Rachel Ludwig Photography Blog - Abbotsford Portrait and Wedding Photographer

Aldergrove Couple Session | Michelle & James and Bailey

September 6, 2008

I love it when people contact me to book a session ‘just because’. Just because they want to capture where they are in their lives right now. Just because they want some fresh pictures on the wall. Just because they want to have some pictures taken for the heck of it! This is why Michelle contacted me, and I love these type of sessions. They were super laid back and up for just about anything…and most of my clients know I will ask for a lot! Michelle & James weren’t shy at all and didn’t say no to any of my crazy requests and it resulted in some amazing images.

So much fun to capture this little family just as they are right now. Michelle & James decided to bring along their adorable little dog Bailey, and she sure added some spice (and a few minor challenges, although, nothing a lot of treats couldn’t handle!) to the session.There’s nothing quite so fun for a photographer as finding new locations. As Michelle and James had just moved to Aldergrove, we decided to tromp around the town and we discovered some great spots. Thanks so much for a fun evening you two!

** Observant readers might notice some changes to the pictures being posted here. It’s all part of my ongoing re-branding process. Let me know what you think!

Just a little bit of spice

I’ve been dying to do a shot like this for ages, and every shoot I seem to forget (can you say pregnancy brain??). Thank goodness I didn’t forget this time around…one of my favorites from this session:

My clients and regular blog readers probably know I have a small addiction to feet shots. And with a cute little dog? So fun!

I have been eying this little bus stop for years and years. Perfect punch of color and some fab graffiti. Music is fun you know! ha!

Welcome to your new town!

Shortly before this session, Michelle and James went on a family trip to Europe, and hit up several countries including each of their ancestral homes: Croatia and Holland. Of course they had to bring home some souvenirs that showed their soccer rivalry.

By Rachel | Posted in Couples | Tagged Aldergrove Family Portraits | 5 comments Show Comments | Add a Comment

Chilliwack Family Session | Kim & Clarke, Heather, Nicole and Jenna

September 4, 2008

I worked with Clarke for quite a few years, and one Christmas party as I started talking to his wife Kim we realized we both had a love for photography. We hit it off and have been friends every since. Kim was much further into her photography journey than I was, and she has been a great mentor to me and taught me so much in the process. I have never been able to thank Kim enough for her willingness to teach me and share her wealth of knowledge, plus she also took some gorgeous pics for me during my last pregnancy and of baby #2.I was so happy when I had the chance to repay some of her kindess and generosity by doing a family session for Kim and her family.

Kim wanted an urban setting for their images, so we had lots of fun tromping around some not so glamorous places in downton Abbotsford (and let me tell you, I’m glad Clarke is a big tough guy, cuz there’s no way I would’ve ventured there without someone like him along to watch our backs!).

So here are more than a few of my favorites…I had such a hard time narrowing them down!

Their girls are not only beautiful, but so much fun too. Nicole (the middle daughter) was being super goofy and quickly got the other two into the act as well…I loved it!

It’s so much fun playing with shadows:

I’m thinking she was whispering some spicy little nothings…apparently Clarke was liking what he was hearing

And finding a shopping cart at my favorite blue wall? So perfect, and they were totally game:

Clarke is more than a little outnumbered in his household…their way of telling him how much they appreciate him putting up with all the girly stuff!

I couldn’t resist this picture…love how just seeing it makes me feel happy!

And I know I’ve shared a ton of pictures from this shoot, but I just have to share this one, one of my faves of the three girls, aka Charlie’s Angels

By Rachel | Posted in Families | Tagged chilliwack family photographer | 2 comments Show Comments | Add a Comment

Harrison Wedding | Tricia & Bryan

September 3, 2008

When I woke up the morning of Tricia and Bryan’s wedding to the pitter-pattering of rain on my roof, I immediately though of Tricia and hoped she wasn’t stressing out about the minor torrential downpour happening outside! But you know what they say, rain on your wedding day is good luck! Not that Tricia and Bryan needed it, rain or shine, they were so excited that nothing could dampen their spirits or ruin their special day. As luck would have it, after moving the ceremony inside and completing family portraits indoors, the rain stopped and we were able to go outside for bridal portraits. It all worked out perfectly.

I’ve known Tricia for quite a few years through work, but I loved having the chance to get to know Bryan better, and to meet their kids. It was so neat to see this blended family together, and seeing just how much fun they were! They all had me cracking up on more than a few occasions (and you’ll see a few reasons below).

Here are a few sneak peeks from their wedding, which was held in beautiful Harrison at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort. Tracey at Cinderella Chair, not only arranged all the decor, she also coordinated the entire wedding. Everything ran so smoothly and without a glitch.

I was playing around with a bit of vintage processing…and I love the feel it gives to these images. Just so soft and pretty:

While I was busy getting some shots of the kids, Bryan was busy carving their names and date into the bridge. A big thanks to Carmen, my second shooter, for this amazing shot!

Doesn’t Tricia look stunning? She made such a beautiful bride that we had people stopping her to tell her so everywhere we went! I know Bryan fully agreed.

And of course the handsome groom, who definitely added his own touches to the wedding, which I thought was so cool. He had some great suggestions for portraits, and the music they chose reflected their love for some great classic rock and played a big part in their day. Such a fun addition to their wedding that truly made it special for them.

They played Bon Jovi as Bryan and his two sons walked in for the ceremony, and they all had their sun glasses on. It was so fun! I love how these two images of Bryan and Tricia with their kids totally captures a special part of their relationships:

And the wedding party…I loved that Bryan’s sons and Tricia’s daughter played such a special role in their day. Dana, a long time friend of Tricia and the maid of honor was a total trooper. She’s pregnant (due close to the same time as me I think, and she looked fabulous!) and wore high heels all day! That deserves a gold star in the maid of honor awards I think.

Even though by the time we took the pictures, it wasn’t actually raining, I was sure glad to have this big umbrella along, and the resulting image was definitely worth it!

Because I love feet shots, and particularly Tricia’s adorably painted toenails!

I loved the beautiful necklace Tricia wore, and for the record I’m totally envious of her freckles (I think I’ve always wanted freckles. That, and red hair too while I’m wishing.)

Did I mention how fun their kids were? They were the best posers ever I think. And this was even with me calling Bryan’s sons #1 and #2 and confusing which one was the older brother and which was the younger (I am usually pretty good with names, but during pregnancy that all flies out the window. Hence the #1 and #2, and I could barely keep that straight! LOL). I think this storyboard totally sums them up:

And I just have to post this shot larger, because it has me giggling every time I see it. See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil:

One last storyboard to end off this post, I wanted to share some of the amazing details and decor of the wedding. I loved the gems in the center of each gerbera daisy in Tricia’s bouquet, the perfect amount of bling! And of course, the fabulous modern cake ,and some of the beautiful details in the ceremony put together by Tracey:

Tricia and Bryan…thank you so much for allowing me to play a part in your big day. It was truly an honor for me to witness your love and devotion to each other and your family. I hope you had a wonderful time in Greece on your honeymoon!

By Rachel | Posted in Wedding | Tagged Harrison Hot Springs Wedding Photography | 3 comments Show Comments | Add a Comment

Just a heads up

August 27, 2008

I just wanted to let my clients know that right now I have limited access to email. My 6-year-old son Ethan picked up an infection in his foot that has required IV therapy at the hospital 2x’s/day. We have been going back and forth for treatment and tomorrow he also has to be reassessed through the ER in addition to the IV therapy (which hopefully won’t take as long as the original 5-hour ER visit!). I’m hoping that he’ll get the all clear tomorrow and I’ll be able to catch up again this weekend on my inbox and to-do list. Thanks for understanding!

By Rachel | Posted in Maternity, RLP | 3 comments Show Comments | Add a Comment

Abbotsford Family Session | Kirtis & Chantal, Jordon and Kylie

August 27, 2008

When Chantal contacted me about a family session, and mentioned wanting to incorporate umbrellas, I was smitten. And then when she loved my suggestion about balloons (which I’ve been dying to do a shoot with since I saw Traci’s fabulous balloon engagement session), I swear it was love at second email. And even though Kylie wasn’t as interested in her adorable pink umbrella as we hoped, it was such a great session with a wonderful family. I loved seeing how this family has blended together so perfectly…especially how Jordon is such a good big brother to Kylie. You can tell she absolutely adored him!

And going back to umbrellas…I was worried we were all going to have to huddle under Kylie’s little umbrella as it looked like it was going to start raining any minute. But fortunately it held off and stayed dry for our entire session (and with our all over the map weather lately, I think it was a small miracle in and of itself it didn’t rain!).

Here are a few of my favorites:

The previously mentioned umbrella…check out the adorable dog on the handle (and the one very sweet and adorable little girl!):

Don’t you just love how Jordon is looking at his Dad here, and how intent Kylie is on playing with the rocks and water? (plus, it was a great way to contain a busy and active 22-month old, who loved to run!)

Such a handsome young man, and I was told that he did the faux-hawk just for me. I was rather flattered…being a mom to a boy myself, I know how hard it can be to convince them sometimes on matters of personal appearance!

I can never resist fishy-lips

Are these balloons not totally fabulous? I was so excited when they pulled these out of their vehicle. I know where I’m going to go for my daughter’s birthday party next spring to get some for myself. er. I mean, for her!:

I always need to sneak in a few of mom and dad, I love how happy they are here:

My fave family shot, I just love all the cuddling and happiness:

By Rachel | Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged abbotsford family photographer | 5 comments Show Comments | Add a Comment

The Fair

August 25, 2008

So I haven’t shared any personal pictures here before, but when I looked through the images I took when we went to a local fair (the NorthWest Washington Fair in Lynden…if you haven’t been before, I highly recommend it!) recently, I couldn’t resist…and I figured it was good warm up for the new baby pictures that I’m sure I also won’t be able to resist posting when the time comes.

Ethan, our six year old, loves this local fair. We went for the first time last year, and I can’t even count how many times since then he has asked when we were going back. The week of the fair finally arrived, and fortunately we had a free evening to go. We had a great time, the kids loved the rides, I loved the fair food, and Tim enjoyed seeing us have fun.

The ferris wheel…it was almost dark when this was taken, but the sky was a lovely shade of blue. I took a ton of pictures during our very very long wait in line:

My little buddy. I’m so sad he’s going off to grade one next week. He’s such a great help with Arden, and I’m sure he’ll be with the new baby as well. He’s so fun to have a conversation with, and I know I’m going to miss his chatter. He’s quite worried about school and a new grade/teacher/class, etc so today we went out on a Mom/Ethan outing where he was thoroughly spoiled rotten with ice-cream for lunch, a few new things for school and time with just the two of us.

Anyways, this is from the fair as we waited and waited and waited some more in line for the ferris wheel. He was getting tired and cold so he cozied up to my belly (aka the furnace!). I love that he’s still snuggly. :

Ethan remembered this stuff from last year, but it was all new for Arden…and she went totally crazy for all the rides/games/activities. She loved it just as much as Ethan, and they thought their resulting small stuffed animal prizes were just perfect.

And these were the pictures I couldn’t resist posting. Arden in all her 2 1/2 year old spazziness. Ahhh, this girl keeps us on our toes I tell ya. She is a real firecracker and she sure lets that side of her personality show on a regular basis. These are as we had a little drink/snack break, and she wanted me to pick her up (which at this point in my pregnancy, is getting rather difficult and uncomfortable). So instead, I tormented her by snapping some pics…as the pictures show, she was less than impressed! Haha, these pictures totally crack me up, and they sure do perfectly portray this side of her personality!

“up, upppp, UPPPP!!!” Notice her signing please?

She’s progressed to full on screeching here (she has a speech delay, which definitely increases her frustration. She thinks we don’t understand her, but she’s able to make herself perfectly clear!!). “UUUUUUPPPPPPPPPP!!!!” (notice her tongue is shaped like a heart here?)

And then the maniacal side comes out. “Mom, mom, mom, mom, MOOOOOMMMMMM! UUUUUPPPPP!!!” (this one is my favorite….man do I love this girl, even with her temper tantrums and spazziness!!)

And lest you think I’m a horribly cruel mother, I did pick her up after this, and she snuggled right in and gave me hugs and kisses. I don’t think two-year-olds know how to hold a grudge, fortunately

Anyways, please pardon this little foray into the land of my personal family pictures. I will have some more client photos coming up soon…including Tricia & Bryan’s sneak peek from their wedding, some family pictures and some wall galleries. Stay tuned!

By Rachel | Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Lynden, Northwest Washington Fair | 9 comments Show Comments | Add a Comment

Patti, Keith and Max

August 22, 2008

It was such a treat to do this session with Patti, Keith and Max. Patti and I had been corresponding for months via email while we tried to nail down a date that worked for all of our busy schedules. We finally were able to squeeze in their session just a few days before they moved from North Vancouver to Kelowna…fortunately we had perfect weather with beautiful evening light and we had a lot of fun at some great locations.

These three were such a fabulous family, I truly enjoyed seeing how they interact together. The love just radiates between the three of them and made me feel all warm and gushy inside just to see it. Max is positively adorable at almost five and so much fun, and I think that Keith and Patti are officially some of the nicest people I’ve met.

Here are a few of my favorites from their session:

Some “eskimo kisses” with mom:

This is cropped at 10×20…I love this size!

I always call eyes like this melted chocolate..aren’t they gorgeous? Makes me a teensy weensy bit sad I’ll probably never have a brown eyed baby, but so glad I get to see them up close like this. Love the bit of spunky personality that comes through in this shot

These three were just so much fun, Patti and I were cracking up at the silly boys eating grass!

These two are just so sweet together! (and ps, isn’t Patti’s skirt amazing??)

Max starting doing some shadow dances…and it didn’t take much for mom and dad to join in

He looks pretty sweet and innocent here, doesn’t he? Give him a few minutes…

…and before you know it you get some fun and silliness too:

Trying out the wink, it’s tough you know, although I think Max has it pretty much mastered:

And one more, because this one cracks me up too!:

Patti…I’ll be in touch soon with your slideshow and proofing gallery. I hope your move went smoothly and that you’re settling into your new home in Kelowna

By Rachel | Posted in Family, Uncategorized | Tagged abbotsford family photographer | 3 comments Show Comments | Add a Comment

A few updates

August 20, 2008

Just wanted to mention a few things:

* I just received a big shipment from my lab with lots and lots of prints…it’s always so fun to see the images in person and I’m super impatient for my clients to see them too! I’m going to be packaging orders and assembling albums this week. If you’re waiting for your order, I will be contacting local customers for pick-up, and shipping the out of town orders, hopefully by the end of this week.

* I’m super excited to have my online shopping cart all set up (notice the link up above called Client Login). I will now be offering this as the primary method for client orders, but am also happy to provide an in-person ordering session if you prefer. I have a few other changes that will be coming to this site over the next few months, and I can’t wait! I’ll be sure to post when things are up and running.

* As my due date approaches (mid October, although based on the early arrivals of my first two, I think baby could make his/her arrival sometime in the first part of October), I am busily trying to wrap things up. For any outstanding portrait orders (does not apply to my wedding clients), please submit them as soon as possible so I can send on to my lab and get your portraits to you prior to baby’s arrival. Deadline for orders is September 12th.

* And speaking of baby, I am hoping to take a few months off to settle into life with three kids. I am currently completely booked and will not be accepting anymore sessions until 2009. As it stands right now, I anticipate that I will start accepting bookings again in January. If you want to be put on the wait list for sessions in the early part of 2009, please pop me an email.

* Please note that there will be some changes to my portrait pricing structure…nothing too drastic, but the new pricing will apply to all new sessions booked. I’ve also finalized my 2009 wedding pricing, so if you are getting married in June-December of 2009, please contact me so I can provide that information.

I think that about covers it! If you have any questions on the above (or anything else for that matter) please send me an e-mail at info@rachelludwigphotography.com.

By Rachel | Posted in RLP | Tagged abbotsford portrait and wedding photographer | no comments No Comments | Add a Comment

Darlene & Larry Part 2

August 12, 2008

I promised another sneak peek for Dar & Larry, and I wanted to share some more favorites…so here are a few more from their engagement session at Crescent Beach. The evening is such a great time to do pictures, as the sun is setting you get the most beautiful golden glow.

Dar, I’ll be in touch in the next few days with your slideshow.

Another ice-cream shot….

Apparently I was really into foot shots on this shoot

I love the natural texture the driftwood gives this shot:

By Rachel | Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Abbotsford Wedding and Engagement Photographer, Cresecent Beach, White Rock | 2 comments Show Comments | Add a Comment

Mikayla

August 12, 2008

I headed out to North Vancouver a few weeks ago for a newborn session for Mikayla…you may remember her mom Delores’s maternity session. This little baby has got to be one of the most beautiful little babies ever, not to mention that she was so good during the photo session too. I was almost going to try slip her into my camera bag when I went home, but I think that Delores and Ken might’ve noticed. LOL. It sure does make me antsy for my own baby’s arrival in less than two months (now I am just hoping that I have a baby who is as well behaved!).

I know Delores is anxiously waiting to see these, so here are a few favorites from their newborn session.

I think I did a little squeal when I saw the fabulous bedding Delores had on their bed, so perfect for a backdrop.