Krista Jefferson Photography

Almost Here

2008-04-29T08:06:00.000-07:00

BIG changes coming on Thursday, May 1 - so be sure to check back!!

My kids always like three clues for surprises, so here you go...

1) Yellow
2) A Bright Idea
3) Eden + Madison

Huh? You just have to wait and see.......

Amy's Song

2008-04-28T22:51:00.000-07:00

You have to watch this most creative speech to the happy couple! I found this when I was blog hopping - watch to the end (get past the cue cards). I cried, I laughed.. I love it!!!

LINK

Marky Mark

2008-04-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

15 years ago this Fall I saw a guy at the bus stop near my college reading a book I recognized from one of my classes. He was cute - so I introduced myself and we started gabbing.

This same guy is downstairs right now pulling his hair out as he does our taxes. I'm trying to stay out of the way.

One thing that Mark does love to do is ride his motorbike he got last year. He got it out this past week and tonight I snapped a few pics of him after church as he rode home. So, in the spirit of stress relievers for my favourite hubby... here's a few pics of him!

Mike & Kristen Engagement

2008-04-27T08:54:00.001-07:00

This morning was a perfect Spring morning! So nice to be outside and enjoy the sunshine and the signs of life all around. And even better was spending it with Mike & Kristen who are gtting married this Fall! We met in Burlington and wandered around exploring and getting to know each other better. A fun morning!

The trees were just stunning this morning!

Then we headed over to the Village Square in Burlington - what a great spot! So many neat shops and restaurants!

Then we walked over to the water - great way to end the morning!

And we saw this bird... is it one legged or just standing on one leg? Either way... what balance!!

Headed home

2008-04-26T05:30:00.000-07:00

After my journey to Nestor Falls for Grandma's funeral, I'm on my way home. It has been a great time of seeing family - lots of laughs mixed with lots of tears. The journey to Nestor Falls is a familiar one we took many, many times as a kid. It is my favourite place on earth filled with good memories. It is a place untouched by time or technology where I can still walk in almost any store (of the 3 or 4 there - ha!) and know the staff (and be related to most). Because I look like my mom, I get recognized most places. It is a community that supports each other and considers people who have lived there less than 30 years a newcomer. It's home to my family and I love being there!

Here's a bit of my journey....

Marcie and Eden on their way in the Toronto airport

Got to love planes where we can all watch our own show!

Persians - you can only get them in Thunder Bay and they are heavenly! They are so bad for you - and true Thunder Bay folks make it even worse by frying them in butter. Mmmmmm..... This is one thing I miss about living in Thunder Bay!

Nestor Falls (where my grandparents lived) is 5 hours from Thunder Bay. The drive is pretty barren so you stop where you can. Quetico is always our "pit stop" as it's about half way and there's no where else to stop!

The girls were bushed by the time we got to my aunt and uncle's in Emo. It was good to have a BBQ with the family - they are such a cool family! We'll be back in 3 weeks for my cousin's Kathryn's wedding!

Eden loved the view in the morning - their house is right on the river (with teh USA right across the river)

And Madi loved this dirt bike at Uncle Dave's Kawaski dealership

Finally we got to Nestor Falls - we were fortunate that the Helliar's family opened their resort for us to crash at (they're not open for the season yet). They have been good family friends for a long time - my mom grew up with them.

And how nice to find a stocked fridge - thanks to family in the area!

Marcie and the girls exploring the room and resort

Then we wandered down to the falls where Madi loved the cray fish claws

Madi wanted to make an inukshuk after seeing so many along the drive - she couldn't pronounce it though and called it a "suction cup".

My cousin Ralph is this big tough biker looking guy - who charms any kid. He works in a kindergarten class actually. Within 30 seconds Eden was cuddled into him and announcing she thought he was handsome.

The first night in Nestor Falls the ladies at my Grandma's church did a big supper for all of us.

Here are my mom and her two sisters - still goofs even in the midst of sorrow.

Aunt Marcie and all her nieces and nephews - love how Cohen is sitting away from all the yucky girls.

Some candid snaps from dinner

The morning of the funeral Marcie and I walked down to Grandma's home - she sold it 4 years ago so it lacked her personality. She had flowers everywhere when she lived there and gardens galore - it seemed very symbolic to be back at the house with no flowers or signs of life in sight. But there was still signs of Grandma around... (fortunately there was no signs of the owners around as we wandered the yard!)

The road into Grandma's house

Some of Grandma's things left behind at the house

The view from Grandma's - lots of ice still!

This is the camp my grandparents met at 60 some years ago. It is now owned by a family member - and they opened the camp for us to have a celebration at after the funeral.

I come from a family of bush pilots - always lots of great stories!

And some random candids of loved ones..

Now I'm on my way home today from Thunder Bay. After a long trip emotionally and physically - I'm ready to be home!

Thank You

2008-04-20T19:35:00.001-07:00

I am blown away by all the emails and support from people in my Grandma's passing. Unbelievable. Thank you. If you knew her - you would have loved her. If you didn't - you missed out in a massive way.

I will be away most of this week. Grandma is from Nestor Falls which is in the middle of nowhere and the most beautiful place anywhere. We have a flight to Thunder Bay and then 5 hours of driving from there. We will be gone Tuesday through Saturday most likely. Carolynn and Beth are here holding down the fort at KJP.

Anyhow, all the grandkids were asked to share something at the funeral on Thursday if they can/want. I know I'll be blubbering but I wanted to say something. I started to think about everything I learned from Grandma (or GG as most of us called her for either Grandma Grace or Great Grandma to my kids). This is a quick draft, thought I'd share with you some of the lessons I learned... (and am in the process of learning - I'm far from most of these!)

All I needed to know I learned from GG....

GG taught me that it is important to give others the spotlight, and to sit in the audience cheering them on. Being a cheerleader and support is just as important (if not more) than being the star of the show.

GG taught me that love is more than words.

GG taught me the art of remembering.... names, what someone is going through, and what someone likes. To pick up on comments casually said in conversation of something the person needed, and remember it come Christmas. To inquire after people and their specific situation. To remember people by name. To stock the fridge with your guests favourite food.

GG taught me that life is full of simple joys - a garden in full bloom, a shore launch, fresh picked strawberries, catching a big walleye, a walk on a beautiful day.

GG taught me to laugh often and much. But never at someone's expense.

GG taught me I am a part of the world I live in and need to be informed. Staying up to date on current affairs - both politically and culturally... from the evening news to Dancing with Stars.

GG taught me that it is better to listen than to speak. Then when you do speak, everyone is all ears.

GG taught me how to live life to the fullest.

Smiling Eyes - Sharon

2008-04-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

Smiling Eyes is a volunteer organization that I belong to where photographers donate their time to family's dealing with cancer.

I had the honour of meeting Sharon and her family today. Sharon had not been home in months and had a day pass for the first time today. What a gorgeous Spring day to be out! She was joined by her three kids, parents, husband, and loved ones.

The beautiful Sharon...

The whole gang surrounding Sharon with love...

Sharon and her three kids

and a more tender side of the kids...

Kids will always be kids...

Three generations of women...

Sharon and her parents...

Sharon and her hubby...

Sharon looking on at her kids...

Sharon's parents were a riot! - the top photo the mom was saying "Don't put your arm around me! Hold my hand!!"The last picture they were arguing over if they had been married 64 or 65 years.

Coffee Talk

2008-04-19T08:37:00.001-07:00

Today was suppose to be the coffee talk - but with this morning's news of the loss of my Grandma (see below) I had to reschedule everything. I tried tor each all of you I could by email, but unfortunately I did not have phone numbers. My friend Jen also went down to look for people with cameras. If I missed anyone - I apologize. I would love to do this again - once I'm back from flying up for the funeral and such I will reschedule something. Thanks for your understanding!

Saying Goodbye

2008-04-19T05:53:00.000-07:00

This morning I got a call that no one ever wants. One of those phone calls that just the ring alone tells you what the caller is going to say.

Last night my Grandma went to sleep, this morning she didn't wake up.

My Grandma was not your typical 95 year old. The only other time she had been in the hospital was to have kids - over 60 years ago. She was so up on culture - reading People magazine and watching American Idol faithfully. My mom said this week when she saw my mom come in the hospital one day the first question she asked was "Who got voted off Dancing with Stars last night?"My Grandma had a wicked sense of humour. She was one of the most thoughtful people I ever met. If I ever brought a friend to her home for a visit - Grandma would remember them forever after asking about them each time I saw her. Grandma would make sure she kept our favourite foods and things on hand for visits. She hated attention on herself. She would say "we're full of balarney" and give us a swat if we started to get mushy. Everyone who met her adored her. Grandma lived many, many miles away and although we didn't speak often - I always knew she was there loving me and believing in me.

I am also thinking about how glad I am for photos of my Grandma with my kids. They are young enough they don't remember her well - but I want them to know her. As they grow up, I can show them the photos of her and tell them the stories of their GG.

I am reminded again today though to always tell the people you know how much you love them and what they mean to you. Even if they say "enough of that mush!" (as my Grandma would say) we need to let our loved ones know they are just that - loved.

I love you Grandma.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

2008-04-18T17:17:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I had the privilege of meeting Gina and Nikolina. A mother and daughter whose bond was obvious to me the second we met. The love I saw between Nikolina and her mom made me really want photos with my mom. I told them to wear jeans and a tshirt - and they showed up glam, in dresses and heels! I LOVED IT! With the sun just starting to go down, I had fun playing with light and watching these two ladies interact. They were like best friends - and it shows in the photos. We shot around 6pm and it now makes me want to always shoot at this time.

This is them dancing... so fun.

Share a Smile

2008-04-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

I just got this GREAT email from Donna - made me day. Made my week! Thanks Donna!! And as you're reading this - you need to know her sons are ADORABLE (see HERE) - would love to see them dancing!

So... I'm reading through your blog (like I do when I want a quick smile fix) and decide to click on the wedding video of Neil and Nicola...

The music came on and Isaiah just started dancing spontaneously with such exuberance it made all of us laugh. Micah (just walking) came around the corner and laughed his little contagious laugh and we all enjoyed a rare moment when both boys have fun together, and I remember why I became a parent in the first place!

Thanks for the moment... I NEEDED THAT!

Learning Together

2008-04-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

I get lots of requests to go grab a coffee and talk "shop" with photographers - which I LOVE to do! LOVE.

I thought maybe we could do it together and all learn from each other. Ask questions and just hang out and get to know each other! So if you are a photographer - newbie or old hat - come on out Sat morning!

Thought we could go to Williams at the Hamilton waterfront as it's suppose to be a gorgeous day! A client (and now friend - hi Mary!) introduced me to the new waterfront part - gorgeous! Seriously, nicest coffee shop with a great patio which we can finally use as this nasty winter is (hopefully) gone. Let me know if you're coming so I can watch out for you. So here's the details:

Date: Saturday, April 19, 2008
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Location:Williams Coffe Pub
Street: 47 Discovery Drive

Oh! And if you are a wedding photographer - make sure to mark this upcoming event on your calendar. Two of my heroes - Joe Buissink and Yervant - are coming to Toronto May 12. And if you're going - let me know so I can look for you there!

Walking in your shoes

2008-04-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

So, many months ago I got a comment on my blog here from Christine from Click Photography asking if I could do her family's portraits. I went to her website and fell in love with her style also - so we are doing each other's portraits this Spring. This blog comment though has developed into a new friendship with Christine who is such an amazing person. She is the founder of Smiling Eyes and just a ball of fun!

But... now I know how you feel. Sunday we are getting our family's photos done and all I can think about is.... what should we wear?? My OCD is kicking in and it's all I can think about. What type of look do we want to go for? Bright and funky? Natural and classic? All coordinating?

what to do, what to do.....

Monday Mommy Dates

2008-04-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

Monday mornings are generally a horrible thing. But the last few weeks it has become a favourite time of the week for me. This is Madi and my "Mommy Date" time. Today we went and had breakfast out and then just did some errands. But we were together. We gabbed. Laughed. Talked about where fairies live, Madi's birthday party plans (in 5 months), wanting a dog, Spring, being a rock star... and life in general.

Best way to start a week!

Vegas Fun

2008-04-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

I just found this photo of some of us gals in Vegas from a photo booth - had to share it!

Pictured - Jen K, Beth Smith (who both work and support me - can't do anything without them!) and Christine (www.clickphotography.ca)

Welcome Tobin!

2008-04-12T21:55:00.000-07:00

Back in February, I had the pleasure of meeting Kris & Martha as they waited for their son to arrive. Today I got to meet Tobin Oliver (great names!) and he is sweet!!

What a difference a couple months makes...

Kris & Martha are just smitten with Tobin - and the feeling is mutual. So much love!

Kris and Tobin were so sweet together! I always love watching dads with their kids...

And at three weeks old - Tobin already knows (and loves) mom's voice!

I love this photo of Martha and Tobin - such a tender moment between mom and son... those early days of adoration wher eyou just want to kiss them all over and cuddle them!

Kris and Martha were calming Tobin and I just loved how they were all three holding hands so naturally...

Then Tobin decided to pull out his acting skills - from pretending to sleep to screaming!

Mom and dad were holding Tobin - I laugh when I look at the photo of just Kris' hands, it looks as if Tobin is saying "Dad, it's a long way down.... hold on to me!"

Tobin up close

Tobin playing peek a boo

And on the beautiful blue blanket made by his aunt

And here he is giving us the peace sign - "Peace!"

Changes

2008-04-09T17:14:00.000-07:00

Tis the season for newness and change. (is "newness" even a word?)

New life is springing up - the first glimpses of flowers, butterflies... and even Robin Redbreasts!

It's exciting! And here at KJP we are also in the midst of changes. Big exciting new life changes that we'll be unveiling soon! Can't wait to tell you all our big secret...

Nelyweds: Neil & Nicola

2008-04-05T20:49:00.001-07:00

I woke up today like a kid on Christmas morning.. it was a gorgeous sunny day! Perfect for a wedding!! After such a LONG cold, hard, eternal winter... the warmth of today was a welcome friend. What a great way to celebrate with Neil & Nicola!

Neil & Nicola's wedding was at the beautiful Beverly Golf & Country Club and catered by Pepperwood. They had friends and family who had flown in from all over to celebrate along with them! There was lots of laughter and fun on this Big Day!

Congratulations!

In 2008 we are happy to introduce a portion of all photo sales from weddings will be donated to the charity of the couple's choice. In memory of Nicola's mother, we are pleased to donate to the organ transplant at Toronto General.

Also - if you are a friend or family of Neil & Nicola - make sure to register HERE to see all their photos when they are ready for viewing!

Good Friends

2008-04-02T09:01:00.001-07:00

I just found these photos from a dinner out with two of my closest friends a couple days before I left for Vegas. Monica, Cherie and I have been friends since high school and try to get together a few times a year.

We are all photo lovers. In high school (okay - and even now) we get together and do photo shoots - just for fun! Whenever we meet the rule is you have to bring photos. The two of them are amazing scrap bookers and so it's always fun looking trhough their new creations.

This ring here has a story.

In high school I bought it and thought it was perfect. But when Mark proposed, I passed it on to Monica as I had a new ring to replace it. When Mon got engaged a few years later, I got the ring back. I just came across it recently and was wearing it when we got together. Cherie sadly just lost her wedding rings... and was ring-less. So she now is the proud owner of my special ring!

There is nothing better than good friends. We've been through the very good together and the very rough. They are my encouragement and support. I love these gals! They amaze me with their talents and skills.

Hoping you are celebrating the friends in your own life as you read this entry!

Watching Movies with Kids

2008-03-31T21:47:00.000-07:00

I am in love with the movie Enchanted. So, today when my saint of a sister (did I mention she came over on her day off to babysit - and brought supper for us with her!!) came over, she had to see it.

My girls could have seen a movie 50 times, read a book a hundred times - and still they pepper you with questions as though it is their first time. Every time.

The heroine Giselle shows up at the ball - Eden asks "Where did she get ready?" (I don't know!)

The single dad is at the ball, and Madison asks "Who's taking care of [his daughter] Morgan?" (um... a babysitter?)

and my favourite....

from Madi: "When the people who play in this movie kiss... are they really kissing?"

At one point I had to ask a question. There is a part where Giselle has just realized her feelings for Patrick Dempsey (hello! I could have told her about Dr. McDreamy ages before she clued in!) and is daydreaming about him. I said to Madi - "What do you think she's dreaming about?"

Her response? "Probably Pip the Chipmunk."

Oh, I love the innocence! As annoying as the questions can be after the 500th "why?" - I hope the questioning never ends.

Saturday in Review

2008-03-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

So today I spent the day in Toronto at Africa Inland Mission's Art Show Fundraiser. I had a couple of pieces in the show and was photographing the event for them. I was amazed by the quality and diversity of work! Wow! Makes me want to learn to paint, carve, sculpt, do batik, draw.... I feel inspired!

I left around 8:30pm - right during Earth Hour. It was strange to drive by the CN Tour and it to be in total darkness. I would have taken a photo but.... you wouldn't have seen anything!

Then what made me happy was I listen to k-lite fm on the way home and they have old music on Saturday nights. I love (LOVE!) songs I can sing to - I'm a horrible singer, but a fantastic car singer if you know what I mean. I like to belt it out in my safety zone of my car. So I was completely happy when "Thriller", "YMCA" and other such gems were played. Sweet!

Speaking of Thriller - the other day some friends and I were discussing our memories of the Thriller video. Remember how scary it was? Music videos were still fairly new - and this was terrifying to watch!

All in all - a good day!

Sonia's Family

2008-03-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

This morning I had the pleasure of meeting Sonia and her adorable kids - Alishia (Sonia - you'll have to let me know the correct spelling!) and Aidan. Alishia is about 2 and a half and loves to talk! She had me laughing from before I has even taken off my shoes. And Aidan - he's just a laid back little guy. Watches his sister and mom with awe and takes it all in. Cute!

Sonia told me how they had done family photos in a formal studio setting for Christmas - and how that was such a negative experience for them. As a mom of two active kids myself I know how hard it is to ask a kid to sit still, tilt their head and smile nicely. Isn't going to happen. These experiences usually leaves everyone involved frustrated. This is one of the reasons I shoot like I do... when I am photographing kids, the first thing I do is connect with the kids. I get down at their level and play or listen to them. They need to trust me. Then I'll pull out my cameras - and depending on their age I may take a quick photo and show them it (so they understand what I'm doing) or explain the camera a little bit to them - I've even let kids take a couple photos. And then we simply play! Because - I know for me, this is how I want to remember my kids. How they behaved, felt and experienced life at this stage.

When I left, Alishia was sad that I couldn't stay to have a snack of cheerios with her. And you know - I was a little bummed too. She was a sweetie! But after every photo shoot with kids - I'm anxious to get home to my own two girls and give them an extra dose of loving!

The little man and his cute facial expressions...

And the bubbly, full of life sister!

I loved this series of Alishia colouring - so serious!

Professional Photos of Your Children

2008-03-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

I love blogs! I use bloglines to keep track of all the blogs I read. Basically it's a free website where I register all the blogs I read - and then they let me know when there is a new post.

All that to say, I saw today on my friend Jennifer's blog this great article from Real Simple magazine. Follow the link here (always interesting to see everyone's comments about an article!) or read below...

I’ve never forgotten an invaluable piece of advice that I heard from an older friend right after my first child was born. She told me, “One of my greatest regrets about my children’s childhoods was that I didn’t have more professional pictures taken.”

“You didn’t take many pictures?” I asked.

“I took tons of pictures,” she said, “but the fact is, professional photographs are so much better than even the best snapshots.”

I absolutely agree—professional photos are better. And keeping her advice in mind, ever since my daughters were born, I’ve been zealous about getting their photos taken professionally at least once a year.

While it’s a lot of fun (and also a pain) to take pictures myself, it’s terrific to have some pictures that are truly excellent. These photos don’t take the place of the on-the-spot pictures that I take myself—I still take scads of photos at birthday parties, first days of school, on the slide, with a popsicle—but these pictures memorialize my children’s childhoods in a different way.

Plus they make great family gifts. I can never figure out a good present for the grandparents and great-grandparents, but they always love to get a really great photograph—especially the relatives who don’t often get a chance to see the girls in person.

Also, research shows that one way to boost your happiness is to reflect on happy times, and looking at photographs helps keep memories more vivid.

It’s a splurge, of course. Professional photos aren’t cheap.

However, I figure that the money I spend on these photographs will strengthen family bonds, enhance happy memories, and capture the fleeting moments of childhood. They give me more pleasure than practically any other purchases that I make. That strikes me as pretty good happiness bang for the buck.

A friend’s family had another great photography tradition. For her whole life, at every milestone, her parents took a picture of her and her brother sitting exactly the same way on their front stoop. It’s fascinating to see them change through the years. Along the same lines, the artist Nicholas Nixon took a photograph of his wife and her three sisters once a year for 33 years. The collection of these photographs, The Brown Sisters, is riveting.

Getting professional photos take is a great example of the tiresome fact that happiness takes thought and effort. These photographs are easy to arrange; in the scheme of things, not terribly expensive; contribute greatly to our family happiness—and yet it probably never would have occurred to me to do it if my friend hadn’t suggested it.

Have you ever had your child's professional photograph taken? Did you think it was worth the expense and trouble?

Springs of Hope

2008-03-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

This Saturday I am going to be at the Africa Inland Mission's "Springs of Hope" fundraiser. I will have a couple pieces donated in their art show as well as I will be photographing the event for them.

If you are in Toronto on Saturday - you should check it out! LINK

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

I came home from my Vegas trip last weekend right into Easter festivities. Yeah! Friday we had a Good Friday service and brunch, Saturday we went to our friend's home for the afternoon and today we had a sunrise service at church (way too early!) before heading out to my parents for the day. The girls are at such a fun age - they loved hunting for eggs! And at my parents church (yes - we did a double header this morning!) when they asked for what things the kids were thankful for - Eden (my 3 year old) raised her hand and said her Easter dress. I'll get a photo of them in their new dresses soon - my kids get to my parents house and immediately strip so that they can dive into the dress up box!

It was a good day today - a lazy Sunday afternoon gabbing, laughing, watching the kids performances, enjoying family and food.

I hope each of you also had a wonderful Easter celebration! Tomorrow we head out to my in-laws farm for another dinner - I may explode after all this good food this weekend!!

I will post more photo slate r- but loved this one of my Madi and her cousin Hannah under the kitchen table in their "fort".