New Logo & onTic photos | portraits & site | personal

As you can see, I have finally decided on a logo! Woo hoo! It's been really hard for me because I could never think of anything that suited *me*. Long story short, that is the symbol for eternity and giving. In the life-coaching I've been taking and the reading I've done, everything in the universe is about giving and receiving. What you put out into the universe, you get back. If you think of something you would wish most for yourself, you wish it for everyone else as well. This paradigm has changed my life dramatically in even a few short months of study. I can let go easier and find myself not as critical and judgemental (which was sooo exhausting physcially, emotionally, and spiritually). I even wear that symbol on my wrist on a bracelet to remind myself every day to give and find the God in people. I am finding that life is simple--it's about being human and connecting to other human beings. To take a moment out of your day to have a connection with a stranger, like in the grocery store check out line, is an incredible thing. You are just *being*.

So I think that logo suits me just perfect :)

Also, I did a shoot a few weeks back with onTic, a local band with incredible talent! Here are a few shots from their promo shoot:




Lead Singer Dereck


Drummer Rich


Bassist Ray


Guitarist Marcel

Family Love | family photos pt. 2

My post the other day mentioned two shoots I had this past week. I shared some of my favorites from the first family I photographed, now here are some from the second!


This family is so much fun! Their 6-year old Alex has no fear :) He dirtbikes and plays rough, but he is such a sweetheart! He definitely knows how to work a camera :) And their newest edition is Wyatt. Boy, oh boy, what a ham! His giggle is so contagious! All it takes to get him going is for Alex to "woof" and he goes into a fit of giggles. Kim and Mike also brought me out when they did because sadly, they need to put down their sweetie of a dog Miko. They wanted to get some last shots with her since she has been part of their family for so long. I could not for one moment see any sign of her illness though because on that beautiful sunny day, she was like a puppy again. She was rolling, running, and playing. Kim, Mike, I really hope I gave you memories to cherish of her and your two adorable boys!

Miko


















The family are all avid dirtbikers and Alex is no exception (at 6!)

Family Love | family photos

This last week has been nothing short of crazy busy! Thursday I had a photo shoot with Tara and Lee and their two beautiful daughters. My baby sister (well, not "baby"--she's now 22) had her bridal shower and bachelorette party on Saturday, then today I had a family shoot with Kim, Mike and their two adorable little boys.

One reason I love to photograph families is to see the bond and love between parent and child. Children only know how to love unconditionally. It's amazing to see the adoration in a baby's eyes when they hear their siblings talking. And heartwarming to see the extra squeeze of a hand from parent to child. I love seeing a parent take that extra second to relish in a hug from their child (mostly because it's what I love doing most with mine). And these two families I photographed this weekend had all of that.

Here are a few favorites from my shoot with the Mooney family!

Quiet Day | family

I just went two nights ago and purchased my newest addition--my 35mm f/1.8 lens. Let's just say, I'm in love! Beautiful clarity and crispness. Yummy. I can not wait to use it for my next shoot (and every one after!), it's my new favorite lens :)

Today was stunning outside. Beautiful warm weather enhanced by the blue skies and sun. So I took my two beautiful children outside to play and took my new lens with me.

Senior Photos & Referrals | package info

Ahh, spring :) And besides knowing that gorgeous weather is right around the corner, this is also the time of year for SENIOR PHOTOS! So for all you high school or college/university seniors (or for anyone you know graduating!), senior photos make an awesome gift to a loved one, or yourself, for a huge accomplishment!

Until July 1 2009, I am offering a Senior Photos package! It includes up to 3 hrs (with a few location and wardrobe changes), the disc of your images, and a hardcover, 40-page 7x7 "signature" book all for just $200! It's a great way to show *YOU* as a graduate!

So please book fast and pass this info on to anyone you know who may be interested! I also have gift certificates available!

COMING SOON! I will be introducing a referral program. Basically, when you have your session with me and refer someone by passing on a card (which you receive at your session), once they have their session, YOU will receive $25 towards product from a previous shoot or upcoming one! (please note however this does not apply to weddings or to be used with other promotions) More information on how it all works will be coming out soon :)

Now is a great time of year for those family portraits you have been wanting to get done and don't forget Mother's Day and Father's Day is just around the corner!

Blessings,
Samantha

Dave & Jackie | Wedding

On March 27 2009 I had the honor of witnessing and photographing my best friend Natalie's father remarry. They married in a little chapel in Niagara Falls and it was very intimate and beautiful--the exact wedding I look for as a Small Wedding Specialist. While I am always nervous before a wedding, it always seems to be the couple's love that is tangible and calming. As I become more comfortable in myself as a person and as an artist, there is almost this newfound wonder for watching people's expressions and working to capture those (literally) once in a lifetime images. Here are a few images from Dave & Jackie's beautiful day: