Christmas Stuff

Whew - December! Things are getting swampy! I am working as fast as i can to get everything out before Christmas!

Today - I did manage to get a loaf of bread and some Split Pea and Ham soup made... but i was so busy i forgot to eat it! It wasn't until finally at 2:00 that my stomach started to yell at me!

So - as you're taking a look at your photos to determine which ones you would like... please picture me sitting at my desk from 8 am - 11pm, my kitchen stacked with dirty dishes because i'm devoting all my time to my computer, and my stomach growling due to lack of food. ;)

In all seriousness I would love to get everyones photos done - and all the last minute edits all wrapped up (yes, pun intended:) Some of my December appointments i have discussed editing one photo for a Christmas card and taking care of the rest shortly after Christmas! So - if you are not in a hurry for your photos, you will get them shortly after Christmas. OR if we didn't get a mini shoot in, we can always do Christmas in January! Wouldn't it be nice to get mail after the busy season is over? I love getting late Christmas cards! (just saying..;)

I hope everyone is everyone is having a fantastic Day!

Christmas Mini Shoots

Ok - so i know this is like 3 days away ! But anyone who knows me, knows that i tend to do everything last minute! Not intentionally, it's just that my list is a little long most days so i don't get to things right away!

So anyway - i am doing some Christmas Mini shoots!! It's only $60.. and you get 10 4x6 Christmas cards PLUS you get a digital copy of 2 of your favourite photos! that will be done in a week... how's that for a deal?? Let me know if you're interested... i have a few spots left. I'll be doing some in the Studio on Dec 3, and outdoor ones on Dec. 4 ... I have been busy buying props - like fun santa hats, Christmas lights for the background - i even have some reindeer antlers for those who like to be fun :)

I look forward to hearing from you!!

Happy November!!

November Newsletter send out this morning!!

I am working on making an online version... but in the mean time, if you were wanting to subscribe..

email: wharder@gmail.com -- with 'newsletter' in the subject line and i'll add you to the list!!



October was a fabulous, challenging , interesting and wonderful month! As you know i did a Dealfind Voucher in Sept. I am still getting tons of response and bookings from that so i am still kept busy!! I have met so many great people and families!!

Christmas is coming very very quickly... and i guess that i have to start on my Christmas shopping really soon! I was in the mall the other day and it looks like half of Saskatoon has started!! Wow! It was crowded!

Not sure what to give to your inlaws... parents grandparents friends?? Gift Certificates are available!! $120.00 for a value of $145.00 package!! Finally get the photos you want... !


I am doing Christmas mini Shoots!! Heres the info!


Christmas Mini Shoots!!
Happening: December 3 ! 4pm-7pm
Cost: $60.00
location: Birth Rhythms - #3 - 505 23rd St. East
Receive: 10 4x6 Customizable templates (*restrictions apply*) Christmas Cards
AND choose your 2 favourite photos for Digital Copies!

Or December 4 ! 2pm-5pm
(Weather Permitting!) outdoors!
Location to be determined.

I will be posting the templates next week so you can take a look! Spots will fill up fast! So book yours today!

Feeling renewed - refreshed. I have learned (almost the hard way) that if you want anything - you have to go for it. Take risks, be aggressive (did the chant pop up in your head? be aggressive, be be aggressive! lol) I have felt like i have been in a hole. Struggling against emotions and just barely making it through each day. Don't get me wrong - the emotions are still there! But i choose this. I chose to be a photographer. Quite possibly one of the hardest careers in today's day and age where everyone had a camera! Each day is a battle - each day i try and define what it is exactly that i do! Pregnancy, babies, families... i think i'm still in the defining stage. Really - i want to do it all!! But the most satisfying i think is smily energetic toddlers. Letting them do what they do best - play. Let the climb a tree or roll in the grass! Kids have such a joy about them. When they're happy - they show it. When they're upset they cry! They don't hide what they're feeling, or go behind your back and spite you. They just are. I love that. No wonder Jesus says to come to Him like a child.... just as you are.





Here are a couple of the adorable kids that i've had the pleasure of photographing!! Amazing kids... amazing families!! Thanks so much you guys!

I love my job!

What a fantastic Day i had yesterday!!

ok- well, i started it with only 4 hours of sleep - for some reason i could not sleep !!! I had to be up early to drop off my car at Kristy Kleen Automotive Detailing to get it cleaned! So i went to my studio to work... but i got distracted and ended up walking to mall... where, yes, i bought a couple of shirts, then i found a pair of earrings that matched my new shirt! Of course i had to buy them!! I have been searching for the perfect pair of boots.. but i haven't found them yet, so i'm trying to convince myself that i actually saved some money :)

If you read my last post, then you know that i'm now part of Saskatoon Babywearers and I was at my very first baby wearing meeting yesterday!! Angie from Hippy Baby Carriers and More (the wonderful lady who started this all) and I had about 6 moms there with their little ones to learn all about proper and safe positioning and the different types of carriers that are ideal in different situations. It was awesome! Just like car seats.. there is so much to know about carriers and proper positioning!

I then got to photograph this fantastic little boy. He had tons of energy and my camera had to be attached to my eye to be able to capture those half seconds when he was still and looking at me... but i had so much fun! He piled leaves on my head... we ran around and played! We did this for about an hour... getting photos of mom and dad and the little 4 year old. When it was all done and we were saying good-bye - he ran up to me for a great big hug and a kiss on the cheek!! Seriously! Who doesn't love kids? In only an hour i had a best friend!! It was truly amazing! I can't wait to show you photos!!



Each session i find is very different. I love being able to capture each child's personality! I think that i really have the best job in the world... i get to hang out with kids and be on their level. A world to us that seems to simple.






Here are a couple of more photos for you... of a beautiful little girl that i photographed a couple of weeks ago. Wonderful family! I met Melanie at Mommy Connections a while back and now had the awesome opportunity to photograph her family!!

....A little more about me....

There are so many things that i have to say. I"m just going to warn you now --- this is a little update from the last month... it might be kinda long and emotional! ... if you know me, i love to write, and i love to share. I will be open and honest.

Most times i don't have time to say it all - much less write a lot down! I did decide, however, that i would be honest and open with all of you. I know every photographer has a different style. I am hoping that mine would be plain. Nothing fancy, nothing spectacular... just me. With a talent and passion to capture you. Just you. I recently did a Dealfind.com coupon, and i love it!! I sold 77 vouchers, and i have booked maybe 20 of them. Through this, i have met so many people... most are wanting family photos... but i get to take photos of a Zumba instructor, i have boudoir coming up and i meet so many little cutie little babies!! I know i could have spend time and money on advertising (and i will) but this was way better! I meet clients - and they get a chance to see me and see how i do business without a huge risk. Thank you to all my wonderful customers!! You are making my dreams possible, and my pages beautiful!

On Sept. 10 and 11 i went all the way to Edmonton to attend a Babywearing Workshop! I have completed level one, and am heading up again in a couple of weeks to complete Level two with Angie Kells... owner of Hippy Baby Carriers and More! We have decided to pool our brains together and come up with some very very amazing stuff ! (yes, keep your eyes peeled for more info on that!!) In the mean time, i am now co-leader of Saskatoon Babywearers. I am helping with meetings and helping Saskatoon become more aware of the awesome art of Babywearing!!





I got pregnant in July. After three miscarriages, i was terrified. Excited but was afraid to move simply because i didn't want to lose this baby. As many of you know, the first trimester for me was not fun. I gave up coffee - so i had a week of withdrawal (yes, almost the hardest thing i've ever done... :) I was fuzzy headed and very nauseous.. but it was good. I hated and loved it! I had trouble keeping up with all my clients, work... but all in all i loved it!! When i got to 11 weeks - things seemed to look up. I wasn't feeling as bad as i had been and work slowed down a little bit. I made a decision to quit my job at Cravings Maternity and Baby Boutique . I loved meeting the people that came in, and being able to help pregnant women out and hold babies occasionally so this was a tough choice.
I was almost at 12 weeks in my pregnancy.. life was good and everything seemed to be falling into place. My photography was going great, new opportunities were presenting themselves, and i was feeling awesome!! But then i started bleeding. It only took 2 days, and my little angel - baby Jewel was delivered at my house - 6 am on Sept. 27. She (or he) was (about) 8 weeks gestation. Miscarried again.
It has only been a week - it's been very tough. Very emotional, and tons of questions. I'm not sure why it keeps happening... but when bad, or tough things happen to us, we often don't know why. We keep going. We carry on. I know that God has a plan. I know i am not the only one that is going through this, and in efforts of seeking some support, i've decided to start a support group for pregnancy loss. Not very people talk about it.. i need to. It is in the very beginning stages... but if you are reading this, and you or anyone else you know has questions, please let me know!

Photography is a passion. Meeting people, caring for babies and seeing families of all shapes and sizes is a passion. Singing, writing and helping others is a passion. Why not follow those? I don't do things for the money... i do them because i love doing them! (Money is definitely a bonus though!! lol) Life is way to short to hate each day. I have so many things i want to do i have trouble keeping up! As hard as it is sometimes, i am following in the steps that God wants me to follow. He is my strength and my salvation. I can and will do anything through Him.

So here is my promise. I will always be honest and open. I will make mistakes, and screw up from time to time ;) but i will do everything i can to make it up to you. I will keep being passionate, and work really hard at building my business (s) . I will continue to "Capture Personalities" and keep you up to date on the latest news.

I am offering some new services and have some great things coming up... but your eyes are probably tired from all the reading i've put you through... ;)

THANK YOU to all my wonderful friends, followers and clients. You are all very special! I can't wait to get to know you more and capture your life so you may cherish it forever!

Prices under construction!

Good afternoon - oh goodness look at the time, it's no longer afternoon... who well, before i get supper going, i wanted to let you know i am currently working on the prices menu!

So if you are browsing around and things are looking a little wierd - don't worry!! Things will be constantly changing for a bit while i sort everything out! I will let you know when everything is done and you can take a look and know all the information is correct!!

Thanks so much!

A real post, and sneak peaks are coming to you soon!!

So it's definitely been a while since i've updated anything! I have been super busy!However, that is no excuse! :)

I mentioned a while ago that prices were changing a little come September. Well, tomorrow is September 1 already! I can't believe it's here! School started this week for most kids, days are getting shorter and summer holidays are at a close!

Do you remember the last time that you actually printed a photo? I have been married for about 11/2 years now, and i still don't have any wedding photos up on the walls!! It doesn't usually take a lot of time, but just sitting down and getting it done! All of my packages now include at least one print. This way, you get to pick your favourite and all you have to do is buy a frame! (although i can provide that too if you wish!) Just one step closer to making it super simple for you!

Watch for the post tomorrow about all the packages you can get! I'm looking forward to a fantastic fall!

Little Lauren - Erika's Baby!

Introducing the sweetest little baby ever! Little Lauren! She was so content - accept when I tried to put a hat on... she didn't like any hats lol. But she did wear the cute headband.. so we got some photos with that!! I love this family - they have so much love! So much dedication to their kids. Hope your all doing great!

Here's Erika's Story

I had the chance to photography an amazing family in May. The word that comes to mind when i see this family - genuine happiness. A complete content and serene attitude for life. No, not every day is easy. This pregnancy for them was not easy. But for every hard moment, there is a moment of laughter - a moment of a miracle.

I had such a great time! We hung out, walked around a park and took photos. Their son Joshua had lots of great smiles! At one point, he sat down and smiled at me. He stayed there and i was able to take many photos of him!!

I had the privilege to take photos of their newborn baby - photos will be posted soon!!

It's been a long time since i've been here! So many things have happened since my last post!

I photographed a "baby crawl" a couple of weeks ago. That was fun! It's a big thing at Market mall that happens twice a year. Parents line there babies up and see who is the fastest to cross the finish line. Fun? yah, a little. Would i enter my baby if i had one? probably not...

Here's a baby crossing the finish line!!

I also photographed a Figure Skating Carnival for the local paper! Let me tell you was that ever a challenged! Here's a sample...

It was fun! Tho i wanted to tell them to slow down a little ;)

I've been having so much fun with my photography! So many challenges and adventures! I got asked to take "studio" shots of a 6 month old little boy. I wasn't sure how i was going to do it. With no place to set up i was almost thinking i would have to refer her to another photographer. But i brought my lights and my background to her little house, and set up right in her living room! It worked great and we got some great photos!!! She hasn't seen them yet, so it'd be unfair of me to post some now... previews to come soon!!!

More photos... so cute i couldn't help it!!

The Janzen Family

I had such a wonderful photo shoot with these guys! What a great family! Little Robert was so content i could have been there all day with my camera. Somehow, i managed to put it away after about 1 1/2 ish.... we got some great photos! Thanks guys!


I had my assistant Shannon with me on this shoot. It was great. She would entertain the toddler Andrew. I think it's a good thing my camera is fast. I would finally be able to catch him sitting still, then as soon as the photo was taking he would jump up and yell "yay!!" haha... then there was no way of getting him to sit where i had him. It was awesome! He made me smile!

Every time i need a little boost. I look at my photos. The images that i created. The smiles that I captured. Here are a few. Taken throughout the past two years.

It's hard when your competition is staring you in the face. Using your space to do the same thing you do - only better. I am torn. One side wants to throw in the towel and give up. The other side wants to stick up my nose and fight. Prove myself. Prove that i can be - am just as good.

Inspiration.

Motivation.

Courage.

So i am meeting with a lawyer today! Talking mumble jumble about my business. Until now i have not registered my business name, and i think that i am too late! I might have to change it. I'm thinking about "Photography by Wendy" It's very simple. Very plain. Not sure. I'll keep you updated!

I had a couple of wonderful sessions last week!!! A newborn, an engagement. I couldn't help but add at least one photo as a sneak peak! I haven't finished editing them yet, but here's one of the newborn that i really like! He was such a cute baby! So good! I am having such a blast buried in my computer editing! (that might be my favourite part!)

Anyway - on to my day! Hope your having a great day as your reading this!

I like real. I like attitude. I work at Cravings Maternity and Baby Boutique (great place for unique baby stuff!! ) and we often have kids trying on shoes. Yesterday this 2 year old little boy in. Mom was trying to get him to try shoes but he was so excited he was running around laughing, screaming, crying! I loved it! I played with him and got to try on 2 pair of shoes!! It was amazing! The best part of my job (there and as a photographer) is chasing after this kids. Being as silly as them! Although i might not cry when they cry, i might mimic those silly sounds that they so often make!!

Artistic Expressions Photography - the beginning!!

I have decided to stay. Through the years you will see that i have changed. But one thing that hasn't is my willingness to be open. To be me. To make mistakes and let the world laugh. I tend to get lost. Lost in the world. Lost in what others think. I tend to follow. Follow the crowd, follow the trend. I sit when others sit so no one will notice. I run when others run so no one will see me.

So here i am now. Standing when many are seated. Declaring that this is me. Here i am. Arms raised high to praise my Father above. Smile wide and embracing life.

I am a photographer. I am an artist. I capture people, i capture emotions. The best photographs are always those when you weren't thinking. An inner beauty that many won't see. Don't hide. Be you. God made us all very unique. Why would we want to blend with the world?

My dream? My dream is to love. My dream is to be quietly known. To not get lost in who everyone thinks i should be, but to be - to fight for what i am. I like being at home. I like standing behind my camera and watching everyone smile and love. I like being alone. I like to challenge my boundaries and break my security bubble.

I have three blogs. All three i have decided can stay. All three have not been updated in well over a year. This is the one that will display my work and my thoughts. (I hope that it will not bore you!) I will keep it as simple as i can... though if you know me, nothing is ever simple!! To be able to refer me and talk about me to others, means you have to know me. I hope this will help.

So here is to my business. Here is to my dream. I hope that i will have the pleasure to capture your beauty on film. To help you express who you are. Please contact me, send my your ideas and i can provide you with a fabulous photo shoot!!!