Stec Photographers

WE'VE MOVED!!!! (our blog that is!)

2009-07-23T11:55:00.001-04:00

There will be no further posts on this blog. We so appreciate all you who follow our weekly progress and projects, and as such, we've updated our blog to include a much nicer layout and larger photos. Please click the BLOG LIFE link on our home page, or bookmark WWW.STECPHOTO.COM/BLOG.

Thanks so much!

Leah and Randy - Victoria, B.C.

2009-07-15T14:23:00.009-04:00

I normally say a few things about the wedding, but words seem a little weak for this one. Leah was gorgeous and somehow assembled the best looking wedding party I've seen in a long time! The classic home in Victoria along with a majestic harbourfront hotel was an idyllic setting! ENOUGH SAID!

Mike & Anna!

2009-07-06T22:27:00.008-04:00

Aside from being a model couple in generosity and grace, these two were a MODEL couple in every other way! Anna - you're beautiful and Mike, well, hey, ... yo....dude! :)

This was a super fun shoot and with my assistant Reyn to add to the portfolio mix, the day couldn't have gone better from my perspective. From beaches to alleys to farmhouses, Anna and Mike were up for it all .... what long ceremony? Some of these pics have got to be award winning or something! Look who I had to work with eh?! Oh, and with 2 fun and great looking kids, I couldn't resist the lure of photogenic smiles and attitudes from the yung 'uns!

I really look forward to meeting with you guys after you get back from somewhere cool !!!

Okay, somebody here just doesn't belong!!

Mitch and Carrey - An Emotional Day!

2009-06-28T21:02:00.005-04:00

If I had to think of a bride whose day included more meaningful and emotional symbolism than Carrey's I'm not sure I could come up with one! Carrey was looking forward to this day more than anyone I've photographed in some time. Aside from a tight time schedule and hot sun, we couldn't have asked for more ideal circumstances. Much love to you 2 from us!

Jocelyn & Daniel - hitched!

2009-06-18T16:18:00.009-04:00

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then ...... well ...... enough said!

There are so many more photos I can't wait to show everyone! Thanks to Jocelyn and Daniel for indulging my "weirdness" and travelling to some pretty scary urban, cruddy locations!

ENJOY!

Random Thoughts

2009-06-16T21:11:00.005-04:00

Here's just a funky shot that caught my attention awhile ago during a scary and cold afternoon wedding shoot on a rocky beach in Hamilton, ON. We did get what we hoped for just before the rain let loose!

Jennifer & David's Wedding

2009-06-15T12:06:00.016-04:00

We love trying out new shooting techniques, locations and photo treatment options. All your comments keep us encouraged and in high gear. Keep your comments coming – we’re pumped!
Can you imagine a gorgeous bride who threw on hiking shoes and trekked through thick forest to get to a dirty, oily, smelly train bridge for some spectacular shots where most would fear to tread? Well, that’s what Jennifer was all about this past weekend. It’s always encouraging when we hear comments from our brides who trust us completely for locations, styles and finishing techniques for our photos. Thanks Jen and Dave for being real troopers!! We try to stick to locations where we have NEVER seen another bride. Photographers keep asking us for our secrets and trying to track down our locations, but we’ll keep finding new ones! It’s what we do! Enjoy the pics and feel free to leave comments, talk shop or whatever you’d like!

Candice & Ron

2009-06-11T20:15:00.017-04:00

Congratulations are going out to Candice and Ron, one of the sweetest, kindest and cutest couples! These two tied the knot in Niagara Falls on one of the nicest Saturdays we've had so far this year! And I just have to mention that the bridesmaids wore one of my favourite colours of blue; in fact I'm pretty sure I have a room in my home painted in the same colour (he he he)! No detail was overlooked and it turned out to be a fantastic day! Congrats again you two!

Jennifer & David

2009-06-08T22:32:00.013-04:00

Shout out to Tara at Planned to a T - this wedding rocked! Never has a wedding day gone so well and I do believe that a huge part of that had to do with the tremendous work that happened before the big day by wedding planner Tara Santo. Jennifer and David were so relaxed, fun and totally in LOVE! We had an awesome day of shooting...and I must say, (tee hee hee) the food at the Chateau was soooo good! Congratulations you two!

Danna & Carlo

2009-06-04T23:36:00.010-04:00

Yes this day sure had emotion – more than the powerful feelings of the bride and groom though…! This day went from beautiful to scary dark, to rain at the exact moment photos were to begin, then back to ultra sunny! Oh, and did we mention the 7 other wedding parties fighting for space in downtown Kleinburg??! In the end, it was an awesome day with an exceptionally nice couple! We really, really wish you guys the best of all things in life! Thanks for the opportunity to do what we love, by creating something you’ll love!

Shannon & Kenneth

2009-05-23T11:40:00.010-04:00

People often ask us what constitutes the perfect day from a photographer's standpoint...Shannon and Kenneth's wedding would be one of the best examples! The weather was warm, it was beautiful and sunny going into the ceremony and it was slightly overcast in the afternoon while we were shooting. The ceremony was held at a picture perfect, quaint country Church and the photos were taken at Dundurn Castle in Hamilton - both were great locations! And to top it all off, you couldn't ask for a nicer couple who were so accommodating, exceptionally gracious and terribly in LOVE! Thanks for making my day you two and have an awesome honeymoon!

Sophie & Nick

2009-05-21T20:30:00.009-04:00

Parkwood Estate in Oshawa made the perfect backdrop for Nick and Sophie's wedding! Hey did you know that Parkwood was once home to auto baron R. Samuel McLaughlin - the founder of General Motors of Canada? Pretty cool eh? Anyway, although the temps were a bit chilly and inspite of the rain that came down during the ceremony, Sophie and Nick braved it all! These two lovebirds were hot, hot, hot! Congratulations again and all the best to you as you start this amazing new journey of life!

Johanna & Jason

2009-05-20T22:57:00.020-04:00

What do you get when you cross a bride and groom willing to trust their photographer on a very windy day? The most amazing shots! Johanna and Jason were my perfect couple...willing to do anything. And that makes me a happy girl! How beautiful to have the budding vineyard be the backdrop to our photos... Thanks you two for making my day!

Stefanie & Michael

2009-05-14T20:33:00.011-04:00

Woo hoo! Our two beautiful lovebirds, Stef and Mike, exchanged their vows on the weekend! Although the weather was a bit unpredictable we took some amazing shots inside and out. I just love the intensity of Stef's eyes - killer!! Have a great honeymoon you two and we'll see you on your return!

Bree & Ricky

2009-05-12T20:40:00.011-04:00

What a day! Bree and Ricky tied the knot on Saturday and it was awesome! It sure was a mixed bag of precipitation - sunny, rainy, windy, warm and cold. But this couple took it all in stride and had a blast! We hit the beach and the wind made for some really funky shots! Check these out...

Kind Words

2009-05-06T20:28:00.005-04:00

We get a lot of emails from our clients thanking us for the wonderful job we do in photographing them or their loved ones. This, however, is perhaps one of the most beautifully written letters I have ever received and I wanted to share it with you.

Hi Debbie,

It being spring and almost two years from our wedding day, I was feeling reminiscent and decided to cruise to the StecPhoto website. There I found myself lost once again in the fantasy that is the planning of a wedding, the exploration of a "look" for the day, and the enormous part you had both in capturing that and in helping to create it. Seldom a day goes by that I don't think about how lucky I am to have such a caring and wonderful husband, and call me romantic ("you're romantic" says Deb) but I feel that the wedding as the beginning of a life together has a large part in setting the tone for a relationship.

I can look at my photos now, Debbie, and feel it all again accurately and with poignant detail. How the leaves smelled; how many smiles there were from the moment I arrived at my mother's house and you were there eagerly snapping; how gloriously dirty and comfortable my dress got while I was crawling sexily on staircases at Dundurn Castle and twirling twirling twirling until I fell over in a heap of dizzy laughter. The way my husband looked waiting for me at the altar with that darling half-ecstatic, half-terrified smile of his, which you captured so perfectly. The voices and the reunions and the swanky jazz at the reception, you captured it all. And I can't thank you enough for creating that perfect look, those perfect memories, that not only show me what things looked like but sing to me, dance for me, fill me with contentment and excitement all over again. These are more than just beautiful pictures. These are the perfect aids to a memory that would have long since faded if not for your incredible artist's eye.

Thank you again and again from the bottom of my heart for that. I will always remember you as a part of our beautiful day.

Yours in Fond Nostalgia,
Michelle (and David), Burlington, Ontario

Jen & Peter

2009-05-03T14:42:00.009-04:00

Perfect weather, perfect setting, perfect couple! What an awesome day of shooting we had with Jen and Peter as we celebrated their nuptials! We love shooting at Graydon Hall Manor in Toronto - it's one of the prettiest settings around. Jen and Peter had their ceremony and reception on the property and it was picture perfect! Congratulations you two... we hope you have a great honeymoon!

Kathryn & Mark get hitched!

2009-04-25T21:29:00.015-04:00

We couldn't be happier for Kathy and Mark! It was a chilly day outside but inside the hotel this couple sizzled! And what a beautiful ceremony... so heartfelt and special. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of your amazing day!

Melanie & Gianni

2009-04-19T19:09:00.005-04:00

Woo hoo! Melanie and Gianni tied the knot yesterday and what a great day it was! Although the temps were a bit chilly, the love between these two kept things hot, hot, hot! Dundurn Castle provided a great back drop for some dramatic images. Thanks for letting us be a part of your day!

2009-04-03T20:39:00.003-04:00

Well, here we are! Yes, finally a new posting! I know, it's been ages... we've had so much going on at our studio and life has been incredibly busy! The last several months have seen us all over the place shooting and it's been a blast! And now, wedding season approaches - yay!!! This year we're busier than ever and can't wait to get started :) Congratulations to all our couples who will be tying the knot this year... we can't wait to share the day with you!

Vote!

2008-10-14T15:26:00.001-04:00

Don't forget to vote today! Make your voice count. See you at the polls...

Happy Thanksgiving All!

2008-10-13T14:28:00.002-04:00

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Hope you all get a chance to relax, eat lots of turkey and reflect on all that you have to be thankful for. Even though the economic world is in turmoil, we are all blessed. Don't believe me? Consider these stats...

Number of children in the world: 2.2 billion
Number in poverty: 1 billion (every second child)

640 million are without adequate shelter (1 in 3)
400 million have no access to safe water (1 in 5)
270 million have no access to health services (1 in 7)

26,500-30,000 children die each day due to poverty

Almost half the world — over three billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day.

At least 80% of humanity lives on less than $10 a day.

source http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats

Be thankful today and everyday... pass it on.

Niagara Weddings

2008-08-28T13:37:00.007-04:00

Hey! Check out our ad in the latest Niagara Weddings magazine! If yer hankerin' fer a copy, stop by our studio and pick one up. It's chock-full of great information for your upcoming wedding. Grab a latte, relax and enjoy!

It's About Time!

2008-08-22T16:58:00.010-04:00

Yes, we're still here! And thanks for your patience. This summer has been our busiest yet so you'll have to forgive us for not updating our blog as often as we'd like...

Check out some recent weddings we've photographed!

Dottie & Jon

2008-05-27T22:45:00.009-04:00

Even though it was one of the coldest days in May, Dottie and Jon braved the elements and looked amazing! Congratulations you two - you are beautiful inside and out. We wish you years and years of happiness, love and joy!

My Favourite Ice Cream Shop!

2008-05-25T21:32:00.000-04:00

My favourite ice cream shop is open again for 2008! Woo hoo! If you haven't treated yourself to this amazing gourmet experience, you don't know what you're missing... Kelly, the owner of Toute Sweet, is an ice cream maestro! She comes up with the most amazing flavour combinations! Whether you're looking for a knock out birthday party experience for your children or an amzingly creative dessert table for your wedding, this place has you covered! Ok so our favourite flavours? Green tea with pop rocks (don't ask!), raspberry with white chocolate chunks, lavender with lemon squares and mint with caramilk bars - oh boy, I'm starting to drool! Just trust me... stop in. They're located on 19th Street in Jordan.

40th Anniversary

2008-05-09T06:12:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to Len and Carol who are celebrating their 40th Anniversary! We decided to combine a few different looks for their Portrait Study - classic and traditional to relaxed and casual. What a beautiful couple - and just as beautiful on the inside as well. Oh and that little puppy? His name is Diego and he was so well behaved! What a great little munchkin!

Beauty Safari Grand Opening

2008-05-08T22:15:00.010-04:00

Last Friday night the Village of Jordan was humming with activity with the Grand Opening of Beauty Safari! Ok people, this is one of the most beautiful bath and body boutiques I've ever seen...wow! It is a feast for the senses - so many beautiful things! And the cool part is that it's not just for women... there's an amazing array of men's and children's products and even a section for your pooch! If you are looking for the perfect gift to give someone you MUST drop in to this store. They are at 3836 Main Street in Jordan.

New Portrait News!

2008-05-06T00:22:00.003-04:00

Hey - check out the latest in Portrait News HERE! You'll get the scoop on our current Into Eden Set - the Secret Garden - here for limited dates in May and June! If you'd like to join our mailing list and find out the latest info on our "Studio Happenings", send us an email or sign up at our Portrait website!

Suzanne & John

2008-04-28T06:39:00.000-04:00

Congratulations Suzanne & John! This amazing couple was tons of fun to work with and couldn't have chosen a more beautiful location for their wedding in Oakville - wow! It turned out to be a gorgeous day (after much threat of rain and thunder storms).

Have an awesome honeymoon you two and we can't wait to show you the rest of your images when you get back from your trip!

Jen & Gary

2008-04-21T21:15:00.009-04:00

Congrats to Jen and Gary who tied the knot recently! This was one fantastic couple to work with - we couldn't ask for any better! And such a great wedding party - so much fun and energy! Thanks for being so amazing you guys - you made our job so easy! Hope your honeymoon is the best and we'll see you soon!!

The Winning News!

2008-04-18T19:30:00.006-04:00

Ok, so yes, we’re going to toot our own horn here a bit but it’s such great news we couldn’t keep it to ourselves! For the first time ever, we decided to enter in the Professional Photographers of Canada National Image Competition and… one of our images, Enchanted Gaze (seen here), won! On top of that, this image was accepted into the National Loan Collection of Photography and will travel on exhibit across Canada along with other top images of the 2008 PPOC Print Salon. All of the images entered into this competition are judged by a panel of Master Photographers from across Canada. The competition features entries from every province in many different classes, including Portraiture, Wedding and Commercial categories. And if that wasn’t enough, it was announced at the recent PPOC National Convention that we both are now accredited by the Professional Photographers of Ontario as Wedding Photographer Specialists in the Wedding Environmental Category, judged so by another panel of Master Photographers. Our official titles are “Licensed Professional Photographers of Ontario” or LPPO. Woo hoo!

We Won! We Won!

2008-04-16T12:02:00.001-04:00

We're pretty excited and we'll let you know all the details very soon! Stay tuned...

Nancy & Pietro Montage

2008-04-14T06:03:00.003-04:00

These two were so much fun to work with - ready to try anything and do anything! Lots of energy, spontaneity and sparkle... can't wait for the wedding! Enjoy the show...

Nancy & Pietro

2008-04-11T14:54:00.010-04:00

We love these two! So much fun and energy - and lots of romance! In spite of some chilly temps at their engagement session, Nancy and Pietro were hot, hot, hot! Stay tuned for their montage... coming to a blog near you!

Stec Photographers is Giving Back!

2008-04-10T13:54:00.000-04:00

We are proud of our committment to assist worthy charities and organizations in their fund raising events! Over the years we have enjoyed giving back to our community and helping others. We routinely donate gift certificates to organizations and schools for their silent auctions so let us know if you have an event coming up!

Random Thoughts

2008-04-07T14:34:00.003-04:00

I love my nephews - they are always coming up with hilarious things to say! Just recently, I found out that their latest buzz word is "random" - "That's so random" I'll hear them say at just about any situation. It's so funny! So, on that line of thinking, I thought I'd give you some of my "Random" thoughts - just for the fun of it!!

Why do we drive on parkways and park on driveways?

Why is it that when you transport something by car, it's called a shipment, but when you transport something by ship, it's called cargo?

Why does your nose run and your feet smell?

Why is there an expiration date on SOUR cream?

How do you get off a non-stop flight?

Why is it that night falls but day breaks?

How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

Why does a slight tax increase cost you two hundred dollars and a substantial tax cut saves you thirty cents?

There's your smile for the day! Oh and yes, that's one of my nephews pictured here - what a cutie!

Cool Gadget

2008-04-04T14:02:00.004-04:00

Ok... so I'm a gadget nut - I admit it! I just thought this nifty little number would be worth showing you in case you haven't seen it yet. It's called the "Quik Pod". In a nutshell, it's an extendable, handheld tripod. As long as your camera has a standard tripod fitting, you can use the Quik Pod to take pictures of yourself without the help of a stranger - it gives you extendable reach when you need it. It looks like it retails for $24.95 in the US and you can see a lot more info about it if you go here to their website.

Julie & Todd

2008-04-03T19:26:00.008-04:00

Hooray for Julie and Todd! This amazing couple tied the knot on Saturday! Kudos to the wedding party for putting up with some chilly temps... thankfully the sun was nice and warm! All the best to you guys as you begin your lives together!

Screen Cleaner... So Funny!!

2008-04-02T00:42:00.002-04:00

Check out the "Screen Cleaner" to the right at the top - so funny!

Soda Hair Group

2008-04-02T00:26:00.008-04:00

The team at Soda Hair Group in St. Catharines is amazingly talented and so passionate about their work! Every time I go there I'm greeted with warm smiles, friendly hugs and, of course, an amazing "hair" experience. Brides-to-be, if you're looking for a salon for your wedding day, stop in at Soda and say hi to Kathy, the owner - you will love her and your experience!

Why Are You Waiting?

2008-03-31T07:03:00.002-04:00

Not enough time? Too busy? Procrastinating? Whatever your excuse, you need to read this story...

Yesterday I met a woman who lost her child in a car accident... At only 6 years of age, this little girl was suddenly gone and left behind are a heart broken Mom and Dad who have nothing but memories and cherished photos left of their little angel. Thankfully, they took time out of their busy schedules to have professional portraits taken of their little girl - beautiful images that remind them of wonderful past times... images that will help in the healing and comfort them now and years from now.

So what's your excuse? What's your reason? Why are you waiting?

The Hippest Chefs in Town

2008-03-28T21:47:00.007-04:00

I'd like you to meet Kevin, Irene and Eric... these three are the fabulous faces behind the scenes at Inn on the Twenty who create the most scrumptious food you've ever tasted! The talent in their hands is truly amazing... if you've never been to the restaurant and are looking for a delightful eating experience, make a reservation, relax and enjoy!

You know what else is totally cool about these three? They are a ton of fun - easy going and so friendly - an absolute pleasure to photograph! No Hell's Kitchen here!! Check out the restaurant at http://www.innonthetwenty.com/

So hint, hint guys... if you're looking for a special place to take your sweetie, this will win big in her books!

We have a winner!

2008-03-26T12:51:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Melissa Johnston of Hamilton who won the tickets we were giving away to the Food & Drink Fest this weekend in Hamilton! Way to go girl!

If you'd like to know more about what's happening in and around our studio (including some great draws!!) join our mailing list. Email us here or sign up on our website!

The Wedding Bells Project at Niagara College

2008-03-24T22:36:00.002-04:00

The Second Annual Wedding Bells project at Niagara College is an exciting opportunity for students of the Event Management program to enhance their educational experience while also easing the stresses of wedding planning for a lucky couple from the Niagara Region. Well…meet the lucky couple, Blake and Janet! As a sponsor of the project, we donated our services for their engagement session and a framed signature portrait for their reception. Congratulations and all the best!

Happy Easter Everyone!

2008-03-20T14:43:00.003-04:00

Have a wonderful weekend, wherever you are and may you have a blessed Easter!

Only 4 More Days Left...

2008-03-18T01:50:00.000-04:00

FREE TICKETS!!
We're giving away TWO FREE TICKETS!! How many of you out there like to eat and drink? If you do, you'll love the "FOOD & DRINK FEST"! This is Hamilton's Festival with Taste! It's happening March 28th, 29th and 30th at the Hamilton Convention Centre. Tickets are $12 each, but we have TWO FREE ONES just for you! So here's the scoop... The first ten people to email us back the correct answer (send to info@stecphoto.com) to the following riddle will be entered into a draw to win the tickets. One lucky winner will receive two tickets!

So, here we go:

"You discard the outside and then you cook the inside. You then eat the
outside and discard the inside. What on earth did you just eat?"

Send us your answer by 11:59pm Friday March 21st, 2008!! For more information, go to http://www.FoodandDrinkFest.com/!

Maggie & Adam

2008-03-16T16:36:00.012-04:00

The weather is always a concern for a bride and groom on their wedding day. No matter how much planning they do, the weather is one of the very few elements that they have no control over once the big day arrives. So what do you do when your wedding day arrives and the weather takes a turn for the worse? You do what Maggie and Adam did - HAVE FUN! The worst snow storm of the year did not dampen their spirits at all! Instead of worrying, these two, their wedding party, their families and their guests all had winning attitudes! The day was loads of fun! Congrats to them both - what a great example they are to others!

FREE TICKETS!!

2008-03-14T23:36:00.001-04:00

We're giving away TWO FREE TICKETS!! How many of you out there like to eat and drink? If you do, you'll love the "FOOD & DRINK FEST"! This is Hamilton's Festival with Taste! It's happening March 28th, 29th and 30th at the Hamilton Convention Centre. Tickets are $12 each, but we have TWO FREE ONES just for you! So here's the scoop... The first ten people to email us back the correct answer (send to info@stecphoto.com) to the following riddle will be entered into a draw to win the tickets. One lucky winner will receive two tickets! So, here we go:

"You discard the outside and then you cook the inside. You then eat the outside and discard the inside. What on earth did you just eat?"

Send us your answer by 11:59pm Friday March 21st, 2008!! For more information, go to http://www.FoodandDrinkFest.com/!

Photo Invitations & Save the Date Cards

2008-03-11T22:31:00.006-04:00

At one of our recent weddings I noticed that the bride had done a beautiful job on her invitations...she incorporated an image from the engagement session. The results were stunning!

So, how many of you out there are using "Save the Date" cards? What a great idea! According to the The Knot "The hottest trend (in Save the Date Cards) is a photo strip with funny faces and the wedding date. In each of the four pictures, hold up a sign. 1) We're getting married. 2) Save the Date. 3) June 5, 2008. 4) Be there!"

Time to get creative!

One of My Favourite Things

2008-03-07T23:56:00.007-05:00

YUM! You may think I'm strange, but I love halvah bars! When I found out I was allergic to chocolate, I went searching for something that could fill the void in my sweet tooth. My sister in law introduced me to halvah one day and from then on, I was hooked! They're a bit high in fat (it's the good kind) but actually quite healthy (the main ingredient is sesame seeds). There are all kinds of flavours but my fav is Pistachio from Camel. You can find them at a number of health food stores like Goodness Me or Whole Foods. Apparently, there are recipes floating around out there for halvah - if you have a good one PLEEEEASE let me know!

Ben's Story

2008-03-04T11:44:00.018-05:00

We first met Ben and his family in July of 2000 for a family portrait... and on that day no one knew what the future held for this talented young boy. Everything changed on September 19th, 2002 when the car he was working under slipped and crushed him under its weight, leaving his brain oxygen-starved for twenty minutes.

While he lay in a coma and on life support, doctors were certain that if he lived at all, he would be blind and unable to communicate in any way. After prayers flooded in from around the world asking God to spare his life, a miracle happened - his blood pressure slowly began to rise and he turned a corner.

After seven months of intensive rehab, Ben returned home in April of 2003. Ben's progress has truly been remarkable... even though he's in a wheelchair now, he is quite able to see and participate in many areas of life. For the past 5 years, he has received intense therapy that has focused on balance and walking, speech pathology and cognitive and fine motor skills. Out of these therapies, a remarkable talent has emerged. Ben has developed a passion for painting. On a typical painting day, he is presented with a variety of colours of paint and is asked to communicate the colours he wants for the project he's working on. He holds the paint brush and generates the expression of art through the movement of his hand. Ben's paintings are now available for sale worldwide and you can see more of his work at HIS WEBSITE.

In spite of all he's been through, Ben is happy and content, and experiencing something most people only wish for. A few months ago, our studio had the privilege of photographing Ben and his family on the shores of Lake Ontario. We loved this shot of "Ben and Da Boyz" - it focuses our attention in on how much progress he's made with his legs - legs that were once wheel chair bound are now slowly coming back to life. Way to go Ben!

Succeeding Against All Odds

2008-03-02T23:49:00.000-05:00

I've always loved this story... Read on and be inspired.

"A group of frogs were hopping contentedly through the woods, going about their froggy business, when two of them fell into a deep pit. All of the other frogs gathered around the pit to see what could be done to help their companions. When they saw how deep the pit was, the rest of the dismayed group agreed that it was hopeless and told the two frogs in the pit that they should prepare themselves for their fate, because they were as good as dead. Unwilling to accept this terrible fate, the two frogs began to jump with all of their might. Some of the frogs shouted into the pit that it was hopeless, and that the two frogs wouldn't be in that situation if they had been more careful, more obedient to the froggy rules, and more responsible. The other frogs continued sorrowfully shouting that they should save their energy and give up, since they were already as good as dead. The two frogs continued jumping as hard as they could, and after several hours of desperate effort were quite weary. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to the calls of his fellows. Spent and disheartened, he quietly resolved himself to his fate, lay down at the bottom of the pit, and died as the others looked on in helpless grief. The other frog continued to jump with every ounce of energy he had, although his body was wracked with pain and he was completely exhausted. His companions began a new, yelling for him to accept his fate, stop the pain and just die. The weary frog jumped harder and harder and - wonder of wonders! Finally leapt so high that he sprang from the pit. Amazed, the other frogs celebrated his miraculous freedom and then gathering around him asked, "Why did you continue jumping when we told you it was impossible?" Reading their lips, the astonished frog explained to them that he was deaf, and that when he saw their gestures and shouting, he thought they were cheering him on. What he had perceived as encouragement inspired him to try harder and to succeed against all odds."

A Worthy Cause...

2008-02-28T23:17:00.003-05:00

Over the years, we have enjoyed donating products, services and gifts to various charitable organizations. We are always on the lookout for opportunities to become involved in our community to help support individuals or local projects in their efforts to improve our culture, environment and our region. If you know of a worthy cause, please contact us with your ideas!

Joanna & David

2008-02-27T12:26:00.007-05:00

Congrats to Joanna & David! This energetic couple was so great to work with - very easy going and very tolerant of cold weather! And speaking of cold weather, thanks to Joanna's neighbours who helped push our car when it became stuck in the snow on the side of the road... not once, but TWICE! Have I told you lately how much I'm looking forward to Spring?

Love this pic of Joanna - her eyes are so captivating... a little bit of mystery, a little bit of playfulness. She's so beautiful inside and out.

Our Studio Pooch!

2008-02-26T17:42:00.005-05:00

What a cutie!! I couldn't resist firing a shot or two! We're in the midst of a small snowstorm here and I was happy to entertain our "studio-bound" dog for a few moments outside. She loves the snow and would be quite happy to play all day outside. (I used a Canon 5D for this shot and was quite happy with the depth of detail...for anyone who's interested!! LOL!) As for me? I can't WAIT 'til spring arrives!

We LOVE You Guys!!

2008-02-25T16:04:00.002-05:00

Hey Everyone! Thanks for visiting our blog! Sorry if you're having trouble visiting our website... Our web host has increased our bandwidth to accommodate the increase in traffic over the last 24 hours - the problem should be solved soon!

Live the Wedding Experience!

2008-02-22T17:55:00.004-05:00

Hey check this out! It's our latest wedding montage!

It's Here! It's Here!

2008-02-21T22:38:00.002-05:00

Yes it's finally here! Our new website is up and running and we're pumped! After nearly two months of working on it, we finally saw the fruits of our labour "go live" last night and was it ever a great feeling. I think life is like that though right? When you work really hard at something, reaching the finish line is that much sweeter.

"Desire is the starting point of all achievement, not a hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire which transcends everything." ~Napoleon Hill

Just in Time for Easter!

2008-02-20T18:08:00.008-05:00

We have a new set! And it's just in time for Easter! Our Country Kids set is the perfect place to have your Easter Photos done... we have the cutest little bunnies, absolutely adorable chicks and lots of other fun farm animals too. Country Kids is all about life on the farm... Picture your child feeding the geese, collecting eggs, snuggling with a bunny or just reading to all the farm animals. This nostalgic set is a timeless classic!

Country Kids is only offered from February 22 to March 22 as it is part of our Limited Edition Into Eden Series. If you're interested in reserving a time, be sure to call before the 22nd.

February Newsletter

2008-02-12T13:47:00.002-05:00

Well, it's finally done! Our first newsletter! Click HERE if you'd like to take a peek and read on... If you'd like to join our mailing list and have our monthly newsletter sent directly to your inbox, sign up on the Contact page of our website. You'll be first to see all the news at our studio and you'll be able to take advantage of some totally cool and fun, but very time sensitive promotions and specials... curious? Read on and you'll see!

Our Boutique

2008-02-11T01:41:00.001-05:00

We're so proud to be one of the few studios that carries the exclusive line of high end photo hand bags from Gina Alexander. The quality of these handbags is so superior (get ready for name dropping... coming up in 3-2-1)... that they are carried by Oprah, Penelope Cruz, Halle Berry, Sharon Stone, Faith Hill, Kelly Ripa, The Black-Eyed Peas, Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, Usher, Elizabeth Taylor, and Queen Latifah, just to name a few. Gina Alexander also donates a portion of every handbag sold to the charity Hope for Children, committed to assisting families interested in adoption without the financial means to accomplish it. These beautiful designer photo bags are the perfect way to showcase your beautiful children, or a creative wedding or portrait image. They also make a very unique and appreciated gift! Call our studio to find out more information.

New Site Coming Soon!

2008-02-08T01:20:00.000-05:00

Our new website is nearly complete and we're pretty excited about it! With the growing popularity of our children and family photography, we decided to dedicate a whole other site to it! We'll give you a heads up when it goes live. Make sure you check it out... and give us your thoughts!

Camille and Mike - Woo Hoo!!

2008-01-22T23:45:00.000-05:00

Congrats goes out to Camille and Mike! You guys rocked the scene! These two were so awesome to work with - a no stress day!

All the best to you both as you start your new lives together!

Wedding Shows!

2008-01-13T00:32:00.000-05:00

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, head on over to the Quality Inn on Ontario Street in St. Catharines for the Niagara Spring Bridal Show. The show runs from 12 noon to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday and fashion show times are 1pm and 3:30pm. Make sure you drop by our booth and say hi!

Welcome to our new blog site!

2008-01-12T01:00:00.000-05:00

Hey - Happy New Year to all of you! Welcome to our new blog site - hope you like it! We'll be updating you here on life at the Stec's studio and all the latest buzz. Check back often to see what's new!