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
Happy Father's Day
Happy Father's Day to my love. A few iPhone images of him and his girls, loving, laughing and snuggling. 
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!
One Frame | KW Photographer
This couple is so in love, they made my job easy. Photographed in the Olde Library at the Pillar & Post, Niagara-On-The-Lake.
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
2013 in Review | Kitchener Family Photographer
Each and every year, when I sit down to put together this post, I reflect on every family that has trusted me to capture their memories. Each image conjures the moments we spent together, laughing, playing, chasing, bribing, and exercising extreme patience. Every moment is one that I cherish deeply, from my side of the lens. I feel so completely blessed to have worked with over 30 families this year, to have shared with each of them a slice of time that was filled with smiles and happiness (well, toddlers can bring their own brand of "happiness" to a session sometimes, so you have to just go with the flow ;) ). I have also had the chance this year to scout and find some new and gorgeous locations throughout Kitchener-Waterloo, which is always an adventure, especially when you come across an unexpected mud puddle or bush full of burrs!
This year has also been truly rewarding on a professional level. I had an amazing time learning new skills and meeting some crazy awesome photographers at the NAPCP Retreat in Charleston, SC this past spring, as well as taking online courses from a couple of uniquely talented photographers who helped me discover the roots of my passion. On top of that, I am exceptionally lucky to have a wonderful group of photography friends around me to challenge me and push me further at every opportunity.
Okay, so this is a super cheesy post about how lucky I am to be able to do this job, with people I love to photograph and photographers I love to work with, but I can't help it! I try to never take for granted that I am able to do what I am passionate about as my career. It doesn't get much better than that!
So here is a big shout out to all of you, clients, friends, family and colleagues who have helped to make 2013 another fantastic year for MBP. Let's rock 2014 together!!
M xo
Welcome Winter | Kitchener Family Photographer
Some of you may know that in my former life I was a practicing massage therapist, as well as a massage therapy instructor at a local college. Through this experience I have formed some truly amazing friendships and connections that are so special. I love keeping up with my former clients and students, through social media, tea dates and gatherings, and when one of this circle hires me for a session, I feel incredibly honoured and happy. Considering that I started working at the college nearly 8 years ago. many of the students I have worked with are now getting married, starting families and growing in their lives in amazing ways. This lovely lady is no exception. She is a busy massage therapist, to whom I entrusted my own clients six years ago when I took a brief maternity leave. She has an infectious smile, positive and caring attitude and shares my sense of humour. When we hang out, laughter is the order of the day!
When we met up for our session near the Grand River trail in Kitchener, I was so excited to finally meet her little girl in person. She seriously has one of the most radiant smiles I have seen - she just lights up! It may have been a cold, gray day with light snow, but she smiled as if it were the middle of the summer. Of course, even she had her limits and the smile didn't last once her fingers got cold, but we had fun while it lasted! If only we could have convinced her to stop throwing her mittens in the snow... ;)
Here are a few of my favourites from this quick, fun session! Thank you all for being such troopers in the cold and the snow - next time we need to plan for summer!
M xo
Fall Light | Kitchener Family Photographer
This fall has been, well... a bit dicey. The cold temperatures came earlier than usual and the sun was not shining as often as I had hoped. There has been a lot of schedule shuffling and last minute phone calls as the rain suddenly erupted. Mother Nature is having an off year, I guess. But there was one GLORIOUS day in November, where the sun shone in a bright blue sky, the temperature was not balmy but not freezing and the leaves still had some of their yellow and orange hues. The perfect day for a fall session. And then I met this lovely family, with their awesome wardrobe selections and sparkling smiles and I knew that it was going to be one of those sessions that I walked away from knowing with certainty that I had some keepers.
We met on the outskirts of Kitchener at one of my favourite locations - in fact, it is where I take my own family when we feel like a tripod session! The goldenrod was in its full, puffy goodness and the grass was just starting to take on its winter hues. We laughed, we played, we ate chips and Smarties (okay, that was just the little man but I totally would have shared). There may have also been a "stinging needle" incident, but a lively round of song and a few Smarties took care of that!
As the evening progressed, the light only got more and more dreamy and beautiful - I was in photographer nirvana! Eventually our fingers and noses were a little red and chilly, so we called it a day, but not before one last game of peekaboo in the car. Even Barkley the dog seemed to have enjoyed himself and only had a few burrs from his adventures through the bushes.
Looking forward to meeting this family again in the future...maybe when their new addition arrives?
M xo
