Photos by Rej» Children

the power of an image ~

admin — Mon, 31 May 2010 01:44:01 +0000

I have thousands and thousands that I have gathered over the years. They have been backed up and stuffed away in a box always promising to pull them out and do something with them…later, I always say….when I have time. Sadly, the years go by and I realize I haven’t done anything with them….all the while the children get older and I my memory of them as itty bitty children are fading away…

The label simply read Summer 2007. What could possibly be on this? There is nothing else on the label…just Summer 2007. Well, I say to myself, I have a bit of time now… the laundry is in the machine, the kids have been fed and are playing outside, I have cleaned and scrubbed the bathroom…now seems like as good a time as any time….Slowly the images began to appear on my screen…I just broke down in tears….

The year 2007 was a very difficult year for us. At the end of February 2007, my husband, just shy of his 38th birthday, suffered a heart attack. He spent a week in the hospital while I kept things going at home as best I could. My goal was to keep things as normal as possible for the kids. I had explained to them what happened and that Daddy was sick, but that he was better and would be getting out soon. They understood as much as 4 and 2 year old would.

When these images appeared on my screen, I was flooded with so many different emotions…I was brought back in time remembering such an amazing feeling of peace, calmness, and happiness. It was a perfect evening. My husband and I simply sat back and watched the children running around and playing with eachother. The innocence and beauty of childhood right in front of our eyes…the beauty of OUR family. At the very same time, I was instantly reminded that this almost didn’t happen…had I lost him, my memories of Summer 2007 would be very very different.

I plan on going through all my images and doing something with them. I want them in special photo albums, and on coffee tables…I want them on the walls of my home, the home we, as a family, have made together. I want these images to also fill my heart with memories that are so fleeting. Because, you see, my life is my art.

Love Rej xo

childhood ~

admin — Sat, 29 May 2010 01:31:05 +0000

childhood is….

…jumping on Daddy….

curly unmanageable hair

Childhood is simply wonderful….

Love Rej

growing up

admin — Fri, 28 May 2010 00:28:14 +0000

I can’t believe that you are just shy of turning 8. Where did the time go? Every day you amaze me with your beauty, your caring heart, and your wonderful ability to make anyone smile. You are full of life. You are beautiful. I watch you in awe, and I think to myself, wow, I must be doing something right. You are teaching me so many things about life and what is truly important. My darling, it is you who made us a family. I thank you every day for picking me to be your mommy.

future ~ ottawa newborn photographer

admin — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:18:02 +0000

There Is A Voice Inside Of You, That Whispers All Day Long,

I Feel That This Is Right For Me, I Know That This Is Wrong.

No Teacher, Preacher, Parent, Friend, Or Wise Man Can Decide What’s Right For You

Just Listen To The Voice That Speaks Inside. Shel Silverstein

Welcome to the world little one. You are beautiful. You are precious. You are full of promise and you are the future. You are loved, unconditionally.

~Rej xo

love ~ ottawa newborn photographer

admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 03:32:11 +0000

I believe that there is a place in a heart reserved just for loving children. Just when you think your heart understands love, you look into the eyes of your newborn baby, and you feel something that is greater than anything you have ever felt before…and the moment your eyes lock, you just know that you are forever changed…Embrace that feeling ….take it all in.

~ Love Rej

Family Reunion | Ottawa Family Photographer

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:26:53 +0000

There is a running joke in Ottawa – if you don’t like the weather just wait a minute – it will change. That seemed to be the theme the weekend I was to photograph this wonderful family. They were coming in from different parts to see me in Ottawa, and seeing that I really wanted to take advantage of the beautiful fall season here, I was watching the weather channel 2 weeks before we were scheduled to meet. Originally, we scheduled for the Saturday but that was a really yucky day so we switched it to the Sunday. Mother nature was good to us – gave us some wonderful sunshine!

I had such an amazing time with this family. Grandmother, grandfather, mom, dad, son, and aunty! Lots of hugging and kissing and “family reunion” posing. Little “A” was such a joy and we got along just wonderfully! Verna and family, enjoy your sneak peek! Thank you for such a great sunny Sunday session!

I love this series…they knew how to work the camera.

A gift | Ottawa Children’s Photographer

admin — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:29:43 +0000

Good friends are one of life’s gifts. This is true about my friend Heidi. For over 20 years now she has blessed me with her friendship…Recently I did a session with her and her little one. This was a very very special session for me…she knows why…Heidi, thank you for being my friend…and know that I will always be there for you too…enough said because I am tearing up…

Enjoy your sneak peek my friend…little “C” bear is lucky to have you as her momma….

Litte “C” bear, proudly showing me she is 3!!!!!!!

Momma love - Its the best!

Sometimes its just better to let them play….

Family | Ottawa Family Photographer

admin — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 02:48:20 +0000

I meet Julie about 15 years ago (yep, Jules, its been that long! , and as life would have it, we both got busy and lost touch. Recently, we reconnected and I was thrilled. I was so happy to have an opportunity to see her, Derek, and the kids once again.

Last time I saw “D” was 7 years ago! Now she is a beautiful pre-teen, who I know is going to break some hearts in the future. Look at those GORGEOUS eyes!!!!!!

I have a great photo of “C” from 7 years ago, holding my daughter who was about 1-2 months old at the time. I remember he asked his mom at the time to have “another one”. I think he was smitten with my baby girl. Now, he is a pre-teen as well, and this photo I just love. Just look at the wonderful expression.

So here we are all having a great time and I say, lets get some of dad and son. Derek, Dad, heads into his room and comes out with this wig….well, I was laughing so hard I could hardly control myself….so “C” got in on the fun …doesn’t this look like a great portrait for the wall….I can see it now…a 20×24 canvas!

…seriously we were all cracking up…it was so funny!!

…caught Julie laughing too….

Ok so this is more like it….great father / son moment.

…and mother / daughter moment…

They live on this great property with tons of tress and space! I just knew we would have to go out and get some photos in the woods!

It was such a gorgeous fall day….

Julie and Derek, enjoy your sneak peek. I had a great time and I am so happy I got to see you guys again – its been far too long!

~Rej xo

7 days old | Ottawa Newborn Photographer

admin — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 02:10:07 +0000

Even though I photograph lots of babies, I am still amazed every time I meet a new precious life. I look at those tiny fingers and toes and I think there is something so beautiful and special in those first few weeks of life – they come and go so quickly. Meet this precious new baby, who at 7 days old, was as precious as can be. He didn’t want to sleep too much but we still managed to get capture some wonderful moments.

Josée and Nicholas, enjoy your sneak peek. I will be in touch with your gallery soon.

Rej

The spirit of childhood | Ottawa Family Photographer

admin — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:23:00 +0000

While mom and I were walking from spot to spot, we started talking about what we feel makes the perfect image. She mentioned to me that some of her most loved images are those that were taken when she wasn’t expecting it, very natural smiles, expressions, etc. I couldn’t agree more – some of my favourite family images are just that, natural, capturing that something magical. As we walked some more, little “B” was ahead of us not really interested in being photographed at that moment. For him, he was far more interested in getting his shovel and bucket and heading to the sand to play. I watched him walking and was filled with a wonderful feeling and emotion that said, right there in that moment, is the true spirt of childhood.

He was a little shy with me at first, but not to worry, he warmed up to me and before we knew it, he was flashing me that beautiful smile.

Oh how he loves his Daddy!

…and was all kisses and hugs for his Mommy!

Valerie and Sukesh, enjoy your sneak peek! I will be in touch soon with your gallery.

~Rej