Sunday mornings are for late wakings, slow sipping coffee, trips to the market and storytelling. I hope you have the first three checked off because here comes the last.
This summer in Sweden, I thought I would pack away my camera and not touch it for the full three weeks. Separation makes the heart fonder and all. Well I was WRONG. Sweden in the summer, and all through the Nordics for that matter, are a wonderland of forest, wildflowers, long sunrises (waaay too early) and even longer sunsets (just perfect). The gentle sweeping of barley fields made for an irresistible setting. A trip to a local lopis (rummage shop) reviewed two bug catching nets and a story was born.
How to Catch a Star is the debut of a new Bear & Dragon offering, Bear & Dragon Adventures. This is a more stylized type of session where we develop a fantasy, style it with a special look and props and create a wonderland for play and adventure. The editing approach is equally fantastical. Your child as art. The first event will be announced early next year and set in one of the lush rooms inside the Chateau at Domaine Solvay. The theme will be Royals. If you have a little princess or prince who’s dream is sweeping into their own castle this is the one for you. 🙂
As the weather has taken a turn for the frigid, I hope this sweet tale warms you all the way through. Happy Sunday.
First make a wishA partner is a mustSet out with determination and love in your heartSearch high and lowClose your eyes and feelNever give upFollow the last rays of the sunFill your heart with joy and they will come to you!There they are!Give chase, soarAlmost got them!Now slow down and waitA beautiful dance begins
It is a stunning fall day and with an special Momma and Babatwo morning ahead we decided to get ourselves down to the new Train World in Schaerbeek. If you have a major train lover on your hands then you might want to think carefully before taking them to this over-the-top mecca of traindom because it is very possible that their heads might actually explode. As a medium train appreciator myself, I was still blown away by the sheer volume of the collection and impressive attention to detail. It is truly is a captivating experience.
We arrived around opening time (10 – 17:00 everyday except Monday) and walked right into the ticket office. Very well organized entrance where you pay the fee (10 EUR for adults and FREE for children under six) and receive a map, ticket which you scan to get entry to the different buildings and a handheld devise which provides commentary in English, German, French and Dutch.
The entry takes you into the oldest remaining train station in Brussels built in 1887. Here you can catch a glimpse of the evolution of the ticket office including original tickets, train conductor uniforms and some neat model trains. I have to admit, I was already pretty satisfied that my 10 EUR was well spent but truly we have not even scratched the surface.
Exiting from the rear you walk a bit to the right into the modern building constructed for the museum. We scanned our ticket, opened the door and were immediately engulfed in a whole new world. The first space is dark. Really very dark and the music is tense, suggesting a scary but bold adventure ahead. Looming in the darkness were six large and fully restored engines dating back to the 1830’s. For me this was good fun. I loved the little spine tingle of this foreign environment. For the little guy, not so much. Poor thing was scared nearly out of his wits and to be honest, never fully recovered until we exited to the bright sunshine of the outside world.
So needless to say, we beat a fairly quick path through the rest but I was both seriously impressed and mentally book marking all the things I wanted to more fully explore when I come again. The museum traces the history of train engines, train lifestyle and travel, track development, and yes, even has a train simulation which was a hit based on the number of pushable buttons alone. Each exhibit is thoughtfully put together, creating a fascinating and immersive environment. It really shows off the best of the best of modern museum experiences that can blow us away even when coming from a high tech and high information lifestyle.
Although it was a little scary for my almost two year old (he’s a little afraid of the dark to begin with), I would still recommend this experience for the toddler and kid set. It is beautiful, interesting and just enough hands-on to keep them going to the end. With friendly opening hours and excellent value for money, this is a spot you can visit again and again, each time finding new surprises. And how do you get there? By train of course. Choo, choo!
When: 10:00 – 17:00 everyday except Monday. Be warned last tickets are sold before 15:45 so that you have time to enjoy the full experience.
How much: 10 EUR for adults and FREE for under six. 7.50 EUR for 7-26 and older than 65.
Ticket pleasePlenty of running around and pointing in the old train station 🙂Me train!Handsome travellerSilly boy!Open, open, openAn intrepid adventureAll aboard!Glimpse the inner workingsNow don’t be lateThe simulator was a hit!Passengers
Its been a little while since I shared some sweet newborn photos. Wait no longer!
I love working with newborns and I really get to geek out with the little girls. Flowers, crowns, pink blankets. You name it! This sweet baby girl was a perfect angel for her session and big sister was one of the most attentive around. I am not beneath some heavy bribery to get those lovely sibling pictures but there was no need with this one. She loved cuddling and kissing her new little sister.
I am really happy to share this session because it was more of a family than just a newborn session. I find that more and more, my newborn sessions are really a shapshot in the life of the whole family as they welcome a new one into their midst.
So welcome to the world baby girl! Enjoy. 🙂
CuddleThe sweetest thingAll dolled upTogetherTouchSlumberI love you soBlossomCurly queGot your nose!Got you back!Pappa and the girls
Its a beautiful day and sometimes when I look out of my window on breezy, sunny days like this it takes me to a bittersweet feeling of those we have lost. The Bear and I recently realized that quite against the natural order of things, the last two funerals we have attended have been for two babies under two. The cruelest and most unfair and unexplainable loss of all.
This summer, I started to think about how I could use my abilities to help more. At the same time, someone asked about resources for those suffering traumatic loss at birth. All at once I knew this is what I could do to help my community. I began researching and training in the specialized field of “angel photography”, photographing families and babies born sleeping through the international organization, Now I Lay me Down to Sleep.
I reached out at this time to Jo Everett, the founder and midwife at Antenatal & Baby, a well respected Brussels organization that supports families in pre and postnatal phases. Jo was immediately receptive to the idea as it was completely missing in the Brussels environment. After a string of tragedies, three babies born sleeping in three months, we knew we needed to get organized fast.
Today, a small team has been assembled to respond rapidly in cases of baby loss. Two midwifes, a doctor, a reverend and chaplain, me and soon a grief counselor all acting on a voluntary basis. Though I know it will be difficult, I also know that my difficulty will be completely insignificant to that of the families and that the gift of this supportive group could be just one small way to provide information, comfort, support, and memories.
I am sharing this now in hopes that information will be disseminated and should a loss occur, that these resources will be utilized. You can find information about how to contact us here.
I dedicate my part in this effort to the two angels in my life, Matthias and Leo. Don’t forget to hug your babies today.
The air is getting crisper, days shorter and the fall harvest in coming in. Welcome to Autumn! Autumn is my favorite season and Brussels sure knows how to put on a show. This fall I am proud to offer two special mini sessions in two very special locations:
A walk through time – October 24
My most recent favorite outdoor location for family sessions is the Rouge Cloitre which is a beautiful abbey located in the Sonian Forest just 10 minutes from the center of Brussels. Founded in 1367, it makes a very special backdrop for a fall session. Brilliant colors, large reflecting ponds and of course the abbey. You can check out a recent photo session at the Cloitre here.
The Sea of Leaves – November 7
We had such a good time last year that I decided to do it again! It doesn’t get more lush, lovely and fallish than rolling around in the enormous sea of leaves that carpets the iconic Parc du Cinquantinaire in early November. This setting is perfect to capture the changing season as well as showcasing one of the most beautiful parks in Brussels. You can check out some of my favorites from last year here.
We always hope for good weather but in case of rain, will reschedule for the adjacent weekend day or the following weekend. Space is limited and we tend to go to a waiting list quickly so please let me know very soon if you wish to reserve a place. Hope to see you there!
I just wrapped up editing this super fun family session today and I could not wait to share. Sometimes I feel like once our children get older, we just get too busy to arrange a photo session. I also believe that some parents are afraid that their older children will feel self conscious or quickly lose interest in being photographed. Though it is more of a challenge than working with new babies and toddlers, I absolutely love working with kids. Using a series of games, including some solo exploration time and treating them with respect like the young ladies and gents they are, we have a recipe for beautiful and truthful moments.
This session embodied all of these elements. At six and four years old, these lovely ladies came ready for action. And with a strong “that’s for babies” radar, they kept me on my toes. It was a great 90 minutes and I am happy to share some of the good memories with you today.
T minus 5ImpactThe story tellerLift offDaddy’s girlsKelly greenCosmosThe bondOn the fence
Its been a tad busy around here but anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE to be busy (much to the Bear’s chagrin). However, we took a break from busy today in order to return to the PiPO apple orchard to see how things are coming along and just maybe, if it warranted a full circle trip for a fall mini session to follow up from our apple blossoms mini session in the spring.
It was a crisp fall morning. The kind where the light is a little soft and misty. We packed our sandwiches and some play clothes and away we went! As we pulled off the highway into apple country, I could not have been happier. All the lovely trees that were swathed in pink and white blossoms in the spring were now heavily laden with brilliant red and green apples. We pulled in to my secret, favorite corner of the orchard and realized that though the day was perfect, that soon the harvest would be over. At least I know for next year!
We played, snacked on fallen apples (abandoned as far as I could imagine) and I snapped away to my heart’s content. As I looked through the pictures after the session, I had a minor heart attack. My babies are growing up! I love them so much and I am proud to share them with you today. 🙂
Fall beautyRabble rousersOver to you baby brotherA very thoughtful boyBounceMy perfect teamSome for me and some for youTickle!Hand in hand
Simple is beautiful: Beautiful baby, bright clean color and a super smile. Simple is beautiful.
Wow, a month since I last posted. That was a crazy month! Wonderful holidays in Sweden, return to a very busy few weeks with lots of new babies and sweet late summer sessions. Now bababoo restarts school and a collective breath is released across Belgium. Time to catch up. 🙂
I was recently challenged to post 30 pictures in 30 days to show some of my favorite photos. The most fun part in doing this has been thinking about the why. Why do some pictures just stand out as exceptionally beautiful. There is a small conflict in my own family about this very question. The bear tends to favor energetic and beautiful smiles that engage directly with the camera. While I love these as well, I also gravitate toward those that emphasize details or quiet moments where you get to see the other side of a child or relationship. At times the bear looks at one of these photos and says, “that’s a Nicole photo”. Guilty!
Though on my facebook page I am posting a photo each day (only missed two so far!), I plan on putting them together here every 10 days. I hope you enjoy them. The funny, the energetic, the sweet, big and small. To me, they are beautiful.
Anticipation: This summer, the forest floor in Sweden was literally carpeted in heavily laden blueberry bushes. Many a morning were spend on long walks to collect the bounty and afternoons turning them in to treats, eating whole or making all the white in the bowl of vanilla ice cream disappear. Summer days.On adventure: This sweet couple from Texas contacted me to take their vacation photos to the next level. This beautiful grate covers a shop down by Grand Place. The owner started to lift it as we walked up but was nice enough to give us a couple of extra minutes to capture young love against this very Brussels backdrop. LoveI loved you before we met – I love the softness in their expressions and of course how very much they look alike. Totally at peace.Laugh riot: Just weeks before her little sister is due to join, Imogen’s family scheduled a photo session to catch them just as they are now and to celebrate her as she is. I love working with grandparents. Here they are in a major tickle attack. smile emoticonOn the day you were born: One of my favorite books to read my little ones goes, “On the day your were born and I put you to bed, I noticed the crown on top of your head”. This sweet kiss from a new mom reminds me of this passage and all the overwhelming feelings and love in your heart when you first meet your baby.Peekaboo!: This little red headed rascal playing in the bed. Nuf said!Quiet: There is no doubt that I love big smiles and big laughs but sometimes the most beautiful pictures come when you don’t even know I am taking one.Last rays of light: After cruising the backroads in Leksand, Sweden for a couple of days, I finally found this gorgeous wheat field for a special session with my little ones. We borrowed traditional Swedish clothes and waited for the perfect sunset. Here is one of the first of the series. A story about fireflies. More to come. Happy Monday!Surprise attack!: I love this picture because not only is it of a beautiful family but it comes from playing one of my favorite games, surprise attack! Step one: position unsuspecting parents next to each other and rascally children about 10 meters behind. Step two: On the count of three the kids get to run up and give a surprise hug from behind. They love it and the smiles speak for themselves.
These days are precious. So precious and wonderful and special as we spend time, love and energy just enjoying each other. In some ways, time goes slow and in some ways it goes so so fast and even whole periods of your life can seem to fly by in a heartbeat.
Despite occasional protests from the Bear, my camera is the tool that I use to grab these moments in time and store them away. I imagine pulling these out when I am 80 and marveling at all the beauty. All the love and all the moments bursting with the vibrant life we have. Exhausting, busy and at time past trying but I would not trade even one second. As you enjoy your holiday, I hope you also look around and take a more distant view for once. Imagine yourself in 40 years looking at this moment. Let your heart fill up and then jump in and enjoy every second of it.
Here we are in big sky Sweden with our beloved Farfar and Farmor. I am so glad to have had a chance to organize a little mini session to capture the loving relationship that is growing across these generations. This pond is just a short walk from the family home and we have spent many an afternoon throwing rocks and shivering in the cold Nordic waters and evenings enjoying a cold beer and getting eaten alive by mosquitos. Its a special place and I hope you enjoy it!
TrailblazerThese are the momentsGenerationsVibrant lifeTouchCool waterLove and laughterLittle big manFlower girlBefore you know itJump!For youGoldenOur place
Life of Bear and Dragon 