Judy Jakusz Photography Blog

Olympic Gold [Toronto and GTA photographer]

March 9, 2010 Posted in Vendor Spotlight

Reason #1 why I love my job — I get to hang with uber cool and nice people! :)

Last Thursday - absolutely hands down - was no exception. I had a chance to meet and photograph 2010 Canadian Olympic gold medalist Jasey-Jay Anderson, during his corporate appearance at Apex Composites in Burlington.

In a nutshell — Apex was commissioned by Canada’s Own the Podium program to develop the carbon fiber technology and product that helped Jasey win gold in Vancouver. Now, I have to say, I haven’t had a chance to meet a lot of athletes in my time, and wasn’t sure what I’d be expecting. So reaching back to my business days, I did some homework the night before and read up on Jasey - check out this great article on him from the Winnipeg Press. True to the article, he was gracious, down to earth, and super patient with all the photos that both myself and the Apex staff and customers were taking during his appearance.

I took a number of shots with Jasey and the Apex staff and customers — but the real treat was getting to photograph the candid moments, and there were many. :)

Thanks Melissa, Gerry and all the Apex team for having me in, and letting me share this great moment with you all! And thanks Jasey for being such a good sport about all those pics! :)

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And yes —- I had a chance to hang out with the gold medal too

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Trust me — anyone who wears or carries more than one would have to add arm lifts to their workouts—-new Olympic sport perhaps? Medal weightlifting

Tags: 2010 Canadian Olympic Team, 2010 Winter Olympics, Add new tag, Olympic Gold Medal, Snowboard, Toronto, Vancouver Olympics

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More twins [Toronto wedding and children's lifestyle photography]

February 24, 2010 Posted in Baby, Children, Lifestyle Portrait Photography, Twin photography, Year in the Life Sessions

Just because winter has decided to pay a visit before the season ends doesn’t mean that photography stops — in fact, it means that lifestyle fun just moves indoors, as this fun session with Alexis and Brooke proves. :)

These two little cuties are just turning one, so ready to walk, and are always on the go. This age is perfect for a lifestyle photography session, especially when no one wants to sit still. :)

So just what do we do at this age in a lifestyle session? Just about anything that your little ones find fun and amusing. Bring out the music and toys, let your little ones dance, sing and play, and get those moments in photos before they are gone. That’s what mom and dad chose to do during my time with Alexis and Brooke, as I turned a few rooms into a glorified playroom and indoor studio. Plus don’t forget about some downtime and snuggle time. Alexis and Brook love to spend time reading with mom and dad. We chose to sit on the floor in the family room, but you could also do cuddle and reading sessions with everyone barefoot in bed too.

Some tips for your lifestyle session — 1. Pick the area of your house with as much light as possible for the majority of your photography. I can help you with that, and it’s something we talk about during our session planning. 2. Move out anything that you won’t need to give yourself lots of space to move around with your little ones. 3. Have a some toys or books ready for distractions and break times. Little ones aren’t always used to so much play and repeated activity, so be ready with a toy to cuddle, or a snack and drink, to give them a bit of a break from the camera. 4. Put on the music and get everyone moving. (I think that’s one of the coolest things about my job — I can dance and be silly and no one cares!) 5. Expect the unexpected! I don’t know how many times I hear from my moms and dads ‘he/she is never interested in (insert activity or behavior here!)’ - or - ‘he/she is totally different when it’s just us’. I expect that — I’ve come in as a totally new person to your family, and I expect your little ones to sometimes take a bit to warm up, or to want to show off a bit, or to want to be anything than their sweet tempered selves they usually are when I’m not around. It’s OK! :) I’m okay with all that — and trust me — I’m a mom to a now 14-year old — so I’ve been right there too!

Waiting till warm weather for your lifestyle session? Book your indoor lifestyle session now and have lots of fun! The cold weather will be over before you know it!

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Tags: Burlington, Hamilton, lifestyle photography, Oakville, photography for twins, Twin photography, Twin portraits, twins

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First Birthday [Toronto and Burlington Baby Photographer]

February 11, 2010 Posted in Baby, Children, Year in the Life Sessions

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I have to laugh at Lauren’s expressions every time I look at these photos — it was such a fun session to do with her for her first birthday. Never mind that I’ve been photographing Lauren since she was just a teeny thing — I’ve absolutely loved watching her grow and change with every session we’ve done this past year! :)

Now I have to say, Lauren was probably burned out on birthday by the time we took these photos. She had already celebrated her birthday twice before last week’s session, so by time number three it was really no wonder that the birthday cupcakes held no interest and the birthday bubbles were much more of a hit. After all, you can only be a party girl so many times, right?!

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Nope - no interest in cake at all! :)

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So much for the cake — time to bring on the bubbles….

Gotta love this expression as though Lauren’s about to say — ‘but Mom, why won’t they stay in one place?’ :) Lauren’s mom Melissa found this fabulously cool bubble blowing set at Gymboree which blew lots of sticky bubbles that didn’t immediately pop, so we had lots to entertain Lauren. Definitely have to get myself one of those toys – and not just for baby sessions either !!!

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What more can you ask for when you’re one??? Lots of pink, party hats, bubbles….. need I say more!

Tags: Burlington, children's photograper, Hamilton baby photographer, Oakville baby photographer, Toronto baby photographer

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Ainsley [toronto newborn photography]

January 8, 2010 Posted in Baby, Newborn

Happy New Year everyone and welcome to 2010!

Didn’t it seem the holidays just flew by this year? It was so wonderful to have a full week before Christmas off with both Keith and Caitlin at home, as well as home during the Christmas/New Year week. So much nicer than having no time before Christmas and then all that time after the new year for the Christmas break.

I’m super excited for everything I have already planned for 2010 , and can’t wait to start unveiling all the new looks to the website and blog I’ve been working on for the last bit of time.

Catching up on posting and blogging all the wonderful sessions I worked on over the past several months has been a big project and is one of my top New Year resolutions. It seems that October through mid-December was busy-non-stop. Thanks to all my wonderful clients for coming back for portraits, and spreading the word to friends and family as well. I’m so looking forward to seeing many of you all again this year too. :)

Now to start off with one of my last sessions from 2009 ….

Sweet baby Ainsley was such a cutie pie to work with — even though she didn’t want to leave mom’s arms for just about the entire session. That’s okay — newborns don’t come with instruction manuals, and usually call the shots during their photo sessions! It’s probably the first reason why I always plan for lots of time when I schedule for my newborn portraits.

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I love this pic of mom and daughter. Mom and Dad have just moved into a brand new house, and our session that day was taken in their previous home - just before the move. Isn’t this so what custom photography is all about — memories of your first home, with your baby in your arms.

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I loved Ainsley’s toes — oh alright, I’ll admit it — I love baby toes in general!

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Had to get a shot of big brother Buster! He kept jumping on the bed wanting to be right in the action.

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Ainsley stayed awake throughout most of the session, but she definitely wore herself out by the end of our time together — so I quickly took a number of sleepy mood shots before I left her and her mom. Even though it was mid-afternoon - the sunshine was casting a glowy and warm look in the room, and I loved how it helped to create the vintagy feel to these photos. A little bit of vintage finishing didn’t hurt either — I wanted that dreamy effect that doesn’t always happen when my babies are wide-eyed and ready to rock during their photos! :)

I think one of the things I love most about doing newborn sessions is that none of them — not a one — ever seem the same, or ever turn out the same. The lighting, the day, the room; all of those things together go into the photos that come out of your session. That’s what makes them so much fun to plan and create. :)

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Tags: Add new tag, baby portraits, Burlington baby photographer, Hamilton baby photographer, lifestyle photography, newborn portraits, Toronto baby photographer

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Julia and Nicholas [Burlington child photography]

November 26, 2009 Posted in Children, Family, Twin photography

A few from my fun session with little Julia and Nicholas — just a little over 6 months old now. How those twins have grown, and I’m positive that since we took these photos, Nicolas has grown another inch longer! It was so good to see Kim, Alex and their wonderful family again! :) The location for our photos - the grounds at Ireland House here in Burlington, along with the park at Tansley Woods - both beautiful spots — just filled with fun places to run!

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Tags: Burlington, Burlington children's photographer, Hamilton, Ireland House, mothers of twins, Oakville, outdoor photo sessions, photography for twins, Tansley Woods, twins

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Comments = cans [Burlington and Toronto photographer]

November 25, 2009 Posted in This is Real Life!

I know I haven’t been the best on up-keeping my blog, and we won’t even begin to mention all of the changes and updates it needs :) — but I’ve discovered one thing over the last months, and that’s a neglected blog seems to promote lots of spam, and the last thing I like to see every morning is a box filled with spam comments. Not a happy way to start the AM….

So we’re going to fix that little problem today –

and hopefully help out a bunch of people along the way.

And to celebrate Thanksgiving back home for my American friends and family, and to help my Canadian friends get into that holiday spirit even more, we’re going to get busy!

Starting today, and through December 4th, for every comment on my blog posts I receive, I’ll donate a canned or boxed item to our local Burlington food bank So, scroll through the posts, check out the pics and leave me some blog love and I promise to give you all lots more to keep you inspired over the next week! I’ve never done this before, and I’m not sure how many comments I’ll even get — but I’ll keep you posted as we go.

Like to go the extra mile yourself? Contact your local community organizations like the Salvation Army or your local community churches to get you started. If you’re up my way in Ontario, here is a link to food banks throughout the province.

http://www.oafb.ca/members.html?letter=ALL

While many of these organizations benefit the most at the holidays, we all know that assistance is needed all year long.

Now before the copy police come out in full force — let me just say — this idea was NOT my own — but I absolutely love it! And I challenge all of my other family, friends, readers, and fans out there with blogs to do the same. Thanks so much to all of my Canadian and American photographer friends for sharing this idea on their own respective blogs — between us all, it really shows what a difference we can make every day!

Tags: Burlington, Toronto Ontario phographer

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November 25, 2009 - 11:16 am Lauren - Hey Judy! I think this is such a great idea! I don't know if I am the first to leave a comment, but hopefully this is one of many! What a wonderful gesture for the holidays! -Lauren :)

Burlington Family Photography [Burlington and Mississauga Photographer]

November 24, 2009 Posted in Children, Family

Another catch-up post today —-

Carolyn’s family session from Paletta Lakefront Park. From a few weeks back when we still were in the peak of our beautiful fall golds! :)

I hadn’t seen Carolyn’s little ones since Mikaela was born — she has graced my blog and site before, wrapped up in a bundle on mom and dad’s bed. It’s hard to believe she’s now a girl on the move, who knows how to hold her own with big brother Alessio. :) Such cuties — and Carolyn, it was so good to see you all again! I’m so glad I was able to catch a few of these two together — in between crackers and snacks and Alessio’s discussion of Halloween costumes!

Enjoy!

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Worked really hard for this shot! :) But had a lot of fun finding these next ones…

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This one above is my hands down favorite!

Tags: Add new tag, Burlington, Burlington children's photographer, children's photograper, Mississauga, Mississauga children's photographer, Oakville, Oakville family photographer, Paletta mansion

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18 month pics [Burlington, Toronto, Ajax Family Photographer]

November 23, 2009 Posted in Children, Family, On Location Photography

Time for more blog love today – and the stack of sessions to be blogged could create blog posts from now till Christmas!

A few of the very energetic Cole from this weekend - and I’ll tell you — he was a little man on the move who stopped for nothing! I want his energy most days! I had an awesome time with him, as well as weith mom and dad who drove all the way in from Ajax for our photos on Saturday. These were shot at Palleta Lakefront Park here in Burlington, which is probably one of my favorite outdoor places in Burlington to hold nature sessions. There are so many places to wander, you don’t ever have to make it look the same! In fact, that’s one of the things I love most when I have clients that want to shoot at Paletta; the challenge of making their photos look like they aren’t at Paletta! Making pics look unique and special even though it has to be one of the top locations used by almost every photographer in the area isn’t always easy, but it’s such a fun challenge ! :)

I’ve got lots more to work through for the gallery, but here are just s few of my faves from the afternoon.

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Tags: Ajax, Burlington, children's photographer, family photographer, Palleta, Toronto

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Sneak Previews Tonight [Toronto Ontario portrait photographer]

November 8, 2009 Posted in Engagement, Lifestyle Portrait Photography, Weddings

Yikes!!! I owe soooo many sneak previews — so I figured the easiest way was to preview everyone who needs one — and then blog each of y’all later this week! :) So here goes —-

First up —- Christine and Ben (back from when we still had fall colors!) and their fabulous outdoor e-session up on the escarpment at Mt. Nemo! :) There’s definitely a blog story behind these photos.

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Then we have the beautiful vintage glam of Jessica and Jamie’s wedding here in Burlington at LaSalle park.

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And finally, just a very quick peak at Andrea and Adam’s edgy and urban e-session out at The Brickworks in TO.

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Much more still to come!!! :) And thanks so much to all of you who have been so very patiently waiting on your galleries and blog posts while the busy October portrait season was in full swing over the past several weeks!

Tags: Burlington, Engagement, engagement photography, family photographer, Geraldo's, LaSalle Park, Mississauga, Mt. Nemo, Oakville, The Brickworks, Toronto, wedding photographer, wedding photographer for Ontario, wedding photography

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Michelle + Paul [Hamilton Ontario Wedding Photographer]

October 14, 2009 Posted in Real Weddings, Weddings

Back to the previews again — it seems forever since I blogged last. Over the past several weeks I’ve been working furiously on my last three September weddings. I’m also in the midst of fall portraits, and senior portrait rep pics, so between the days of sessions and edits, the blog has been greatly neglected. Goal for next year — blog better, and definitely get myself an assistant for those summer wedding edits! :)

My post tonight is for you Michelle— Michelle has been waiting very patiently since her return from that Mexican honeymoon for any sort of preview on the blog! :) It seems like so long ago since we had a beautiful summer into fall day — and Michelle and Paul’s September day was just that. After a morning ceremony in Waterdown at Michelle’s family church, we headed to Brantford for their brunch reception at the Brantford Golf and Country Club.

Here are just a few from the day and it’s details.