Angela + Thom | Engagement

Angela and Thom met in class at University in Ottawa. But technically, they met two years before when Angela posted a notice to sublet her apartment while she went to Belgium. Thom was volunteering at the Olympics in Greece at the time, planning on moving to Ottawa from Calgary, and noticed Angela's very Greek last name. He contacted her with hopes of learning more about the Greek community in Ottawa, areas to live, etc... but Angela didn't have the time to show anyone around, she was off to Belgium! Fast forward two years, and the first day of class everyone is introducing themselves. Angela announced her name, stating her return from Belgium, and Thom's ears rang in recognition. After class he introduced himself (as that guy she brushed off two years earlier!) and they became fast friends, and soon were inseparable.

Angela and Thom are getting married on Sunday. Angela flew in early to spend time with her family and take care of wedding details, so they hadn't seen each other for a month! I think they were grateful for this last minute photo session as an excuse to just spend some time together, away from the craziness of last minute wedding details, airport pick-ups, and the demands of family and friends.

I have to say, Angela, you looked absolutely stunning! Legs a mile long and a killer smile, there wasn't one bad shot in there! Your love for each other is so apparent, the way he nuzzles into your neck, the way you laugh with each other... You were both a pleasure to shoot and I cannot wait for Sunday!

Portrait: Noah

Noah was born April 5th at 12:28am. I remember the night very clearly. A Saturday night, sitting on my couch alone, not wanting to go out, unable to focus on a movie or tv show, couldn't sleep... I was anxious and excited and nervous, knowing that my closest cousin was giving birth at any moment, and our lives were going to be changed forever. Her sister was texting me the progress of the birth, the timing of the contractions, when she was induced, and every time my phone beeped, the message light flashed impatiently, and my heart nearly leapt out of my chest. My family knows I am emotional- it is not uncommon for me to cry when recapping a story or experience, or even a touching commercial (and they rarely even roll their eyes anymore!). When I got the text, "It's a boy! His name is Noah!", I wasn't crying necessarily, but tears were streaming down my face at a rate I've never experienced. Silent tears, as I imagined the family in the waiting room, all the exhaustion and anticipation from the hours spent waiting and supporting, disappearing the moment the announcement was heard. The mom is well. The baby healthy. A family changed for ever as a new member, a tiny angel, is welcomed. 

 

Portrait | Curtis Santiago

What can I possibly say about Curtis Santiago?

Let me skip back a bit... I was introduced to Curtis Friday night by my friend, Pamela Masik, when we went down to the Met to check out his show. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I can safely say that if I did have expectations, they would have been exceeded upon seeing him live. His demeanor before the show was friendly, real, present. When performing, the passion brewing just below the surface was released, and with it, a rawness, an edge, an energy only possible when the source is authentic in doing what you love. He is an artist to the core.

I had the pleasure of spending a day with him- I photographed and he sang and we both talked and talked. About art, influences, family, heartbreak, travel, what makes us who we are and why we feel we have to do what we do. He had this way that made strangers just want to say hi... and me not want to say goodbye!

He is far ahead of his time, but I think the time is nearing... the world is almost ready, Curtis!

Portrait | Simone

What can I say about Simone? For those who know her, just hearing her name will conjure up images of laughter and dancing down a beach and a fearless, try anything attitude. She is the most compassionate and caring woman I know. And WOW, can this lady cook a fierce meal! She's been my co-worker, my partner-in-crime, my roommate, my confidant, my pen-pal, and my stand-by-my-side-through-anything best friend. I am absolutely blessed to know this amazing soul.

Book: Jayden

There's nothing better than getting a parcel in the mail. It can pretty much turn any rainy day into a sunny, happy one. And this is especially so when the parcel I receive is a book I've made. After the initial frantic flip through to make sure it is up to my standards, I sit and look more thoroughly at my images in print with a feeling of contentment that is hard to match. As digital photography has increased over the years, the number of photos we get printed has shockingly decreased. I believe this to be tragic. There is nothing more beautiful than a printed image. Even the vibrant image on my 24" iMac doesn't compare. What I also love about the books is that they tell a story, about the individual, the family, their interactions, their spirits. Something that a just single image can rarely do.

Here are some sample pages from Jayden's book...