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Sneak Peek! Day After Session – Styled Shoot

March 8, 2016

Day After Session – Sneak Peek!

Helloooo, everyone!
I’m super excited to (almost) share this session with you.
It was my first time planning a styled shoot and I am so thrilled with how it all came together. The concept was the ‘day after’ the wedding – the first day as newlyweds, incorporating some details from the festivities the day before.
Cozy, relaxed, playful.
I won’t say much more just yet, but I will share a few little sneak peeks – stay tuned for more!

5 Helpful Engagement Session Tips

February 4, 2016

I get asked this question all the time – What makes a good engagement session?

Since I’ve found myself e-mailing responses to this question so often, I thought I’d put together a quick little guide.

For me, it’s actually super simple. There are 5 Helpful Tips that really do make a *huge* difference in the results of your photos.

TIP #1 – LIGHT

The definition of ‘photography’ literally translates from Greek to drawing with light. (Photo=Light, Graphy=Drawing)
Light is a huge component of what makes a good photograph.

For engagement sessions, many people love the warm glow they sometimes see in photographs, often with sun beams coming into the shot. The best time to get this type of light is about the hour to half hour before sunset. I typically start sessions 1.5 hours before sunset to have a bit more cushion time to explore and catch different types of light.

Sometimes the skies don’t allow for these sun beams (c’mon, cloud cover!), and that’s ok. It may not even be something you like. But, don’t fret if it’s not a bright sunny day. In fact, it’s actually BETTER when the day is cloudy versus too bright. Clouds are like nature’s soft boxes, creating a great, even light. Bright sunshine (like at mid afternoon) makes people squint and leaves ‘hot spots’ (bright white areas) on your clothes & faces. Clouds or scheduling your session at a later or super early time will help prevent this.

Speak with your photographer about the best time to take your photos to get the best results. This will also depend on how your photographer likes to shoot. For me, I love the hour-ish before sunset. (This actually applies to your wedding portraits too, if possible!)

TIP #2 – PERSONALIZATION

I love it when engagement sessions reflect you as a couple. I always ask couples to tell me some things they enjoy doing together, or places they enjoy visiting. From there we can gather inspiration for little things we can add to your session to make it something you can look back on and think, ‘that was so us during that time’.

For instance, you guys may love going for coffee, or having picnics, or maybe you love sports. Or maybe you just want to spend time at home since it’s your favourite place, or visit where you had your first date. We can include hints to these things in your individualized session.

Of course we’ll take some awesome lovey portraits, but it’s also neat when the location or some items in the photos have special meaning for you.

TIP # 3 – OUTFITS (Think: Comfortable, Co-ordinated, Compatible)

A big question I get a lot is ‘what should we wear?’

The answer to this is three-fold:

1. Comfortable: The most important thing is that you are comfortable, since it will show in the photos if you aren’t. This means wearing something that is weather-appropriate (wear layers in cold weather so you’re not freezing with hunched, stiff shoulders in the shoot!), as well as something you can move around in easily. Make sure it’s something you’d feel comfortable sitting on the ground in – something that won’t shift in awkward, possibly revealing ways (e.g. a short skirt, or a tight buttoned shirt that could pull the spaces between buttons awkwardly). Accessories like scarves and blankets can also add a cozy feel.

Engagement Session Tips | Olive Photography Toronto

Toronto engagement photography - Olive Photography

2. Coordinated: Make sure your outfit styles work well together. Maybe you’re both wearing earth tones, maybe you’re both slightly more formal, maybe both outfits have a bit of the same colour, or perhaps you’re wearing different yet complementing colours. The important thing is that your outfits work well together. Something to avoid is one person being super dressed down (e.g. in a hoodie or torn jeans) while the other is a bit more put together. Class it up, but also keep it relaxed & co-ordinated. (Note: Co-ordinated is different from match-y – don’t wear the same shirts and pants, since that tends to have a formal family portrait vibe.)

This bride-to-be even co-ordinated her lipstick with their picnic cherries:

3. Compatible: Make sure your outfits make sense/are compatible with the location of the shoot. If we’re frolicking through a forest you probably don’t want to be wearing heels. But heels definitely work for city photos. If it’s snowing outside it may look (and feel) strange to wear a sleeveless dress, so wear something weather-appropriate (this is also part of the ‘comfortable’ tip). Make sure your outfits will look nice in the context of the environment.

TIP # 4 – MANICURES

This goes for both the ladies and the gents. Get your hands ready for those potential close-up shots.
Painted nails look so great in photos.

Also, these things are often overlooked: moisturize (so you don’t have dry skin and cuticles) and trim those nails, gents!
These little things make a big difference.

TIP # 5 – ENJOY

Engagement sessions are a time for you to let loose and enjoy a fun date. It’s totally about you guys – a time for you to pause, enjoy each other’s company, and connect. Your photographer will help make you feel comfortable and give you directions if needed, but we are there to capture the essence you two. Spend time really feeling each other’s love, because that’s what this is all about!

Afternoon Engagement Photos – Challenge Accepted.

May 5, 2015

Today I went out and photographed during many photographers’ nightmare: Mid-Day Sun. (Eek!) Afternoon engagement photos can be quite challenging – If you’ve ever booked a session with a photographer chances are they’ve tried to schedule the session during sunset, sunrise, or some time other than noon or 1pm. There’s good reason for this – With the sun high up in the sky during mid afternoon it’s usually super bright, causing subjects to squint and creating harsh ‘hot spots’/bright spots to appear on faces and clothes, and generally the light can be quite strong and unforgiving. So, many photographers understandably avoid shooting during this time altogether. But, as much as other times may be favourable, we can’t always choose when a photo session will happen, and so it’s important to be equipped with techniques that make you adaptable in all sorts of situations. So, though I already have some techniques up my sleeve, I wanted to learn more, and I spent some time with another awesome Toronto photographer named Hugh Whitaker who had some awesome pointers – thanks again, Hugh! It was super fun taking some time to go out and shoot for fun – bonus that I got to hang out with some friends I hadn’t seen in a while on a beautiful day. (Shoutout to Monika and Dave for being such awesome models today – thanks, guys! And happy almost 3 year anniversary!) Though Mister Sun didn’t come out to play too much, I experimented with some new techniques I definitely plan to continue using. Anywho, thought I’d share a couple of photos from today’s Professional Development/fun shoot – it’s always nice learning and trying out new stuff! Mid-day Summer sun, maybe we can be friends? 😛

Isabella’s Toronto Cake Smash!

March 10, 2015

Isabella’s Toronto Cake Smash!

Ah, little Isabella.
I have to say, her personality didn’t seem so little – She’s definitely got a presence and a total ‘I’m a boss’-ness about her. She knows she commands the room, and it’s gosh-darned hilarious to watch.
As she smushed her foot right into the cake, grabbed a chunk of that gorgeous pink ombre deliciousness and playfully tasted some, she did a little wiggle with glee. We laughed and laughed each time she did that wiggle, which I’m pretty sure she kept doing because of the reaction. Smart cookie, miss.

I originally met this sweetie pie at Denise and Mark’s wedding – she was a cutie patootie flower girl who unfortunately was so sick and wasn’t much in the mood for photos. So Denise wanted to do this first birthday session for her to get more photos of her in this stage of her life – and I was so excited to shoot it!

I brought the backdrops and photo gear while Denise and Diana (Isabella’s mom) gathered up some fantastic props, including some spectacular home-made ones! Can you believe Denise crocheted that bear and number 1?? And that they both cut, painted and sewed that banner?? You ladies are inspirational – such talent! I might have to send future clients to you for custom orders! (If you’re reading this and you’re interested, yes, Denise is taking orders!)

Anyhow, enough of my blabbering – Enjoy the cuteness! (And the comical mess that ensued!)

Liberty Village Engagement Photos

October 13, 2014

Liberty Village Engagement Photos

Well aren’t these two just cute as a button??

Isabella and Lukas mentioned they’re not usually comfortable in front of the camera, but I wouldn’t have known that if they hadn’t mentioned it – Isabella even thought she didn’t look good in photos… I beg to differ, miss!

Though they may not usually be comfortable around the camera it sure didn’t seem that way – maybe they’re just so comfortable being around each other, bringing the best out of one another. I’ve gotta say, these photos ooze comfort and coziness – Isabella and Lukas danced around, kept each other warm from the cold, gave the sweetest glances – they make me smile. It was super fun to be in the presence of such open hearts.

The day was definitely a bit brisk and the Fall air had a bite to it, but it was sweet to witness how Lukas held Isabella close to warm her up. Even sweeter to see the looks of pure smitten-ness in their faces and body language.

After some time outside we got to enjoy two beverages with each other. First, the two of them enjoyed a pint (Lukas joked that he should have had it at the start of the session since it warmed him up), then later we went to a nearby coffee shop to enjoy some hot tea and apple cider – mmm, like Autumn in a cup!

I had so much fun getting to know these two.

And now, some words from our lovebirds about their Love Story!
“Our love story was definitely not one of love at first sight. We met in middle school, where we found each other dorky and unappealing. A couple of years went by and a close friendship developed. At school we chose the same classes, would visit each other’s lockers, and laughed at each others jokes. We would phone each other nightly to discuss our latest crushes, often Isabella giving Lukas sage advice. We saw each other through several brief and awkward relationships. Eventually we got tired of our friends interrogating us about our developing affections for one another and the inevitable happened. We weren’t sure if it would last past prom, but more than eight years later we are now planning a wedding.

Despite having no phone service, Lukas planned his big proposal while working at a hospital in the tiny northern town of Moose Factory, Ontario. He chose our favourite winery to stage a private dinner, featuring all of Isabella’s favourite foods and wines. He got down on one knee and an emotional Isabella nodded a yes.

Our relationship has been through long distance, three university degrees, many travels and a beautiful proposal. Nevertheless, our relationship remains much like it began – two friends who laugh at each other’s jokes.

We look forward to sharing our special day with our family, friends and with Olive Photography!”

*Update!* These two are now married! Have a look at their wedding here!

Fall Family Shoot!

October 7, 2014

Evelyn and Tasso are two sweet, kind, warm souls who I’ve always known to be so positive, optimistic and good-natured.

When they asked me to photograph their family I was thrilled! It had been a while since I’d seen them and my little cousins, and I was excited about spending time with them.

Their kids Theo and Andreas are so sweet! Theo was a fantastic role model big brother who was totally no-fuss and so excellent in front of the camera, and Andreas was an energetic, spunky fireball of silly who made me laugh the entire time.

I told them their session was totally easy peasy since their super big family love radiates and makes what I do so fun and almost effortless. I had such a great time photographing their beautiful family!

Thanks for a wonderful time, you guys!

Newborn Josiah Liam

October 5, 2014

Ah, Josiah. Baby to two of the sweetest parents you’ll ever meet, Chantelle and Joel. I had the pleasure of photographing those two back when they were engaged, and it was absolutely amazing to see them again – with a new life they’d created! I can’t tell you how cool I think that is.

During our session baby Josiah was ever-so-curious, eyes wide and scanning the entire environment around him. So no sleepy shots for this curious fellow. (His eyes are beautiful, though, so that wasn’t a problem, and I got to witness his developing personality.) What was really amazing was that if you called him, he looked *directly* at you. That’s so rare for a baby this young! His sight is likely still being developed but it was pretty incredible to be looked at like that by a week-old mini person.

It was also wonderful to meet Chantelle’s mum who had flown all the way from England to see her new grandchild – she glowed when I asked her how it feels to be a grandmother.

It’s so evident that this li’l one is absolutely adored and loved to the fullest. It was a joy to be in the presence of this family and photograph this beautiful time in their life.

Thank you for coming over, guys! Please feel free to come back anytime!

Family Session! Danielle, Jeremy, Damian, Jada

September 30, 2014

I had the pleasure of photographing this sweet family last year and was thrilled when they asked me to do another session with them this year. It’s so neat to see how kids grow and how their personalities evolve over time. Damian is a sweetheart big brother who is so good with setting an example for his little sister, and Jada is so full of life and spunk!

During our session both of them would stop to marvel at the beautiful and cool things they saw, and of course I had to stop and marvel with them – it’s so much fun getting into the imaginative and exciting world of kids! For example we saw paw prints dried in the mud and wondered what animal could have left them, or when I spotted a ladybug at the start of our session Jada insisted on carrying it with us the entire time, which meant I had a ladybug crawling up my arm or finger between shots so she could pose without getting distracted by the cuteness. It surprisingly stayed with us from start to end without flying away!

Danielle and Jeremy have raised such wonderful kids and I had so much fun with their whole family.

Here’s to next year, lovelies! Thanks for the memorable and wonderful afternoon!

Much love,
Anastasia

Featured! 3 times last week!

September 29, 2014

Hiya folks!

My, was it an exciting week last week – I was so incredibly honoured to have my photos featured by 3 wonderful blogs!

I was really thrilled, but I have to say, my work is so inspired by the amazing souls who place their trust in me to photograph their milestones. Shelley & Dave, Laura & Zach, Fidan & Designed Dream – these features are as much yours as they are mine. Yes, I might see and capture things in a certain way, but so much of what I photograph is the beauty, life, love and hard work of those who invite me in to come and snap my shutter. I photograph from the heart, opening up and feeling your joy and responding to that – that’s where my work flourishes, and your events had such an abundance of awesomeness that you guys manifested into your life.

So congratulations to all of you on having your gorgeous affairs selected and shared, and thanks so much for choosing me to photograph them!

And now, without further adieu, here are some preview screen shots and the links!

Much love,
Anastasia (Olive Photography)

Style Me Pretty
Shelley & Dave’s Wedding
Link to Feature: http://www.stylemepretty.com/2014/09/22/whimsical-toronto-restaurant-wedding/

The Wedding Co.
Laura & Zach’s Wedding
Link to Feature: http://www.theweddingco.com/olive-photo/

Style Me Pretty Living
Shabby Chic Themed 1st Birthday Party
Link to Feature: http://www.stylemepretty.com/living/2014/09/26/shabby-chic-themed-1st-birthday-party/

Baby Logan – 6 Days Old

July 14, 2014

To spend time with such a delicate, beautiful new life is beyond magical. Although Logan was only 6 days old, he was moving and twisting and attempting to roll around – was so hard to believe he was less than a week old! So cool.

Here are some of the photos I took of him between his energetic moving about. I’ll always treasure this session and look forward to photographing more babies in the future!!

Also, how adorable is the love Logan’s two siblings Mia and Mason have for their new little brother? They kept saying ‘my baby’ and going over to kiss and hug him. So beautiful.