Temporarily traded blogging for baby

May is my lucky month! I delivered my first baby boy this month and it's been thrilling! For now my blogging will be a little less until I get more used to things with my little munchkin. I'll be taking on work slowly in the few weeks so contact me and we can set up appointments for late June and onwards. Here's a photo of me and my little prince:

Behind the scenes

I'm doing high school senior sessions this summer between being pregnant and having a baby. Here are some behind the scene photos of my latest portrait shoot in Toronto. Guess how far along I am and you get a big gift compliments of Mandy Duncan Photography! (NOTE: No close friends or family members allowed to guess)
Thanks Jordan for these photos and all your help.

my little 'Peanut" on the job

Stylish High School Graduation Photos

Mandy Duncan Photography is offering stylish high school graduation photos in Toronto this season for 2009 high school grads. Book in the month of May and you receive special promotional prices. Yes, the gown and hat are standard, but treat yourself (or have your parents give you this gift) to photos that reflect who you are as you enter the next stage of your life. You only graduate once from high school (hopefully!):)

Mother's Day Mini Photo Sessions

Mother's Day is in 1 week! For all those clamming for a last minute gift in Toronto, Mandy Duncan Photography is offering a 2 week "Mini Photo Session" Special. Please call for more details.
For those living outside of Toronto, a gift certificate from Mandy Duncan Photography can be bought and will be honored for a one year period.
Give your mom a timeless gift this Mother's Day:)

Female friendly photography bags

Why is it so hard to find female friendly photography bags?? I've been searching and hunting for the "right" female friendly photography bag and I'm yet to find one. I want a hand bag that doubles as a camera and that isn't bulky and heavy. Doesn't seem to exist! And the few that do are...let's see...is there a better way to phrase "ugly"! I'm sure they're other girl photographers out there who have this problem...what are you using?
My latest purchase has been the Lowe Pro Slingshot 200 AW. Since I'm going to be a mommy soon, I figure I'd bite the bullet and put the bag on my back to ease the strain on my shoulders (as I'll be soon carrying a baby bag too). I am forever carrying a million bags!
Camera bag companies should look into creating the "stylish" part of camera bags for women (they have function down quite well so all they need now is style).

The Wendt Family

The Wendt Family is fabulous! They're really nice people and not to mention easy on the eyes and very photogenic. A few family photos of their love...

A little King

Children are so amazing; their little personalities are always buzzing in their eyes and when you can see it in their pictures it's always rewarding (especially for the parents). This is the case with this little "King" (the meaning of his name). He was a great pleasure to photograph and he's a natural as these head shots show.

Happy Easter!

This Easter weekend has been absolutely fabulous for me. It was my birthday this week and my husband and friends and family made it really special for me. I wanted to go away and since I couldn't they did everything they could to simulate "away" experiences (lots of good food was involved). I feel thoroughly blessed and reminded that life is about family and friends and that home and good celebrations are where those people are.

Happy Easter from my family to yours:)

Baby Ryley

I did some quick photos for a good friend of mine of her sweet new baby daughter Ryley who joined her twin sisters and big brother in the world this March. She already has her own baby personality at 2 days old:)

Vegas & WPPI

Vegas & the WPPI Convention (Wedding & Portrait Photographer's International) was great fun and an excellent learning experience. I attended many classes and met new friends and colleagues in the business. It was everything I thought it would be. What I took away most from the experience is the overwhelming theme by most of the presenters - Be your authentic self - in your style and your business (and your life). In the photography business it's so easy to get caught up in the latest equipment and photoshop tricks and trying to be like other great photographers, but the best of presenters encouraged all to "just do you". With this advice in hand I'm taking a little time to breathe more of me into my life and my photo work. It may mean a new direction for me but I'm willing to venture down my own unbeaten path in order to discover more of my authenticity. I hope this ends up reflecting externally in both my work and my every day living.

Here are some photos from the trip:

The Starbucks Line every morning! Crazy!
The Trade Show
Event Night - The Pros showing the audience how it's done
Getting our learn on!
The Gardens at the Bellagio