Heaven gained a beautiful soul - Saskatoon photography

A few short months ago I was asked by my sister in law to donate to a fundraiser that was very near to her heart.  One of her best friends, Tracy Dinh, had been diagnosed with stage 4 small cell cervical cancer (SCCC), which is a rare and aggressive form of cancer with poor prognosis.  Tracy, at the age of 25, had just undergone 4 months of intense chemo treatments, which were devastatingly unsuccessful.    Her friends and family rallied together in hopes of raising some money so she was able to complete a wish list, and start a charity in her name.  The event was a huge success.  It was amazing to see so much support from so many local businesses.  We donated a photobooth at the event, but something that will stay with me forever was what we donated to the silent auction. 

I really wanted to donate something more than just a gift certificate, when I thought it would be a wonderful idea if I donated a photo shoot WITH Tracy.  Luckily Tracy thought it was a wonderful idea too.  Eight of Tracy's closest friends all pitched in and won the gift certificate. 

The day of the session was something that will be with me, but more importantly Tracy's eight closest friends forever.  The girls all talked, laughed, ate, and reminisced, all while I clicked away.  The girls made some new memories that day, and now have the photos to remind them of that day forever.  A week after our shoot Tracy went to Maui to cross one thing off her wish list.  She had the trip of a lifetime with her family and the love of her life. 

Only a few short weeks after her return, Tracy passed away.  Cancer took another young, beautiful, vibrant life.  Here on earth, we lost another beautiful soul, while heaven gained one.  I am both honored to have met Tracy, and so grateful to have had her gorgeous smile in front of my camera.  The gift I've given her closest friends is something far greater than you or I can even begin to understand.  They now have these amazing memories that they can take with them forever.  Although I know Tracy will always be in their hearts, these images will remind them of the beautiful friend they had the pleasure of knowing.                

Although her battle with cancer ended May 13, 2012, her dream to help others did not.  The PinkWig foundation is the charity that has been started in honor of Tracy and strives to increase awareness about this devastating disease.  Donations made to the PinkWig Foundation will go towards helping cancer patients and their families by providing funds to cover their living and medical expenses.  My sister in law and the love of Tracy's life are the executive directors of the PinkWig foundation and all donations may be made through them.  To make a donation, contact Jaycee at tulips_@hotmail.com or Cory at cwking1@hotmail.com.

Tracy is the beautiful young women in these photos with the scarf tied around her head.  My deepest condolences go out to Tracy's family and friends.  I know she touched many hearts in her short time on earth. 

 

 

Favorite Thing Friday - Saskatoon Photographers

I think this is a lot of people's list favorite things:  Red wine.  I remember when I was quite a bit younger I couldn't stand the taste, however the older I get, the more of an appreciation I have for it.  To be honest, I haven't come across a lot of red wine I didn't like.  A new favorite that I've tried recently is a good Carménère.  Something about a glass of red with with a juicy steak is my idea of a great night.  Have a great weekend, and if you love red wine, have a glass for me. 

 

facebook contest winners - Saskatoon photographers

This cute couple won a facebook contest we had a couple of months ago.   They ordered these three images, nice and big, to use as a collage in their new home that they are moving into soon.  I can't wait to see pictures of them up on their walls.  They look so good printed on our new polished aluminum, so I can only image how good they will look hung on the wall.  

Favorite Thing Friday - Saskatoon photographers

One of my favorite things is some of the first signs of Spring.  This photo was taken a little while ago, but when that little plant in your flower bed just pops through the dirt, it makes me so happy as that is what I consider one of the first signs of spring.  

OK, lets face it, I'm also pretty excited that some of my flowers actually come back after our long cold winters.  I didn't exactly inherit my mother's green thumb, so anything that I don't kill is something I'm very proud of.  Any sign of green in the dirt, after a long winter, is just one of my favorite things. 

Happy Mother's day! - Saskatoon photography

I hope you all had a wonderful mother's day yesterday!  I sure did.  Looking forward to many more to come:).  Here is a photo of my little one who makes me proud to call her my daughter.  This is an image from a couple of weeks ago, at her nine month photo shoot.

Favorite Thing Friday - Saskatoon photographers

I know we all have favorite products that we love, and I know Oprah did it every year, so I thought why can't I do it?  Every Friday I'm going to do a blog post about things that I love.  We'll call it:  Favorite Thing Friday.  These are truly just products, blogs, or other things that I love.  I have not been paid by any of the companies (although, maybe I should contact them and work out a deal;), hahaha).  I just love to share things that I love with the world, just in case you may love it too!

Today, being the first, I would like to start with one of the first things I do everyday, and that is grind my own coffee beans.  If you've never done this, you're missing out.  Seriously this weekend, go out and buy yourself a grinder (it doesn't have to be anything fancy), buy whole beans (I just buy whatever beans where ever I happen to grocery shop that day) and grind them up yourself.  The difference in coffee taste is night and day.  Go ahead, do it, and let me know how it goes! 

We're turning 5 this month! - Saskatoon photographers

I've been photographing this little girl since she was 2 years old.    It's hard to believe how big she's gotten.  This month we're celebrating our 5 year anniversary in business, and I suppose kids grow a lot in that time, lol.  To celebrate we're offering all of our past clients FREE outdoor sessions for the entire month of May.  If you have never been in front of our lens before, we're offering 50% off outdoor session fee's (some restrictions apply), for the entire month of May.    

We had some fun doing this session, as I'm sure you can tell.... 

My favourite place on earth - Maui photography

 Last winter I took a family vacation to Maui.  It's my favorite place on earth, and if you've ever been there, I'm sure you would agree with me.  While we were there, I did this adorable family session on the beach.  We went out on an early morning to catch the beautiful morning sun.  This little beauty was 6 months old and already so photogenic.  I have to admit, I'm a little jealous of this session, as I wish we would have gotten some family photos done while we were there.  Well, there's always next year, right?

Are you planning a trip to Maui next winter?  I would love to photograph you while we're there!  Email me for more details:  memoriesbymandy@shaw.ca 

All about the light - Saskatoon photographers

I was at a wedding workshop last weekend with Funky Town photography (based out of Victoria), and learned so much!  I can't wait to show off my new tricks with this year's brides.  Above are some of the images from the workshop.  I love to attend conventions and workshops like these to get re-inspired.  The timing on this one was perfect, right before wedding season:). 

Our new studio! - Saskatoon photography

It's official!  Memories by Mandy finally has a new studio space!  We rarely shoot here, because we prefer to shoot in a natural environment, however it's a lovely space where my clients can come in for their consultations and to view their images.  We're so excited that it's finally done!  A HUGE thank you goes out to my husband and father-in-law, and a few close friends who helped make this happen.  We couldn't have done it without you!  


The first shot, is a photo of the main space right after the gut job.  (I think that is enough for the before pictures:)).  Want to come by and see the space?  Make an appointment today, I would love to show you the space and have a cup of coffee with you!

 

Here is the same space, finished!  What a difference!  

Here is a new line of boutique frames that we carry.  They come in a variety of shapes and colors.

Our polished aluminum prints.  These are a 'must see'.  This photo does not do them justice.  

More images of the frames....

The metallic floater, just floats on the wall

And the canvases...