At the close of another year, I want to warmly and sincerely thank my many wonderful clients for trusting me to photograph a special time in their lives.  I chose this career 33 years ago, and I have to say that I still enjoy my photography as much, if not more, than when I began.  How many people can say they love what they do after so many years?   I am nowhere near retirement as yet, and I’m looking forward to seeing many more of my past clients and meeting new ones!

I am so looking forward to what 2012 will bring. Some things will be good and some not-so-good. But, I will accept whatever comes!

I haven’t made New Year’s resolutions for many years, because the intentions are always good – but the execution rarely happens.  So what I’m doing instead is making a list of what I envision for myself and my business in the coming year.  (There’s power in the written word.)

One thing I want to do in my business is to try new things.  I will be photographing assignments just for me.  It might mean more travel photography or scenic or close-up macro photography.   But I have these visions of some beautiful, artistic life studies of people… I’m going to explore that!

Personally, I want to spend more time reading, relaxing and listening to great music.  I find that these all refresh my body and soul and that ends up making me more creative in my photography!   Amazing how that works!

As I’m sitting here, wrapping up my year, I am feeling many emotions – and the biggest is the excitement for all of the good things to come next year and a feeling of gratitude to all of the people who are a part of my life.

Happy New Year!

“Beside a great photographer you are such a generous person. You donated this picture to a silent auction and by doing that… you are making the lives of the Mozambique girls so much easier. Our grandchildren really enjoyed the photo shoot. Afterwards you even complimented them on their great behaviour.” The Vos Family  Kleefeld, Manitoba

“I really enjoyed all the fun that we had while making the pictures!   The pictures were beautiful and fun! Marlene did a GREAT job! ” Esther Vos

In June 2010 a client of mine asked me if I would donate to a fundraiser they were doing for a wonderful cause.  They called it “Moving Muchanga”.  I immediately said yes and donated two canvas prints that I took while on a Photo Safari in Africa in October 2008.  Besides those prints, I also donated a gift of a portrait.  The recipient of that gift portrait was Tiny Vos.  Because her family is not all living here in Manitoba, she asked if she could wait to use it till they were all together.  Of course!    In October of this year, Tiny came in for a planning session and told me the photograph would include the 9 grandchildren only.  On November 8th they arrived for their session.  I had not met them before and when they first arrived, I sensed they were a bit hesitant.  I do find that when I have photographed someone before, it’s so much easier to get them to relax.   I invited them into the camera room (mom’s not allowed) and was amazed at how much fun we all had.  These kids were relaxed in front of the camera and did anything I asked them to!

The following photo is the one that will be displayed on Grandmother’s wall.

When I asked them if they wanted to try to do a pyramid shot – they were all for it!

There’s something I like about this one – I think it is the fact that they’re all holding hands…

I was the winner of a draw  for a free photo session & a 12″ framed portrait @ Marlene’s studio.  This came at a perfect timing, as we have just adopted a baby and wanted to take family pictures!  Thank you Marlene for a wonderful job!!  Great Pictures!! Erika, Marlin & Justin Penner  Steinbach, Manitoba

On Tuesday, October 25th, I had the pleasure of speaking to about 30 moms at the local MOPS group.  (MOPS – Mothers of Preschoolers)    I touched a bit on “Tips to Shoot Like a Pro” – but mostly I spoke on the legacy of photographs.   How often is the Mom the photographer in the family – and rarely on family photos?   Make sure you have photographs of you in the photos – your children will appreciate and value that in years to come.   I also stressed the importance of backing up your digital files.  In this era of digital cameras – I have heard from quite a few people that their computer crashed and ALL their photos were gone!   So I hope I made it clear to everyone that they need to PRINT up their favorite photos – you will always have a memory and you can always scan the snapshots and make more prints – but if you just keep them on your flash card, or memory stick – be prepared for your photos not to be permanent!    It frightens me how there will probably be huge gaps in your children’s ‘history’.  There are too many people that take thousands of photos and never back them up or store them off site for safekeeping.  There are many photographers who hand over a CD of images these days – but my question is, do they keep a copy for themselves if the CD the client purchased can’t be accessed one day – or if it is lost and or damaged.  If you get a CD – make a duplicate – store it on an external drive – have multiple copies!!!!   I always look back through the photos that were taken when I was growing up – and it is these photos that stir my memories of my childhood.  I am such a visual person that I need a photo to trigger my memory.  If I wouldn’t have these photos, much of my childhood would be lost.

Okay – enough of my little story… here are the lovely portraits taken of Erika and her family…

Isn’t this next image just adorable?   Children have a mind of their own – and they often dictate the way the session is going!   Justin wanted to explore and be independent as many young children his age tend to be!

One day only – this coming Saturday, November 26th.   Unfortunately, we have only 4 spots available – so don’t be disappointed – call me with your credit card to book and reserve your spot!

Estelle, Brad, Celeste & Brett Petrick  Sarto, Manitoba

This is the first location we photographed – I enjoyed photographing on the rock wall that Brad created!

And then, the pathway into the woods – loved using this location!

And then we used the spacious, welcoming deck…

Brett is quite a character!

And then the family changed into their Jets t-shirts!

One of the last photos I took – the kids were right into it!  :)