Blog: October 2009

West End Cultural Centre - ROCK THE BABY!

This is old news by now, but I finally got around to posting this from an event last month at the West End Cultural Centre. My good friends Sean and Natasha put together an awesome night of music and art to raise funds for their adoption of a little Ethiopian baby boy. They have been going through the long, emotional and financially challenging process of international adoption for the past couple of years, and with every day, they are getting closer and closer to meeting their new son. There is no specific date they are waiting for - the call could come any day in the next several months. We are all eagerly anticipating with them!

The fundraising event in September was a great success - they fund raised the last amount they needed (thanks to very generous help from friends, family and their community) and everyone enjoyed the show. Marcel Desilets played an awesome show, and so did Tim Braun and the Earthtones and Oak Tree for the opener (better known as Chad Kroeker, my amazing husband). :) There was also a silent auction with prizes that consisted of baked goods, music CDs, jewelry, hand-made clothing and art. Here are some photos I shot throughout the night. We sure Rocked the Baby! Even other fellow babies showed up to offer their support. :)

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Artwork and jewelry by Rose-Anne Harder

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Cookies and illustrations by Natasha Boone.

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Illustration by Natasha Boone and artwork by Gabrielle Touchette.

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Dan and Joanna enthusiastically selling auction tickets.

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The West End Cultural Centre is right across the street from the wonderful Ellice Street Cafe.

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Future parents: Sean and Natasha.

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Derek and Ronald.

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Saying hello to little Leif with dad Ezra.

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Sean Hogan, MC.

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Oak Tree (Chad Kroeker)

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Marcel Desilets.

Family Photography in Winnipeg - The Harrells at St. Vital Park

I met the Harrells last Sunday afternoon at St. Vital park for a fun and candid family photography session. It turned out to be a great late-October day with the colours still bright and the air still fairly mild. I followed them around, taking tons of pictures as they enjoyed their day at the park with the family. We took the time to do a few posed family shots, but my favourite photos are the in-between moments, when everyone's natural and just being themselves. The kids were absolutely adorable and great sports. They were so much fun to photograph! As you can tell, we all had a good time. Here are some of my favourites (though there are so many more I'd want to include!):

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Engagement Session Along the Assiniboine River

Here are some photos from a recent engagement session with Janelle and Barrett. We met up at the park along Wellington Crescent (right next to 529 Wellington) on a humid autumn evening. Although the sun didn't make an appearance, we got some great shots amongst the saturated colours of the trees. It was a beautiful setting! Janelle and Barrett were a ton of fun - they posed for some romantic shots, but also pulled off some pretty hilarious shots. I've got one here of their "sweater" portraits, over-sized comfy sweaters that were reminiscent of the actual proposal, and we got some "action shots" of them running and jumping into each other's arms (of which I will not post! They're pretty funny, but I'll leave it up to them if they want to share it with the online public). :)

I'm really looking forward to shooting their wedding. They're super easy-going and naturals in front of the camera. I guess it's easy when you're very much in love with your best friend. Congrats guys! See you in the summer! 091006GT0946 091006GT0969 091006GT0992 091006GT1023 091006GT1068 091006GT1088

Engagement Session - Melissa & Steve in Winnipeg's Exchange District

I've known Melissa since grade 1, but lost touch for several years until our paths crossed again when we were both working on a French children's television production. I'm glad that we did - Melissa's a great friend, full of energy and fun to be with. We've worked on several other film sets together and I can say, it's never a dull moment when she's around! She's also a talented make-up artist and has helped me on a few shoots in the past, also having done my make-up for my own wedding. This year, she's the one that got engaged and I was honoured when she asked me to be her wedding photographer. Melissa and Steve are an adorable couple, full of life and a ton of fun to be around! Not only am I excited to be shooting their wedding, but it's also extra exciting because they will be getting married in the Dominican Republic this winter. Tropical weather, beach setting, hot climate -- can't wait! A perfect backdrop for a beautiful couple.

Wedding photos will come in a few months... but for now here are some of my favourite shots from the engagement session on Saturday. Soon they'll be swapping their winter coats and mittens for flip flops and summer dresses...

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Family Photography - Candid Shots with the Pletts

On Sunday I had the pleasure of shooting family photos for my cousins-in-law and their adorable family. After postponing the shoot several times due to the weather, we finally got a gorgeous day with plenty of sun and warmth. I met them at their new house, and did a quick shoot in their backyard. Andrew was as adventurous and excited as a 2-year old can be and Corrie was an adorable new addition to their cute family. After getting the standard family pose, I let them run around and just be themselves to catch some candid photos of the family. Here are some of my favourites. Congratulations guys on your new house! It was nice to see you guys and to meet Corrie!

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