Summertime Relaxing! Ottawa Lifestyle Photographer

I've thoroughly enjoyed the slower pace in my work this last year to have more time at home with baby.  I've been just busy enough and will have a lot more coming soon, with family sessions, babies, 1st, 3rd and 90th birthday parties, baptisms, burlesque, and maybe even some mini-sessions.  I love photographing weddings, which we'll get back to after the summer, but for now I’m so glad to have more weekends and more time with family.  

Hope you have many moments full of your favourite summer pleasures, just like this!

I Love Summer Campfires!  Especially in Northwestern Ontario.
 

Newborn & Family Photography-A Sneak Peek!

One of our favourite muses, Imogen, is now a proud big Sister!  Of course, we couldn't wait for a photo session with little Ollie.  We'll have more to share of this lovely family soon.  Here's a little peek for now:

Proud Big Sister

Love for my one and only

Four years ago today, Darcy and I were married, in our hometown.  It was a beautiful, sunny, blue-sky kind of day in September for our backyard ceremony (which is lucky for Dryden since it snowed there just the week before) and then a big party with friends and family.   

When I think of that day, I still feel so grateful for all the love and support from everyone to help pull it together.  It was a wonderful day for us, and with every day since I still love calling him my husband.  Happy Anniversary Darcy.

Photos by William Au

Back to Fall, Back to School

With September officially here, and the last long weekend for any summer-ish fun over with,  people have started to get into those back to school routines.  Here's hoping it's been fun for all those little ones, (especially those just starting school), and an exciting return for all the other kids, parents, and of course, the teachers.  Hope you're all enjoying switching gears!

From a family session at New Prospect School in Dryden, Ontario

Close to Home

The view from beneath the tree, where we stood as we were married 4 years ago.

This last week as Darcy and I were planning a date to go see Terrence malick's latest, Tree of Life, we found out that the Manitoba Maple tree at his mother's house needed to be removed.  It's always been very close to the side of the house, so it wasn't too  much of a surprise, but we're a little sad about it.  

It's grand, with silvery green leaves, and lovely to see, from the jogging path or while crossing the lawn daily to the neighbours, and has been a pretty big hit with the next generation, as you can see.  

When Darcy and I were planning our wedding in Dryden, from Ottawa, we tried to think of options that would suit us.  Standing at the tree, with our loved ones seated in the backyard of Darcy's family home, seemed perfect, and it was.  The years that Darcy, his family, their home, and this tree have been part of my life outnumber the years without them.

It was removed fairly unceremoniously, with us in Ottawa, and his brother Dave in West virginia. Betty gave me a call as they were finishing up.  She tried to take a few pictures to send us, which is nice, but I think it will always remain large in our memory, and will seem so strange without it there.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home 

Smashcake Birthday Photo Session!

Imogen had her first birthday last week.  Sadly, we couldn't be back in Dryden, ON, for the actual birthday, but now that the day has come, we can share these birthday pics with you.  While they were visiting in Ottawa, they wanted to have some smashcake fun in front of my lens, and of course, Wendy at Thimblecakes was eager to whip something up for little Immy.  

We found a quiet little spot in an area near the canal, and had a little picnic.  The Royals (Kate & Wills) were just arriving in town and actually passing very near us, but who could be bothered to stand and wave at them when there's so much fun to be had?  Unless, maybe if they planned on some cakesmashing.  In pretty little outfits.

After our lunch it was time for Imogen's first chocolate and first taste of cake!  She was so dainty, dipping her little finger in it over and over.   And, being as sweet as she is, wanted to share every 3rd or 4th fingerful of cake with mommy or daddy.  She managed to get it all over her face and adorable outfit this way but after a little help from her parents, she was tearing into it quite happily and in a lot messier way.  

 

 

Happy Birthday to the adorably silly, smart & playful, much-loved little Immy! 

Those daddy moments...

Enjoy your day, you deserve it.

Exciting news!

I've been back in Northwestern Ontario now for almost a week.  I love that I sometimes travel working as a full-time photographer, and that I can go to my hometown for a semi-vacation and meet great new clients or meet again with others, but this trip home is especially exciting.  My brother and his wife were expecting a baby girl!  They had her 2 days before I arrived, so I was just in time for some photos of her first day at home.

I couldn't resist posting a photo, even an unedited quick one.  Check out the facebook page for a few more!

This is the first grandchild for my mom.  She's adorable and I can't wait to spend more time with her.  While the new parents get used to their routines I came to Dryden for some time with family and friends and also some sessions with new faces, and with one of my favourite clients.  It's been a great time so far, even the time spent moving plywood and painting and somehow managing to get a sunburn on a super cloudy, rainy week.  It's been great being back home but I will be off to see my niece for some cuddle time very soon! 

Here's another quick one of that sweet little newborn niece of mine!

While back in Northwestern Ontario I'm offering a special rate of $125 for my brief visit.  My lifestyle sessions are usually about an hour and a half, which gives us some room for locations, and fun activities for little ones. I will be heading to Thunder Bay on Saturday and making time for only a few more sessions while I'm there next week.  Send me an email at natalielyle@me.com to inquire about a session.

Baby Love ......

I love working with babies, but especially with this one.  Imogen is the sweet little 6 month old of my dear friends Shari & Michael.  We've made time for photoshoots whenever we can, so while I was in Thunder Bay in January they drove up from Dryden for some play time (for us grownups and for the baby) and a session, of course.  

Showing off her Holiday Dress before it's been outgrown

Daddy walking her around to soothe the teething and crying 

The morning of our shoot was day 2 of her cutting her first 2 teeth, so there was plenty of cuddling time after what had been a very rough night for her.  Aside from Mom & Dad, her Giraffe pal Bette Davis brought her back to her usual happy self.  I love that Bette is so similar to her with the big eyes and lots of hair.

I can't wait for my next chance for a playdate and photosession!

Happy Anniversary

Here's a more personal post sending a little love to one of our favourite couples.  Shari & Michael were married in Cuba 2 years ago on the same day they started dating 11 years ago.  As very close friends of ours, their wedding was one of our favourites, and Shari has become my unofficial 'poster girl' (you've seen her in our wedbyhand post, or our facebook profile photo, or the site,the list goes on).

Another Happy Note:  Their wonderful daughter Imogen, who lights up rooms wherever she goes with her beautiful smiling face, was 6 months old yesterday.  We met with them for a session while in Thunder Bay and I will be able to share a little more of that with you next week.    Can I just say how sad it is that I'm all the way across the province and don't get to be around this little one more often?  She is pure joy!

Immy at 7 weeks visiting Ottawa

Being cute at Norma Jean's Diner

Sending love to the two of you (with kisses for Imogen).  Nat and Darcy

The Newlyweds, One Week Later

Our New Year's Eve was spent in the company of Sandra and Enzo, a very special way to end 2010 and usher in the coming year.  It was a lovely wedding, and even the chaos leading up to the ceremony was light and fun (the wedding party included 5 grandchildren).

The evening came, with the light fading just as the solarium was filled with the couple's friends and family, soft twinkle lights and candles lighting the ceremony.  The evening was informal, without a head table or speeches, only table after table of old friends and new, celebrating with comfort food, wine and laughter. There were loads of treats (the kids made a few good recommendations as to which were the favourites, and which cupcake they thought best), and then warm hugs and smiles all around at the countdown to 2011.  

They were beaming and joyful, laughing, talking and dancing with their guests all through the evening.

It was a wonderful way to celebrate what's to come, especially for Sandra & Enzo.  

More photos will follow, but here is a quick one of the newlyweds before the ceremony.  Sandra was such a gorgeous, beaming bride that she was able to keep Enzo out for nearly 10 minutes instead of 2, for some Winter Wedding Photos.  No small feat with icy winds in -20 weather!

And I couldn't resist posting another shot from the evening:

Summer Days...

A short post of recent Bits & Pieces.

These last couple weekends have managed to be both busy and flexible enough to really enjoy summer.  We wrapped up shooting on a short film, and spent one of those Saturday nights watching Some Like It Hot with friends, and popcorn on blankets in a downtown park.

Darcy's music video for The Weathermakers took Third Place in the Ottawa International Film Festival last weekend and the screening was full with friends and laughs.  It was a really great evening and we're already looking forward to The Weathermakers CD Release at Maverick's on Sept 18th.  Here's a selfportrait we managed on our little camera at the start of the evening:

This weekend was busy as well.  It's the final weekend of Pride and downtown is full of energy.  I still spent some time editing, as always.  Here's a shot of my cousin's little boy I snapped while back home.  It looks like one of the best ways to enjoy the season.  With the lake nearby and watermelon in hand.  Enjoy!