First of the Year!

If you are a follower of my blog you already know I love to photograph children, especially newborns. Nothing is better than being inspired and having a client embrace your ideas. And most importantly, portraits that are merely beautiful become extraordinary when there is a story captured.

Shauna and Gary Boudreau are the proud parents of 2 week old Nate. Today they visited my studio for some family photos. At first glance this wouldn't seem unique. And in most ways it is not. However, on Saturday Gary will return to Afghanistan for three more months after a brief return to meet his new son. How hard it must be to leave a beautiful wife and the tiny little round precious child who even at this age reminds us he intends to be the center of the universe!

Hopefully, in some small way, having these pictures of Nate and the lovely family portraits taken today will make it a little easier to bear. Safe journey!

Happy New Year!

These wonderful photos were taken just a couple days before the new year and the spirit of family that surrounds them is timeless. My Christmas surprise - a Nikon D90 - lives up to it's reputation of being exceptional in low light conditions! Thank you to Colleen and Mike and their family for inviting me into their home to capture their family portraits.

It's the first day of 2009! What will the new year bring?

• Peace, love and happiness... although this is a cliche of sorts, I wish it for your family as well as for mine.


• Success... in what is important to you. For me that means, first and foremost, as a mother and secondly continued success with my growing business.


• Realization... things very rarely ever just happen. The new year will not bring what we don't work for. Unexpected and unplanned events may cross our paths but it's what we do about them that matters.


• Weight loss... oops... I mean good health! With my 25th high school reunion only 6 months away it's time to just eat that whole pound of Bailey's fudge (thanks Wendy!) and get some use out of the new work out clothes I got for Christmas.


• Highspeed internet... for me and those of you who live in rural areas without access :o)


• Safety... in all you do. Especially for those of you overseas.
  

And remember to capture your memories along the way!

Give the Gift of a Family Portrait

This was mom's Christmas present! Knowing it was a gift received in last year's Flynn family's Yankee Swap, I commented that she had waited an entire year for this special gift (implying it was a good idea to smile!). But little did I know that this was the first family session with all four! Shelly has been waiting 8 years for another family portrait. Thanks to Heidi and Dave they have this fabulous photo to keep for perhaps another eight.

Do you know a family who needs a little prodding to take the step toward capturing a professional image to be proud of? Give a gift certificate from Gallery Arseneau this Christmas. The possibilities are endless...

I Can't Believe It!!

Have you ever had a day when you just weren't in the mood? It happens to the best of us - no matter our age. Even a beautiful, blue-eyed, blond, curly haired boy who just turned one can decide that today is NOT the day to have his picture taken! That's why I work from home. So I can take my time. Let baby become comfortable, have a milk snack, and wait until the mood to not cooperate has passed.

Well... today the mood did not pass!! Imagine my total surprise when the few shots I did take (hoping for that split second when the look is just right) turned out like this! Still need to come back and try again Kerri :o)

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

What do I love more than photography? Well, if truth be told, lots of things. Although photography ranks high on the list. What do I love most of all?? That's easy... my boys. It is probably true that one of the reasons why I truly enjoy being a photographer is the freedom it allows me to spend time with them. I love being their mother. I want to be home after school, attend school functions, volunteer with their groups, tag along for all sports events.

Speaking of sports! This year my 11 year old developed a love of baseball. (Just like his mother.) He also decided that being a catcher was his favorite position. (Just like his mother.) And he seems to have a real talent for the sport. (Again, IMO, just like his mother!) Well, if I was going to make each and every game and practice, it was only natural that I bring the camera along for the ride. Here are a few of my favorites.

Flood Waters

Growing up on a channel of water, swiftly carrying salt water from the ocean into the Bras d'Or Lakes has instilled great respect for both the beauty and danger of water. It is truly amazing how powerful this force of nature can be. The flooding of the Saint John River is, or almost is, the worst seen in 35 years. And while great sympathy is given to those who are foolish enough to build their dreams on the flood plains, taking their chances year after year, it is an opportunity for photography that cannot be ignored by those of us who wait for the unique things in life. There is an undescribable thrill at trying to be creative while wading through a sea of both professional and hobby photographers.

My eight year old son and I shared some wonderful moments together (both with cameras in hand) last evening as we walked for hours through downtown Fredericton, New Brunswick. It was past 10:00 on a school night before we tiredly made our way back home. Along with the opportunity to spend "You and me - Me and you" time together, we were able to learn about respecting the water we both enjoy so much. I also learned that my youngest child shares a true passion for my art!