It may have been rainy and gloomy outside but inside it was warm and cozy and adorable!

I first met Carine and Anthony 3 years ago when I had the opportunity to capture Carine’s beautiful bridal shower. This happened to be my first official photography job and I remember being so nervous. I rented the best equipment and fussed over the little details to make sure the photos came out perfect. I remember having so much fun and I was so grateful that they put their trust in me. This moment really defined me as a photographer and I knew that I had entered into a new world where I wanted to keep photographing people!

When Carine reached out to tell me she was pregnant and to see if I would capture a maternity session for her, I was so excited. Having grown as a photographer over the last 3 years, it was such an honour to have this opportunity to photograph my first clients again!

We met in Westmount park on a cold October morning and while the sun may not have been shining there was so much warmth and love between these two. Carine and Anthony are so cute and are going to make such loving parents.

Here are some of my favourite photos from the session.

When Robyn approached me with the idea of doing a maternity milk bath session, I had mixed emotions. I had never done anything like it but had a hunch it would be right up my alley. I quickly got inspired by the light, airy and delicate photos that came out of these sessions and was excited to create my own with Robyn, for her very first pregnancy. We started the session by taking some photos of Robyn and her husband Shaun, with a guest appearance from their cat; Tom. The two of them were adorable and how cute is that nursery guys? I took some photos of Robyn in her antique rocking chair which I found out belonged to her late mother. Shaun had it refinished for her with her mother's initials on the back. I thought it was so sweet and sentimental and loved that these photos capture her in it, right before becoming a mother herself. Next, it was time to prepare the bath. We got it to the right opacity with milk. Robyn chose the most beautiful flowers in soft feminine shades that looked almost like lotus' when they were placed in the water. Once the water was exactly how we wanted it, I then began the process of positioning Robyn and adding florals and eucalyptus around her. The pastel tones looked so beautiful against the milky water and the result was better than I could have imagined. I wouldn't say no to doing this again! Robyn was the best person to do this type of shoot with for the first time! She was so easy going, confident and ready to do whatever it took to get the perfect shot! What do you think about this concept? Would you do a milk bath session, or is it just very pretty to look at when someone else does one? 

If there is one thing that I have wanted to cross off my bucket list while on vacation, it would be this! I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to photograph this adorable family of 5 from Virginia in front of Roatan's stunning backdrop at golden hour! If you don't know where Roatan is or what Roatan is all about, head over to my blog post here from my first trip to the island 2 years ago and get ready to want to pack your bags! 

I fell in love with this spot the first time I came to Roatan. Unlike the other beach's on the island I have been too, this one seems to always be pretty quiet and secluded. Theres a really good snorkling spot and the scenery is incredible. I thought it would be the perfect backdrop for a vacation family shoot. Right before the sun went down on a friday afternoon, I met Karen, Jon, and their three adorable girls, Josie and Ella who are 9 year old twins and their little 7 year old sister, Phoebe to snap some candid, carefree shots.

I won’t lie to you all by saying I wasn’t a bit (ok a lot) nervous about taking photos of a family I had never met, let alone spoken to before but I knew that the backdrop would allow for some beautiful shots and I was really excited about that. In the end, I had absolutely nothing to worry about because this young family was so photogenic, funny and full of life and love for one another! The girls were so much fun to work with and they were such naturals in front of the camera. I had so much fun giving Jon and Karen their "unprompted promts" and making them laugh. I truly hope they enjoyed having my camera in their face a little more than they usually do. 

This session is going down in the books for me. I cannot wait to do another session while on vacation with my feet in the sand and the beautiful tropics as my backdrop! 

I had the pleasure of doing a mini at home session with the Ovadia family this past weekend, and what a fun time we had! Mason and Dylan are the most adorable little boys. We did some posed shots and then Mason got to show me his room and amazing book collection and we ended the session with a dance party in the kitchen. I think I have a new BFF. Dylan, on the other hand, was a little more camera shy but with a little help from mom and dad, we were able to get him to open his beautiful blue eyes and capture some candid laughs and smiles! 

Taking photos is more than just that for me. It is connecting with the people in front of the lens and making sure they are as comfortable as possible so that I can capture those raw beautiful moments between them and this session was nothing short of beautiful; take a look! 

Fall is such a fun time for photoshoots. The weather is perfect, and there is plenty of beautiful scenery to work with. This year, the leaves have been slow at changing colours, but they are finally starting to come through, and last weekend we had one of those amazing sunny days which was perfect for a photoshoot in the park! This family of four was so much fun to work with. They were young, energetic and full of love for one another! The little ones were so cute together and it was easy to capture candid moments of the two of them just being themselves! The main goal in all my sessions is to make the most of those in between moments, where my subjects have no idea that I am snapping away. Those are the moments where you get the best photos in my opinion, and there was no shortage of those with this family! I was told that these two munchkins were not keen on posing, so we got the posed family shots out of the way first and then had some fun! Here are a few of my favourite shots from the session! 

These two adorable brothers made my job so easy and fun! We got to the park early in the morning while the sun was still low, (which is my favourite light to shoot in) and the two of them were all smiles! Pretty nice way to start your day, don't you think?

Mason, was a ball of energy. From playing basketball, to chasing squirrels, to climbing trees, you name it, he was doing it! His playful, energetic personality was definitely captured, but what I love most about this session is that his love for his little brother Dylan showed so much in this shoot. It's one of the cutest things to see an older sibling care for a younger sibling like that. 

I really can't wait until Dylan is old enough to walk so we can do another fun shoot with the both of them!

This past weekend, on a beautiful Sunday morning, I had he opportunity to photograph one of my favourite families; my cousin Jordan, his wife Rivka and their two children, Benjamin and Aliya. Because we are all very familiar with each other, the shoot was fun and lighthearted with a lot of laughs and playful breaks! Rivka brought snacks and toys for the kids and I made sure to take some cute candid's before, after and even during our fun park break. Jordan, who was somewhat apprehensive about the whole idea, ended up having a blast and the shots definitely depict that. Their family is always laughing and having fun together and their goofy personalities shine through these images! Enjoy! 

I recently had the opportunity to work with Suite 203 Communications; a Montreal-based boutique marketing communications agency that specializes in strategic content, social media and Montreal public relations for lifestyle brands. They needed someone to shoot AS98’s fall/winter collection and asked if I would be up to the challenge! Their client; AS98 an Italian shoe company, recently opened up shop on Crescent street! Their shoes are all unique works of art. Each shoe is made by hand with high quality materials and unique designs that stand out among the rest. If you are looking to make a statement, AS98 is a great place to go, not to mention their shoes are extremely comfortable (I had the opportunity to try out a few pairs).

I wanted to capture the shoes in their grungy element so we used the cities (many) construction sites and back alleys as our backdrop! Here are a few of my favorites from the shoot!

Once again, I had the pleasure of donating my time by photographing a great event supporting the Just for Kids foundation. Check out the first event I photographed for them here!

This past September on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning in Rembrandt Park, Cote St. Luc, the 2nd annual Stroll for Kids took place. With the sun shining bright, there were a lot of happy faces of all ages to capture! I have been taking part in this non profit organization for the last 9 months, volunteering for the annual hockey tournament and getting the opportunity to take photos. It is the least I can do for such an amazing cause!

For the past 2 years JFK has partnered with Stroll for Kids in a group effort to raise funds to purchase high-priority medical equipment for the Montreal Children’s Hospital. JFK’s fundraising achievements improve the effectiveness of doctors and nurses on a daily basis and help parents sleep better knowing that their children are getting the best possible care. To find out more, please visit www.jfkfoundation.ca.

This year over 500 participants strolled on Sunday September 25th. The Stroll was not only sold out but it succeeded in raising a whopping $180,000 in support of JFK to benefit the MCH. Featured in my photos are only a handful of the many faces and only few of the several sponsors who helped make the event possible. Local Montreal sponsors including Rustique, Richter, Urban Bonfire, Sumac, Mouton Noir Catering and ReJuice and the international brand; Keurig are just to name a few. You can find out about the rest of the sponsors, and see all of the photos from the event on the Stroll for Kids Facebook Page!

Here are some of my favourite shots of the day. Enjoy!

A few months ago I got involved with the Just for Kids Foundation when I sat on the committee to help organize their annual hockey tournament. JFK is an amazing foundation which is dedicated to raising funds to purchase high-priority medical equipment for the Montreal Children’s Hospital. I had so much fun on that committee that I couldn’t wait to get involved again! I was really happy, when I was asked if I could photograph their next event; Glam Jam, which was held at the brand new AVANTI spa in Decarie Square. Of course I said yes. Not only was it a great way to practice, but it was an fun way for me to give back! It was a night filled with beauty and fun, and it was a pleasure to shoot! Here are a few of my favourites from the evening.

If you are interested in getting involved with Just for Kids or if you would like to see the rest of the photos, be sure to check out their website and Facebook page here: JFK Foundation!

If you follow me on Instagram then you already know that I just got back from being in Roatan for a week. Since moving back to Montreal from New York City, I’ve been way less inspired by my surroundings. Don’t get me wrong, I love Montreal, it’s a beautiful city, but it’s just not the same. Once winter hits, all I want to do is stay inside and hibernate. Needless to say, I haven’t been taking many photos and this blog has been suffering a bit… I guess all I needed was little change of scenery and a few cocktails!

I went to Roatan with literally zero expectations. This trip was mainly to visit my mom and stepdad who just started living there for 6 months out of the year. I didn’t even think it would feel like travel to be honest. I was definitely eager to check out this warm, tropical island, off the mainland of Honduras. A place that my mom’s been raving about for over a year now, but I wasn’t really thinking beyond that. Having no expectations going in was the greatest thing ever, because – as you know – it’s the best way to truly enjoy something. I wish it was an easier thing to do in general, don’t you?!
Roatan blew me away from the moment I stepped off the plane. Everywhere I turned there was something even more beautiful to experience and the sunsets were no exception. They were definitely the showstopper every night. I took so many photos of them. Honestly, I’ve never seen anything like it, even the locals continue to be wowed by them night after night and that says something…

I kept hearing about how the island’s beauty and relaxed vibe kept people coming back for more, or even moving there permanantly. It happened to my parents! There was even a couple who after a few hours on the island decided to come back and buy a house! It seems to put a spell on everyone who steps foot on it. It’s a good thing that I am the kind of person who takes her responsibilities very seriously. If it weren’t for my job, which I enjoy, I probably would have extended my trip for who knows how long. So mom, you were right… keep raving about Roatan because it is pretty amazing. And yes you’re living the dream. And yes, we are ALL jealous!

So my trip actually started with an abrupt landing on one of the shortest runways I’ve ever seen. Terrified, the cabin clapped with joy as the plane came to a halt. We were kindly informed that this was a very standard landing procedure and the pilot had actually done his job really well… ok, so that was the beginning of so many “odd” things that I would soon realize was normal for Roatan, and that actually made it even more charming.

I think it was when I got off the plane onto the tarmac and I was smacked in the face with humid tropical air that I realized this wasn’t going to be just a visit with my parents…  To my right was this tiny little building they called an airport and to my left was the ocean! OMG I am in Central America! A place I never had the opportunity to visit before! It suddenly hit me that I was about to Travel again!

There were so many novel things to see, and so much to learn about in terms of the culture and way of life. So much differed from what I was used to. I soon realized that the island was filled with interesting people with amazing stories. It didn’t matter where they were coming from, everyone had a personal reason for being in Roatan and everyone had a deep and unique love for the island.

The week really flew by and was crammed with all sorts of adventures. From snorkelling and visiting horses to drinking my favourite cocktails on the beach and dancing the night away to a live band at a bar on the edge of the ocean. There was never a dull moment. Most of our time was spent in West End and West Bay, a more touristic part of the island, filled with popular bars and restaurants right on the beach. There were also a ton of little shops and plenty of hotels. Luckily my parents had rented a car for the week, so we got to explore a decent amount of this small island. Side note: driving in Roatan is like something out of a video game. There are no rules and you are constantly trying to avoid a person, animal, pot hole or random unidentified object in the middle of the road. People pass each other freely, stop wherever they want and for whatever they want. Stopping in the middle of the “highway” to grab a snack from the side of the road is the norm. People just wait calmly behind the stopped car, or pass without a fuss and without resentment. Road rage doesn’t exist and honking is more of a kind gesture. How nice, right? Every town we got to visit on the island was more unique than the next and every person we met was warmer and friendlier than the last. The island felt like one big family!

On our day trip to Havana Beach Club I got to meet these beautiful horses. Some of which were rescued from the mainland and given a second chance on the island. There was the option of taking a ride on the horses around the beach and through the water. I didn’t get a chance to do that but I did take some time to pet them and take photos of their beautiful faces. One horse in particular seemed to take interest in me and followed me around the gated area as I walked around snapping photos.

We made our way out to a small town called Oak Ridge one day. It was only 40km away but took us one whole hour to get there, which is standard in Roatan (read about the roads above).  It has a unique and beautiful charm to it. The waterfront is lined with adorable multicoloured homes that were literally perched over the deep blue water. A small-town band played at a local bar where people came and went by boat. At one point I was told to go take a look at the washrooms and to bring my camera. I was surprised to find that the toilet was literally a seat on the ocean… remember one of those odd things I mentioned earlier? This makes the list. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t really want to go swimming near this bar.

There were two places I got to know really well. The Grand Roatan Resort where I enjoyed this delicious Pinã Colada seen above – several times I might add – and Kismet beach at the Meridian which is located in walking distance from where my parents are living. The Grand was perfect for snorkelling due to the fact that the reef is so easily accessible and the waters are so calm and clear. There are always plenty of people around and did I mention they make the worlds best Pinã Colada? I know that’s a serious title, but it deserves it. The Kismet is one of those hidden gems on the tip of the island. Since very few people know of it’s existance, it feels like your own private beach. Most of my photos are from there. I took a ton of pictures of the Ironshore; a fossilized reef wall that jets out from the beach, where you can find tons of crabs and iguanas perched on its sharp edges. Not only is this ancient reef beautiful to look at but it has tons of gorgeous vegetation all around it. I couldn’t resist climbing it to take pictures and I have a few scrapes and bruises to prove it. So worth it! Don’t you agree?

My mom and I snorkelled a lot while I was there. It was my first experience snorkelling and I heard that it’s the second largest reef in the world and one of the most beautiful to snorkel and dive in. While I have nothing to compare it to, I was definitely blown away by its beauty. Nothing comes close to the feeling of swimming along the reef looking at all the little details at the bottom of the ocean floor when all of the sudden it drops off into a huge blue abyss that goes on for miles and miles. All you can think of at that very moment is – wow, we are so small in the larger scheme of things, and – is this real life??? There is a whole world under the sea that I can’t wait to explore! I would love to learn how to dive next time I go down there. (Cherie – you’re coming with us!)

One of the things on the island that stood out the most for me was the amount of dogs roaming the streets. Many of which are strays. This is Buddy (above). He is an island dog that was adopted by an expat who lives next door. Unlike most dogs back home, Buddy spends the majority of his time outdoors. While I know that he is very loved and well taken care of, all I wanted to do was let him come inside with me and snuggle because that is what I am used to. He was such a sweetheart, I fell in love! There are dogs all over the island and I swear, they have better street smarts than I do! They look both ways before crossing streets and know how to swerve between cars. It’s pretty incredible to see, but a little sad. I wanted to bring them all home with me…

It was such a treat to be able to spend a week in Roatan!  Not only did I get to enjoy a tropical vacation with my mom and Larry but I also got to see my pal Oscar! Poor little guy has been dealing with so many health issues, so he couldn’t come with us to the beach like he usually does. He just sat at the door waiting for us to get back.

I really can't wait until the next time I can visit again. There was so much I didn’t get to see on this short trip. So many things I didn’t get to capture with my camera, and a ton more memories that are just waiting to be created! Thank you Cherie and Michael for sharing your beautiful house with us! See you soon, you beautiful unexpected paradise!