Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Cambridge Ontario Parks for Photo Locations

Following up on my list of Cambridge Golf and Country Clubs, I thought I'd mention that the City of Cambridge has a great list of area parks.

Here's the link for the list of Cambridge Ontario Parks.
http://www.cambridge.ca/community_services/parks

Mill Race Park is probably the most popular wedding photo location here in Cambridge, mostly due to the beautiful stone ruins situated along the bank of the Grand River.

If you want to hold your wedding ceremony or do wedding photos at Mill Race Park, you need to make a reservation with the City. You can get a reservation form here.

If you're looking for a Photographer for your wedding in Cambridge, Ontario, have a look at our wedding galleries!

If we have your date available, you may be interested in one of our Wedding Specials. To build a custom package, please send me an at matt@mattballardphotography.com.


Top 5 Kitchener Weddings and Waterloo Weddings Locations

Kitchener Ontario Parks and Wedding Photos Locations

Cambridge Ontario Golf and Country Clubs

Cambridge Ontario Golf and Country Clubs

A lot of couples ask about wedding locations when they're planning their wedding in Cambridge, Ontario.

We're lucky here in Cambridge, because we have a lot of beautiful locations to choose from, as most Cambridge photographers will tell you.

There are six Golf and Country Clubs in Cambridge that do weddings. I've shot at all of them, and they're all very nice locations.

Here's a list of them complete with website links so you can check them out for yourself if you're planning a wedding.

Cambridge Ontario Golf and Country Clubs

Beaverdale Golf Club
http://www.golfnorth.ca/beaverdale.html

Cambridge Golf & Country Club
http://www.cambridgegolfclub.com

Grand Valley Golf and Country Club
http://www.grandvalleygolf.com

Galt Country Club
http://www.galtcountryclub.com

Savannah Golf Links
http://www.savannahgolflinks.ca

Whistle Bear Golf Club
http://www.whistlebear.ca


If you're looking for a Cambridge, Ontario Photographer for your wedding, please feel free to look through our online wedding portfolio of wedding photos too!

And check out our current Wedding Package Specials. If you want to customize a package, just email us at matt@mattballardphotography.com.


Top 5 Kitchener Weddings and Waterloo Weddings Locations

Kitchener Ontario Parks and Wedding Photos Locations

Cambridge Ontario Parks for Photos Locations

Sunday, June 21, 2009

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!

Lilly starts a new fashion trend with her pants on her head 2

Lilly starts a new fashion trend with her pants on her head 1

Lilly starts a new fashion trend with her pants on her head 3

Monday, June 15, 2009

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.

Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario

Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario

Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario


Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario

Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario” border=


Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario

Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario” border=


Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario

Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario

Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario

Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario

Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario

Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario


Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario” border=

Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario

Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario

Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario

Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario

Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario

Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario


Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario” border=

Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario

Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario

Carline and Colin's Wedding - Waterloo Inn, Waterloo Ontario


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.


Top 5 Kitchener Weddings and Waterloo Weddings Locations

Kitchener Ontario Parks and Wedding Photos Locations

Cambridge Ontario Parks for Photos Locations

Cambridge Ontario Golf and Country Clubs


Wednesday, May 20, 2009

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.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

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.

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Ashtyn... a Children of Kitchener Waterloo Photo Session

Ashtyn – Children of Kitchener Waterloo – www.childrenofkitchenerwaterloo.com


Ashtyn – Children of Kitchener Waterloo – www.childrenofkitchenerwaterloo.com


Ashtyn – Children of Kitchener Waterloo – www.childrenofkitchenerwaterloo.com


Ashtyn – Children of Kitchener Waterloo – www.childrenofkitchenerwaterloo.com


Ashtyn – Children of Kitchener Waterloo – www.childrenofkitchenerwaterloo.com


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