Amanda Hayden Photography - Ottawa Photographer

BUBBLES – Ottawa Toddler Photographer

Amanda Hayden — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:11:23 +0000

This past weekend my lil man turned 17 months! In wanting to keep a better record of all those funny little things he says and does, here’s a list of his current favourites.

- BUBBLES! it’s definitely his clearest word
- Guncle and his loud scream noise
- colouring
- cheese (“yeesh”)
- bubbles (yes, he loves them this much)
- bathtime
- kissing me to “wake me up”, my lil prince charming
- “recycling” or making-a-mess-with-the-recycling
- talking – bubbles, mama, cheese, nana, car, walk, book, please, star, guncle, tonka, up, keys and poop

Summer is finally here, so keep checking back to see some fun stuff!

Beauty in Chaos – Ottawa Photographer

Amanda Hayden — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:45:27 +0000

This post is something very different from a family or newborn session, but something I absolutely LOVED doing! You may recognize the model from some of my previous work. He is not only my very FIRST model, but a very dear friend of mine, and when we talked about this shoot I knew it would be something big. Daniel has been going through some pretty big life stuff, he’s now 8 months sober (and going strong), and has been writing his blog to help everyone believe in true love again.

The concept for this shoot was intense. There was a good side and evil side, words written on skin that once defined who he was, tears, laughter, truth, vulnerability, anger and peace… As the shoot progressed it took on a life of it’s own. While each part allowed him become a character, it was also a version of who he once was or still is. As the words were being written on his skin, you could tangibly feel it in the room. There may have been 5 of us in room, each taking turns writing words, but it was silent, almost heavy. We all have those voices in our heads that say things to you about all your inadequacies, sometimes it’s shouting so loud, and sometimes it’s giving you a little reminder that you’re not worth it. We’ve all been called names or called ourselves names that aren’t who or what we are, but told enough, we start to believe them. I think we all learned a little something about ourselves during the process of the shoot, and I know we all hope that YOU can learn something about yourselves when looking at what was created.

Please head over to Daniel Desforges’ Blog and read how he felt about the session, and the heart that created the concept.

Sweet Baby Emily – Ottawa Newborn Photographer

Amanda Hayden — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:33:55 +0000

Is there anything better in the world than the smell of a newborn?? This is the second time I’ve had the opportunity to shoot this family, and I can’t believe how big Alex has gotten already! Alex was only 4 months old the first time we met, and now he’s 3, and a big brother! Little sister Emily was only 11 days old and such a sweet heart! She didn’t want to miss out on the party for the majority of the shoot, but she couldn’t resist sleep in the end! Thank you for welcoming me into your home to capture some of the beginning of what will be a great life! Enjoy your sneak peek!!

Of course I couldn’t leave without taking some pictures of big brother Alex too!! This little guy is soooo in love with trains! Just the cutest thing ever!! It melted my heart when he sang the whole Thomas The Train theme song! Swoon! hehehe

Don’t forget to head over to Facebook to see some exclusive sneaks!

My Lil GQ! – Ottawa Baby Photographer

Amanda Hayden — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 16:36:48 +0000

Alright alright… I couldn’t resist! My lil man turned 15 months yesterday, and I decided to capture some images of him in what has to be the CUTEST lil outfit(Thank you Guncle Dan!!)! I can’t believe how fast he’s growing up! My lil baby is long gone, and is now the best toddler!! Things seem to change soo fast with kids, and I don’t want to forget a THING, so I hope to keep this little journal of his favourites along the way.

His favourites right now:
- making animal sounds (I love his tiger and pig!)
- showing off his muslces
- telling me he’s ONE
- blueberries
- anything with stars
- The Wiggles
- books!
- his cookie monster hoodie
- dropping it like it’s hottt! (this one cracks me up!)
- and running… lots and lots of running! haha!

And without further adieu… my lil GQ model!

(Hat/Sweater – H&M | Skinny Jeans – BabyGap | Undershirt – Walmart)

The Force Is Strong! – Ottawa Baby Photographer

Amanda Hayden — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:58:09 +0000

What a fun session this was!! I can hardly believe my nephew is now ONE!! It’s been a great year watching him grow! He’s now walking all over the place, and I think we’ve discovered his new favourite food, CAKE!! hahah! He may have been a bit tentative to begin with, but with that first taste of Nana’s icing, he was alll over it! I love watching their reactions to it! Can you tell Dad is a Star Wars fan? hehe! Enjoy your sneak peek!

He came looking all spiffy, so I couldn’t resist taking a few “clean” faced shots as well! He has the most perfect blue eyes! If you’re thinking of ways to celebrate your little one’s first birthday, this has to be the most fun! Hit contact and we’ll book you a session! Happy First Birthday Kyle!!

Don’t forget to like me out on Facebook to see exclusive sneak peeks!

Parent’s Day – Ottawa Baby Photographer

Amanda Hayden — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:06:49 +0000

It was parent’s day today at monkey’s gymnastic class, so I thought I’d bring my camera with me to capture some of the fun he has! He absolutely LOVES it there! I mean, who wouldn’t?? Check out that last picture on the left, (no children were harmed!) he asks for it over and over again! haha! Enjoy a glimpse into one of monkey’s activities!!

Pure Beauty – Ottawa Portrait Photographer

Amanda Hayden — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:24:18 +0000

This past weekend I was fortunate to photograph a new friend. She’s in town from London and was given a photoshoot as a gift! (Awesome gift idea, no?) So, I wanted to do something a little different, a little more stylized than a normal portrait session. We set off into the wilderness, and found our way to McKenzie King Estates in Gatineau, QC! It was a beautiful day out, only -1c, and she was SUCH a trooper! -1c is nice in a jacket and boots, but here she was in a dress! “Anything for art” is what she told me, and I couldn’t agree more! By the end of the day, our feet were soaking wet, and I had been lying belly down in the snow! hahah! SO worth it! I hope you can see how truly beautiful you are! I also want to send a big THANK YOU out to my friend/gusband/personal assistant/stylist/driver, Daniel! He wrote a great blog about his perspective of the day, head here to check it out! Enjoy your sneak peek!

As usual, don’t forget to head over to Facebook to see some exclusive extras from this session!

A couple shots of Dan hard at work! hehe

Classic Ottawa – Ottawa Family Photographer

Amanda Hayden — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:30:34 +0000

This past Wednesday, it was my birthday! Not only was it my birthday, it was my 30th! (YIKES!) I thought about what I wanted to do, 30 is a big one! The weather was absolutely PERFECT, so we decided to head down to the canal! It’s been years since I’ve been, and I wanted to take lil man for his first visit! And obviously, if you’re on the canal, you get a beavertail! heheh! YUM!! It was a perfect day filled with smiles and laughter! I think 30 is going to be a great year! THANK YOU to all of you who made it what it was! <3

Happy Heart Day! – Ottawa Baby Photographer

Amanda Hayden — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:31:17 +0000

It’s that time of year again, Valentine’s Day has arrived! Throughout my life, Valentine’s Day hasn’t held too much, it’s been more of a celebration for the day before my birthday! haha! This year, I thought I’d have a little fun with the holiday! Here’s a sneak of my lil monkey having fun… until he wasn’t. hahah! Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! Make sure not just today, but every day, you tell those around you that you love them!

Cake Smash Fun – Ottawa Baby Photographer

Amanda Hayden — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:43:09 +0000

Can you believe it?? My lil man, is 1!!!?! Oi that went fast! Looking back over this past year, it’s hard to believe how much has changed. He’s grown into the sweetest little toddler! He knows just when you need a hug or a kiss, his “thank you” is “bap!”, and he runs non stop! He is FINALLY sleeping through the night (can I get an amen?!)! I can’t even begin to imagine what my life would have been like if he hadn’t come along. All the early mornings, and late nights, those first smiles, and giggles. His first time crawling, or those first steps. The first “Mama”, or even when he says it now, it just melts my heart! He has brought such a joy to everyone around him and I can’t wait to see just who he’ll continue growing into. Now, how else would I celebrate his birthday than with a cake smash session?! Worth every little bit of the mess it made!! Cheers to a great year, and to many many many more!! Maybe I’ll have to make this a tradition! hehe! If you’re looking to celebrate your lil one’s birthday with a fun cake smash session, email me at info@amandahaydenphotography.com to book an appointment! The look on their face will be priceless!