Project Ten | September (Comfort)

Much like my maman's hearty soup is my comfort food, Fall is my comfort season. And even though we're not quite there yet, September - to me - is the official start of Fall and all of the beautiful things it brings. I wanted to capture some of my favourite Fall "comfort items" with this shoot - a cozy sweater, moccasins, a cherished book, delicious coffee in a favourite mug, a worn and wonderful quilt. I called on Laura, my beautiful friend and fabulous second shooter, to help me with this month's theme (thanks Laura!). Don't forget to click the link at the end of this post and follow the blog circle to see how the other talented ladies in this project interpreted September's theme! -xo

To see how Jessica Downey Photo captured "comfort", click here!

Project Ten | August (Dress)

This time of year is c.r.a.z.y. for me. Weddings, a ton of portrait sessions and little family holidays here and there. It's always a bit of a hustle to pull my Project Ten photos together, but this month I almost didn't make it. With a theme like "dress", the possibilities are endless. But I didn't have the time to really think out something wildly creative. At the last minute, I did what I had in the back of my mind all along - I took my girl to a field, wearing a dress. Groundbreaking, I know. But I'm so glad I did, because these are probably some of my all time favourite photos of Neve... ever. I love that this project forces me to shoot for myself every month, no matter how crazy things can get around here. Lately my daughter's daily life has been documented more faithfully through Instagram then through actual photos, so that makes this little session extra special to me. Be sure to click through the blog circle to see everyone's amazing interpretations of this month's theme! :)

Be sure to head over to Kelsie Taylor's blog to see her take! :)

Project Ten | July (Water)

This month's theme is water, and after taking a more posed, styled approach to last month's Hair theme (incidentally, my "hair" photos also took place in the water!), I really wanted to take a more candid, organic approach this month. We spent a week visiting some family in Northern Ontario, where I was born and raised, and enjoyed a beautiful mix of swimming, boating, fishing, woods walking, wildflower picking, campfire singing and late-night chatting. These photos were taken during a sunset lake swim with my sister and her beautiful family. It was so wonderful to watch Neve explore with her cousins. I love playing with my nieces and nephews (and rarely get to!) and had to pull myself away from the water to snap a few photos - but I'm so glad I did! Be sure to click through the blog circle to see everyone's interpretation of this month's theme, starting with the talented Kelsie Taylor Photography!

Project Ten | June (Hair)

This month's theme was "hair", and to be honest I was a little stumped. There were so many directions I could go in, but for some reason I was feeling a little uninspired. At first I thought I'd photograph my daughter's growing (finally!) blonde baby wisps, but I photograph her all the time and wanted to push myself creatively in a bit of a different direction. I enlisted the help of my gorgeous client, friend and fellow photographer Mallory. Something about a beautiful subject in a breathtaking location had me instantly inspired and we got so many amazing shots that night that I will be putting together a follow-up post with all the overflow photos that didn't make it in here! In the meantime, here is my ten for this month, selected from the "water" portion of our session (Thanks Mallory for being such a trooper and going with my vision!). Be sure to click through the ridiculously talented blog circle when you're done! (link at bottom!)

Click on over to see how Gina interpreted this month's theme over at 505 Pictures... :)

Project Ten | May (Soft)

This month's theme was "soft". No better time to introduce Neve to the wonders of soft ice cream, and no better place than under a majestic, blossoming Magnolia tree. Both the tree and the light were so stunning, I have a whole other set of lovely shots - sans ice cream - that I'll be sharing soon. But for now, enjoy these adorable and hilarious captures featuring one very soft (and messy!) ice cream cone. And when you're done, be sure to head over toRed Rubber Studio to see Julianna's interpretation of the theme! -xo

Project Ten | April (Books)

While my first thought was to style something pretty with beautiful antique books, I decided to take a different route with this theme. As much as the artist in me sometimes craves the challenge and delight of styling a session to perfection, it's my love of raw emotion, real moments and everyday simplicities that has always been the driving force behind my photography, and I wanted to capture our  real, everyday experience with books. I wanted to document my girl and her stacks of used, brightly coloured, unattractive, ripped and faded children's books - many purchased second-hand at a library sale. Paperback corners folded, board book corners chewed up, reminiscent of those first few teeth that would chomp everything in sight. These are the books that are strewn across our floor everyday. These are the books that my daughter holds dear and knows by heart. These are the books that bring me and my girl together every single day as we go through piles of them, reading familiar rhymes, pointing out favourite illustrations, snuggling close. These are the books that are opening my child's eyes to the world beyond our home, introducing her to the beautiful experience of losing yourself in a favourite story and daydreaming of faraway lands and imaginary characters. And so these are the books I photographed on a quiet morning with soft light streaming through the patio door as my barefoot girl indulged in her daily ritual. -xo

Please don't forget to follow the blog circle to see how the lovely ladies at Jessica Downey Photo, Red Rubber Studio and Alana Harris Photography interpreted this month's theme. First up, Julianna from Red Rubber Studio.

Project Ten | March (Treasures)

My interpretation of this month's theme came from picturing a cave of precious treasure (Aladdin, anyone?) and trying to imagine what my own cluster of treasure would look like. There are many things in this life that I love and enjoy, but my greatest earthly treasure is, without a doubt, my little family. I gathered items and photographs that represent my family and created my own little treasure trove out in a snowy field. My maman's pearls that I wore on my wedding day symbolize where I come from and my transition into marriage. My bible (given to me by my parents) represents the faith that my marriage and family is built on. My daughter's first outfit reminds me of my first day of motherhood, the day my heart started aching with a love I didn't know was possible. Photographs documenting our family's journey so far, from marriage to puppy love to pregnancy to motherhood. Just a few odds and ends, collected from around our home. My treasures.

Now you can head on over to Jessica Downey Photo to see her beautiful take on treasures, and follow the links around the blog circle until you've visited all five photographers.

-xo

Project Ten | February (Pink)

I am so excited about this project. Last month's "self-portrait" theme (while totally out of my comfort zone) was so much fun, and this month we are taking on "pink". This set isn't particularly unique or "out of the box". Let's be honest - the cute toddler on the bed scene is not exactly uncharted territory as far as indoor lifestyle photography goes. As much as I love these images, I almost didn't use them for this project, because I felt like there were so many other interpretations of this theme that might be more interesting to you - the viewer. But something about these photos kept drawing me - the mama - back in. And so here it is, my sweet and simple interpretation of pink. To most, perhaps just another toddler in a tutu. But to me, she's my little Neve Adele -  silky wisps of baby hair, an infectious laugh, an affectionate spirit, and looking far too grown up in her big girl tutu.

Please make sure to visit the lovely Alana Harris to see her take on this month's theme, and keep clicking through the blog circle until you've made it around. Grab a coffee, it's going to be good.

xo

Project Ten | January (Self-Portrait)

Like most photographers, I've attempted a 365 photo-a-day project a handful of times, but it's never quite worked out for me. This year, I am so excited to be starting a Project Ten with four other amazingly talented photographers. We will take on a new theme each month and, on the tenth, we will each post ten photos of our interpretation of the theme and link to each others' posts. It will be so fun and inspiring to hop from one blog to the next and see everyone's take on the theme. If you have a minute, I encourage you to click the link at the bottom of this post to head over to the next blog in our little circle. This month's theme is self-portrait, which is a bit terrifying if I'm being perfectly honest! Technical difficulties aside (I really do need to purchase a remote for my self timer!), there is nothing that makes me feel quite as narcissistic and ridiculous as taking photos of... myself. It's a very vulnerable and eye-opening experience. I opted to keep things pure and simple and just work with the light peeking through the blinds in my bedroom. And by pure and simple I mean that with the exception of some makeup speedily applied (you're welcome!) and a few random accessories thrown on for good measure, I pretty much rolled out of bed and took these photos (hello, bed head). But I kind of like the down-to-earth feel these photos convey, and it was fun to play around with light and contrast.

Enough rambling... here's my ten.

Do yourself a favour and hop over to the lovely Julianna's blog (of Red Rubber Studio)... I can't wait to see her self-portraits!!