Category Archives: Personal

Last year I was in the search for a fabulous camera bag. The one I currently had from another vendor (NOT Shutterbags!) rapidly fell apart, the paint actually chipped off the faux leather!  Kim from Shutterbagusa kindly sent me one of her camera bags.  I waited almost an entire year before posting this review of the bag because I wanted to actually USE this item, lugging it around so I could report on the wear/tear.

I received their Journey camera bag.  It came in the most gorgeous yellow – I LOVED the color.  Here are the specs of the bag from their site:

  • The Journey bag can easily accommodate a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, even attached to your camera.
  • Carry up to a 15 inch laptop
  • Hold a gripped camera with ease
  • Front pouch is designed to carry a water bottle (tightly closed, of course), sippy cup, or bottle
  • The two front pockets can fit a checkbook style wallet
  • Side slit pockets can hold any popular smartphone
  • Back zippered pocket opens to slide in a tablet (up to 11 inches) or open completely to slide on the handle of a rolling bag.
  • Dimensions for the Journey bag are: 13 inches tall, 16 inches wide, and 8 inches deep.

The Journey is very durable, there are no blemishes or tears etc from my travelling with this bag – from Texas, to WPPI, Alabama and all over Canada. One of the things I loved most about the Journey is the size – its large. Large enough for me not only to carry my camera gear with me on flights, but it easily doubles as my purse with my makeup, phone, Ipad, wallet.  Thankfully its not big enough to fit a child or I’m sure my youngest would be hitching a ride with me 😉

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I received so many compliments from non photographers – they wanted this camera bag as a purse!  One of my favorite things about the Journey is its size, construction quality and color. The only drawback would be that my shoulder would hurt from the weight of the bag once its stuffed with all my gear – but that would be my own fault since I tend to carry everything but the kitchen sink when I travel.

Would I buy another Shutterbag camera bag? Absolutely. In fact, I think its time for a new color 😀

This post is close to my heart. I am so pleased to introduce my only niece, Andie Patricia.  She’s special not only because she’s my first niece, but she was also born 9 months after my amazing mom passed away.  ( you can view my posts about mom here and here. )A day before mom left us, my brother told mom that his wife and he were considering trying for a baby – which was a bit of surprise to all of us.  A couple of weeks after her passing, my sister in law discovered she was pregnant ♥ And 9 months later, Andie arrived weighing 7lbs.

I was so excited! I flew down to Kelowna to photograph Andie for her newborn session. My friend Heidi from Heidi Mckelvey Photography graciously offered the use of her studio in Summerland, BC. Everything was ready for this sweet baby . . .and it all went to hell. Seriously, she has to be one of the most difficult and uncooperative babies out the HUNDREDS of newborns that I have photographed in 8 years! Before we even took one picture, she pooped everywhere.  Then stayed awake screaming at us for another hour.  Somehow I managed to get a few images of her  – all I have to say about that session is that its a good thing she was my niece!

And here she is, our sweet ray of light after a difficult year – my pretty niece, Andie Patricia, xo.

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A Mother is life’s greatest treasure.

Tremendous sadness, beyond description. Mom passed away on September 19 after a 2 year long and painful battle with stomach cancer. She was surrounded by so much love when she left. I am so grateful that I was with her during this time.

I understand the inevitability of death, and that it is natural for our parents to pass during our lifetime, however I was unable to comprehend or prepare for the void I now have.  Not being able to just pick up the phone and tell her about all the little things that have happened in my day or share my children’s daily adventures.

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 Every minute I think of her – the realization of her absence is a continuous ache. Cherish everything about those you love, give your mama a call, or a hug if you are near, let her know how dearly you love her.

xo.

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