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:
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. THINK MUTED COLORS Avoid 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 MATCH Gone 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. After mom’s outfit is chosen, begin to find 2-3 coordinating colors that complement. 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 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! Taking time from a large family photo session to photograph these two! They are such a wonderful couple and the way they react and pose so naturally together is such a pleasure for me and makes my job so easy.
It's all about fun! The fall colours and cooler air brings out the joy and energy in people. Photographing this family was more like playtime! The grandparents enjoyed photos with their children and their grandchildren, and of course, the family dog got in some of the shots too. This year the colours are so vibrant and we love to take full advantage of them.
We love to create memories while having fun. And these Unicorn Photo Sessions were just perfect for that. The kids all came with beautiful dresses and we provided the flower crowns. The Horse, Anna, a true Unicorn, was as always the best and the star of the day. She is so gentle and loving. She loves seeing the children and having them pet and interact with her. And she loves a carrot or apple or two. Our photoshoots are so much more than just pictures with a Unicorn in them. They are an overall magical experience for kids and adults alike.
Kathy & Luke... and Scott (bestman) & Kiersten (maid of honour). You guys made my day. Especially Luke. Yep, Luke. With your really bad jokes and lost sole. And Kiersten squeezing buns. I was laughing all the way home. It was a pleasure to meet all of you at Stillwater on the Lake for your elopement.
Paige and Ryan's elopement at Stillwater on the Lake last week was something so special and spectacular. That veil and dress! Truly stunning! And thank you Ryan, for helping me arrange Paige's dress for the photos! You are a true gentleman.
The gardens at Stillwater are so beautiful this time of year (actually all year) and it shows in their wedding photos. I was honoured to be able to capture this special day for them. “Your love shines in my heart as the sun that shines upon the earth.” – Eleanor Di Guillo With Michelle's bubbly personality, her boho wedding dress & runners, Michael rockin' his suspenders and LOTR Hobbit pin ... AND with Garry the Goose making his presence known on the lake, these two tied the knot at the simply stunning Stillwater on the Lake in Fowler's Corners just outside of Peterborough, Ontario. Michelle and Michael, your personalities are so uplifting you both made the day shine bright! This elopement at Stillwater on the Lake was one of the most beautiful elopements I've attended. The bride and groom are so much in love and everything went perfectly. And, these two jumped into a canoe to paddle around Chemong Lake for a fun time and some great photos. It was absolutely amazing and I'm happy I could be a part of it.
Such a perfect day for a perfect elopement. Melissa and Tristan, you two are meant for each other. You both looked stunning. Tristan with your Esquire poses (you were a fast study) and Melissa with your absolutely stunning dress. And, to make it even more perfect, your Maid of Honour, Brittany and Best Man, Chad were such a delight to work with. Thank you Brittany for being the official dress "floofer" Melissa had you working hard with her dress!
Aren't these two so romantic together? And we had some fun with Samantha's veil at Stillwater on the Lake just outside of Peterborough, Ontario. Samantha and Jason had just tied the knot and we were walking around the beautiful gardens to get some great photos of the two of them. And the last photo of them eating cake-priceless.
I recently met two couples who tied the knot at Cobourg Victoria Town Hall. I love these types of weddings, where everything is relaxed and intimate. There is no pressure of many people watching you, people arriving late for your wedding, waiting for RSVPs, doing a head count for food, etc., etc., etc. These couple were surrounded by family and a few friends who witnessed their vows and commitment to each other. Afterwards, each couple walked to Cobourg beach ad boardwalk for some photos. It's perfect with the beach being so close to the ceremony site.
CatsMac Photography is so proud to announce that our third photographer, Justin, has started his own business called Ontario Homes Photography Service offering affordable and complete real estate marketing solutions with everything you need to advertise your real estate. He offers floor plans, video, drone, inside and outside photography and iGuide virtual 3D tour. Check out his website at www.ontariohomes.photo
Justin still continues to work with us as our third photographer for weddings, when needed. His skill and attention to detail, plus his personable personality, makes him a great photographer. Here are some behind the scenes of Justin at work. So happy for Ashton & Tana on their wedding day. Tana wore her mother's very delicate diamond necklace and looked gorgeous in her dress with her beautiful bouquet. Ashton looked dashing (I got laughed at for that word!) in his custom made suit. A gorgeous couple on the grounds of the gorgeous Stillwater on the Lake. Just a perfect intimate elopement for these two.
The day was so perfect for Angie & Rene's elopement at Stillwater on the Lake just outside Peterborough, Ontario. They eloped in a quiet intimate ceremony by the shores of Chemong Lake. And look at Angie's bouquet! An absolute gorgeous arrangement of flowers and feathers. She custom designed it to represent a gift from mother earth. The feather are pheasant, turkey and partridge symbolizing respect, honour, strength, courage and wisdom. These feathers also adorned their wedding cake. Indeed, it was an honour to be present for their vows and to capture this moment for them.
It's all about the love, joy and commitment. Capturing a special time in a couple's life. This is what makes me happy. And this elopement was no exception. Bonnie and Ken, you melted my heart seeing your love for each other. And Ken, even though your bad jokes were endless, you still made my day. Congratulations on your elopement.
Madeleine and Shawn tied the knot in an intimate elopement at Stillwater on the Lake in Peterborough Ontario. The gazebo overlooks Chemong Lake and makes for a beautiful backdrop. Both Madeleine and Shawn's mothers were present to witness their children getting married. It was such a touching moment and I was honoured to be a part of their special day.
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AuthorCathy & Jenn of CatsMac Photography, Cobourg, Ontario. Archives
December 2023
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