Just Because | Kitchener-Waterloo Child Photographer

Sometimes I just want to shoot for me.  Just because. It has been grey, rainy and damp around here lately, which typically doesn't inspire me to get out and be creative. But today was a different story.  Sitting in my basement office, space heater on full blast and woolly socks on my feet while the rain pattered on the windows, I suddenly felt the urge to get out and shoot.  I have been exploring a different side of my photography lately, and I wanted to do more.

My beautiful daughter agreed to be my muse for a little while, excited that I actually encouraged her to do her own makeup and would allow her to wear her favourite leather jacket.  I promised her a pack of gum for her efforts and off we went to a nearby parking garage, where I knew we would at least stay dry.

We worked fairly quickly, as it was darn chilly, but she was patient as I  fired away, playing with angles, light and moods. In the end we were both happy, she that we were on the way to the store for gum and I that I was able to free the creative energy.

Here are a few of the images I got of her, playful, contemplative, daydreaming and dancing.  I love the simple, minimalist feel of these images, which allow her personality and beauty to shine through.  I know I will cherish these forever.

M xo

Summer Sibling Fun | Waterloo Family Photography

Wow - I am really behind on blogging!  With the busy fall season in full swing, it is hard to grab  a few moments to sit down and put a post together.  Hopefully I will be able to get some more posts up in the next few weeks, but for now, this will have to tide you over! This fun-loving trio joined me on a gorgeous summer evening just before the sun was setting.  We had a blast capturing them goofing around together!  Lots of laughs, good-natured play-fighting and  some standard sibling rivalry made for a great session. :)

Thank you all for coming out and putting up with the mosquitoes and the continuous sibling snuggling! LOL

M xo

Giggles | Kitchener Children's Photographer

These two sweet sisters joined me on a lovely, sunny summer evening for a little sibling session! We frolicked in the grass, ate lots of candy, dodged bugs and had lots of silly giggling.  The perfect recipe for a fantastic sisters session.

I think these images are going to put a smile on your face! How cute are they?  :)

M xo

Surrounded by Love | Kitchener Family Photography

This lovely family traveled all the way from Taipei, Taiwan, just for this session.   Ummm, okay, and to see family and friends and introduce their little man, but I like to pretend in my head that it is all about me. ;) Sonya and I have been friends since high school,  having formed a bond in unlikely circumstances involving teen girl drama (way too complex to explain, of course) and have managed to keep tabs on each others' life adventures over the years (thank goodness for Facebook!).  She now lives in far away Taiwan, after a stint in New Zealand, where she met her lovely hubby and needless to say, I was excited to have a chance to get together and catch up.

Of course her biggest news was her brand new baby boy! She and her hubby welcomed little Otis only three months ago, but he is already a world traveler, with a fresh Taiwanese passport to prove it!  He was welcomed home to Canada by many loving and adoring family and friends, but none more so that his very excited Nona and Deda.  Eager to fuss over him and watch his every move, the prerogative of every grandparent, they are quite obviously totally smitten with him.

We headed out on a lovely, warm summer morning to try to capture some family portraits, so that everyone could keep and cherish the memories of Otis' first visit to Canada.  Little did we know when we began that this was going to be a marathon rather than a sprint.  Whenever a baby is involved, there is no way to plan a shoot - the baby is in total control.  Naps, feedings, diaper changes and cuddles always take precedence over the lens (and rightly so!).   We all made the best of it, trading stories, catching up, discussing the trials and tribulations of parenthood and perfecting the virtue of patience.  :)

But let me tell you, when Otis was on, he was ON!  We ended up with lots of fun images and I am so honoured that this family chose me to be the one to capture these moments on camera.  Thank you all for spending your morning (and part of the afternoon) with me.  I loved every minute!

{M} xo

Friendship | Waterloo Portrait Photographer

Friends like Hilary are hard to find.  Loyal, kind, generous, caring, supportive and hilarious.  It is not hard to understand why she has so many friends, all of whom love her dearly. We met only a few short months ago, but already I count her among my closest confidantes and dearest friends.  We just GET each other.   We crack each other up - a LOT.   We have nicknames for each other that make sense to only us.  We talk in crazy voices to each other.  We can sit in a room not talking for hours on end and never feel awkward.  I understand her half-spoken, Blackberry-distracted sentences.  She buys me sunflower seeds with salt (because unsalted are gross).  She puts up with me being super-picky about images and I put up with her forgetting to title client discs.  We work as a team to get s**t done!

Occasionally, I run into another photographer or friend who admires Hilary and her work, and inevitably I am asked, "Do you really KNOW her???"  I sure do, and I am proud to be her friend.  Even when she is not as glamourous as in these images.  Have you seen her hair on a humid day? *wink*

Super Fun Family | Kitchener Family Photography

When you are a photographer, getting in front of the the camera is often a challenge.  Not because we don't like to be photographed, but because we love to be the ones pressing the shutter.  I have soooo many pictures of my hubby and the girls, but rarely take the opportunity to join in.  It might be because I am a bit of a contrl freak, but that is another story altogether... When my good friend Lisa, of Lisa Kwan Images, mentioned that she hardly has any family photographs with her in them, we decided that it was high time that we got out and remedied that problem!  It was especially important that we get it done sooner rather than later, as she is expecting her second babe this fall and she wanted to have some images of them together as a family of three.

We went out on a gorgeous summer evening to give it a go.  I have known Lisa and her husband for many years, since he is one of my brother's best friends, so really it was more of an excuse to hang out and be silly together,  but we did manage to get some images too!  I brought along an assistant (aka Brielle) who is trained in the fine art of keeping a toddler focused (aka feeding him candy) and I must say, it went pretty smoothly! ;)

Thank you Lisa, Adam and Zen for being awesome!  I am so honoured to have had the chance to photograph your beautiful, fun family.

{M} xo

Summer Baby | Waterloo Family Photographer

This gorgeous family of three came out for a fun mini session on a lovely (but hot) early summer evening.  Okay, well it was technically still spring, but with the heat we have been having it was hard to tell the difference! I had to share a few images with you, if for no other reason than to show you this little man's amazing dimpled smile!  The smiles may have been few and far between on this particular day, but the ones I got were dazzling. He is going to be making the ladies swoon with those dimples one day!

Thank you all for coming out, braving the spiders, the heat and a particularly vocal nesting bird to get some sweet shots.  Can't wait to work with you again soon!

{M} xo

Casting Call | Kitchener-Waterloo Children's Photographer

Spread the word!  I am looking for a some siblings to come out and particpate in some fun mini-sessions! Contact me at info@mandyblakephotography.com for more details! :)

Family of Four | Waterloo Family Photographer

When I first met this family a little over a year ago, they had just welcomed their first little prince and I was fortunate enough to photograph him as a newborn.   We met again this past fall for family portraits and that is when I found out that they would be welcoming their next little bundle this spring. Mr. Noel arrived right on his due date and after everyone  had a chance to settle in, we got together to photograph them as a family of four in their new home.  I can tell you, after being there for a couple of hours, they certainly have their hands full with a toddler and a newborn!  But I am sure that before they know it, the sleepless nights will be over and they will be happy to have gotten all the diapers, drool and teething over in a short burst! :)

At 16 days old,  Noel was very bright and alert, just as his brother was at this newborn shoot.  I love his all dark, spiky hair and his bright blue eyes.  Big brother Roan was much more interested in scooting all over the house and playing with Dad than being photographed, but I managed to grab a couple of him while he was momentarily still.  He has the most adorable chubby legs, gorgeous hazel eyes and mischievous little smile.  These boys will be heart breakers one day!

Thank you again for trusting me to capture yet another milestone in your lives.  I love photographing your beautiful family.

{M} xo

Vacation! | Kitchener Children's Photographer

Dominican Republic, here we come!!! My family (including my wonderful in-laws) are heading out on a much-anticipated and much-needed vacation to lovely Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.  For the next week or so I plan to do nothing but frolic in the pool with my girls, read a few good books and enjoy some relaxing down time.

I will be away beginning May 22nd through to June 1st and will have limited internet access during this time.  I will be responding to all inquiries upon my return.

And because no post is complete without an image, I am including this shot of my friend Claire, the daughter of my friend and mentor, Hilary of One for the Wall Photography.  Claire accompanied us on a recent shoot and she agreed to let me grab a few shots of her while we hung out.  This is the image she chose as her favourite. :)

See you all when I get back!!!

{M} xo

Patience is a Virtue | Kitchener Family Photographer

I am not, by nature, a patient person.  My mom always told me that patience is a virtue, but it is one that I never seem to possess.  Except when it comes to dealing with kids.  I find that when kids are involved I am suddenly tapped into a deep well of patience and good-humor that carries me through each session or situation with ease.  Hmmmm, I guess that virtue is one that I only have "on-demand", so to speak! :) This family was so wonderful, I barely even had to tap into that well.  They came to their session on a warm Sunday morning ready to rock, dinky cars, bouncy ball and Halloween pencil in tow.  This may seem like an odd assortment of treasures, but I am sure the mom of any little boy would tell you that it is a pretty standard collection. :)

These brothers were so good, happy to snuggle and hold hands (without being asked!) - they were adorable together!  And mom and dad were so playful with them, they are obviously a family that has a lot of fun together.  I think my favourite part of the whole session was near the end of the session, when Mom and Dad were casually throwing the ball back and forth while I finished a few shots with the boys and the oldest little guy exclaimed, "Mom, you know how to throw and catch a ball?"   I love how kids think we did NOTHING before we became parents! :) LOL {M} xo

So Happy Together | Kitchener Family Photography

This family rounded out a very fun, busy weekend of family mini sessions.  They snagged some of the best light of the weekend on a warm, sunny Sunday evening, and came ready to goof around and share their amazing smiles. Mom is a friend of mine from my college photography program and we have been mutually admiring images of each others' families for three years, so it was nice to finally meet the whole gang in the flesh!  It was wonderful to be able to capture some family images for her that didn't involve a self-timer or freezing temperatures! ;)  And her girls were so fun to work with, bringing their own posing ideas and happy to listen to my directions (so rare when you are used to dealing with two-year-olds!).

And yes, the dog is REAL, she is just really well behaved!  She is so darn cute I almost snuck her into my van at the end!

Remember to leave them a comment while you are here! 15+ comments will earn this family a free 8x10 canvas of the image of their choice!

{M} xo

Laughter | Kitchener Family Photographer

I am always so honoured when a fellow photographer asks me to photograph his or her family.  It is always equal parts intimidating (they know if you screw up :)) and exciting (they know when you get it right!).  And my mini session with the Somerville family was no exception. Jake and Michelle are the creative team behind Bodh Photography, based in nearby Guelph, Ontario.   They are talented photographers and awesome people.  Plus they have two absolutely adorable kiddos!  I loved meeting them on a warm, breezy spring evening to capture some images of their family playing and laughing together.  In fact, whenever I think of this family and this session, I will always remember how much we laughed.  They are so fun and playful and relaxed, a truly happy family.

I feel so fortunate to have had the chance to give them these images.  Photographers don't often get the chance to be in front of the camera, especially with their own families, so I am so glad to be able to capture these moments and memories for them to cherish.  So amazing!Don't forget to leave them a comment while you are here! 15+ comments will earn them a free 8x10 canvas of the image of their choice! :)

{M} xo

Miss Personality | Kitchener Children's Photographer

There is never a dull moment with this little miss!  She loves to chat, giggle and play, keeping me on my toes! I have photographed her at least 4 times over the last two years and she is so darn cute!  She loves to pose and mug for my camera, a total natural at nearly four years old.  I think I see modelling in her future!  We didn't get too many images this time around, as she was more interested in picking flowers and finding pine cones for me to keep - such a little sweetie.  But we did have a blast as usual, me supplying her with highly-anticipated Rockets candy and she charming me at every turn.

A big thanks to her fabulous Mom for being a wonderful supporter of my work and for always coming to the session with a bag full of awesome clothes and accessories! You ROCK! :)

Remember to leave Miss A a comment while you are here!  15+ comments will earn her a free 8x10 canvas of the image of her (Mom's) choice!

{M} xo

If At First You Don't Succeed... | Waterloo Family Photographer

Sometimes sessions don't go exactly as planned.  The first time this family met me for their mini session, it was a sunny but cool and windy spring morning, and little Mr. N was not impressed.  After many tears and loud protests on his part, we decided to reschedule for a warmer evening later in the week. When we got together again, we were much more successful!  Mr. N brought his smiles (even though he was more interested in sharing them with this new shoes than with my lens :)) and we were able to capture some wonderful images.    They were all so fabulous to work with - patient, playful and obviously full of love.  We even took some time to capture these new parents on their own, and I must say, they are pretty darn good-looking couple!  Enjoy the images.

Make sure you leave them a comment while you are here!  15+ comments will earn them an 8x10 canvas of the image of their choice! :)

{M} xo

Loved | Kitchener Family Photographer

I love photographing a little family of three.  Two parents looking at their one and only child with complete adoration is just amazing.  And this family, who joined me for a mini session on a crisp spring morning, were definitely no exception. Little Miss A has her parents so completely enraptured, with her dazzling blue eyes, wide grin and fine wispy hair.  They are so tender and caring with her, making sure she is happy and safe - she is one lucky little girl!  Daddy was happy to play and goof around with her to get her smiling and Mommy was quite content to snuggle her up for some kisses and hugs.

I am so happy to have met you all - you were such troopers, sitting on the wet ground and complying with all my crazy requests!

Don't forget to leave them some love while you are here!  15+ comments will earn them a free 8x10 canvas of the image of their choice! :)

{M} xo

Almost One | Kitchener Family Photographer

This lovely family joined me for a family mini session on a warm, sunny spring eve.  And Mr. N. sure brought his smiles! At almost a year old, he is quite obviously the apple of his parents' eyes.  I just loved how they smiled at him, so full of love, pride and happiness!  The only time Mr. N. turned his smile upside-down is when we tried to get some shots of him on the blanket all by himself  - he did not like the long grass touching his hands when he tried to crawl away!

Make sure you leave them some love here on the blog  - 15+ comments will earn them a free 8 x 10 canvas of the image of their choice! :)

{M} xo

Boys Will Be Boys | Kitchener Family Photographer

This fun-loving family joined me for a family mini session on a glorious spring evening.  After spotting an apple tree in full bloom, we hopped the downed fence and headed into a gorgeous location. I originally met Mom in my college photography class nearly three years ago and though our scholastic paths took a few different turns, we have stayed connected.  I was so honoured that she chose me to take some photos of her lovely family, whom I had never met yet I felt like I already knew so well from her stories and from seeing them in her images.  The only family member missing was Simon, their pup, who was recovering from an injury at home.

I loved working with her boys, so full of energy and curiosity, ready to climb trees and thrash the long grass with sticks.  And Mr. A didn't even cry when he hopped out of a tree right into a patch of nettles, causing welts on his arms and faces.  Tough cookie!  Also, they are at ages where I no longer have to chase them or bribe them (too much) to get some images, which after a long day of shooting was a welcome relief!  Don't get me wrong, I love a two-year-old as much as anybody else, but sometimes it is nice to have subjects who pay attention for more than 0.003 seconds at a time! LOL

Make sure you leave them a comment here on the blog  - 15+ comments will earn them a free 8 x 10 canvas of the image of their choice! :)

{M} xo

Field of Gold | Kitchener Family Photography

This amazing family is another that came out to participate in the Family Mini Session weekend.  They snagged a very last minute opening after a cancellation due to illness, but they came with fresh haircuts, styled to the max and ready for fun! We took advantage of a lovely field of dandelions in full bloom - I love dandelions!  My Grandma always said they weren't a curse, but a field of gold to be enjoyed for a short time.  Well said, Grammy!  However, we quickly discovered that a field of dandelions very quickly turns your shoes, pants and in my case, knees, into gold as well. :)

Mr. B came with lots of energy, stories and silly faces -  I wouldn't expect anything less from a four-year-old boy!  His sister, Miss J, wasn't quite as enthused about the shoot, particularly when we plunked her on the ground, but we got a few smiles when she was safe in Mom and Dad's arms!

Thank you again for stepping in on such short notice.  I had a blast with you all!

Make sure you leave them a comment here on the blog  - 15+ comments will earn them a free 8 x 10 canvas of the image of their choice! :)

{M} xo

Two Under Two | Kitchener Family Photography

This is one busy family!  With two little munchkins under the age of two, I am pretty sure they don't have too many quiet days (or nights!). I really enjoyed working with this gorgeous group during my family mini session weekend.  Full of energy and braving the chilly morning air, we worked fast to keep the little mister happy and big sis from getting bored.  I even had a few minutes to catch up with Mom, who was once my student at the massage therapy college where I teach.  So lovely to see my "kids" moving on and starting families. :)

Make sure you leave them a comment here on the blog - 15+ comments will earn them a free 8 x 10 canvas of the image of their choice! :)

{M} xo