Family

Robertson's Pool Party! by Joanna Crichton

I have known this family before they became one! I went to high school with Brock and Dani and I became fast friends after shooting their wedding and many sessions since. When Dani mentioned she wanted their latest session in the pool, I jumped on the idea! Being around water is my favourite place to be. I always adore working alongside this family and am incredibly honoured to have documented their babies grow up.

MOTHERHOOD SESSION {DANI + BEAU} by Joanna Crichton

I am so lucky to have such incredible people supporting me session after session. Dani is one of these people. I’ve had the pleasure of documenting her laid-back boho wedding in the forest, a dare to bare session in the dead of winter by the lake, Beau’s newborn photos, and now watching her become an amazing mama to her little man at 4 months old. These sessions are more then just clicking away for me. These are moments frozen in time for you to look back on for the rest of your lives.

Now more then ever my desire to capture connection is thriving. Motherhood in particular has taken a hold of me in the deepest sense of being. This all consuming love with highs and lows has revealed parts of me that I need to work on and parts of me that are flourishing. These moments are fleeting with our littles and I think it’s important to remind ourselves of this and breath deeply through this ride of motherhood. I can’t wait to get back at it, and document you and your loves, but in the meantime, hold them tight.

Parkdale, Toronto Family by Joanna Crichton

Meg invited me into her home to document the loves of her life, her three children and new hubby, Mark. She welcomed me into her beautiful historical home filled with cozy furnishings and beautiful photographs, as she too is a photographer. I am beyond flattered when other photographers trust me with their precious memories, it means the world to me. I absolutely adored shooting this big family, there was so much love, and always something going on for me capture. We hung out in their home, and then adventured into the streets of Toronto where we got goodies and caffeine from their favourite little coffee shop. These kids were insanely well mannered and warm to me. I’ll never forget her son, Seamus, asked to give me a hug before we parted ways. Just the sweetest thing! Thank you all for being so lovely to be around and Meg your smile in infectious. Scroll down to see for yourself. x

Intimate Maternity Home Session by Joanna Crichton

I absolutely adore photographing clients in their homes. Home is that special place where you are completely at ease with yourself and the ones you love most, which ultimately translates into beautiful memories.  Some people reach out to me and are concerned if their home is ‘good enough’ to shoot a session in.  I always respond that ‘If you have a window, we good!’  When taking photos, my focus is capturing emotions and light, and I don’t worry so much on the perfect background.

I am so thankful that these wonderful and sweet first time expectant parents welcomed me into their home with their fur baby, Reggie, by their side. It is special to me that I can have real talk with my clients turned friends about the hurdles and struggles of parenthood, and of the course, the joys that make it all worth it.   I am honored to share the beginning of your parenthood journey.  Wishing you all the love as you wait for your precious boy to arrive x.

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NAIA {motherhood session} by Joanna Crichton

Being able to capture these special moments in life for my friend, Danielle and her sweet girl Naia is something close to my heart. Capturing motherhood is something that has been a strong theme in my work for the past few years, as I have been in the thick of it myself.  As mothers, we are typically the one behind the camera, so I believe it is so important for us to be captured with our little ones in a true, authentic, and real way.  The bond we share with our children is like no other and my goal is try and capture the purity and rawness of motherhood in all it's beautiful chaos.  Truthfully, I wasn't sure how most of the images were going to turn out as Lucy was with me and I was entertaining her on sidelines or holding her for every shot, but I am thankful for the outcome.  Danielle, thank you, as always, for trusting me to make with these precious memories for you both. You are beautiful xx.

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OSCAR {downtown toronto family session} by Joanna Crichton

I have to admit shooting for other photographers can be a daunting task, but all my worries were set aside upon Scarlet opening the door. Her smile is warm and welcoming and her husband Anthony and her allowed me to do my thing in their space, which is the dream. Every nook in their downtown Toronto apartment is filled with sentimental items of their life together. It is the epitome of cozy, and it is the type of home you feel immediately comfortable in. Little Oscar is just the sweetest little boy, full of personality, and a spinning image of his beautiful mama. I am overwhelmed with honour to be asked to document this stage in their lives. xx

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SUNSET DIP by Joanna Crichton

Upon leaving their car this family, including myself, left our shoes behind.  This simple act confirmed to me that these people are my kind of people. Danielle is a friend, photographer and expecting mama of a baby girl.  Shooting for other photographers is a dream because they are willing to get down and dirty, or perhaps wet in this case for the shot. We wandered the forest lakeside as the sun set and the air was dewy.  Ending the session in the water was pure heaven.

SCARLET by Joanna Crichton

When fellow photographer, Scarlet O'Neill, asked me to document her growing baby bump, I couldn't be more honoured.  I had never met Scarlet before, but was inspired by her work, so it would be an understatement to say that I was thrilled to be able to create these memories for her.  Upon entering her home, she welcomed me with such warmth, I felt an immediate comfort being in her presence.  She is just as kind, down to earth, and hardworking as she comes across.  I have mad respect for this woman. She is truly embracing her sweet baby belly, and I know she is going to rock motherhood. Thanks for making magic with me Scarlet! xo

DEAR LUCY by Joanna Crichton

Dear Lucy, 

It has been one month since you, darling girl, came into our lives. Now that you are here it is hard to imagine life without you.  You are a strong and fierce one, my dear babe, you know what you want and when you want it (genes I am happy to pass along). When the days and nights have seem to blur together, and my exhaustion is at it's peak, you fall asleep on my chest and all is forgotten. It's an all-consuming love that you likely won't understand until you become a mother yourself one day. You are challenging me little one, which makes me appreciate all the sweet moments even more.   

After having your brother almost four years ago, I was a bit rusty with my newborn mothering skills, but we are learning to get into a sweet rhythm of each other. Freddie has grown effortlessly into his big brother role and my heart is so full watching you two together.  He kisses you every night on your forehead and says, "I love you my baby girl." Your brother is a gentle and kind soul who will protect you always. You are one lucky lady to have him by your side.   

As your Mother, I promise to always keep you safe, show you kindness, challenge you, guide you out of the darkness, stay playful, confirm your worth, feed your curiosity, and most of all, I will love you with everything I have for the rest of my life. I am so thankful that you are a part of our precious little family and am beyond proud to be your Mama. x

WAITING FOR HER by Joanna Crichton

I enjoyed every minute of this session knowing just how deserving this Mama is. Carolyn has the kindest heart and is embracing her incredible experience.  Thank you for allowing me to document this crazy beautiful time in your life. It was an honour.

GARRETT FAMILY by Joanna Crichton

I feel fortunate to work with this sweet family a second time.  Our first session took place in their home while Beth, Matt and Sacha eagerly awaited the arrival of their new family member.  This time we explored Sunnidale Park in Barrie, where I met their darling addition, Eileen.  The colours were still alive amongst the trees as we strolled and shared stories of parenting challenges and life aspirations.

COUNTRY FAMILY SESSION by Joanna Crichton

I absolutely adored working with this sweet family.  Upon my warm welcome into their home we realized this wasn't our first time crossing paths, as we went to the same high school and have a few mutual friends. We played around their lovely country home in Oro Medonte in the heart of Autumn.

MAUI LOVE by Joanna Crichton

            My family and I returned from the magical island of Maui a month ago, which feels like forever, now that we are back in our groove at home.  My connection to Maui begins with my parents' love story.  My Mom and Dad met at McMaster University and shortly after saying their I do's, decided to vacation in Maui.  After only a few days of living the Island life, my parents decided Maui was going to be home.  They bought a condo and my mom began serving tables oceanside. My dad's hunger for adventure landed him in the dangerous world of Alaskan fishing 6 months, and Maui for the remainder of the year.  My parents savoured their new lifestyle, spending their free time in and by the ocean.  They fell in love with a golden lab puppy they named Maui Boy and brought him home, only to discover that their complex did not allow pets.  Friends offered them a place to live in the Valley - an isolated cabin without electricity or running water, and surrounded with luscious vegetation and a flowing stream from the mountains.  My parents jumped on the idea and threw themselves into the heart of Maui, relishing all adventures that came their way.  I arrived into the world shortly after, which certainly made country life challenging, but my mom said she wouldn't have changed the experience for anything.  We bathed in the stream, played with wild chickens, lit oil lamps during the evening, and watched the luminous stars light up the sky. 

             When my parents decided to separate, my Mom and I moved to California, while my Dad stayed behind in Maui.  We then moved to Orillia,  where we had family, and I went to school.  I have been lucky enough to visit Maui yearly since leaving, and am beyond grateful to my parents for starting my journey in such an enchanting place.  To be able to bring my son back to the island where I have so much history, is a dream come true.  There aren't enough words to describe the beauty Maui holds - it is so much more than a visual experience.  Landing at the airport, taking that first breath of exotic air and feeling the warm, tropical breezes is heavenly.  It is a deeply spiritual island that embraces mother nature and kind living.  Maui, you will always have a part of me.

BREAKY WITH THE HANDY'S by Joanna Crichton

I have been fortunate enough to work with this darling family twice now, and the cuteness factor is through the roof.  This family is effortlessly adorable and charming, making my job incredibly easy.  I don't know how this mom does it with four littles, but she manages the role so naturally.  Her children are sweet, polite, and it goes without saying, ridiculously beautiful.