Carmen Rochelle

PHOTOGRAPHY FOR FREE?!

2011-11-03T18:49:00.001-05:00

I love photography.

I love photographing kids.

I long to continually improve and to provide lovely and meaningful portraits for families to be able to enjoy for a lifetime - treasured memories and keepsakes of days that are fleeting.

I also have a family of my own. We have four kids, and the days pass by so quickly. My ornery little baby boy will turn nine years old next month. My "infant" is almost 2 and a half. I know how fast time flies, and I know to treasure my time with them. There is never enough of it.

No matter how much I love photography, I do not work as a photographer just because I love it. If I must be completely honest, I don't have the time to devote to a hobby without profit. I work as a photographer to make money and supplement our income.

Custom photographers are privately commissioned portrait artists. We spend countless hours practicing, studying, and experimenting to bring our clients the best of our ability and style. We are both factory and retailer. Our images are the products of our labor, attention, practice, investment, and the time we spent away from our families or other endeavors. Computers make it incredibly easy to share our work. They also make it incredibly easy to steal copyrighted material which is illegal to both save and to print. Unfortunately, there are many people who think it's okay to screen-capture or right-click save photos from galleries or blog. But that is literally taking our product right out of the window display! And it means that we are taking a pay cut that could be fatal to our business.

In this digital age, many photographers are needing to find new ways to protect themselves from theft while at the same time delivering a satisfying and beautiful product to their clients in a way that is still exciting and can be shared with those they love.

I've recently had to re-think my strategy as well. And this has led me to making some changes this week in my business, and I think I've come up with a lovely solution that will be thrilling to both my clients and myself! :) All sessions now include a session CD that features: all session images printable up to 5x7 in color, all session images printable up to 5x7 in black and white, all session images in small-resolution watermarked for sharing online, a signed printing release for hassel-free printing, and printing instructions for getting the best quality at a local print shop. Basically, this is means that you receive digitally the full-session album that I previously offered in hard-copy, but it is released for unlimited printing and sharing online as well! And it's at the same price as before!! You can't beat that!

Full-resolution files for printing larger wall prints and posters are available a la carte. (For those of you who want beautiful professional-quality prints mounted on matte board, and professional-quality photo books and albums, no worries! You can still order them through me!)

Voila! It's a win-win!

I'm very excited about this. I should have taken the digital plunge long before this, and I'm excited to find a way to be able to continue to offer my services in a way that is do-able for me, while at the same time seeing my clients with automatic access to all their images for printing and sharing with family and friends, in both hard and digital copies. Happy printing, everyone!!

Premier children's and family photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in moments of childhood. She is available for children's and family portrait sessions, and looks forward to helping you create life-long treasured memories and portrait keepsakes. See CarmenRochelle.com for details.

BEAUTIFUL 7 MONTH OLD

2011-10-18T09:41:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity to photograph this lovely little girl last weekend, along with her mom and dad, who were a delight. Isn't this little table and chairs adorable? Right there in their living room! I love it!

Premier children's and family photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in moments of childhood. She is available for children's and family portrait sessions, and looks forward to helping you create life-long treasured memories and portrait keepsakes. See CarmenRochelle.com for details.

CHILDREN'S GARDEN SESSION {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2011-09-27T18:51:00.001-05:00

We are enjoying the last few days of summer! I had never been to the Children's Garden at Assiniboine Park, but last weekend gave me a great opportunity to try it out with these lovely clients for their family photo session. And believe you me: I was running around in stocking feet so I could catch them enjoying the playground at every angle! Loads os fun! Thank you for a lovely session, guys!

NEWBORN BABY GIRL {WINNIPEG NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER]

2011-08-31T22:11:00.000-05:00

Some of you may remember this family from last year. I photographed their three year old little boy last September, and fell in love with his blue, blue eyes. It's been almost a year and this time they have a new addition. Meet his new baby sister, a precious three-week old baby girl.

My babies were all big (the biggest weighed in at 10 lbs. 1 oz) so I couldn't get over how tiny this little girlie was. In the 7-pound range, she was so super small. Look at those toes!

M takes it all in stride, calmly accepting. He's a sweet big brother.

Congratulations, C&B. I had a great time photographing your beautiful growing family! Thank you!

Premier children's and family photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in moments of childhood. She is available for children's and family portrait sessions, and looks forward to helping you create life-long treasured memories and portrait keepsakes. See CarmenRochelle.com for details.

OF BOYS, PRINCESSES, AND CUTE LITTLE DOGS {WINNIPEG FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2011-08-29T12:54:00.002-05:00

Here is a riddle for you:

What do you get when you have a passel of cute kids, a good-lookin' dad and one smokin' hot mama?

A great family photo!

Okay, so I'm not that brilliant making up riddles. But nevertheless, this is a really cute family!

Seriously, Mom. You're killin' me!
This may be my favorite photo of the session. A boy and his dog. Inseparable.

This guy was all about the action shots.

But we got him to sit down for a few.

And how cute is this little guy?

Love it.

Telephone cord between the toes?! Already?! Oh, boy. Can't wait for those teenage years!

I think this pretty much sums up her personality: a sweet princess, with a little bit of attitude. :) Guess who's going to Disney world next week? And guess who's uber-prepared with all the right wardrobe?

Overshot and overshared!! {Winnipeg Family Photographer}

2011-08-24T13:40:00.000-05:00

This is my friend Jen. And her husband Bill. Last week, on the first week of school and a week when half of her family was sick, Jen managed to put together outfits for a photo shoot for six people. Why six?

Because a few years after being married, they had multiplied into this awesome posse! I couldn't stop photographing them! It went on and on..... and there were so many great shots!! I won't tell how many images I went home with, because it's sort of embarrassing.

We had a great time!

This little munchkin has personality to spare.

And is cute as a button!

She danced for the camera more readily than any child I've met before. But the best part about this photo? The bandaid.

This one loves to pose more than any child I've met before. And she rocks those glasses.

I love every photo of her in black and while. Every. One.

But this one is the most aweome.

This is my favorite sibling shot.

Or maybe this.....I can't decide.

I had waaaay too much fun behind this lens. The girls were a riot!

This little beauty always ended up being in the right place at the right time for great shots.

And here is the little man, who tots after them all...

I had a great time with you all, yet again! Thanks for letting me come into your home, rearrange your furniture, and shoot till my card was full! :)

Premier children's and family photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in moments of childhood. She is available for children's and family portrait sessions, and looks forward to helping you create life-long treasured memories and portrait keepsakes. See CarmenRochelle.com for details.

Babies 1, 2, and 3 :)

2011-08-21T01:04:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I was able to go over to my brother's house for a quick photo shoot of his family. His kids are growing up so fast, it's not even funny. Can someone please tell them to slow down?! This little girl was a BABY last time I saw her (at Christmas) and now she is such a little girl, full of giggles and spunk. I love you, Audrey!

And here is the sweetest, calmest baby I've ever seen in my life. Funny story: the other night we had six kids under 6 in one house, and this baby was sitting in his car seat in the middle of it all, as quiet as a mouse. Then the kids crashed into him, knocked his car seat backwards, and dumped blankets on him in the process. Did he utter a peep? Not a sound! We turned around to find him with his feet in the air, covered with blankets, and totally unflustered. When we uncovered him, he just smiled. The sweetest...thing...ever!!

This little boy went from quiet and serious toddler to happy, fun-loving little boy who is sure to be the life of the party. He's such a fun little guy, and totally adorable!! I love his use of language, at barely three years old: "Owen, is it raining outside or not?""Not."

And there is my brother and his beautiful bride, who was my friend in college before my brother stole her away. :) It's been so nice to be with you both this trip and to love on your kiddos. We are going to sorely miss you when we leave. XOXO Carmen

MY OTHER NEW NEPHEW {WINNIPEG BABY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2011-08-17T09:30:00.001-05:00

One of the pleasures the past week has afforded me is meeting my other new nephew - my baby brother's first baby. He is such a beautiful and sweet little guy with a ready smile. I love this knowing look he has. This one is my personal favorite:

How cute is that? Almost sitting up....won't be long! (Mom was standing by to catch him as he fell, but we got him upright!!)

Love.

Did we tire you out, little guy? Okay. We'll stop now.

Thanks, M&K for letting me photograph your growing family!

Premier children's and family photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in moments of childhood. She is available for children's and family portrait sessions, and looks forward to helping you create life-long treasured memories and portrait keepsakes. See CarmenRochelle.com for details.

MEETING MY NEPHEW {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER IN PHOENIX}

2011-07-30T18:43:00.001-05:00

I spent Thursday morning in a frenzied rush, cleaning the house, giving kids chores right and left (with promises for ice cream shakes if they helped me out), weeding the garden, hauling garbage to the dump, finishing laundry, and packing up me and the kids' necessities for the next three and a half weeks. We took out of our house at 1:10 pm, 10 minutes later than planned. Factor in time for going back home three minutes later because we'd forgotten the dog, and we were only about 20 minutes behind schedule. After a three hour drive, dropping the dog off at her sitter, and then a three hour flight (don't even ask how that went!), we were finally at our destination: Phoenix!! Over the river and through the woods, to grandmother's house we go..... Phoenix is where we spend a few months out of the year, and here is where my parents and brother and his family live year-round. In April my brother and his beautiful wife had a new baby, who is only 14 months younger than his older sister, who is only 15 months younger than her older brother. If anyone is counting, this new little nephew of mine is the third in 30 months!! And they definitely know how to make them! When I looked into these bright blue eyes.....

and saw this lop-sided little grin....

I was hooked.

This rudy blue-eyed little beauty is Aunt Carmen's new buddy. I could just eat him up!! He's the most precious thing I've seen in quite a while, and perfectly lovable and cuddly and smiley. He really is as cute as the pics. What a doll!!

FISH STORY: IN THE CHAPEL {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2011-07-21T09:41:00.002-05:00

We all have them. You know what I'm talking about: anyone who has toted a camera around with them long enough has a "fish story" - a story about the one that got away. It's the perfect shot that instantaneously presented itself, and then disappeared while we were still fumbling for our camera somewhere in the bottom of our bag. Or the bottom of my stroller, in this case.

I was at St. Boniface Museum with my kids last fall. My older three kids were ~~running amuck~~ exploring the museum, covering every nook and cranny in record time while I pushed the baby in the stroller behind them. We had just made it to the front of the catholic chapel where we were taking a gander at the religious artifacts and icons that had survived the fire that happened way-back-when. (What? I was chasing my kids and couldn't be bothered with carefully reading the information signs. I was educating myself by osmosis.) A school field trip of middle schoolers was at the back of the chapel, pretending to listen to a museum employee that was talking to them about the pioneering priests, nuns, trappers, adventures on the Red River, and fires. The afternoon light poured through the windows that were high up on the chapel wall, and spilled onto the ground between us and them. If it had been the Renaissance, someone would have been kneeling in that shaft of light, praying with uplifted face and hands pressed against each other in front of their chest. But this is the 21st Century.

When I looked toward the back of the chapel, what I saw instead took my breath away. There was one girl. She stood at the edge of the group, facing me. The rest of her peers were wearing black jeans and t-shirts, and milling around in the shadows, but she...... She wore a floor-length red silky dress. A pink scarf wrapped around her head and framed her dark face. And she just stood there; serene, confident, contemplative. The light spilling on the floor bounced up and illuminated her face and her huge brown eyes as they took in the tiny chapel still whispering with the stories of its history. And then she looked at me. Directly into my eyes, across the old wood floor, and the canyon of light between us.

In that instant, the shutter in my mind clicked, even while I fought the panicky feeling that I should stop staring at her and instead grab my camera that had by now fallen to the bottom of the basket on the bottom of my stroller. She held my gaze for a few seconds that seemed to stretch forever. It wasn't a Kodak moment. It was a National Geographic moment. A Muslim girl, daughter of immigrants from Africa, surrounded by aboriginal children, in a catholic chapel, remembered by a Christian woman. These are our extraordinary, ordinary moments.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2011-07-19T10:57:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to my beautiful baby girl!

Premier children's and family photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in moments of childhood. She is available for children's and family portrait sessions, and looks forward to helping you create a life-long treasured memories and portrait keepsakes. See CarmenRochelle.com for details.

PIRATES!! {WINNIPEG FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2011-07-18T09:57:00.003-05:00

This weekend I had the opportunity to photograph my friend's family. Their little boy was a hoot! I had no idea he had such spunk and imagination, but I loved capturing it!

How to catch a pirate:

Disguise yourself to look like one of them.

Take a big stick and clobber them with it!

Sneak down the river.

Capture the bridge!

This pic reminds me of Larry Boy: "The world needs a hero! I. Am. That. HEROOO!!!"

And beautiful baby "E."

Premier children's and family photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in moments of childhood. She is available for children's and family portrait sessions, and looks forward to helping you create a life-long treasured memories and portrait keepsakes. See CarmenRochelle.com for details.

BACK TO BLOGGING SESSIONS! {Winnipeg Children's Photographer}

2011-07-16T19:26:00.001-05:00

I had a great session on Sunday with these two little cuties. They definitely made me work for some togetherness shots, but this one is my favourite, and well worth it!

This little beauty only graced my camera with a very few direct glances. Look at those eyes!

Such a fun-loving little girl! She had me running through the dandelions with my heeled shoes on! I could barely keep up! Okay.....I didn't keep up.

I think these little toadstool mushrooms at Kildonan Park are to die for! I love the playground reno!

Thank you, Mom and girls! It was a pleasure!

Premier children's and family photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in moments of childhood. She is available for children's and family portrait sessions, and looks forward to helping you create a life-long treasured memories and portrait keepsakes. See CarmenRochelle.com for details.

WINNERS OF FAMILY PORTRAIT SESSION {WINNIPEG FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER}

2011-07-16T10:39:00.000-05:00

Announcing the winners of the 2011 Carmen Rochelle Summer Draw:

Bethany Stephens, and Kylie Johnson, come on down!!! Congratulations to you both! You are now one family session and one 8x10 richer!! ;) I'm very excited to be able to see you both again and photograph your growing families. Both of you have newborns on the way, and I couldn't be more pleased to be able to capture for you the wonder of that new little life.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the summer draw. You're fantastic!!! Don't forget that your names are entered on the list for 15% off your next session and print purchase.

Premier children's and family photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in moments of childhood. She is available for children's and family portrait sessions, and looks forward to helping you create a life-long treasured memories and portrait keepsakes. See CarmenRochelle.com for details.

SIMPLE BEAUTY {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2011-07-15T12:23:00.000-05:00

Premier children's and family photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in moments of childhood. She is available for children's and family portrait sessions, and looks forward to helping you create a life-long treasured memories and portrait keepsakes. See CarmenRochelle.com for details.

FOUR MORE DAYS!! {WINNIPEG SUMMER DRAWING}

2011-07-12T11:09:00.000-05:00

There are only four more days left to enter your name in the Summer Drawing for a free session and 8x10!! To enter, just e-mail me with your name, kids' names and birthdays, and location. You'll have your name put in the drawing, and also put on a list for 15% off your next session and print purchase.

Happy winning!

FUN IN THE SUN {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2011-07-08T08:54:00.000-05:00

Hello, everyone! Well, I certainly hope you all are enjoying the week as much as me and my kids have been! This week included a trip to the beach, a few trips to the park, a trip to the splash park, and a lot of backyard fun. Especially fun for me, because of my new camera. Now, I don't usually post pics of my own kids on this blog, but for the past few days, they're all I've been able to shoot, so "snapshot" pics of my own kids will have to suffice. I often fantasize about what it would be like to get real pics of my own kids...you know, the kind where they're dressed up, clean, and actually looking at the camera. You would think that being a children's photographer, it would be paradise to be in the same house with four children of varying ages. But the truth is that it's indescribably difficult for me to catch good photos of them because they are so used to that big black box being stuck to the front of my head. And so, alas, I must also hire another photographer to do our family portraits.

These are a few of the better photos I've captured this week in our more exciting moments. :)

(And these are also not all my kids....we had some friends along).

I'm loving the colorful images this camera renders, especially great for children's photos, I have to say!!

SMALL CHANGES, BABY STEPS {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2011-07-06T09:01:00.009-05:00

Yesterday I unboxed my first full-frame DSLR - my Nikon D700. To say it was much anticipated is an understatement. The Canada Post strike meant that the camera had to wait to be mailed for about a week, and after that it meant that the post office was backlogged and it was going to take an extra week for it to leave its first post office and make it to Winnipeg. Finally it got here yesterday.

So after I ~~rescued~~ picked up the camera from the post office, took my baby girl with all four kids in tow to her doc's appointment for her new cast (which they didn't actually replace), we grabbed a Little Caesar's Pizza and headed off to the splash park. As the older kids were getting wet, and my baby was chewing on pizza and using the stroller as a jungle gym, I finally unwrapped my treasure.

It's everything I hoped it would be...the depth of field is so much more dreamy, the skin tones are so much more even, the sharpness is absolutely life-like, and the ease and accessibility that I loved on the D90 are even better on the D700. It's perfect.

As a children's photographer of kids on the move, one major thing I look for in a camera is the auto-focus, and ability to quickly find the kids' eyes and then to snap a frame before they move - which they inevitably do within about .3 seconds. This camera seems a bit slower than my D90 to release the shutter once it finds focus. My D90 was immediate. I think the delay is probably actually me, and it's going to take a bit of practice, which is why I have a few practice sessions scheduled and coming up....stay tuned for photos!!

I'd post a practice shot of one of my kids, but it's a VERY rare occasion when I get good shots of my kids. They're so used to my camera that they either ignore me completely, or give some very strange face and pose that makes you wonder if they've dislocated a joint....or maybe their lips. So here is a pic of something that has grown very dear to me through the years, as it has supported my mothering role day in and day out for most of the past decade:

I've also taken the plunge and joined TWITTER!! You can follow me by clicking on the side of the page!

HAPPINESS IS...{WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2011-06-29T07:04:00.003-05:00

...sharing your iPod with someone you love.

As I said in a previous post, my baby girl broke her leg last week. She very quickly learned we'll bring her most anything she asks for, so she's gotten creative. She's not yet 2, but she's gone from asking for things like "milk" and "blankie" to asking for "iPod" and "earrings" Yesterday we were cleaning the carpets and had all the furniture moved out of our living room. My hubby planted her there with her dolly and her ipod, and when I saw the setup I had to grab my camera. It was one of those awesome kodak moments I'm not often afforded as a mommy photographer.

I could just eat her up!

HAVE CAMERA, WILL TRAVEL {PHOENIX CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2011-06-28T05:59:00.001-05:00

Hello all of you who are watching from Phoenix, Arizona. The time has come for me to make my way to your neck of the woods. I have my camera, and I'm on my way! Sessions are available from July 28 - August 21. E-mail me ASAP to secure your session spot!

COMING OUT...{WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2011-06-27T14:11:00.002-05:00

For quite a while now, I've wondered if I should keep my blog simply business, or be a bit more personal in this little corner of cyberspace. The answer probably lies somewhere in the middle. I already have a personal blog, (And if you happen to find it, please never tell me because I like to believe I still have a bit of anonymity when I'm in the produce section of the grocery store lecturing my son about eating brussel sprouts before paying for them), and am not sure I can keep up both at the same time. But it just feels so stark here without a bit more personal touch. So here I am....coming out to say hi and just be real and be me.

I get a lot of questions about why I am so particular about my clientele and brand of photography. Why don't I do weddings? Why don't I do pets? Why don't I do events or family reunions? The answer is: because I don't want to. The truth is that crowds make me nervous, and I'm just not that into weddings. Family reunions make me want to puke. Sorry...it's the truth. I'm not passionate about pets, unless they're being held by an adoring child...

But I really love kids. I really love photographing kids. Maybe I secretly love playing Simon Says and the other games we play to get them to relax and smile from the heart. Whatever it is, it's what I love and something that I don't get tired of doing over and over and over again.

And the reality is that kids are my life. I'm with kids all the time. My kids are my life. I have four kids, and we homeschool. I'm quite literally surrounded by kids most hours out of the day, and I get them. I like their quirks, their games, their imaginations, and their energy. That's why, to me, it's absolutely undesirable to try to get kids to sit still and smile for the camera. It's sort of ....well....miserable for everyone. And for most kids, it's not natural. Pics of my kids sitting still in one spot with stiff necks and stiff smiles is not what I want hanging on my own walls, because that's not how they are. I want pics of them, their personalities, their souls...not just what they look like.

A lot of people get all worked up in knots when they think of taking their kids to a professional photographer. The thought of their little tykes running circles around a bewildered person holding an expensive camera out of arm's reach and biting their fingernails while being tied up at the ankles is enough to make them lose their lunch. They think, "How are we supposed to smile and act like a happy family when our kids are behaving like wild animals?" If that sounds like you, then listen closely: Your kids have nothing over on mine.

Nothing.

My kids - all four - are high-energy, imaginative, and ornery. I have nerves of steel, baby! I don't even notice anymore when my two year old climbs on top of the table, or my eight year old builds a bike ramp in the backyard...and my three year old tries to go over it with her training wheels. Wild animals like bullfrogs, dragonflies, baby birds, scorpions, and leeches are on my six-year-old's list of regular catch-and-release pets. My two year old broke her leg last week on the trampoline. Seriously, your kids can't scare me, and I honestly don't mind if they literally run in circles around me. Eventually they stop for a split second, and I'm ready to click away! Every child is beautiful, and every child is worth the effort.

This is my son, who was hiding in the prairie grasses "like a cougar" on Father's Day. It's my favourite pic of the weekend. It's totally him. He's in the zone, ready to pounce on his prey....that would be me.

SIZZLING SUMMER SAVINGS!!

2011-06-24T17:39:00.005-05:00

Attention all parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and anyone who knows anyone with kids:

Summer is upon us! Rain is falling in place of snow, veggies are growing in the warm soil, and the kids are growing faster than the weeds in your flower beds!! These are the moments you want to capture and hold in your pocket forever. Carmen Rochelle Modern Children's Portraiture is ready to help you do just that, with a deal that can't be beat! To kick off the summer, Carmen is holding a drawing for TWO giftcards for a FREE session and 8x10!! And to top it off, every person who enters but does not win, will receive 15% off their session fee and print purchase when they call Carmen to book within 2011.* With prices that have already been adjusted to meet the budget of a growing family, that's a downright good deal!

Why the giveaway? Because it's fun to win things, and even more fun to give things away! Carmen loves kids and preserving memories for families to treasure for a lifetime.

To get in on the action and enter your name in the drawing, just e-mail Carmen and tell her

your name
the name of the person who referred you
the ages of your children,
and your city of residence*.

To make it even more exciting, there is no limit to how many times your name can be added to boost your chances. For every person who lists you as a referral, your name will be added yet again. So spread the word! Think of it: practically every family you know could use an updated professional photo. Click it through and pass it along!!

The winners' session will include a consultation via phone or e-mail prior to the photoshoot, photo retouching, an online gallery for viewing your completed images, and one 8x10.* There is no further obligation (although Carmen is sure you'll be tempted by the fabulicious product line you can find on her site).

Good luck!!

*Winners will be announced on Saturday, July 16, 2011, right here on the blog! Winner(s) in the Phoenix area must be available for scheduling their free session between the dates of July 28 and August 20, 2011. To receive your 15% off session and print prices, all participants must contact Carmen within the 2011 calendar year. All gift cards are fully transferrable. As such, they work as cash and cannot be replaced if lost.

NEW SITE DESIGN

2011-02-19T13:02:00.000-06:00

There's a new site design going up on Monday. Hope you all love it! There will be lots of new features including testimonials, music, bigger photos, FAQ that is easier to navigate, and a comment section. I'm very excited. Stay tuned to see the upgrade...

Thank you for visiting Carmen Rochelle's blog of modern children's portraiture. Winnipeg children's portrait photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses all-natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in ordinary life. See CarmenRochelle.com for details.

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES AND DECEMBER PICS

2011-02-15T10:10:00.002-06:00

To those of you who have been over at the site, I apologize for the technical difficulties you may have noticed. There will soon be a new site design up and running, and should take care of the current issues. Besides, it'll just look more exciting. :)

I photographed this little cutie pie back in December, but am just now getting around to blogging her pics. This was a great session, as you can see. A very agreeable little subject. :)

Thank you for visiting Carmen Rochelle's blog of modern children's portraiture. Winnipeg children's portrait photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses all-natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in ordinary life. See CarmenRochelle.com for details.

Teaser

2011-01-08T16:37:00.000-06:00

I have two sisters in law. This past fall both of them called within a few weeks to tell us they were expecting a baby. We were overjoyed for both! For my baby brother and his wife, it's their first baby, and they are happily awaiting the arrival of their baby boy (whom they won't tell us the name of. Maybe I'll hold these photos ransom for a name!) *Evil laugh*. But I digress....
We saw them for the holidays and were able to squeeze in a quick maternity shoot. This is just a teaser! There are lots more where these come from! Love to you both, and congratulations! We can't wait to meet our new nephew!

Giving "The Stamp" the stamp of approval {Winnipeg Children's Photographer}

2011-01-04T19:25:00.001-06:00

For those of you who have been following for a while, you will know what I'm talking about when I say that I have changed my logo as often as some people change their shoes. It's been one of those oddities that I didn't expect starting a business - how personal and particular I am when it comes to putting my name on something. While the name has never changed, the style has gone in and out with a mind-spinning frequency. I've tried several different styles, and think I've finally come up with a logo that fits my personality and the personality of my work. Here it is, folks: the official Carmen Rochelle Modern Children's Portraiture stamp!!

What do you think? :)

Fun Family!

2010-12-29T08:10:00.001-06:00

When our friends asked me to do their Christmas photo shoot, I was totally excited. As it turns out, the green held on longer into the winter months than we could imagine, so instead of a "White Christmas photo" we got a GREEN Christmas photo! To photograph them at the Witch's Hut in Kildonan Park was fitting, since the hut was donated by German immigrants to Winnipeg, and this family moved to Winnipeg from Germany only three years ago! It was a pleasure to photograph you all, and we look forward to seeing you when we get back in town!!

Precious Newborn Boy {Winnipeg Children's Photographer}

2010-12-29T08:03:00.001-06:00

The holiday season has been crazy, and it's taken me a while to get to posting these images that I did back in November. I had the opportunity to photograph this precious baby boy and his delighted family. There were so many good ones, that I'm have a hard time choosing. I'll just post all my favorites! Congratulations, Kevin & Angela!!

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE GIRLS...

2010-10-20T15:41:00.001-05:00

...getting in the Christmas spirit.

Don't forget to click the facebook tag on the right side of your screen and befriend me on facebook!

SEVERAL OF MY FAVORITES {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-10-18T16:48:00.005-05:00

Now that they've had their viewing session, and I won't spoil anything by putting these on the blog, I wanted to share a few more photos from this session with my readers. Like I said, these girls were so cute, and the session was so much fun. I loved so many of the images. These were all some of my favorites, for one reason or another.

Thanks for reading! Don't forget to click on that little facebook tag on the right side of your screen and befriend me on facebook!

Thank you for visiting Carmen Rochelle's blog of modern children's portraiture. Winnipeg children's portrait photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses all-natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in ordinary life. See CarmenRochelle.com for details.

CH-CH-CH-CH-CH-CHANGES {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-10-18T06:25:00.003-05:00

For those of you that clicked in yesterday, you may have noticed the blog literally changing by the minute. No, I haven't been hacked. That's just me playing with the HTML inside your computer. *evil laugh* No, really, it's just me giving into my nasty habit of changing blogging templates as often as some people change toenail polish. But you will be happy to know that this look is the final version - at least for a good, long time. So, click away! You won't be interrupted. And thank you for your patience while I used my blog as a virtual playground.

FALL COLORS {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-10-08T10:39:00.006-05:00

I have to admit to loving the fall colors this year. There was about a two week period where they were so vibrant and lush, right before the leaves all fell. I thoroughly enjoyed the display. And I'm so happy we caught it in this photo shoot.

Mom, I know you're watching.... These few photos are just the beginning. I didn't want to spoil the viewing session, but here is just a small sample to whet your appetite.

This is "T." She is fun-loving, loves to talk and sing, and REALLY loves the camera!

This is "B." She has a dead-pan expression and a huge teethy goofy grin that crack me up. Yes, I'm having fun editing this session. "B" likes to do whatever "T" is doing.

This photo session was so fun, and we captured so many great images. What a great slice of the afternoon!

PRODUCT GALLERY {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-09-29T17:53:00.006-05:00

I'm very excited to announce that a complete product gallery is up and running on the Carmen Rochelle Photography website.

I have put together a line of products that I believe can and will meet all your needs for documenting your children and families, and creating beautiful art and keepsakes to treasure always. After all, it's all about taking these ordinary moments and creating extraordinary memories!!

I'm especially excited to be offering the Gina Alexander photo handbags. They are beautiful, high-quality handbags that you can use for years, proudly displaying your precious photos for all to see.

So hop on over to the site, and you'll find the products under galleries>products.

Then drop me a line at the contacts section and let me know what you think!

If there's anything that you would like to see there, but don't, please let me know that too! I'm always open to input.

And don't forget to "like" me at "Carmen Rochelle Photography" on facebook!! (Is it just me, or does pressing "like" make you feel like you're back in high school again?) Here's to turning back time! :)....

SWEET FAMILY {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-09-28T21:36:00.006-05:00

This weekend I had the privilege of meeting this incredibly sweet family. 3 yr old "J" was loads of fun, and baby "C" was the most precious and happy little bundle with the absolute bluest eyes.

Katherine, it was a delight! I hope we can do this again before too long!

Enjoy your sneak peak!

FALL SCHEDULE {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-09-22T13:42:00.004-05:00

Hello, hello!

It's time to discuss fall scheduling. Unfortunately, this fall season is going to pass very quickly. There's not a whole lot more time to get in your holiday photo shoots, so if you're in Winnipeg and thinking of booking, it's best to contact me ASAP, and I'll tell you why: After Novemeber 20, Carmen will be booking photo shoots only in Phoenix, Arizona, until the end of the year! That's right, folks! I'm going on the road!!

Of course, this is great news for those of you in Phoenix who have been wanting to schedule a photo shoot! Mini holiday sessions in Phoenix are available on Dec. 4, most likely at the Borgata (though location still needs to be pinned down). Mini holiday sessions are 30-45 minutes in length per family. Mini holiday session is $200 and includes 100 holiday cards. Additional cards and products are available for purchase. Please contact Carmen to schedule and/or for more information.

All holiday card orders must be made by Dec. 15.

HOLIDAY CARD COLLECTION 2010 {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-09-22T04:54:00.007-05:00

They're here! They're here! They're finally here!

Carmen Rochelle Holiday Card Collection 2010 is finally ready!

To make holiday card ordering super-simple on all parties involved, there are three very easy steps to getting your holiday cards to transpire from a lovely idea into reality:

1) Pick a color theme. There are six color themes: Black tie, White Christmas, Chestnut, Classic, Retro, and Merry and Bright. Each card you see can come in any of the color themes.
2) Pick a card. There are 11 lovely, cozy, friendly, jolly-inducing options to choose from. Choose the one that you love best!
3) PIck your photos.

Once you have made your choices, Carmen will assemble your card, and it will be delivered to your door! How easy was that?!

Now....want to see the cards? While you browse through, remember that any of the cards can come in any of the color themes.

Enjoy!

Card 1, Retro color theme.

front

back

card 2, Retro color theme

front

back

card 3, Black Tie color theme

front

back

card 4, Retro color theme

front

back

card 5, Classic color theme

front

back

card 6, White Christmas color theme

front

back

card 7, Chestnuts color theme

front

back

card 8, Retro color theme

front

back

card 9, Retro color theme

front

back

card 10, Retro color theme

front

back

card 11, Merry and Bright color theme

front

back

MY FAVOURITE NIECE AND NEPHEW {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-09-18T17:23:00.006-05:00

I had the opportunity to see my brother and his family a few weeks ago. We did a micro-mini-photo shoot for about 5 minutes, but with beautiful people, you can't get a bad photo! :)

love you guys!

Thank you for visiting Carmen Rochelle's blog of modern children's portraiture.
Winnipeg children's portrait photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses all-natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in ordinary life. See CarmenRochelle.com for details.

CUTE COUSINS {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-09-15T17:44:00.009-05:00

I had the opportunity to photograph these two cuties the weekend before last. They aren't brothers, but both are heart-warmers.

And take a gander at the beautiful mama!

Winnipeg children's photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses all-natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in ordinary life. See CarmenRochelle.com for details.

STUNNING SISTERS {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-09-12T07:29:00.010-05:00

This weekend I had the chance to go to a family reunion and take photos of some of my family members. Mostly, I did photo shoots of individual kids and small families, so it was right up my alley! These two are sisters, beautiful inside and out. I had a blast photographing them. As you can see, the camera liked them. :)

Winnipeg children's photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses all-natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in ordinary life. See CarmenRochelle.com for details.

SKATE PARK {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-09-01T14:41:00.008-05:00

These are a few of my favorite images of my girls as we've taken a few outings in the city this summer. Especially dear to me is the two girls watching my two boys skate around the skatepark not far from our house. That about describes our summer in a nutshell!

NEW BLOG DESIGN {WINNIPEG AMATEUR BLOGGER}

2010-08-29T19:53:00.007-05:00

Just a quick note to let you all know that I'm working on giving my blog a facelift right now, so if you see something that doesn't quite fit - just give me a few days (or maybe hours). Sorry for the inconvenience!

And since I'm testing out my new blog, I'll post a quickie photo. It's just a snapshot of my baby, but I love this look on her face!

BACK TO SCHOOL BONANZA {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-08-25T19:26:00.003-05:00

With the new school year fast approaching, it's time for Back-to-School Bonanza!!

Back-to-School Bonanza means I'm waiving all session fees for the month of September, so all you have to worry about is which prints you'd like.

Also, refer a friend who books a photo shoot, and you'll receive a free 8x10 print of your choice!

I look forward to kicking off this school year with all of you!

AUDREY WOULARD WORKSHOP! {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-08-08T16:30:00.001-05:00

IT'S OFFICIAL!!! Come the weekend of October 2-3, I will be IN CHICAGO at the famous natural light studio-loft of Audrey Woulard, learning photography tips and business strategy from a woman who I consider to be one of the best children's portrait photographers in the world.

Can you tell I'm psyched? I am. I'm even dreaming about it. That's when you know I'm REALLY excited. Or scared. Maybe both. I'm supposed to bring a portfolio of my own, and that makes me nervous. I guess I'll just have to check my ego at the door, and learn all I can.

I've been going through photos to add to the site, and I must confess to falling in love with this picture:

Even in black and white - or maybe BECAUSE it's in black and white - something about it just captivates me.

On another note, I'm announcing the launch of City Sprouts, a collection of portraits using places in Winnipeg and the immediate surrounding area as backdrops for children's portraits. Why am I doing this? First and foremost, because of the city's murals. When I did a unit study on cities with my kids back in March and became more acquainted with our own city, I remember driving around the city on a all-day field trip and counting the murals that we passed. We got tired of keeping track around #40. Since then I have found many more. This city is full of murals of every color, every theme. I couldn't keep from daydreaming about using all of these murals, over time, as backdrops to portraits. And as I've driven around the city in the past few weeks, I've decided to extend that idea to the city in general. Winnipeg is full of beautiful corners and picturesque locations. I'd really like to photograph and showcase them in my portraits.

If you have an idea for a shooting location or a picturesque place for a portrait in Winnipeg, please write me an e-mail and let me know. I'm keeping a list of locations, and I'm showcasing my favorite images in the "City Sprouts" gallery on my website, http://CarmenRochelle.com . The requirement for locations is this: They have to be recognizable to anyone who would drive by. It's best if they are at least something of a city landmark, but okay if not. But they do have to be recognizable by the general public. So if I get a suggestion like "My Aunt Gertrude has a beautiful sculpture garden....in her basement" Well....I won't be using that.

And of course, if you're looking to book an photo shoot, give consideration to your favorite spot or a place that is meaningful to you in Winnipeg as the location for your photo shoot!

*Winnipeg children's and family photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses all-natural light and a simple colorful style in her modern children's portraiture, to capture the extraordinary in ordinary life. See http://CarmenRochelle.com for details.

See http://CarmenRochelle.com for details.

MY NEW FAVOURITE {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-08-02T18:20:00.004-05:00

This is my new favorite photo of my baby girl.

Winnipeg children and family photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses all-natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in ordinary life.

See http://CarmenRochelle.com for details.

THOMAS AND FRIENDS {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-07-26T13:42:00.002-05:00

This is "M." He loves most things in life, but right now he loves Thomas the Train the best. This is my kind of guy!

Winnipeg children and family photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses all-natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in ordinary life.

Please see http://CarmenRochelle.com for details.

PLAYING A BIT WITH LIGHT {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-07-21T16:12:00.003-05:00

Winnipeg children and family photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses all-natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in ordinary life. See http://CarmenRochelle.com for details.

MY GIRLS {WINNIPEG CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER}

2010-07-17T14:15:00.003-05:00

This week I just had to get some photos of my baby girl, who is turning one year tomorrow! I also wanted a few of the girls together, and I was not disappointed! To me, the one of them together here is perfect! But then, I have a hard time taking off these Mommy Goggles....

Winnipeg children and family photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses all-natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in ordinary life.

See http://CarmenRochelle.com for details.

New Baby Boy {Winnipeg Children's Photographer}

2010-07-09T07:32:00.003-05:00

These three little cuties have an even littler surprise!

A new baby brother!

Welcome, Baby "L"!

Winnipeg children and family photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses all-natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in ordinary life.

See http://CarmenRochelle.com for details.

Exploring {Winnipeg Baby Photographer}

2010-07-08T23:45:00.002-05:00

Just my little girl, exploring her world.

Winnipeg children and family photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses all-natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in ordinary life.

See http://CarmenRochelle.com for details.

Terrific Threesome {Winnipeg Children's Photographer}

2010-06-26T20:38:00.002-05:00

While I've been in Phoenix, an old friend asked me to photograph her kids. So I had the pleasure of running after these three beautiful kiddos for a couple of hours! Thanks, K and kids! It was a great time, and great experience for me!

Winnipeg children and family photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses all-natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in ordinary life.

See http://CarmenRochelle.com for details.

Big Brother "O" {Winnipeg Children's Photographer}

2010-06-26T20:21:00.001-05:00

And here is my one, my only, my FAVORITE nephew! Little Mr. "O" is about 20 months! Where on earth did that time go?

Winnipeg children and family photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses all-natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in ordinary life.

See http://CarmenRochelle.com for details.

Little Miss "A" {Winnipeg Baby Photographer}

2010-06-26T18:36:00.002-05:00

This is Little Miss "A," My one, my only, my FAVORITE niece! She is the newest addition to our growing extended family, and as you can see, she is a sweet bundle of love. Just look at her beautiful baby blues!

Winnipeg children and family photographer, Carmen Rochelle, uses all-natural light and a simple, colorful style to capture the extraordinary in ordinary life.

See http://CarmenRochelle.com for details.

Casting Call - Newborns

2010-02-22T11:21:00.000-06:00

This is a casting call for newborns! If you or someone you know has a baby soon on the way, please point them my way! Finger, toes, and a little nose! Can't wait to click-click-click away!

I'm offering a free 11x14 for anyone who books a photo shoot and meets my casting call requirements. You can follow the link above for more info on the other casting calls. All this means is that to build a more rounded portfolio, I want and need to photograph children/families of this description.

So if you know of anyone, let them know the deal I'm offering here!

My favorite seven year old

2010-02-11T08:17:00.003-06:00

This is my favorite seven year old in the world. I love photographing him because he loves the camera. Although he usually has enough energy for three kids his age, he will sit still, give me any look I ask him for, and will stare straight into the camera for this thoughtful, read-my-soul look. I love it. Besides his love for the camera, I love this little guy just for being him. Because, after all, I AM his mommy!