Capturing the Essence of Childhood~ Durham Region Children Photographer

We are quickly approaching my youngest daughter's second birthday. I choke back silent tears at the thought of how quickly those two years have passed and how much she has grown. She is very aware of the absence of others lately and every morning asks "Where did daddy go?" or "Where did Abby go?", or mommy, etc. She is so sweet and gentle and is so content to play where ever we go, usually happy and all smiles and she loves to snuggle. I cherish every hug and cuddle she gives me and loathe the thought of a day where neither one of my girls will need this from me as much. Tears...again. I shouldn't even write these words, they are just kindling my inner sorrow thinking about the future.

This morning I decided to celebrate her upcoming birthday with a little photo shoot with both my girls in a natural fall setting. I love trying to show the relationship between my girls whenever I take their photos and other families children. I try to avoid taking those cheesy, forced smiles, but love to capture pure happiness, or, on the opposite scale, crocodile tears at the drop of a hat just because. I love the realism of life and want to show my girls what they looked like through smiles, thoughtful expressions and tears. The balloons were a form of bribery to get them to put their new dresses on and to illustrate Madison's upcoming celebration. They add a nice touch to any session involving children though. Here are a few from our fun this morning at a spot very special to me. I used to spend many moments here just contemplating life and my future when I was little.

I took this while trying to set up for a self timed portrait with the three of us...although they are not in focus, I kind of like seeing the sun shine off the leaves in the foreground. I can't believe these will be covered in white in a few short days or weeks.

I managed to capture just one photo with the three of us together using the self timer. I would love a wireless remote so I won't be running back and forth, which is nearly impossible with an almost two year old and and a high-spirited four year old. It wasn't quite what I had in mind as I was very pressed for time with my two little ones but I will take what I can get since I am so seldom in photos being the photographer.