Live The Moment Photography - Blog

A whole lot of love, for a boy, for a pup, and a boy who loves his pup.

2011-06-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

This shoot has been a long time in the making. But how wonderful that it finally happened! I think these photos just emulate LOVE. If you could look up the word LOVE in a dictionary, I am quite sure you would find these moments beside it. Raw. Beautiful. Soft. LOVE

First Time...

2011-06-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

Can you believe someone could go 4 years without having a family photo taken? Four WHOLE years. I can hardly go 4 months (if I didn't have to be in them, they would be done a whole lot more frequently :D ) These boys were a blast to play with, they named my camera after a Transformer (the good guy) and taught me a thing or two about how to act like a transformer. I'm not sure I quite get it. I obviously will have to learn with my new little man.

love...sweet apple blossom love...

2011-06-02T19:18:00.000-07:00

Meet this really easy going, laid back, couple! It was great going on our nature hike together, and checking out the farm where she worked. A really great little apple orchard/berry farm.

They were a great couple to photograph and I look forward to shooting their wedding in a couple of months. Bittersweet as it will be, being my last wedding (I know I am doing what is best for my family right now!)

I'm really bad at my blog! And, I'm sorry!

2011-06-02T19:02:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone, I'm am horrible, truly horrible at keeping my blog updated. I'm sorry! I think I'll blame it on my 3 kids, the husband, the house work, the laundry piled up to my ears, the lawn work, the editing, and work, work. Or I can just blame it on my laziness when it comes to blogs. So please accept my apology and hopefully you will get some eye candy to satisfy you for a while!

Camera for Camryn was a HUGE success and I was able to deposit 1,755.75 into the Caring For Camryn fund! And EVEN BETTER NEWS is that little miss adorable Camryn is in REMISSION!!!! AMAZING! Here are some pics of that day!

Camera For Camryn - Video

2011-05-02T12:03:00.001-07:00

I was having problems with Facebook taking away the video to this event, so I am hoping that this works.

If no one believes in miracles, well then you better! The day could not have gone any better. It was rainy and cold on Friday, only to turn into a GORGEOUS day on Saturday. Back to rainy on Sunday. Miracles DO HAPPEN!!

Final count is not in yet, but the day raised over 1,700 for the Hunter Family! I felt truly inspired and grateful to all those who contributed!!!

To follow Camryn go here http://camrynscourage.com/

HUGE thanks to

Everyone who donated in various ways.

Shannon Steen from Shannon Steen Photography for capturing all the behind the scenes photos

(http://shannonsteenphotography.com/)

DJ Alpha for creating the beautiful mashup. Camryn has her own little anthem.

(http://djalpha.ca/)

Steve and Kim for donating their beautiful property.

Find the video HERE!!!

What I've been up to!!

2011-04-17T18:24:00.000-07:00

In the last little while, I have really been focusing on my family. Now that as of January 20th, we are a family of five (oldest JUST turned 3!), I have been just a tad bit busy to say the least!

This was the AMAZING birth I had to my third child!

Photo credit goes to Shannon Steen Photography -Facebook Fan Page HERE

(Interested in birth photography? Check out my Birth Photography HERE and HERE)

This little guy came around...he's awfully cute and I think we've decided to keep him! He currently is snoozing away as I write this in his comfy chair on my desk. He's such a sweetheart!

Beyond that, I have kept busy with a few shoots here and there, and unfortunately my blog has suffered. If you follow me on Facebook, I'm pretty sure you've been kept up to date as Facebook seems easy for me to upload to and keep track of. Click HERE to go to my Facebook page.

We'll I've had a bit of time to settle into the groove of things again! I am hosting a fundraising event called the CAMERA FOR CAMRYN event.

A past client of mine, who just turned 3 last weekend, has been diagnosed with cancer. In an attempt to raise some money for the family, I have decided to hold mini sessions on APRIL 30th, on a farm location just outside of Woodstock. If you are interested in donating in any way please contact me. Or if you would like to book a session, there is still an hour of time still available! Please click HERE for details!

Here is what I've been up to!

Barkingdales Pet Salon - Facebook Fan Page HERE

Sweet Spring Baby

2011-04-05T18:58:00.001-07:00

This sweet little baby is only 6lbs at 9 days old. All my kids were born over 7lbs, so I can't even imagine having such a little one to call my own. She put all whole new meaning to "small but mighty"...I have never seen a baby christen my blanket quite like she did.

SPRING CONTEST

2011-03-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

HERE ARE THE CONTEST RULES!

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Celebrate SPRING! CONTEST RULES

2011-03-20T19:24:00.000-07:00

Don't worries, you didn't miss the start of the contest yet! It starts at MIDNIGHT tonight!!!

Here are the rules!

Celebrate SPRING!

2011-02-25T19:58:00.000-08:00

Want to win a FREE session including 5 FREE digital negatives?

Do you have a photo that you have taken that reminds you of spring? It can be anything that inspires you. Show me what inspires you! Don't feel like you have to be a professional, in fact, professional photos will not be accepted for this contest :) So, snap away!

Email me at livethemomentphotography@gmail.com with your favourite photo that celebrates SPRING! On March 21st, I will put the photos that I have received up on my blog/Facebook, and the photo who gets the most votes will receive a FREE session.

The fine print - No cash value. Winner must be within 30km of Woodstock, Ontario (or be willing to meet somewhere). Professional photos will not be accepted.

Hiatus From Weddings

2011-02-14T11:24:00.000-08:00

As a photographer I evolve and change. As I get older and move onto a different phase in my life, I am also growing as an artist.

I've thought about it for about a year now.... is this where I want to be? Is this the right route for me, and my business? More importantly, my family? I now have 3 young (I mean YOUNG) children and their happiness is highest on the scale of importance to me. Second, my sanity.

I've decided to take a hiatus from shooting weddings. I love weddings, don't get me wrong. But, right now, I don't think they fit into my already crazy life. They require a lot of time and time is of the essence.

That being said, I will of course honour the weddings that are booked for 2011 :)

I am going to continue with all other aspects of photography that I have done. Including maternity, birth, newborn, children, family, engagement, boudoir, trash the dress and look forward to bettering my skills as the time goes on.

When my kids are older, I will probably revisit weddings. But for now, I believe I am doing what is best for my young family.

Thank you for your support in this decision!

Aww, joy of the busy life!

2010-12-29T09:07:00.001-08:00

Good Day Everyone!

I have to admit, my poor blog has had some major difficulties trying to leave the back burner. I've been so busy the last few months trying to finish up last minute photography projects before taking a bit of a mat leave to hang out with my family and enjoy Christmas before Baby #3 decides to join us. I apologize!

I have found it easier just to pop my recent work into my Facebook fan page and will update my blog as soon as possible. I have a couple of weeks before my due date and might find myself bored, counting down the days, and hours until this little one makes an appearance! So, I will take that time to make sure to get this blog updated for you all!

Until then...

please find me on Facebook! You will find a bit more of my recent work.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Live-The-Moment-Jessica-Chang-Photography/20866263647?v=info&edit_info=all

Breath of Life

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Breath-Of-Life-Birth-Photography-By-Jessica-Chang/142379575801365

Thank you very much for all your understanding!!

Fall Splendor!

2010-10-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a little sneak peak from the wedding we shot today! It was a perfect day for a fall wedding. During our drive to Port Colborne, we got to see the beautiful colours in the early morning light. The day was perfect...a very organized bride (a photographers dream), a stunning wedding party, the sun was shining, there was loads of warmth..and LOVE! These two are adorable!

{Pay it Forward}

2010-10-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

Not that long ago, I ran a contest on my Facebook fan page ( http://www.facebook.com/pages/Woodstock-ON/Live-The-Moment-Jessica-Chang-Photography/20866263647 ), giving people the opportunity to nominate someone that they felt deserved a photo shoot. I was so grateful for the wonderful stories that came my way, and decided that I couldn't choose just one winner - so they all get a free shoot! Here is an excerpt from the person who nominated these love birds...

"About a month ago, she left her home, her family, and her friends in Arkansas to drive with James back to Canada where the two of them planned to get engaged, get married and live happily ever after! Right now Ngan is living with my parents (whom she only met once before in person) until they are married.

A fairly intimidating episode of interrogation at the American/ Canadian border did not deter them. They are now in the process of applying for an extended visa so that she might be permitted to remain in the country long enough for the two of them to plan a wedding and tie the knot. This will then allow James to sponsor her as a spouse so she can go through the (long) process of becoming a Canadian citizen. :)

And why do I think they deserve to win? Well, I am in absolute admiration of the strong faith they both possess. They both feel that these courageous steps (especially on Ngan's part) to follow what they are certain is God's plan for them is truly inspiring. I imagine Ngan must miss her family (and Vietnamese roots) and friends, and moving to a new country (and climate and culture in a sense) has got to be challenging. Yet, she remains energetic, enthusiastic, positive day after day and we all feel so truly blessed and excited to know that she is going to be a part of our family.

Fall is upon us!

2010-10-05T20:35:00.001-07:00

Here is a little of what I have been up to lately! I am sorry to say that my blogging has been on the back burner. I find I am better at uploading to Facebook then the blog. And for that, I am sorry!

Fall is always one of my busiest times! I am looking forward to the next couple of months of shoots and then the holidays! After the holidays I plan on taking a holiday before the birth of my baby!

Meet Baby "A"! This adorable little girl came 3 weeks early and has only graced us for 5 short days - Maybe mom and dad think 5 days are a lot longer then the rest of us - lack of sleep will do that to you!

Enjoy this bundle of fall sweetness!

Meet the "H" family!

This family was loads of fun to capture! From a spunky 3 year old, to a rock chewing 10 month old. I had a great time meeting them! Their property was perfect for capturing the essence of fall! The colours, the hay bales, the corn. What a great way to start off my fall "photography season"!

Recently I ran a contest where people had to write in and explain to me why someone they knew deserved a photo shoot! Well, the response was fantastic and I am thrilled to announce that I am a softy and couldn't choose just one story to have win, so I've decided to give all the nominations a free shoot! Maybe at one point, they can take my pay it forward (and those that nominated them), and pay it forward again themselves! Wouldn't that be wonderful?!

A friend of mine, who is also a photographer is paying it forward in her own way. Please help her out and check out the link below!

http://shannonsteenphotography.wordpress.com/2010/10/02/i-need-your-help/

Please pass on the information to your friends and family that Breath of Life -Birth Photography has been a fantastic new avenue of my business! I am so excited to get started with this!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Woodstock-ON/Breath-Of-Life-Birth-Photography-By-Jessica-Chang/142379575801365

Don't forget to find me on FB and become a fan!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Woodstock-ON/Live-The-Moment-Jessica-Chang-Photography/20866263647

The House That LOVE Built

2010-09-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

These two were such amazing sports during their outdoor wedding..in the rain! The house in the background is the house they are building! How romantic is that? The jeep? Her wedding gift! Lucky girl!!!

Breath of Life - Birth Photography By Jessica Chang

2010-08-24T20:02:00.000-07:00

Why Birth Photography?

Maybe it's because I am a mom. Maybe it's because I know how badly I wanted my husband to not only enjoy the seconds that lead up to and followed his daughters births, but also to take the photos so that I could remember what the pains and tears had brought us.

True Innocence.

Unconditional Love.

Beauty.

I know what it is like to stand behind a camera to capture a special moment. Sure, you are there, but you are so focused on getting that perfect shot that you seem to "miss" what is truely going on before you.

I am offering you a chance to hang on to that memory. The first few moments that 1+1=3 (or more of course - depending on your math skills). Rahter then having your husband worry about capturing the perfect shot, why not put him into the moment. So he can live it too. The first few moments of new life, new memeories, new dreams.

And sleepless nights.

If you are interested, or know someone hwo is, please contact me for more information.

I look forward to hearing from you.

K&L Engaged!

2010-08-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

A long time ago, I was this bride-to-be's camp counselor! Not long after, she moved into what was my grandparents house.

"K" popped the question to her while they were fixing up his house. She had no idea it was coming, but I'm pretty certain she was more then thrilled that it did!

They are an adorable couple but you can see that for yourself!

2010-08-20T18:40:00.000-07:00

I love when a woman feels confident enough (or just fakes it at first) with me to allow me to take such beautiful images of them. I know what it is like to be in front of a stranger/camera and taking such intimate photos. I love how they feel afterwards, how their true confidence shines when they see the images I captured for them.

It is worth it ladies!

If it is a gift for the man you love, it is even more-so a gift to yourselves.

2010-07-31T06:53:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun with this couple. Their whole family was so sweet and
took such good care of me.

They had a quick romance, he said he could ask her to be his wife 3 weeks into the relationship.

He waited a bit longer, but soon after popped the question. Their engagement was 2.5 years long, and then the big day finally arrived.

Thank you on so many levels

2010-07-30T18:44:00.001-07:00

Maybe it is the pregnancy hormones talking, but lately I have been feeling very very blessed in my life. Sure, there are a lot of things that I wish would be fixed (my washing machine...it's been busted for nearly 5 weeks - I use cloth diapers - and the cost of disposables is frustrating me, along with the mound of laundry my family of 4 creates) But recently I have been really reflecting on how great my life is. Without getting too sappy..no need for tissues..I have a wonderful family! Everyone it is pretty normal, if you ask me. I have an amazing husband (who, only days ago, managed to walk away from a totaled car). I have 2 beautiful baby girls and 1 on the way. Blessings that I can't imagine not having in my life. There are many many more things, I could carry on for a long time talking about.

So, I have felt the desire to pass on my happy feeling. I know many people are in need of a pick me up and I thought I would take all that was "given" me and pay it forward - but want to give you the chance to pay it forward too.

This is where you come in.. if you know of anyone who deserves a pick me up for ANY reason and who you would love to see a smile on their faces with the gift of a photo shoot, please contact me. I don't have to tell them who nominated them if you don't want me to. This could be a completely anonymous pay it forward. Email me their story at livethemomentphotography@gmail.com I would love to hear from you. Deadline is September 1, 2010 at 12am.

Smouldering in more ways then one!

2010-06-22T18:07:00.001-07:00

It was one of the hottest days of the year. Smouldering in fact. It threatened rain the entire day...and the weather forced a location change for the ceremony. But never once did this could complain. They were amazing to work with, completely fun, and ready to try anything. Thanks for being such good sports when I am sure you were melting.

Mini Demo Video!

2010-06-17T20:23:00.001-07:00

I am so excited to get going down this avenue of my business!!! Here is a little sneak peak of the labour and delivery!

Labour of Love

2010-06-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

No one knows the pain of labour, until you have been through it.It is bitter sweet. But that is why they call it a labour of love. It is long, frustrating and painful, but not long after your body takes on the toughest job in the world, you get to hold a dream. A miracle. A life. From this moment on, your life is never the same. You can't imagine your life without this perfect little creature in it. The beautiful, awe-inspiring, life that you have created.

Mr. Miracle

2010-06-01T19:43:00.001-07:00

Yup, a super hero of sorts. Mr. Miracle. A fighter, a defender of hearts. Bound to do all sorts of good in this world. Meet "G". He is one fun little boy to be around. Bound to warm your heart! He just turned 1!!! And now, he is healthy and strong..except for the odd fight with food, or so I am told.

Sleeping Beauty

2010-05-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

Meet "M". This teeny tiny squishy little beauty of a girl. She has a 2 year old brother who would love to show her how to play with the tractors. She tried very hard to stay up for the modeling shoot, but eventually, lots of back rubbing later, she dozed off into the perfect sleeping beauty princess. She is just beautiful.

Little Sweethearts

2010-05-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

These lucky little kids have the older siblings shown below! They all get along wonderfully! They were full of laughter, smiles and bear hugs. Very sweet!

Ram Charger

2010-05-19T20:49:00.001-07:00

During the last mom2mom sale that I participated in, I had a draw for a free photoshoot! Well, lucky "M" won, and I'm thrilled that she did. It was a fun shoot, she had 2 teenage children and 2 little ones (I'll show them off soon ;)). Meet the Ram Charger..."A"'s baby. It was perfect conditions for me to play with my new "baby" my new 10-22 lens...enjoy

!

Click to view larger

Welcome to my new blog!!!

2010-05-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

Good day everyone!!

Thank you for visiting my new blog! I was getting frustrated with my old blog and all it's limitations, so I've decided to try a new approach. Hopefully, this will be what I am looking for!!

Wish me luck!!