Category: News & Personal Items
{Niagara Newborn Photographer} Never stop learning…
I never loved school outside of the social aspect and art class. . . I didn’t attend college because I couldn’t imagine devoting any more years of my life to a desk and homework. But when you have a passion, a true love for something, learning no longer feels like a drag. I LOVE that every year I am able to pick one aspect of my business to work on and find great teachers to help me perfect that, whether it be business, posing, editing, workflow, marketing, etc. I think it is so important to continue to grow in your art, in your knowledge, to make friends within your field and continue to build your brand. This year I traveled to Grand Rapids, Michigan to to learn under Allie Marie Photography. Allie an incredible photographer and we connected so well right from the beginning. I’ve learned a few things from various workshops I have attended and I always feel like there is so much more to learn, so it was wonderful that this time around it was 1:1 and we were able to focus on a few key things. We had two beautiful newborn babies join us for day one- they were both very good and we were able to really play with posing and wrapping. Coming home from the session I can absolutely say I have more confidence in wrapping newborns and learned a few tricks that made my next couple sessions go like a dream. Some (like my husband) may ask why bother doing workshops when your work is good to begin with, you know the basic poses, you have clients, etc. To this I answer, no artist has ever perfected their craft. If it is not evolving and changing and growing, it is stale and stagnant. . . and that’s not something I ever want to hear my work being labeled as. Thank you Allie for a being such a great hostess, a pro antique shopper, for the great talks and wonderful memories!
Celebrating Women | A Giveaway
This is the second annual ‘Celebrating Women’ giveaway, and I am excited to introduce some amazing new entrepreneurs and business women! The theme of the giveaway is to promote local female entrepreneurs and celebrate their passion for their businesses, while also completely SPOILING one local woman with an incredible prize pack, just in time for Mothers Day. This years prize pack is worth well over $2000! How incredible is that?! The way to enter this giveaway is simple- scroll down to the bottom of this post, and be sure to like each vendors Facebook page. Our vendors are all excited to get to know you, and spread the word about the product they are so proud of! It would be amazing if you would also take the time to leave them some love or check out their websites. Let’s share the love people!
A Cherry on Top - a personalized item up to a $30 value, valued at $30
Aloette with Stephanie - “You + 2 Bedtime Pamper Session”. The winner will receive a bottle of Hand & Body Silk, plus she can choose 2 friends and each of them will receive a bedtime facial, hand/arm and neck/temple massage, valued at $90.
Apple & Honeycombs - an original one piece world map, valued at $120
Arbonne with Brandy- the Ultra Soft Skin Set including the amazing anti- aging Re 9 Advanced Reactivating Body Serum and Hydrating Body Lotion valued at $95. PLUS a gift certificate for a FREE anti aging FACIAL for the winner and up to 5 friends with a BONUS $50 offer, valued at $145
Baby in Vogue - the winner will receive a store credit to her shop, valued at $50 
Bayview Creations - one handmade growth chart valued at $50
Creative Clicks Photography - a mini Mommy & Me session in my studio PLUS the Gift Print Collection, valued at $735
Glitterbug - one hour of face painting OR glitter tattoo services in the Greater Hamilton Area, valued at $75
Have it Maid - 2 hours of house cleaning, valued at $50
ItWorks! with Mary Jane - winner will receive the skinny pack, valued at $112
Jamberry with Karen - application Kit and your choice of a Sheet of Nail Wraps (good for 4 applications - 2 manicures and 2 pedicures) (will cover cost of shipping and taxes so it is completely free), valued at $48
JCFresh - an assorted gift basket of custom soap products, valued at $30
Kade and Reece - offering a beautiful wreath, valued at $30
Kristin’s Cakes - a $50 gift certificate and one dozen cupcakes, valued at $66
Norwex - an assorted gift basket containing an enviro cloth, window cloth, dusting mitt, lip balm, spirinett, spirisponge, micro-cleaning hand pad, optic scarf, baby body cloth, mini sample of laundry detergent, sample pack of Marine Organics skin care line, valued at $116
One Earth - 2 Cup Silver Tea Pot, 1 pair of women’s hand-made leather slippers, 1 package of organic tea, valued at $70
Organic Tan Niagara - an in home, custom blended, Organic airbrush tan, and a container of organic Coconut oil, with coconut essence, valued at $75
Overstitched - banner of winner’s choice, valued at $25
Pampered Chef - an introduction package PLUS a $50 gift certificate towards Pampered Chef Products, valued at $50+
Plum Tree Woodshop & Design - a Family Birthday Board with 20 tiles, valued at $55 
Scentsy by Ang - offering a plug in warmer, valued at $24 
SheBella - the winner will receive a Butternut Yellow Go-Anywhere Purse, valued at $57
Stork Bake Shoppe - 1 pan (24 squares) cream cheese brownies and 1 dozen pineapple carrot muffins, valued at $45
Thirty One Gifts - offering a beautiful Cosmetic bag set, valued at $42
For the Love of Tupperware - an assorted gift basket valued at $75
Uppercase Living - vinyl wall décor that says ‘family’, 8.75″ x 5.75″, valued at 20$
Wild Skye Oils - the introduction kit is everything you need to get started experiencing the immediate life changing benefits of dōTERRA essential oils. The kit includes Lavender essential oil (5mL), Lemon essential oil (5mL), Peppermint essential oil (5mL) and more, valued at $30
The giveaway will be live from Monday, April 14th to Friday, May 2nd.
The winner will be announced here on the blog on Monday, May 5th.
{Niagara Newborn Photographer} Finding a deeper meaning
This past January marked 5 years in business for me, and I was feeling a little tired of my then-current branding. I’d outgrown what it was, and was ready to move into something a little more ‘me’. A brand that truly meant something to me, spoke to who I was and better represented my business. I was very fortunate to have an incredibly talented designer in my corner and we spent a lot of time talking about colors, meanings, fonts and web design. For the past three months or so, it has been an ongoing process to get this brand to what you now see today. And I couldn’t be more excited to unveil it to you!
When it came to my brand, I’ve always been hesitant to use something simple or obvious as an element in my logo. However, I did have a long checklist of likes and dislikes. I wanted a clean and classic look, but with a trendy feel. I absolutely didn’t want anything someone else might have… It had to be original. It had to have deep, significant meaning to me. I did not want anything obvious like a camera, baby, tree or heart. The very first concept presented to me absolutely took my breath away but it didn’t work for me as a very good friend already uses a similar symbol. And so a long and intense thought process began. What you now see as a crown emblem above my logo represents quite a few things to me. The crown represents my God, Father in heaven. He is the KING and the foundation of my life. The little ones I am blessed to photograph are each his children, princes and princesses. The 5 points represent my loves- Greg, Kyara, Eden, Kingston and Zion. The diamond shapes are an awesome graphic element, done in watercolor to create softness. But there is more meaning to this single element. The crown shape is also surprisingly similar to the shape of an opening magnolia bud. In our backyard we have a gorgeous magnolia tree that shows its incredible beauty to us each spring. And so this single shape also reminds me of our home, waking up to the blossoming tree covering our bedroom window and breathing in that fragrant scent through the windows. Each spring it blooms, bringing with it new life. And again, the circle closes, as it reminds me of the new life I am so fortunate to photograph.
The brand colors and the watercolor element are not just a happy coincidence. In everything brought to my branding, there HAD to be a meaning behind it. The colors are all found at the beach, in the water, the sand and the sunset. The gold of the crown reminds me of the glorious light I love to photograph in the few hours before sunset. As one of my favorite places to photograph and a reminder of my childhood growing up along the coast of Australia, this rounded out my overall brand. Coming to this conclusion was absolutely thrilling. It was perfect!
Many thanks to my wonderful, amazing, patient and hard working friend who tirelessly worked with me to create this brand and my web presence. Although we have never had the pleasure of meeting in person, you inspire me in so many ways. I’m forever indebted to you, not just for this, but for your wonderful friendship. XO
Eden is Five | Personal Life {Niagara Photographer}
Audrey Hepburn once said “Happy girls are the prettiest” and I do believe she is right. A smile like this one will brighten any day. And today is a special day, because Eden is five. No longer my baby, but a little girl, preparing for Kindergarten next week. She’s excited and ready, and I am not.
Eden is and always has been, a joy to have at home. She spends hours and hours playing with little princess figurines, Barbies, dress-up clothes and ponies. She creates imaginary worlds and stories out loud and hearing her sweet voice from the playroom always gives me this little pain in my heart- simultaneously happy and sad. Sad because she won’t always be so little and so innocent and she’s growing up too fast! She loves puzzles and board games, coloring and painting but most of all, she loves her family. There is never a shortage of love from Eden. She adores her little brother and sister and showers them with hugs and kisses each day. Her big sister is her hero, and Eden sticks right by her side everywhere they go. And she loves her Lord as well. Every other line in her personal prayers is “and we LOVE you Lord, we just love you so much!” How blessed we are to know and love this beautiful little girl. Happy Birthday Eden! We love you more than you could ever dream…
Dear Greg,
Eight years ago we embarked on a journey together… one that we thought we were prepared for and took on with great excitement. Like all new travelers, we made mistakes, took wrong turns, got lost and got in arguments. There were many curves in the road and hills to climb. But when it felt like too much, when it felt too hard, I only had to look to my side and you were there, holding my hand. And from the tops of the hills we have seen the most incredible views. You have supported me, loved me, guided me and shown me so many beautiful things in this world. You showed me the importance of relaxing, clearing my mind, focusing on God and His will for our life together. You are not the boy I was head over heels for as a 20 year old bride. You are now a man, the father of my children, my guide, my best friend. Together we have weathered the storms and we have seen the sun coming out from behind the clouds, the rainbows reminding us of God’s promises. Our children have been blessings in our lives that we could never have imagined, and watching you with them fills my heart with such pride and immense joy. I am blessed to call you my husband and I’m thankful for the years, the moments and the memories that we’ve had together. If this is what the first 8 years brings, I can only imagine the joys we will experience throughout the rest of our years together, God willing. Happy Anniversary my love.
These are just a few of my favorite images from our session two years ago, celebrating our six year anniversary in California. See more of Jules Trandem’s gorgeous work HERE.
Celebrating Women | A Winner! {Niagara Baby Photographer}
This past month we celebrated some amazing local businesswomen and gave everyone a chance to win an incredible prize lot worth over $1000! I’m so excited that the giveaway was a huge hit, and the response was overwhelmingly positive! The giveaway found its way to the local newspapers, which you can read HERE. With such a great reaction to this giveaway there will likely be a bigger and better one next year!
Now, I know the only thing most of you care about right now is- WHO WON!!?? Well the lucky person who won ALL of the prizes below is ……….. (scroll down to the bottom of this post!)
| THE PRIZES |
Luxurious, Extra-Large Microfiber towel and Organic leg Cream, plus free product voucher for booking a party/personal consultation | Value: $71.00 ($101.00 including voucher)
Re9 Anti aging body wash, Re9 body lotion as well as the Re9 instant life gel. Also the Ultimate facial for the winner and 4 friends including a gift certificate for $100 product | Value: $150.00 +
$25 gift cert. to my Etsy shop | Value: $25.00
A Rustic Window wall Decor Piece with window box - Indoor or outdoor, decorate for any holiday or season! | Value: $70.00
A 1 hr introductory wrap session (includes 1 wrap) | Value: $35.00
Cloud Burst Necklace | Value $99.00
8″ round triple layer ruffle cake | Value: $45.00
1 hour of 1-on-1 time with an organizer to ask questions and get suggestions for problem areas of the home consultation | Value: $65.00
3 piece canister set & $10 gift certificate for future order with For the Love of Tupperware | Value: $35.00
Hand & Body Silk, and an in-home pampering session | Value: $67.00 (17 for the lotion, 50 for the pamper session)
One bunting (fabric flag banner) | Value: approximately $32.00
2 recipe seasoning mix (One Pulled Pork & One Country Chicken) AND one Cajun Oven Fries seasoning jar | Value $15.00
A one hour massage(offer only valid with Laura Vanderhout) | Value: $74.00
A gorgeous custom arrangement with a mix of interesting florals, textures and foliage in a container | Value: $45.00
A free custom sign at any size | Value: $60.00
A Spring Garden Gift Basket | Value: $50.00
A mini ‘Mommy and Me’ session and 8 8×10 prints | Value $200.00
… Rosy Witten!!! Congrats Rosy! I know you’ll enjoy these incredible prizes so generously donated by our talented businesswomen! Please contact me at info@creativeclicksphotography.com to find out how to receive your prizes!
I love design- in fact, all design calls out to me in ways I can’t explain. I am not necessarily good at any of it, but I am drawn to wonderful branding, fabulous logos, interior design and fashion, even landscaping. To feed my addiction, I spend a lot a fair amount of time on Pinterest and other blogs, searching for images that inspire me. Through the web I see so many people who have captured the essence of themselves in their work, their branding, their writing, etc. In order to truly represent myself and my style of work, I hope to capture my essence in my branding so that my clients will understand what inspires me, the type of work I am drawn to, and thus, what you will receive when you hire me. It finally came to me…
the beach. Everything I love can be found at the beach. The tones of the sand with the beige, grey and cream grains and the tiny flecks of black. Rough and weathered grey driftwood. The delicate peach tones found inside of a shell. Soft, watery blues. The warm, dreamy light. The sound of the water lapping up on the land (surprisingly similar to the sound of white noise I use during my newborn sessions). All of it is natural, organic, perfectly created by the most magnificent Artist. The color palette is soft, soothing, calm and serene- something I try to achieve in my images as well. Some of my favorite images have been captured on a beach. In fact, the more I look at what I use in my studio, how I decorate my home, and the clothes I wear, the more I realize that subconsciously, I knew this all along. My branding is predominantly white and a color reminiscent of the sand, with a soft watercolor element behind the logo. Slowly but surely, as I continue along this journey, my style has evolved and changed and so I have changed along with it. If you’re interested in following me, check out my Pinterest board here.
This month we are celebrating some amazing local businesswomen here on my blog. Women who work hard at turning their passion into successful businesses inspire me! Each of these wonderful women have offered to donate a prize, with ALL the prizes going to one very fortunate woman! Read through all the prizes listed below and make sure to complete all your entries to win! It would be so nice for each of the vendors to hear from you as well, please take the time to stop by their Facebook Page and leave a little note of love, encouragement or thanks!
Name: Sarah vanPopta
Business: Norwex
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sarahvanpopta
Website: sarahvanpopta.norwex.biz
Offering: Luxurious, Extra-Large Microfiber towel and Organic leg Cream, plus free product voucher for booking a party/personal consultation.
Value: $71.00 ($101.00 including voucher)
Name: Debra Bartels
Business: Arbonne
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DebraBartelsArbonneConsultant
Website: arbonne.com
Offering: Re9 Anti aging body wash, Re9 body lotion as well as the Re9 instant life gel. Also the Ultimate facial for the winner and 4 friends including a gift certificate for $100 product | Value: $150.00 +
Name: Chantal DeBoersap
Business: Baby in Vogue
Facebook: www.facebook.com/baby.in.vogue
Website: www.etsy.com/shop/babyinvogue
Offering: $25 gift cert. to my Etsy shop | Value: $25.00
Name: Angie Vis
Business: Thrifty Revival
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/oneofakindfurniture
Website: http://oldtonewsecondtimearound.blogspot.ca
Offering: A Rustic Window wall Decor Piece with window box - Indoor or outdoor, decorate for any holiday or season! | Value: $70.00
Name: Melissa Graham
Business: Hamilton Crazy Wraps (It Works! Global)
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hamiltoncrazywraps
Website: www.mycrazywrapthing.com
Offering: A 1 hr introductory wrap session (includes 1 wrap) | Value: $35.00
Name: Sarah Huizing
Business: lia sophia
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LiaSophiaWithSarah
Website: www.liasophia.ca/sarahhuizing
Offering: Cloud Burst Necklace | Value $99.00
Name: Kristin Kingma
Business: Kristin’s Cakes
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KristinCakes
Offering: 8″ round triple layer ruffle cake | Value: $45.00
Name: Christina McCarthy
Business: Family Matters Organizing Services
Facebook: www.facebook.com/becausefamilymatters
Website: www.becausefamilymatters.ca
Offering: 1 hour of 1-on-1 time with an organizer to ask questions and get suggestions for problem areas of the home consultation | Value: $65.00
Name: Brandy Ford
Business: For the Love of Tupperware
Facebook: www.facebook.com/loveoftupperware
Offering: 3 piece canister set & $10 gift certificate for future order with For the Love of Tupperware | Value: $35.00
Business: Aloette Cosmetics
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Aloette.With.Stephanie
Offering: Hand & Body Silk, and an in-home pampering session | Value: $67.00 (17 for the lotion, 50 for the pamper session)
Offering: One bunting (fabric flag banner) | Value: approximately $32.00
Name: Jen Buitenwerf
Business: Epicure Selections
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Epicure-by-Jen
Website: http://jenniferbuitenwerf.myepicure.com/
Offer: 2 recipe seasoning mix (One Pulled Pork & One Country Chicken) AND one Cajun Oven Fries seasoning jar | Value $15.00
Name: Laura Vanderhout
Business: Lincoln in Touch
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LincolnInTouch
Website: lincolnintouch.com
Offer: a one hour massage(offer only valid with Laura Vanderhout) | Value: $74.00
Offering: a gorgeous custom arrangement with a mix of interesting florals, textures and foliage in a container | Value: $45.00
Name: Erica Schutten
Business: Apples & Honeycombs
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ApplesHoneycombs
Offering: A free custom sign at any size | Value: $60.00
Name: Kim Boadwin
Business: From the Heart Gifts and Baskets
Facebook: www.facebook.com/From-the-Heart-Gifts-and-Baskets
Offering: A Spring Garden Gift Basket | Value: $50.00
Name: Tamsen Donker
Business: Creative Clicks Photography
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CreativeClicksPhotography
Offering: A mini ‘Mommy and Me’ session and 8 8×10 prints | Value $200.00
Enter the Giveaway by clicking the link below
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I’m so excited that spring is here, although truthfully, I don’t really deserve spring just yet. I think I missed all of the bad weather while I was in Australia! I have not had to clean off my windshield or drive in snow once this winter. But I really don’t mind that either 🙂 In celebration of spring, we’re having a little giveaway here on the blog! I’m so excited to introduce Baby in Vogue to you all.
My sister Chantal is the owner of Baby in Vogue. Inspired by her daughter Zara, she began making gorgeous headbands and soother clips, then branched into photography props as well. She loves to work with textures and fabrics and her items are primarily made with organic, natural, eco-friendly, and luxury materials. I’m in love with her products and how they photograph. It’s important to me to be able to personalize and accessorize a session in a subtle, pretty and organic way. I’m so blessed to be able to partner with her business and I know my clients are going to love all of the beautiful items we’ll be using in future sessions! Baby in Vogue has just reached over 600 fans in 2 months of business and I’m incredibly proud of how well she is doing! Visit her Etsy shop or her Facebook Page to see more of her beautiful items!
So, who’s ready for some spring colors??? Baby in Vogue is giving away this luxurious coral textured lace fabric layered with a piece of cream lace and a simple square of light coral. The set also includes a matching tieback: a coral lace flower on a strand of 100% mohair. (please note: wrap not included with layering set)
AND THE WINNER IS: Laura Zander! Congratulations Laura!
Enter to Win
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The end of last year was crazy busy for me, trying to wrap up all my client work as well as prepping for Christmas before having a baby. Somehow in the busyness, my sweet daughter missed out on her special birthday session. I felt really, truly awful, but I had to recognize that I just can’t do it all and sometimes, things like this need to wait. In the New Year I was photographing some special items for my sister (shout out to Baby in Vogue, her gorgeous Etsy shop!) and Kyara modeled some pieces for us. I just adore the resulting images and wanted to share them here with you, as well as a note to her. One day I hope to collect all the birthday posts I do for my babies, and give them to them in an album.
Kyara, you embody the term ‘pure of heart’.
You are a kind, sweet, loving, thoughtful and empathetic soul.
You love to make others happy, even if it means not having something you want.
You are a Daddy’s girl, but always come to Mumma when you’re hurt.
You are motherly, yet surprisingly, not bossy.
You are emotional and imaginative.
You are beautiful, inside and out.
You are smart and funny.
You are loved.
On your sixth birthday, you wanted nothing more than to be home with your family and your very best friends. It was so beautiful to watch your face light up with joy throughout the day, to hear you giggling uncontrollably, to listen to you praying to the LORD with heartfelt thankfulness before bed. We are so blessed that we can call you our daughter! XO Daddy and Mumma