Friends | Kitchener Family Photographer

Often as adults, we don't make many new friends.  We tend to tighten down our little circles - school friends, work friends, social acquaintances.  But sometimes, you get the chance to make new, real friends.  Such is the case with this awesome family. We first met when our oldest daughters attended the same Sparks group.  Claire and I attended a couple of events with the group and chatted a little bit. Our girls also went to the same school, we later realized, but on opposite kindergarten days.

Then my youngest daughter and their son started in the same kindergarten class.  They became fast friends and were mostly inseparable.  In fact, they were more like siblings than friends - rough-housing and plotting sneak scare attacks in whispers, laughing like loons when their plans worked.  Our eldest daughters also had class together and bickered and loved like sisters too.  I would often chat with Steve or Claire as we waited for the final school bell to ring and a friendship was born.  With our kids in the same classes, we kept each other up on the in-class dramas of our oldest girls and commiserated over the younger ones' lack of desire to learn to read.  And all the while, their littlest, a social butterfly, would be merrily sharing lots of stories with me about her day.  Fast forward through several field trips, backyard barbeques and more than a few beers, wine and coolers while playing Dutch Blitz you see a couple of families who can spend a few hours together with no fighting kids (okay, well maybe a few arguments here and there - they are like siblings, I tell ya!) and crack each other up on those early breakfast club volunteer mornings.

We planned a little session together way back in June but I was waiting to blog these until their Christmas cards were sent, since I knew she was planning on using a few from the session as a surprise for long-distance relatives.  It is amazing how looking at these now, a few months later, you can almost forget the swarm of mosquitoes that was eating us all alive before the bug spray arrived, or the sensation of my hand coming up wet out of a fresh puddle of dog urine...almost.

I have to say, my very favourite part of this session was when we headed back to their house near the end, to capture some images in their backyard and on their front porch.  I think this has to happen for EVERY session from now on.  The home is where the heart is and to have those memories of the life they are creating together in that home are so precious.  Get ready for me to come to your house, people! ;)

Our family is so lucky to have found such wonderful, kind and hilarious friends and we look forward to many more years of laughter and friendship.  And chili with lots of corn.

M xo

Jody | Kitchener Boudoir Photographer

Boudoir was a type of photography that wasn't really on my spectrum until last year.  Mostly because I wasn't entirely sure that I could pull it off.  Sure, it seemed a natural fit given my history as a massage therapist and massage therapy instructor.  Boudoir is practically modest compared to massage! The challenge for me wasn't so much related to technical execution or comfort around nudity, but rather the responsibility I felt to make my subjects feel as comfortable as possible in their own skin while also creating images that were in keeping with my style. After some gentle persuasion from my inner photography circle, I decided to give it a whirl and quickly found that I really enjoyed this unique style of photography.  As with most things in my life, I found that I approached boudoir sessions with equal parts humour,  determination and self-competition, challenging myself to make my subjects feel confident, sexy and relaxed throughout the session. A little wine and music may have aided in keeping the mood light too... ;)

I have actually done a few sessions over the course of the past year, but often my clients prefer to keep the images to themselves and I respect their privacy.  But Ms. Jody was happy to allow me to share a few from her session to help spread the word that boudoir is now on my list of reasons-to-hang-out-with-Mandy-for-an-afternoon... er, photography services.

I am booking a limited number of boudoir sessions for 2015, and they can be done in the comfort of your own home (if lighting permits) or I can arrange for the use of a studio space here in Kitchener. Couples and men welcome, it's not just for the ladies!  Connect with me at info@mandyblakephotography.com to plan your session.

M xo

The Last Days of Summer | Cambridge Fall Fair | Kitchener Family Photographer

This super cool family met me at the historic Cambridge Fall Fair on a gorgeous late summer night for some rides and smiles.  I loved the idea of heading to the fair - the lights, the roller coasters, the small of cotton candy, popcorn and caramel apples in the warm air, the laughter of delight and screams of terror, all underscored by a local band rocking the main stage.  A perfect end note to summer. I really wanted to do my best to capture this awesome family as they truly are, loving, kind and truly bonded.  They had a blast carnival games and riding the various amusement rides, stopping for a few quick photos in front of the fun house and then wrapping it up with some cotton candy and a few more stomach-twisting turns on the Tilt-a-Whirl as the fair's bright lights started to light the night sky.

Thank you all for being such great sports and for spending a great evening with me at the fair.  Enjoy the images!

M xo

I have started taking my iPhone along to my sessions, capturing a few extra images to show some of the little moments that just seem to  be better translated through a less obtrusive lens.  I am loving the results!  Here a just a few of my faves from my phone:

One Frame | Allan + Rachel | Kitchener Wedding Photographer

Tony + Heather | Waterfront Wedding | Tobermory Ontario Photographer

I almost didn't photograph this wedding and I will tell you why:  Weddings scare me  a little bit.  One chance to get things right just doesn't suit my perfectionist personality. But this lovely couple are long-time family friends and they were ready to beg me to photograph their big day.  I told them we could do an engagement session and just see how it might go... And then MAGIC.  These two are so amazing together as a couple - naturally connected and so in love - that I couldn't possibly miss the chance to photograph their wedding.  The contract was signed and we were on the countdown to September.

And then I got a message that they had decided to elope in June, they just couldn't wait any longer!  My romantic heart was ready to be there to capture their fantastic day.  And plus, for any of you who are familiar with Tobermory, it was the Chi-Cheemaun Festival (affectionately know by locals as "Cheech Weekend"), an event that my family refuses to miss.  They were planning their ceremony between slo-pitch games, a plan that I understood completely.  You don't mess with the JP Johnstone Memorial  Slo-Pitch Tournament.  You just DON'T.

They chose ridiculously beautiful Mermaid Cove in Tobermory, Ontario, as the location for their ceremony, along the rugged shores of Georgian Bay.  The day could not have been more beautiful, blue skies and sunshine, champagne and strawberries for the gathered guests.  After the ceremony, we enjoyed a fantastic meal at the renowned Grandview Motel and then we planned to meet up in the evening to take a few more images in the falling sunlight.

All in all, we could not have had a better day, with amazing friend and family surrounding this couple with love.  I enjoyed every minute of this wedding.  And I was only a tiny bit scared. ;)

Love you Tony & Heather!  Thank you for allowing me to share your beautiful wedding day.

M xo

Summer Nights | Cambridge Family Photography

I met this wonderful family at the gorgeous Dumfries Conservation Area in Cambridge, Ontario for a session on a sunny summer evening.  Mom is the talented photographer behind Melissa Avey Photography and she did an awesome job dressing her family in a stylish way that really suited the summery weather! We headed out with the goal of getting a photograph of the entire family together, something that can be easily overlooked in the home of a photographer, since we are used to taking the photos rather than being IN the photos.  I was determined to give her this image, even if it meant crawling on my belly, making crazy noises and even a little bit of begging... ;)

We did have success in getting everyone in the frame, as well as having a bunch of fun and making lots of silly faces.  I think these images show the essence of this family - fun, caring, goofy and ultimately, really full of love.

Thank you Melissa and Brendan and kiddos for choosing me to capture these moments and memories for you.  It was a good night.

M xo

Fall Sessions Booking Now!

Melissa + Scott | Engaged | Kitchener Wedding Photographer

This night could not have been more fantastic.  The sun was bright but the temperature cool, with a lovely light breeze.  Two gorgeous people in love and willing to accommodate my crazy requests despite a few mosquito attacks.  We worked our way around the Grand River Trail near RIM Park in Waterloo, taking advantage of the lush greens as a beautiful backdrop to capture this couple's connection. My favourite thing about this couple is how comfortable they are with each other.  Even when they are not touching, you can feel the connection between them.  She likes to make silly faces at him, while he tells her jokes as they walk together.  He helped her down into the creek and held her close to keep footing on the slick stones.  She fixed his hair under his beloved Bass Pro hat.  Simple, beautiful love.

I cannot wait to photograph their wedding later this summer, but until then, enjoy these images!

M xo

Celebrating Motherhood | Kitchener Family Photographer

So far, this summer has been pretty spectacular, and the evening of this family's session along the Grand River in Kitchener was no exception. We met on a lovely Sunday night to celebrate motherhood with a session that was all about Mom and her kiddos.  Of course, Dad joined in the fun for a few as well, so we also celebrated the love and connection that this family has together.

We even got our toes wet in the river (okay, well, I got wet up to the knees, but that's my job!), tossing stones and checking out some nearby mama ducks and their ducklings.   I am really enjoying a slightly new way of photographing, a little more loose and casual, a style that is more about the moments and memories and less about having everyone smiling perfectly in my direction (not to say that I won't get that one for Grandma's fridge!).  I really want to capture the unique bonds and dynamics that make up a family, which is what draws me so intensely to photography.

All in all, we accomplished our goal of getting this wonderful Mama in the frame with her babes and we had a fantastic time doing it! Win-Win!

Enjoy the images,

M xo

Neighbours | KW Family Photographer

When we purchased our home over 10 years ago, we moved into a neighbourhood that was not exactly full of families.  There were plenty of kindly retirees and senior citizens to pinch the cheeks of our new baby, but not much prospect of a group of playmates for my children to grow up and create mischief with... Or so we thought. A couple of years later, a toddler wandered into our front yard, followed by his pregnant mama.  I was also pregnant with our second and we struck up a conversation.  She happened to mentioned that she may be offering child care once her new addition arrived and we would be looking for a new sitter soon.  It proved to be a rather fortuitous meeting.

Fast forward 7 years.  Our children, her boys and my girls, tear up and down the street on their bikes, built forts and argue like siblings.   In fact, as I type this post, I can hear them shouting gleefully together outside.  The doors of our respective homes are ever-revolving, and we are never entirely sure how many kids may be requesting a snack or drink at any given time.  My girls skate on their rink in the winter and we take turns accompanying the kids to the local skate park.  My kiddos still go to her house for after-school care - not because they need to but because they want to.

I feel so fortunate to have neighbours and friends like these.  You know that they will always be there when you need them and you will be there if they need you.  We love each other's children and treat them like our own (even when it means laying down the law!). And we never judge each other as parents - we know that sometimes you just lose your s**t and it doesn't make you a crappy parent.

We hung out on a gorgeous, sunny, slightly mosquito-y Friday night in Kitchener, along the lovely Grand River trailway.   We splashed and played and they did their best not to hit me with the stones they were tossing.  ;)  I am so happy to have this family in our lives and thankful that I was able to capture them as they are together - fun and loving.

Enjoy the images,

M xo

Jen + Brad | Pillar and Post Wedding | Niagara-On-The-Lake

Sunshine. Love. Happiness. Joy. Celebration.  All of these things came together to make this wedding a day the bride and groom will remember forever. Surrounded by family at the Pillar & Post in stunning Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario, this couple took their vows and bonded their families together with love.  I especially loved the portion of the ceremony when Brad promised to be a great Dad to Q - heart melted!

It was amazing to be a part of such an intimate day, with just a handful of guests to witness their commitment to one another.  This is EXACTLY my kind of wedding.  Moments of tenderness and unabashed laughter.  Relaxed smiles and casual conversation.  Small personal touches in all of the planning and decor.   It fosters a feeling of togetherness that is hard to match at a large event.  And these two pulled it off with unparalleled success.   Of course, that was likely due in large part to their amazing wedding planner Sandra, as well as an extremely detailed wedding binder... :)

Thank you both for choosing me to be a part of this amazing day, the beginning of your journey together as a new couple and family.  I felt so welcomed by your families and I can't wait to photograph your family through the years as it grows.  You are wonderful!!

Enjoy the images!

M xo

PS: A special thank you to my hubby Carl, who acted as my chauffeur/room-service-orderer/bag lugger and sort of second-shooter for the weekend.  Your love and support are more important to me than you will ever know.

Side Note to Future Brides + Grooms:

Are you planning a small, intimate wedding? A backyard DIY affair perhaps? Or in a tiny, historic chapel with a handful of friends + family? Elopement?

Then I am your photographer!

I am taking a limited number of wedding bookings for 2014 + 2015 for small, unique weddings with a maximum of 6 hours coverage. Even the smallest wedding should have beautiful photography to help you remember and cherish every moment.

Please connect at info@mandyblakephotography.com to share your love story with me!

Cadet | KW Portrait Photographer

I have known this young man since he was just a wee boy, after working with his awesome mom for many years.  He is no longer that little boy I once knew, now a mature young adult looking forward to some big adventures. For the last year or so, he has been a member of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, enjoying all of the activities and rituals that go along with membership.  Next year, as a member of this group, he is hoping to travel to Europe to attend ceremonies and events that commemorate 70 years since the end of WWII.  An amazing opportunity and an incredible adventure.

He is going to be raising funds to cover some of his travel costs and his mom asked me to capture some images of him in his uniform to help with his campaign.  We grabbed a few minutes in the shade one sunny afternoon to get the job done and I think we were very successful.  I mean, who could resist that smile and that uniform!

Once I confirm the details of his fundraising ventures, I will add the information here so you can contribute if you are so moved.  Keep checking back!

M xo

Winter Sunshine | KW Family Photographer

It was a gloriously sunny day, with warm(ish) temperatures and crystalline snow.  This fun family invited back to their gorgeous farm property to play in the snow and have some fun! We had a plan to have a little snowball fight followed by some family snuggles, a plan that was only slightly dampened by the fact that the snow was more like ice pellets than awesome packing snow.  Fortunately, ice pellets look really beautiful when then catch the sunlight!

Of course, boys being boys, there were a few overzealous ice balls to the gut and imagined guns made out of ice chunks - all in a day of play for this rough-and-tumble twosome!  After tuckering ourselves out wading through the knee deep ice drifts, we retired to the house to catch the Leafs game and sip on some hot beverages.  I am so fortunate to have amazing clients like these - they make my job so wonderfully easy and fun!

And since we are now into the sunshine and rain showers of spring, this post is my last adieu to winter!  See ya next year snow!

M xo

Celebrate Motherhood | KW Family Photographer

If you are like me, you call your Mom every day. You know the smell of her face cream and can immediately call up an image of her laughing in your mind.  She is your friend, your guidance counselor, your cheerleader and sometimes your most honest critic. If you are like me, your kids are your world, even when you feel like you might lose your sanity if they track mud into the house one more time. You kiss them while they are sleeping and feel like your heart might burst when they are proud of their own achievements.  You want to them to stay young forever but are equally excited to see them grow into the people they are meant to be.  They make you laugh, cry, scream, feel the need to take deep breaths and above all they are a part of your heart and soul.

I know us mamas are not always kind to ourselves, wanting to wait until we look our very best before stepping in front of the camera, but just remember your kids love you no matter your wrinkles, muffin top, cankles, double chin, crazy hair or monthly acne break-out.  Just get in the picture!

I invite you to Celebrate Motherhood with me this spring. Evening session times only (after 5:30 pm), and times are available April through June, 2014.  Connect with me by clicking Contact above or at mandy@mandyblakephotography.com!

Here is one of me, my Mom and my girls taken last Mother's Day.  I cherish this picture and I am so glad I have it to pass on to future generations.   I am also pretty sure that my girls will be happy to show it to their children one day, certainly while saying, "WHAT was up Mom's hair that day?" ;)

Waiting Patiently | Kitchener Family Photographer

This was my first ever true maternity session!  When this glowing mama, a friend from college and fellow photographer at Miche L Photography, asked if I would capture her baby bump, I agreed with (nervous) excitement! They drove in from Kincardine to meet me on a relatively warm day (-1° Celcius is practically tropical around here this winter!) and we met at Waterloo Park to capture some snowy scenes.  It may look pretty, with the cedar hedgerow dusted in fluffy snow, but believe you me we waded through knee deep banks to get to the location.  Soggy pant hems really add to the experience though, wouldn't you agree? ;)

After braving the cold for a we while, we decided we needed to warm up and so headed to the nearby Clay and Glass Gallery to explore the amazing art pieces and take advantage of some spectacular light.  Once changed in to some dry clothes, I worked on getting a few images of them with the art installations, but also to capture the wonderful, loving connection these two have together.  It is easy to see that with the amount of love that is flying around, the awaited babe will be one lucky little person.

I cannot wait to meet Baby Robertson and wish them all a swift, wonderful birth experience.  And look out world, this promises to be one good-looking baby.  Have you seen her hot parents?! :)

Enjoy the images and stay warm,

M xo

Nine | Kitchener Child Photographer

Nine years ago, I underwent a transformation that was equally scary and exciting.  I became a mother. As I sit and reflect on the past nine years, I can't believe how fortunate I am to have this beautiful girl in my life.  She is so much like me, in so many ways, and while sometimes that means she pushes my buttons (big time), I also take pride in knowing that she is MINE. My heart, my soul, my sorrow, my joy.

She is passionate, sometimes to the degree of Grand Supreme Drama Queen.  She is sensitive and easily bruised by unkindness.  She has a smile that melts my heart.  And an eye roll that makes every muscle in my body fight not to get angry.  She loves to stay up late, hiding under the covers so we don't see her.  She reads more than one book at a time, never losing the thread of the story.  She is an amazing big sister and a compassionate friend.  She loves to hug and snuggle and sing at the top of her lungs.  She dances in the shower and wears makeup that would put the 80's to shame.  She doesn't like math and laughs at her own miserable attempts at art. She gets distracted by shiny things... well, she gets distracted by anything really. She loves ketchup - especially on pizza.

I am so thankful and full of love for this girl.  She brings me happiness, pain, laughter and worry of the kind I never thought possible before I became a mother.  I love you, Brielle.  Even when you don't like me. ;)

Happy 9th birthday!

Love,

Mommy, Daddy, Emery + Charlie xoxo

Here are portraits of my girl, one for each year since her birth.  Sigh.  Why can't she stay little forever?

Just home from the hospital on day one.

One.  I thought her hair would never grow...

Two. Baby curls and pearly whites.

Three. With Grizzy and Special.  She still sleeps with both every night.

Four.  Forced grin and a blond bob.

Five. That smile gets me every time.

Six.  Rocking her own style, finding her independence.

Seven.  Those teeth are the BEST.

Eight.  Seriously, when did she get so mature?

Nine.  I m starting to see glimpses of a teen.  Makeup, jewelry, boys, frenemies.  I wish I could freeze her right at this moment.

Love Is In The Air | Kitchener Family Photographer

It was a misty, grey early winter day and I wasn't sure the light was going to hold.  But boy, was I wrong!  The light was some of the prettiest I have seen and it made all the colors so rich! After meeting in north Waterloo, we started the session with some family fun, with little man Q winning us all over with his adorable smile and giggles!  He is always cracks me up with his silliness!  I think some of his biggest smiles came when he was telling me about his girlfriend - lucky little lady!

After we had fun laughing and playing together, Grandma and Grandpa came to pick up Mr. Q so that we could celebrate this lovely couple's engagement with some more intimate images.  They were such good sports, as I made them trail through wet, cold grass and follow my bossy instructions! ;)  They are so connected and just good at being together that they made my job really simple.  And like I said before, the light was STUNNING.

I am so excited to be photographing this gorgeous couples wedding this spring - it promises to be a fantastic day!

Enjoy the images!

M xo

Golden Morning | Kitchener Family Photography

Sometimes everything just works.  The sun, the light, the colours, the clothing, the location.  Ya know, it all just jives!  This session was one of those that just flowed, the light was beautiful and the golden rod was at the peak of fluffy gorgeousness. I met this family at my parents' home on the edge of Kitchener, which backs onto the Crown Land surrounding the Grand River.  The sun was shining, filtering through the pines in a way that just made everything feel golden.  It was a bit chilly at first, but we quickly warmed up in the fall sunshine!  This lovely mama is a fellow photographer at Close Your Eyes Photography, so I was super pleased that the weather was cooperating, since making our individual schedules come together was like playing Twister!  We headed out into the woods and I knew immediately that her kiddos were going to be rock stars in front of the camera, no doubt from a few times in front of Mom's lens... ;)

She specifically asked that we really focus on getting her in with her kiddos and to have all of them together, since us photographers often don't get the chance to be in front of the lens with our littles as much as we should!  I was happy to oblige and I think we managed to get lots for her to treasure as the years go by.  Of course, Dad got in there too, after nearly being excused from the session due to a certain Movember Mustache, which was fortunately shaven just in the nick of time!

We finished our time together with Dad and the kids heading off to explore the hills and ponds around the woods while Mom and I worked on getting an updated head shot and profile picture for her to use.  I have included my personal favourite of that series, which I think captures her kind heart and lovely personality.

Enjoy the images!

M xo

Three | Kitchener Family Photography

This session was almost a bust from the beginning.  The little man had fallen sound asleep in the car on the way over and was not entirely pleased to be awoken to find he had to have his picture taken.  But soon enough, he was regaling with tales about his cowboy boots (his favourite footwear of the moment) and giggling as we sneaked away into the long grasses to take some "secret" photos without Mom & Dad. We had a rather chilly day, with the wind blowing across the nearby Grand River in Kitchener, but we all trooped around through the weeds and bushes like nothing was going to stop us!  There may have been about a million tiny fluffy seeds on us when we finished, but we managed to have fun and some laughs along the way.

This family of three has so much love for one another, you can just feel it in the way the play and laugh and act silly together.  A connection that will only grow beautifully in time.  As long as they can keep Mr. Personality from lifting off the ground with his enormous stores of energy!  Something tells me Dad does little to help keep the sillies at bay, as evidenced in the second image... I hope Mom knows what she is in for!   ;)

Thank you, you three, for sharing your moments with me.  I had so much fun capturing your family!

M xo

Personal Images 2013 | Kitchener Family Photography

  Reflecting on 2013, I can't help but smile.  My family brings me such joy and happiness on a daily basis.  I am so grateful to be surrounded by the people I love, having the chance to enjoy their company in the places I love and making memories along the way.

We travelled frequently to the cottage this year, a family haven in beautiful Tobermory.  My girls are free to explore and discover, swim and play, build fires and catch minnows.  I read, nap and swim when the water is not bone-chillingly cold. My hubby works through crosswords, soaks up the sun and takes long walks to clear his mind.  I  think each of us feels at home, at ease and perfectly relaxed in this space.  We live the cottage life to the fullest.

We also had the chance to go home this year to Twillingate, Newfoundland, a place of rugged beauty where amazing family and friends welcome us with open arms.  I love the fact that my girls are able to wander off to climb the hills, catch crabs in a bucket, get a slushie at the store and pick wild berries, all without ever worrying about where they are or whom they are with.  It brings me back to my own childhood and it makes my heart happy that they have the chance to enjoy that carefree childhood, even for a short time.  Hubby and I often take off, leaving the girls with their doting Nan & Pop, to check out the local hiking trails or drive to his youthful haunts.  On the plus side for me, there are no snakes on the island, which makes my hikes much less anxiety-ridden, however, the nippers is some bad!  Bonfires at the beach, fresh meat soup and toutons with partridge berry jam are some of my favourite things about going home. :)

When we were not on the road or in the air, we spent our summer nights in good ol' Kitchener with friends and neighbours, the kids playing late into the warm nights on their bikes or on the trampoline.  The girls begged every day to go to the skate park down the street or for an ice cream cone at Dairy Queen.  I cleaned scraped knees, administered AfterBite and slathered the sunscreen. Ahhh, summer.

It is hard to believe that the fall saw both my girls in school full-time, me alone to work in my too-quiet house with the snoring dog.  Sigh.  I knew they would grow, but why does it have to be so fast?  I am so glad that I am able to capture them, as I see them, nearly every day, so that I can look back each year and remember. Just remember.

We finished the year with a beautiful Christmas and New Year, surrounded by family and full of love.  The perfect way to complete a heart-filling, wonderful year.

Before I get too sappy, below are a selection of some of my favourite images from this past year, divided into Colour, Black & White and iPhone images.  Bring on 2014!

M xo

Colour

Intensely Carefree

Dolls

Body Art

Straw Gazer

Cottage Life

Granny Face

Rock Hoppers

Six with Attitude

The Old Man

Favourite Red Hoodie

Bashful

Black & White

Melancholy

Sisterly Love

Up the Creek

Fashion Show

Puddle Inspector

Summer Braid

Piggy Back!

The Woods

iPhone

Charleston View

Summer Beach Sunset

Skate Park Gang

Weathered Pines

Smoke Signals

In Pop's Store

Tuckered Out

Hair Echoing Bush

Back Harbour Swell

Through the Sprinkler

Late Summer Garden

The Chase

Calling to Friends

Serious

Strike a Pose

Morning Kiss

Incognito Attitude

Summer Clouds

Weird Light, Big Eyes

Winter's Bones