It feels great whenever my approach to baby and children photography is received really well and parents pass my name around. This is how I got to meet the Lopez family. It was a lot of fun, an energy filled afternoon, watching these beautiful three siblings, their interaction with each other. They all love to swim, so at the end of the photo session we moved to the pool area for some dynamic shots. It was so very nice to see how joyous they all were around water, splashing and giggling non stop. I hope my images depict the huge amount of fun I have witnessed!

When baby Carla and Freddy’s mom contacted me, she mentioned she wanted a particular style of baby photography for her children: very candid. After seeing samples of my work, she thought I had what she was looking for. With the exception of a few shots where I placed baby Carla on a plate (a place a little person may not necessarily choose for an afternoon nap), I let moments unfold and played along. It is amazing how responsive kids are when not asked to do specific things and when they simply are. As I found out, Freddy does not like to smile at cameras, he does not like to pose. But he did not have to, he was simply his adorable self running around, hiding or proudly fixing things with his screwdriver.

Aleks, thank you for the opportunity to meet your family and to spend some great moments in your lovely home!

Cath and Matt got married in March of 2007. They had a beautiful celebration at the Eglinton Grand. In spite of the cold, the snow and the fact that that all girls were wearing sandals, we still managed to get some fun shots of the wedding party releasing red balloons!

A bit over 2.5 yrs later, I was introduced to baby Henry who is simply adorable. It is always with so much joy that I photograph babies born to couples whose weddings I ahad the opportunity to witness. I become a part of their lives, I get to share their most important events, what a privilege! Whenever I am around cute little creatures like baby Henry, time just goes by, I get to play, connect and capture expressions that sometimes last on their sweet faces for one split second only.

Cath and Matt, congratulations again on your new family and may your first Christmas together be filled with joy and fun!

I photographed these sisters back in the summer. I recall having so much fun watching them being who they are, their expressions, their interaction.

I am extremely fond of children photography as I love spending time around them. They live in a fascinating world full of joy, imagination, playfulness, innocence.

Something that us, adults, need to be reminded of from time to time.

One of the most wonderful gifts this great photography profession offers me is continuity….becoming a part of people’s lives, of people’s family history.
I am thankful and grateful for the opportunity!

Cristie and Mark married in September 2007 at the beautiful Rosedale Golf Club.
The day was gorgeous, with blue skies and slight winds playing in Cristie’s veil and making for some truly unique images.

It was an excellent time, great people, beautiful families and friends. A pleasure to photograph!
For more on Cristie and Mark’s wedding, please check ‘feature galleries’ at www.manuelastefan.com.

Last year Cristie contacted me letting me know she was pregnant…as the first bride whose wedding I captured to give me such news, I was exhilarated when she told me she would like pictures taken when the baby arrived.
This is how I got to meet Noah…a sweet baby boy, all giggly at his almost 3 months of age.