a wedding of individuality and uniquenessAs a wedding photographer, I have the privilege of capturing love stories in their most intimate and magical moments. Recently, I was honored to photograph a truly unique couple at The Mount in Peterborough, Ontario—a venue as full of character and uniqueness as the couple themselves.  a true love storyFrom the moment I met them, their deep connection was palpable. Their love radiated in every glance, touch, and laugh they shared. The Mount provided the perfect backdrop for their celebration, with its rich history and breathtaking grounds complementing their modern yet timeless romance. cutting the cake with a swordThe whole wedding was a true reflection of their individuality and love story. From the personalized decor to the speeches that shared anecdotes of their journey together, every detail told a story. The couple’s cake cutting was unique and led to their creativity in making their day their own. elegance and intimacy weddingThe Mount's unique charm added an extra layer of intimacy and elegance to the celebration. This picturesque old convent located in Peterborough makes every image captured unique and stunning. This wedding reminded me why I love what I do—preserving memories that couples will cherish for a lifetime. To the newlyweds, thank you for letting me be a part of your extraordinary day. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and adventures together!  If you’re planning a wedding at The Mount or another unique venue, I’d love to help capture your special day. Let’s create something unforgettable together. Christmas Mini Sessions: A Day Filled with Families, Fun, and Furry Friends!The holiday spirit was in full swing during our recent Christmas Mini Sessions! We had a wonderful day welcoming families to our property, and the energy and excitement were contagious from start to finish. It was heartwarming to see so many familiar faces returning and new families joining us to capture their holiday memories.  A Festive Setup for All AgesCreating a cozy winter wonderland, complete with holiday-themed props that added a magical touch to every photo. The Perfect Family MomentOne of the most rewarding aspects of these sessions was witnessing the joy and connection between family members. Parents, grandparents, and children all came together, creating memories that will last a lifetime. There were so many genuine smiles, playful moments, and warm embraces captured throughout the day.  Furry Friends Steal the ShowWe were especially thrilled to welcome several four-legged family members to our sessions! Dogs of all shapes and sizes joined in the fun, and their excitement was palpable. They were on their best behavior (mostly!) and added an extra layer of joy to the photos. Whether they were donning festive sweaters, posing by the tree, or giving slobbery kisses to their little humans, these pups definitely stole the show!   Thank You for Joining UsA huge thank you to all the families who participated in our Christmas Mini Sessions. Your laughter, joy, and holiday spirit made the day unforgettable. We are so grateful to be a part of your family’s holiday traditions and can’t wait to see many of you again next year.  Looking AheadAs we wrap up the Christmas mini sessions, we’re already looking forward to our next seasonal offerings. Stay tuned for more fun events, and don’t forget to follow us on social media for updates and sneak peeks of your photos!
Wishing you all a joyful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and beautiful memories. Vintage Red Truck Christmas Mini Sessions Are Perfect for the Season Why Choose a Red Truck for Christmas Photos?There’s something truly magical about holiday photos with a vintage red truck. The vintage red truck symbolizes a classic holiday aesthetic, with its deep red color contrasting beautifully against the greens of the Christmas trees and seasonal decorations. It’s perfect for both traditional and playful moments, whether it’s capturing the kids’ excitement, a couple’s sweet embrace, or your dog sitting proudly in the truck bed. Plus, the truck’s rustic charm makes it easy for everyone to relax and have fun, adding natural warmth and authenticity to the photos.  Dogs Are Family, Too!For many, a family photo wouldn’t be complete without the family dog! That’s why dogs are welcome in these mini-sessions. Imagine your pup sitting by the truck, happily surrounded by holiday cheer. These sessions are designed to be fun and inclusive for all family members, so feel free to bring your furry friends along! If you’re looking to create a cherished memory this holiday season, our vintage red truck setup offers a unique and memorable experience. Sessions are filling up fast, so book now to reserve your spot. Let’s make this Christmas season one to remember with photos that will warm your heart for years to come!  fall is a time for familyThis fall, we were thrilled to welcome families to our property just north of Cobourg for a series of stunning fall photo sessions. Surrounded by beautiful colours, lots of trees and a large pond, our property provided the perfect backdrop for capturing cherished memories.  We love incorporating elements that evoke the charm of the season. Our pumpkin patch was a favorite among families, where little ones excitedly picked their perfect pumpkins to take home. We also used straw bales, blankets, and rustic decor as props to create warm, inviting scenes for each session. the charm of the seasonHosting these sessions on our property allows us to blend the comfort of a private setting with the rustic charm of autumn. It’s always a delight to see families relax and enjoy the experience while we capture moments they’ll treasure forever. private setting means comfort and relaxation Hosting these sessions on our property allows us to blend the comfort of a private setting with the rustic charm of autumn. It’s always a delight to see families relax and enjoy the experience while we capture moments they’ll treasure forever.  lots of pumpkins available in our patchThank you to all the families who joined us this season! We’re already looking forward to next fall, and we can’t wait to welcome more families to our property to celebrate the beauty of the season.  A magical adventureThere’s something truly enchanting about seeing a child's eyes light up when they meet a unicorn. Recently, we had the absolute pleasure of photographing some incredibly excited kids with BB, our beautiful unicorn, for a series of magical photoshoots. Watching the kids marvel at BB was simply heartwarming; their smiles and laughter filled the day with joy.  being in the momentBB, who has a calm and gentle personality, took to the children with such ease. Each child was captivated, petting BB’s soft mane and whispering their wishes. It was amazing to see them fully immersed in the moment, truly believing they were in the presence of a real unicorn.  making memories with the unicornThe sessions turned into a series of precious memories—flower crowns, garlands, and wide-eyed wonder. Each little one got their own magical moment with the unicorn, and it was beautiful to capture these moments on camera.  the joy and magic of unicorn photosThese unicorn sessions are always a reminder of the joy and magic we can bring into the lives of others. Seeing the happiness on their faces makes it all worthwhile. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to BB for making dreams come true!  when this family wants to do a unique shoot...... You go with it! This fun family had a great idea for a spooky type of Hallowe'en session. They originally wanted to go with a Michael Myers theme, but the mask didn't arrive in time, so they chose this scary pumpkin face. Which I think worked out so well.  It worked out well with the pumpkin face The Scary Pumpkin Face was actually these kids' uncle. So they thought it was so funny to have him dressed like that. They called him Uncle Pumpkin. He totally rocked his role as scary pumpkin faceAnd the day was threatening rain, so the atmosphere for the family session was just perfect. A dark and dreary day. Even if it had rained, the shoot would have been perfect.  Of course, the fun is everywhere  Looking for creative ways for your family photos?Bring your imagination... and we'll do the rest!  letting go and having funBefore sitting down and asking the kids to smile for a family photo session, it's a good idea to play and have fun with the kids. And this family did just that. burning off some energyRunning, tickling, goofing around... all of these things are great for letting the little ones have fun. It makes them love coming for photo sessions. And we encourage this, so future photography sessions can go smoothly when they remember how much fun they had before.  We have a large pumpkin patch on our property, so during our fall family photo sessions, we let each child choose their own pumpkin to take home. The kids love it.  
Incorporating the Cottage’s atmosphere and CharmThere’s something magical about photographing families at a place that holds deep meaning for them. Recently, I had the privilege of doing a family session at their beautiful island cottage on Stoney Lake, This picturesque location provided the perfect backdrop to capture memories for this wonderful family.  Every year for the past 7 years I've been coming back to photograph them every Thanksgiving. I've so loved to see the kids grow up. They are wonderful to work with and make my time spent with them so pleasant. It truely is a priviledge to capture this for them. brother and sister making memories  including grandparents in family sessionsAnd our session was even more special because it included the grandparents. I always love incorporating grandparents in family photos. They bring such warmth and legacy to the images, bridging generations and grounding the family story. Plus they are so much fun too!      Family sessions like this remind me why I love what I do. It’s an honor to preserve these moments, to create images that families will treasure for generations.
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:
start with mom's outfitIt 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 colour paletteAfter 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.   think muted coloursAvoid overly saturated and bold colors, as they distract in the photo. Look for MUTED versions of the same color. For example, if you have a bright hot pink shirt, try a muted dusty rose instead. coordinate - don't matchGone are the days when everyone wears matching white polos and khakis for family photos on the beach. Choose colors that complement each other but are not overly matchy-matchy. For example, avoid wearing the same color top as your spouse or putting your girls in the same matching dresses.  ADD VARIETY WITH SUBTLE PATTERNS.They say that variety is the spice of life right? To add depth and interest to your photos, create dimension by having primarily solids with a few coordinating subtle patterns and textures. Patterns are great in small doses and add a lot of your photo. Avoid bold, large prints that can distract from the photo though. You want your family photos to be about you and not merely your outfits. Layers are another way to add variety with cardigans, shawls, scarves, etc. fitted clothing is your friendWhile 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 yourselfDon’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!
for the love of dogsI enjoyed a quick couples shoot with their adorable dogs. You can tell how much they loved the dogs, who were so well behaved and great to work with.   we welcome your family pet in any of our photo sessions  Just look at those adorable doggie faces! You can see their love for their humans so clearly.  a Day to remember A Family Story Spanning Generations and ContinentsPhotographing family reunions is always a special experience, but this recent session was truly remarkable. With 55 family members from around the world gathered in Alderville, just north of Cobourg, I had the honour of capturing a celebration of love, connection, and family history. This was no ordinary reunion – it was a joyful gathering of people of all ages, some meeting for the first time, all there to celebrate their shared bonds.  making memories with grandma Some of the most touching moments came from those meeting family members for the very first time. Watching people come together across generations and distances was a reminder of how precious family truly is. The reunion wasn’t just a gathering; it was a celebration of their shared story, spanning continents and bringing together different backgrounds, yet united by a single family bond. Capturing these connections felt both exciting and humbling. Having Grandma at the centre of it all was so much fun. You can see how her grandchildren loves her. The Bond that Spans Generationswe can't forget pets - they are part of the family Lot's of fun in the pool tooone unforgettable dayBeing part of this reunion was a highlight for me. It was a beautiful reminder of why I love what I do – getting to meet wonderful people and capturing moments they’ll treasure for a lifetime. Thank you to this amazing family for welcoming me into such a special day. May these photos bring back the laughter, love, and incredible memories of this unforgettable reunion in Alderville for years to come!
Love, Laughter, and Connection Capturing love is one of the most fulfilling parts of being a photographer, and recently, I had the honor of photographing Jade & Rachel during their engagement session at the beach. With the sunset casting a warm glow, this session was all about celebrating love in its purest form.  hesTe two brought such joy and energy to the session. They walked hand-in-hand along the shore, laughed together, and shared those quiet, knowing glances that only soulmates seem to have. Every smile, every embrace, every shared moment between them spoke volumes about their bond. It was clear: love is love, and it is beautiful in every way.  I felt so grateful to have captured this beautiful love story. Sessions like these are a reminder that love knows no boundaries; it’s universal, powerful, and worthy of celebration. I’m honored to have been part of this moment in their journey, documenting their love in a way that reflects both their personalities and their bond.  Thank you Jade & Rachel for allowing me to capture the joy, authenticity, and strength that defines your relationship. Love is love, and it is always worth celebrating.
a heartfelt backyard wedding ceremonyThere’s something incredibly special about a small, intimate wedding, and this backyard elopement was the perfect example of just how beautiful simplicity can be. With only a few close loved ones present, this bride and groom celebrated their love in a personal, heartfelt ceremony right in the comfort of their own backyard. And with a clear blue sky above and flowers blooming all around, the day was nothing short of magical.  A Gorgeous Day to Say “I Do”As the couple exchanged vows under the open sky, the sun cast a warm, golden light that made everything feel peaceful and serene. Surrounded by nature they stood in front of gorgeous flowers, and an array of soft blooms and greenery that made the backyard feel like a hidden garden. The blue sky stretched out overhead, adding a perfect pop of color to every photo.  The Beauty of an Intimate CelebrationWith just a few family members and closest friends there, the ceremony felt incredibly personal. This small, meaningful gathering allowed the couple to focus on what truly mattered – each other and the love they share. There was no rush, no need for elaborate timelines, just two people exchanging vows with happy tears, laughter, and the support of those closest to them. The backyard, decorated with thoughtfully placed flowers and greenery, created a calm and cozy atmosphere for this special moment.  Capturing the Details That Made the Day UniqueAs a photographer, capturing the details is always a joy, and this wedding was full of beautiful, personal touches. From the floral arrangements to the bride’s bouquet of wildflowers, every element added to the day’s simple elegance. The couple’s genuine happiness and laughter were contagious, and each frame told the story of a day filled with joy, love, and beauty.  This backyard elopement was a reminder that the most meaningful celebrations don’t always have to be grand – sometimes, all you need is a beautiful day, a few flowers, and the people you love. Thank you to this wonderful couple for allowing me to be a part of your day and for showing just how magical a simple backyard wedding can be.    pure delight There’s nothing like a one-year-old’s pure delight during a cake smash, and Sebastian’s first birthday session was full of joy, laughter, and frosting! Set in a beautiful outdoor location, this session was all about celebrating his big milestone in a natural, carefree setting, with his proud mom and dad joining in on some of the fun.  A memory to look back onSebastian’s cake smash session was everything a first birthday should be – filled with fun, messy moments, and so much love. I feel so lucky to have captured these memories for this wonderful family, creating photos they can look back on and remember how much fun they had celebrating Sebastian’s first year.   capturing family moments Having mom and dad join in made the session even more special. They beamed with pride, watching their little boy enjoy his first birthday cake, and we captured some lovely family moments that show the joy and love they share. The three of them together, smiling and laughing, made for beautiful, natural family photos.
a stunning momma-to-beThere’s something so powerful about capturing a mother-to-be surrounded by the beauty of the natural world. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing a stunning momma-to-be in an outdoor maternity session, and the entire experience was simply magical.  With nature as our backdrop, we embraced the serenity and warmth of the surroundings, which seemed to echo the peaceful anticipation of this exciting new chapter. The soft light filtering through the trees, the gentle breeze, and the earthy colors created a perfect setting, enhancing her natural glow and adding a timeless quality to each shot and this momma-to-be radiated warmth, love, and the pure beauty of motherhood.  This mom-to-be exuded such a calm strength, and it was inspiring to witness her connection to both her growing baby and the natural world around her. As we moved through the session, it became clear that these moments weren’t just about capturing photos – they were about celebrating this incredible journey she is on. Thank you to this wonderful momma-to-be for allowing me to be part of her story. These are the moments that remind me how special this work is, and how beautiful it is to document the beginnings of new life in a setting as peaceful as nature itself.  the first weddingThe wedding dress is often considered one of the most significant elements of a wedding. It’s a symbol of a bride's unique journey, dreams, and the beginning of a new chapter in life.  This story begins 67 years ago when a young bride (my mother) wore a beautiful wedding dress on the happiest day of her life. This dress, with its delicate lace and timeless elegance, became a symbol of enduring love and cherished memories. The second Wedding: A Touching Tribute I decided to wear my mother’s wedding dress as a heartfelt tribute to the woman who had guided and supported me throughout my life. I was honoured to step into the gown and feel the overwhelming connection to my mother’s past and the legacy of love that the dress symbolized. The third Wedding: A Continued Tradition 10 years later, my sister also chose to honor ourr mother by wearing the same dress on her wedding day. Despite the passage of time, the gown retained its timeless beauty and elegance. The dress was carefully altered to fit her perfectly, yet it still held the essence of the original design. When my sister walked down the aisle in the dress, it was not just a continuation of a family tradition but also a celebration of the bond between us and our mother. The gown had now witnessed the joyous weddings, symbolizing the strength and enduring nature of family love. the tradition continues with a fourth wedding Fast forward to the present, and that same dress found its way to another young bride— the original owner's granddaughter and my niece. That's four generations of women in our family who have worn this dress as a symbol of love and commitment. It has held a special place in all our weddings and carries decades of history. Its significance is immeasurable. The beauty of this tradition lies not just in the dress itself, but in what it represents. It’s a story of love passed down from one generation to the next, a testament to the enduring nature of family, and a celebration of the dreams and hopes that connect mothers and daughters. The dress, worn by four brides, now holds a legacy of love, joy, and togetherness that will be cherished for many years to come.  Celebrating Love: A Fusion of Cultures in Indian WeddingsAs a photographer, I've had the privilege of capturing a multitude of beautiful moments, but there is something uniquely enchanting about Indian weddings. These celebrations are a symphony of vibrant colors, deep-rooted traditions, and heartfelt emotions. Recently, I had the honor of photographing a Canadian and Indian wedding, and it was an unforgettable experience that showcased the beauty of cultural fusion.   Indian weddings are known for their grandeur and elaborate rituals that span several days. Each ceremony is steeped in tradition, symbolizing the union of not just two individuals but their families and cultures as well. This particular wedding was a perfect blend of Indian heritage and Canadian influences, creating a harmonious celebration that was both unique and deeply meaningful. The Milni Tradition: A Meeting of FamiliesOne of the most touching moments in an Indian wedding is the Milni ceremony. "Milni" means "meeting" in Punjabi, and this tradition involves the formal introduction of the bride and groom's families. It's a beautiful ritual that signifies the coming together of two families as one. During the Milni, male relatives from both families, starting with the eldest members, greet each other with garlands and a warm embrace. This exchange symbolizes respect, acceptance, and the forging of new familial bonds. Capturing the joy and camaraderie during the Milni is always a highlight, as it sets the tone for the unity and love that will follow throughout the wedding celebrations.   Henna Handpainting: An Artistic Expression of LoveAnother mesmerizing tradition in Indian weddings is the application of henna, or mehndi, on the bride's hands and feet. This intricate handpainting is not just a visual delight but also carries significant cultural and emotional meanings. Henna artists skillfully create elaborate designs that often include motifs of flowers, paisleys, and even the groom's name hidden within the patterns. The process can take several hours, but the result is a stunning piece of temporary body art that enhances the bride's beauty and signifies joy, beauty, and spiritual awakening. The darker the henna stain, the more auspicious it is considered, adding an element of excitement and anticipation to the ceremony.   In the fusion of Canadian and Indian wedding traditions, there is a celebration of diversity and unity. The blend of cultures brings together the best of both worlds, creating a wedding that is rich in customs, yet uniquely personal. This particular wedding beautifully showcased how traditions from different backgrounds can come together to create something truly magical.
capturing a love storySome engagement sessions have an extra bit of magic to them, and this one by the beach was no exception. As a wedding photographer, capturing a couple’s love story is what I live for, and there’s something about the sand, water and sun's timeless beauty that makes these moments even more special. This particular session was filled with soft sunlight, laughter, and an undeniable connection between two people truly in love.  The Perfect Setting at Golden HourWe planned the session for the hour leading up to sunset, when the sun is low in the sky, casting a warm, dreamy glow over everything it touches. This "golden hour" light has a special way of highlighting the emotions between a couple, making each shot feel intimate and alive. The lower sun angles created soft shadows and a natural, radiant look that brought out the love in their smiles and the twinkle in their eyes. The colors of the sky, blending hues of pink and gold, felt like nature was celebrating alongside them!  Capturing Their Love Story by the WavesAs we wandered along the shoreline, it was beautiful to see how natural they were together. From playful splashes in the water to quiet moments shared as they walked barefoot in the sand, each shot captured a different layer of their love. They laughed, held hands, and even danced a bit in the shallow waves, giving us so many genuine, joyful moments. There were times when they’d just look at each other and laugh, completely at ease, and those moments were priceless to capture.  The Joy of Sharing Moments TogetherOne of the best parts of this session was the fun we all had together. Engagement sessions like these aren’t just about getting the “perfect” shot; they’re about creating a relaxed space where a couple’s love can truly shine. Between playful shots and the quieter, heartfelt moments, we ended up with a gallery that tells the story of who they are together. It felt less like a photo session and more like a celebration of their relationship.  This engagement session at the beach was a reminder of how special it is to capture love in a natural, beautiful setting. The sunset, the laughter, and their incredible connection made it an unforgettable experience. Thank you to this amazing couple for sharing their love story and for trusting me to capture these beautiful moments that will last a lifetime.    A young girl's photograph given a new lifeHave you found old photos but they are just not what they once were? With time, many of our prized family photos and memories can become damaged and faded. The prospect of restoring and archiving these photos may seem daunting, but at CatsMac Photography I can restore and bring them back to life.  someone's ancestor photo repaired for memoriesWhen working with old photos that may be damaged or drastically changed from their original form, digitizing them is an important first step in the preservation and restoration process. I scan then using a professional scanner and then upload the digital image into photoshop to repair and restore them. Then, I can email you the finished restored digital photograph. If you wish, I can also print it for you, in a size that you like, so you may frame it and display it proudly.  badly cracked and marked photo restored When bringing your photos to me to restore, it is important to not only organize your photos accordingly to how you would like them scanned, but also consider exactly what you want done to bring your photos back to life. Having a conversation with me about exactly what you want done to the photos is an important step to restoring your pictures. It might also be advised to turn a color original into a black and white digital file to help with touching up the photo to hide unwanted colour fades and damages the original photo might have. using scotch tape is never a good idea Remember, getting one of your cherished photos restored is a great idea for gift giving, especially around Christmas, Father's Day, Mother's Day and birthdays!
It's important to look your best for potential customersA good headshot is a great way of introducing yourself. Many businesses are online, and customers like to know who they are dealing with. A good professional looking headshot is a great way of selling who you are to the client. Another kind of headshot is a promotional headshot, this is a less formal headshot, and can be used on websites or magazines. A great headshot ensures you're making the best impression possible, which makes you feel good about your personal brand and what other professionals are thinking when they see your image. With actor headshots, having a good headshot is vitally important. It is said that a casting director spends about 2 seconds looking at photos, so an actor needs to stand out, for the casting director to remember who the person is. A professional headshot is important for your career because it creates a positive first impression, helps with networking, reflects your personal brand, enhances job applications, and meets local industry standards. It can give you an edge competitive job market.
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AuthorCathy & Jenn of CatsMac Photography, Cobourg, Ontario. Archives
November 2024
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CatsMac Photography
2012-2024
Creating Memories with Custom Photography...Because Life is Beautiful
Professional photographer based in Cobourg and serving Northumberland County, Peterborough, Quinte, Durham Region, including Trenton, Belleville, Brighton, Newcastle, Bowmanville, Courtice, Oshawa
2012-2024
Creating Memories with Custom Photography...Because Life is Beautiful
Professional photographer based in Cobourg and serving Northumberland County, Peterborough, Quinte, Durham Region, including Trenton, Belleville, Brighton, Newcastle, Bowmanville, Courtice, Oshawa
