Under wraps - Montreal's South Shore child photographer Rive Sud enfants

Since I want to be sure not to expose to many surprises, I don't typically post too much of what happens at the Christmas miniSessions before Christmas. So let me shamelessly show off my sweet daughter, as I snapped a few shots of her during the indoor miniSession this year.

I was over the moon to have the honour of shooting at such a beautiful location. The good people at Centred de Jardin Brossard gave me special access to their sublime retail space. They really go all out at Christmas. I can't say enough about what a wonderland it is. And because they're basically a giant greenhouse, we didn't have the weather to contend with. Beyond perfect.

If you've never visited them, you definitely should!

Yes! Another miniSession! Montreal's South Shore family photographer

Details are up! And I'm so excited!

A special thank you to Centre de Jardin Brossard for providing the gorgeous venue!

(Click image to enlarge)

Here's the run down:November 28th, morning, I'll be conducting 20 minute sessions for families (Up to 5 individuals are included in the pricing. Please add $10 per additional sibling.)

Session fee of $75.00 includes not only the sitting fee, but also a contact sheet with at least 10 images from your session. With that, you also get to choose 2 images which I will then edit and send you in full resolution with printing rights. Additional images available at regular price list cost. (Please inquire.) **Book your session by Friday, November 20th and be entitled to an additional image selection FREE!

As for location, I'm over the moon. The beautiful Centre de Jarding Brossard goes all out for Christmas. And the greenhouse lighting permits the same gorgeous natural light you've come to know me for.

Payment can be made by cash (in person) cheque (in person or by mail) and, perhaps easiest of all, Interac e-transfer. Your booking is official once payment is received. Time slots are very limited and will finalized a couple of days before the miniSession date. (In the case of unforeseen circumstances, if you need to cancel, your session fee may be refunded to you in the form of gift certificates, and that at my discretion.)

Hope to hear from you soon!

Wow moments - Montreal's South Shore family photographer Rive Sud famille

Between these two ladies. ♥

2015 Christmas miniSessions - Montreal's South Shore child photographer

Well, you've spoken, and I've managed a miniSession weekend! And here I was thinking I was too last minute!

Here's the run down:October 3rd & 4th, I'm offering sessions in both the early morning and later afternoon/early evening (see below). I'll be conducting 20 minute sessions for siblings. (Up to 3 siblings are included in the pricing. Please add $10 per additional sibling or per pet. Pet must be pre-authorized by me, so please inquire in advance.)

Session fee of $75.00 includes not only the sitting fee, but also a contact sheet with at least 10 images from your session. With that, you also get to choose 2 images which I will then edit and send you in full resolution with printing rights. Additional images available at regular price list cost. (Please inquire.)

As for location, I'm loving Parc de la Cité right now, with all the lovely landscape it provides. But each session could potentially provide a different location. I'd also be willing to take where YOU live into consideration. If several families from your area book for the same BLOCK of time, I'm open to conducting those minis right near you.

Times...To start with, I'm offering the following times to start, but must have at least 3 bookings for each block to conduct those sessions. 

BLOCK A: Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

BLOCK B: Saturday 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

BLOCK C: Sunday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

BLOCK D: Sunday 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Weather is always a concern, of course. Late September and early October are usually kind to me, but in the event of rain, BLOCKS will be rescheduled as needed, according to your availabilities. Every year, we always manage to make it work.

As for payment, it can be made by cash (in person) cheque (in person or by mail) and, perhaps easiest of all, Interac e-transfer. Your booking is official once payment is received. At the time of booking, you may specify which time blocks you prefer, and time slots will be finalized a couple of days before the miniSession date. (In the case of unforeseen circumstances, if you need to cancel, your session fee may be refunded to you in the form of gift certificates, and that at my discretion.)

What about parents in the photos? Because the set up I'll be using for these miniSessions has not been catered to a big crowd or to adult sized bodies, I mostly won't be including adults in this miniSession. The exception being an only child under the age of 6. Or a baby who cannot sit up on their own. As long as mom and dad are cool with sitting on the ground. 

First come - first served, so contact me today at info@photocreationstz.com, or using the contact form on my website. Hope to hear from you all soon!

Here I Go: Gift Certificate Promotion - Montreal's South Shore photographer

"2015 has dared me. So here I go..." begins my heartfelt write up, as I describe the adventure I've embarked on. You can read all about it by clicking right here.

I've started packing, and I leave in less than a month. This is getting real.

Starting now until I leave for a week-long adventure, I'm running a Gift Certificate Promotion.

I know many of you are thinking about family photos once the weather starts warming up. Or you are expecting a new wee one, and were just about to contact me. Now is a great time to plan the session you've been thinking of.

Here are the details of the promo:

For every $100 in gift certificates you purchase between now and April 3rd, 2015, I'll gift to you an extra image selection from your session. That's a $35 value! Yours free.

Pour chaque tranche de 100$ de certificats cadeaux dont vous achetez entre aujourd'hui et le 3 avril, 2015, je vous donnerai un coupon pour une image additionelle de votre choix. 

For anyone interested in supporting WeWillGo Ministries, I'm conducting a couple of fundraisers. You can read all about them here and here. Those fundraisers are only to raise funds for WeWillGo, and not to pay any of my personal expenses for the trip. If you feel so inclined, I'm grateful for the support you would be willing to bring so this Canadian can bless the socks off the missionaries of WeWillGo as they rebuild an entire community.

Christmas miniSession faves - Montreal's South Shore family photog de famille Rive Sud

Back in early autumn, it was Christmas miniSession time. For so many reasons.

1) It isn't stinking cold, so we can dress our kids as we like.
Of course, that day it decided to hit a balmy 30 degrees Celsius instead of the standard 20. Which is so typically Canadian. Since I remember booking early October sessions and fighting Mother Nature to keep it above freezing.

2) Loads of time to procrastinate for other things.
Raise your hand if you have not yet done Christmas photos that you'd sincerely intended on getting done this year. Yup. That looks about right.

There are more reasons. But I don't love long blog posts. So let me stop at two. ;)

Here are just some of the sweet moments caught this year...

L'heure est arrivée - Photographe Rive Sud de Montréal à Noël

Les détails de la promotion certificat cadeau de Noël sont là. Et cette année, un petit quelque chose de plus pour mes clients fidèles...

(For English, click here.)

Jusqu'au 23 décembre 2014 (ou jusqu'à épuisement des stocks), épargnez 10% sur l'achat de vos certificats cadeaux promotionels. Par exemple, vous désirez 100$ en certificats? Ne payez que 90$.

Ces certificats promotionels ne portent aucune date d'échéance, et sont échangeables contre tout achats à partir du 12 avril, 2015.

Vous pouvez éffectuer vos achats en me contactant par courriel. Les paiements peuvent se faire par chèque, en argent comptant ou, pour le service ultra rapide, par virement en-ligne Interac.

DE PLUS, pour me clients-photos du passé, référez un NOUVEAU client à l'achat de certificats au long de la période promotonelle (achat minimum de 200$) et obtenez pour vous un certificat  de 25$. Référez pour accumulez autant de certificats que vous le souhaitez.

It's that time again - Montreal's South Shore photographer Christmas

Get your gifting on. The gift certificate promo details are here. And the deal is even sweeter for my faithful clients. You know, because you're awesome.

(Pour le français, cliquez ici.)

Save 10% off the face value of promotional gift certificate purchases until December 23rd 2014 OR while supplies last. (Quantities are limited.) In other words, want $100 in gift certificates? Pay only $90. 

These promotional certificates do not expire and can be used as of April 12th, 2015 on any purchase.

Purchases can be made by contacting me via email. Payments can be made in cash or by cheque. But for the fastest sort of transaction, Interac E-transfers do the trick.

PLUS, for all my past photo-clients, refer a NEW client to purchase gift certificates from me during this promotional period (minimum $200 in certificates) and receive for yourself an extra $25 gift certificate. Refer as many as you like to collect for yourself as many certificates as your heart desires.

la miniSession de Noël 2014! - Photographe d'enfants, rive-sud de Montréal

To see this post in English, please click here...

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Pourquoi si de bonheure cette année? Parce que j'ai déja froid, moi! Et vous?

Voici les détails...

(cliquez pour un plus grand aperçu)

the 2014 Christmas minis! - Montreal's South Shore child photographer

Pour voir ce posting en français, SVP cliquez ici.

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Why so early?? Because it's already stinkin' cold, that's why so early.

To be honest, I tried to do the Christmas miniSessions in September last year, but no one was feeling very festive I take it. Everyone flocked to my October miniSessions instead.

I am trying to finagle something together for more Christmas minis for November, but I can't guarantee a thing at this point, not to mention the many of you who like to custom order Holiday cards to mail out using these annual photos. This is your chance, right here.

And here are the details...

(click to enlarge)

FREE back to school minis - Montreal's South Shore child photographer

Yup. Free.

Usually you're in it for at least $60 as soon as you're in front of my lens. But this time around, FREE. Well, with a donation of any amount to a cause dear to my heart.

Evangelina, my 9 year old, is an absolute bookworm. This brought to my attention a serious need within her school's library. Knowing everyone involved is doing their best at every turn to give the kids everything they need, it's obvious that more funds are needed. So guess what? Fundraiser.

I'm a big believer in doing whatever you are good at to give back. I'm no baker. So when it's time to organize a bake sale, they don't call me (unless it's to run the table). I don't sell much at those famous chocolate bar drives, seeing as I don't have a populated office to tempt with the well-meaning goodies. (Nope. It ends up being me, my cramped office desk, and way too much chocolate within arm's reach.) So today I'm not selling you mint-chocolate squares (man, those things are good) or cupcakes or brownies. I'm peddling a Back to School photo session.

*click image to enlarge

Summer Beauté d'été - Session 1 - Montreal's South Shore photographer - Photographe Rive Sud de Montréal

In case you had not spotted all the details for the Summer Beaut-e miniSessions, you can view them by clicking here.

Au cas où vous n'aurez pas encore vu les détails des miniSessions Beauté d'été, cliquez ici.

Out the gate, I'm already 30% booked for these sessions, so do let me know as soon as possible if you have questions or would like to book. info@photocreationstz.com or via my website contact sheet, found by clicking here.

En partant, 30% des sessions sont déja réservées, alors ne tardez pas pour me contacter avec vos questions ou pour réserver. info@photocreations.com ou via mon site web, en cliquant ici.

By the way, while we are on this topic, have a look at what Always has put together, defining what it really means to run like a girl (or hit like a girl, or throw like a girl)... 

Summer Beauté d'été miniSessions - Montreal's South Shore child photographer - photographe enfants rive sud de Montréal

English to follow here below...
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Pour débuter l'été, je lance les miniSessions Beauté d'été. Juste pour vos filles...

L'idée m'est venue peu à peu et tout à coup. Un peu comme nos filles grandissent...peu à peu et tout à coup. Comme elles sont belles. Comme elle sont pleines de belles choses. Comme elle méritent de se voir à travers nos yeux adorantes. Et de plus en plus tous les jours. Parce qu'elles en ont de besoin de plus en plus tous les jours. Qu'avec confiance elles puissent aborder leur destin. Nous, on les aidera autant que possible.

Lorsque j'ai assez d'intérêt, je commencerai a fixer des dates de sessions basées sur la disponibilité des clients. Les session prendront place au levé et au couché du soleil. Le conceptes seront toujours très simples pour permettre à la personailté de votre fille de rayonner. Attndez-vous a des éffets de lumière doux et chaleureux. Ces miniSessions sont ouvertes au filles de 5 à 17 ans, inclusivement.

Les sessions portent un frais de 60$ pour 20 minutes, et comprendront une feuille de contact avec au moin 10 séléctions. Le prix de la session comprend un choix d'image (retouchée, haute-résolutions et droits d'impressions inclus). Choix supplémentaires disponibles. Voir liste de prix 2014 pour en connaitre plus.

Contactez mois dès aujourd'hui pour exprimer votre intérêt ou avec toutes questions. info@photocreationstz.com

Au plaisir de rencontrer votre très chère...

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To kick off the summer, I am launching Summer BeautE miniSessions. Just for your daughters, those beautiful girls...

The idea came to me little by little and all of a sudden. A bit like how our daughters grow up...little by little and all of a sudden. How beautiful they are. And how filled with beauty they are. They so deserve to see themselves through our adoring eyes. More and more each passing day. Because they need it more each day. That with confidence they might venture out into their destiny. And us, we will help them along any way we can.

Once I have a sufficient amount of interest, I will begin setting dates for these sessions based on client availability. These sessions will take place during golden hours, that is sunset or sunrise. Concepts will be pared back and simple, allowing the personality of your daughter to shine through above all. Expect soft, warm lighting for these sessions. These miniSessions are open to girls aged 5 to 17 years old inclusively.

The cost of a 20 minute session is $60, which includes a contact sheet with at least 10 selections. The price also includes one image selection (edited, full res, with printing rights). Additional image choices available. Please consult the 2014 list of services.

Contact me today to express your interest or to let me know your questions. info@photocreationstz.com

Looking forward to meeting your very dear one...

Beautiful summer - Montreal's South Shore child photographer

Today I went out without socks. Yes, it's almost summer.

Being an outdoor photographer in a land where it is winter 6 months out of the year is not an easy pill to swallow. So here we are, May. And my summer calendar is starting to fill up already.

There is something I want to do more of this summer, though. I want to tell girls they are beautiful. And I want to show them they are beautiful. With simply styled sessions at both sunrise (yipes, I know...but I promised myself...) and sunset.

Gifter? - Montreal's South Shore photographer

Get your gifting on. The gift certificate promo details are here. And the deal is sweeter than ever for my faithful clients.

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Français ici-bas

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For all my 2013 clients - Montreal's South Shore photographer

As you may all know, this happened:

This calendar is just one of three available for your donation of any amount to Destiny International Ministry's Philippines relief fund. More details by clicking here.

I am so grateful to all the moms and dads who replied so speedily when I sent out a request for rights to use their precious family moments. Included in this calendar are just some of my favorite moments of late 2012 and 2013.

I truly did have so many favorite moments, though! One from every session over the last year, for sure!

I wanted to love on all my clients from the last 13 months a little bit, as you love on the Philippines. Therefore, if an image from your session (yes, even if it was a miniSession) did not make the final, widely distributed calendar theme, I am happy to announce I can customize one page just for you.

If you had a session in the last 13 months (October 2012 until now) and you make a donation of any amount to our Philippines relief efforts (as little as $1) I will provide you with a calendar page header from your session. Makes this calendar a little special for you, doesn't it? (This image prepared for you will not be made available at large, but will be for use by you as you print off your own calendars or other photo-gifts).

So head over to the Philippines fundraiser blog post, and donate a little something!

Then email me and request your special custom page!

Thanks for your generosity. And thanks for trusting your family's faces to me.

Our hearts indeed are big enough - Real relief for the Philippines

We have seen the images. We have heard the news. We know that the Philippines, this country that's on the other side of the world, has been hit by tragedy. Typhoon Haiyan tore apart many of its regions a week ago.

I love the Filipino people. My best friend growing up was my window to these amazing people who are called Filipinos. Smiling. Laughing. Contented, Industrious. Generous. Hospitable. I thought perhaps it was just my bestie's mom who was like that. I figured it couldn't possibly be some sort of cultural norm. But, well, it is. And you don't need to look at many images of the devastation to spot people helping one another, smiling, and even laughing. ~Tanya Zaleski

We're going to help. Here's the long and the short of it.

More details about the Christmas miniSessions - Montreal's South Shore family photographer

Raise your hand if you're excited for the upcoming Christmas miniSessions!

*Raises hand*

Here's a taste of the theme.

1) Photo-booth concept with props...

You may have spotted this idea around the web. Or you've been to a wedding and they had installed a photo booth for fun. (And FUN it is!)

You may have seen props like these:

Christmas miniSessions 2013 - Montreal's South Shore family photographer

Here are the details for the last miniSession of 2013.

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Français a suivre, plus bas...

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Fall minis - Montreal's South Shore family photographer

All you could possibly want to know about the upcoiming Fall miniSessions here...

(Français à suivre, plus bas.)