A continuation of my previous post. These were all shot by the wonderfully talented Andrea Blair. Please make sure to check out her work – she seriously rocks! As you can see, there were a lot more smiles and giggling in this round of photos ( as opposed to our individual shots). I was definately the most uncomfortable on my own – it’s always easier when there’s someone to goof off with. And keep in mind that it was MUCH tougher for me being in front of the camera…..not only did I want to look purdy, I also didn’t want to look like an oompa-loompa. So, Brooke being as wonderful as she is let me wear heels ( she was in bare feet) AND always pushed me onto the “higher ground”. I love optical illusions, don’t you?!
Big, huge thanks again goes out to Vintage and Vogue for supplying both of our wardrobes as well as the immaculate vintage cruiser bicycle – that thing weighed a TONNE!!!
Enjoy the pics:)
You can almost believe I’m 5′6 instead of 5′2, right?! Thanks B!
These 2 are totally my faves….I was a teensy bit tipsy and trying not to drop her:)
Oh yeah, I can work a mean ” Star Search” smile!
Outfit change #2 – we weren’t loving the look quite as much but it didn’t matter – we were trying too hard not to bail off the bike. Can’t believe I trusted B enough to climb on.
The bike – how I wish I owned one of these, if not only for photo purposes…..
It’s that time of year again. Well, actually this post is about 3 weeks behind schedule, but better late than never, right?! This is year two of Nevaeh’s “parents welcome” class, and I loved it even more this time around. Maybe it was because she has really learned to LOVE dancing, maybe it’s because she’s somehow a little more graceful and yet still 4 year old awkward. Whatever it is, I’m glad she has so much fun in such a great class. Her teacher, Mrs. M is truly one of the best. So incredibly patient, even with my Miss Chatterbox. My favourite moment? Their 3 minute interpretive free-style. Man, it was CUTE! Little Miss seriously dances like no one is watching ( check out the first two images). She comes right up to the audience and just works it – ”Elaine” style. Think Seinfeld people….the girl could be a stand in for her for sure. And check out how much she’s grown in a year….click here to see last year’s class. Same hair, same sweet face, a little less chubba-lubba. Too cute.
Hope everyone had a wonderfully-fabulous Christmas!!!!
Michele.











Along with the fact that I haven’t posted in a few weeks, paired with the constant reminders of my Mum that she hasn’t seen photos of our girls in too long….I thought it best that I pull up my socks and post a little something. Of course as every other person out there knows, it’s a crazy hectic time of year – and on top of client orders, Mummy duties, Christmas shopping, sick kiddos and party planning I’ve still got to remember to get a few festive shots of the girls. I got out the fancies the other day, but much to my surprise Miss Nevaeh was having none of the frills. She wanted “cool” clothes…..”like I’m six, okay Mummy”?! Well, why not. So, although there isn’t much of anything festive going on in these photos, try to imagine me singing Christmas songs in the silliest voices possible in order for them to pay attention….that’s festive, right?! Nevaeh somewhat cooperated, and Miss Eve? Well, at 9 and a half months she is a little fireball. Go, go,go…I had to catch her with my feet while I was crumpled into a corner trying to fit them both into the frame. The things we do:) I can’t wait to see what she’s doing in the next few weeks……she’s now able to stand completely on her own for a good 15 seconds and is saying her first little words…..Papa’s watch gets ” gick…….gock” ( tick-tock ) and “book” is pronounced with a “g” in front. Silly little thing. And at 4 years old Nevaeh is starting to learn about hand-eye coordination, as her Dad would say. She is learning to LOVE video games. Drives me absolutely nutso, but of course there are limits set by moi….. and she is pretty darned good at games, even if I cringe every time they play! Does this form of entertainment drive any other Mum’s bonkers?! Oh, it gets to me……..the hubby thinks it’s hilarious and says I’m just envious that she could kick my butt!
So here they are….my attempt at some shots for Nanny to see how grown up the girlies are getting. I must say that this time of year feels soooooo restricting; these shots are the same ol thing I keep taking when it’s yucky out. Next shoot I’ll attempt outside in the white stuff…..once it warms up a bit, of course:) Alright, enough babble from me…..hope each and every one of you has a fabulous Holiday Season and a wonderful New Year; and don’t forget to leave a little blog love – it’s for a great cause this time of year…..1 comment = 1 can of food donated to the Food Bank. What better reason is there?!
Merry Ho-ho!!!!!
This one makes me want to go wake her up for a snuggle:)



How does time fly so quickly again?!

* Edited to add*
I almost passed this one by…..one of Eve’s “firsts” – a mini play with her little friend Milla. I did 3 shoots at our home this day so we got in a lot of play time! Little M is 6 weeks younger than Eve and I think they may be two of the cutest little things I’ve ever laid eyes on…..and can’t you just see the hair-envy in Eve’s eyes? I mean, come ON ! 
So, a few weeks ago Brooke and I headed over to Calgary for a weekend of not only shopping, but networking and kicking A$$ with the one and only [B]ecker! We were definitely not disappointed; the workshop was informative, interesting and totally fun. It didn’t surprise me that [B]ecker was exactly as I’d thought he’d be from reading his blog and watching his [B] school video clips. I picked up a lot of good info, but most importantly confidence and inspiration. He made us realize that you don’t necessarily need to be the most incredible photographer around, as long as you’re darn good AND have a great personality. Well, I happily agree with that statement. I am proud of my work, I don’t by any means think I’m the most fantastic photog around, but I do think that I’m darned fun to work with! After a full day of learning, meeting new people in the industry, watching [B]ecker shoot and even getting few headshots taken by the man himself, we headed out for some greasy bites and had a great time. Thank you also to Rebecca of R Photographer for your very,very appreciated insights. Your honesty was maybe the best thing I took home with me.
Thanks again to all involved in pulling this together, and for the photographers reading this….if you haven’t done so yet; get your butts over to the [b] school blog and SIGN UP!!! It really is fab.
Thanks [B]ecker….you rocked!!!
These headshots were shot wide open on the very buttery 50mm 1.2…..I’d better start saving my pennies:)
These next 2 are obviously poor quality, but seriously crack me up- the shirt says it all!!!

So, it’s that time of year again and even though we should be thinking of ways to help others year-round, many of us don’t take the time to do so. Our own families come first….we take care of our children, our significant others and ourselves often forgetting about the many people, right where we live that could really use a hand. I have been trying to make small changes, and one I was recently reminded of was “cans for comments”. The lovely Andrea Blair is doing the same thing, and I not only urge all of my wonderful blog readers to comment for this great cause, but if you are a fellow photographer with a blog, to do the same. And Brooke, I know you just got back from holidays a few hours ago, but you’re in this with me too, so get your game on and let’s see who can raise more! If everyone could pass this on, photogs do up your own post, let me know and I’ll be sure to send some love your way. So simple. So effective. And so needed.
So, here’s the deal……you leave a comment, I leave a can. Every comment made between now and December 23rd will mean an extra item of food for the Food Bank. So come on people; let’s challenge each other and see collectively how much can do!
Happy Holidays:)
Mish xo
And I just couldn’t post without an image, so here’s an oldie. Si and Nevaeh at 1.5 and 2 years old…..shot with my Nikon D70 and 50mm 1.8 lens. They grow SO fast, don’t they?!

So, after such a fabulous wedding day I was a little anxious as to how our session would go. I didn’t feel as though the bride and groom were truly on board with the idea of getting all done up again, in the heat with what was sure to be many onlookers! Well, they showed up , the weather somewhat agreed; although there wasn’t a cloud in site we were able to work it out….and most importantly we had SO much fun! We had quite a few lookie-lou’s, people taking pics and even a restaurant worker who jumped in with his “eat my burrito” apron; it seemed harmless enough until he lifted it up…..WHOA! Good thing it wasn’t real is all I have to say; I’ll leave those pics for J& J to view at home as they’re not completely appropriate for a family blog:) One of the shots I wanted to get was something with a lot of color and an obvious Mexican feel; the first ceramic ones are a few of my faves. Jay and Janine’s request?! A volkswagon. Hmmm….. considering there weren’t vehicles allowed where we were shooting I didn’t think it was going to happen. But luck was on our side, and instead of flagging a cab on the way back from the hotel I asked if they could flag us a VW. It worked! It was getting quite dark out, the ISO was cranked, but we got it….and bonus…..it’s GREEN! VW’s were one of the many things that brought these two together so I’m thrilled we were able to incorporate one into the shoot. Guys, thanks for dragging yourselves away from the beach and taking the time to come out again….I’m pretty sure you’ll agree it was worth it.
Enjoy!!!
My fave..








Love.



Jay, you are one lucky man!

Are they not the poster faces for Destination Weddings? I think so:)

So stylin, and I just lovvve the movement in this one; fave #2.
Believe it or not, this great find was outside the Hagen Daz ice-cream shop; yum!
Ummmm…..yeah, you two are seriously HOT! 
High ISO, blurry, grainy….and I don’t care! Love them:)
Edited to add *** One forgotten image – I had to!

Thank you so much, both of you and each and every person who played a part in me getting to be included in your big day!
Last Thursday, November 19th I had the privilege of photographing Jay & Janine’s gorgeous oceanside wedding in the tropics. It was perfect. The dress, their shoes, the weather, even light seemed to hold on a teensy bit longer for us to be able to shoot a few on the beach. I first met Jay and Janine in Calgary just hours from when we flew to Cancun. Brooke was with me, as we’d just done a workshop with [B]ecker and J & J offered up their place for us to crash at (probably because the heard I SUCK at getting my butt outta bed and didn’t want me to miss the 4 a.m. wakeup call)! B thought I was a wee bit off my rocker to stay with people I’d never met, but through the emails we’d sent each other I had a feeling that I was going to click with these guys. And I was right…they were fab. So, early the next day 59 of their friends and fam met in Playa Del Carmen at The Iberostar Tucan Resort. Even my hubby came along for the ride:) These pics are from the wedding day, and as I forewarned the bride and groom I knew it would be rushed. A 3 oclock ceremony with the sun gone at 5. So, I made them move, made em sweat, got a little bossy ( okay, a lot bossy)! and we shot until the last bit of light was gone….you can see proof from the night shot; that was minutes after I finished the last shot on the beach ( for you photogs, I was shooting at ISO 3000)! I could seriously keep on writing about all the great details, but I’ll spare you and let the images speak for themselves.
Make sure to tune in in the next few days for their After session….by far my fave; we’re talking mosaic tiles, hot pink brick walls, and a roadside bar with swings:) Yup, I was a happy girl! I promise you won’t be disappointed as they were rock stars!
Jay, Janine and all of your seriously amazing friends and fam…..I had such a great time and really appreciate you having me; now somebody else get married away…..I’m addicted!!!
Are you kidding me?! Janine, you are stunning. 
Doesn’t Jay remind you of Hugh Laurie…aka: House??! 

I just adore the expression on her brother’s face here……
Does she not look like she could just burst here?! Love.
The boys giving us a little groove after the ceremony….


Okay, so there’s a bit of a story behind these next two; these guys are all “city-folk”, and although I’m no country-bumpkin, when it comes to getting a great shot, I will do what it takes. Well, I’d spotted this little cluster of ruins off the side of the road and just had to get us there for a few shots after the ceremony. Well, there were bugs. Big bugs. And lots of em. Of course I didn’t care, even laid on the ground for a couple while getting eaten ALIVE ( I’m not kidding….27 bites just from that afternoon; ouch)! Well, although we got these two, there really aren’t any others….they are literally slapping each other, screaming (boys too) and/or ripping off clothes in the rest. But come on….soooo worth it! 
This may be may fave…..I love how real this moment is.
These next two were shot at ISO 3000……meaning it was NOT good light.
Believe it or not this was taken just minutes after finishing up on the beach; ISO 200, no flash of course. Ain’t it purdy!? 
And the ring shots….it was a bit of a problem as each time I remembered about the rings it was dark out. I shot the first in their jewellery shop, not having a clue really as to what I was doing and the other 2 were shot just before I hopped the bus to go home. Good thing I didn’t pack the macro or there would’ve been an entire post dedicated to their rings!


So, the last time I photographed Miss Milla she was all of 5 days old ( peek here). It was a challenging shoot to say the least, but ended up being one of my favourites. And her Mum…..I mean, come on! You can see here where the wee one gets her looks from; lucky lady!
Now, you’re probably wondering about how old this little beauty is; believe it or not she is almost 2 months younger than my little Eve. She is just 6 months in these. Amazing, right?! And the hair….it was a given. Mum Lindsay the owner of the chicest salon in town, Heiress Salon & Boutique , so she just had to have great locks! Milla rocked it out for this session – I’m not kidding you. She was hands down the fastest baby I’ve ever seen. Rolling, twisting and trying to dive head first off my bed. She’s a busy little lady, this one! Good thing I had my fast pants on for this session….we flew through it in less than 20 minutes. Phew!
Linds, I hope you love these – and I am totally looking forward to doing your family session up at the mountain. Can’t wait!
Thanks again,
Me.






by michele
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