Posted on April 30, 2012 by chantal Posted in Blog, Blog-Weddings, Tutorials

Here are some ideas to incorporate into your wedding day to make it extra special for those who are nearest to your heart.
Mother: A double frame makes a wonderful gift for your mother. On one side, use a photo of you and your mom when you were little and on the other, a photo of you together on your wedding day – hugging, getting ready together. etc. Have the frame engraved to read, “I’ll always be your little girl”.
Father: If you wear a blusher veil, it is traditional to give it to your father after your wedding day, as a memento of that moment in your lives. A shadow box is a cute way to display this gift, along with a portrait of you walking down the aisle or having your father and daughter dance during the reception.
Fiancé: Secretly do a boudoir portrait session in your bridal lingerie and frame your favorite portrait. Hide it for him to find on your wedding morning with a little love note. This will be a wonderful surprise for him to enjoy that day and for many years to come.
Maid of Honor: A framed portrait of you together on your wedding day with a necklace or a gift card to a spa is the perfect thank you to your maid of honor. Have each bride’s maid sign the sole of your shoe before the ceremony for good luck. Whoever’s name is darkest by the end of the day will be married next.
Best Man: An engraved flask, a box of cigars or a nice set of cufflinks are all thoughtful gestures to give to the best man in your wedding. Be sure to get a portrait of all the groomsmen and the groom doing a toast. This makes a wonderful framed gift to give to each, along with a handwritten thank you card.
Flower Girl: An engraved locket is a wonderful gift for your flower girl. Alternately, a charming music box would also be cherished for years to come. Take a picture with your flower girl, and wait until her wedding day to give it to her, along with a heartfelt message about how proud you are to see her grow into a beautiful woman.
Future Children: Save a few bottles of wine from your wedding (depending on how many children you plan to have) and box each one up with a picture of you and your husband on your wedding day, as well as a heartfelt, handwritten message. This makes a wonderful gift many years down the road on your children’s wedding day.
Anniversary: Save the top tier of your wedding cake and freeze it until your one year anniversary. This makes for a wonderfully romantic memento from your wedding day.
For that big 25, use one of those bottles of wine that you set aside for your kids, if you have extras!
For your 50th, go to the place you were married and renew your vows in front of your closest and most dear family and friends. Be sure to save your shoes, veil and dress, wrapping them in linen and storing them in an airtight, watertight place. If you don’t end up renewing your vows in them, a daughter or granddaughter might love to wear it again.
Enjoy.
Chantal
Posted on April 26, 2012 by chantal Posted in Blog, Blog-Boudoir&Pin-ups
Your wedding day has finally arrived. This is the day you shall look and feel your most beautiful. You have waited months, even years for this day, and prepared everything so carefully down to the last detail, except maybe a gift for your fiancé?
Why not surprise him with a sassy, sexy boudoir photo session? Imagine the look on his face, if you were to have a wall portrait delivered to him the morning of the wedding or present him with a personal album on your wedding night.
Heather’s wedding was planned for April in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. She wanted to surprise her future husband with something special so she came to see me for intimate photos.
At the beginning I felt that she was a bit nervous, so I showed her a peek behind the camera. Heather has beautiful long legs, doing sensual nudes for her was inspirational. When she saw the sneak peek, I felt her relief, more relaxed and comfortable in her skin.

We went on with the session creating different images and looks. The turn out was fantastic, making Heather’s choice very difficult.
Working with Heather was amazing !!!!!
“I wanted to let you know that Eric love love love loved the pictures. How could he not, you did an amazing job
Thanks again it was the best gift ever and you made it happen.- Heather T”

Posted on April 24, 2012 by chantal Posted in Blog, Real Estate

A business portrait is a headshot done by a professional photographer that people use for business cards, Websites, signs, blogs, advertising, etc.
It is an important asset to your business so it can help clients visualize your brand, who you are and help them make a connection with you.
Your business portrait will project the image of your company and your services.
If your lawyer was posed in an Hawaiian shirt, would you take him seriously?
If you are serious about connecting with clients and want to show them you mean business, you need to invest in a professional image.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Your business portrait is an opportunity to make an impact and impression on your clients. Do you want to be serious, smiling, powerful, approachable?
The image will be used to represent your company so dress accordingly.
Carefully choose your attire because this is the way clients will perceive you.
It is a good idea to dress the same way your clients see you at work or your photo will look unnatural.
Avoid clothing that wrinkles easily.
Solid colors photograph best, midtones such as green, blue, brown, black, navy look great.

Light colors such as beige, tan, peach, pink might wash out your skin tone.
Bright colors such as reds, oranges or clothing with patterns will distract from the face. Unless of course you have a specific uniform that represents your work environment.

Your appearance, hair and make-up play an important part of the final outcome.
An evening wear make-up is recommended but don’t over do it. Avoid shimmery make-up. If you never wear make-up, a little foundation is recommended to even out your skin tone. Bring loose powder for touch ups for shiny skin.
Business portraits should be updated every 1 to 2 years, especially for women who change their hairstyle and color.
Call today at 613-841-1469 to book your appointment so you can refresh that old photo.
Posted on April 17, 2012 by chantal Posted in Blog, Blog-Babies&Toddlers
Remember your child forever as he/she grows and changes, remember the sweet dreams, the smile, the laugh and giggle.
Remember these images are going to last forever. You are not buying a paper, you are investing in lifetime memories. You are buying a moment, a memory that cannot be captured again and again.
The moments captured are history, stopping time, healing hearts.
Mikayla has joined the Watch Me Grow program and came to the studio for her first session. We had fun trying props, tutus and cute dresses. Her little curls, her big eyes, her smirk, her innocence makes her images flawless.

Her parents came to the preview session with the intention of getting a mural photo but couldn’t resist taking many more images in the collection. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the parents reactions or expressions when they look at the images. They are full of joy and can’t decide which images to choose.

It was a pleasure to work with Miss Mikayla and looking forward to seeing her growth in the next 4 years.
Posted on April 12, 2012 by chantal Posted in Blog, Real Estate
They say you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. A headshot is often the first contact a potential client will have, and should represent you at your best.
Whether you are a real estate agent, banker or an insurance broker, a professional polished headshot with proper lighting and background will help bolster your image and help your business grow.

A minimal background and dark wardrobe will help keep the focus on your face. A warm, welcoming smile and good posture will create an approachable yet professional look for a real estate agent. A more subdued smile, will give your clients a sense of security if you are a banker or broker.
If you want to create a professional image, update your website or marketing materials, go with a professional headshot. Any service-based industry professional will especially benefit, whether you are a hairstylist or child care professional. Your reputation and your image are a big part of your business.

Call today 613-841-1469 to schedule your appointment.
Posted on April 10, 2012 by chantal Posted in Blog, Blog-Boudoir&Pin-ups
Love yourself Now!!!
Not when you lose the weight, not when you change your hairstyle, not when you wear the perfect jeans. You are a gift, you are special and you are someone to be valued and as beautiful as the next person.
Look at yourself in the mirror, embrace your curves, your laugh lines, take ownership of your body and believe you are worth it.
Boudoir photography is about capturing the essence of a women, who she really is. Boudoir can be empowering, uplifting and a great ego boost. It is designed to give you confidence and connect with your inner seductress while maintaining class and grace.
I’m hoping the below testimonial will convince you!!!
”Life begins at 40 … a myth? Maybe! In all honesty, I wasn’t the happiest person the day I started this new decade. I’m sure many can attest to having felt the same way. Although skeptical, I soon realized that the forties weren’t so bad – in fact, they are wonderful. I’m not only enjoying them to the fullest, I’ve learned to accept myself as I am, as I look. So I thought why not be a bit “risqué” and have boudoir pictures taken …. Yes, it took a while to get the courage to actually do it.

On a snowy winter’s day, my husband and I decided to go to this “adult” show that’s pretty popular in the Ottawa area and there was Chantal’s booth — both of us were in awe at the pictures on display and in her portfolio albums. I turned to my husband and said “One day I’ll do this for real” and I walked away with her business card.
The perfect opportunity for me to actually do this was my husband’s 50th birthday early this year – so I sent Chantal an email with the subject line “I’m taking the plunge”. Within minutes I received such a friendly reply that I knew I’d made a wise choice in contacting her. My “boudoir” photography adventure began!!

I met Chantal face-to-face for the first time during the pre-shoot session. Right away, we hit it off; her simple demeanor, professionalism quickly put me at ease. We spent an hour chit-chatting, getting to know each other, and browsing her boudoir portfolio to prepare for the actual photo shoot.
On the day of, I was so nervous. As I walked in, as promised, Chantal offered me a glass of wine which I most definitely accepted without any hesitation (lol)! Once I’d gathered my thoughts, taken a few deep breaths, I joined her in her studio and the shoot began. The next 2 hours were absolutely wonderful – here I was posing in all my glory and feeling fabulous.
Then came the day to choose; not an easy task I assure you. It took me almost an hour to decide. Chantal highlighted a few things without influencing my decision but making it a bit easier. Thank goodness, otherwise I fear I would have taken a whole lot longer which speaks volumes to the quality of her work and how well she captured the moments. I look hot, sexy, amazing … MERCI, MERCI, et MERCI!!!!

Now on the home stretch, I picked up the “merchandise” and presented it to my husband. He looked at me with a big smile and said “You really did it”. Very proudly I replied – “Yes, I just had to find the right time to do it”. Did he like? – OH YES HE LIKED. They were a hit
… He never expected this at all.
THANK YOU Chantal for such a wonderful day.
To you Ladies that are contemplating “Taking the plunge” … GO FOR IT! – Chantal Soucy”
So are you ready to take the plunge?