I count myself very fortunate to be an at home mom to my almost 3 yr old boy.  

Never for one second before I had him did I think I'd be an at home mom.

Once a devoted, career focused, stressed out working girl

(Social Work to be exact)

I never thought I'd give that up.

BUT

I get to see every moment of my boy's life.

I love it.

He's growing up too fast not to be there.

I was with him at his gymnastics class on Monday,and I was running along side him while he was blissfully 

doing his version of gymnastics with the biggest smile on his face.

I realized these little things are big things.

These are the little moments I want to cherish.

And savour in the moment.

So I did.

I just watched his joyful, youthful smile that was totally focused on the sheer bliss of the moment.

And that was an amazing little (BIG) moment.

tracy cook {NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY} www.cherryblissphotography.ca

Hubby and I both share a love of photography, exploring, and heading off the beaten trail.  With my mother in law in town to look after our little guy, we decided to go exploring.  A neighbour had seen my photos of old buildings and barns before and recommended this very secluded place not too far from Kamloops.  I suspect there is a lot of history to these sets of dwellings- I need to look into it further before I can say much.  Although it was a dreary rainy day, I loved what we found !  We happily explored for hours, and these are some of the images I captured.  

A cold house built into the hill- still in good repair

 Love the roof !

 An apple tree in the background.  Bear poop nearby.

 Isolation.  Way back when it was occupied- peace and serenity, or boredom and depressing?

I think I squealed when we went around back of this one and found the car

Grass growing from under the motor

Love the details of old vehicles in poor repair

What a great find !  We so enjoyed the day on our own, and I loved capturing these images and exploring !!

tracy cook {NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY} www.cherryblissphotography.ca

I do miss the big skies of Alberta, the beautiful mountains, the scenery....

This is taken near Pincher Creek.

tracy cook {NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY} www.cherryblissphotography.ca

If you're looking for me when I retire....

This is where you will find me.

Every time I'm there, I have a sense of

 "THIS is where I belong".

We took our little man for his first EVER visit earlier this month.

Where do you belong?

tracy cook {MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY} www.cherryblissphotography.ca

May I share just a couple more from my maternity shoot last night?  Just a few that I love as I'm working through editing all of the images.....

tracy cook {PHOTOGRAPHY} www.cherryblissphotography.ca

A few days ago I captured this on my camera.

So what is it?

Guesses?

It's not a trick, it's nothing I made, it's just the way my camera captured it on a certain setting.

I ran unsharp mask on it in photoshop just to pop the colours a bit.

I'll be back on Friday to see if anyone got it.

So post your ideas!

What is it?

(besides pretty cool)

tracy cook {FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY} www.cherryblissphotography.ca

I had the cutest brother/sister duo the other day !  Both were sweet and beautiful, although I'm not sure a boy his age wants to be referred to that way--haha-- but it's true !  Enjoy the images.

This has to be one of my favorite images, I caught her just sitting quietly waiting for me to come to her.

And she was all smiles once we got going

The two of them were soooo photogenic !!

And this is an out-take, but an adorable one... monkeying around after the shoot.  Could you resist capturing this??

tracy cook {NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY} www.cherryblissphotography.ca

Just 7 days new, this cutie with a full head of hair, and wonderful long fingers and toes came for
 his session on his one week birth day.

Here is his preview.

tracy cook {FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY} www.cherryblissphotography.ca

ah- the freedom of youth & summer
= simple. natural. beauty.

tracy cook {FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY} www.cherryblissphotography.ca

Pets are people too .... well... kinda.

Not my dog, although I wish he was.

tracy cook {FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY} www.cherryblissphotography.ca

Happy Long Weekend

what I've learnt about photography

I found a post on one of the blogs I read, about the things the blogger learned about photography.  And it got me thinking... I've been serious about this photography thing for a while now, so what have I learnt?

You really do need to get off of auto mode.  I was scared to get off- but I did, and it's made a world of difference.

Photography can be technical- but a person can learn the ins and outs.

Expert photogs always say- know your camera inside and out.  They are right. 

It is not wise to take a client's word for it that a location that you don't know, and that they insist on is great.  It might be a fabulous location, but a horrible photography spot.  Lesson learnt

Always scout out a location before a shoot.  If you can't- don't shoot there.  (related to my learning in #4)


Do not over saturate yourself with blogs and fb pages of other photographers.  It makes you feel bad about yourself if you are looking at too many.  


Take inspiration from a few photogs that you really admire.  My top three are Jasmine Star, Kelle Hampton, and Drew B.  There are others- but these are some of the most talented ladies out there.


Don't follow blogs/fb pages of anyone within 500km.  I have made one exception to this rule because this lady is wayy too talented not to follow.




Find inspiration everywhere.


Shoot what you love, and try out other types of photography too.


When you are trying to develop your brand- shoot 70% your style, and 30% of what you know the client will love.


You must own and use a prime lens.  Must. Must. Must.


Try not to compare yourself, be too hard on yourself, or give up.  Some factors in your photographic success are in your control, some aren't.


Try to tell a story with your photos.


If you really don't want to do it- don't.  (actually that's a life rule too)


Be true to your photographic vision.Find a mentor or a friend to share and learn from/with.  It can be very inspiring.
Seek input and constructive criticism only from those who are giving it for the right reasons.


Know that with props, it's a fine line between good relevant prop and cheesy items.

The rule of thirds really does help.


The histogram is helpful, but not essential.


Photoshop suggestions aren't always right- if you like your image- use it even if conventional thought is that it's wrong (ie over saturated  blown out, overexposed, underexposed etc)




You don't have to do anything- it's your photography.


Blog and share your stuff


Make friends with photoshop (uggh) but edit in a way that represents your style.  (ie I say I'm an organic photographer- meaning I use photoshop to touch up, not to drastically alter an image)


Find your photographic voice and use it- whatever level you are at- your thoughts, opinions, contributions matter.


Would someone remind me to look at these next time I get frustrated or lose my way?  I plan on reviewing this post in 6 months, and 1 year to see if I still agree with myself....