Lilly Starts a New Fashion Trend!

Lilly is such a little genius. She invented this new fashion trend all by herself. I think it's going to catch on quickly!

She's does it with her shorts too. Definitely a trend setter!

Carline and Colin - The Wedding

The weather was a little uncooperative for Carline and Colin's BIG DAY, but they weren't fazed by it at all. They were such a fun loving couple that a little rain wasn't going to put a damper on their fun on their wedding day.

We started the day with photos of Carline and her girls getting ready at the Waterloo Inn. From there we were off to St. Teresa Parish in Kitchener for the ceremony, followed by photos at Carline and Colin's home where we waited for a break in the weather to run outside and get some photos in their beautifully landscaped backyard.

Then it was back to the Waterloo Inn for the cocktail hour and reception. As usual, the Waterloo Inn did a wonderful job, and everything looked beautiful.

Getting married soon in Kitchener Waterloo Cambridge? If you're looking for a wedding photographer in the Kitchener Waterloo area, we'd love to talk to you about working with you on your big day! Email Matt at matt@mattballardphotography.com or call us at 519-497-0876.


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Uncle Bobs New Business Cards & The Importance of Professional Wedding Photography

A common term that professional wedding photographers know all too well is "Uncle Bob". When we hear about an "Uncle Bob" situation, we usually laugh, shake our heads, sigh, or a combination of all three. "Uncle Bob" in this context refers to someone at the wedding (or going to be at the wedding) taking photos who is not a professional. They are often a family member, often an actual Uncle, and are often taking photos for free or close to it.

The problem with "Uncle Bob" is that, while he or she probably takes very nice pictures of flowers in the garden, the family dog, and occasionally a good family photo, "Uncle Bob" is just not experienced at photographing weddings.

Weddings are a "live" event where just about anything can and will happen to throw a wrench into the schedule. A professional wedding photographer knows this and can adapt to situations that arise with a transparency and skill that can only come from experience and training. "Uncle Bob" just doesn't have anywhere near the experience, skill, and training of a professional wedding photographer.

A wedding... YOUR WEDDING, is a pretty important event. Some would say a VERY important event, perhaps one of the most important events in your life. When I see people recommending having a relative or friend photograph a couple's wedding, I cringe. Not only is this putting a HUGE amount of responsibility on a person who is unqualified to do the job (and likely also isn't even aware of just how unqualified they are until the day of the wedding), but it's setting up the bride and groom for some serious disappointment.

A wedding day isn't a repeatable event. Unlike a portrait session or a commercial shoot, where we can re-schedule if there is a problem or the shots don't turn out as the client wanted, you can't do this with your wedding. You could try, I guess, to get all those guests back on a given day, at the same location, with all the same attire, same decorations, etc... (you get my point), but I don't think you'd be very successful, nor would you want to.

When all is said and done, the only thing you really have left to remember your big day with is your wedding photos. You've put a lot of time and effort, not to mention expense, into such a big event, so don't you want to make sure your wedding photos will be beautiful memories of that wonderful day?

I feel bad when I hear stories of couples who were very disappointed with their wedding photos taken by "Uncle Bob". I have couples contact me hoping that I can "fix" their photos that "Uncle Bob" took, and I feel bad when I have to tell them that there is very little that can be done. Even when something can be done, the amount of time involved in "fixing" their "Uncle Bob" photos is going to make it a much more expensive process than if they had just hired a professional wedding photographer in the first place.

Take the time to look through the portfolios of professional wedding photographers. You'll quickly see the differences in style and vision, but more importantly, you'll see the difference in quality. Compare the images of some of the best professional wedding photographers with those shot by someones "Uncle Bob". The differences become VERY evident, VERY fast! You'll quickly develop a feeling for what you like and what appeals to you, and you'll be able to see why having "Uncle Bob" or a "bargain" photographer shoot your wedding is just not worth it... at any price.

Love Conquers Cancer

Love can save us all. Love is the greatest power on Earth.

Without Love, who are we?

Love can be hard. Love can hurt. Love can conquer.

Love is excellent. Love is greater than hate. Love is easy.

Losing a Love is painful.

Loving without being loved in return can hurt.

Love is so strong that nothing can withstand it.

With Love, we have everything.

Love believes. Love understands. Love endures.

Love forgives. Love brings smiles brighter than the sun.

With a little more Love, and a little less hate, we can do anything.


Matt Ballard - May 15, 2009 - www.loveconquerscancer.com


I have lost the dearest of friends to cancer. My family has been threatened by it.
But it will not win. I believe that love will conquer cancer. I believe that we all can make a difference in the fight.

I am donating my time for all Engagement Sessions and Couples Sessions in return for a $100 donation to the cancer charity of your choice. Call or email today to book an Engagement or Couples Session and help us prove that LOVE CONQUERS CANCER.

To book an Engagement or Couples Session, please call me at
519-497-0876, or email me at matt@mattballardphotography.com.

Ashtyn... a Children of Kitchener Waterloo Photo Session

View the rest of Ashtyn's Children of Kitchener Waterloo session here.

Call today to register your child for the Children of Kitchener Waterloo project and help support the McMaster Children's Hospital!

519-497-0876

Lilly's 1st Birthday

Lilly's 1st Birthday Party. Her birthday is April 1st, but we had a family party this past Sunday, March 29, 2009. Lilly had her first piece of birthday cake, and she LOVED it (as you can see)!

View the Full Size HD version here.

Julia... a NEXT TOP TEEN session

Another great NEXT TOP TEEN session with Julia!