Amy Montgomery - photographer :: photo blog :: burlington ontario children's portrait photography

Confidence

A couple years back, I had the opportunity to work with these boys for the first time. I remember it being busy - GOOD busy ... jumping on beds in Small Paul pajamas, a chase through a ravine, dragging plastic snakes, boys being boys... all the while, there I was, trying to seem relaxed and confident ... aiming to make an impression on their mom, feeling as if failure to deliver something fantastic may just be the end of what felt like such a beginning. 

Last night on Grey's Anatomy, Meredith said that every Doctor can point to the single moment when they truly became a physician. If this is true for photographers, I'd have to credit Joelle with the defining moment. Her confidence in me extended beyond obligation. Her validation was like a big green light. Her friendship, a gift.

(I've been blessed with family and friends who have encouraged me over the years, and I am so thankful for each of them... without them I never would have started dreaming.)

To all my readers, a wish for 2010: May you find confidence in doing what you love ~ and someone to join you for the journey.

 

 

 

Individually unique [ amy montgomery :: children's portraiture ]

Busy big-brother action + three-month-old unpredictability + "just-woke-up" shyness ...

When for a split-second, all three broke into their individually unique grins...

Amy Montgomery [ photographer | children's portraiture | photography on location | burlington | ontario ]

Being Busy [ amymontgomery :: children's portraiture ]

There are some sessions that just happen to have more energy and this was certainly one of them. Three boys, all on the run, with unique interests and very busy lives. I quickly realized that a basic "sit-together-and-smile" setup was going to be too forced for this crew and so I decided to let boys be boys and let them show me their stuff. And once I let go of any ideals I had arrived with, I was able to see who they really were together. Being busy... together.

(NB- Sessions for 2009 are entirely booked. Sorry if I missed the opportunity to meet you this year! I wish there were more days in fall.)

Amy Montgomery [ photographer | children's portraiture | photography on location | burlington | ontario ]

Cherish [ amymontgomery :: children's portraiture ]

Bring on the challenges that come with busy, imaginative toddlers. Let me capture the flirty naievity of a 5-year-old boy. Watch me get my feet muddy so I can find a better angle (Check out my favorite boots: Tretorn Wellies from Joelle's!) Melt my heart with a two-year-old's invitation to brunch following our session.

I cherish the time spent with this family that left me feeling "filled-up"... reminded of all that is good... that connection is there long before I set up the shot. I return home, encouraged to make sparks fly in my own family too. 

One of my favorites this season...

 

-

 

Amy Montgomery [ photographer | children's portraiture | photography on location | burlington | ontario ]

Be thankful

This weekend, take a cue from these two and drag the family outside for some fresh air. Pick up a leaf and admire it's colour and form. Breathe in the crisp fall air. Hold a hand. Enjoy the company you're with. Be inspired by the beauty we're surrounded by every day. Be thankful.

-

-

-

Expectations

Every client has an expectation that they bring to a session. They might not share it, or admit it, or be able to explain it, but deep down, they do ... be it an expression that they hope to capture, a stage or milestone, a brother-sister connection (with their heads snuggled close and both kids smiling :) When they look through their gallery and find that special photo in the mix... the one that makes their heart leap... it confirms how totally worthwhile the whole event really was.

-

Amy Montgomery [ photographer | children's portraiture | photography on location | burlington | ontario ]

Last Fall Booking [ amy montgomery :: children's photographer ]

A couple weeks ago, while shooting at Joelle's for the photo pendant event with Jenn Fenton, I had only one booking left for fall sessions. Joelle introduced me to one of her lovely customers, who had seen a Signature Keepsake Album and hoped to have one for herself. It was my pleasure to schedule her for the last remaining spot of the season! S, it was a great start to Saturday, hanging with your little peeps!

[Note to clients: I'm sorry there aren't more days in fall! Wish I could fit you ALL in!]

-

-

Amy Montgomery [ photographer | children's portraiture | photography on location | burlington | ontario ]

Last Child in the Woods [ amy montgomery :: children's photographer ]

I've recently started to work my way through a book by Richard Louv called Last Child In The Woods. It's inspiring me to get my kids outside, no matter the weather, and encourage them to learn to play in nature. I think the author would be so proud of a family I met early this week. They regularly hike through Bruce Trail, creating their own adventures, and enjoying togetherness. I love that they were unaffected by the light rain that began when we first met. They seemed unconcerned as I dodged out under the canopy of trees to find decent light. I think they knew that we'd find magic even in the dim and drizzle. Climbing, catching, chasing, being.

Here's the 30x40" canvas grid that came out of our adventure:

Amy Montgomery [ photographer | children's portraiture | photography on location | burlington | ontario ]

Chase [ amy montgomery :: children's photographer ]

Thank you for wanting to see what I've been doing... I've been dying to show you! Blogging has been at the bottom of my to-do list for the last few months. I'll try to be better this fall, I promise. The fall schedule is almost completely booked... I've got just a few spaces left in November. Drop me an email if you want one!

And since I just can't post without a photo, here's a few from a session that required a little extra energy... chasing girls, chasing their puppy... when a new puppy gets thrown into the mix, it kind of gets everyone all giddy. But how can you not love a puppy? And how can you not love these girls? The oldest asked me if I was in highschool ;) I would have chased her to China if she'd asked me too! Check out how stunning they all are... I'm sure this won't be the first time they've got someone chasing them. Hang on to your girlies momma!

Amy Montgomery [ photographer | children's portraiture | photography on location | burlington | ontario ]

"blond-curly-hair-envy" [ amy montgomery :: children's photographer ]

I guess you always want what you don't have. When I was a kid, that "want" was to have curly hair... curly AND blond hair.... ok, curly, blond hair with REEALLY long eyelashes.

I would have looked like Miss J in my dreams.

This sweet little red dress is from children's clothing designer "Blu" out of Montreal. I'm over my blond-curly-hair envy, but I really would like a dress like this for my little girl!

Amy Montgomery [ photographer | children's portraiture | photography on location | burlington | ontario ]