The Lead Up To Christmas Begins
The first pop-up Christmas studio has been completed and all the images have been delivered, I can say I am very pleased with the results!
Unfortunately for the flea market this particular weekend the Metcalfe Fair was on so general turn out was lower than average however I fared pretty well considering. I am also pleased to announce I shall be returning with the christmas studio to the Russell Flea Market on Saturday's: November 16th & 23rd, December 14th 2024!!
Can't wait to see you all there in November!!
Aurora Borealis, October 10th
Our closest star, our Sun. Has been giving us incredible solar storms this year. After living here now for quite some time I have never seen the Aurora Borealis until this year!
This capture here I just had to stop and take as I was driving around looking for a suitable location. I was raised from the age of 4 by a Farmer and subsequently spent a few years working on my father's farm. I sent this image on to him as I thought he would appreciate the farm equipment in the image.
Aurora Borealis / Northern Lights
Mini Sessions
With all the trees beginning to change their colours, my fall mini sessions began just at the right time! I had so much fun with the family and their young lad, he was just ripping around everywhere!
Weddings
I was lucky enough to be a part of two weddings this month. One wedding I was a second photographer and I was only there for a few hours. However had enough time to cover the Groom and Groomsmen prep, the Groom's family photos, the Groom and Groomsmen together and lastly the ceremony.
The last wedding I covered I was the lead photographer for one of my own clients. They had a beautiful wedding out past Merrickville at the lovely Chateau Mille Fleurs Wedding & Event Venue (See Below). The wedding couple chose some tasty mexican food for the buffett, something that had very deep personal meaning to them both.
Halfway There
With all the trees now in full blown transition in colour and the weather still oddly warm we (Me, my wife and three children) headed over to Embrun's very popular food truck parked at Yahoo Park - Pearson Street Smashburger's & Melts. We let the kids play at the park and burn some energy whilst I grabbed my last burger of their season as they're due to close at the end of the month for winter.
The Worst Part
The day after the park was a monday morning. We were busy getting both the girls ready for school when the phone rang, it was my sister from England. I instantly knew something was wrong as it was a monday morning and we would only normally speak on a weekend.
My father had had a massive stroke followed and was in the Neurosciences ICU following two different brain surgeries. Tuesday morning we were told the next 24-48 hours were critical, so I hopped on a plane as fast as I could to be with my father. This next part is extremely difficult to tell you all but alas, the hospital did everything they could to save his life and at the end there was just too much damage to his brain. We said our goodbyes to Dad and let him transition on to the next realm on the Thursday.
This news was a total shock to everyone and it was a real tragedy to the local farming community that relied upon him. There wasn’t a moment when his phone wasn’t ringing from other farmers wanting to know what dad was up to next. There was always a phone numbers written on the dashboard of his truck in the layer of farm dust that always covered everything. I was very lucky to spend some years working with him throughout the harvest seasons.
My cell phone is now going to become very quiet now and it's going to be a massive adjustment to life as I know it. As there wasn't a week that went by that we weren't messaging each other.
Following
With my time limited in England I went to my old home, the farm in Cold Brayfield. I walked the farm property and visited some people I used to know. It was an odd experience walking the farm after being gone for so many years.
I was lucky to be surrounded by family for my brief visit to England and was able to stay in the little town of Olney, Buckinghamshire with my Grandmother, Mother & her husband. Being there with family really helped considering how awful the circumstances were.
Manor House Cold Brayfield Farm Estate
My Mother & her great Husband
My Grandmother
My Sister
Some Fun
After not being home for a week I finally got home the night before Halloween. The kids had been talking about it all week and I wanted to be sure I wouldn't miss out on this fun evening with the Family.
It was nice seeing my family in England this month but I really missed being away from my wife & children and they asked for me every night I was away.
Halloween this year in eastern Ontario was very balmy. The afternoon had a high of 26 degrees Celsius and this weather continued to be pleasant throughout the evening too!! Our neighbourhood was extremely busy this year with kids, families and goblins all over the street.
Halloween 2024