Changing Focus

It's not very often that I turn the lens on myself, however at least once a year I have one photo scheduled.

It started as a way to celebrate my wedding anniversary.

Holding the photo from the previous year, we have started documenting our married life. Sometimes, the years are exciting: visiting Costa Rica, taking a road trip to see my favourite singer, while other years are quieter and probably much more like the two of us. Twice we returned to the scene of the crime and celebrated at Biff's Bistro, where we held our reception, which includes this year. 

Looking at these photos hanging on the wall, always brings a smile on my face. The years will come and go, and we'll be able to look back and see how we've grown together.

A very belated post!

Just a quick catch up, as this is very (extremely!) belated!

Thank you for all that supported our Gutsy walk team! This past June, we were able to raise over $500 for Crohn's and Colitis Canada!

This is a charity near and dear to me, as my husband, Ian, has Crohn's disease. From the his diagnosis almost 15 years ago, to the couple of hospital stays, medication and specialist changes, it has been a roller coaster, and it has been reassuring to know that there was a charity out there that not only funds research, but also provides support to patients and care-givers. Thank you to all that donated.

During the next week, I will write again and provide a couple of tips to taking your own family portraits - keep your eyes out for that!

Megan, with Capt'n Poo representing team: Toronto May-Poo Leafs at the 2016 Gutsy Walk

The Importance of Chicken Necking

From time to time, clients, friends and family alike have asked for my number one tip to look better in photos. Every time I respond with a very enthusiastic "Chicken Neck!".

If this has left you scratching your head and thinking "Uh... sure Megan" don't worry, you are not alone, but after a quick explanation I hope you will have a better understanding and see why I love it so much.

As someone with a heavier face, I often have a double chin in photos and like everyone else, I hate it! Chicken necking helps eliminate this, and who doesn't love that? 

To perform the chicken neck, you want to make sure you are not slouching (as I often do), put your shoulders back, and then jut your neck forward, as a chicken would peck the ground. Now, you just want to tilt your chin down a wee bit; you don't want people seeing up your nose and because you are chicken necking, you don't need to worry about the dreaded double chin appearing. 

Now, this doesn't look nice in a profile style portrait, as you can see, but I wanted to make sure it was fully demonstrated. In the chicken neck photo, my shoulders are back, and just my neck comes forward, leaving my chin at either eye level, or slightly down.

It feels ridiculous to do, but chicken-necking really helps shape your face, and slim it down without preforming any sort of editing at all!

I hope this post has helped you understand my #1 tip! 

Family Fun in the GTA

Looking for something to do during these dog days of summer? Luckily there is plenty happening in and around the city!

Here are just a few ideas:

Courtesy of Jenn Triebe (www.facebook.com/2forhookingcrochet)

For Hockey Fans:
The Hockey Hall of Fame is having a 30 Teams in 30 Days event, which includes collectible cards, discounts and player meet and greets! Check them out at www.HHOF.com

                                                                   

For Foodie Families:
There is the Sip and Savour Ontario Farm and Artisan Market at Avenue and Roe (just south of the 401 on Avenue). This Farmers market features fresh Ontario produce as well as vendors to educate you and your family on local culinary, agricultural industries and local wine. This happens every Thursday from 3-7 until October 30. Their website is www.sipandsavourontario.ca/ma






For Animal Lovers:
The Toronto Zoo will be hosting an even for kids this coming Friday: Be A Keeper Day - Real Zoo Keepers For Plush! Wildlife care experts will teach how to give your stuffie the tender love it deserves, by having you go through different stations with a Keeper and learn what foods to feed your animal, how to weigh and clean your toy and much much more. For children under 12 years of age, no live animals. Check out www.torontozoo.com for more information.

A rare weekend off

This past weekend found me with a rare weekend off, and with that, my sister and I house and cat sat for my parents and spent Saturday down at the Live Green festival and enjoying a Summerlicious dinner.

I had never been to the Live Green festival and was really impressed with the originality and quality of some of the products people were selling.  A bit of a spending spree later, found me with a new phone charger that is solar power (perfect for when I am working a wedding and want to keep my phone topped off so I can use the GPS to get from venue to venue), some great granola and perhaps my favourite - a free app that allows you to check out the negative health impacts that cosmetics/personal care items can have. If you would like to check it out, go to ThinkDirtyApp.com

My sister and I at the Live Green Festival

Anniversary Dinner

One of our new-er traditions, which I love, is that when we celebrate our anniversary, Ian and I will take a photo, holding the photo from the previous year.

The photo that we started with is courtesy of Tracy Greer Photography (http://www.facebook.com/TracyGreerPhotography)

The next year, we celebrated in Costa Rica!

Last year, it was slightly delayed due to illness, but we went old school to one of the places we love to visit - the zoo:

And finally, this year, we returned to the scene of the crime, Biffs Bistro, where we had our little reception. The meal was fantastic, and it just happened to be Summerlicious, so we were able to be very decedent with out splurging too much (my mother would be proud)

This idea wasn't something I came up with myself - it was something both Ian and I stumbled upon on Reddit, and decided we should do it. For me,  I love that it's the one time that I am forced to go in front of the camera and make sure that I do get a photo or two of Ian and I together, but it's also been a great way to see how we have changed through out the years.

Summer Has Arrived!

Welcome Summer! We have been waiting a long time for you!

Summer barbecues, popsicles, and lounging on the deck, what could be better?

Come and celebrate the warm weather, changing times and your growing family with a summer portrait session at TriebePhotography.

Our summer sale includes your choice between:



The Junior Special (a $115 investment)* A hour to 2 hour long photo session at a location of your choice
* An archival disc of 5 of the portraits from your session. This disc will have the 5 images in colour, black and white, as well as sepia, with the ability to print as well as share on social media.

or

The Senior Special (a $150 investment)
* A hour to 2 hour long photo session at a location of your choice
* An archival disc of 25 portraits from your session. This disc will have the 25 images in colour, black and white, as well as sepia, with the ability to print as well as share on social media.

For more information, please contact us at megan@triebephotography.ca or visit our website at http://www.triebephotography.ca