T&J Family Day Out | Abbotsford BC | Family Photographer

Posted on June 9, 2013 by Bini

Whenever I watch a movie about a family, I wonder – is that what our family looks like to others? Do they see the love and joy? What does it feel like to be us?

Looking at these photos of Tiffany & Jeff – its like im watching their life, as an outsider, but understanding those moments as if they were my own….the love, the joy, the quiet moments, the simple moments, the every day little bits that make waking up so easy and going to sleep so hard.

Your photos should be like your memories – never forced, never static, never fake – a true reflection of your personality, your experiences, and your life.

Knocked up & Lovin’ It | Burnaby, BC | Maternity

Posted on February 24, 2013 by Bini

Claire & Martin were wed in 2011 and I had the pleasure of being their wedding photographer on that glorious day. When I heard that they were expecting, my first thought was to giggle at the idea of them dancing with their new baby! Claire & Martin are awesome, passionate dancers – and im not talking professional – im just saying – they love to dance! Im sure they approach life with the same passion and Im excited to see their family grow!

We had been watching the weather for weeks hoping for at least a clear day – that day eventually arrived with some last minute juggling and we scooted out to Burnaby Village Museum (Heritage Park) for photos to blend rustic elements and the Christmas Spirit!

Their photos reflect their love, humour, and good nature – their baby will be blessed with two dedicated, caring parents. Its tempting to go all stylized over maternity photos – but my style lends itself to clarity and candid – natural poses in natural environments!

I want couples to remember how much they smiled at each other – those long sleepness nights are, afterall, ahead of them. I want them to remember what it felt like to have the swell of life between them, soon to be replaced by a small mini-them. And I want them to remember how they got where they did – knocked up & lovin it!

Burnaby Village Museum Maternity Photography

Celebrating love and a new life

The X-Files leaves its Mark

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Bini

When the kids were small, we went through a rash of wee pets – flies, spiders, stick-bugs – and then we upgraded to creatures that actually relied on us for survival. This generated a level of attachment that required naming of the pet.

Bits and Bites

Bunny rabbits, ducks, mice, rats, fish, hamsters – these pets fill our lives and the lives of our children. If we have the opportunity – something larger (“longer living”) will come into our homes & our hearts. But each one – no matter how long its stay with us – leaves its mark.

If youve met a pet – a sure fire why to know the age of its human sisters & brothers - is to ask the pet’s name. Pets belonging to children under the age of about 6 are named for their colour (Sunshine, Tany, Mink) or some other endearing feature or trait (Nibbles, Cutie, Cheddar). Slightly older children (generally boys 8-12) will have plenty of suggestions that their parents wisely do not employ (naming your dog “Everyone” will generate lots of giggles but its not effective and rather embarrassing “Everyone lets go pee”).

By the time the kids are in their teens – they will have attached themselves to TV shows, video games, books, sports and other celebrity role models and as such – their name choices reflect their interests at the time of the pet aquisition. So when I met Christine – I had no doubt that someone in her family was a fan of the X-Files TV show popular in the 90′s.

Moments in Time - Scully Pet Photos

15 years ago – Christine’s family got a pet cat – and whilst Christine & her brother bandied about names – “Scully” stuck. There are whole generations of people that will never know why her cat was named Scully, understand the reference to the show & the hours of anticipation viewers would spend between episodes, or the marketing & spin-offs that followed and was created in TV land.

Naming our pet (even our children!) is a reflection of our time, our interests, our sensibilities and its as much a part of their memory as the memories themselves. So with Scully’s limbs getting more sensitive and time taking its toll – I went to Christine’s condo to capture their memories.

Cats View

Whilst I always get that 5×7 framed photo smile – I think more importantly – it’s documenting the little movements, the touches, the visual smells, the private moments between a human and their pet. The way they embed themselves into our lives and our lives change because of them – the routines and rituals – these moments. The stuff we accumulate for them: the litter box that is always in the way in the bathroom, the food bowl that waits for us, the toys we trip over – these things.

If I was a fly

These are the things that remain after our pets have left us behind – these are the things we eventually pack away or give away – but like photographs – if we touch them – we can relive those days – that part of our life that has come and gone and will never be the same again.

Nothing Exists except within our own Memories

Scully has touched her family’s life and now – having shared a private moment with them – has touched mine as well.

Looking for Llamas

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Bini

Its like sqeezing out that last bit of toothpaste, or shaking one more drop of ketchup from the bottle – we have a sense of completeness unfulfilled. And thats how the three of us happened to be standing by a tree, poking our heads into the branches and making strange animal noises.

Magna Vita Photography Bini Ball 2012 Surrey Children Photographer

Bear Creek Park Portraits with Gia

We were trying to convince Gia that there were Llamas in the buses – we were coaxing one more smile from her tired, cold body and apparently, Llamas were quite the hit. So after watching the two adults make crazy gestures, sounds, and faces – Gia bent into the branches to look for Llamas. We got that one last smile – but the day did start off much easier!

Looking for Llamas

I met Gia last year for her Xmas photos – we create a great template of her & mum to be printed & mailed. Alot cheaper than using the templates at the local print shop and customized to her vision. This March, Gia came out for some photos in the park just before her birthday.

The pleasure of flying through the air should never leave us!

She had alot of fun, as all 2 year olds do, picking up tiny rocks & throwing them. Her energy was boundless – even after a tumble or two. We blew bubbles, flew a kite, tossed coins into a fountain, and, yes, applied lotion to flowers (ahh its a kid thing!).

Bear Creek Park Portraits with Gia

Of course – no children photography session is complete without mud on the knees or some other messy mishap. But with a little touch of editing, Photoshop, and a patient hand – these ooops dont have to appear on your favourite enlargement / print.

Edit / Touchups in Photoshop to remove muddy knees.

My Favs from 2011

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Bini

I take Chinese New Year very seriously – i love chinese food, love Jackie Chan, love the clothing, art and furniture, and – in fact – my grandma grew up in Tientsin and my mother was born in China. Besides – living in the Vancouver area – embracing chinese customs is part of being Canadian (along with the other cultures that thrive in our wonderful city).

So I decided that celebrating Chinese New Year allowed me a bit of grace when it came to selecting & publishing some of my favourite photos from 2011. Besides – its still January – that counts – I still have our Xmas tree up – that counts (ok counts for a bunch of stuff – not necessarily all good!) – and some parts of the day still resemble winter – that counts too.

So over the next few days I hope to post some of my favs from 2011. How do I pick them?

Im picking them for their impact on me – did I grow, learn, change, celebrate, come to terms with, impress (me that is!)? These photos have changed me somehow as a photographer and a person. But to make things simple – Im also just picking one per month….hahaw!

January BC Scotties Women’s Curling Championship

It was a priveledge to be the photographer for the BC Scotties Women’s curling championship held in January 2011 in Cloverdale, BC. The top photo is of course the winning team – Team Scott – the two photos below capture the seconds of time that changed their fate: assuming the game was decided – they stand off to the side – and then – holding their breath – one change of the rock – and the winners switch side. It was exhilirating to watch these women perform with passion and team spirit.

BC Scotties Women's Curling Championship

February Valentine’s Marshmallows

I started working with Kimberley’s Kitchen in 2010 – these exquistely delicate rose-flavoured heart-shaped marshmallows are part of her Valentine’s day line of products. Of course, they are also the perfect, locally made, unique wedding favour. The best part of being a product photographer is that nothing goes to waste – after the photosession – I get to eat what Ive photographed.

February Valentine's Love Marshmallows

Spring Portraits In Studio

Working in my studio, I had a fun afternoon working with these two best friends. We had a million costume changes and attitude changes that included Canucks Shirts, Wigs, flowers, and more! Its the start of my studio sessions and I continue to renovate my mini-studio to add more backdrops, props, and other features! Working in such a limited amount of space – Im thrilled with how well these full length laying down images turned out!

Best Friends Portrait Session

Spring Portraits Outdoors

These warm spring photos were done in April when the ground is still a little wet, the weather unpredictable, and the grass still tall & dry. We explored riverways, train tracks, bridges, and fields. The natural light that day was fabulous and it glows from Bahare’s face. I love how this could easily be a spring or fall portrait in Vancouver – you can sense the chill from her jacket, but feel the early warmth of a spring sun.

Fort Langley Spring Portrait

May Pre-Wedding Portraits In Studio

Prior to their wedding, Michelle came by the studio with her fiance and had some engagement style photos taken. These images would be used at their wedding – its a nice touch – often couples use these photos as their Guest Book. Studio shots are coming along nicely – yeah!

Pre-Wedding Formal Portraits

June Wedding Photos at Stewart Farm

This couple decided to hold their formal wedding photos a few days in advance of their wedding. All dressed up – we met at Stewart Farm, White Rock and caught the wonderful warm glow of a summer sunset. Claire & Martin explored the farm, the barn area, the dock, and the apple trees all the while I caught their love, laughs, and silliness. For this shot – I had the bride getting ready for one shot when I walked around her and found the sun shining through her veil – BAM! – it was like she was floating towards the sky on golden wings.

Stewart Farm Wedding Photography, White Rock

July Wedding Photos at Queens Park

A wonderfully hot summer day caught Cindy & Kevin sharing their marriage with their children. The boys had been patiently waiting for the girls to arrive in their limo – a private moment of support & cheer – and the wedding took place in the Rose Garden. Afterwards we zoomed down to Starbucks, shared their favourite drinks, and then came back to Centennial Lodge for the celebration & crazy dance party! This photo is just one that shows how much support, fun, and love this family had for each other.

Queens Park Wedding, New Westminster

August Engagement Photos at Stanley Park

A few weeks before their wedding, Amy, Adrian & I all met for drinks down at Coal Harbour before starting our multi-hour, super fun trek around Stanely Park. We wandered around the city skyline, every beach along the way, trees and grass and rocks and even a few animals! We had a mini-kissing session where they practiced how to kiss for a camera – I dont think they minded doing homework – and ended our evening just around sunset back around Denman & Davie. It was so easy to work with Amy & Adrian because of their own self-confidence and deep love for each other. To me this photo appears as tho Ive snuck upon these two lovers in the forest and her expression is one of “He’s Mine!”.

Stanley Park Engagement Photos

Fall Engagement Photos at Whytecliff Park

These two are getting married in Sechelt 2012 so we planned their engagement photos for an early fall shoot and luckily we had great weather. Down at Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver, we explored the rocks, found a salmon, climbed mountains, and trees. I love this photo – its all about the love Nicole has for Ivan, and how goofy Ivan can be (oh and a little shy in front of the camera). Looking forward to their wedding this summer!

Whytecliff Park Engagement Photos

October Halloween Sugar Skull Makeup

This past Halloween, I worked with Kyla Charney (MUA/Stylist) and Christina Hall (Model) to create a Sugar Skull . The cape is gold & white and not at all suiting the makeup – but in my mind’s eye – i knew a cape was the right choice for the last set of photos in our session – so I used what I had. By switching the photo into Black & White and adding some additional texture to the image – I created the moody mystique that I had felt that night. Improving on my photoshop skills this year has allowed me to take great images and turn them 180 degrees. I love that this photo feels like both an elegant portrait of a woman and the haunting stare of something darker. (woops – thats the poet in me!)

Sugar Skull Image Magna Vita Photography 2011

November Wedding Kisses

Minh & Alex were wed on a blustery day in November at Cecil Green House, UBC Vancouver. The CGH is a gorgeous location with deep rich browns, classic architecture, elegant furnishings, and the perfect spot for rainy day weddings with ample outside covered spaces and conservatory. With a tight schedule for wedding photos – we took all the family and group photos straight away after the ceremony. Then after the lunch reception – I spent about 30mins outside with the bride & groom and captured their quiet moments of love. From this photo – you would never guess what the weather was like – but its really obvious how much love these two have for each other!

Wedding at Cecil Green House, UBC Vancouver

December MUA & Model Headshot Portfolio

In December, I was working with Nikki Ali (MUA/Stylist) and 12 models. We created headshots for each model for Nikki’s portfolio – but, as a bonus, each model received a CD of images that I took in addition to the regular makeup / hairstyle poses. Working with 12 models in my tiny studio, until late on a Sunday, taxed my creativity, my skills using my lighting setup and my organization skills keeping all the model releases in order, the photos catalogued correctly, and final images sorted, grouped, and presented. Highlighting the natural beauty of each model and the skill of the MUA was fun and relatively easy. But to create a handful of creatively different and yet flattering poses for each of the 12 models under such tight photographic constraints (15 mins each) was thrilling. I love how this photo exudes personal confidence in her sensuality – almost a moment of voyeurism – a stark contrast with how nervous and shy the model was actually feeling during the shoot. This photo is proof of her potential (grin! and of mine).

Model Headshot Image Magna Vita Photography 2011

Happy Birthday – Event Photography

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Bini

I know from personal experience that I can either take photos at my kids’ birthday parties or I can have a party. Its not easy doing both – trying to capture those cute moments and making sure the chicken strips arent burning, the pop isnt getting knocked on the floor, and no-one is poking at the cake.

So – as an event photographer, parents have the time to socialize with their guests without worrying about taking or worse MISSING photos moments – grandma with the baby, the kids playing together, that otherwise reserved relative dancing. Being a bit of an outsider, i am able to mingle without needing to mingle, can laugh and enjoy without having to know what was said, and love doing my job.

Here are a couple snaps from R’s birthday party for his son. It was such a pleasure to see all the kids and adults enjoying each others company, watching slide shows, dancing, eating and having a great time.

Santa’s Naughty List – DRAFT

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Bini

Im not saying these kids were naughty - and I can totally see how their behaviour would have been stressful at a mall portrait studio where you are in & out – but Im thinking its best if Santa wasnt watching on the weekend cuz as parents we were definately not setting a good example by laughing so much.

M & her daugher and nephews came out for some casual and holiday season photos. We started with the most important family shot and even though it required more outfit changes – Im glad we did as the activity level was high and patient-sitting-in-one-spot-and-smiling level was low.

Us moms had a great time howling over the exploading snack container, the ripping of Santa’s head from a gift box, the reindeer horns that kept falling down, and the oh-so-not-sharing moments when the kids fought over the cool props. It wasnt your typical Xmas photo session and Im glad because kids should be kids and making memories is half the fun.

Family Photos – Bear Creek Park

Posted on November 16, 2011 by Bini

I met B&J in the summer for some family photos. We met again, after a few weather cancellations, on Sunday in Bear Creek Park. The weather held together long enough for us to have some fun shots of the kids playing in the leaves and some family portraits.

The kids were a blast and we had a running joke about iphones. Luckily, even though I had them wandering around across soaking wet grassy fields, down leaf-laden trails, and across moss-covered bridges, none of the kids slipped nor were covered in gobs of mud.

I say thats successful for a fall family photosession!

Christmas Family Photos at Hawthorne Park

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Bini

J&S brought their family to the studio for some classic family, halloween, and seasonal themed photos. The kids were a hoot of fun with more energy than you might imagine.

When the weather seemed to hold, we headed out to Hawthorne park and had fun in the playground, throwing leaves, and finding frogs.

Baby Emma – 100 Days – Sneak Peak

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Bini

Baby Emma celebrated her 100 Days and I had the pleasure of photographing her in her home. It was a fantastic day and even though we didnt go outdoor into their yard – we captured the stunning fall leaves through the living room picture window.

Emma was ready for her photoshoot with a pink and white dress, halloween pumpkin outfit, and a couple just-Diaper shots.

Mom & Dad and the grandparents each took time with Baby Emma and shared some quiet moments together.

Tiny Feet. Tiny Fingers.

Big Love

Magna Vita Photography

No moment exists except within our own memories

Category Archives: Family Photography

T&J Family Day Out | Abbotsford BC | Family Photographer

Knocked up & Lovin’ It | Burnaby, BC | Maternity

The X-Files leaves its Mark

Looking for Llamas

My Favs from 2011

Happy Birthday – Event Photography

Santa’s Naughty List – DRAFT

Family Photos – Bear Creek Park

Christmas Family Photos at Hawthorne Park

Baby Emma – 100 Days – Sneak Peak