NEW WEBSITE! NEW BLOG!

photos by holly has a new home! Please change your bookmarks to

www.photosbyholly.ca for the full website

www.photosbyholly.ca/blog for the blog

Thanks for following!!

zachary’s smiling eyes

Yesterday was my turn to be the Smiling Eyes photographer at the Ronald McDonald house in Toronto and I was excited to give these families and their children a few minutes of photo-fun! First up? Zachary, big sister Alyssa and super nice parents Paul and Anita. I feel so privileged to have taken your photos and send healing wishes your way… Enjoy this sneak peek of our few moments together.

Before I got there, the family was in the Craft Room so Zachary could have a snack and Alyssa could channel some of her creativity. Boy, that girl sure loves to paint! I love how the RMH has a unique approach to art. Syringe painting anyone? No worries… I kept my camera out of the line of paint-fire, although I can’t say the same for my face! Melissa (in the photo with Alyssa) is a Certified Child Life Specialist at the Ronald McDonald House and I know the families there completely appreciate her services.

Any photographer out there knows how curious children are. Heck, EVERYBODY out there should know this. Alyssa really wanted to take a picture with my camera so I let her. She did a pretty good job, huh?!

I’ll leave you with one last photo of little Zachary. He has the most edible cheeks and beautiful long eyelashes. Hugs to you little guy!

The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers – 2010 edition

In September 2007 and 2008, alongside some very dear friends, I walked 60kms throughout the streets of Toronto in support of the Weekend to End Breast Cancer.

I may have taken a break in 2009, but I’m back full force for another 60kms in 2010! I will miss my “Bumps”, but know they will be cheering for me and the “Smiling Eyes for a Cure” team 100%. The fight against Women’s Cancers can’t lose strength so please lend your support.

Proceeds from the Weekend to End Women’s Cancer 2-day 60km walk, will benefit the critical work of The Campbell Family Institute at The Princess Margaret, funding breakthrough research, services, and care in the battle to end both breast and gynecologic cancers.

Too many family & friends of mine know first hand the effects of Cancer. Help me stop the numbers from growing.

Thank you so much for your support!

Click here for the Smiling Eyes for a Cure Team Page
Click here for my Personal Donation Page

smiling eyes

I’m a people-person. I always have been. I don’t mind acting goofy in front of a crowd (or client) and I definitely don’t mind singing out loud in my van with the kids at the top of my lungs and giving all passers-by a giggle or two. Because of this extroverted personality trait of mine, I find I gravitate to other people-persons (hmmmm…is that proper grammar? Hey. I’m creative, NOT technical!). Anyway, would  you like to know who one of my favourite social butterflies is? Well, it’s Chris; more professionally known as Christine Kufske of Click Photography and the Smiling Eyes project.

I first met Chris a few years ago and since I’ve known her I’ve had the pleasure of helping her out at Weddings (LOVE that time together), soaking up her photographic knowledge and sharing a snack or two (or three) while watching The Bachelor. Yes, The Bachelor.

It takes a strong heart, sound mind and a pile of passion to help others and that is exactly who Chris is and what she has done with Smiling Eyes. This non-profit organization began in 2006 and is still going strong. Photographers from all over Ontario, and soon (hopefully!) Canada and abroad, have joined together to help individuals and families who have either fought cancer or are battling it head-on.

Why did I decide to become a part of Smiling Eyes? Simply because it should be done and I want to do it. Memories are very important. Family is very important. Friends are very important. Chronicling one’s life is always paramount in my books, but even more so when challenges are placed at your feet.

Cancer is everywhere. My mom had it when I was in high school and thankfully she beat it. I’ve had other family members struggle with this horrible disease and I’ve had a brief brush with it too. Crystal Balls remain elusive and because of this no one can know their future. But, all of us can definitely hold tight to our past and present and what better way to do this than with photos.

Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. I learned that lesson once…

If you know of anyone who could benefit from the donation of a Smiling Eyes shoot, please visit the Smiling Eyes Website or contact me directly.

it’s a feeling, not just a photo…

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of having MY family photos taken. Yes, I finally got to be on the front-end of the lens with my adorable son on one side of me and my beautiful daughter on the other.

It’s funny how many photos I take of people, places and things in my world, but I never seem to get very many of me and my children. Life is quick. It isn’t forever. Why did I keep putting it off? Hard to say… Sure, there are the run-of-the-mill excuses of “oh, I don’t like my smile, I don’t know what to wear, the kids will act out, I need to lose weight first, it’s too expensive” … Those seem to be the typical words heard by many photographers from people who like the idea of having their photos taken, but never seem to take the leap and get it done.  And yes, I’m raising my hand sheepishly over here because I know for a fact I’ve uttered similar words from my mouth.

I know not everyone enjoys having their photo taken but it’s so very important to get it done. It’s worthy to show you were here, a part of the world, a part of your family and friend’s lives. We’ve all made our mark somehow and it should be left behind, in print. Your ‘future’ will thank you for it.

Photos are so much more than a snapshot. They are a feeling. I’m a photographer and the first thing I did when I saw my family’s images was relish the emotion that came over me. I looked at myself and my two spectacular children right there in front of me and felt peace.

Some may scoff and think “that girl is off her ROCKER”, but nope… I just know what I see when I look at photographs. I see into the depths of the image… that is why I take photos. That is why I’m a photographer.

Hellooooo 2010!

Changes are coming to photos by holly (hmmm, deja vu?) and one change will be some better blogging! I want to expand on my posts and make them more fun and definitely increase the information factor! First off will be the inclusion of articles and discussions on topics that interest both you and I; photographically-related of course. Please leave a comment if you have any suggestions or questions.

A big thank you to all of my friends, clients (and facebook fans) for their support  & encouragement in 2009. Looking forward to an even better 2010.

sunset dream

A little photoshopped sunset works well on certain photos. It’s okay to have a bit of a fake look to some photos, but definitely not all. When it works, it works! Do you think the snowy, blustery weather happening outside my door had ANYTHING to do with this post? Nahhhh…

catchlight

A catchlight is a photography term that describes a certain highlight in a subject’s eye. I love catchlights. Seeing blue skies & my reflection in the glimmer of someone’s eye is, to me, both looking in and seeing out.