Mother's Day Contest | Toronto Family Photographer

Spring is upon us, and what a great start we have had! (up until yesterday... but don't worry, it's going to go back to being sunny tomorrow!). There has been so much beautiful sunshine lately, and the grass, trees and gardens are starting to come back to life. Everyone in our neighborhood seems to be out and about – enjoying the fresh air and looking forward to summer. And while most people pine for long summer days with sun, swimming, t-shirts and shorts, BBQs and drinks on the back deck... us photographers are looking forward to sunsets, green grass, blooming flowers, golden fields… and the busiest time of year! So in anticipation, I thought it would be fun to have a little contest before Mother's Day – to treat a much-deserving mom to some photos with her family. Which then got me to thinking about how nice it is for us moms to go shopping this time of year for new spring clothes... because we all need a treat once in awhile! And what better store to shop at than Trixie Boutique? (a neighbourhood GEM in my opinion).

So together, we are putting on a fantastic spring contest for moms, just in time for Mother's Day!

Treat yourself – let Trixie Boutique help you find a new outfit to feel great in this spring, and let me capture you and your little ones enjoying this beautiful season.

Enter to win a $100 gift certificate from Trixie Boutique and a family photo session with me! 

HOW TO ENTER

To enter the contest, all you have to do is “like” both Trixie Boutique and Kimberly Walker Photography on Facebook, and let us know that you have done so!

  1. To like Trixie, visit their website at www.trixieboutique.com. Scroll down the page to the Facebook box and select “Like”.
  2. To like me,visit Kimberly Walker Photography on Facebook and become a fan by  selecting "Like"
  3. And finally, leave a comment in the comments section below, letting us know that you are a fan of both pages, and you will be entered to win!
The winner will be announced on Mother's Day!

The Fine Print: To be eligible for the contest, you must be a mom living in the GTA. Deadline to enter is Saturday May 12, 2012, 11:59 pm. The winner will be selected by random draw and will be announced on Sunday May 13, 2012. The winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to be used at Trixie Boutique before June 30, 2012, as well as a family photo session with Kimberly Walker Photography to be used before June 30, 2012.  The winner will receive a DVD with digital images from the photoshoot. The winner’s photoshoot will be featured on this blog and the Trixie Boutique website.

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And in case you were wondering... yup, I featured myself in the promo photos for this. And yup, I'm sporting one of my new purchases from Trixie for the spring season, while Robin rocks a dress from The Children's Place. The sun better come back out because we are dying to get back into our dresses!

The L Family | Toronto Family Photographer

I had hoped to get this session posted in time for Family Day, but alas it was delayed a few days. So I'm very happy to finally have some time this morning to share these shots of these beautiful little ladies and their parents. Brena was just shy of her first birthday and big sister Taryn is 3 1/2. Both girls had so much great energy and lovely smiles for me. Back when this session was booked, I wasn't sure what kind of weather we'd be faced with at the end of January, but we ended up with a mild day, perfect for a trip to the park.

Happy Family Day! (Better late than never, right?)

The C Family | Toronto Newborn Photographer

This is one beautiful family, inside and out. I met them last Friday and it was a great way to end the week. Baby Bryson was so good throughout the entire afternoon. He either slept peacefully curled up in someone's arms, or  casually watched the chaos of us trying to get his big brother, 2- year old Ryker, to sit still long enough to snap a photo. It's a tough time of year for photos because it is so cold outside but we made the most of the light inside and still went outdoors for a quick break and fresh air. I totally felt at home with this family – so much love, laughter and warmth.

For more photos from baby Bryson's (and family!) session, check out their slideshow in the Featured section of my website, here. And leave a comment below!

 

The H Family | Toronto Newborn Photographer

I'm really not sure where to begin with this post. In fact, I've been procrastinating writing it because I knew it would be a tough one.

These are photos of five people I care about dearly. Close friends of ours, Dave and Melissa, their 2 year-old daughter Kate, and their brand new 37-week, twin girls, Jane and Emily. Yep, 37 weeks – the girls were born 8 weeks early after a complicated pregnancy. Okay, I'm getting choked up already. Sheesh.

Dave and Melissa found out early on that they were expecting identical twins, and once over the initial shock, they were excited. But a few weeks later they were given some scary news – their babies were not only identical, but they were also sharing an amniotic sac, which is very rare. So adding to the other complications that come along with a twin pregnancy, there was now the risk of the cords becoming entangled (which is inevitable with a shared sac), and at some point becoming compressed. The following weeks and months brought along a roller coaster of emotions, all you can really do is monitor and wait, monitor and wait, monitor and wait. Alas, the twins reached an age where they would be viable outside the womb and Melissa moved into the hospital so she could be monitored more closely. Ultimately a decision would have to be made to deliver the twins early because it would be too risky to leave them inside as the cords became more and more entangled, or an emergency delivery would occur if there were signs of distress. Dave and Melissa were pretty much living hour by hour. We decided to make the most of the situation and did a mini-maternity photo shoot at the hospital.

And just four days later, after spending three weeks living at the hospital, Mellisa's baby girls were delivered at 32 weeks, weighing around 4 lbs each. I had the honour of visiting them at the hospital just a few days later. It was an amazing experience to visit the NICU, and they were beyond beautiful. Jane & Emily.

After four weeks in the NICU, the girls moved home and have been settling in to their new life quite well. Kate is loving her new role as the big sister and squeals their names "Janer-JANE" and "Emer-EM". I spent a lovely morning with the whole family last week – my first photo session of 2012 and I couldn't have enjoyed it more.

Emily has a bit more hair on top.

For more photos from Jane and Emily's shoot, check out their slideshow in the featured section of my website, here. And please leave some love for the girls in the comment section below.

All my love to five of my favourite people. xx

Fynn | Toronto Family Photographer

I'm scrambling to catch up on my blog posts which were put on the back burner the past few weeks. All 2011 sessions have been edited and gone out the door and prints have been ordered and are on their way! So I can finally relax and enjoy some posting! I met this gorgeous family at the end of November and I instantly fell in love. I knew right away they were special as Kendra and Brett enjoyed their lunch during the last few minutes of Fynn's nap. They were eating what looked to be the most delicious home-made mac & cheese in individual sized ramekins. That's my kinda lunch! Fynn woke up right on cue and I crept into the room with Kendra as she greeted her little man. It was so lovely to watch Fynn smile up at his mama as he stretched his sleepiness away. Kendra and Brett took their time dressing Fynn and enjoying his coos and smiles, and we then headed to the nearby park for a little walk. It was a beautiful November afternoon – fresh, crisp air and the perfect light for photos.

Kendra was so natural and easy in front of the camera, I asked if she modelled. She doesn't, but she could.Happy holidays you three and enjoy your trip to South Africa! xx

Claire, Spencer & Atticus | Toronto Family Photographer

TWINS!! This shoot goes back to the last few days of August – when it was still so warm out that you could have your newborn outside in nothing but a onesie, or in this case newborns. I had a great time with big sister Claire and her handsome little brothers (identical twin brothers!), Spencer and Atticus. I don't know what it is these days in Bloor West, but twins seem to be everywhere! Something in the water!?! Anyways, these little guys are adorable and there is no need to worry at all about Claire having to compete for attention as she has a personality as bright and fun as the purple flowers she picked during the shoot.

Cohen | Toronto family photographer

I have lots of blog posts to catch up on! Starting here with Mike, Melissa and their adorable little guy, Cohen. We had a lovely (early) morning at the park and Cohen, who had just turned one, showed off how well he can walk. I'm in love with those big brown eyes... he's going to break hearts with those one day.

This last shot was my favourite from the morning. xx

The T Family | Toronto Family Photographer

I was lucky enough to meet with this lovely family twice this summer. Early in June I met the whole family together and we went to the park, and then again in late August to focus more on sweet little Lily. Being the baby girl of the family of course means that Lily is adored by everyone, especially her big brother Alistair. He is so kind and loving towards his sister – it melted my heart to watch him hug and kiss her, and at one point he announced that she is his favourite thing in the whole world... even more than lego.

 

Happy Friday! xx

 

Carolyn | Toronto Family Photographer

Well September certainly came in with a bang! I can't believe it's already mid-month! And over 2 weeks since my last post. Six photo sessions later and I'm one busy lady trying to keep up with editing while chasing after Robin (who is on the move and into everything these days!). This post is of one of Robin's adorable little friends, Carolyn! Her and Robin were born only 3 days apart and they sit beside each other in music class every Tuesday. It's been quite fun to watch them grow the past few months, hitting all the milestones together. (Although this past Tuesday, Carolyn motored around the room on her hands and knees like a champ, while Robin sat in the exact same spot for the entire 45 minutes staring at the guitar in deep thought).

Carolyn is gorgeous, and sweet, and funny. She had no problem hanging out with her parents for an evening, with me tagging along, and she gave us lots of smiles and giggles. I had a wonderful time getting to know her better and watching her interact with her parents. A truly loving family – people like this make me love what I do.

I've been working on some changes to the blog including how I post images. It might take me a few weeks to sort out so bear with me.

Have a great weekend! xx