-13T10:06:00.003-05:00

Week 9. Can you believe it? Christmas is practically here! No matter how early I start planning, it always does seem to come up out of nowhere.

We've been running ourselves ragged around here drinking mulled cider, zapping channels for the best pre-bedtime Holiday movie...generally keeping busy with all things Christmas.

Last weekend, we busied ourselves making wrapping paper. I love the look of brown kraft paper. Add a little white and red, and I'm swooning. My six year old was a willing recruit to help make this dream a reality.

Off to the dollar store to get us some brown kraft paper, and we came across some foam stampers in a Christmassy theme. "Wonderful," I thought to myself, "I was thinking I'd be carving potatoes, but this is just the time saving trick I need for wrapping paper 101." Perhaps we'll do potato stamps next year.

The dining room was converted into a makeshift workshop, and off we went...

A little glitter every few noses. Why not?

Never satisfied with just one kind of anything (least of all wrapping paper), we switched gears. Using a rolling stamp, I covered the paper in these charming little homes. And everyone got colouring.

No need to colour every house. And no need to make them perfect. Though daddy did get into it pretty good. Wouldn't you love to live in this 2 dimensional darling of a decked out house?

(That would explain why it took dear old dad an hour to colour 6 houses.)

And it wouldn't be Christmas paper without a light dusting of snow...

Dream come true.

This was the epitome of a whole-family crafting experience. I dare say that, if your kiddies are old enough to get a little paint on them, they're old enough to help out on this one. As for us, we've found a new annual tradition, no question.

i-ball - Montreal's South Shore photographer

2011-12-12T00:54:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago I did a quick tut on my basic paint Shop Pro editing process. Response was great, and it's still one of my most visited posts.

I've since noticed that there is relatively little out there in the way of Corel Paint Shop Pro tutorials. That' really too bad. It's a great little program that can do a whole lot.

So here's a real quickie on how I go about editing eyes. Even if you use another editing software, this may prove helpful to you.

For the tutorial, I want to go all out and make the before and after pretty dramatic for you. I'm therefore using an image where we only see one eye. 2 eyes is trickier. Add or take away too much, and you have suddenly given someone deux yeux dans l'même trou, as we say in French. So when editing a standard 2-eyes portrait, be sure to take 'er easy.

We'll start with this image:

Zooming in, I select my dodge tool and size it appropriately, keeping my opacity under 20. I usually work with a hardness of 0 to 10 for this.

I not only dodge the light spots in the eye, but I will dodge the white of the eye itself, which makes a big difference. Again, I'm able to go all out here since I only have the one eye to consider, so this edit is a little more evident.

Next, I switch to the burn tool. I size it a little more finely and again keep my opacity low.

I'll burn the dark line around the iris, the shadow just under the top eyelid, and sometimes I'll darken the lashes.

The eyes look larger and have really secured their place as the focal point of the image. But because light usually refracts off our eyes as hard (and not soft and vapourous), I still have one more step.

I'll select my sharpen tool. I usually size it so that the extremities of the brush reach to both the top and bottom eyelids.

Using single dabs, I slowly sharpen, being careful not to touch the skin and not get too grainy.

And done.

Here's the final result of this little guy:

Hope you got something out of that one!

Holiday hullabaloo - Montreal's South Shore photographer

2011-12-08T19:18:00.001-05:00

Okay, Okay. No actual hullabaloo. But I was desperate for a snappy post title in a hurry. (I write this between supper and homework with the kid-o.)

As promised, details on the Holiday Gift Certificate Promo. (Voir Français plus bas.)

What seems to be an annual tradition is here again. Starting today, gift certificates for tanya Zaleski Photocreations are available at 10% off their face value. In other words, want $100 in certificates? Pay $90. Certificates do not expire, and can be applied to all photo sessions or image costs. Certificates purchased during this promotional period can be used as of January 2012. This offer is on while a predetermined supply lasts. So just email me at info@photocreationstz.com for details on how to purchase. Transactions can even be completed online quickly and securely.

Å partir d'aujourd'hui, vous pouvez vous procurer des certificats cadeau à 10% de leur valeur actuel. Par exemple, vous désirez 100$ en certificats cadeau? Ne payez que 90$. Sans aucune date d'échéance, ils peuvent s'appliquer contre toutes sessions ou achats d'images. Les certificats achetés durant cette période de promotion peuvent êtres rachetés à partir de janvier, 2012. Disponible pour une durée limitée, pour détails ou achat, contactez-moi dès aujourd'hui à info@photocreationstz.com.

Window dressing - Montreal's South Shore photographer

2011-12-07T14:09:00.001-05:00

Little girls in frilly dresses never go out of fashion.

Neither do doting mommies.

(And despite the rain and the fact that I locked myself out of the house while trudging in and out, I'll call this a successful little session.)

Handmade Christmas homestretch

2011-12-05T13:12:00.003-05:00

That's right. 20 days left!

And week 8 of the Handmade Christmas series.

A couple of weeks ago, I was desperate for your input on advent calendar activities. Inspired by your ideas (*thanks!*), I easily filled up 24 days with something special to look forward to. My daughter charges down the stairs every morning to open up the day's note.

The actual making of the calendar, however, did not go as planned. I had started the project, all my numbers cut out, and needing just one more colour of felt, I took a trip to ye local fabric store. To my chagrin, they had a pathetic selection, and I resigned myself not to make something I didn't love. Consoling myself, I headed over to the clearance section, and found some sweet fair-isle fleece.

I asked for 2 metres -- was accorded nearly three -- and headed to the dollar store where I'd see 24 numbered mittens all strung in a row. It would have to do. But really, I'm fond of their cuteness.

I jotted the activities onto square notepaper, folded them in 4, and created a patterned facade with the help of red and green wax crayons.

So over the next few weeks, we'll be making a gingerbread house, doing kind deeds, writing letters to the grandparents, reading mini-books about the birth of Jesus, and so many more little things.

As for the fleece fabric, it will serve me for a couple of photo sessions. But before long, I'll have 2 new blankets. All's well that ends well!

Daddy-daughter daze - Montreal's South Shore photographer

2011-11-29T12:27:00.002-05:00

Is there anything sweeter?

I'm gonna go all country on you -- my friend, Shanna, would be proud -- with this little snippet of a song's lyrics:

You’re the treasure I cherish, so sparkling and bright.
You were touched by the holy and beautiful light.
Like angels that sing, a heavenly thing.
And you’re daddy’s little girl. ~The Mills Brothers

Handmade, part 7: How sweet it is!

2011-11-28T14:22:00.004-05:00

A cookie exchange. One of those look-forward-to moments of the holiday season. I had to get my bake on. Except I'm not much of a baker. It's not that my creations don't turn out, but I'm far outshone by my mom. That's one bar that was set mighty high.

No fail recipe to the rescue. Rachel Ray's Five-Minute Fudge Wreath. I've been making this for a few years now, at least one wreath per Christmas. But I don't think I've ever made it just like she lays it out. I'm always throwing in a twist. This time: Sweet n' Salty Fudge. (And not in the form of a wreath.)

Ingredients:
1 bag (12 oz) semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 bag (8-9 oz) butterscotch chips
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups very salty pretzels, broken into small pcs.; not crushed
Kosher salt or Fleur de Sel, for topping

Method:
Line bread loaf pan with wax or parchment paper, allowing ends of paper to stick out a couple of inches on either of the longer sides. Later, you will need these sides to easily remove the fudge from the pan.

In a double boiler, melt chocolate and butterscotch chips. When just melted, add entire can of condensed milk and stir. Add pretzels and stir to combine. Remove from heat and immediately pour mixture into lined bread pan.

Using a rubber spatula, evenly spread the fudge mixture into the pan. The fudge begins to set quickly, so you will want to move fast.

With a new clean rubber spatula in hand, begin to sprinkle salt over top of fudge, pressing it in gently with the spatula.

Cover with plastic wrap or foil. Let cool and set completely in refrigerator for several hours. Typically, I leave it overnight. Can be made up to a week prior. No kiddin'.

Having this time used a bread loaf pan, I sliced it into 9 equal parts (for my 9 fellow cookie exchangers), slipped each portion into a sandwich bag, and cello-wrapped it up. Those pieces may look a little small, but a little of this stuff goes a long way.

The base ingredients for this fudge are always the same. The 2 chips and the condensed milk. I've never attempted white chocolate and such, though I know some have tried it. In the past, I've loved the following additions:

- Cranberry and orange extract
- Crushed peppermint and peppermint extract
- Oreo chunks
- Peanuts, rice krispies, and SKOR bits

And I usually do make it in the form of a wreath. Mind you, the plastic food wrap (as instructed in Rachel Ray's version) proved to be a nightmare for me the first time out of the blocks, so I now stick to wax or parchment paper to line the pans and cans.

As Ms. Ray would say: "Yum-o!"

Could it be? Handmade Christmas, part six

2011-11-21T17:52:00.001-05:00

Could it be? A post with no picture? From, of all blogs, a primarily all-things-photo blog?

Well, it's week 6 of my Handmade Christmas series.

Funny thing about Christmas: So may things are a secret. And funny thing about handmade: So many things are halfway done.

(I could post about this great ruffle scarf I just knitted myself. But it wouldn't really be in keeping with the spirit of giving, unless that includes giving to myself of course.)

One halfway project I've got going is the aforementioned advent calendar. And I could use your help, truth be told. I'll have my little darling draw out a card each day, each with a special activity for the day. Some as simple as "Unwrap a book for us to read together." (I have 5 of those planned.) I also snagged Miracle on 34th Street from the $5 movie bin at the big W. I'm thinking a nighttime drive to look at the lights would be fun...but I know I don't have 24 great yet simple ideas. that's where your input could come in handy.

So I'd love some comments here. A brainstorming session, if you will. You have no idea how grateful I'd be.

Meanwhile, I'm off to pack for a short stead in the Laurentians. Can't wait to read all your great ideas when I get back!

A-tisket, a-tasket - Montreal's South Shore newborn photographer

2011-11-19T14:52:00.003-05:00

A newborn in a basket.

I do love when this happens. Baby boy here fell asleep in this comfy pose, and was still ensconced in wicker wonderland when I was packing up my equipment to leave after the shoot. (I wonder how long he slept, finally?)

Belly lovin' - Montreal's South Shore maternity photographer

2011-11-17T00:44:00.001-05:00

I love a good first child maternity session. Especially with a sweet-as-can-be couple like this one.

It takes dedication and careful planning to hit the most perfect Saturday ever for a palette of oranges, yellows, and reds just in time for perfect baby-bump roundness.

Handmade Christmas, Stockingpalooza

2011-11-15T23:24:00.000-05:00

Make your own stockings. There's really nothing to it!

Stockings are one of the most forgiving projects you can tackle. you can make them from easy to use materials like felt and polar fleece. My friend Melissa got a little more daring here, though.

She made her family's stockings to be fully reversible (and smarty pants made 2 extra stockings for any eventual children, keeping buttons and fabric rosettes on reserve to complete the boy/girl cuteness when the time comes). She also custom ordered these fabric tags on Etsy.

When I tackled my handmade stockings, I had a couple of essentials in mind. It had to be fast, fiddle-free, and no-iron-required. My solution was to use felt, and I allowed myself to be inspired by ye old classic wool sock.

Have a hankering to make your own stockings this year? Get your creative juices flowing over at A Fanciful Twist (left) or thanks to Martha Stewart (right). Just a couple of my favorite tutorials you can find online.

The new girl in town - Montreal's South Shore newborn photographer

2011-11-14T13:25:00.002-05:00

And, yes, ten little fingers too. Just in case you were wondering. She's perfect.

Enchanting - Montreal's South Shore teen photographer

2011-11-13T00:14:00.001-05:00

Teens and tweens? Yes please.

File under: Photos I could never get with babies.

A moment of silence: 11-11-11

2011-11-11T11:39:00.000-05:00

A handmade Christmas - Part IV

2011-11-09T15:21:00.001-05:00

(Whenever moderately appropriate, I like to write four as a Roman numeral. Just to remind me of one of the many great parts of my childhood. You can catch a glimpse of it here, 4:05 into the clip.)

I can hardly believe we're almost halfway through these Handmade Christmas posts. This week, I'm featuring the fruits of a fab and fun Card Class put on by Elena from Just Me.

3 hours and 2 slices the world's best sour cream coffee cake later, I had this to show for El's guidance and my fingers-glued-together labour...

I like all of them, but my fave is definitely the 3 snowmen encouraging one another to "be merry!" My version of this card, shown above, has a familial vibe to it. But Elena's original still has me in stitches. I think it's the 3 Stooges undertone.

You can book a card class with Elena any time of year. Her Christmas card classes run each attendee $15, and she provides all the goods. (Bring your own itty-bitty scissors and glue stick.)

As for me, I'm having a hard time convincing myself to give away these cute Christmas creations.

The perfect guy - Montreal's South Shore child photographer

2011-11-07T23:54:00.001-05:00

Dreamy, stylish, and with just the right amount of mystery.

OK, so his mom picked out his clothes. And the mystery is he lost an incisor. But dreamy. No two ways about it.

Scrum-diddly-umptious - Montreal's South Shore baby photographer

2011-11-05T23:04:00.002-04:00

Redheaded, blue-eyed pile of cute. And I had him all to myself. Well, in a manner of speaking.

It's all too easy to be (wordlessly) reminded time and again that what I do is not at all possible without faces. In this instance, a milky white face often donning a somehow pouty smile.

And all these faces are only mine to relish in thanks to my treasured clients.

So thanks. Without you, there is no art.

A handmade gift for someone named M...

2011-11-04T12:13:00.001-04:00

It's week 3 of a Handmade Christmas. And I'm on to lankier projects. This leggy she-monkey, to be exact.

I've made it a rule to freehand my sock monkeys, whether on the sewing machine or (as in this case) entirely by hand. So I know only as I go what the ears and appendages will look like. Knee socks are a bit more predictable. Long.

There's definitely a theme to my hand-making, though. No patterns. There's nothing wrong with patterns. They're wonderful, actually. But they stress me out. They require perfection.

Maybe that's why my monkeys are so intentionally asymmetrical. I can hear Steve Urkel now. " I meant to do that." But really. I did.

In any case, I do hope baby M takes to her new friend.

There's no place like home - Montreal's South Shore photographer

2011-10-30T19:55:00.001-04:00

We're not big Halloweenies around here. We really don't get into the spooks and ghouls. My 6 year old barks her offence at the sight of local lawns decorated in warty witches, creepy crawlies, and bludgeoned bodies. I myself am not sure what a holiday supposedly geared towards kids trotting from door to door collecting treats has in common with the long list of what nightmares are made of.

But one thing we won't pass up is the chance for my little darling to wear a fabulous costume. (And to school, no less!) This year, Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.

Four coats of chunky glitter glue on a pair of well worn shoes are my pride and joy, aside from my daughter's beaming smile, of course. Made from what lay around the house (and my sister's house -- thanks for that blue gingham fabric, Deb) and an additional not-quite $8 in purchases, Judy Garland's got nothing on my girl.

My best advice, if you're making a costume on the cheap, is to allow yourself a little creative licence. Trying to replicate a look will make your cost add up fast. So pick up on a few essential key elements and improvise on the rest.

Then spend the money you save on the good candy. Or her college education. Whatevs.

A foxy handmade Christmas

2011-10-29T00:24:00.001-04:00

Chronicles of the handmade Christmas continue...

There's something about making a unique creation without a pattern. Perhaps it's the painter/sculptor in me. maybe it's the idea that, if I'm not following a pattern, there's no "wrong way" unless I say so.

My daughter has specifically requested I make her a fox. I could not have imagined this would be the end result. And I sort of like that. I love winging it; improvising. I got the ears just right on the first try, but it took me 5 or 6 tries to be satisfied with the tail.

By the time I'm done pouring myself into a project like this, I'm not able to be objective about how aesthetically pleasing the final product is. But I am able to vouch for the love it's stuffed with and the personality dancing behind those button eyes.

Looking at it again, I think I'm not done. I think she needs an apron. And a baby fox of her own. She has a whole mommy-vibe going on. (Maybe it's all the time we've spent together.)

Good good lovin' - Montreal's South Shore family photographer

2011-10-26T21:09:00.002-04:00

Sometimes, since a picture is worth a thousand words, I really don't have anything to add. I'm sure you'll agree, their photos say it all.

Keeping toes warm

2011-10-21T11:49:00.001-04:00

Remember these two?

Well, guess what? ONS GEAR, a wonderfully innovative Canadian company, is doing something great. For each pair of socks purchased at The InnoShop today, ONS GEAR will donate one pair of baby Stay On Socks to St. Mary's Home in Ottawa, keeping one more baby warm this Winter!

To make this even more enticing, benefit from 75% off their Stay On Socks. That's less than a buck a pair! My personal advice: call your mommy friends and do one big order to save on shipping. And don't forget what great Christmas gifts these socks will make.

Handmade Christmas, week 1

2011-10-18T14:40:00.000-04:00

Getting organized. For those slightly more ambitious (a relative term, that is) projects, start early, and plan.

A few things on my to-do list:
* At least 2 sock monkeys
* A crochet'd fox
* A velours rabbit (to be coupled with a copy of The Velveteen Rabbit)
* Hat. Details top secret.
* Salty fudge
* Gift tags for teachers' gifts

On my tentative list (that is, sounds like a big job and perhaps I've waited too long to start) is an advent calendar. Not sure of what format. There are so many great ideas out there. Stockings, clothespins, felt pouches, matchboxes. But I'm fond of this:

Friendly reminders from blogs (and bloggers) I love urge me on to get started. They're well on their way to a successful handmade holiday.

Like Elena over at JustMe. She's about done the black apple dolls for her 3 kidlets.

I have it on good authority that the post for the 3rd and final doll is not far behind.

To boot, she's started making the stack of Christmas cards she'll send out this year. Like this one. *swooning*

Elena conducts card classes on the South Shore heading into Christmas. I'll be going to a couple myself, and I'm sure she'll again wow us all with her fabulous ideas, guiding us to make cards and tags we'll have swollen heads over. Can't wait!

72 days to Christmas

2011-10-13T15:16:00.000-04:00

I'm just about done all my Christmas shopping. It's true. Even though there are 72 days left until Christmas.

That's just about 10 weeks. (Math wiz here.)

But I had promised myself to be more and more handmade each Christmas. And so, with 10 weeks to go, I have already begun the journey to more personalized gift giving.

Slipped in amongst the handmade gifts will be some festive decor. And I promise you I will share more than what I myself have made. Too overloaded with lovely inspiration to ever get it all done, it will please me to brag on how fabulous others' chef-d'oeuvres are turning out. In short, I'll share with your my creative spirit, in full bloom, going 1000 ways at once during this time of year.

For me, it will be a weekly advent calendar of sorts. A countdown to my favorite holiday by far. Hope you join me!

Where's this kid-o going? - Montreal's South Shore photographer

2011-10-06T14:45:00.001-04:00

I love the role parents play in a child's photo session. I especially love the bribery that goes on. My all time fave has to be, "I'll give you chocolate." And that didn't work (which may be partly why it's my favorite).

But this DID work. "You can play in the car for a bit."

That's his big sis pulling out the map. Ah, women are so much less impulsive. I can hear the gist of their childlike convo now: "Listen, my 3 year old brother. If you wanna take us somewhere, we should at the very least work out a route. And while we're at it, let's agree you'll pull over for directions if we get a little lost."

Garage Sale - Montreal's South Shore children's photographer

2011-10-05T15:01:00.001-04:00

I'm often a little late to post personal pics, mainly because I have so many more pressing images to edit that I rarely get around to my own.

So here we are, a month after the fact. And here's a scrumptious pic of my next door neighbour, post Slip n' Slide fun, stealing my heart with her big ol' eyes at our 2 family Labour Day garage sale.

Gnom-gnom-gnom.

Classics - Montreal's South Shore children's photographer

2011-09-29T19:29:00.002-04:00

There's a picture of my brother in our family photo album. He was about 10 years old, wearing a checked short sleeve button down and a pair of jeans. He's feeding deer. (If you're Canadian, I'm sure that, at the very least, you know someone with that same sort of pic.) Though the shot was taken over 30 years ago, it retains a certain timelessness. (OK, admittedly, his pants are pulled up a tad high.) Contrarily, bowl cuts, orange gingham pinafore dresses, and ruffle-icious ankle socks have me looking back at my childhood pics with a touch of dread and a case of the giggles.

I think there's something valuable about capturing the classics; something that's a little hard to date (and a little harder to look back on and laugh at).

And speaking of classics: blue collared tee, cargo shorts, and perfectly boyish tousles are elements I love about this little guys photos.

Not to mention "Where the Wild Things Are." If your little one doesn't have a copy of this yet, remember it while Christmas shopping for them. Timeless.

Dirty little secret - Montreal South Shore photographer

2011-09-22T00:51:00.005-04:00

Well, it could be considered a dirty little secret. While other photographers edit away using prestigious programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, I use...wait for it...Corel Paint Shop Pro. To some, it's like buying Fruity-O's and hiding it in the Fruit Loops box. Especially since I do use such lingo as "I can Photoshop that out."
But aren't we all guilty of that sort of thing, really? I mean, do you buy Scotties and then ask for the "Kleenex?" Or buy the generic cotton swabs and call them Q-Tips?
Alright, I am being a little satirical. But fact is, since I started telling the inquisitive which editing software I use, I have started getting requests for help.
So here's a start to finish edit:

Starting with this image straight out of camera (SOOC)...

I almost always start by adjusting the contrast. (Go to "Adjust", "Brightness and Contrast", "Curves.")

This image needs a bit of sharpening. I use the lasso tool and sharpen just where I need it. (To sharpen, go to "Adjust", "Sharpness", "High Pass Sharpen" to perform this with the most control.)

It's really bothering me that the hot spot on the subject's forehead is melting into the white sky. So I want to add some corn to the background behind her face. I lasso tool one portion of the corn background, and copy-past (as new layer) it over the spot where I want more corn.

Now having a spot of corn over her face, I need to do some erasing. To see what I'm doing, I always adjust the properties of my new layer, taking it to about 40%.

Erase...

And bring the layer properties back to 100%.

Now that the hot-spot isn't getting on my nerves anymore, I adjust my curves again.

I'm ready to add a bit of interest, and see where this image is taking me. i know many would wait until everything is perfect and then add some effects, but my creative process has its own order. So I duplicate my Background, and adjust the new layer properties, this time to 20%.

Heading over to "Time Machine" (under "Effect", "Photo Effects") I select the Albumen setting. Then I flatten all my layers.

Again with the lasso tool. This time, I select some of the edges of the image, and use curves to darken them. I like to frame out the subject this way.

I apply one of my own actions as a layer, and adjust the layer properties to 25%. The I create a mask layer (going to "Layers", "New Mask Layer", "From Image").

I create the mask from source luminance. (Basically, the software will decide where the bright spots are, and allow the action to do its magic specifically in those spots. Handy dandy.)

Time to clean up the skin on the face. I lasso tool where I want to smooth out the skin, and perform a digital camera noise removal. I even isolate some specific skin imperfections, allowing the program to smooth it out for me.

A little perspective adjustment. If you try to pull this off when you're overtired, it can go so wrong... Once I get it to where I want it, I crop and smudge to get it all to a 4x6 proportion again.

And done. Not to mention there'll be more form his session coming soon. It's just a snippet of one sweet couple celebrating 10 years of marriage by renewing their vows and frolicking in corn fields.

Hope that was helpful to anyone using Corel Paint Shop Pro.

Linking this post up to Show Off Your Shot, Pixel Perfect: Before and After as well as Ramblings and Photos: Shoot and Edit.

Holiday miniSessions - Montreal's South Shore Photographer

2011-09-21T13:23:00.003-04:00

Released this little teaser on Facebook yesterday evening, and was so pleasantly surprised at just how many people had been waiting for these details to come out...

So here are all the facts. Unless I left some out. ("To err is human..." and all that jazz.) So if you do have more questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at info@photocreationstz.com.

To clear up some of that fine print: miniSessions are being held October 20th and 22nd. They will last about 25 minutes each. They allow for 3 family members at a time, at the regular price. To add family members to your session (up to 6) is $5 per person. Session fees are as follows: Thursday's fee is $25, and Saturday's is $45. The fees are payable at time of booking and are non refundable. Exact session times will be established precisely as soon as all time slots are full, or 2 days prior to the session date, whichever comes first. Please do let me know your time preferences and I will work to try to please you.

I've yet to nail down the location, but I'll guarantee it's in Brossard, and I am strongly leaning towards Radisson Park again, though I do have another thought in the back of my mind...floating there.

In case of in-climate weather (ie: rain, hail, sleet, or snow) sessions will be moved to another date. Thursday sessions will be moved to Friday, and Saturday sessions will be moved to Sunday. Keep your eyes on your in-boxes. Postponements will be announced via email, as well as on Facebook.

And in case you had not noticed, this year, I'm teaming up with some amazing Montreal area work-at-home mamas (just like me!) from JustMePrints.com. They can custom create digital or handmade goodies just for you and your generous Holiday spirit. That means you can have an even cuter Christmas card than the Joneses this year. Nice!

So contact me today if you're all over this. Can't wait to hear from you!

Beach babe - Montreal's South Shore baby photographer

2011-09-17T11:08:00.001-04:00

After the c-c-c-cold week we just had (you know, considering it IS still technically summer here) this series of photos is a big ol' tease, reminding me that just a couple of weeks ago, life was all sunhats and short shorts.

*Sigh* I miss summer already...

I'm consoling myself with how cute this munchkin is and the projected forecast for next week. They're announcing above seasonal averages. I can turn the heat off in my car!

On the box, by the box, in the box - Montreal's South Shore photographer

2011-09-16T17:14:00.001-04:00

Really, I think we made good use of the box.

Mama was so nervous that the kids wouldn't smile, that they wouldn't sit still. In short, she was so worried the session would end in complete disaster. She was worried she'd have wasted my time and hers.

But it's true what they say: Children will always play with the box.

(BTW, I do have many great pics of these cuties sans box. They did amazingly well, much to mama's relief.)

My new bucket - Montreal's South Shore newborn Photographer

2011-09-15T14:21:00.002-04:00

I shoot on location. Alot. Customarily, if I'm shooting at a client's home, I suggest they gather some things together that they could use in their photo session. Timeless toys, multi-coloured pots, colourful candy, and -- in the case of newborn and baby sessions -- anything we could plop a babe into. (I know right now some of you are doing mental inventory of your house, coming up with all these great ideas of what a newborn would look cute fast asleep in.)

On this particular day, the family had on hand a galvanized bucket. "It's from our wedding. We just found it in the garage, and thought it might work." Uh, yeah! Of course it works! And while I'm at it, let me take it off your hands for a small price. Done.

So now, I am the proud owner of one perfectly sized galvanized bucket. This old wedding centerpiece has found new life as one of my fave props.

Sweet Shot, sweet tooth, sweet 16? - Montreal's South Shore photographer

2011-09-13T08:22:00.004-04:00

Found a fun blog this week during one of my occasional, aimless journeys through the web. Life With My 3 Boybarians. Hilarious play on words, right?

Every Tuesday, they conduct Sweet Shot Tuesday. And doesn't that just entice me to post more pics of my own kid alongside all my favorite photo clients.

There's a story behind this. My daughter, Evangelina, is now an expert tooth-loser, having lost a whopping 2. So when her BFF Sofia lost her very first tooth, I suppose her first thought was, "I should call Evangelina." And so she did. What ensued was an adolescentesque display of posture and finger twiddling on the phone. "When did my kid turn 16?" I though to myself. When, indeed. 16 years old and her top teeth are just starting to wiggle loose.

So here's my contribution to Sweet Shot Tuesday:

And here's one solely for your pleasure:

Also sharing this with Communal Global for Tuesdays Around the World. Thanks for stopping by!

Bédaine au soleil - Photographe Rive Sud de Montréal

2011-09-10T17:04:00.000-04:00

No bad apples here - Montreal's South Shore children's photographer

2011-09-09T11:53:00.001-04:00

I don't often get to have a boy this age all to myself. Usually, 8 year old brother is upstaged by much more boisterous and candid baby sibling. But if I'm being completely honest, I so very much wish more parents would be all about getting their older children photographed. I can offer more possibilities, more options, and give more instruction.

Big difference: mom and dad often need to stand afar off for me to get this much quirkiness out of my more mature little subject.

And imagine: all this and more in just 10 minutes. These pics were a result of the School's Out 4 Summer promotion.

Mama lion - Montreal's South Shore family photographer

2011-09-05T16:31:00.002-04:00

Whoever said it gets easier...- Montreal's South Shore photographer

2011-09-01T12:42:00.000-04:00

Whoever said it gets easier to watch your child traipse off with her class on the first day of school, well, they didn't consult with me first. I can attest that first grade did not come easier to me than kindergarten. I was all skittish, butterflies in my stomach and all. I wanted my girl to have all her questions answered. "Who will be in my class? Who will be my teacher? When will I eat my snacks? Will my headband hurt me behind my ears before the end of the day?" Once she reunited with a few friends and hugged a couple of familiar old faces, she seemed much more at ease. I, however, had to endure this...

Back at it! - Montreal's South Shore children's photographer

2011-08-31T19:37:00.002-04:00

It's bittersweet. The return to school.

As a child, I remember the elation. The air smelled of pencil shavings and new clothes. (My mother used to take us to The Bay to restock our wardrobes every August, but to no avail. By December, all my pants were again too short for me.) My thoughts were flooded with the friends I had not seen all summer, and I couldn't wait to write my name on all my duo-tangs. Sadly, summer was over. But I was pleasantly distracted. I'm assured it's all the same sort of good-news-bad-news for children today.

Have a wonderful school year, kiddies and mommas (oh, and daddies, too). Learn much, grow much, and make a difference.

Tales from the driveway - Montreal's South Shore photographer

2011-08-24T13:41:00.000-04:00

If you've never imagined yourself laying your loosely swaddled newborn down on your driveway, you and I have one less thing in common. (It's OK. I think these sorts of differences can be worked through quite easily.)

It's natural - Montreal's South Shore Photographer

2011-08-16T12:22:00.005-04:00

We're amazed by nature this summer over at our house. First, we found a tribolite fossil.

Then a bee allowed me to take his picture in mid flight. (Way.)

And just yesterday, we watched this butterfly make the transition.

It's pretty amazing. I'm happy my daughter gets to enjoy all these things with me. But as an adult, having heard about fossils, bees, and butterflies for a good portion of my life, there's always the possibility that I won't appreciate the experiences. I'll file this whole blog-post under "never stop learning" and "don't blink or you'll miss it."

So, note to self: Stay amazed.

Of power failures and Coleman's camping lanterns - Montreal's South Shore photographer

2011-08-10T16:20:00.001-04:00

A couple of weeks back, we lost power for about 8 minutes. It was 8 minutes of sheer catastrophe. Suddenly the gentle hum of every electronic device in our home came to a standstill. My daughter and niece were panic-stricken. No television. No microwave popcorn. But, you know, sometimes crisis can bring out the best in you.

We played with a Coleman camping lantern which emits this great white light. And the girls did a little dramatic posing.

Why dramatic? Well, besides the moody light, munchkins don't sit still when they're giggling. And if these two are smiling, they're giggling. Heavenly.

When the power cam back on, we shut the lights and played some more. It was shadow puppets and such for a whole afternoon.

Paper Coterie luv, and why I do the digital option - Montreal's South Shore Photographer

2011-08-09T10:26:00.000-04:00

Introducing my new love. I mean it. LOVE!

Paper Coterie is all cute all the time. Check it out!

These guys specialize in customizeable paper products, photobooks, calendars and more. And they do it like no other. Fresh, stylish, and enchanting. Downside? Shipping to Canada is a real *gulp*. (Rumor has it they'll be fixing that before the year's end...fingers crossed!)

Right now they're offering 40% off their brand new addition: the MemoryBox. Cuteness. (They're offering free shipping, too, but not to Canada. Wanh!)

We're all about keepsake boxes at my house. It's an organizational dream. "You can only keep what fits in the box" is a famous saying. OK, so the only one listening to me is my 6 year-old. But I fully expect it to catch on.

Thanks to the customizeable Memory Boxes by Paper Coterie, lookie what I whipped up for my little munchkin! All I have to do is enter "memorybox" at checkout for my 40% off. Sweet!

And that's just one of the million reasons why I insist on offering the digital versions of my pics. If you want to use images from your last photo session with me, you can! I've even included a print release letter in the DVD of images, just in case they ask. Easy AND peasy.

For minis: A miniSession - Montreal's South Shore Photographer

2011-08-05T14:25:00.000-04:00

The anxiously awaited details are here! It's a miniSession for minis!

If your child did not qualify for my previous miniSession (Shool's Out 4 Summer) then this one's for you! I'll be setting up at Radisson Park, on Radisson Ave. in Brossard, for this one. I'm feeling a bit of classic nursery rhyme this time around, but I've yet to nail it down. Perhaps some Little Miss Muffet meets Jack Be Nimble. We'll see.

To clarify, your session is booked once you have paid your $15 session fee. Payment options include Paypal and Interac e-transfer. First come, first served. Morning sessions will take place from 9 a.m to about 11 a.m. Evening sessions will run from 6 p.m. to about 8 p.m, depending on demand. You may specify your preference for either morning or evening sessions. I'll do my very bestest to accommodate.

The session fee includes your child's 15 minute session (give or take, depending on how the session flows), and within a few days, a PDF contact sheet emailed right to you, allowing you to make your selections. You will most certainly have a minimum of 10 images to choose from. $40 will cover the cost of 2 images of your choice, fully retouched of course. And you can get 10 images for $125. Additional shots offered at $10 each after that, if applicable.

Images are provided in full resolution digital format for self-printing and, as always, include a How-To print tutorial and print release letter.

Sessions are open to babies who are able to sit unassisted and children 4 and under as of September 30th, 2011. In case of rain, all sessions will be rescheduled to a later date.

For more information, or to book, contact me via email today.

Generosity

2011-08-02T11:52:00.001-04:00

We all have the opportunity to be generous. These opportunities come to us now again. And in those moments, we have a choice.

We may view these fluttering opportunities as mosquitoes, come to take from us and leave behind their mark. We may have found our favorite method of swatting them away. We keep our composure about us while delicately waving a hand to shoo them off.

Or we may view these opportunities to give as butterflies. Butterflies are not intrusive. They are lovely, and always gone too soon. We stand still, unsure exactly how to behave. We wish we could hold them, enjoying the sweet feeling they give us forever, but they are usually beyond our grasp. Maybe next time...

I prefer to think of these fly-by opportunities as honey bees. Bees mean business. They are unwelcome by those who don't understand their purpose, as children who only know but one thing: Bees sting. But a farmer will welcome the bee. A gardener will take great joy in the visit of a bee. The bee comes to take nectar. In so doing, it creates a connection from flower to flower, multiplying them and making them fruitful.

Tanya Zaleski Photocreations has been raising funds for the Canadian MPS Society this past year. Through the sale of fine art prints and note-card sets, over $300 have been raised. It is now time to bring this fundraiser to a close, and I'd like to see all the note-cards sold.

I'm therefore conducting an auction on Facebook. With 5 sets left, it would be wonderful to reach the $400 mark. These cards were originally selling for $18. Starting tomorrow morning, you can exercise your generosity and bid on the remaining cards.

And I thank you in advance for taking this opportunity to be generous for what it really is.

Field of dreams - Montreal South Shore family Photographer

2011-07-29T21:42:00.002-04:00

A breezy, perfectly overcast morning was our welcome companion for this airy, sweet family session. My lens was graced with genuine, gentle smiles and full out guffaws. And all the snuggles and giggles were sweet and uncoerced.

In short, my job all but did itself.

Sprouts in bloom - Montreal South Shore photographer

2011-07-18T16:41:00.001-04:00

Sprouting Jube Jube holds a special place in my heart. And why wouldn't it? Its inspiration? My niece, Julia. (You may have met her here. Yes, she is my model of choice.)

Guess what's new over at Sprouting Jube Jube, then? You guessed it, BLOOMERS! Or as they're known at Julia's place: Ruffle Butts.

By the way, perfect girly addition to your photo shoot.

And may I just say, the chunkier the legs, the better. (No wait, that's not just with Ruffle Butts. That's a universal rule for all toddling things.)

Jube Jube is 2 - Montreal South Shore children's photographer

2011-07-12T09:11:00.002-04:00

And on the menu? No, not Chinese food. Watermelon. Huge pieces of watermelon.

And introducing just a glimpse of my new jewel of a location in Brossard. Brightly coloured brick, graffiti, Mets Chinois...what's not to love?

Dribble. Dribble. Drool. Happy birthday, Julia.

Free is fabulous

2011-06-29T09:14:00.002-04:00

If you follow me over on my Facebook Page, you may have noticed my post a few days ago about a free offer of a 4x4 brag book from Walmart's Photo Centre.

Now, though I don't prefer to print my photos at Walmart, they do offer a wealth of fun photo products. These mini-brag books are just one example.

This free offer came to me just as my daughter is starting to learn to read. So I figured, "Why not make her a book she can read though that's about her and all the wonderful things she is?"

Here's a little of what I came up with:

The idea was to have her practice her reading while articulating all these positive affirmations. I think she'll love it, and I know it's an instant keepsake.

The final result, because of how this brag book is formatted by the photo centre, will have a black border around each image. I'd prefer without, but again, free.

As a side-note, what fun I had digging through some archived pics of my getting-bigger-every-day girl. This one made me swoon a little...

*swoon.*

Black and white vs. my B&W

2011-06-25T19:51:00.000-04:00

If you've ever ordered pics at any digital photo lab (from Walmart to Costco to Astral, etc...) you'll be familiar with the option to turn a colour photo into a black and white (or -- yikes! -- sepia) print. With the click of a button, your once full colour image takes on the novelty of an artsy monochrome art print.

If I've had the honour of conducting a photo session for you over the last 3 years, you know very well that I offer your images to you in a digital format for self-serve printing. And though I'll present to you just about all the pics in full colour (there are the rarest exceptions), I will also translate them to a form of black and white. The warmth, depth, and contrast of the monochrome image I produce will vary depending on the vibe I'm getting from the entire shoot. (It's one of those creative process things...I'm told this is normal!)

All this to say, here I'm going to show you why NOT to simply choose the black and white option when processing images I've produced for you. PLEASE let me convert your image to monochrome for you. No really, please!

When I take an image from colour to colourless, I always want to make sure to increase the contrast. Let's face it: red and blue are very different colours, but when reduced to their greyscale forms, they could be exactly the same colour. My job is to make sure everything still pops.

Adjusting the contrast to just where I want it (among other little tricks), I aim to ensure the focal point of the image doesn't get washed out with the loss of colour. In the images above, you may notice that the green grass (in the colour version) grounds the entire shot. It helps draw your eye to the sweet little family. Keeping that in there while losing the colour requires a bit of extra attention.

So, please, please...enh, you know where I'm going with this. ;)

Fancyfree - Montreal South Shore family photographer

2011-06-24T11:51:00.005-04:00

Hi, again. Yes, it's me...that same location again. And why not, right? I mean, look at me with my rustic staircase, stucco, stone, and distressed wood walls. Not to mention the big green barn-doors this family loved so much they actually coordinated their attire to match me.

Sublime.

School's Out 4 Summer 2011 - Montreal South Shore photographer

2011-06-20T23:39:00.000-04:00

It's about that time of year again. Soon, the sounds of the school bus brakes screeching down the road at 7:45 in the morning will be replaced with bouncing basketballs and slapping skipping ropes. That's right, parents. It's time to put away the pencil cases and pull out the sprinkler. School's out for summer!

And again this year, I'll be conducting miniSessions in Brossard to mark the occasion. (I'm still teetering between 2 outdoor location options.) Here are more details (click on image to view larger):

To clarify, your session is booked once you have paid your $15 session fee. Payment options include Paypal and Interac e-transfer. First come, first served. Morning sessions will take place from 9 a.m to 11:30 a.m. Evening sessions will run from 6 p.m. to about 8 p.m, depending on demand.

Images are provided in full resolution digital format for self-printing and, as always, include a How-To print tutorial and print release letter.

Sessions are open to children entering kindergarten in the fall or older. (I will be conducting miniSessions at a later date for younger children, so stay tuned!) In case of rain, all sessions will be rescheduled to a later date.

For more information, or to book, contact me via email today.

With the red shoes - Montreal South Shore photographer

2011-06-18T22:31:00.001-04:00

Wondering what colour shoes to get for your 3 year old darling?

Short answer: red. Don't pass GO. Don't collect two hundred bucks. Just get red.

Here's why.

Sugary sweet girlies - Montreal South Shore children's photographer

2011-06-16T13:55:00.001-04:00

We all know what the infamous nursery rhyme insists little girls are made of.

On this day, these particular girls were filling up on the sugar component. But honestly, I'm hard pressed to believe they actually needed it. Even before there was any mention of lollipops, there was giggling, eye-batting, nuzzling and nose-scrunching.

About gave me a toothache.

Location, location, location - Montreal South Shore family photographer

2011-06-15T18:41:00.002-04:00

I am having way too good of a time at this primo location I discovered in Brossard. Way back when, the first time I dared shoot there, I was very concerned that I was treading on private property.

Anxiety has since subsided, and I'm about 85% sure it's city-owned and relatively public. For this location, I'm all over that sort of risk.

Yes, your instinct is correct. You will be sick and tired of seeing my blog pics taken at this same location by the time summer's up. Unless it's pics of your own family, of course. No one could be sick of seeing pics of your fam. ;)

Some major mama smoochin' - Montreal South Shore photographer

2011-06-13T22:08:00.001-04:00

These little girlies are, without a doubt, mama's girls.

Too, too cute.

Raising women - Montreal South Shore photographer

2011-06-03T12:02:00.002-04:00

This mom should most definitely be proud. And, surrounded by her 2 daughters, she glows.

What a sweet Mother's Day gift to honour this mama.

Jul et Bulle: For moms, by moms

2011-05-27T14:04:00.002-04:00

If you know me a little, you know I ♥...and I mean LOVE a work-at-home-mom endeavor.

And such is Jul et Bulle. What a pleasure to shoot their lovely creations. Read on.

Mei Tai carriers designed and fabricated by these 2 talented moms. They offer a variety of patterns and colours. You should check them out on their website.

Same goes for these slings.

And the best part is that you get a quality, local, handmade product while supporting moms like you! What could be better?

Well, besides a sweetly sleeping baby, of course.

New boo - Montreal South Shore newborn Photographer

2011-05-20T22:54:00.004-04:00

Welcome, new little bundle. You have made first time parents out of one sweet couple.

L'été de la pierre

2011-05-16T21:09:00.003-04:00

I'm releasing a customizable fine art print. And on this one, you can pick any 5 (or less) letters/numbers/symbols. (Frame not included, you print 8x10, a variety of type-styles available.)

The idea is to print it as an 8x10 and use it to decorate your home. But you are free to use it to graze the cover or interior of a photo album, or order a photo product like one of those photo mugs or calendars.

Cost is $15, as with these previously released prints (by the way, that giveaway is still going until the end of May).

But here's MORE fun news. I'll be hauling this little rock around. And for every photo session from now until August 20th, 2011, I'll attempt to capture a set of tiny hands from your family holding this very stone. (You'd think this should be easy to do, but I'm not promising a thing.) And what's more custom than your own child's hands in a print like this?

*****

Réservez-vous une séance de photo d'ici le 20 août, et je tenterai de prendre une photo exquise de votre enfant avec cette pierre entre ses mains.

I can't help but love her so - Montreal's South Shore photograher

2011-05-07T15:05:00.004-04:00

What mama wants.

2011-05-01T21:14:00.003-04:00

The countdown to Mother's Day is on. If family photos is what mama wants, don't you believe that's what she should get? (Along with breakfast in bed and a lovely bouquet, of course...)

So this year, save 15% when you purchase gift certificates between May 1st and May 7th. Email info@photocreationstz.com with your inquiries or to purchase.

Transactions are simple, and you can have your certificates without even leaving your home.

All in the family: GIVEAWAY

2011-04-25T12:43:00.009-04:00

A more modern spin on the family tree. (Not that the classic tree had anything wrong with it, but...) Keeping it fresh, fun, and creative gets alot more 'oohs' and 'aahs.' In short, if you have not hung up the traditional family tree on a wall in your house, perhaps you've been waiting for something like this? I hope so!

I'm loving that my mother's day shopping for both sister and sister-in-law is all done thanks to these guys.

Even in the case of a blended family, I can make this one work by omitting the last name altogether. And in dong that, I can get up to 9 names in there -- which is great since blended families are often bigger, too!

I've also got a bridal shower to attend soon, and this will most certainly add a personal touch alongside the gift I'll buy off the registry.

All prints are custom-made for your family, and proofs are provided to make sure it looks just the way you want it. For those last 2, there are some styling options available, including colour combo and type-style choices.

These fine art pieces are available for just $15. $2 from the sale of each print will go to Operation Snowsuit 2011.

If you wish to order, or for more info, all the details can be found on my Facebook Page, whether it be for the stump, the house, or the full tree. Les détails sont aussi inclus en français.

(If you do not have access to Facebook, please contact me at info@photocreationstz.com for full details.)

I'm giving 2 away!

To roll out this new line of prints, I'll be making 2 free, for 2 lucky families!

To enter, all you need to do is the following:

(1) 'Like' my Facebook Page here: http://www.facebook.com/photocreationstz

(2) Leave a comment on this post letting me know that you have.

That counts as one entry.

(3) Share the link to this post on your Facebook profile and comment below for one additional entry.

(4) Share the link to this post on your Facebook Page and comment below for another additional entry.

(5) Blog about this giveaway and comment (twice) below (including the linky to your blog post) for 2 additional entries.

All entries must be received by May 25th, 2011 (10 pm EST) to qualify.

Good luck!

52 kid-o's + 3 hours - Montreal South Shore Photographer

2011-04-21T08:21:00.008-04:00

More fast-paced than speed-dating (I'm assuming) is photographing over fifty preschool-aged children before they get hungry for lunch. Truth: it was super fun.

By a window, in the childcare facility's reading corner, all this magic happened.

Fratelli - Montreal South Shore Photographer

2011-04-19T21:11:00.007-04:00

Love is in the house

2011-04-18T23:32:00.004-04:00

A little inspired these days.

As I reflect on family, it is clear to me that the home who's members bind themselves to one another for the sake of each one build for themselves a safe, secure, beautiful home.

I will soon be offering these custom made art-pieces to your family. A selection of type style and colour pallette options will be made available. I've worked out that I can fit the family name and up to 8 first names if needed.

Details are still being worked out, so stay tuned!

14 day forecast jitters

2011-04-11T01:11:00.007-04:00

I am not one for trusting weather-men when they call for rain. But when they're announcing sun (yes, even 2 weeks away) I'm all over it. Especially if the sunshinyness is slated to last 3 days consecutively.

And that's what they're announcing for Easter weekend.

I have ants in my pants. (Figuratively. Thanks for asking.) I have officially had it with down filled coats and snow removal.

So if you, like me, enjoyed the past Sunday afternoon, this is for you!

Easter Saturday Children's Portraits are taking place in Radisson Park (see map) on the afternoon of Saturday, April 23. (En français plus bas.) See full details below (click on images to enlarge):

As mentioned, to reserve your spot, contact me via email info@photocreationstz.com (or by phone, if you dare). A $25 deposit is required to hold your time slot.

Approximate appointments will be handed out a few days prior to the date, always trying my best to accommodate everyone's preferences. I cannot guarantee your time slot prior to that.

Détails en français. SVP cliquer sur images pour aggrandir.

Just getting cuter - Montreal South Shore newborn Photographer

2011-04-08T15:08:00.009-04:00

A new baby brings all sorts of good things to your home. But there are some stresses that come along for the ride. Like for the older sibling: the stress of not being the cutest bundle around.

Meet new cute bundle:

How is big sister coping? Amazingly. She's decided the best way to tackle the situation is to just get cuter.

I didn' think that would be possible after meeting her the first time. There, she was already infinitely cute. but she's done it. Cuter than ever.

There seems to be no sibling rivalry. Yet.

Easter baskets for Charlie

2011-03-23T16:34:00.006-04:00

Moisson Rive Sud is a landmark charitable organization in the region of Monteregie, Quebec. Each year, it is responsible for distributing millions of dollars of food to the hungry. Every month, they help feed over 20,000 individuals, 9,000 of whom are children.

It was with great excitement that I accepted that they use one of my photos for their 2011 Easter campaign.

The rest of that session went a little something like this.

Japan and the hope of Spring

2011-03-23T09:49:00.002-04:00

It's about that time of year again...

Spring.

Or the hope of spring, at least.

In Canada, our calendars declare spring has arrived. But the ground, the air -- they speak otherwise. The icy winds still nip at our ears. We can see our own breath. That's what we woke up to this spring morning.

As unfair as it seems to see a snow-covered spring, it cannot compare -- it is not even in the same realm -- as what nature has thrust upon Japan. And with that perspective in mind, we turn our eyes from our petty Canadian March troubles and gaze in the face of true devastation.

And we understand: Japan needs our help.

One Savvy Photographer, now living in Japan, has showcased a collection of images of Japanese blossoms. This selection includes the one you see above and can be viewed here. She states:

I am now asking for your help. If you would like to donate , please consider donating to the site I have set up. The money will go directly to Shelter Boxes USA. They provide humanitarian relief and aid in the form of equipment and materials that provide shelter, warmth and comfort to people displaced by natural or other disasters. They are helping in Japan right now providing the much needed boxes of supplies to some of the over 130,00 families who have lost everything. I think if we can all donate a small amount, it will add up to a great amount. Any amount is appreciated. If you can’t help financially, then help us spread the word about the page.

Fresh picked for spring

2011-03-17T18:44:00.007-04:00

Angel Lily proves they've got your little one's head covered with the launch of their Baby Beans.

Just in time for spring, Angel Lily offers your little ones (and not so little ones) sweetly crocheted hats in a variety of styles, colours, and sizes.

Love the jersey knit hats, too! There are 2 models for boys and this one for girls. Too cute for words! (A little like the chubby model sporting her fashion find.)

They start as low as $20, so why not pop in to angellily.ca and have a look around!

Big sis material - Montreal South Shore Photographer

2011-03-12T14:49:00.005-05:00

Can't wait to meet little brother this week. Stay tuned for highlights from that session.

Bunnies galore

2011-03-11T13:42:00.008-05:00

Meet the egg snuggli. No, it's not a blanket with sleeves.

It slides over a standard size plastic egg. You know, like for Easter egg hunts.

So you'd buy your 12 for a buck eggs from the Dollarama, fill 'em up, and cover a few of them with this little guy. Instant Easter heirloom.

Want eyes? I can add eyes.

How 'bout a tail? Want a tail?

Like it better in green (with ivory ears, as seen on the brown bunny)?

Or in ivory or pink, even with gray ears if you want?

Hand crocheted using a recycled yarn blend, these guys fit over a plastic egg about the size of a Kinder Surprise. Ears are made of quality felt and hand-stitched. Optional eyes and tail are glued on using non-toxic glue.

You can find these plastic, fillable eggs at dollar stores and such places as WalMart and Zellers. I don't include the eggs with your purchase. (This item ships great, tail-free, because of it.)

Pricing:

Basic bunny in any colour mentioned above: $5
With eyes: add 50 cents.
With a tail (not available for orders that require shipping): add 50 cents.
Shipping, regardless of quantity ordered: add $2.50 to your order

To have your egg snugglis in time for Easter morning, place your order no later than April 15th, or April 8th if you require shipping (within Canada). While supplies and colours last; first come, first served.

Contact me at info@photocreationstz.com with questions or to order.

And happy hunting!

Easy like Sunday morning - Montreal South Shore Photographer

2011-03-08T08:31:00.009-05:00

OK, admittedly, this session took place on a Saturday. (Feels so good to come clean.) I'm just a sucker for a catchy blog-post title.

I'm also a sucker for feet. Cute, matching, sibling feet, in this case.

And speaking of matching siblings...so cute.

Amelia, the persistent

2011-03-04T21:09:00.006-05:00

She's here, she's here! My lovely niece is finally here. And I don't believe my sister could be a more stunning mother of four.

Amelia \a-me-lia\: f. indsutrious, laborious, persistent...

Considering the single push it took to get her here, I'm not too sure about laborious. But the -- what? -- 2 weeks of contractions, including 3 trips to the hospital can surely be defined as persistent. To say the least, really.

As for me, I'm in love. She's a knock-out.