If you dress warm enough the battle is already won. That's how you take gorgeous pictures in winter! 

• Layers, layers, and more layers. 
• Vests, knitted chunky sweaters, hats, scarfs, everything helps. These accessories are a great opportunity to add texture to the family wardrobe! 
• Chances are that jackets will be ON during SOME portraits. That means that the color of the jackets matters. Make sure you LOVE the jackets, if your kids are TOO cold and you're battling to get the coats OFF, it will go downhill. Plan for jackets ON and if it gets warm enough for kids to take them off, even better!
• Boots. It's totally OK if you want everyone wearing leather boots (I understand! I'm the same way, shoes do show up in the photo), yet bring the SNOW boots with you. If the walk is long to the final location, have everyone make the expedition with warm feet. You can change them when the photoshoot is about to begin. OR if your tribe is full of happy winter troopers, leave the snow boots/extra pair of shoes in the car and change them as soon as the kids get back in the car, chances are their feet will be very cold by then.
• Gloves are key. Bring them with you, even if they're neon pink! Everyone can take them off quickly and put them in a pocket just in time for pictures. But it will be key to get those minutes of warm hands in between, they give the boost of warmth needed to go on happily.
• Sweaters are your best friends. Find one that you KNOW it's very warm and build your outfit around it. With a VERY warm sweater, you can go for a skirt or even a dress.
• You're not tied to jeans/pants for winter family photos. Why? because you can wear medium weight pants/tights under your long skirt. If you're wearing boots no one will tell :)
• Moms have a magic power. Do you know what that is? ADRENALINE! Even the moms who are known to always be cold don't need to be bundled up as you would imagine for a winter photoshoot. We keep moving, walking, playing, and before you know it you take your jacket off and don't look back.
  

As you can see from the photos I shared, winter is a gorgeous season for family, couples, engagement  and even maternity photoshoots outdoor! Go for it!
The absolute best part of winter family photos outdoors is.... the cuddles and snuggles!!! Be ready to receive love and give love like never before. Kids love the snow, some love it even more than the sand.

Bundle up buttercup and enjoy precious moments with your family. There are so many reasons to celebrate winter with epic family pictures, don't let the cold weather intimidate you. With the right clothes and the right mindset, you're guaranteed an unforgettable experience. If you've done Fall family pictures before, try Winter and you'll see how different the portraits will feel. The winter magic is unstoppable, the light is gorgeous and so soft, this is probably the biggest hidden secret!  ​

​Once again, with the gentle snow falling, this wintery wonderland of a backdrop led to some outstanding family photos for the Buchan family. And the kids were great braving the not too bad cold weather. Winter can be very pretty! 

Some of the best and most fun photo sessions are outside in the winter. The white backdrop and playful feel of the season makes for some laughing and happy children. This family was no exception. They all enjoyed a goofy romp in the snow and a impromptu snowball fight afterwards.

​Getting to meet people and working with their pets is one of the best things about being a photographer. And, having photo sessions on our private property means that dogs can run free and I can capture them in a more natural environment. Just look at Emma & Morgan's two fur babies! They were perfect for their shoot. It's so special being a dog parent and winter is a great time to capture some winter fun!

It's a new year and we have an exciting NEW VENTURE! We are so excited to announce we are now offering ELOPEMENTS here on our property on a small island on our pond! What could be more gorgeous?
As many of you know, we love nature and enjoy the outdoors so much. We have teamed up with a great Officiant to bring you a personalized intimate elopement.
Our theme is very natural, simplistic and back to nature for those that aren't into a large weddings.
We provide photography, an officiant, a beautiful property with lots of trees, a pond, and a bridge. After your photos, enjoy a canoe paddle on the pond, or use our paddle boat. Add-on packages are available as well such as a small wedding cake for two (or four if you have witnesses) and additional photos, among others.
Our website is now up and running! Check it out. www.pondarosaelopements.com

Boudoir photo sessions can be an empowering, liberating and rewarding experience for both the photographer and you, the client. These intimate and personal photoshoots require a high level of trust and comfort between us. I create a safe, respectful and comfortable environment for you and I am mindful of your boundaries and limitations.
Boudoir photography can range from romantic and intimate to bold and empowering. and poses are used that are both comfortable and visually appealing.
The correct use of lighting makes a big difference in the quality and overall look of your photos and light is used to flatter your body.
And, I only do what feels most comfortable and authentic to you.
If you are considering a boudoir photo session, here are some tips to help you feel comfortable and confident:

1. Communicate your boundaries and limitations: Boudoir photo sessions can be very personal, so it is important to communicate your boundaries and limitations with the photographer beforehand. This will help ensure that you feel comfortable and safe during the photoshoot.
2. Plan your outfit and accessories: Choose an outfit and accessories that make you feel comfortable and confident. This could be lingerie, a dress, or something else that makes you feel good about yourself. It is also a good idea to bring a few different options to the photoshoot so that you have some variety.
3. Practice good hygiene: Good hygiene is important for any photoshoot, but especially for boudoir photography. Make sure to shower, shave, and moisturize before the photoshoot to ensure that you feel clean and fresh.
4. Relax and have fun: Boudoir photo sessions can be intimidating, but it is important to relax and have fun. Remember that the photographer is there to help you feel comfortable and to capture your beauty and sensuality.

Boudoir photo sessions can be a liberating and empowering experience, and by following these tips, you can feel comfortable and confident during the photoshoot.

Looking for the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your partner?
Treat them to a beautiful and intimate boudoir photo session with us!
Jenn will help you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, resulting in stunning images that celebrate your unique beauty and sensuality.
Not only will these photos make for a thoughtful and romantic gift, they are also a great way to boost your self-confidence and embrace your femininity.
These photos make the perfect gift for your partner or a special treat for yourself.
Regular price $300 - Save $50 off
Book your session now and make this Valentine's Day one to remember!
Contact us for more information.

As a photographer, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is being able to capture the love and connection between family members. And for many families, their pets are a crucial part of that dynamic. That's why, as a professional photographer, I believe it's so important to include family pets in photo sessions.
For one thing, pets are a big part of many people's lives. They're often considered part of the family, and their presence in a photo can help capture the true spirit of a family. When pets are included in family photos, it can help tell a more complete story and create a more accurate representation of the family dynamic.
Additionally, including pets in family photos can add a sense of fun and playfulness to the images. Pets can provide a natural source of energy and joy, which can translate into lively and engaging photos. And because pets often have unique personalities, they can add an element of individuality and quirkiness to the photos, making them stand out and truly capture the essence of the family.
But perhaps most importantly, including pets in family photos can provide a lasting memory of a beloved companion. Pets are a part of our lives for a relatively short time, but the love and joy they bring can last a lifetime. By including pets in family photos, we can preserve those special moments and memories for years to come.
So next time you're planning a family photo session, don't forget to include your furry friends. They may just be the missing piece that brings your family photos to the next level.

One of our favourite sessions to do is our annual Christmas mini photos! And, with a Santa on hand, lots of magic happened. There is just something so special about seeing kids faces light up when Santa is present. And these photos show that. 

It's one month to Christmas! Do you have a person on your list that is hard to buy for? Do you to give someone something special? Something unique and invaluable? Consider giving a gift certificate in any amount you would like toward any photography session they would like. This is perfect for mini sessions, family photos, newborn, engagement, maternity and even weddings! Get in touch and let us know what amount you'd like to give and we'll email the certificate to you.
We create memories with custom photography - because life is beautiful!

Santa joined us this past weekend for some great family photos. And yes, it got better! This little guy ended up loving Santa after the first initial meeting. It was his first ever Santa photos! And it was a perfect snowy day in Cobourg for this session. The snowstorm the day before gave us a beautiful backdrop for these photos. Our sessions run almost every weekend up until the week before Christmas.

​Now Booking - Our Annual Christmas Photo Sessions WITH SANTA!
With inflation and prices going sky high, we are KEEPING our Christmas Photo Session price the SAME AS LAST YEAR. We believe that families should have access to professional family photography at a reasonable price. And we are doing our best to help with inflation.
Again this year, we will have lots of props along with our Vintage Red Sleigh!
Dates: Sat Nov 26, Sun Dec 4 & Sun Dec 11
Cost: $175
Sessions: 20 minutes with 8 digital images
A non-refundable retainer of $75 is due upon booking to guarantee your session day/time.
Location: Cobourg just north of the 401.
There is no limit to the number of people in a session, and as always, pets are welcome! Additional digital images (other than what is in the package) available for purchase.

This year the fall colours have been very vibrant. The oranges so orange and the reds so red. It's absolutely gorgeous. We've been lucky to have such great weather too which allowed us to enjoy some fall family photo sessions with our families. The props included a small pumpkin patch and a pumpkin booth. Plus lots and lots of trees for our backdrops. Can you see why fall is our favourite time of year?

​Every year on Thanksgiving I travel to Stoney Lake to photograph this family at their cottage. I've been honoured to see the kids grow up. Such a great family to work with and so much fun. 

Lots of fall colour makes a great backdrop for this family photo session in Grafton Ontario, and we've been taking advantage of this warm fall weather. It made my heart smile to see this lovely family and their dog, Bear, take part in some fun photos, including making "leaf angels". 

“I love you, not only for what you are but for what I am when I am with you.“ – Roy Croft
From getting ready, to first look, to first kiss, to formal photos, to eating cake, this elopement was the best. Thank you Yvonne and Doug for letting me capture your beautiful and special day at Stillwater on the Lake

Meet Shaelene. She has a family. She has two dogs. She has numerous veggie gardens. She is a pro at canning veggies. She is a real estate tax specialist. She is an author and has numerous books published. She drinks wine and she HAS A SHE SHED. She is my new best friend.
https://www.facebook.com/BooksInLineBookkeeping

 Fall is the most popular time of year to get your family photos done. Whether you are wanting to update them, use them for Christmas gifts, or start a tradition each year, you will want to know how to dress. As we are in the middle of fall photo sessions and I get asked this question quite a bit, I have put together some tips for choosing your autumn wardrobe.
​But first and foremost:​

1. Avoid pictures and slogans on clothing
2. Make sure your children’s clothes fit well

START WITH MOM’S OUTFIT It can be hard to know where to begin, but think of it as building blocks. Start with one outfit and then you can build upon that. My recommendation is to start with mom (or daughter), since women’s clothing tends to have more colors and prints. And let’s be honest, we are more picky about how we look, and moms are typically pulling the outfits together anyways.
My best advice is for you to wear a dress in your favorite color. Not only are dresses flattering, but you will feel good in it. If you hate dresses, think about a skirt/top combo, but choose something that is slightly dresser than your everyday look. Opt for high quality fabrics (not t-shirt material) because they hang better.
CHOOSE A COLOR PALETTE. 
After you’ve chosen mom’s outfit, think about 2-3 coordinating colors, some neutral and one of which pops and brings life to the outfits. 

FITTED CLOTHING IS YOUR FRIEND
While flowy shirts and dresses are currently in style, they can hide your shape and be less flattering in photos. Find clothes that are neither overly baggy nor too tight, and think about balance between your upper and lower half. If you have a flowing skirt, chose a fitted top, and with a loose top, choose skinny jeans. It’s all about balance, folks.
DRESS FOR THE WEATHERYou might have the perfect outfit on, but if you’re freezing or sweating to death, a family photo session can quickly unravel. Layering is the perfect solution for those chilly evenings or sweltering August days! Remember, little ones get cold more quickly than adults when temperatures are low, so pack a cardigan or sweater for them. Cold kiddos = sad photos…keep those kids warm!
JUST BE YOURSELF
​Don’t dress like someone else you saw on Pinterest just because you found an amazing outfit idea. You want these photos to represent the real you and your family and not be something that you aren’t. This might mean you wear shorts or torn up jeans or a boho vintage thrift store dress. Just be you!