There is something about fall that feels like a new beginning, that makes us come alive a little more. One of the incredible things about what I do is being able to go on location. I have had the most amazing experiences with families, whether we are running through a field, walking down a path or dipping our feet in the cool lake water, it is a beautiful thing to see families come alive in how they interact with one another, how they are in their very element.

We live in this culture of “get it done” and “do it fast.” We hustle and run through our days while our to-do lists outstretch our minutes and our days become like flurries. Have you felt it? Do you know it? Do you know the pressure to be all things to all people? And have you felt the fast-paced busyness of life get heavy on your soul?

Family is likely one of the most powerful forces in the entire world. And there are things about it that make it that way. Though for each of us, family is different; it is still home, it is  a place to belong and it is that place where we fit in perfectly.Family is knowing that no one could ever take your place. It is that spot where you are completely irreplaceable. It is that sweet place where you belong in all of your heart and personality and spunk; where you get to be unashamedly yourself every single day.

In everything we do, we are creating legacy. In everything we do, we are writing a message.Guaranteed, there will be days where we don’t feel that, but how we live our lives and the priorities we make create a declaration to the world. It's a message that declares what we believe to be valuable, what we believe to be true and what we believe to be precious. It is filled with our stories and our courage and those subtle nudges of advice; how we would do things just a little bit different.

Local businesses are a big part of what make the Niagara Region an amazing place to live. I love driving through town and seeing which shops have updated their window displays and take great care of their buildings. There is so much available to us.What we often don't see is the many businesses that are within people's homes. The shops handcrafting baby toys, clothes and so much more. Kaitlin's K Kraft Handmade Children's Items is one of them, and here's a bit about her.

Every year I get in front of a camera lens. I do this for many reasons. I having my family documented and the connections we have to each other, I love to compare the portraits and see how much my children are growing.

There is this feeling you get. You can feel it in your soul. It comes when you’re watching a family play, like really play, with their kids. And if love could be seen, it would be bursting out of every single moment and every single interaction.It is this moment where all the busy is set to the side and forgotten and all that matters is the connection between family.

Last month my beautiful little girl turned the big 1-0.  I can't believe how much time has passed since I held Lily in my arms for the first time. Her photo sessions have always been magical and this session was no exception. You simply must scroll down and see those gorgeous brown eyes, and those freckles!

Before I became a mom for the first time, I realized that raising children would involve many emotions - joy and happiness, sadness, confusion even. What I didn't realize is how young they would be when I actually had to let go. In my mind I figured this moment would be like in Gilmore Girls when my 18 year old daughter went off to college but she still came home every weekend for Friday night dinners.

There was a time when everything I did as a photographer was so carefully thought out. I would purchase large paper backdrops and props, ensure children were sitting in JUST the right spot, and once all the conditions were perfectly met, I'd start photographing. Those days are gone.

When it comes to photographing in your home, there are endless possibilities. Every room has it's own unique qualities and unless there are no windows at all, you can utilize the natural light in those spaces.

Marianne was comfortable, beautiful and having a great time, but the look on her face when Carter and her boys arrived to join her at her pregnancy session here in the studio was sheer happiness. She is so gentle and kind, and yes, this new baby is going to bring a little more chaos to their lives, but also whole lot more happiness.