Photography: Little M

Oh wow.  When I saw this little guy I was drooling.   His little limbs are awesome!  He was very very serious during our shoot but not for lack of mom trying to get him smiling.  Such a handsome little man!

Photography: Little Mr. L & Love Apple

Ok, I LOVE Apple.  I love everything they sell and I proudly had my first iPod delivered to a coworker in the US and dragged over the border by another.   I was all proud to be the first of my friends to own this special device.  I've just found another reason to love Apple.  I was having a slow home button issue with my iPhone and took it in the other day to have it looked at by the Genius bar at the Apple store.  No questions asked, it was replaced within minutes.  I also had mobile me so all my settings/contacts, etc were stored and my new phone looks exactly as the old one, but works a little better.  As a consumer, I can't say enough good things about a company that stands behind its product.  I no longer mourn the loss of BBM.  I don't look back.


On to mini-shoot pictures...this was the second 2 year old of the day.  They are such a funny bunch, so curious and so deliciously cute.  This little guy had the best time playing with bubbles and was very curious about what was behind the door.  I had a lovely time getting to know Mr. L and his mom!

Style tip: Layer, layer, layer & Family K!!

So...big question that usually gets asked...and I've asked it myself.  What should we wear to the photos?  Layers!!!  I love the look of layers, it just adds that extra bit of dimension and interest to pictures.  Don't follow convention, wear something that reflects you and your personality.  If you are lost...find a  mannequin and buy what they are wearing!  Here are some of my favourite shops...to browse and to buy!  Some have a section on their site that gives you ideas for outfits.  Also..if you are a mom like me with an ever-changed body shape..add a fitted jacket.  Makes your outfit complete, polished and hides some lumps.

www.piperlime.com
www.nordstrom.com
www.gap.com
http://www.hm.com/ca/
www.topshop.com
www.instyle.com


Here's the first family from my mini sessions!  This sweet little boy I met when he was about 6 months old for the first time.  We were busy blowing bubbles in the water and learning to dunk heads.   Since then he has grown into a busy little toddler!  His Mom and Dad are expecting a new addition anytime now so I got the opportunity to photograph them at a very special time in their life.  I wish you all the best Family K!

Business: I have taken a leap

Well, this blog may be changing in the next while as I get things up and running for my next adventure.  After pondering and talking and being quite unsure for a while I have decided to take my photography hobby to the next level.....eeeks!!!  Foraying into an unknown territory here...and doesn't everyone already know at least 5 or 6 mom turned photographers?

My background is in business, I finished my degree while working a full time job (dumb!) and enjoyed my time in the corporate world.  I liked working but ended up not going back to work after my maternity leave. What a hard decision!!!  Since then I've toyed with the idea of going back here and there but really my passion lies in something more creative than a desk job.  So here I go!  I think I have a good base to start with, having some education done in photography and have been working with my camera seriously for the last year, building a portfolio, mostly with kids, babies and different lighting.  I have always loved taking pictures and since my little guy came into the picture I have a pretty cute subject (if i do say so myself).  I love styling and layering, using different textures and I take each photo shoot seriously!  

I've set a goal to be all set up by the fall, so have gotten things rolling this last week.  Got a name approved - Little Chic Photography Co. -  by BC business registry, sorted out my logo and got things started with a website.  I'm all over Facebook so set up a local business page there too.  I have a few free mini shoots coming up this week that I'm pretty excited about!  I can't wait to meet some new moms and I am pretty sure they will like what I can do.  After all...who doesn't love a picture of their kid?   I know I eat em up.

I'm working on finding my niche, and sorting out how I want to run things but for now, I am looking forward to meeting some new people and bringing the joy that a great picture of a loved one brings to a mom, or dad or grandma...and on and on.  I can't tell you how awesome it is to see a little piece of my work hanging on someone's wall.  I look at the pictures I had done of my little guy up on my wall every day and I honestly don't think the photog's that did the work even really know how much it was appreciated.

Here's my new logo!  I am ecstatic with how it turned out.

Here's a link to my fb page...
little chic photography co.

Website still under construction...
little chic photography co.

Here are some helpful links if you are starting your own business..
BC Business Name Registry
Logo designer!

completely unrelated...but here is one of my favourite point and shoot pics of my boy and one of his best girls.  I LOVE how their heads look pasted on their bodies.  How ridiculous are babies?

Photography: Baby A

Baby A...anxiously awaited as her parents like to keep the sex a surprise!  She came into the world just a few days late which was plenty long for mama!   I had met her mom when we were both very pregnant with our first babies and what a lifesaver...tip #1 for new parents: find someone who is going through the same stuff and you won't feel so insane!  Our babies were born 2 weeks apart and we have since become good friends.  

This little girl I was soooo excited to shoot!  I was excited for a couple reasons...I had sat in on a session a few months ago and learnt a few things which I wanted to put into practice, the other was that I had some new props and poses I wanted to try.  I am really happy with the end product and now have baby fever...I can't wait to shoot the next!

I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I do, she is so precious and I wish Baby A and family all the best for years to come.

I am working on starting my business as a photographer at this time.  If you are interested in my work  please contact me at npasquill@gmail.com.

A Happy Birthday.

I love parties.  If there is an occasion I will have a party for it!  What better occasion than my little boy turning 2 to have some fun party planning.  The way I go about it is pretty methodical.  Firstly I choose a theme, usually narrowing it down to 2 and then searching around to see what all is available to go along with it.  Next is to determine where/when...this year we chose the local rec center and had a mini gym party there.  Places like that are a great alternative to having a party in your home.  Invitations through the mail are fun as well email invitations are also great and easy.  

Food!
Cakes and cupcakes are also something you don't want to leave to the last minute.  These days there are lots of bakers out there doing all sorts of exciting things so you don't have to be stuck with the grocery store cake!  (even though I know some love that icing!) Leaving this to a professional is something I recommend above all else, it can be very stressful deciding to leave the cake in your own hands and LOTS of times things don't turn out the way you want.   For kids keep your food simple and easy!  There are lots of websites with ideas for the more food savvy.  Anything on a stick is usually a hit! I tend to spend more time on things like...

Details!
I love love love coordinating decorations and mixing polka dots, stripes, and everything in between.  To save yourself investing every year in coordinating bowls, trays, etc buy a colour that you can see working for years to come.  I have collected blue and yellow and it worked great for a rubber duck party as well as the construction party this year.  They also work great in the summer for bbq's when I don't want my breakables trekked outside.

Here's the party!

All of the desserts were all made by Meg Pies.

Here are some of my favourite websites for ideas and party stuff!

http://www.thepartydress.net/blog/
http://www.celebrateexpress.com/
http://www.tinyprints.com/
www.etsy.com
www.amazon.com

Skin Care: Keeping it Fresh!

I love Philosophy!!!  These products are absolutely great.  Everyone knows of 'hope in a jar' from Oprah's favourite things and its pretty much true.  It depends on your skin type but there are a few formulations and for myself I love love love the Miracle Worker...since I've turned 30 I've noticed more and more wrinkles so I'm all about anti aging!  There are lots of great products from Philosophy but here are a few of my absolute favourites!

I do love going for a facial at the spa but I also like to keep my skin looking fresh by doing some home maintenance.  This Microdelivery Peel comes in two steps and takes about 5 min in total.  The first is an exfolient that you rub on for a couple minutes.  Then there is an activating gel that you put on top that warms and foams up.  Leave it on a couple more minutes and voila!  All done.

Do you have a cleanser that also takes off your mascara without having to work super hard?  This is the best one step out there.  Also comes in a few different sizes so you can take your favourite products on your travels without filling up your suitcase.

Got under eye circles?  These eye creams are great.  This one is the one I love cause it doesn't give you the little white lumps (you get them from using a product thats too rich in that area).

Got dry lips?  Use this!

This stuff is great for a mini-lift me up with no time required.  Just put it on under your moisturizer.  Brightens and firms you up!

These are just a few of my favourites!  If you are looking for a new line to try for your skin care, definitely give this one a try.  Reasonably priced and a product I LOVE!

Happy Mothers Day to all the fellow mothers out there!