photographer . magic maker

make your own magic: an indoor picnic

spring is on the horizon and after the past year, the change of seasons will be especially welcome. we cannot wait to pull out our bikes and spread out blankets in the sunshine very soon. in the meantime though, we’re happily soaking up the last of our evenings at the ski hill and enjoying picnics at home on the living room floor!

we partnered with save on foods this month to try out their ready, set, refresh picnic bingo printables and surprising the kids with a picnic was the perfect time to photograph a little piece of our story.

because as much as i strive to document the beauty in our every day chaos, and appreciate finding little bits of magic amidst the messy, i also love making magic with the kids — creating special occasions to celebrate nothing in particular.

while i’m certainly looking forward to the warmer weather and plenty of outside time ahead, i’m always grateful for fun opportunities to connect and create a little magic with the kids and this indoor picnic was an easy way to do just that without having to wait for perfect weather.

check out my post on instagram if you’d like more details on our snacks of choice!

happy picnicking!

edmonton family photographer: playtime, watermelon and a splash in the fountain

raising tiny humans can he hard. your family photo session shouldn’t be.

whether your family loves watermelon and splashing in fountains like this one, or ice cream and sprinklers in the backyard; whether you prefer roasting marshmallows and paddle boarding at the lake, or snacking on cookies and blowing milk bubbles at home; let’s do some of whatever rings truest to you and your family, and document the magic in your extraordinary ordinary days.

no need to figure it all out on your own, we will work together to prepare for your session (from where we will meet to what to wear to feel your best) so that on photo day all you need to do is show up and love on your family. i’ll take care of the rest.

let go of any expectations of perfect behaviour — kids (and all humans, really!) are imperfect and unpredictable and all sorts of amazing! finding the magic in your chaos is my superpower, and the very best part of this job.

so, let your kids run and play and laugh. chase them down and cover them in kisses. get a little wet and dirty. and years down the road, you’ll get to remember not only how good you looked, but how much fun you had too.

edmonton family photographer: a sunsoaked evening of love, laughs and sparklers

on a beautiful afternoon this past fall, i traveled three hours south to document the magic of the croucher family. i don’t think i stopped smiling from the moment i arrived until long after i’d made the drive back home to edmonton late that evening.

from their warm welcome and the perfect mix of laughter and chaos and tenderness, to the way the older kids were so lovely with the littler ones and the way mom and dad looked upon their family with such love, it was a joy to document a piece of their story and create a gallery filled with the ordinary extraordinary moments that make up their days. i came away from our session filled with gratitude and feeling optimistic about how life with teenagers in my own home could look in a few years’ time.

christine was kind enough to share some words about the experience after the session and reading her words may or may not have made me a bit teary…

“andrea is a natural storyteller and her playful, adaptable and experienced approach immediately set us at ease as we were assured that our version of wild, crazy chaos is in fact beautiful and worthy of being celebrated. she has taken an ordinary evening for our family and told a story of love, life and family in images we will cherish for a lifetime.”

introducing front step stories

if you’re subscribed to my newsletter, or follow me on social media, you’ll have seen that earlier this winter i was so excited to introduce front step stories to my session offerings. not your average front porch portrait, these are a snack sized version of my signature storytelling sessions with a focus on connection, creativity and a sprinkle of whatever it is that makes your family unique.

in a time when home and family are more important than ever, what better place to have a piece of your story told than on your own front step, so when you look back on these images years down the road, you’ll remember the best bits of this unprecedented time — the magic found in slowing down, being together, and finding joy within your own four walls.

(bonus points: you can pop inside the door for a moment or two to warm up when it’s chilly outside!)

i’d love to chat with you about meeting your family on your front step and helping start your new year off with a little bit of photo magic. please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions at all!

a brand new baby brother and the first snowfall of the season

there is magic in your story.

in your newborn’s first snowfall and your toddler’s first taste of fresh snow. in the quiet snuggles and giggly tickles of your early days as a family of four. in tiny fingers and toes, and getting to know each other, and so much love your heart might just burst.

it is such an honour to tell your stories.

thank you.