Sugarbush Studio

Live Oak International

2010-04-01T13:15:00.006-04:00

The Live Oak Internation Driving Competition taking place at Live Oak Stud, just outside of Ocala Florida, offered outstanding teams and individuals competing not only for the National Championship but also trying to qualify for the Worlds Equestrian Games Four In Hand in Kentucky. I was constantly amazed by the training, suppleness and competitive skills that these horses and ponies showed. This is just a small sampling of the extraordinary horses that I was able to capture. Enjoy.

Photography in Florida

2010-04-01T10:32:00.002-04:00

I recently travelled to Ocala, Florida to photograph the Live Oak Internationl Driving Championships. An unexpected surprise was the opportunity to visit the Carriage Museum with good friend and photographer, Shirley McQuillan from Versailles, Kentucky. We enjoyed a carriage drive with her horse, Revelry in training at the complex and then viewed the library and Carriage Museum. This is a destination not to be missed!

Gloria Austen, the force behind the creation of this museum and a world renowned driver of carriage horses took one of the carriages out of the museum and presented it with her team of Friesiens for everyone to enjoy at the Live Oak International.

A Shared Moment

2010-03-24T10:19:00.002-04:00

When Rhett was ready to start skating of course grandma had to join in. Thus new skates - old body and not as good balance as fifty years ago. I could not let this special time go unrecorded so with much trepidation, my camera took to the ice.

It has been so exciting to see Rhett go from "leaning on the bar" to standing on his own and taking those careful strides. Of course that's not nearly as much fun as racing all out with the bar, standing on one leg and doing tight turns. (The new desired skills after watching the Olympics).

But the best part of going skating is to see who is going to be there. Is it Justin who skates like the wind, Riley who joined us for hot chocolate at Tim Hortons after a skate, Shawn the gentle giant who spent time with a little boy or Cole, our newest buddy? For grandma it's all about being able to skate on his own, but for Rhett it's about the fun of sharing the experience with someone his age.

The Miracle of Life

2010-03-20T12:34:00.003-04:00

Wee Adessa, just two weeks old had her first portrait session linking the past to the present as she wore her father's "coming home from the hospital, sweater set". The brightness of her eyes shone through as she was reluctant to miss anything.

CHICKEN MAN

2010-03-04T14:59:00.003-05:00

This past weekend while driving to a basketball tournament in Hamilton, I had a young entrepreneur named Alex with me. She explained her "business" , which was gathering and selling eggs from her chickens, saving her money and investing in an incubator to be able to expand towards raising her own ducks and chickens. On the side she had a jewellery design business also that was adding to the coffers.

It reminded me of a special session with a family in Cazenovia, New York who also had a sharp young man who sold his eggs to the Syracuse University staff and invested wisely. In my mind I always remember him as the "Chicken Man". He quickly scooped up two chickens, one under each arm and posed for the camera. Karsh had nothing on the expression and sense of self satisfaction that this young man portrayed.

New Boy On The Block

2010-03-03T09:49:00.005-05:00

I have to admit that I get giddy with anticipation to see the newborn babies that come to the studio for their first photo shoot. So small, yet even at such young ages they are showing tiny signs of personality. (At least that's how I interpret them.) Seven days old "Aiden" with big sister Ella and mom and dad were no exception. Isn't he just precious.

To see further images of this "little one" click on "Aiden".

The Happiest Of Times

2010-03-02T13:28:00.003-05:00

On a cloudy winter afternoon, the warmth and love of Scott and Shannon kept everyone warm. This lovely couple were game for anything. I can't wait for their wedding in May.

To view more images of their engagement session, click on LOVE.

The Professional Difference

2010-02-25T12:21:00.002-05:00

Photography and photographic retouching have been around since the beginning of professional photographers. The importance and impact of modern day "enhancements" can take your image from "good" to "WOW"! Professionals can create the piece of artwork that will stand the test of time.

We Are The Basketball Future

2010-02-21T13:09:00.005-05:00

North Grenville High School saw the Kemptville Warriors Novice Girls play host to Barrhaven Blue Devils and Russell Rockets in the "We Are The Future" tri-meet. These eight and nine year old girls, strongly supported by parents and friends showed that they were determined to be the next rising stars in basketball.

Following each game the "Hustle Awards" as chosen by Major Bantam and Major Atom officials were presented to two players on each team. Every player was awarded a commemorative T-Shirt of the day.

Great basketball, great coaching, great participation from all level of WARRIORS.

To be able to view all images taken on the day of all teams, click on WE ARE THE FUTURE

Welcome To Our World, Josh

2010-02-06T14:09:00.003-05:00

Josh, not so little brother of Mathew arrived with mom, Wendy and Dad, Michael to have his first portrait session at two weeks old. I was amazed how sharp and clear his little eyes were for this age as well as well filled frame. Another big boy for the farm I'd say!

Hello From Afghanistan

2010-02-06T11:47:00.003-05:00

I had the opportunity of photographing Captain Robert Morency and his family in July, prior to his assignment in Afghanistan. At Christmas I sent him a small photobook of his families session in appreciation for his efforts.

Robert commented, "They are great shots and I have the album in my desk drawer so that I can take it out often and think of home. " He also sent along some images of his area. "Not much greenery but the stark landscape is often breathtaking." (Rob)

On The Cover

2010-01-31T11:27:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Chantal and Brian Kelly who graced the front cover of the Recorder and Times Bridal Issue. Their image in the beautiful carriage from Precious Moments at their December 27th wedding at Strathmere was chosen from all participants to win the coveted position. The honor came with the gift of a weekend at the Delta Chelsea in Toronto, which they will enjoy during the March Break.

How Our Families Grow

2010-01-15T11:24:00.003-05:00

During the Christmas festivities I had the opportunity of photographing a beautiful family, very dear to my heart. My association with the Norenberg family goes back more than thirty five years when Karl built our home, an A frame construction that had never been done before in the area. To this day we tell everyone of what an excellent job and service he provided for us.

We got to know the family even better when I taught Eric and Margret how to ride and enjoyed the families participation in the Oxford Downs Pony Club. After university and a teaching career at Ottawa University, I was privileged to photograph Margrit and Mineo's wedding.

Add to all of this two very well behaved young boys and Christa, a proud grandmother and the family has grown. The pleasure of photographing this wonderful family who has done so much for the Kemptville community gave me a chance to laugh and remember good times shared.

Brigadoon 20th Anniversary

2010-01-06T10:28:00.002-05:00

The Brigadoon Restaurant, under the masterful hand of Cheryl Mackie celebrated its 20th anniversary on January 2nd by hosting two cocktail parties with all proceeds going to the Kemptville District Hospital. Cheryl and her staff volunteered their expertise to thank those who had supported them over the twenty years in which the "Brigadoon" has put Oxford Mills on the "Fine Dining Map". Stephanie McGuire, granddaughter of Cheryl presented Cheryl with a beautiful bouquet and personal achievement plaque. This moment was made even more special since Cheryl's mother was in attendance from England to take part in this memorable occasion.

To view the 20th anniversary, click on Brigadoon.

Christmas Fantasy

2010-01-03T16:36:00.005-05:00

The ice coated world of Strathmere was the perfect Christmas Fantasy for the wedding of Chantal and Brian on December 27. The warm glow of the Lodge, the giant Christmas tree and fireplaces crackling welcomed the guests who sipped on warm apple cider as they awaited the anticipated moment. This very personal service made it official - Chantal and Brian were officially, "Man and wife". Congratulations.

To be able to view more images of this beautiful wedding click on WEDDING

Serving Our Country

2010-01-03T16:22:00.004-05:00

Once again I had the opportunity to meet and photograph one of Canada's young soldiers who is preparing for Afghanistan. My thoughts and prayers will be with Ben while he serves with the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan for a safe return.

The Circle Is Complete!

2009-12-23T11:32:00.005-05:00

Twenty-three years ago I had the opportunity to photograph, four year old Meghan Wubs as a flowergirl in her cousin's wedding. That first encounter paved the path for me to photograph four sisters and one brother's weddings in the Wub's family.

The last remaining child to be married in this family of six was Meghan. It was worth the wait, as Meghan absolutely shone on her wedding day. The ceremony and reception took place at the West Carleton Inn, where everyone could enjoy the ambience of the Inn in its Christmas decor and not have to weather the cold temperatures.

The three flowergirls brought many smiles, all nieces of Meghan. Erin kept it all in control as Maid of Honor. Paul's father held down the Best Man role.

The entire Wubs family was home for this priceless moment, with Julie and Chris and their family coming from Brazil. The family portrait of Meghan, Paul and the entire family was like a "history lesson" before my eyes, as I had been there for the weddings of all six children.

Meeting and being part of such beautiful families is a wonderful gift in this profession. The circle is complete!
To see more images of this special wedding click on WEDDING.

I Wish I Could Tell!

2009-12-10T09:39:00.002-05:00

This year I had some fantastic fall portrait sessions that I was very excited about. Unfortunately I cannot show or tell of these as many are going to be used for Christmas Presents. My thoughts on Christmas morning are always with these gifts as I hope that the recipients enjoy them as much as I did taking them.

They Get Better Every Year!

2009-12-09T20:04:00.003-05:00

The family of Grant and Penny Brown have been coming to the studio for their Christmas family photo for a number of years. It is an assignment that I look forward to, as the five children are cute as buttons and the most co-operative young people about. Their simple black turtle neck sweaters and blue jeans makes their beaming faces stand out in black and white. What a beautiful family.

The Beach Family

2009-12-09T19:59:00.002-05:00

It seemed only yesterday that I was photographing the baby pictures of Hanna. Now she is a beautiful young teenager. I must say though that Kim & Greg are as fun-loving as ever. It was a great session with the barns, dog and the corn field.

2009-11-22T11:33:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Christmas Home Tour

2009-11-21T15:20:00.010-05:00

The Christmas Home Tour to benefit the Maycourt Hospice is anxiously awaited each year. Mill Street Florists, the international award winning flower shop in Manotick is chosen to decorate one of the six homes. This year my pleasure was doubled as the home owners, Peter and Janet Vanzyl are long standing clients of mine. Enjoy!

To see more of this beautiful home tour, click on XMAS HOME TOUR.

What Do You Call A Cowboy, Cow and Xmas Treat?

2009-11-16T14:41:00.002-05:00

The answer is MAXIM! This happy little seven month old had us all smiles as he modelled the latest fashions. Truly an adorable child.

To see all the images of his session, click on MAXIM.

Steve and Vanessa Wedding Celebration

2009-11-01T12:08:00.002-05:00

Athough it rained earlier in the day, nothing could dampen the excitement and splendor on their wedding day. Blessed Sacrament Church was beautifully decorated and Vanessa & Steve's wedding party in rich, chocolate brown accentuated the strong fall colors. One of my favorite of all times antique vehicles, a 1935 Tereplane whisked the happy couple away for photos and fun. To see more of this memorable day, click on WEDDING.

Katie & Charles Fall Splendor

2009-10-23T11:14:00.002-04:00

Temple's Sugar Camp was the perfect setting for Katie & Charles to celebrate their marriage and show their Scottish guests the beauty of our country. Temples had it all - great color - large timbered buildings - delicious food! Add to this handsome men in kilts - a Rolls Royce - stunning women in vibrant red and a couple that you just wanted to "hug". It could not have been better. To view images of this fun filled wedding click on WEDDING.