a special connectionThere’s something truly magical about a bride including her horse on her wedding day. It’s not just a beautiful touch—it’s a deeply personal one. For many brides, their horse has been there for the quiet moments, the life lessons, the growing up. That bond runs deep, and bringing that connection into the most important day of their life is incredibly meaningful.  after the ceremonyOne of my favourite parts to photograph is the quiet time after the ceremony—when the vows have been spoken, the nerves have settled, and the bride takes a few peaceful moments with her horse. There’s something so calming, grounding, and emotional about that time together. It’s often when the most authentic, heartfelt photos happen. Just the bride, her gown, her horse, and a love that goes back years.  Including your horse in your wedding isn’t just about the photos—it’s about honouring a bond that has shaped your story. And those moments together? They make your wedding day even more unforgettable. riding down the aisle on your wedding day Kindergarten to university — capture your memories with catsmac photographyGraduation is more than just a ceremony — it's a milestone, a moment of pride, and a celebration of growth. Whether it's the adorable grin of a kindergartener in a tiny cap and gown, the confident smile of a grade 8 graduate stepping into high school, the accomplishment of a high school senior ready to take on the world, or the triumph of a college or university graduate, each stage deserves to be captured and remembered. Kindergarten GraduationThere’s something so heartwarming about a little one in a miniature graduation gown. These sessions are full of joy, laughter, and often a few wiggles and giggles. It’s the start of their educational journey, and those proud smiles (and missing teeth!) deserve a permanent place in your photo albums. Grade 8 GraduationThis transitional moment is big — children are growing into teens, discovering their interests, and preparing for high school. Grade 8 grad photos often reflect budding independence and personality. It’s a perfect time to document their unique style and spirit before high school years begin. High School GraduationThis is one of the most iconic stages. High school graduation photos capture excitement, achievement, and dreams for the future. These portraits often become treasured keepsakes — framed on mantels, featured in grad announcements, and revisited for years to come.
College & University GraduationAfter years of dedication, late nights, and hard work, college or university grads deserve to celebrate their success. These sessions often include professional attire, academic robes, and the graduate’s chosen setting — whether it’s a campus landmark or a favorite outdoor location. It’s a time to reflect on how far they’ve come and what lies ahead.  Why Graduation Photos MatterLife moves fast. Kids grow up in the blink of an eye, and even the biggest milestones can begin to blur together with time. Graduation photos freeze those fleeting moments — the proud parents, the excited graduates, the shared smiles — and turn them into memories you can revisit forever. Whether you’re booking a full portrait session or adding a few family shots, graduation photography allows you to celebrate your achievements and tell the story of your educational journey. Ready to Capture the Moment?No matter the age or stage, graduation is always worth celebrating. If you have a graduate in your life — big or small — I’d love to help capture their moment in the spotlight. Let’s create something they’ll treasure for years to come. Booking graduation sessions now for kindergarten, grade 8, high school, and post-secondary grads!  a mother's love is so powerfulThere’s something incredibly powerful about a mother’s love — and as photographers, we have the unique privilege of capturing that love in a single moment. This Mother’s Day, I had the honour of photographing a truly special session: a beautiful mama dressed in a long, flowing muted pink gown, cradling her baby girl who wore a matching dress. The entire session radiated softness, elegance, and connection.  a natural rhythmWe began with the mother and daughter cuddled in a wicker chair, sunlight spilling across the room. Their dresses added a sense of harmony. There was such a quiet intimacy in these moments — soft smiles, little fingers wrapped around mom’s hand, and the natural rhythm that only exists between mother and child.  natural backlit lightingThen, we moved to a large window where they stood together, backlit by warm, natural light. The glow created a dreamy silhouette that felt ethereal — like time had paused for just a second to let this mama soak in all the love. Her gown caught the light in all the right ways, and her baby girl’s hair glowed like a halo.  freezing these days of babyhoodWhat I love most about sessions like this is how they freeze these fleeting days of babyhood and new motherhood — moments that can otherwise pass in a blur. This session wasn’t just about creating pretty portraits; it was about telling a story of unconditional love and connection.  creating beautyTo all the mamas out there: you deserve to be seen, celebrated, and remembered just like this. If you’ve ever thought about a photo session to capture your bond with your child, let this be your sign. Let’s create something beautiful together.    setting the stage: a simple spaceThere’s something profoundly tender about capturing the quiet, everyday moments between a mother and her daughter—especially when you strip away all distractions and let their bond take center stage. That’s exactly what we set out to do during this Momma & Me session, using only soft, natural light and a handful of minimalistic props to craft an intimate atmosphere that felt both timeless and genuine.  diffused light creates a beautiful glowWe chose a bright, airy corner of the studio for this photoshoot—white brick walls, pale hardwood floors, and a single, generously sized window that poured in gentle, diffused daylight. Because the goal was to focus on emotion over environment, I kept props to an absolute minimum: a macramé rope swing suspended from the ceiling, a low wooden step stool (never more than a suggestion in the frame), and a lightweight cream-colored throw. These elements provided a touch of texture and depth without competing for attention. minimalistic photo sessionWhat makes this setup so magical is the interplay between the backdrop and that soft window glow. As Momma and her little girl settled onto the swing, the light wrapped around them—highlighting every fine detail of the beautiful matching lace-and-floral dresses they wore, and accentuating the soft curls of the daughter’s hair. The minimal décor ensured that our focus remained entirely on their connection.  photos to treasure foreverThese sessions are always such a reminder of how important it is to slow down and be present – to celebrate the small gestures, the shared smiles, and the unconditional love that exists between a parent and child. Photographs like these become treasures, not just for mom to look back on, but for that little girl to hold onto one day when she’s all grown up.  safeguarding historyPhotographs are time machines that allow us to step back into moments we never experienced or ones we long to relive. Restoring old photos isn’t just about fixing blemishes; it’s about safeguarding history. Each image holds a wealth of emotion, from milestones to everyday moments. These photos connect us to our roots and provide future generations with a tangible glimpse of their heritage.
Time can take a toll on photographs, but restoration offers hope.   Whether it’s a treasured portrait of a grandparent or an image of loved ones long gone, preserving these memories allows families to carry their stories forward. Don't let your family history fade—restore those special moments so they remain vivid and full of life for generations to come.  the perfect christmas photo propThis Christmas season, I had the absolute pleasure of using a unique and nostalgic prop for my mini sessions—a stunning vintage 1956 International red truck. From the moment I laid eyes on it, I knew it was going to be a showstopper. This beautifully restored piece of history brought a timeless charm to every photo, making it the perfect backdrop for holiday memories.  1956 red international harvester truckFor the sessions, we adorned the truck with seasonal touches—fresh greenery, vintage props, and cozy details that perfectly complemented its character. The truck became more than just a backdrop; it became the centerpiece that tied the magic of the session together. Families snuggled close on the truck bed, kids peeked out the windows, and even a few furry friends joined in on the fun (as you can see from the adorable pup in the photo above!).  abit of nostalgia with charmWhat I loved most was how the truck brought out genuine smiles and excitement from everyone. People couldn’t resist sharing a sweet moment in front of its timeless charm and enjoyed sitting in it too! The truck was more than just a prop—it became part of the story, adding an extra layer of nostalgia and joy to the photos.   This year’s Christmas mini sessions were truly unforgettable, thanks in part to this beautiful vintage truck. It was a reminder of the magic of the holiday season, where old traditions and new memories come together in the most delightful ways. a cherished keepsake To everyone who joined me for these sessions: thank you for making this year so special! I hope these photos become cherished keepsakes that bring you warmth and joy for years to come.  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. True EleganceThere’s something so magical about maternity sessions—celebrating the beauty of life growing and the excitement of a new chapter about to begin. Recently, I had the honour of capturing this beautiful couple during an outdoor maternity session, and let me just say—it was breathtaking.  an amazing red dress The momma-to-be absolutely radiated elegance and strength. She started the session wearing a stunning red dress that flowed effortlessly in the breeze. Against the natural backdrop, the vibrant red symbolized love, passion, and the incredible power of motherhood. Every moment felt like a painting come to life as the sunlight danced on the fabric, adding a golden glow to the already magical scene. time for a wardrobe changeLater, she changed into a soft and graceful blue dress, bringing an entirely new energy to the session. The blue dress complemented the serene outdoor surroundings, creating a peaceful and tranquil vibe. As she cradled her bump and exchanged loving glances with her partner, it was clear just how excited and ready they are for this next chapter.  The dad-to-be was equally wonderful, full of pride and love. His connection with his partner was so natural and genuine—it shone through in every photo. Whether it was a quiet moment where they simply held hands or the way he looked at her with admiration, their bond was truly inspiring to witness.  nature's beauty outside settingThe outdoor setting added an extra layer of magic to this session. Surrounded by nature’s beauty, with tall trees, golden grass, and the soft glow of the sun, the photos tell a story of hope, love, and new beginnings.  To this wonderful couple: Thank you for letting me be part of such a special time in your lives. You are already incredible parents, and I know your little one is so lucky to have you. I hope these photos remind you of the joy and love that filled this chapter of your journey.  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!  celebrating family with love and laughterAs a photographer, I often find myself in awe of the incredible families I get to work with, and this recent fall photoshoot was no exception. The crisp autumn air, vibrant hues of orange, yellow, and red, and a family bursting with love and laughter made for a truly magical session.  contagious energy and laughter From the moment we met, their energy and laughter was contagious. It’s always heartwarming to see a family so connected, and they made my job effortless with their playful spirit and genuine joy. We kicked off the session with some classic posed shots surrounded by the beauty of the fall leaves, but it wasn’t long before the real fun began.  This family reminded me why I love what I do. Their laughter, love, and willingness to embrace the moment made this photoshoot one for the books. I’m so grateful they chose me to capture these memories, and I hope they treasure these photos for years to come. memories to cherishTo the amazing family — thank you for the joy, the laughter, and the reminder that life’s best moments are often the simplest ones. Here’s to many more adventures and photo-worthy memories!
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 Cozy Fall Moment with the Cutest TrioThere’s something magical about fall—the crisp air, the golden leaves, and of course, pumpkins galore! Recently, I had the absolute joy of photographing a sweet little family enjoying all the best things about the season: Mom, Dad, and their adorable little guy.  A SHOW STEALERTheir little one stole the show from the very start. With that smile and a laugh that could brighten anyone’s day, he lit up the entire session. Bundled up in the cutest corduroy coat with fuzzy details, he looked like he was straight out of a storybook. Mom and Dad, dressed perfectly in soft fall tones, were so sweet and playful, showering their little guy with kisses and tickles that brought out the biggest giggles. THE PERFECT BACKDROPWe found the perfect backdrop among the trees, with golden leaves adding a warm glow to every shot. The love between this family was undeniable—they’re not just a family, they’re a team. Watching them interact was such a reminder of how magical these everyday moments can be.  As I captured moments of Dad’s gentle playfulness and Mom’s tender kisses, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude. Families like this make my job so rewarding. Seeing the joy they share and being trusted to preserve these memories is an honor.   To this amazing family: Thank you for letting me be a part of your fall adventure. I hope these photos bring back all the warmth and happiness of this special day whenever you look at them!
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!
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AuthorCathy & Jenn of CatsMac Photography, Cobourg, Ontario. Archives
December 2025
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CatsMac Photography
2012-2025
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
2012-2025
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
