Beanpod Photography: Blog

“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” ~Emily Bronte

(Beanpod Photography) — Sun, 11 Nov 2018 20:21:12 GMT

I had the pleasure of spending the day with these two a few weeks ago while I photographed them while they got ready, took family and wedding party photos and finished with their reception. I didn't have a chance to shoot the actual wedding ceremony because they had already done that a few weeks earlier after rock climbing to the top of Bon Echo. I think these two have a long life filled with love, fun and adventure ahead of them.

Christmas Minis are Coming!

(Beanpod Photography) — Sun, 21 Oct 2018 17:57:27 GMT

I will be offering children’s Christmas Card mini-sessions again this year with two different options. On Friday November 2 (PD Day) I will be offering either outdoor or indoor mini-sessions and on Saturday, November 17, I will be offering indoor sessions only.

The cost is $130 and includes:

A 20-minute session in my home studio (if weather permits on Friday only and you’d prefer outdoor pictures, we have the option to meet at Victoria Park very close to my home and take some pictures along the path there)
A minimum of 5 digital images for download
25 flat, double sided, 5x7 cards with envelopes
Digital copy of card

Sessions will be booked on the hour and half hour from 10 AM - 3 PM Friday, November 2 and 10 AM - 3 PM on Saturday, November 17

To book or if you have any questions at all, comment here, send me an email or call!

"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn" ~ Hal Borland

(Beanpod Photography) — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 14:55:53 GMT

I am not sure I believe this quote at the moment but one can dream! The winter just keeps on coming and seems like it will never end some days. I find it difficult to stay inspired when the days are dark and short. The days have been longer starting this week but the clouds and the snow remain. Since the new year started I have been working on a weekly project with a group of photographers where we document our Sundays. It's a nice way to be sure I pull out my camera for personal reasons at least once a week. Here were everyone's submissions for this last Sunday - week 10. Proof that it's not winter everywhere!

Thankful

(Beanpod Photography) — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 23:26:24 GMT

Our community has suffered some tragic losses these past few weeks. A mother of three young boys, a teenager not even halfway through high school and a young adult all gone from their loved ones lives much too soon. In a small town like ours, these losses hit hard. You see and feel the pain of their family members, friends, co-workers and neighbours and it all hits so close to home. You see their parents, their children and their spouses trying to put back together a life that will never be the same.

I saw a blog post from another photographer this week and she stressed the importance of being in photos with your family and kids. I had a photo session done this summer with my daughter that I had been putting off for years. I thought I would wait until I was happy with how I looked or I found the perfect outfit, perfect idea, or any excuse really! Then my daughter turned ten this summer and I suddenly felt this pressure of time. How did she get to be ten? While I do get my husband to take a few of us every now and again the last time we actually had photos done was just after her second birthday. Included with the session was a small photo book that I received in the mail a couple of days ago and I have looked at it at least twenty times. Am I happy with how I look in every photo? No - the photos are gorgeous but of course I find things to criticize. Why did I wear that dress, why was I sitting like that. But I am thrilled to have them and I know when my daughter looks at this book, today or ten or twenty years from now she is not going to think about how much I weighed or what I wore but I think she will remember how much time we have spent down at that river together and maybe she will even remember how we were dancing and laughing during that session and had so much fun.

So today all I ask is to be thankful for who have near you. Enjoy the moments big and especially small. Be present - in photos, in life, for your kids, for your family and for you.

Photos courtesy of the incredible Dana Lauder

Print, print, print!

(Beanpod Photography) — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 00:28:19 GMT

I have been a negligent blogger this year but September and the start of a new school year always feels like a fresh start! One of my goals this year is to print more of my personal work. I love holding a print or canvas in my hand and bundling up a client's order always makes me happy. I am bad about printing my own work and when I do print they seem to sit in a stack in some corner of my house. I have a goal to create digital family albums this winter staring from when my daughter was born in 2007. This was also a goal last year and I managed to do a first year book going all the way to mid-2008! If I double that speed this year maybe I will make it to her 3rd birthday :)

I do always look forward to this annual collage I shoot for a local dance school at their recital in June but I print a big poster for the dance studio to have it ready to welcome back all of the students.

Cheers to another year!!

"An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language" ~Martin Buber

(Beanpod Photography) — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 15:40:55 GMT

A friend asked me if I could take some photos of a rescued Dachshund she was fostering to help her find her forever home. She was the sweetest little dog and all Sassy wants is gentle, loving owners who can spend lots of time with her and have a comfy lap. See her story here:

http://www.canadiandachshundrescue.com/adopt/available-dogs/screen-shot-2017-06-04-at-jun-4-201710-06-08-pm/

You never get a second chance to make a first impression

(Beanpod Photography) — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 18:49:05 GMT

I felt like a blog post was long overdue! January and February are definitely quiet months around Beanpod! Even though we had a pretty mild winter by Canadian standards I must admit it is not an inspirational time of year for me to get out and shoot. It is a good time for headshots as I tend to do them mostly indoors. Here are a few from the last little while. I love a session where I get to work one on one with people and headshots often involve an exciting change in someone's life!

Once Upon a Time in Our World - December

(Beanpod Photography) — Wed, 04 Jan 2017 14:41:00 GMT

We made it! This month we did something a little different for the finale and used both 8:15 AM and 8:15 PM to cover some of the holiday magic! Be sure to head on over to my friend Kimberly's blog to check out her take on the month at Kimberly Muro Photography.

Here is how my world looked this month at 8:15

And here are everyone's photos from the month.

'Tis The Season

(Beanpod Photography) — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 20:23:25 GMT

It's hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner! It is looking like it will definitely be a white one for us this year! I had a great time in November with my Christmas mini-sessions and now that all of the cards are prints have arrived and been delivered I thought I should post a few of the adorable kids I had the pleasure of photographing!

Once Upon a Time in Our World - November

(Beanpod Photography) — Wed, 07 Dec 2016 13:00:00 GMT

Oh, November! In my world this month it meant shooting and editing, shooting and editing and editing, editing, editing! This month's time was 2:15 PM and I think it was at the very end of the month that I finally took a few pictures for me. At 2:15 in my world the only activity in the house was one very lazy cat!

The end is in sight though... all my client's holiday cards have been delivered and I am just finishing up the last few editing sessions before there are quieter times ahead! Be sure to continue the blog circle starting with my incredibly talented friend at Kellie Brindley Photography in beautiful Washington state.

Here is everyone's take on 2:15 PM

Once Upon a Time in Our World - October

(Beanpod Photography) — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 13:00:00 GMT

What can I say about October? One of my favourite months of the year and one of the busiest for a photographer! October's time was 6:15 PM and thankfully I had a few from the beginning of the month taken on an impromptu boat trip on Lake Huron.

Here is everyone's images for this month and be sure to check out my talented friend Kaylie over at Quiet Footsteps Photography!

Christmas Card Minis!

(Beanpod Photography) — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 13:37:32 GMT

Children's Christmas card mini sessions are back! They will be held on Saturday, November 19th starting at 10 am. It will again be an indoor studio set up at the Elora Centre for the Arts. Bring your kids dressed in their holiday best or Christmas jammies!!

What you get:

Package 1 - $85

20 minute session for up to three children
5 edited digital images available for download with a print release
A Facebook timeline photo
25% off prints

Package 2 - $125

All of the above plus 25 - 5x7 flat 2 sided Christmas cards with envelopes. Designs will be provided prior to the session.

Time slots start at 10:00 in 1/2 hour increments.

Available times. Saturday, November 19th:

~~10:00~~, ~~10:30~~, ~~11:00~~, ~~11:30~~, ~~12:00~~, ~~12:30~~, ~~1:00~~, 1:30, ~~2:00~~, ~~2:30~~, ~~3:00~~

I will also be doing a limited number of outdoor sessions on Sunday, November 13th:

~~3:00~~, ~~3:30~~, ~~4:00~~, ~~4:30~~

To book or if you have any questions at all, comment here, send me an email or call.

Hope to see you there!!

Once Upon a Time in Our World - September

(Beanpod Photography) — Sat, 01 Oct 2016 12:00:00 GMT

Another month! September proved to be a busy one for most of the group with back to school and back to work and getting settled back into routine. Our time was 3:15 PM and mine was spent this month at a small town fall fair on a beautiful sunny day with my best friend and her kids that my daughter calls her cousins.

And here is everyone's take on September. Be sure to check out my talented friend Kaylie at Quiet Footsteps Photography by clicking here to continue the blog circle!

Generations

(Beanpod Photography) — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 20:04:15 GMT

I had the pleasure of shooting the women of this strong and beautiful family a few weeks ago. Nana, mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, nieces and cousins all in one group!

Sisters

(Beanpod Photography) — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 20:50:50 GMT

Sisters and dancers... two of my very favourite things to photograph! These two are lovely and there is something magical about summer evening sessions!

Once Upon a Time in Our World - August

(Beanpod Photography) — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 11:00:00 GMT

I think August always wins my vote for the quickest month of the year. It's hard to believe school starts in less than a week and our summer trips will become a happy memory. My 7:15 PM this month was mostly on the water. We were up in Muskoka, out on Lake Huron and spent a few days in Halifax.

Be sure to continue the blog circle by seeing what was happening in the very talented Sarah's world this month in beautiful Nova Scotia by clicking here.

And finally, here are everyone's images from this month!

Once Upon a Time in Our World - July

(Beanpod Photography) — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 12:00:00 GMT

I can't believe July is over already! Our time this month was 11:15 am and earlier in the month that meant walks to the beach with my extended family. I miss it already!

Here are a couple of photos that remind me...

Be sure to check out the work of my very talented friend, Kellie, by clicking here

Here is everyone's pictures for the month...

Summer Nights

(Beanpod Photography) — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 16:18:34 GMT

Summer this year started with a week long vacation at the beach with my parents, siblings and the kids. We had beautiful, sunny, lazy days and nights down by the beach watching the sunset. Back to reality this week and I am looking forward to some fun sessions over the next few days! I have an extended family wedding celebration, siblings, families and some dancers. But for now... here is a look at my evenings last week at the beach. Heaven!

One Upon a Time in the World - June

(Beanpod Photography) — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 12:30:00 GMT

It's hard to believe that June is over. It's been a bit of a whirlwind with school wrapping up and spring school and dance photo deadlines! I didn't get to shoot much for myself this month but we took advantage of the long summer days and had some later evening walks that worked perfectly for our 8:15 PM time this month.

Please check out the incredibly talented Kimberly at Kimberly Muro Photography by clicking here to see her take on the month. Happy summer!!

Here comes summer!

(Beanpod Photography) — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 13:23:48 GMT

I know that summer is here when the last of dance and school photo orders have been wrapped up and school is out in less than a week! One of the last tasks I do for one of our local dance schools is a collage of all the group prints from photo day. This year I did a collage of the recital itself instead and I love that it shows them all in action. I can't wait to receive the poster sized print of this!!

Once Upon a Time in the World - May

(Beanpod Photography) — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 11:00:00 GMT

It's been a crazy month around here! I can tell because my last blog entry was last month's post for this group! I have been busy with dance photos, school photos and everything in between. It's a nice feeling though as everything starts to come to life again with spring! Our time this month was 4:15 PM and I managed a little after school photo shoot. Make sure you click to see the incredibly talented Christie's photos from NineTwelve Photography

And here is everyone's 4:15. It made for a colourful month!

Once Upon a Time in the World - April

(Beanpod Photography) — Mon, 02 May 2016 12:00:00 GMT

It's so hard to believe a month has gone by already! When I took this month's photos I was still enjoying the sun and tropical temperatures of Singapore. Now even though we are more than a month into spring it has been cold, dark and damp. There are signs though as there are more buds on the trees and the days continue to get longer.

This month my 9:15 a.m. involved Elyse and her cousin feeding the fish at the koi pond. I wish I could close my eyes and be back there again. Be sure to check out the crazy talented Kellie over at Kellie Brindley Photography to see what her month looked like!

And here is everyone's from this month:

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be as pleasant" ~ Anne Bradstreet

(Beanpod Photography) — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 18:29:56 GMT

I have been trying hard to look at the bright side of this weather! We had a few warm, sunny days in there but we are back to damp, cold and below 10 degrees! There are jokes in Canada about our seasons... almost winter, winter, not quite winter and construction. We are currently in the not quite winter phase. It is technically spring and there are some buds on the trees but it is still pretty sparse.

While I calmly await the fields of flowers and pretty green backdrops I was thinking back to one of my earlier winter sessions with this fun family who completely embrace our beautiful winters and enjoy every moment of it that they can!

Up, up and away!

(Beanpod Photography) — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 18:54:57 GMT

My daughter and I recently got back from an incredible 3 week trip to visit my sister and family in Singapore. We had an amazing time and even got to take a vacation inside a vacation (as Miss E called it) to Malaysia. We did lots of exploring and loved all of our family time. Here is just a sample of our few weeks away...

Once Upon a Time in Our World - March

(Beanpod Photography) — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 12:00:00 GMT

My world changed for much of the month of March as my daughter and I were traveling through Singapore and Malaysia visiting my sister and family who have been living here for four years. I have taken loads of photos but as I am only travelling with an iPad I have been downloading and editing the bare minimum until I get home but I really wanted to keep up with this monthly challenge. I will post more about my trip soon but here are a few from this month. Here is 5:15 pm from the beaches of Malaysia, to Easter celebrations and the hawker markets!!

Be be sure to check out the rest of the circle starting with my friend, Kaylie's images by clicking here

And here is the collage of everyone's favourites from 5:15 this month:

Once Upon a Time in the World - February

(Beanpod Photography) — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 12:00:00 GMT

This month for the Once Upon a Time in the World challenge our time was 12:15 pm. I shot little during the week while working from home during a cold and dreary month but I made a point of taking my camera out on the weekends. My favourite capture was this one of my daughter. We went for a walk in a place we go often but she wanted to take a side trail we have never and ended up at this train yard. It is the storage for a historical train that runs in the warmer month and also where they do train restorations. Really she wanted nothing to do with getting her picture taken but she spotted a group of teenaged girls at the other end and I had my chance.

Be sure to check out the incredibly talented, Sarah's work by clicking here!

And here are everyone's favourites for the month:

“Life is worth living as long as there's a laugh in it.” L.M. Montgomery

(Beanpod Photography) — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 18:30:20 GMT

Sometimes one of my favourite images of a session comes after we are officially done and starting to wrap things up. Miss A was having a great time and so was I. She is one happy and beautiful little girl!

Once Upon a Time in the World - January

(Beanpod Photography) — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 04:45:00 GMT

I have been participating in a few personal photography projects this year and one of them is a challenge with an inspiring group of women to shoot at the same time of day for the whole month. For January it was 7:15 a.m. and the hour that followed it. Not the easiest time of day but these weren't really meant to be thought out and set up shots but photographs that capture that moment in time. I kept my camera ready to go and it gave me a little inspiration to push myself and get up and going a bit earlier. Here are some of my moments. Also be sure to check out my friend, Sarah's beautiful work by clicking here!

Don't forget head on over to my friend Sarah's blog here to see her take on the month!

Valentine's Mini Sessions

(Beanpod Photography) — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 23:11:28 GMT

Happy New Year to you all! Valentine's Day always creeps up on me after the holidays. It's always a fun theme for mini sessions and the kids (and me!) always have a blast!

This year I will be offering Valentine’s mini-sessions on Saturday, January 23rd. The location will be determined closer to the date but it will be indoors with a fun Valentine's themed setup. The sessions are $85 and are good for up to three children.

The session will include:

•20 minute session for up to three children
•5 edited digital images available for download with a print release
•36 - 2.5 x 3.5 personalized Valentine’s cards – enough for the whole class and friends and family - sample designs will be provided
•25% off any prints

If you are interested, please let me know as soon as possible by commenting here, sending me an email at dawndej@beanpodphotography.com or call 519.846.2494

And to all a good night...

(Beanpod Photography) — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 20:47:02 GMT

It's been a great Christmas and break with family and friends. Here are a few of my favourite personal images from the holidays. Happy New Year to all and wishing everyone the best for a happy, healthy and wonderful 2016.

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

(Beanpod Photography) — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 23:32:26 GMT

I love this time of year leading up to Christmas. I've just about wrapped up my final print order before the holidays and finished packaging all the holiday cards today to be delivered to clients. It's a great feeling! Despite the lack of snow or wintery weather it's hard not to feel festive looking through some of my favourites from the Christmas card mini sessions a couple of weeks back!

Christmas Card Mini Sessions are Back!

(Beanpod Photography) — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 18:41:04 GMT

Christmas card mini sessions are happening on Saturday, November 21st starting at 10 am. It will be an indoor studio set up at the Elora Centre for the Arts. Bring your kids dressed in their holiday best or Christmas jammies!!

What you get:

Package 1 - $75

20 minute session for up to three children
5 edited digital images available for download with a print release
A Facebook timeline photo
25% off prints

Package 2 - $105

All of the above plus 25 - 5x7 flat 2 sided Christmas cards with envelopes. Designs will be provided at the session.

Time slots start at 10:00 in 1/2 hour increments.

Available times:

~~10:00~~, ~~10:30~~, 11:00, ~~11:30~~, ~~12:00~~, 12:30, 1:00, ~~1:30~~, ~~2:00~~, ~~2:30~~, 3:00

To book or if you have any questions at all, comment here, send me an email or call.

Hope to see you there!!

"As soon as I saw you, I knew a grand adventure was going to happen" ~ AA Milne

(Beanpod Photography) — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 15:50:01 GMT

These three are just a few months from heading on the biggest adventure of their lives so far! They are an adorable bunch who I think will adjust to their new lives in Australia just fine. We will miss them here in Elora but can't wait to hear about all the excitement they will undoubtedly find there!

"Love is the greatest refreshment in life" ~ Picasso

(Beanpod Photography) — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 19:01:38 GMT

I had the pleasure of photographing these newlyweds a week after they were married in Toronto. They had a reception at the groom's childhood home full of extended family ready to celebrate. We escaped the chaos for awhile and went down to the river to get some shots of just the two of them. My favourites were when they seemed barely remember I was there.

Happy World Ballet Day

(Beanpod Photography) — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 21:51:54 GMT

Today is World Ballet Day and five of the world's leading ballet companies have been streaming live feeds from rehearsals and events around the globe. It's incredible to be able to glance behind the scenes and see how much is involved in putting on a major production. My daughter and I had the opportunity to go behind the scenes at the National Ballet of Canada last week and see what goes into making the costumes, shoes and wigs as well as see a live rehearsal from the company's dancers. It was an incredible experience and my little dancer loved it. Dance photography is definitely one of my favourite things and while I love to catch the movement and grace of a dancer in action I also love to catch the happy faces of little ones so thrilled to be dressed up for photo day at the studio :)

A Fresh Start

(Beanpod Photography) — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 18:57:17 GMT

There is something about September... back to school, changing seasons and a crispness in the air that gives it the feel of a new year, a time to start fresh.

I photographed these two beautiful sisters just before school started as one was heading into her last year of elementary school and the other starting her first year of high school. They are wonderfully confident and I am sure will succeed at everything they set out to do this year!

First Day!!

(Beanpod Photography) — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 17:35:46 GMT

It was an anxious night around here but when I left her at school this morning it was all smiles and holding hands with her bestie. I think she will have a great year! Happy first day of school everyone!!

A stunning sky

(Beanpod Photography) — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 20:54:32 GMT

"For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream." ~ Vincent Van Gogh

I just happened to up north in Muskoka while the Perseid meteor showers were happening. On the second night we were there I grabbed my camera and tripod in the pitch dark to try and get some photos. The next day I had everything set up as I wanted then waited for night to fall. It did, with thunder, lightning and rain! I was never able to get my second chance but I did get a few shots my first attempt. The pictures don't do it any justice though. It was stunning! So many stars and shooting stars. I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it!

"A boy's story is the best that is ever told" ~ Charles Dickens

(Beanpod Photography) — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 20:40:13 GMT

There is nothing like a warm summer day and being a kid in the great outdoors! I love summer sessions when nobody feels rushed!

Summer Days

(Beanpod Photography) — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 18:52:41 GMT

Well we are about seven weekdays in to summer break and the living has been easy. We've had a busy start to it and usual my editing gets neglected! I am just starting on the performance pictures from the Fergus-Elora Academy of Dance. There were some beautiful numbers and of course I had to share one of my own tiny dancer. Form? Maybe still needs some work but check out that height! :) The girls in primary ballet were thrilled with each being able to leap across the stage. More of these to come in the next few days!

50 kilometres, 3 women, 2 days...

(Beanpod Photography) — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 18:41:21 GMT

Okay so maybe a slight exaggeration but 50 kilometres was our original plan. We managed 40 in the end... just over 20 on day 1 and just under 20 on day 2. Who knew we would just keep walking up and up and up and some occasional downs like one oddly steep ski hill at Devil's Glen and then more up! I researched distances and start and end points but for some reason never paid attention to elevations!

So our first two legs of the Bruce Trail together and we are already planning many more. Devil's Glen to Blue Mountain with many stops in between. Nottawasaga Conservation Area, Singhampton Caves (amazing side trail where we hiked over some snow and ice!), Pretty River Valley, Blue Mountain, Scenic Caves, the longest hill at Mission Hill just to name a few.

A few wrong turns, no bears and only tiny snakes, one panicky hiker (okay maybe that was me) during a thunder and lighting storm and not knowing (thankfully in retrospect) about all the tornado warnings that day.

I decided not to pack my big girl camera at the last moment but if I had I probably would have taken it out less for pictures so I am happy I brought my little point and shoot.

All from a little inspiration that started in Kim's living room...

Until the next one!

"Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart" ~ A.A. Milne

(Beanpod Photography) — Tue, 19 May 2015 20:43:54 GMT

These two celebrated a special day together recently. Friends since before they could walk or talk I love watching them together. There is an easiness and lightness to their togetherness whether they are sharing secrets or just walking down a path. Sometimes I just want to freeze these moments in time but it makes me happy to at least have it captured forever.

"There are shortcuts to happiness and dancing is one of them" ~ Vicki Baum

(Beanpod Photography) — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 18:26:14 GMT

I spent part of the weekend photographing the talented dancers at the Fergus Elora Academy of Dance. The dance school is owned and run by the amazing and dedicated Erica Finlayson who is shown here helping a young ballerina strike a picture perfect pose. My muscles are still recovering from the 8 hours of climbing ladders, lying on the floor and jumping around like a ninja trying to get the perfect angles for all the various dances and poses but I still think I had the easier job!

I have a love of dance photography. There is something about the grace and beauty in the movement of a dancer that inspires me. I will get to photograph these dancers in action as well during the year end performance which is always an incredible show!

Little Skaters

(Beanpod Photography) — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 16:25:54 GMT

I had so much fun with this figure skating club! They were all dressed up for their upcoming ice show at the end of the month. I spent a few evenings with the club this winter photographing everyone from the pre-school group to the senior soloists. Good luck to them all at the year end show!

Spring Fever

(Beanpod Photography) — Mon, 09 Mar 2015 16:01:18 GMT

The sun is shining and the temps are finally above zero today! Spring fever has definitely set in here. I feel like we have been indoors more this winter than any other year. We have managed to get out skiing quite a few times and had a winter campfire but we have barely tobogganed or made snowmen. I am officially ready for it to be over so we can find some other activities to do that are a little more active than "walking the cat".

February was a fairly quiet month at Beanpod but I did have the honour of taking photos for the Elora and District Skating Club this month in preparation for their spring show this month. I will also be out in the snow over March Break getting the last few winter outdoor sessions done until next year. And then I will be all ready for spring!

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart" ~ Confucius

(Beanpod Photography) — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 20:06:25 GMT

These two never fail to bring a smile to my face and they are full of love and laughter. Wishing you and yours a very happy heart day! xo

All You Need is Love - Valentine's Mini Sessions

(Beanpod Photography) — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 02:00:43 GMT

I am offering Valentine's themed mini sessions for kids on Saturday, January 24th and Sunday, January 25th. All sessions will be indoor with a simple themed backdrop and a few different options to keep the little ones busy. Heart shaped confetti, chalkboards and Cupid's arrows.

Contact me at 519.846.2494 or email dawndej@beanpodphotography.com to reserve your spot.

What you get - $75

20 minute session for up to three children
5 edited digital images available for download with a print release
A Facebook timeline photo
25% off prints
For $20 more there is the option to add on 25 custom Valentine's day cards for your child's class

Looking forward to seeing you!

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow" ~ Albert Enstein

(Beanpod Photography) — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 19:48:18 GMT

Happy New Year! I am not usually big on resolutions but the new year is always that fresh start to make some changes and dream big! For my physical self to be healthy and set a good example. For my professional self to keep learning and moving forward with my business. For my family, to be present and available as it's not always enough to just be physically here. And for everyone, always... keep on dancing!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

(Beanpod Photography) — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 21:11:26 GMT

Okay, it's actually not looking anything like Christmas outside as all the snow we had melted over the weekend but these three certainly had the Christmas spirit!

"A sister is a forever friend"

(Beanpod Photography) — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 02:51:19 GMT

My sister lives about as far away from me as she could possibly be. I miss her always. I miss her when I see grownup sisters having a coffee or little sisters walking home from school. I miss her when I look at my daughter or talk to my Mom. These two remind me a bit of her and I growing up and they never fail to make me smile. These images are from the fall but I saw them last night and felt the need to share them here. My sister and her family are having an amazing adventure in Singapore and they have been away almost three years. As much as I miss her (have I mentioned that already?) I can't imagine any less for them and am going to smother them like crazy when they are here over the holidays.

Sisters...

Sibling Love

(Beanpod Photography) — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 17:43:43 GMT

These two came for Miss A's 5th birthday photos but my favourites were of the two of them together. I think they are pretty lucky to have each other!

Let it Snow - Christmas Card Mini Sessions

(Beanpod Photography) — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 01:25:26 GMT

I am going to be offering children’s mini sessions for Christmas card photos this Friday, November 21 and Saturday, November 22. There will be an outdoor themed setup (think Christmas trees and hot chocolate) and a simpler indoor setup to show off those fancy Christmas clothes. I will be offering 20 minute sessions starting at 10 am Friday and running until 3 pm. And then Saturday morning at 10 am until 1 pm.

What you get:

Package 1 - $75

20 minute session for up to three children
5 edited digital images available for download with a print release
A Facebook timeline photo
25% off prints

Package 2 - $100

All of the above plus 25 - 5x7 flat 2 sided Christmas cards with envelopes. Designs will be provided at the session.

Available time slots - booking Friday 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the hour and half hour and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Friday ~~10:00~~ ~~10:30~~ ~~11:00~~ 11:30 ~~12:00~~ 12:30 1:00 ~~1:30~~ 2:00 2:30

Saturday ~~10:00~~ ~~10:30~~ 11:00 11:30 12:00 ~~12:30~~

Once a slot has been filled I will cross it out above so you know it's taken.

To book or if you have any questions at all, comment here, send me an email or call.

Thanks!

Dawn

“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” L.M. Montgomery

(Beanpod Photography) — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 23:03:15 GMT

I love fall... the only thing I don't love about it is the fact that winter is not far behind but I try not to think that way! We have had a stunning display of colours this year and I am afraid it won't be long until the trees are bare. Thinking these beautiful weekends are few and far between Miss E and I decided to make the best of it this afternoon and went for a walk. At the edge of the park were these stunning yellow maples with big, beautiful leaves. Perfect for a fall crown!

Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair

(Beanpod Photography) — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 01:30:13 GMT

This is the lovely Miss R from the Fergus Elora Academy of Dance run by the dedicated and talented Erica Finlayson. I do believe she will be going places!

I have never been a dancer which will not be at all surprising for those that know me! Admittedly I started my daughter in ballet when she had just turned three because I thought the pink tutus would be adorable. I think I imagined the photos! As it turns out she loved it and now heading into her fourth year she just can't get enough of it. I took her to see her first ballet on the weekend and she loved it! I watched her more than I watched the show just for the amazement on her face. I think she'll be dancing for awhile...

Back to School!

(Beanpod Photography) — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 11:54:00 GMT

Wow, it has been one quiet house since Miss E returned to school yesterday. I have been madly catching up on some editing. She is very excited about grade 2. I think one of the most exciting moments is that not only does she have her same teacher as last year who she loves so much but she now also has her own desk instead of tables! She helped me out with some mini session ideas on the weekend. Happy back to school to all the students and teachers out there!

Excuses...

(Beanpod Photography) — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 13:38:00 GMT

So I haven't posted in more than two months! School let out at the end of June and we have been far (well maybe not too far) and away. Reality has since set in and I desperately need to catch up on editing!! But for now, this is what I have been busy doing for the past three weeks.

Spring

(Beanpod Photography) — Thu, 15 May 2014 07:11:00 GMT

Can it be that it is finally here? I was not sure that this winter was ever going to end but I now see proof. The temperatures have actually been above 20 a few times in the last week, trees are budding and things are actually green! We spent a wonderful Mother's Day doing nothing more than spending the day together in the backyard. Happy Spring!

Behind the scenes

(Beanpod Photography) — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 07:39:00 GMT

This weekend I had the opportunity to photograph all of the dancers from our local dance school owned and run by the amazing Miss F. A few times I would actually forget I was supposed to be taking the pictures while I watched her in action posing group after group of dancers from the teeniest ballerinas to the senior groups who can do a costume and hair change in minutes! I have some work ahead of me but I wanted to post a behind the scenes which was just a quick snap I took for metering and just shows a snippet of the day. Thanks to all of the dancers for being such incredible subjects!

Annie

(Beanpod Photography) — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 13:46:00 GMT

So my six year old daughter has a slight obsession with the movie Annie. Now I know these types of things are normal around this age but it has been going on at least a year and a half. Annie songs are the only songs she wants to sing and we hear the CD over and over and over again. She will sing "Tomorrow" for anyone that is willing to listen often accompanied by a ballet like twirling and leaping dance and act out her favourite scenes. This started when I bought the 80's version of the Annie movie remembering how much I liked it as a kid and since then we have bought the 90's version of the movie, seen the play twice and she is ecstatic for the new version coming out next Christmas.

Now as the daughter of a woman constantly pointing a camera at her since the day she was born she is not always open to me photographing these moments. But this particular day I lucked out as she had a friend over and I was formally invited to watch the production as a photographer :) I need to use that one more often.

If any other parents of 5-7 year old girls are reading this I am sure you have no sympathy as your kids are probably pretending to be Elsa right at this very moment and belting out the lyrics to "Let It Go".

Although sometimes I think I can not possibly hear that soundtrack one more time I still peek my head silently around the corner whenever the music starts.

A long winter...

(Beanpod Photography) — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 11:59:00 GMT

So this past weekend was Groundhog Day and those darned things all over the continent saw their shadows which means we are in for another six weeks of this. It has been long enough already and it is making me long for the warm summer days where you can be outside all day and even light sparklers before bed in your jammies. Happy summer memory :)

Winter

(Beanpod Photography) — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 10:30:00 GMT

I have photographed this beautiful family before and honestly would do it any day of the week! This was just before the real holiday winter hit and the snow in the ground was an added touch for their Christmas cards!

Baby Love

(Beanpod Photography) — Mon, 09 Dec 2013 17:50:00 GMT

I love photographing newborns! This little girl was so sweet and cooperative. And as the youngest in a family with four kids she's got a whole lot of love going on.

A Walk in the Park

(Beanpod Photography) — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 17:08:00 GMT

I photographed these three amazing kids and their parents last week in a local park. They were amazing especially given we were out in the early morning.

Apple Picking

(Beanpod Photography) — Sat, 21 Sep 2013 13:50:00 GMT

As sad as I am to see the last of summer especially with what little we experienced of it this year, I have to admit I am a lover of all things fall. If I had to pick my top three favourite things about the season I would have to narrow it down to Thanksgiving, wearing boots and apple picking! I last visited this amazing local, organic orchard two years ago. Last year's weather was not kind to them but they have a good crop this year and were kind enough to share it with us.