donna ramsay photography

Gift Idea for the pet lover!

2011-12-19T09:37:00.002-03:30

Here is a last minute gift idea for that pet lover on your list. Good things come to those that delay their Christmas shopping!!

Pet Session Promo:

A two hour custom pet portrait session
An 8x10 digital enlargement
A selection of 10 4x6 proofs to keep
A handprinted 11x14 silver gelatin fibre print

$500.00 ($200+ savings)

As always 10% of pet session and enlargement orders goes to the local SPCA.

A gift certificate will be gift wrapped and ready for pickup or delivery until Dec 24th, 2011.

Offer expires on January 31st, 2012.
Sessions are booked on a first come first served basis.
Offer good for pet sessions only.

Dogs!!! St. John's, Newfoundland Pet Photographer

2011-11-02T18:24:00.001-02:30

A recent dog session. Well behaved dogs and lovely morning light means a fun session.

This is the session album layout. I have ordered myself a copy of this to use as a sample. Slowly and surely I have collected a full selection of pet samples including all sizes of enlargements and now a session album.

This is also a good example of how dogs are like newborn babies . . . they like their mothers the best! Expect to be in some of the photos from a dog session, even if you don't want to be in in the photos.

You are looking at the exact layout. All images (except the first and last) are two page spreads.

“Chaos often breeds life, while order breeds habit.” *

2011-10-26T15:22:00.001-02:30

*Henry Adams.

If all my clients sat and smiled pretty on command - I would be bored to tears. All my images would look the same, thereby boring you to tears. I would never have to stretch myself and this whole photography gig would spiral into mediocrity.

Give me some fired up kids any day. Keeps me on my toes and brings energy and life to the photos. The title quote was not about photography . . . but it very much applies.

No studio, no rules. Kids, chaos, coffee.

She was not sure. I was.

Holga cameras are toy cameras. Kids like toys. Kids play with toys.

This guy was a supermodel.

We had a lot of Holga fun. This is my kind of family photo.

When was the last time you had a nice photo of just the two of you?

Holga.

Holga. Last shot of the day.

St. John's Newfoundland Family Photographer

2011-10-26T12:47:00.000-02:30

This family mirrors my own. Two sweet girls and then a rowdy boy. We are family twins.

Holga:

The best part about a family of 5 is that you can do this:

Something about this one I love. So sweet.

Kitchen Table

2011-10-21T14:34:00.001-02:30

Here is a superfluous blog post due to needing a break from client photos. You know you love your work when you take a break from work to do something exactly the same as work. :)

The other day I ordered a new finder for my Bronica etrsi. Nevermind that I have three types already, I wanted a waist level finder. New piece of a camera means a quick roll of film to make sure all is operational. Being lazy I just used the face of whomever happened to be sitting at my kitchen table which in this case was my Aunt Neet who came over to use my computer and my kids friend, who came over to play.

I should really start a kitchen table series. The light is best at the kitchen table. Okay I am. I just started.

The good news is that it focuses great. I find it easy to use, easier than the prism finder, which I hate and never use. My usual is the sport finder but I'll use the waist level finder for a while, until I get sick of horizontal orientation.

She had to look up something.

She was stressed.

She had to make faces:

She was not stressed at all.

What are little boys made of?

2011-10-21T13:27:00.000-02:30

What are little boys made of?
Snips and snails, and puppy dogs tails
That's what little boys are made of !

Baby Boy

2011-10-19T12:42:00.000-02:30

7 years ago I photographed their wedding.

Then they moved far away.

Then they visited with their new baby and I photographed them again and met their sweet boy.

I love what I do.

A wedding image from long ago when I still did weddings. I was into Holga then.

And baby makes three!! Hey look - I'm still into Holga!

They ordered a session book so I will share it here. This little guy had 100 expressions, I am sure he is going to grow up to be a character!!

(You are looking at the book layout. Each (except the first and last) is a two page spread.)

Maternity and Newborn

2011-09-26T22:42:00.004-02:30

Hello to you! I am trying to get caught up on blogging but it is not easy. Between printing in the darkroom and shooting and printing and developing film and printing . . and my kids and house and husband and self . . . blogging can get lost in the shuffle. I do have a some session books to make and these I make digitally so voila - files to share!!

One of my most popular offerings is the Maternity and Newborn session. You get a slightly reduced fee for booking both at the same time and in exchange you get a maternity session at the end of your pregnancy and a newborn session just after baby arrives. We then have one proofing meeting where we review all the proofs from both sessions.

This session was a wonderful example and this beautiful (!!) Mother has agreed to let me use the entire session book as a sample. I am thrilled and the book has already been sent to print and as soon as it gets back I will share it with you all.

In the meantime here are a few sample photos.

This type of shot was requested and I was happy to oblige.

I did have to put my own Holga spin on it though. ;)

Hey it's a baby!! Welcome to the world handsome man.

Holga.

In few weeks I'll share the entire book which will also be a nice chance to see an entire session.

Blog Awards

2011-09-16T10:26:00.002-02:30

Somehow I was nominated for a Blog Award . . . so if you are reading this text (and I know that you are) a couple of clicks lets you vote for me. I wanna win the big money . . . or the car . . . or the honour . . . or whatever the prize is. ;)

http://nlblogroll-nlbca.blogspot.com/2011/09/vote-photography.html

In honour of the honour of being nominated . . . and since I know I'll likely get a bunch of hits over the next two weeks . . . and since I was going to anyway . . . I will blog a bunch of photos today.

Thanks!!

Newborns are like Jello!

2011-09-15T21:55:00.001-02:30

I only have a few spots left for Christmas and I typically book out 4-6 weeks.

The exception is a newborn. A newborn is only a newborn for a very short time, a few weeks at best.

I can always fit in a newborn. They are like Jello - there is always room for Jello.

If you call me when you are in labour or shortly after - I promise you I will fit you in with 10 days. This does not apply after your baby is three weeks old.

Hint: A session makes a really really good baby shower present. ;)

Dogs . . .

2011-08-26T15:12:00.002-02:30

Poppy and Toby

2011-08-19T15:16:00.004-02:30

My Poppy is the best. He is strong and kind and generous. I'm sure I must be his favorite grandchild, or maybe he is just good at making me feel that. His best friend is a small fluffy dog named Toby who loves a good car ride. One day I made an excuse to visit by bringing old cameras. The first few are from a Nikon FG + Tmax400. The next few are Yashica Mat + delta 3200 and the last three are Holga + delta 3200.

The next two were Yashica Mat and Delta 3200 developed in Xtol. A grainy combination!

Grandmothers

2011-08-19T13:04:00.002-02:30

I've been thinking about grandmothers lately. Both of mine are passed away and I miss them. When I start deep thinking I become generous . . . Anyone who calls me before midnight tonight to book a session with a grandmother gets a complimentary hand printed 8x10 fibre print. A great grandmother gets an 11x14. ;)

SPCA

2011-07-29T14:49:00.000-02:30

Today I am making the first of many donations to the SPCA. THANK YOU to those that booked pet sessions. This is going to be a beautiful thing.

p.s. with the new pricing it is a $35 donation with every pet session!

Book a pet session, help the animals.

2011-07-17T10:03:00.001-02:30

I picked up this little book on a clearance table at the bookstore yesterday. I often look for photography books on the clearance table because there can be some amazing photography books to add to my inspiration collection and they are just sitting there on sale as if needing someone to love them.

This time it was a little book of dog photography:

http://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Dogs-Raymond-Merritt/dp/3836505045#reader_3836505045

It has photographs through history of dogs. Not just portraits, but documentary and even snapshots. So much black and white film grain and goodness. I love it!

I'm left even more inspired to photograph pets and have decided that for every pet session booked I will donate $20 to the SPCA.

Baby Sister

2011-07-13T14:02:00.002-02:30

I was called to photograph the baby sister of this sweet boy.

He has an equally sweet sister. Two happy kids - what more can I ask for?!

One more -Holga.

Pet Photography

2011-07-13T12:09:00.002-02:30

With a new website on the way I decided to add a pet gallery. I have a lot of pet photos that I take at family/child sessions and when I gathered them all together it occured to me that I need to start offering pet photography. I love animals almost as much as I love babies so it really is a no brainer for me.

These beautiful black and white film based portraits of pets are loved by those that love their animals. Often the animals are the children before there are children. We love them!!

Starting right now . . . Pet Photography!

Here is how it works:

A pet session will take place at your home or if you pet is super well behaved we can go to an outdoor location. Pet session may or may not include humans but the photos will be focused on the pet. Pet sessions receive less film and time than a baby/family session and will have online proofing rather than the usual in person proofing. Contact me for more information. :)

Want to see some pets? Here are a few.

Taking Turns

2011-06-24T15:41:00.008-02:30

I've been known to let my young subjects use my camera. Sometimes it's an icebreaker, sometimes it's to gain trust, sometimes it's just the cost of doing business.

Usually they take pictures of their feet, or their toys, or their parents or their little brothers.

This little one liked to take pictures of me. This was a first and I went with the flow. We had a deal where I took one of her and she took one of me. We did a few rounds of this. Most of the ones of me were not in focus and/or exposed wrong due to the giant window behind my head. Still, it was neat to see how I look from a four year old point of view

One of me.

One of her. Isn't she a beauty?

Isn't this the face of a woman you want to take your child's photo? They love me!

I smiled. Now you smile.

She had a whole family that was also in photos . . here are a few.

And we'll end this post with a Holga family image. I love it when clients order a Holga image as the largest image. That $20 camera pays for itself 15x over every session. ;)

Birthday Giveaway!

2011-06-17T10:20:00.001-02:30

Today is my birthday. I want to share the love.

Every session booked today gets a free 11x14 print.

Today. Not tomorrow. Tomorrow is just the 18th. Lame.

It's my day . . . and yours too!

Baby Tyler graduates

2011-06-08T17:26:00.000-02:30

The youngest of my baby brothers graduated high school. He was born the same day I got my first job at McDonalds. It was a very big day in my life. I remember it as clear as if it was yesterday. It was 17.5 years ago. Wow.

Here are a few of him and his girlfriend. They are very cute and in love.

I'll add more when I get more time. I'm being rushed out to a dinner date. (I'm ready, I'm ready!!)

Boys

2011-06-08T16:56:00.000-02:30

This session was payback for a friend who did me HUGE favour. Tit for Tat. Lesson: Do me a HUGE (must be HUGE) favour and I'll give you a session. ;)

Check out these handsome boys. Boys this age really are not keen on sitting still so I don't ask. Can you see me playing with them? Can you hear the giggles? We had a great time.

We played under the table.

We shared tea.

We jammed.

We carried on with general foolishness.

Baby Boy

2011-05-13T14:50:00.002-02:30

This sweet little guy is 3 months old. I photographed him with his parents at their home.

A softer moment with Delta 3200. I love this grainy film, especially in the 120 format. This is a case where scanning doesn't do the grain any justice. If you click it you can see it clearer but still not as good as in person. The grain adds such character.

All the rest here are HP5 or Tmax 400 in 35mm. The last is toned with just a touch of sepia. Every film adds it's own flavour. It's the beauty of film!

Gladder

2011-05-11T15:49:00.002-02:30

We have a babydoll that has been kicking around the house since my oldest was a baby. I'd say the doll has been around more than 10 years. My son likes to play with this particular doll and has re-named named him Gladder. He pretends Gladder is the baby brother and big brother is as sweet as can be with him. One day I caught him playing on the bed. I grabbed the nearest camera with a long lens and took a bunch of photos.

"Oh Gladder, you have such little fingers"

"Oh Gladder are you hungry? I'm sorry I don't have any milk. Do you want to suck my finger?"

"Shh Shh Shh, don't cry."

"Maybe we should put you in the window. Do you feel better?"

Then he caught me looking at him. He posed with Gladder.

I love this kid!!

Arts and Letters awards exhibit

2011-04-13T12:42:00.000-02:30

The provincial Arts and Letters awards exhibit is up now at The Rooms . This is a great exhibit featuring all the winners as well as a selection of honourable mentions.

I was hoping for a hat trick win this year but it was not meant to be. I do have a piece in the exhibit. It is a self portrait taken during a period of frustration as a parent.

You should go the The Rooms today!

Facebook Contest Winner

2011-03-14T20:40:00.001-02:30

I was delighted to meet the young daughter of my Facebook session give-away. A lovely 7 year old girl who loved to be photographed. What more can I ask for?

The win includes an 11x14 print. This is the one they choose:

Here a a few others I liked.

A Holga for good measure . . .

Thanks to everyone who participated!! I'll have to do it again one day . . .

Baby brother turns one.

2011-03-01T11:15:00.001-03:30

A couple of years ago I did a session with this one year old. My favorite image from that day was this:

Since that session the family has added a baby boy and he just turned one so I was called back. I love seeing kids grow up. One year old girl has turned into big sister, and what a good big sister she is! The focus of the session was the baby but miss personality made her way into a few shots. :)

This was the first shot of the day. Using my multi coloured Holga to bond us. The kids can't help but love me when I pull out a fisher-price looking camera. ;)

The scans on the family shots were all too small. Need to rescan. In the meantime here is one that is typical of how they went. ;)

Did you know I`m giving away a session?

2011-02-18T12:50:00.000-03:30

Get yourself over to facebook and fan my page. You could win a session. You can`t win if you don`t play the game . . . .

Here is what it says. Reading it here doesn`t count though . . . you must be a fan to win . . . llink here on the blog . . .

"HELLO!! I have regained access to my facebook account after many many weeks of living in the land that hackers built. YAY! I am so excited to have control of this page that I am going to use it to it's full advantage and give away a free session to one fan of this page.

THAT'S RIGHT!! A FREE SESSION INCLUDING A HANDCRAFTED 11X14 PRINT!!

All you have to do is share this note on your profile. This Sunday I will draw from all the fans a winner of the FREE SESSION to take place the following Sunday, Feb 27th. If the winner is not local I will have to re-draw until I get one that is.

Just click *share* at the bottom of this note. What have you got to lose? Nothing! In fact, you just might win."

My little brother and his soon to be missus . . . .

2011-02-04T13:35:00.002-03:30

Congratulations to my brother and his girl on their engagement!

They knew better then to ask me to shoot the wedding, but they did ask for engagement photos. I'm a nice sister so I said yes.

I did a shoot with these two a couple of years ago. It was Holga heavy on Signal Hill so this time we went another direction. We went to the very spot they got engaged. It is on Murphy's Lane . . . and we are Murphy's so, you know, cute and romantic.

Here are a couple of the couple . . .

Big Sister x2

2011-01-21T15:24:00.001-03:30

Repeat clients make my world go 'round.

The last time I saw this family there were two girls.

This was the families favorite image:

This was my favorite image from the day. It is a Holga image taken during a snack break. (This reminds me that I need to do a blog post on snack images, because they are almost always my favorite.

Fast forward a year and a new baby means new photos. Big sister is still feeding babies and loving it:

Little sister is now middle sister:

New baby boy sweetness:

And one more of middle sister, just because she was so feisty and cute:

2010 revisited

2011-01-21T13:36:00.000-03:30

We are 21 days into 2011. I realized that I better get a move on organizing and filing away 2010.

As I go through files I'll be scanning a few negatives here and there.

I'll also be announcing a promotion.

Stay tuned.

Tweet.

2011-01-05T19:16:00.000-03:30

So my facebook account was hacked. That's not the bad news. The bad news is that without access to my personal account I can't access my photography page since I am the only admin. I am trying to get it resolved but after 3 weeks of being completely ignored by facebook tech/e-mail etc I am feeling despondent.

Enter Twitter. I'll serve up my account with a slice of humble pie. I always swore I'd never tweet. Um. Yeah. Well I didn't consider the idea of being hacked out of facebook. So come to my nest. Lets fluff our feathers together. I've prepared some suet and seeds and it's time to party. My favorite part of Facebook was crafting clever and often hilarious statuses. Maybe I'll like Twitter.

Link to your right.

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-05T14:00:00.000-03:30

2011 is here and it is spectacular. So far. Anything can happen but lets remain optimistic, shall we?

I want to take this chance to thank all my WONDERFUL clients for all their support in 2010. I had a great year and saw many new faces and many repeat faces. I love you all.

I have many images to share now that things have settled down. Some people say Christmas is their favorite time of year but for me POST-Christmas is the best. I make more money pre-Christmas, but I make more inner peace post-Christmas. It is a lovely and reflective time for me.

That said . . . I am already booking sessions for January. Just as well. Idle hands, and all that jazz . . .

Happy New Year!!

More sessions added

2010-10-25T15:05:00.000-02:30

I have added three more Xmas session dates. Nov 3rd, 5th, 6th. All are early morning sessions.

Then that is really it for Xmas sessions. Really really.

:)

Saturday session

2010-10-20T13:48:00.001-02:30

Hello friends,

I just had a last minute reschedule of this Saturday (Oct 23rd) session. It is the last of it's kind that has a Christmas deadline for order delivery. This is a juicy slot to open up.

First come, first served. ;)

***Taken***

More from blankie boy

2010-10-13T13:43:00.000-02:30

A few more favorites from the blankie boy of a few posts ago.

Family of three and 1/2.

Pulling Teeth

2010-10-13T12:22:00.002-02:30

Everyone is a photographer these days. Everyone has a pocket camera taking 100's of photos of every thing that happens. Despite this reality I do not take many photos of my own family (outside of the kids) because I always feel like I am being annoying when I haul out a camera. It is probably due to the splattering of groans and moans from almost every face. As if I take too many photos. I do not. I need to take more. Many more.

Here is the story of one roll of family film.

My Father in law made his first ever trip to NL a few weeks ago. We went to my fathers house and the two gentlemen met for the first time. My fathers name is Allan. My father in laws name is Bruce. My son is Bruce Allan. Needless to say I was insistent on a lovely photo of Bruce Allan with Bruce and Allan. Bruce and Allan and Bruce Allan proceeded to moan. I got about three minutes. Young Bruce was long on energy and Grandfathers were short on patience. This will do.

Okay how about one with three generation of Ramsay men? Young Bruce was really squirrely by this time.

Spotting a daughter I made her get a picture with both Grandfathers. *whine whine whine - FINE*.

I made her *hug them fer chrissakes!*. Better. This is as good as it gets. Still, a photo with both grandfathers is a treasure!

When she saw it she said *omg, that's hideous*. Sigh. She'll appreciate it eventually.

The other daughter was at gymnastics. Pity that since she is the only one who actually likes getting her picture taken.

I did manage to take a bunch more colour photos during supper. Laughing and carrying on. Snapshots. Not for me. For them! If I don't take pictures, who will?

Holga Fisheye fun

2010-10-13T10:39:00.001-02:30

Holga + fisheye lens + ringflash = fun!

These are all just around the house.

My girl. Fisheye has a lot of distortion (understatement!!).

My boy. He was very angry and ran away from me (in the living room). I found him in the kitchen in the space between the drawers and the fridge.

My cat named Holga. Holga with Holga!

My boy loves Holgas too!

Then I had two frames left so I took it to a session. I thought it would be a fun way to loosen the kiddos up. As it turns out I was right. Let's face it, this camera is not very intimidating.

This was shot #1 of the session. Fun indeed! It set us up nicely to have a great time together. I'll have to scan more of this session. It was good one. ;)

Max

2010-09-21T14:04:00.001-02:30

Giving dad a lift. :)

A boy and his blankie

2010-09-17T09:53:00.005-02:30

A quick little blog post. This one jumped out at me.

I'm partial to kids and blankies. In my house they are called *baba*. This guy called his *blank*.

New camera test roll

2010-09-15T10:33:00.003-02:30

A couple of new medium format cameras and lenses means a couple of new test rolls. Grabbed the nearest kid and away we went. Cameras and lenses are good. Work perfectly.

A couple of cute kid shots . . .

New hair and new glasses:

He draws on his face because it's *cool*

Also cool: Astroboy and homemade fingerless gloves.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!

2010-09-15T09:31:00.001-02:30

Off they go . . .

And baby makes four . . .

2010-09-01T12:32:00.001-02:30

A few favorites from this maternity/newborn sessioin. A couple I've posted before but not with their same session cousins.

A very excited big sister:

Holga.

Baby!!

A page from their album. Big sister is in love.

Holga:

It's time to start planning . . .

2010-09-01T11:47:00.000-02:30

Christmas!!

Listen, I'd like the summer to go on as long as anybody. The last thing I want to do is be accused of rushing summer away.

Trouble is that in my line of work it is already Christmas season. The fall is filling up.The deadline for sessions that allow for Christmas delivery of prints is Nov 2nd. I have precious few spaces left that fall within that deadline.

If you are considering a fall/Christmas session I encourage you to call/e-mail asap.

A few wonderful Christmas-Picture ideas:

-A lovely framed portrait of the kids makes a perfect gift for one parent to give to the other parent.
-A lovely framed portrait of all the grandkids makes a most excellent gift for grandparents. (consider sharing the cost among the adult children. This makes it a pretty reasonable cost considering the outstanding reaction from Grandparents on Christmas morning!).
-Older teen kids about to leave the nest would be hard pressed to find a better gift for mom and dad than a portrait of themselves.
-A pregnant mom with a Christmas baby would love a maternity/newborn session.
-A real family photo - finally!!
-Ladies - something a little saucy for your mate?
-For the more controlling recipient on your list a Gift Certificate for any of the above ideas (and more) ensures that the recipient can have more input over the actual photos.
-Your idea? I'd love to hear it!!

Brothers on the Hill

2010-08-20T13:00:00.003-02:30

Three years ago I went to Signal Hill with these sweet brothers. Just a few weeks ago we went back.

I'll mention it every time - I love repeat clients!!

(click to view larger, if that's your thing)

Here we were 3 years ago:

. . . and with mom and dad (who were not really in the pictures that day).

3 years later: The boys are now old enough to understand that my Holga camera has secrets inside and I encouraged them to figure it out.

What are the secrets? Only small subjects get to know!

Enough of that, we played cars

And played on cannons:

And then got down to business taking portraits:

I let them pose themselves. It's better that way.

And last but not least, one with mom (who was not really in the pictures this day either.)

New scanner = happiness

2010-08-10T22:34:00.001-02:30

Money can't buy happiness, this is true.

You know what money can buy? A new scanner!

A new scanner makes me happy.

I knew my old scanner was on it's last legs. I tried my best to muddle through. I chose to spend my money on film or lenses or more Holga cameras rather than a piece of computer equipment (I am all film after all, computer is not my end game). Well after ten minutes with this new scanner I now realize how much time I wasted *fixing* bad scans. You see, my negatives are almost always perfectly exposed/processed but my scans were horrific. I tried scanning prints but they looked even worse. As a result I scanned very little. There is not much motivation to scan and share work with the Internet public when my lovely work looked like poo.

No more!!

Here is the first print scanned. An 8x10 that I chose for this test because it made me crazy last year when the old scanner rejected it over and over. Less than 20 seconds with the new scanner and I have a scan that looks close to identical to the original print, with no adjustments.Raw scan just resized. (as always, click to view larger, if you're into that sort of thing!)

The first 120 film scanned. Myself last week on the top of windy Butterpot Hill with a Holga Fisheye.

Lastly the first 35mm scanned. Look ma, no adjustments!!

And now I feel the need to rescan every single bad scan I have and redo my entire website from scratch. So it goes with spending money. One things leads to another. ;)

p.s. It's safe to expect a flood of photo posts over the next few days.

Hugh Crawford

2010-08-03T13:41:00.001-02:30

His name was Hugh Crawford. He took a polariod photo a day for 18-ish years. Up to and including the day he died at age 41 of cancer. When I saw this link I looked quickly. Then I went back.I have looked through the photos in sequence a few times over the past few days. I'm hypnotized.

Today everyone takes pictures. Everyone takes many pictures. Most of them are nonsense and overkill. One photo a day is so much effective. The story is here and does not get tedious. Look.

You must go through from start to finish. Click quickly if you must.

http://www.photooftheday.hughcrawford.com

Rice is Nice!

2010-07-14T14:05:00.001-02:30

This post is a public thanks to Terry Rice ( www.terryrice.com ). He had some darkroom gear that was of no use to him and he asked me if I wanted it. I said yes, figuring that even if it was junk I might get a few bits and bobs of useful darkroom trinkets out of it.

Well I picked it up yesterday and it is definately not junk!! 2- 4x5 enlargers, 2 Jobo processors with enough tanks and reels to get me through 2020, lightbox, film dryer etc etc. Score! This is a text book definition of *one man's junk is another (wo)mans treasure.* As a digital guy this darkroom gear was just taking up space for Terry. As a film gal this is useful equipment that will be used on a very regular basis. I've actually already used the lightbox to help go through this mornings negatives.I am thrilled.

So if you need a photographer and you don't like me (sob!) or you are getting married etc . . . call Terry!

Thank you Terry. If I ever have any old computer gear I don't need you will be my first call!!

Busy as a beaver

2010-07-14T13:25:00.005-02:30

I am too busy to scan very much this summer. Between sessions and proofing meetings and darkroom printing and my own kids' busy schedules and my house renovations . . . whew. Scanning gets dropped from the list.

A quick random couple from the stack of negatives being proofed right now.

This baby and her mama had a fantastic maternity session that I will share in due time. Wonderful family.

This great family (and repeat clients- woohoo) wanted a Cape Spear session before moving away from NL. Here they tried their best not to get blown off the scenery. I love it. (click to enlarge, best viewed big)

Taking a break from the wind.

That's it for now. Back to summer.

X-tol

2010-07-02T16:13:00.002-02:30

I use powdered film developeers. This is due to the fact that where I live it cost a fortune to ship liquid chemicals. I have settled into using dektol for everything. As a result I was getting bored.

Hey x-tol is a powder! So I tried it.

I'll admit I have not printed anything from these yet but the negs and the scans look really good. Really very good. I'll stick with this x-tol for a few more test rolls and I might have a new regular developer. It's hard to tell in a scan but the negs themselves look very dynamic and sharp.

My kid and her cello and medium format delta 3200.

My kid and her cello and 35mm HP5.

p.s. don't you love her *cello face* where she sucks in her cheeks juuuuuust a tad. So cute.

Look Ma, no head!!

2010-07-02T15:30:00.001-02:30

I have a friend who asked about some maternity images for her soon to be doula-website. We wanted some non-portrait, any-woman type maternity images. I said *no problem* and started looking through my work. As it turned out I had very little that would be classified as non-portrait. Apparently I like faces and connection in my work.

I took this as a challenge. Could I do a maternity session and get anything without a face that I actually liked?

I called up the most pregnant lady I know. She was happy to oblige as I tested this new-to-me maternity style.

Turns out I liked a few of these. Lesson learned.

I will consider this as an addendum to my maternity approach. I still like faces and connection best and it is no surprise that my favorites are the ones with her beautiful face. :)

. .

Fun with safe lights

2010-06-25T23:23:00.005-02:30

There is a lot of standing around and doing nothing in the darkroom. One minute for this tray, two minutes for that tray. The forced nothingness is my favorite part of the darkroom.

Often I use those spare minutes to write important stuff. Stuff like to-do lists, budgets, meal planning, journaling etc.Sometimes I read tech sheets or photography books or look up stories and rhymes for my other job. Yes I do that under red light, it's fine as long as I don't use a red or orange pen. ;)

Today I did a full day in the dark and during the stand around parts I did nothing important at all. I played with my music, I played with my kids camera. I danced. I sang. It was very stressful.

It energized me. I need to play with photography more. A lot more. I do love it. Even the mistakes. Especially the mistakes.

Sweet little baby girl

2010-05-26T11:13:00.002-02:30

This mom had a a baby!

She was having a good dream. I love how you can tell what position they were in while in utero. Her little legs stayed like this no matter what.

Sleepy baby.

My little guy peeked over my shoulder and asked (with all seriousness) "is that super baby?". I answered yes, since you never really know! Dun-dun-dun-daaaaah - Super Baby!!

Hey that's me!

2010-05-26T09:16:00.004-02:30

Follow the link to check out my random personal opinions disguised as sage parenting advice.

http://stjohnstoddler.blogspot.com/2010/05/local-mom-donna.html

Another day, another test roll in the Yashica Mat

2010-05-18T09:31:00.002-02:30

I bought a Yashica Mat and my first roll through was a massive fail. Only every other frame fired and the focus was poor to average.

I spent a minute browsing the manual and finally put another roll through. This time only every other frame fired but at least they were all in focus.

Next I'll spend more than a few minutes with the manual and commit to figuring out the every other frame issue.

These were from that second roll. Taken late in the day (very low light). It seems like a decent little camera if I can ever figure it out. ;)

Little newborn man

2010-04-21T12:27:00.005-02:30

This baby belongs to this mama. Isn't he sweet? He is so calm and alert. He was very interested in my cameras and my movement. AT only 10 days old he fits the definition of old soul.

This is also a great chance for me to talk about my approach to newborns. There are many many photographers who would have spent much time trying to get this baby to sleep so they could confuse him with a prop and proceed to manipulate him into contrived poses. Sometimes that type of newborn photography is well done, but most of the time I just feel sorry for the baby. My approach with newborn portraiture is the same as with all portraiture: Gain trust and engage and crack the surface. I might not always 100% succeed but I always go for that connection. Even with newborns. They are people after all, just teeny tiny totally adorable people. I also like to focus on the new relationship with mom/dad and baby. I do not mean stripping everyone down and treating baby as an egg to balance, rather that love and awe that new parents feel. It is beautiful and real and makes the portraits about the people in them, rather than the cleverness of the photographer.

I have more newborns coming up. I can't wait. Keep them coming I say. ;)

One mama-to-be and three cameras

2010-04-09T13:05:00.005-02:30

I thought I'd share a recent maternity session done using three cameras. I usually use three (or more!) cameras. Different cameras can provide very different results. This post can also be considered as one of the main reasons I love film. I like shooting and done. The results I want are on the film, not to be created at a later date on the computer.

First up: 35mm film with a 35mm lens and Hp5 film.

Next: 120 film in 645 format with a 75mm lens and hp5 film.

And finally: Holga toy camera with 120 delta 3200 film.

Here are a couple of others from that session that I liked. Both are taken with Bronica 645, 75mm lens, delta 3200 film. (Have I mentioned how much I love delta 3200 in medium format, especially rated at 1600? Well I do!)

Sophia

2010-03-19T10:38:00.006-02:30

This is a tough blog post to write. I am resisting the urge to gush too much about how much I love this kid! She is so smart and sweet and animated. Makes for a fun morning of taking pictures.

I broke my own rule and showed too many proofs to mom and dad. It's tough when every picture had a different expression. In the end their favorites were my favorites so it all worked out. Since I have another rule about blogging too many from the same session I'll really reign it in here and only show a few.

How to choose? I have no idea. Random favorites will have to do.

(click to enlarge)

Baby Boy

2010-03-17T14:41:00.007-02:30

Sweet little baby boy with his parents.

As is typical for me my favorite image is the one taken on break. One of these days I'll be doing a blog post on those photos taken while on break. They are always my best shots. There is a lesson in that for me, a lesson to relaaaaaax. I tend to be hyper but I let my guard down during break and then - BAM - great shot. Must reflect on that idea.

Anyhoo, here he is. :)

New (old) cameras

2010-03-17T12:58:00.008-02:30

So I had an epiphany. I decided that with the way I shoot 35mm I need a rangefinder. I like the look of photos taken with a rangefinder. I like the history of rangefinders.

I also wanted a small camera I could just throw in my purse and have whenever I needed it. 35mm SLR is just too darned bulky for that. I want no big lenses, no battery packs . . . just easy. I have small hands and really like the size of rangefinders.

Although I'd like to go out and get a new Leica m7 on a whim, I thought some research was my best bet.

Step one? Find out if I even liked using a rangefinder! So different than SLR and I had never used one in my life. So I bought a Canonet GIII from a guy locally . . . nothing fancy but a reported sharp lens and decent meter.

Long story short . . . I LOVE it! 1st roll was 36 frames, all in focus. Camera itself is so small and cute and easy to use. It has found a home in my purse and I vow here and now to take more snapshots of the kids.

Next step? Find a rangefinder with removable lenses and build a system that will allow me to get rid of 35mm SLRs completely. Do all 35mm work with a rangefinder.

Two Leica bodies and some lenses . . . we are looking at 20+ grand. I'll need to do a leica promotion. A fundraising benefit concert. Something. Anything other than saving and patience!!

Anyway . . . here are a few snapshots from that test roll.

Dirty mirrors add character to self portraits.

Husband with a handy beard for lens sharpness test.

Snapshot! Kid doing homework! Easy!

My boy jumping on his great grandfather. Moving(ish) subject focus test.

The same guy that sold me the Canonet had a Yashica Mat for sale so I bought that too. I have had TLRs in the past, but they have never worked. I ran a roll of film through this but did something wrong, not sure, but only 1/2 the frames fired. I'll need to sit down and see if it is my error or another broken camera. Either way, here is my boy and his Great Grandfather again, TLR style. Oh yes, this is also some Tmax 400 film that expired 12 years ago!! Wow.

Maternity

2010-03-08T15:32:00.003-03:30

This is a mama to be . . . any day now . . . stay tuned!

Tina-Tina Bo-Bina and a new box of Delta 3200

2010-02-24T15:25:00.004-03:30

I got a new shipment of delta 3200 in 120. In 35mm format it is not my favorite, but in 120 it scrumptious. I used to use it all the time but for some reason had not used any in over a year. I smartened up and ordered a batch. Glad I did. It is just as scrumptious as I remember. Delicious grain in the 120.

I had a new batch of film and had to use some right away so took it to Mother Goose.

This is Tina. My mother Goose co-teacher. Playgroup facilitator extraordinaire. My friend who won't let me take pictures of her but I did anyway. Tina.

It was her birthday. Cake!!

The Birth Book

2010-02-17T15:43:00.006-03:30

I am very excited to finally officially offer . . . Birth Photography!!

I have always been a bit of a birth junkie. In fact it states in my high school yearbook caption that I had planned to go to medical school to be an obgyn. While I never carried through on that plan I did continue to be utter captivated by birth.

I am a trained Doula. What is a Doula? A doula is a woman who offers various forms of non-medical support (physical and emotional) to a woman in labour.

I have finally merged all of these things with my photography to offer an amazing product . . . The Birth Book!!

The Birth Book is the story of your baby's birth. It has three main parts: A maternity session prior to the birth, the birth session itself, and a family session about a week after the birth. I then take all these images and create (layout and design) a beautiful leather bound art book. The books are assembled by an outside company that caters only to professional photographers. They are top quality books that will last a lifetime.

I have attended a good number of births both as a doula and as a photographer. I am committed to being as discreet and as respectful as possible. I consider it a great honour to be there when a new baby is born.

Yay!

Two siblings and the photographer who jumped on the bed.

2010-02-03T10:47:00.007-03:30

These were really great kids. Sweet and well behaved. I think we were all friends at the end.

What's this about jumping on the bed you ask? You can see the kids on the bed . . where am I? Jumping on the bed! We need a pull back shot on that one. Maybe next time.

Boy

Girl

Siblings

Holga shot for good measure!!

Take Your Holga to Work Day!!

2010-01-27T15:57:00.004-03:30

Take your Holga to Work Day . . . is that a thing? It should be.

Obviously as a photographer I do take my Holga to work.

Since I like getting paid to spend time with my kid, for a few hours every week I have another job. I am a certified Parent Child Mother Goose teacher. What is that? From the site: "The Parent-Child Mother Goose Program® is a group experience for parents and their babies and young children which focuses on the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs, and stories together. Parents gain skills and confidence which can enable them to create positive family patterns during their children's crucial early years, and give their children healthy early experiences with language and communication."

So basically it means I get paid to teach songs and rhymes to kids and their parents and I get to do this with my own kid on my hip. It is the best job in the world (next to being a child/family photographer!!).

One recent day I took my Holga to work. A small room with nary a window in sight. Flash it up.

Let me sing you through these photos:

♪♫ Look at all the bunnies sleeping
'Till it's nearly noon
Come and let us gently wake them
With our merry tune
Oh so still
Are they Ill?

Noooooo!
Hop little bunnies
Hop, hop, hop
Hop little bunnies
Never stop ♪ ♫

Listening intently:

♪ ♫ Here is a beehive
but where are the bees
hidden away here nobody sees
see them come creping out of their hive
1, 2, 3, 4, 5! ♪ ♫

♪ ♫ Shoofly, don't bother me
Shoofly, Don't bother me
Shoofly, Don't bother me
I belong to somebody
I feel, I feel, I feel like a morning star
I feel, I feel, I feel like a morning star
I feel, I feel, I feel like a morning star
Shoofly, don't bother me
'Cause I belong to somebody! ♪ ♫

Since I've done it once I just might do it again. ;)

Mummers Parade

2010-01-27T14:16:00.007-03:30

So just before Christmas this fair town held a mummers parade. What is a mummer you ask? Well, according to an online dictionary it is "A masked or costumed merrymaker, especially at a festival." In Newfoundland this definition needs further explanation. Around these parts, it was tradition to dress up in any random clothes, underwear and sheets and go visiting house to house at Christmastime. The idea is to hide ones identity, knock on a door and ask "any Mummers 'lowed in?". If the answer is yes then in they go, to dance or play music and generally carry on. Usually the host will offer a drink or treat. The host is to try and guess the identity of the mummers. Then on to the next house they go.

Today this tradition is dying away. In this era of making an appointment to visit three weeks in advance, and text message confirmation, the idea of dropping n unannounced is losing favour.

Well a mummers parade is the next best thing. So a group was formed and people came out, dressed as foolish as they could. Myself and the family joined in the fun. My kids were so into it they must have had a hundred extra items on. We had about a 1/2 hour parade through the streets, ending at the Rooms for snacks and music. It was a blast and I hope that it becomes a yearly event.

P.S. I'd let mummers in at Christmastime. ;) No text messages needed.

Here are my kids and my husband and myself. I can't tell you who is who, that would spoil the fun.

There were a dozen or so great horse puppet things. If I can figure out what they are called I'll come back and edit this post!! This wooden one was a standout.

March march march.

We arrive!

Bookworm and c-c-c-color

2010-01-20T12:58:00.004-03:30

This session was a repeat client. I love repeat clients because nothing says *happy customer* better than a new booking. It is also nice to see kids grow up. I'm like an auntie: pinching their cheeks and clutching my pearls at how much they've grown since I saw them last!

This little one is a real bookworm. Mom wanted that captured and I was happy to oblige.

She also has some great toddler hair.

Since this was a repeat client I thought we would do something CRAZY!! Colour. Colour in the Holga. What fun!! I just might think of doing more colour once in a while.

Our friend Olivia

2010-01-20T10:04:00.004-03:30

So a while back my boy dropped my Bronica. That's right. Like a scene from a movie I dove in a slow motion attempt to catch it . . . and missed by a centimeter. I gasped and cried when I saw it fall into pieces.

After scooping up the bits I laid them aside and refused to deal with it. I thought by putting it out of my head I'd manage to save my relationship with my kid. ;)

Well a few weeks later I was growing very tired of tiny 35mm negatives and thought it time to deal with the Bronica. I pulled it all out and sat down and sized up the damage. The viewfinder and the lens were a loss. Busted. The body though, I thought I'd try and repair. It took some very tiny screwdrivers, a pair of pliers and a hammer . . . but I fixed it! I ordered another viewfinder and waited for it to show up.

One day Olivia was at my house with her brother and mother for a playdate. Having recently received the viewfinder I used her to test the newly repaired camera . . . lo and behold it works! I am very excited.

In an ironic twist one of my 35mm bodies went on the fritz at a recent session. Luckily I have more than a couple of 35mm bodies and it was fine . . . but it pushed me to order more medium format gear. And with that I thank every photographer that goes digital and sells their medium format gear on ebay for a steal. You just made my day.

Anyway . . . here is Olivia, so big that she can hold her bottle. That IS big!

Birthday boy!!

2010-01-17T17:07:00.005-03:30

A few days late, but Happy Birthday to my favorite guy! He is the big 3!!

He is no longer a baby. It makes me sad to think there are no more babies in the house. Never say never, but never is looking likely. Having bigger kids around is a constant reminder that as cute as babies are they turn into kids. Buggers. When I expressed my no-babies-sadness to my husband he said "sure, lets get a litter of kittens while we are at it!! I *get it*.

I'm still sad though. Look at his sweet face. Each kid I have is so amazing that it makes me want to try and see what the next one will be like. Roll the genetic dice one more time.

This guy is not a baby. He pees in the toilet and using manners and has not ridden in the sling in months. He can draw faces and play hockey and has time outs.

I love him to pieces. Every night I tell him that he is *the best best boy in the whole wide world* and he replies in his sweet little voice *you are the best best mommy in the whole wide world*. I say thanks. He says your welcome. Then I turn out the light and say goodnight. It is the best. Actually, the best best in the whole wide world. :)

In the trees (St. John's Newfoundland Photographer)

2010-01-14T16:21:00.010-03:30

This is a session from the fall. Why I have not scanned it is based only on my irritation with the scanner and has nothing to do with these images.

I loved this session! It was set up as a gift for Grandma. Images with Grandma and the boys.

I was happy to pull up and see wonderful trees and land. I was greeted by the delightful older boy who came out and showed me around. The rest of the gang were equally great. One of the nicest families I have met in a long long time. As a result it was a favorite session that had me struggling to chose just a few to scan. ;)

Hammock and holga.

Hammock and not a holga. :)

Baby was just starting to walk with help. He was loving it.

I may or may not have tricks to getting kids to open up. If I do, and I'm not saying that's true, this guy might have been trying to figure me out. I'm not saying that he was. ;)

Mom jumped in a few. This driveway had me wishing I'd drive to end of it to find my own little house.

I Wish I had a Little Red Box . . .

2010-01-14T12:46:00.004-03:30

Sing along . . .

I wish I had a little red box
to put my best friends in
I'd take them out and go
kiss, kiss, kiss
and put them back again . . .

Can you hear me? I am an excellent singer of kids songs. I know many many many. That particular song captivated this little guy to no end. In face it was the only thing that made him sit still.

He was a firecracker and his energy provided me with a favorite image.

The session was really for little brother. Isn't he a handsome baby? I think so.

Hey it's Michelle from CooChiCoo!

2010-01-13T10:40:00.007-03:30

CooChiCoo, a unique boutique for moms, infants and toddlers, is located at 655 Tosail Rd. Inside you will find all the great stuff they carry, a nice sized display of my work, and behind the counter you will often find the owner, Michelle.

Michelle just had her second baby and I was happy to do some updated family portraits for her. Here they are!

Superman and Barbie in the suds

2010-01-13T10:36:00.005-03:30

I wanted to share a quick Holga shot of my two youngest. Make that my two youngest and Barbie and Superman. ;) I love that despite being almost 5 years apart these two love nothing more than a tandem bubble tub.

Big rock and baby brother

2009-11-16T22:22:00.009-03:30

Right in the center of Topsail Beach, partially submerged when the tide is in, there is the best rock that can rival any rock on any beach in the world. I really think it was placed there for pregnant moms to recline whilst being photographed, there is no other explanation.

After baby came I went to their home to meet him. Here he is very sweet and alert.

He is really settled in to his role as the baby brother. Here he is barely a week old and already pulling ears and teasing big brother.

This was my favorite from the session. Sibling love. So so sweet.

Halloween

2009-11-16T18:43:00.004-03:30

As I threw away the last of the sticky suckers this morning it occurred to me that I did not post our Halloween this year.

One Clown.

One Hanna Montana.

One Spiderman.

One dead runner.

boo. :)

CooChiCoo Contest Winner

2009-10-24T21:17:00.007-02:30

This lucky Mom was the winner of our recent draw for a free session at CooChiCoo . She chose a session for her new baby boy, who was just about 5 months when we did the session.

The funny face.

Most babies this age are all about their Mommy and this guy was no exception. I liked the scene of her soothing him in his crib better than the resultant solo portraits in the crib. ;)

I also got two new Holgas that day. Fresh out of the box for this shoot. I still need to test without flash, but so far so good. I also thought this was an interesting look at the same scene with two different cameras (one 35mm with a 35mm lens and a Holga TLR.)

Eventually he napped. It's hard work being a baby!

1940's Maternity

2009-10-07T11:25:00.007-02:30

It was actually 2009, but in my head it was the 1940's.

I love the old photos from the 1940's. The women were always so put together and fashionable. I have had this idea to do a maternity session with some 1940's styling.

I was lucky enough to find a beautiful lady, ripe with baby, willing to let me play dress up with her and style her and go with my random flow. Thanks A!

I was going for two looks here. One was a glamour-movie star type things. Think Rita Hayward. The other look was more the everyday woman in the 1940's. Now, I realize that pregnant women back then were not celebrated and there was no such thing as Maternity portraits and so on. That is what makes it fun to pretend.

First up was our glamour look.

Then outside with the Holga. Her guy was merely a man prop in this photo, he did a good job.

The two of them had many nice moments between shots, that became the shot.

Then we switched outfits and headed to the beach. I was going for a snapshot look here. Like an old photo of your Grandma pregnant with her first child.

And again.

And my fave from the day. Holga goodness.

A gentle re-entry into blogging

2009-10-07T10:41:00.007-02:30

I am a bad bad blogger. I have many ideas. I have many photos to share. I spend enough time on the computer to make it seem not unreasonable to blog on a regular basis. Yet . . . I do not. I let my negatives sit unscanned, my thoughts left unsaid. I am flighty, as they say. Can't seem to focus myself on this task, even though I do so much like the idea of blogging.

Lets give it a go. As I tell the kids: the first step to doing is trying. :)

I'll share some personal photos from a recent camping trip. It was our last week of summer hurrah. We went to Butterpot Park. My kids LOVE it there. We always get a spot in the "quiet area" because the spots there are so much better! Quiet means no generators or loud music, neither of which we have. Thankfully it does not mean no loud children. I did not take an abundance of photos, but at least I took a few. :)

(as always, click to view larger)

Morning. The girls slept in their own tent for the first time. It was great except that they couldn't get the zipper open!! (One of them is NOT a morning person, can you tell which one?)

So nice to nap in a warm sunny tent. Not that I'd know first hand. It sure looked nice though!

We took our dog. I'm pretty sure the dog loves camping the most of all of us.

We rented a boat. The little guy was not really very impressed.

But the girls loved it. :)

The first day I ran to the top of Butterpot Hill and back . . . it was so nice. The next day I did it again. Then I went back and made the kids do some of it. I knew the little ones would never make it to the top so we mostly just played in the woods.

She is So strong!

I think this little guy will follow this big guy to the ends of the earth. :) This picture is definitely getting printed for the big guys Christmas present.

Kids.

The big kid wanted this so so badly. I think I might have to also print it for her for Christmas. She loves this scan, how much will she love the print?

Cats and Kittens

2009-08-19T13:20:00.005-02:30

So my cat had kittens! Just two. My kids love it. I'll admit, they are so sweet.

There was a good few hours between kittens. Mama has that look of shock and horror doesn't she?

Here they are having sides (our family word for breastfeeding, haha )

And here is how she spent her time at first. On her back.

Now they are all grown up and ready for new homes. I took a few photos in an attempt to make them so adorable that someone would want both! I really want them to go together. Together forever. :)

Here is my girl with the two of them.

And here she is with the Mama cat a couple of years ago. The babies look like their mama that is for sure.

So if anyone wants a kitten or two . .. call me!!

Family Snapshots

2009-05-13T12:41:00.004-02:30

Have I ever mentioned how much I love to use the Holga for my family snapshots? I do.

Maybe it's my kids and the fact that they are never bothered when I pull out the Holga, but if I pull out the *fancy* cameras they start in on the whining right away! So I stick to Holga and everyone is happy.

MUN Childcare Centre fundraiser - Win a session!

2009-04-25T07:35:00.005-02:30

A great new contest/fundraiser at the MUN Childcare Centre!!

The MUN Childcare Centre is a non-profit childcare centre and relies of fundraising efforts. In this case you can buy a ticket ($2/each or 3/$5) and have the chance to win a free session with a framed 8x10.

This is a $400 value. Draw date is May 8th.

A display of my work is hanging in the Childcare Centre lobby until the draw date.

Details here:

http://www.mun.ca/childcare/about/fundraising.php

Sweet little baby girl. - St. John's baby photographer -

2009-04-10T16:00:00.007-02:30

I am making a pact with my scanner to not neglect it so much!

A recent session. A sweet little 4 month old girl with her family. Babies of this age can be tricky as they are not young enough to tolerate being physically manipulated like a newborn . . . but they are too old to sit up and such on their own. This session was a family session so luckily we had the best props of all . . . mom and dad!

Serious

Not so serious!

Baby in the middle.

Their great dog. I loved him. I considered trading in a cat or a camera to get my own greyhound. So beautiful and gentle.

Solo.

End of The Belly Event

2009-04-10T15:58:00.002-02:30

Just wanted to remind that the Belly Event has now ended. I look forward to photographing the pregnant ladies who booked and meeting your new babes! I still have not found an outfit like MIA's, but never say never. ;)

The Belly Event!! - Maternity Photographer St John's, Newfoundland

2009-02-25T11:58:00.007-03:30

So a couple of weeks ago I was watching the Grammy awards. On comes M.I.A. . . . she was 9 months pregnant (due that day!) and she ROCKED IT!! I wanted the other hip hoppers preforming with her to get off the stage (and not just because I am not a hip hop fan!). She absolutely stole the show. The Grammy folks have removed all the videos on the Internet of the performance . . . but here is a photo:

(source)

She was so awesome to me that it made me really want to shoot more maternity. Maybe even in that outfit (if I could find something like that). Also in regular outfits. All sorts of outfits!

So in honor of M.I.A. I am partnering with CooChiCoo to offer:

The Belly Event!!

Book a Newborn session and get a complimentary Maternity session. Look for this card at CooChiCoo:

The fine print:

- Special will be honored with presentation of receipt from CooChiCoo AND payment of Newborn session.
- Newborn session includes babies from birth until 6 weeks old.
- Newborn sessions are booked in pencil. Dates are kept open to accommodate those babies that arrive earlier than expected and those babies that arrive later than expected. It is clients responsibility to contact me to re-schedule the appointment. Only one re-schedule is permitted.
- Both Maternity and Newborn session will be proofed together approximately one week after completion of the Newborn session.
- Regular print prices apply.

Hugs and Noogies. - Family photograper St. John's, Newfoundland

2009-02-24T20:53:00.006-03:30

Sometimes it's nice to shoot some older kids. Don't get me wrong, I love babies to pieces, but they rarely listen. ;) These boys were repeat clients, which made the whole thing all the better! I loved their photos with their cousins from a couple of years ago and I love these new family photos. Family photos can be a trick: getting everyone on the same page and in the same vibe. Thankfully in this case Dad was a cracker! That helps. A lot. Makes a fun afternoon. :D

First up, a reminder of the cousins shot from a few years ago. This shot has some significance to me in that it was the first time I ever trusted myself to go Holga on a group like this. I had some safe shots with a fancy camera . . but this one was *the one* and a nice big copy of it was gifted to Grandma that year for Xmas. It was a hit. Holga power!

Here they are now . . . with Mom and Dad instead of cousins! A fairly traditional family shot.

With the family dog in a less traditional family shot.

A fairly traditional brothers shot using the Holga.

A less traditional brothers shot using the power of the noogie. If this doesn't scream BROTHERS and/or BOYS . . . well I give up. :P

Cutie - Baby photograper St. John's, Newfoundland

2009-02-23T20:37:00.006-03:30

Isn't she cute? I love this age: old enough to sit up and respond to my songs and rhymes but too young to run away!

Strawberry tongue

How can you resist that face!

This smile was Mom's favorite. :)

An extended family session - Family photograper St. John's Newfoundland

2009-02-12T14:16:00.006-03:30

This took place at the great little coffee shop called Anchorage Coffee at 106 Water street. The building is beautiful and the space is friendly and quaint. I plan to use it as my go-to downtown coffee place for my morning kid and coffee chats.

And one that became an instant fave . . . funny because this was a repeat client and there was another instant fave from the first session. I'll attach the old fave (on Signal Hill) and the new fave (in the awesome window of Anchorage Coffee).

A letter to my blog.

2009-02-12T14:11:00.005-03:30

Dear Blog,

Oh my poor neglected blog. I'm so sorry for ignoring you this long. Christmas came and it took all my attention to finish my printing and so on. Then I got sick and then I got sicker and sicker. I broke some bones and just generally had a dreary time. I am feeling a bit better now though . . . I can feel bits of energy running through me. I am going to scan like a crazy person and post some sessions and maybe a personal photo and then I'll even post about some upcoming events/etc.

Forgive me blog.

Repeat clients are the best! - Children's photograper St. John's Newfoundland

2008-11-18T11:11:00.006-03:30

Here is a repeat client session. They loved the images we did a couple of years ago for then-only daughter. Along comes new baby and new session. It is a wonderful to feel so valued. I hope they have 5 more babies and 5 more sessions!

Dad in this family has a car that he loves. The challenge was to create a new car image with the new son! New kid, same car. :D

2 years ago:

This year. I did a fish eye to keep it the same but different. Plus I'm on a circular fish eye kick. :)

This is so cute. I've said it before and I'll say it again: snack shots taken during a break are usually my faves from the whole session. This is no exception.

Chilling out and chatting.

Three generations! Babe is holding G'dads baby cup. Very special indeed.

Family: Zoom Zoom Zoom . . .

Old friends

2008-11-18T10:01:00.003-03:30

A recent-ish session with some old long-lost friends. (they are down blow in my fish eye post as well).

It was great to see them in all their health and sucess and happiness. Of course, always nice to meet new babes.

*waving*

A cute little fellow - Children's photograper St. John's Newfoundland

2008-11-04T21:33:00.006-03:30

A quiet little guy . . . who loved that toy whipper snipper. He took his job very seriously. :)

(Holga)

(not holga ;) bronica)

Fisheye Fun

2008-10-21T11:49:00.007-02:30

In the thick of the fall portrait madness I took a trip to Nova Scotia. There was a large family gathering not to be missed.

While there I visited some old friends. Some old long lost friends. Some I have not seen in 10+ years. Like a lifetime and a blink all at once.

A few days into the trip I started taking these fisheye group shots so I could be in the photo. My only wish is that I didn't start from day one because there are some special people missing from this series!

.

.

.

.

.

I'll also include a few other fish eye fun shots from the family party. I have not even touched the colour film from that party. It might have to wait until the madness dies down . . .

.

.

.

Coo Chi Coo Contest!

2008-09-20T14:03:00.004-02:30

So this session was the winning session from our latest draw at CooChiCoo. The prize was a free session with a framed 8x10 print. Thanks to Michelle at CooChiCoo for helping to fill out so many ballots.

It was a great winner with perfect timing with a new baby due only a few days later!

Here is a sneak peek for mom, since I have to postpone our proofing meeting to hop on a jet plane . ..

WIth proud big sister.

I love this. Baby getting to know mom. The look of love. :)

This dog trying to get through the cat door = funniest thing in a long time!!

Halifax sessions

2008-09-13T16:14:00.000-02:30

I just wanted you all to know that I am currently booking sessions In
Halifax.

The following dates are available: Sept 28/29. The exact times will be
negotiated once all sessions are booked. I will be booking the slots until
Sept 18th.

All sessions completed in Halifax will have finished prints delivered in
time for Christmas. This is great news, because portraits are a perfect
Christmas present for those hard to buy for types. Consider a wonderful
portrait of all the cousins . . . if you can arrange that without Grandma
knowing about it it is guaranteed to be a great Christmas morning.

If there are any questions, e-mail donna@donnaramsay.com

Thanks, and please pass this along to anyone you think may be interested.

Donna

A few quick ones of mine

2008-09-11T11:02:00.006-02:30

A few from a recent roll or two of my kids. I tend to take a lot of snapshots with the Holga camera. Sometimes even in colour! I'm considering starting to develop my own colour film. Not printing, too many variables, but I think I could handle the film part. My next order of darkroom supplies will likely include the gear and chemicals to try it. As I tell the kids . . . the first step to doing is trying!

Nanny is a rower at the regatta. Go Nanny! Nanny didn't win, but not for lack of effort!

Another from the Regatta. Uncle was happy to spin her around and around . . . and around.

Boy distracted by baseball. We were on our way to the swings but never made it.

First day of school. Guess the grades!

The best big sisters let baby brothers ride their bikes.

Lastly . . . me 4am at a recent birth. Excuse the out of focus. I didn't take the picture!

baby-palooza

2008-09-02T13:56:00.009-02:30

Last week was a week of wee ones. Here are some favorites:

Newborn from a recent maternity. So sweet, reminded me of my oldest when she was born. Mom sat back and let me do my thing which is always nice. I just love what I do, it is simply fun. Like playing with dolls when I was a kid.

With her brother. Note his hand in his pocket. That was very intentional as he was trying to close the lid on his sister! That pocket kept her safe. :D

And with her 10 week old cousin. I love this one. I hope they grow up to be best friends. No pressure. ;)

Another babe. This little guy was 9 weeks old. Sleepy and sweet. He was very clearly adored by his parents.

This one is funny. Like a behind the scenes *how to take a baby's picture*.

(click to enlarge)

Panda Birth

2008-08-29T13:26:00.003-02:30

So I've been pretty immersed in birth culture and newborn babies lately. I'm looking up this, researching that, photographing all of the above . . . generally all about little babies and their pregnant mothers.

In today's time wasting episode of surfing the web I came across this video of a giant panda in Japan giving birth:

Panda Birth

Apparently it is the first giant panda in Japan to give birth by artificial insemination . . . so it has made an impact on the news.

I have watched humans give birth. I have watched dogs and cats and mice give birth. I have watched videos of numerous other mammals give birth. None of that prepared me for the sight of that new panda!! Somewhere in the recesses of my mind I knew that panda babes were small . . . but this is nuts! I looked it up, and according to The National Zoo "At birth, the cub is helpless, and it takes considerable effort on the mother's part to raise it. A newborn cub weighs three to five ounces and is about the size of a stick of butter. Pink, hairless, and blind, the cub is 1/900th the size of its mother. Except for a marsupial (such as the kangaroo or opossum), a giant panda baby is the smallest mammal newborn relative to its mother's size."

My last babies averaged about 1/12th my size. Seems a little unfair, yes?

How I spent my weekend

2008-08-21T11:48:00.007-02:30

So as I've previously mentioned I took a Doula training course. I took it as a leg up when it comes to birth photography. As I thought about it I realized that it would be a great compliment to the volunteer work I already do with women and families at the Association for New Canadians.

Fast forward to this past weekend where I had the distinct privilege of supporting this wonderful lady as she had her 7th child. She had a long and difficult labour and faced some fears of birthing in a new country. Her wonderful friend was able to help translate and between us all we were quite a team.

Baby Boy, 7lbs 6oz. Happy and healthy.

I was not there as a photographer . .. but I did take photos. I did not take any photos leading up to or including the birth because I was busy focusing (no pun intended) on mom's needs. After baby arrived mom collapsed into the pillow and dozed on and off . . . I snuck away on and off to see the sweet sweet babe.

I will gift her with a set of images. These are a few from that set:

I think I'll send a few to this nurse as well. There is nobody in the world more comfortable with newborns than delivery room nurses.

Mom's wonderful friend. We should all be so lucky as to have friends like her. Here she is showing off baby to the doctors.

Baby is checking me out!

I sang him happy birthday and he really liked it.

I am not going to post many of mom here. She was in and out of sleep and utterly exhausted.

But by the next day she was in fine form. Amazing what a little sleep can get you! Check out baby, he was so alert and ready to take on the world. I think he looks like he is a pretty smart little fellow.

And lastly, mom agrees that wee little babes look pretty funny in their big seats.

It was my pleasure and joy to be there. I am so grateful that I am able to help another woman in this way. It was a great way to spend a weekend, even if I do have to work double time to make up the time I was away!!

Christmas

2008-08-12T08:59:00.002-02:30

I encourage anyone interested in Christmas sessions to book soon. Spaces are already filling up.

Deadline for Christmas delivery of finished framed pieces is a session date of Nov 4th, 2008.

A reminder that a large framed portrait of all the grand kids is the PERFECT gift for those hard to buy for grandparents. If you can gather the various families together in secret and surprise Grandma and Grandpa on Christmas morning with something so unexpected . . . you are the hero for the rest of the year!

Maternity

2008-08-07T11:35:00.004-02:30

A maternity session with a wish to include dad and big brother. Big brother was full of joyous energy on the hill and a bit tricky to photograph. I don't give up that easily though, and pinned him down for a few shots. I think I managed to even capture a bit of the joyous energy!

Mom: Is that not the most perfect pregnant belly you have ever seen? Swallowed a basketball, indeed.

Mom and Dad: I am so happy with these. I can see the love, and isn't that what having a baby is all about? :)

Family at the Park

2008-08-07T11:22:00.005-02:30

This was an extended family session in the park. I wanted to go early enough to make sure the ducks and pigeons were hungry, and it worked like a charm. It was pretty fun actually, despite nearly getting clobbered a few times by flying birds! That's what happens when you ask kids to throw duck food at the camera I guess. All I could think of was my mother and her fear of birds. She would not have enjoyed this session, haha.

We did some sort of traditional groupings and then once the kids started getting restless I handed over the Holgas to the oldest girls. I always bring Holgas, and I am generally pretty relaxed about lending them out for play. They are toys after all!

I assume all child photographers bring candy to their sessions, right? Makes sense to me . . .