edisonphotography

Shawn and Michelle

2008-08-17T00:18:00.002-04:00

When I met Shawn and Michelle last Fall, I asked them how they met. They said "Oh! It's embaressing..." So then I was dying to know!! What was so humiliating? "We've known each other for years - we went to high school together. We don't have a good story!" If you ask me - it is a phenomenal story! Shawn & Michelle have not only been together for ten years and known each other for ages... there wedding party was made up of friends from throughout grade school and high school. Some of them even went to nursery school together! This is so rare nowadays to see.. it's beautiful to witness the beauty of lifelong friends!

Fast forward to today. What a fun day!! Shawn has a way of not only making Michelle laugh constantly... but Beth and I also were in stitches! We had a blast! And had some fun surprises in the Distillery district while shooting... more about that below... But let's start at the beginning.

Their venue - Berkeley Events Centre... wow! Love this place! So much character and beauty!

Then we went down to the distillery district and had a lot of fun!

It just happened to be a festival with the food network - Michelle & Shawn's favourite TV station!

The wonderful people at Peller Estates gave the happy couple cotton candy, a class of champagne as we walked by and a bottle of ice wine!! I'm going to dig out my wedding dress and start wearing it to get freebies!!

And I can not remember the name of these guys from the Food Network - but Michelle loves them!

And, I was pleased to see in their DVD collection Arrested Development (could there be a funnier TV show??). So when we saw the Segways - how could we help but get a photo with them?? (Gob on the show rides one all the time)

And back to Berkeley for the reception!

The littlest guests loved the cake cutting!

And everyone was up dancing!

A great day - thanks for letting us be a part of it!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

Introducing Mason

2008-08-16T00:14:00.002-04:00

On Tuesday, my brother and sister-in-law welcomed their fourth child - seriously... 4 KIDS! Wow. Never ever would have thought Dave would have 4 kids, but tonight I held my newest nephew and it's real. Wonders never cease.

If you have been following my blog for awhile - you will remember from my OLD blog that back in the Spring I said good bye to one of my favourite people ever. My Grandma. GG (as we called her) was one of the most special people you ever would meet... and today I missed her a lot. You see, I would snap photos of the grandkids and family and in the back of my mind I was thinking of sending these so GG could see them on her computer in Thunder Bay. I'd take ones she would want to see and get a kick out of. Narrating the story they'd tell her as I'd snap. So today I was snapping photos of the newest Hall family member.. and found myself thinking of GG and sending the photos to her. It is extra special then that my newest nephew is named after GG... Mason is his name and this was GG's maiden name. If he has half of her personality, humour and zest for life he will be a remarkable young man.

Without further ado - let me introduce Mason Michael Hall...

He can be so snooty...

Auntie Marcie getting cuddles...

My dad has come along way... usually he doesn't hold the grandkids or babies until they're at least 3 months old... and here he is holding Mason at three days old!

Love the contrast in dad's big workshop hands - stained from years of playing with cars and now building his airplane... and wee Mason's perfectly tiny clean hands. As Madi says - a baby's hands are her favourite thing!

Hard to believe that wee Cohen is now a Big Brother! Cohen and Mason are the same age difference as my girls - 22months.

And then the next oldest is Hannah at 7, she just adores her littlest brother!

And then Mason's biggest sister is Kirsten who turned 13 this Spring. Tonight when Eden came out in full princess dress up attire I had a flash back to little Kir who was always in full princess gear.. and now is a teenager with three little siblings who adore her!

And Mel - the most laid back mom ever! Never know she had a baby three days ago as she's just right back into routine. Heck! She was out mowing the lawn the day before she was induced!

And my big brother who I fought with my entire childhood - now a loving dad. Weird.

I think I'd look like this too if Dave was holding me. Kidding!

And this is what Mason thought of me taking photos - yep, he stuck out his tongue and gave me the finger. Nice. Maybe he has GG's spunk after all.

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

Chris & Aidan

2008-08-14T23:52:00.002-04:00

Way back in 1994 I visited Mark's parents farm for the first time. It was a little overwhelming to meet Mark's ten siblings. Mark's sister Aidan wasn't even a teenager - still in that stage between kid and adult. And now... she's married!

Last weekend Aidan was a stunning bride... no signs of the little girl I met at the family farm all those years ago. Chris and Aidan are two of the sweetest people - and I'm thrilled to have Chris as my newest brother-in-law.

Everyone watching the weather... it poured rain!!

Madi was convinced she has to carry Aidan's dress... took her flower girl role very seriously!

The minister was the cutest I'd ever seen... my hubby!

My girls!

My in-laws whispering during the ceremony...

The happy couple!!

Chris being welcomed into the family by the new nieces..

Madi exhausted from the festivities

Aidan and her grandpa (we call him "Poppy") have a special relationship. Here is one of the few special moments Aidan spent with Poppy.

We went to Poppy's nursing home later for Aidan to have a dance with him. The residents and family watched as they danced... and not a dry eye in the place.

Even though it poured rain we found a few spots around the church and farm to go and have fun!

Chris is a firefighter and we had hoped to do a photo shoot on the firetrucks in Clifford but... It turned out to be pouring rain so we couldn't do it then... and good thing! The trucks were flourescent green! Watch for photos in the near future at Chris' fire station in Mississauga.

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

Trip # 2 of 3

2008-08-12T08:24:00.001-04:00

So PEI was part one of our vacation... the next leg of the trip took us to Cape Breton Island. We loooooooved it here. So peaceful. The fog and cool air was a perfect fit too!

We spent two nights in St. Peter's to relax before heading out on the Cabot Trail. While in St. Peter's we enjoyed a Busker Festival where we saw the Calypso Tumblers - Madi now wants to be a Calypso Tumbler when she grows up! Here's a clip of them doing their routine on America's Got Talent...

And we watched a boat race of some sort - no idea what was happening but we cheered our hearts out!

And we enjoyed a great beach!

Eden insisted on being called "Beach Girl" - this photo suits her new name.

And finally - on to the wonderful, majestic Cabot Trail!!!

And my dream home (seriously!)

And we went whale watching - wow! We saw some Minke Whales and then Pilot Whales (which are like Killer Whales). The Pilot Whales were so close - at one point I had on my zoom lens and I couldn't get them all in as they were just too darn close! And we saw a momma whale with it's baby... so sweet!

And some views from the boat...

Apparently they'll let any ragamuffin family on the whale watching boats... wow! We look ROUGH!

The kids loved Joe's Scarecrows.... a little creepy but fun!

And as soon as we drove off the island the rain clouds rolled in and it started to pour - for two days. So instead of our usual lodging (our tent) we stayed in a little cabin. A nice break!

Oh! And I have to show Mark's McLobster sandwich - so funny!

And my lucky charm I found!

Trip# 3 of 3

2008-08-11T15:43:00.002-04:00

And the third leg of our trip was Quebec City - which we LOVED. Okay - I know I said that about PEI and Cape Breton too - but each place is so incredible and unique. We really loved them all!

We started out at these cool waterfalls....

And, my kids who are scared of everything... had no fear on the suspension bridge!

Then we were off to old Quebec City! I felt like as we entered the walled city - we were entering into a different country - somewhere in Europe - and a different era. It was wonderful!

Entering the wall...

My kids were terrified of the guards!

Scenes around old Quebec...

And then one of the highlights of our trip! The parade of the giants celebrating the 400th anniversary of Quebec City! First of it's kind in North America - and I have to say... this parade was amazing!!!

Then on the way home we gave the kids a big surprise at McDonald's! Carolynn and her family were driving to Montreal as we were driving home - so we met part way for lunch. Our girls had been really missing each other and had a great time playing!!!

And here are Carolynn and I miles from home - and so happy to see each other!

All in all, it was an amazing family vacation!! Then after one day at home we headed to Mark's sister's wedding... Ill post that tomorrow!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

Red White and PEI!

2008-08-11T15:04:00.003-04:00

I'm back!

2008-08-11T10:31:00.003-04:00

Well, two weeks vacation goes by quickly!! I'm now back to reality and working my way through a pile of emails! I'm grateful for Beth, Carolynn and Jen who did a ton while I was gone though!

When I left you last I had just finished shooting Darryl and Laura's wedding.. the very next day we started on the Jefferson family adventure! Mark and I packed the girls and headed East! I knew Mark and I would love the East Coast, but worried that the girls would be bored and that the drive would be horrid. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the munchkins traveled and how much they enjoyed the Maritimes alongside us. We had a blast! I think they really just enjoyed mom and dad having concentrated time with the fam! No computers or distractions!

Here's part # 1 of 3 of our vacation... Prince Edward Island!!!

We started the trek - lots of driving but with stops here and there to let the kids run and play it didn't seem so bad!

Madi looking for frogs...

Running free after sitting so long...

Eden practicing her own style of karate...

Madi swimming at a campground...

Finally we arrived in PEI! We loved the beach, uncovering sandy treasures, and lighthouses!

I love Madi's response here to the ocean - how can we not but stand in awe - and realize just how small we are?

The girls loved playing on this sandbar!

So - I may have forgot to pack proper bathing suits. Whoops! I mean - we're just going out to the ocean... ha ha!!! Rookie move, Krista.

This is a "during" and "after" photo...

The girls loved the jelly fish...

But the best part was just running free!!

Here is Madi at the very end looking for seals...

We loved the lighthouses! (more of them to come!)

And on the ferry ride off of the island... Madi was so excited about the Ferry!!

And I was so excited about the live music on the ferry!

We loved PEI - although I was surprised how touristy it seems now. Maybe because it is so small and condensed. But it is still gorgeous with lots of natural beauty and gentle pace of life!

Guest Blogger: Jasen

2008-08-06T01:40:00.000-04:00

(Note: Krista is on vacation from July 27 - Aug. 9. In that time there will be guest bloggers to keep you entertained and enlightened!!)

Jasen is from New Generations Photography in California. We met online a few years back - both Canon users - woo hoo! He has become a good buddy and it's great to have someone like him to bounce ideas and questions off of! It was fun to met Jasen and his wife in person last year at WPPI! ~ Krista

How did you meet Krista? Online baby! Actually through Photography.on.the.net

What do photographs mean to you? Why are they important? They can capture and HOLD feelings for a lifetime. They can tell a story even better then a video if you ask me.

Photography tip for the photographers who read my blogs... or for clients! Be yourself in front of the camera and also behind the camera. If you are the client, let things happen freely. If you are the photog, get on the same level as your client and you will become best friends!

Any random facts, funny stories - photography related or not!! - are welcome! I know that Krista has explored the Grand Canyon and got some beautiful images. I once gave her a ride to a Vegas airport! She has GREAT friends and I know she cares abut everyone she comes into contact with. She has a very "giving" soul. She wants to be better then me but that will never happen! KIDDING! She is amazing and I love exploring her images. I am Jasen Master with NGP and thats how I roll.

Guest Blogger: Sandra Regier

2008-08-06T00:27:00.000-04:00

(Note: Krista is on vacation from July 27 - Aug. 9. In that time there will be guest bloggers to keep you entertained and enlightened!!)

Krista says: Sandra is like a breath of fresh air. She has so much joy and life in her! She is an amazing woman - mother of 5 kids, volunteers in her church and community, runs a busy photography business and savours life to the fullest. I love Sandra! In a short time she has become a close friend and fellow traveller. Here's a glimpse into Sandra's thoughts....

I don't believe for a minute that Krista & I met by chance. I'm so thankful that God lead us both down a path that intersected. Krista's very close friend, Monica Joy - moved to my hometown of Zurich. Once I got to know Monica and she found out I was a photographer she said again and again - "You have to meet my friend Krista". One day when Krista was up for a visit with Monica I asker her to pop by for a visit. At that time, Krista was just getting started taking family photos and believe it or not folks, I'm pretty sure she hadn't shot her first wedding yet. I seemed like the "ventran" having been in business for more than a year... what a laugh now! We hit it off instantly and since then Krista & I have been growing our own businesses side by side, each in our own way - if only the distance wasn't a factor I'm sure we would have joined forces long ago!! We are always sharing ideas and growing pains, and having lots of fun adventures along the way..... which leads me to my next topic......

Travelling with Krista.... 2 years ago I had this crazy idea... I wanted to go to Vegas to WPPI. I kind of said something off the cuff to Krista and she said "Sure, let's go"..... I was like "seriously???" and of course she totally was. Before I knew it the tickets were booked and we were on our way. I owe Krista a big giant THANK YOU - I would have NEVER gone without her. It was an experience in which I grew so much, both personally and also in my business.

I had flown before, but I had never been on a connecting flight before that trip - I know, sounds strange, but I was a little nervous abou the whole thing. Krista assured me it was no big deal that she'd been flying her whole life. She was so relaxed that I was quickly over my fear of airports. You see, Krista is the most relaxed traveller EVER.... however, warning to those who travel with her.... she is relaxed to the point of not knowing where she left her ticket (and possibly yours) - and not being overly concerned when it's the last bording call and she is still uploading images to facebook. Not kidding folks! However once you actually arrive at your destination she has gone above and beyond to check out the best deals for cars and hotels online and also any near by attractions that might be worth checking out. She is a blast to hang out and makes sure to break in every hotel room with her traditional "jumping on the bed" photos. Adventures with Krista are always tons of laughs, fun and new experiences. I always look forward to our next big adventure....... not sure when it is yet, but I know it will be great just the same.

To all of Krista's friends a clients - you are so lucky to have her involved in your events and lives to celebrate life and love with..... I certainly know that I am blessed simply by knowing her!

Sandra Regier
www.sandraregier.com

Guest Blogger: Colleen & Christa

2008-08-05T00:31:00.000-04:00

(Note: Krista is on vacation from July 27 - Aug. 9. In that time there will be guest bloggers to keep you entertained and enlightened!!)

Recently I had two super nice emails in one day from two different gals - I was beaming after reading these!

The first one came through my website's contact form from Colleen...

I just wanted to tell you that you are great at what you do! I've been reading your blog for about a year. Anywho, I just wanted to let you know that your blog makes me smile-- keep doing what you do! There were many a day this past school year (I'm a school teacher) that your blog made me smile after a crazy day!!!

Wow! And then I got this great message on Facebook from Christa...

"Hi Krista. I had to email you and tell you how absolutely FABULOUS your pictures were of Jackie and Craig. She's a cousin of mine, and I love her and her family to bits! I read your blog religiously, and love everything you do! Keep up the great work... it's so obvious that you love what you do!"

Funny thing is - these two ladies are twins and didn't know the other was emailing me! I got this email from Christa explaining....

"Just had to email you one more time with a very funny story. I have a twin sister that lives in Peterborough, who happens to be home in Zurich for the week. During dinner she turns to me and says, "You know that really great photographer friend of Sandra's? I emailed her last week!!" To which I said, "You've got to be joking! So did I!!" Turns out we both like your stuff, and decided to tell you at exactly the same time!! EEkkkk! Just too funny!"

Must be a twin thing!! So, I decided to interview them both for the guest blog series!! Here goes...

I'm an avid reader and am always looking for new books! What is your Favourite Book?

Colleen-- Right now, "100-mile Diet", by Alisa Smith & J.B. MacKinnon (if we all lived like this book, the world would be a much healthier and happier place.) I also liked "Eat,Pray,Love", and am currently reading "Three Cups of Tea"
by Greg Mortenson for my book club. Trying to get through "A New Earth" by Eckhart Tolle (but tired mommies should not attempt it...boy, it's taken me four months to get through the first chapter!!)

Christa - Time Traveller's Wife, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, Harry Potter (I'm a teacher, what can I say??)

And whenever I go to the video store to get something to watch - I suddenly get amnesia of all good video recommendations. WHat have you seen and liked?

Colleen - hmm...it's been awhile...Does reciting "Cinderella" count?

Christa - The Bucket List (makes you think of living life to the fullest regardless of the laundry, dishes, and the zillions of places you have to be sometimes!! Make life count!) , and August Rush (my son reminds me of the little boy in this movie...:)

Why don't you tell the blog world how we "met?

Colleen - I have yet to meet Krista (but I would love to!) Krista happens to be great friends with people from my small hometown. And if you are from a small town, you will already know that everyone knows everyone in a small town!
AND Krista knows Sandra Reiger, an amazing photographer that I grew up with. AND Krista loves the bakery in my hometown (which I do as well....)

Christa - Haven't actually met, but read your blog religiously because it makes me laugh and cry and relate to life! I know two of her good friends: Sandra Regier (another awesome photographer that I've known since childhood), and Monica Joy (who I worked with on a CD together entitled, "NOTED!" a collection of songs from awesome women musicians from Huron County!)

You are both moms, any advice or parenting tips?

Christa - I've got three small children, and the best thing by far I've ever done is write down the funny things they say sometimes. I have an entire book full of things that make me laugh and cry! A few years ago, I made two scrapbooks of the quotes for the grandparents. Let's just say that these books hold a prominent position on their coffee tables!!

What are you enjoying about summer vacation?

Colleen - You know what I love [about summer vacation]? Waking up in the morning, and not having to rush! I love it! Sleeping in, staying in jammies to make the kidlets pancakes, then planning the day around their ideas. And spontaeous
get-together with friends. And exploring (and snacking on!) the vegetable garden with my kidlets (kids somehow know how to find the craziest looking bugs....) Also planning camping and a wonderfully relaxing trip to the cottage (ahhh...the loons...)

You come to my blog a lot so its apparent you love photos - why? What does photography mean to you?
Colleen - To me, photographs tell a story. Whether it's a wedding picture to look back on ten years from now (or your great-grandchildren looking at them), or a picture of a child dressed in wacky clothes, they all tell a story. Krista's
photos tell the most amazing stories. I love checking in on her blog, because she is truly gifted, and can make the viewer really feel the emotion trying to be captured.

I love to draw and paint, so when I look at photos, I tend to look through my artistic lense too. I love looking at how the photographer captures the light, the colouring, the placement of the people or objects. Krista is so creative in how she captures people in non-traditional poses (I love the picture of the grandfather talking to his grand-daughter before the wedding ceremony...it also made me miss my grandma....)

Christa - Photographs have the ability to evoke emotion. It's a lot like music. If you have the ability to cause someone to laugh or cry or just pause to think, simply because of what they're hearing, wow..it's a gift. The same, I believe, goes with photography. If you make a connection to something that you see that it can make you teary, or laugh hysterically....it's the ability to tap into human emotion without saying a word.

Why are they important? Life would be pretty dull without emotions, don't you think?

I do think! And when I got your emails ladies -let's just say I felt a lot of emotion! Thanks for celebrating life and love along with me! Can't wait to meet face to face sometime! ~ Krista

Guest Blogger: Carolynn

2008-08-04T01:14:00.000-04:00

(Note: Krista is on vacation from July 27 - Aug. 9. In that time there will be guest bloggers to keep you entertained and enlightened!!)

When I moved to Stoney Creek form Thunder Bay I knew no one. I met a couple people briefly at church before school started - but still had to walk into high school on day # 1 of grade nine without a clue where to go or anyone to ask. This is devastating for a 13 year old. But... on the walk to school the first day I bumped into Carolynn who I had recognized from church. She was a year older and knew where to go - she got me to my home room and eased my nerves... and she's been doing this for me at edison as well - walking alongside me, being a friend, and pointing me in the right direction. ~ Krista

Hey there all you fellow edison blog stalkers... it’s me shorty. Okay many of you know me as Carolynn and I work alongside Krista at edison photography as an assistant photographer and album designer. Although I work with Krista... I too stalk this blog, I only wish I could say daily but I think it’s much more like hourly! So... this is definitely an honour to be included as a guest blogger!

I feel like I’ve known Krista all my life. I first met Krista back in 1989 after Krista and her family moved from Thunder Bay. We attended the same school, church and youth group but it wasn’t until after both of us were married that we truly clicked and I am blessed to have her in my life and blessed to be a part of hers. Here we are, almost 20 years later and I get to “partner” with Krista (and Beth, Jen & Mark) at edison photography.

My mom would say I’ve always had interest in photography. But I remember doing a project back in high school and while I was doing some research I found a quote by Maya Angelou that sparked my interest further.

“Everything in the universe has rhythm. Everything dances.”

I was challenged by that and wanted to search where I saw the dance in my own life. The first place I looked was my photo albums... it was everywhere, on every page, in every moment captured. I haven’t stopped capturing moments in my life through photographs and I never plan too!

Can you see that in Krista? Can you feel the rhythm, the emotion, the dance?

I think about a wedding I recently assisted for Krista - Mark & Amanda. I think about when Amanda’s grandfather was sitting alone with his granddaughter - for just a few minutes I saw time stop but the dance continue. There he was sitting, thinking of his precious granddaughter’s wedding and how quickly she became a woman. Memories that they shared silently flooded the room and and tears trickled down their cheeks. It was only a moment in time but I saw them dance ... to celebrate their life and love.

Guest Blogger: Amanda

2008-08-01T01:24:00.000-04:00

(Note: Krista is on vacation from July 27 - Aug. 9. In that time there will be guest bloggers to keep you entertained and enlightened!!)

Amanda could quite possibly be the sweetest thing EVER! I recently shot her wedding - and can I say Mark and herself were so much fun to get to know! I love these two! I look forward to continuing our new found friendship! ~ Krista

My name is Amanda Hudak, and my husband, Mark Tizzard and I were married on June 7, 2008. I found Krista through one of my bridesmaids because I had just gotten engaged, and she sent me the link to this photographer that her neighbour had used at their wedding a couple of weeks prior. I visited the website that day, and I was literally speechless and blown away by the beauty of the pictures! Never in my life had I seen photographs that looked like this before. They are true pieces of art! Every single one of her pictures are frame-able. Needless to say I contacted Krista right away! We knew she was "the one" because her photographs captured exactly what we wanted for one of the biggest days of our lives.

Photographs are extremely important to me (especially when it's your wedding day) because with a click of a button, a tender moment you shared with your husband, or a tearful moment with a family member, is captured and remembered forever. To be completely honest, I can't even fathom choosing just one picture as my favourite because I have at least a hundred! I love each and every one of my pictures! When we chose Krista to do our wedding, I knew I would have a hard time picking favourites afterwards!

If I could share some advice with other couples about the wedding day, it would be this: enjoy every minute of that day. Remember everything as you want to remember it. Take in every sight, sound and smell. I know one of the things I will take with me forever, is the love that both Mark and I felt from our family and friends. It was beyond words to describe but you could almost see the love, it was that overwhelming. Remember that always! Everyone says this, but the day really does go by very fast.

And that's why the pictures were SO important to me. We love her to BITS! She gives wonderful gifts to people through her photographs, and I am so lucky to have had her for my wedding. She, and Carolynn, are such amazing people! They were SO much fun! They made us laugh and feel so relaxed the whole day (especially when they took us and the whole wedding party to Baskin Robins and bought us ice cream!), and it was a true honour to have them photograph our wedding day!

Guest Blogger: Mom

2008-07-31T18:35:00.000-04:00

(Note: Krista is on vacation from July 27 - Aug. 9. In that time there will be guest bloggers to keep you entertained and enlightened!!)

Today is my mom's birthday - Happy Birthday mom! I'm writing this intro a week earlier - as by now I'm out East somewhere with no computer. Sweet!

So, in honour of my mom's birthday I asked if she wanted to write a couple words. My mom is an absolute nut - to know her is to love her. One of those people who can entertain a crowd with her hilarious stories, and while causing people to keel over in laughter - spots the one person looking down. Afterwards, she'll connect one on one with them and offer her other great gift of compassion. My mom and I look a lot alike, and some say we act a lot alike. I'll take that as a compliment any day! And as a note - she is the only one who's allowed to call me "Krissy".

Photography- is it a learned skill? Or a inborn passion?

I wonder..........

As Krista's mother and reflecting on her growing upI have to think it is inborn.

#1. She is 1/2 Hall and all the Halls have a camera permanently affixed to the end of their arm!
#2. One of her first words was "Smile" as she clicked her little fisher price camera and waited for her dolls to smile.
#3.As she got older I remember walking in to her room and our cocker spaniel was in bed dressed in a nightgown and bonnet and Kristas friend was exclaiming "Grandmother what big eyes you have!" as Krista videoed(unknown to her dad the owner of the camera!) her first movie "Little Red Riding Hood".
#4.Several years later I went down our basement to discover her best friend Monica in MY WEDDING DRESS and they were filming Cinderella!!

yep, life has been one big photo shoot for Krista and I am so proud of her and her accomplishments. Have a good holiday Krissy.

Mom

Guest Blogger: Shannon

2008-07-30T01:31:00.003-04:00

(Note: Krista is on vacation from July 27 - Aug. 9. In that time there will be guest bloggers to keep you entertained and enlightened!!)

Something I love to do is build into others lives... to encourage, to inspire, to help them achieve their dreams and goals. I looooove what I do - so I want others to know the same joy in their lives. It has been fun this past year to be able to answer questions for and encourage Shannon in her dream. Here is her story. I wonder what dream your heart is encouraging you to follow? kj

Last week Krista invited me to be a guest blogger for her blog to fill it up while she takes a much deserved family visitation...I couldn't resist the opportunity and love being able to return a favor to KJ!

Krista & I met through my Mom as they worked together before her photography business launched. We re-connected through facebook and she has been an amazing help to me this last year as I launched my own photography business.

Last fall she invited a few of us over for lunch and an opportunity to hear her story as we were all heading down similar paths. Walking in to a group of women all new to the business, all moms, all unsure... Amazingly I left that day with new confidence and more certain of the direction I was heading. Not necessarily more certain in my own abilities, but I looked at photography and my motives for starting a business in a whole new light. I realized I have a passion for pictures, capturing a moment, a stage, a sentiment, a relationship...If that was my motive, and my purpose I could do this! Doing something you love is so important. As I juggle the demands of being a wife, a mom of two amazing boys and running a business I know with certainty that I can live the craziness of it only because I love it! What a year it has been and I am so thankful for all that has happened...

It's funny how as a photographer you tend to observe life as if watching through a lens. I have had friends laugh at me all the time as I comment in weird ways about what would make a great pictures. Like seeing a friend's toddler with her new dress that matched her little dolls', instantly I suggested taking pictures of the two of them playing in a field together.

With my own family I have to resist the urge to photograph everything! My husband will ask sometimes (though always with a smile) if we can just experience a moment rather than photograph it! I try not to harass them too much with it and only make them sit for a full shoot once a year as my Mom's Day gift. I take the camera to one or two baseball games, and brought it only once to swimming lessons so as not to drive my 6 year old crazy. Thankfully when my son who formerly seemed scared of heights decided on impulse to cannonball off the high dive, a friend had a camera that I grabbed and rapid fired!

Photographs tell a story and draw you in. When visiting a friend their framed photographs, the snapshots hanging on the fridge...that is what I see. That is what tells a person's story. That is what I love...

I am so thankful to be doing this amazing job! I am having a blast, I get to play & create & still be Mommy! I am blessed...

Capturing life...
Shannon Archibald
www.shannonarchibaldphotography.com

Thanks to Krista for all the help, tips and critique. You are always dreaming, growing & I love the passion you have & share with us all through your work! Blessings to you friend...

Guest Blogger: Jen

2008-07-29T01:21:00.001-04:00

(Note: Krista is on vacation from July 27 - Aug. 9. In that time there will be guest bloggers to keep you entertained and enlightened!!)

Jen makes my heart happy. She and I are so opposite - yet so much alike. She makes me laugh out loud (and is always shocked someone thinks she's funny), gives me a kick in the pants when I need it, and is as genuine as they come. I'm so thankful for Jen in my life! ~ Krista

I've known Krista for a few years through The Freeway and have watched from the sidelines as her dream of photography has grown from a wish, to reality, to beyond expectations. We share a common love of books and Pride and Prejudice (BBC version please.) But it's really been in the past year that we have become better friends as we travelled together on each other's work trips. I had a conference with The Salvation Army in New Orleans and Krista tagged along to explore. Some of my favourite memories of her were made on that trip as we ate beignets and toured the city hearing stories from people who are still recovering from the hurricane. Inspired, she developed the Hope project with the proceeds from the sales of the door collage going to the continuing recovery work. Giving. That's the kind of girl she is. Patient too, cause I sure did jump in front of every shot of the doors that she took : )

Fast forward a month and I tagged along with Krista to the WPPI conference in Las Vegas just for fun. In reality I had planned to just split a room with some other girls to keep costs down, but when I was introduced to the realm of professional photography, well, I fell in love. Krista and I got to chatting and dreaming in the wee hours (sunrise shoot anyone?) and decided to collaborate on a more formal basis...so now I help with visioning, overall 'strategery' and business planning at edison (as well as assisting on shoots from time to time.) My favourite thing is to hear an idea, then research and suggest ways for it to happen. One of the best moments so far has been the launch party for edison and edison edge at The Freeway...coming full circle to where I first met Krista.

I love photography for so many reasons. I love that it provides a glimpse into another person. A peek into another reality that often we are too busy to stop and notice. I love that it connects us- whether it be with nature, God or people - and draws us in. I love that there is something intangible that is sought out when we take a photograph. I love that when taking pictures you become more conscious of the people around you and of light playing on a window that you never would have seen before. One of my favourite quotes is from Tolstoy "in the name of God, stop a moment, cease your work, look around you." For me, photography is a way to do that and to take notice of all the wonderful, miraculous moments that happen each day.

Guest Blogger: Darlene

2008-07-28T01:17:00.000-04:00

(Note: Krista is on vacation from July 27 - Aug. 9. In that time there will be guest bloggers to keep you entertained and enlightened!!)

My name is Darlene and I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in September 2007 and had a double mastectomy in December. At that time my children had initiated getting another family portrait done as we had not done this in a long time. My daughter had previously raved about photos she had seen by Edison Photography and suggested we call there. So one cold day in January we met Krista at Confederation Park for our photo shoot.

What a fun day that was! Krista made us relax and just enjoy the day and each other. We joked around, did goofy things and laughed a lot, all the while we almost forgot that Krista was taking pictures. It was important for us all to have our pictures taken at that point in time as shortly thereafter I had to go through the Chemo and Radiation part of my treatment and have since lost my hair. The hundreds of pictures taken, turned out absolutely marvellous and made many of my family and friends cry (happy cry that is) and to top it off Krista advised that she is a volunteer for Smiling Eyes a photo organization who reaches out to people touched by cancer. Our photo shoot was a gift and we could not be more happy with the results and the generosity of people like Krista. We will be sure to do another photo shoot in the future as I am now a cancer survivor and just waiting for some hair.

Thanks again Krista for everything…

Love Darlene Jennifer & Trevor

Darryl & Laura's Wedding

2008-07-27T02:59:00.003-04:00

All week it called for rain on Saturday. Today, on the drive to Sarnia there were dark clouds overhead... but it turned out to be a gorgeous day for an outdoor wedding after all!

I posted the other day Darryl & Laura's engagement story you can read HERE - and today they got married under the same tree that they got engaged at! There were so many creative, personal touchs to the wedding - very meaningful!

It was a beautiful day - thanks for letting Beth and I be a part of your celebration!

And now I am officially on vacation!!! Watch for lots of guest bloggers every weekday until I get home!!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

Eastward Bound

2008-07-25T14:44:00.002-04:00

Back in 1996 my good friend Monica and I packed up my old beater of a car, and headed East. No real plans. Nothing booked. No agenda. For two weeks we explored PEI and Cape Breton and Quebec and more. We slept in a tent, we ate hotdogs daily, and we had an absolute blast!!

Fast forward twelve years and not much is changed. Sunday we are packing up and heading out East. No real plans. Nothing booked. No agenda. We hope to hit PEI and Cape Breton - but we'll see how traveling goes with the kids. Can't wait!!

One thing has changed though... when Monica and I went I remember saying "I don't think Mark will ever ask me to marry him!" ha ha! Three months later we were married. :-)

While I am away I couldn't leave you unattended for two weeks! So I have some guest bloggers lined up - clients, friends, family, and fellow photographers will be writing entries on my blog here. I am preparing their entries now and they will be appearing over the next two weeks. Enjoy - I know I have been as I read over what has been written!!!

Darryl & Laura

2008-07-25T14:38:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow Beth and I are heading to Sarnia to photograph Darryl & Laura's wedding! I am really sentimental and always love hearing engagement stories - and Darryl emailed me his story and wow! What a keeper!! Check this out..

In February, Laura and I celebrated 5 years of being together. We started dating on February 5th, 2002. So for our 5th "anniversary" (Feb. 5, 2007) i made her a little scrap book. on the front of the scrap book it said RINGS. when she opened it up on the first page there was a picture of a tree, and on the second page there was a description about how if you were to cut a tree open you would find a sequence of rings and the rings of a tree are like its memories. it tells you how big the tree was at different parts of the trees life. so the next few pages were ticket stubs of concerts we went to, pictures, tickets to Les Miserables, and a bunch of other things. and those were like our rings, our memories. and the last page said "to be continued..."

so fastforward to July 5th 207 (5th being our monthly anniversary) we went out for dinner and then went down by the bridge to get ice cream and watch the sun go down. and then i brought her out to this park and at the park is a huge old tree right on top of the beach. so i had my dad and my brothers rig up some lights and set up the stools and guitar and table with wine on it, and the painting. so when we were about 20 ft. from the tree, my brother plugged it in and the lights lit up. so i sat her on the stool and poured her a glass of wine. and i played two songs for her on the guitar and they were both songs that i wrote her when we were dating. one was the very first song i ever wrote her...now the songs were like rings because they are memories of when i wrote her the songs and when i played them for her. and then i brought her over to the painting. now the painting is a picture of a tree and above it and below it are lines that i wrote on it from the emails that we sent back and forth. the first line is a line from the very first email laura ever wrote me. and the rest are scattered lines throughout the history of emails. so the lines from the emails are also like rings because they are memories of our relationship...and so i said to her as i was getting down on my knee that "i thought it would be fitting since we were under a tree to give you another ring"...so yeah that was the whole thing... it turned out great and my family helped me set it up...so then her family was there and my family was there...i couldn't have asked for it to work out any better...

And now tomorrow they're getting married at the very same tree! How cool is that? Can't wait!

Here are a couple photos Darryl emailed me also of the tree, and the painting!

Kris & Sara Engagement

2008-07-23T23:19:00.002-04:00

Every girl wants to be adored - to be made to feel like she's the only one in the room... and when I saw Kris & Sara together - wow! Kris absolutely is the perfect gentleman and admiring fiancee. And in return - Sara just beams up at him. It is so beautiful to watch!

We met down at the beach - and although the thunder was booming in the distance, the rain held off (yeah!). I had alot of fun - and am looking forward to their wedding next month!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

Why I left BC

2008-07-19T00:56:00.002-04:00

So I was in BC from Sunday to Thursday. I love BC. And Victoria - wow! - could there be a prettier city??

But yet I was itching to get out of there as quick as I could. Why? Let me show you two specific reasons. Madison and Eden.

When they woke up they found I was home and we had a happy reunion!!! Note Madi's PJ's... Mark doesn't see the need in matching PJ's - heck! Half the time he lets the kids wear their clothes to bed if I'm not home! Madi is holding her new toy sent back from BC from Sean.... so sweet!

Eden likes to start the day off right - full Cinderella attire and makeup. Actually - you will notice a common theme to these photos. The girls seem to apply "makeup" (aka markers) everytime I Leave the room! Oh well! This time it's washable markers... there was a time they did it with permanent markers and we had a dalmation and bearded pirate on our hands until it wore off.

I loved how Eden was cuddled on the couch - she looks so little and innocent!

But the innocence doesn't last long. I gave her a bath and two minutes later she looks like this...

Madi in her new favourite hat!

Eden came up to me with a "wish flower" and asked me to make a wish. Then she said "I'll do it for you... I wish we'd be happy and healthy." I had to laugh - whenever the kids ask me to make a wish I always wish for them to grow up happy and healthy. They usually get annoyed as that's not a "real" wish... is to me!

And the sweetest thing in all the world to me is a knock at the back door and a grubby little hand giving me flowers.

I also rushed home for my hubby - he had flowers for me when I got home and my favourite snack (multigrain Doritos and spinach dip) while we sat and caught up with each other. Love that guy!

Feels good to be home! I have the weekend off (yeah!!!) and it's Eden's birthday. My baby is turning four... where does time go?? Yet another reminder to savour each day!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

Point of View

2008-07-18T10:31:00.003-04:00

In the airport they have these amazing posters - I love this series!! Here are two of my favourites - to see more check out HSBC's site here.

Little Ol' Me

2008-07-17T02:46:00.002-04:00

Just a quick entry today - I just came back from touring Victoria with my good friend Sean. We had so much fun - laugh a lot!!! A nice break from class and the crowds of people. For now I'll just leave you with two quick pics of me Sean snapped!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista

Majestic in the Mundane

2008-07-15T12:58:00.001-04:00

Last night we drove into Chinatown in Victoria for a photo shoot. To see the majestic snow capped mountains peeking out from behind something as mundane as a gas station - seems so wrong. For people to just whip by in their cars from point A to point B and not just stop and gaze at the beauty - a crime.

But then again, I remember when I was in Banff once and overcome by the beauty of the Rockies I said to someone who lived there, "You must love living by the mountains - they're so gorgeous..." and on and on I rambled in true Krista fashion.

And they respond, "to tell you the truth I barely notice them anymore. [at this point I fainted from shock of the person's ignorance..... okay, not really] But what I'd really love to see is a lake where you can't see to the other side."

What? Growing up in Thunder Bay on Lake Superior and now living by Lake Ontario, and my parents by Lake Erie - the Great Lakes are just taken for granted.

I Was reminded that we can so often take the beauty in our lives for granted. Be it the mountains of BC, the great lakes of Ontario, or the everyday beauties... a child's smile, perfect white hair on an elderly relative (I love white hair!), the wedding ring on your finger - or the person who gave it to you!, a walk to work with the sun on your back and the wind in your hair, the good health to enjoy each day.

Today I hope you celebrate the beauty in your life - from the majestic to the mundane moments. Discover beauty!

BC Bound

2008-07-13T21:29:00.003-04:00

Hey there! I'm in BC this week at a course with Scott Robert Lim. Here are two quick photos of the ferry ride to Victoria this afternoon. Forgot how much I love BC!!!

Just as I was sneaking out in the darkness of the early morning Madi woke up and said "huuuuugggggg!" So I got some cuddles this morning before I left. Made it so much easier to leave with the hugs of my girl!

Celebrating life and love,

Krista