Since leaving my job at the government and becoming a full-time photographer I have become way better at my work / life balance.  For the first time in a long time I have had time just for me.  It’s weird, but I like it.  At first when I had any ‘free-time’ I just felt guilty and didn’t know what to do with myself.  I kept saying to myself, “stop being lazy, you should be doing something.”  So I would find ways to be busy and productive.  Now I have realized that these moments are few and far between and that I should just enjoy them.  Do something for myself.  Visit with friends I don’t see often enough.  Go have tea with my mom, just because.  Bake cookies.  Read in the bath.  Why not ?!  I am learning that this time is not only valuable for my well-being (and those around me!), but essential.  It is essential for my business that I continue loving what I do, and stay fresh with ideas and creativity.  Working my ass off was not fostering that state of mind.  Me being burnt out, was not helping anyone.  Now that I have gained this ‘perspective’ I try to encourage Darren to stop once in awhile and take some time just for him, or just for us.  To have fun and enjoy life.  He LOVES playing the drums and bass guitar and working on his car – a gorgeous 1971 Datusn 510 that he has fully restored himself.   He also happens to love spending time relaxing with me.  Who wouldn’t ?!  I am pretty awesome

We both decided the other day that we should have a relaxing long weekend.  One that involved sleeping in, sipping coffee (vanilla hazlenut is our current fave), going for walks, and not spending time glued to the computer or T.V.  We knew that if we stayed home that this would be a challenge.  We always end up doing something.  So we decided to get away.  Not far, but to one of our favourite places, Brentwood Bay Lodge.  Darren and I had ate in the pub numerous times, but stayed here for the first time on our wedding night.  We became instant fans!  This is a luxury resort and spa.  This venue has it all.  Stunning ocean views, gorgeous west coast architecture, fabulous fine dining and pub fare, and a spa that I didn’t want to leave.  Darren and I had a couples massage the morning after our wedding and it was one of the most amazing things we have ever done together.  I honestly did not want it to end !!  I can’t even describe how incredible it was, but we will be going back for our anniversary and years to come I am sure.

This place pays attention to the details and is all about customer service.   We were walked to our room by the front desk attendant, who made sure we had everything we needed to make our stay comfortable.  In our room there was a personal letter welcoming us and wishing us a wonderful stay with two yummy oatmeal raisin cookies.  There was aromatherapy pillow mist by our bed, along with ear plugs.  There was a cute bottle of wine to apologize for the construction that was possibly going to be happening while we were there, although we never heard it.  Candles, bath salts … I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea.  I am a fanatic for this place!  I think I place so much value on establishments that go above and beyond client expectations as it is the way I want to run my business as well.

Here are some fun photos of our little get away.  I can’t wait to go back !!

Darren’s “blue steel”  Zoolander expression …

Female photographers all over the world are thanking Kelly for coming up with such a fashion forward camera bag.  It isn’t a secret that most camera bags are icky and bulky and just plain unattractive.  As a lover of purses and fabulous bags (I have about 20 or 30 in my closet right now, and I purged about 15 before we moved into our new house!) I needed to get my hands on one of these.

Here are just a few fun shots of my new lovely purchase.  I think I might also need to get it in Cranberry for days when I feel like spicing up my outfit a bit

*Photographers – all of these images were edited with Red Leaf Studios actions*

Here is the image they selected:

One of my favourite clients, Jenny is a personal trainer (click here for her website that is coming soon).  She saw me post about my new found hot water and lemon addiction on my Facebook Page and with her nutritional knowledge let me in on a little secret.  Ok it might not be a secret, but I wasn’t aware of it.  Drinking hot water and lemon in the morning can actually help you lose weight.  The lemon acts as a mini cleanse and the hot water jump starts your metabolism for the day.  Annnnd I heard it is really good for your liver as well.  Sorry tea, but it looks like hot water and lemon is in the lead for now.

I sipped my lovely drink this morning while browsing through my wedding images of 2009.  I was wanting to freshen up my website a bit with a few new photos on my website .  While searching through my folders I stumbled across this gem from Haley and Jordan’s wedding at the stunning Starling Lane Winery.  I can’t believe I never posted it before!  Isn’t is just adorable ?!  Haley’s expression is just priceless.  Talk about an entrance!  Needless to say this image is now apart of my wedding portfolio on my website.  I just love it.

Dawn has recently graduated with her PhD in Human Development and Applied Psychology and as a form of celebration we took these images to document this incredible achievement.

Like a LOT of people that I photograph, Dawn does not like having her photo taken.  I am so glad that she put her trust in me and let me capture these special images.

Upon viewing her photos, Dawn wrote me the sweetest and most touching email.  I ask her permission to share some of her beautiful words:

“I cried.  They are so beautiful.  Oh Kim – I never dreamed that I could have not one, but many photos where I think I look beautiful. You have given the greatest gift.  I can’t believe you did this. I am really at a loss for words.  I won’t be ever able to thank you enough.  You are truly a brilliant photographer.  You are so gifted.”

This is why I love what I do.

We had to take a few with her ADORABLE pup, Barney.  How cute is he ?!

Since leaving my other job I have basked in the wonderful luxury of having some ‘free time’.  Before my photography business took off I used to spend hours and hours wandering around parks, beaches, trails, and downtown - more specifically Chinatown, taking photos just for me.  Just for fun.  I didn’t realize how much I had missed that part of my life.  How much I gain from having time just for me to create, explore and play with no rules, limits or judgement.  During Chinese New Year Chinatown comes alive more than ever.  I went there during one of the gorgeous sunny days we’ve been having to snap away.  Just for me.  Just for fun.

I have been meaning to post some random images from our travel time there and figured that these are about 4 months overdue, so here it goes.  Part 2 to come.  Enjoy!

Jo LOVES this home below

And she loves these cute cars … they are flipping adorable, right ?!

Jo and Dan’s home – yellow door on the right!

Jo & Dan !!!

Jo you are beauuuuuuuutiful !!!

When I am editing images I try to make sure I take breaks away from the client’s images and come back to them as I want to keep the creativity fresh and flowing.  So today, I took a break from Lia & Bryan’s images and re-visited a fun shoot I did with my girlfriend Cara as part of my one-on-one learning session with Amy and Richard from Red Leaf Studios.  I stumbled across this image of Cara, and couldn’t believe that I did not edit it before and put it up on the blog with her other post.  Anyways, better late than never right ??!

I am off to hot yoga with Cara in just a few minutes, so some of you may get to see this before she does !!