The best places of all: Parc Tournay-Solvay

May 31, 2021 | lifeofbearanddragon

La, la, la, eh hem, ok all warmed up again. 🙂 Today I write another love letter, this time to an art nouveau master piece that, as with many beautiful places in Brussels, brings you back to another time. Walking in Parc Tournay-Solvay feels like a magical portal straight to the 20’s. I love it in every possible way.

Originally a property of the other Solvay brother, playboy Alfred, the property was developed in 1878. It is located in Watermeal-Boitfort, just steps from the local train station. Over the years it grew to include not only the now ruined castle-like residence but a breathtaking rose and flower garden, dreamy art nouveau-inspired lake and bridges and an abundant apple orchard and potager. Today the property is maintained as part of the “Promonade Vert” system.

This is hands-down one of my favorite photo locations in the Brussels area. Each family that has joined me there has been wowed by this somewhat hidden gem. Usually quiet even on the sunniest summer weekend. I can’t recommend it enough to you not only as a place for our next meeting but as a beautiful treasure to explore the next time you want to get slightly out of town and enjoy a picnic or walk in a a time gone by. Enjoy!

Newborns these days

July 29, 2018 | lifeofbearanddragon

I simply love working with new babies and new families. Whether you are welcoming your first or fourth baby, there is something so lovely about these first days as your heart grows and you learn to love each other and each other’s presence.

Although they are often called newborn sessions, I prefer to call them new family sessions because there is so much richness and beauty beyond just the sweet babe. We always involve the whole family. Mother, father, siblings, grandparents. I have even hosted dogs and cats in the studio. 🙂

When you arrive for your newborn session, we take time to pick from the many lovely knits and fabrics, simple but elegant props I have on hand on the studio. I love it when parents bring in a meaningful blanket or soft toy that we can incorporate. We follow the mood of the baby, stopping when feeding or cuddles are needed.

Over the course of a newborn session we usually work in 5 – 6 settings for the baby and then move into family pictures. I hope to capture the sweetness of your family and the sense of coming adventure together.

Continuing my “these days” series, I am happy to share Newborns these days with the lovely Emma who joined her mom, dad, grand mother and big brother for this relaxed and joyful session.

Brussels newborn photographer-5 — A little color

Brussels newborn photographer-6 — And some smiles

Brussels newborn photographer-7 — Here to watch over you

Brussels newborn photographer-8 — Eyes wide open

Brussels newborn photographer-9 — For some sweet kisses

Brussels newborn photographer-10 — Some love from Dad

Brussels newborn photographer-11 — Happy days

Brussels newborn photographer-12 — Here we are

Brussels newborn photographer-13 — Three generations

Brussels newborn photographer-14 — Wisdom

Brussels newborn photographer-15 — Quiet

Brussels newborn photographer-16 — And a vistor. 🙂

Brussels newborn photographer-17 — Bed cuddles

Brussels newborn photographer-18 — Proud

Brussels newborn photographer-20 — Simple and sweet

Brussels newborn photographer-21 — Curley que

Brussels newborn photographer-22 — Precious pieces

Brussels newborn photographer-23 — Grounded

Brussels newborn photographer — Love grows here

Babies these days

June 22, 2018 | lifeofbearanddragon

Its hard to believe that I have been in the “new” studio space for seven months already and have seen two seasons come and go. Welcome to summer! It really has turned out to be everything I could wish for. Full of light, joy and sweetness. The sessions I have held there really show these qualities. I realize it has been a while since I shared a more comprehensive view of what sessions are like these days. As a photographer my style is always evolving and in a new space, double so. Thus I am now starting a “these days” series to give you a fuller view of what one session can entail.

This lovely family contacted me to capture the one year milestone for their sweet baby. They wanted to really capture her personality, joyful spirit and themselves together. I love this age and we jumped right in with a game of throwing balloons off the bed. Something that all one years olds excel at. 🙂 After a while we moved into the studio room for some sweet moments playing with momma and papa and more fun and games. We tired her out for sure but all in the name of good fun.

Happy birthday baby girl. You have the most beautiful smile. ♥

Sweet baby blog-17 — These wonderful days

Bear & Dragon Birthday Parties: Why didn’t I think of that?

April 18, 2018 | lifeofbearanddragon

When Inna contacted me to ask if I had ever considered being a part of birthday parties, I had a literal palm to forehead moment. Now I had documented birthdays before as more of an observer of the action but this was something entirely different. A one hour photo session which was the highlight and entertainment of the party. And with five nine year old girls, what could be more fun?!

They brought a ton of energy and a suitcase full of dresses. I provided loads of polka dot balloons and some really fun games and we had a beyond fabulous time. Ahh to be nine again!

This is a perfect idea for I would say 6 – 14 year olds and perhaps best suited to girls although I could be wrong and would love to try this with a group of boys.

Party on ladies!

girl power party-4

The 2018 Bear & Dragon Adventure Line up

March 10, 2018March 14, 2018 | lifeofbearanddragon

Botanical-3

Adventure ahead! So much as grown and developed over the last year. Kids are getting older and even B3 starting creche soon. New studio space and a more developed eye in the studio sessions. Truly I am in love with this space!

That said, I am sooo ready for some outdoor adventures. The trouble is I really loved all of adventure sessions in 2017. Honestly I cannot cut a single one. Thus, time to be creative, explore and break new ground in yet unphotographed corners of Belgium. 🙂

2018 Bear & Dragon Adventures

What is a Bear & Dragon Adventure? A 30 minute family photo session always in a special location which highlights the peak of the season. Sessions also have a special price, usually 150 EUR (sometimes more if the location charges a fee for use) and include 8 images of your choosing.

Always very popular, if you would like to learn about the dates and times before they are release officially, you can sign up for the advanced notice list here.

Amongst the Apple Blossoms: Spring brings the blossoming of millions of apple, pear and cherry blossoms in the Belgian Haspengouw region. Not to be missed! Mid April. Check out last couple of years here and here.

fathers day blog-15

Bluebells are Ringing: Capture the magical bluebell forest in Hallerbos. Our most popular spring session. Late April. You can see some examples here and of course below.

Bluebells blog-11

Botanical: I have fallen in love with the Botanical Gardens in Meise and am excited to welcome you to a special session inside the Green House. Explore the jungle, the desert and the Savannah in this lush Belgian icon.

cuties!

A Splendid Harvest: A return to the Apple Orchards to capture the ripeness of summer and transition to fall. This ended my being ab absolutely gorgeous day that started misty and turned sunny with a looong sunset. Here is our family album.

Roxana Liao apple harvest for websharing-8

La Vie est Belle: Similar feeling to the Royals session, La Vie est Belle is set in another iconic Belgian property, Horta’s own country house in La Hulpe. Come dressed to the nines for this very special art deco adventure. Check out Royals here. Early October.

Caroline Henquin la vie est belle for websharing-14 (1)

Merry and bright: A trip to the Christmas Tree farm just over the border in NL is about as merry as it gets. Sadly, this event was cancelled last year due to freezing rain and mud. I have learned my lesson and decided, why not bring Christmas forward to September and forget about the cold weather, viruses and last minute rush to get your cards printed. Why not?! Mid September.

Merry and Bright

A Walk through Time: Set in the 13th century Abbey, Rouge Cloitre, this adventure offers up the height of fall colors in a timeless and stunning location. Mid October.

Kristen Banks Card images-2

Sea of Leaves: Autumn finds the lawns of Parc Cinquintenaire ankle deep in an amazing sea of fall leaves and colors. Our most popular fall session. Check it out here and here. Early November.

Johanna Schulyok Sea of Leaves for websharing-24.jpg

The best places of all: Rouge Cloitre in the spotlight

September 26, 2017September 6, 2019 | lifeofbearanddragon

Agata Sybowska walk through time for websharing

Finding a great photo location can be a bit of a fine art. I look for beautiful features and shapes, easy access, not too crowded and often for a place with a little extra magic and wow factor. Though it changes quite often, my favorite photo location at the moment 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, definitely brings the wow which makes it a very special backdrop for a photo sessions in all seasons. Brilliant colors, large reflecting ponds, a wild flower and vegetable garden and of course the abbey.

I don’t just come for photo sessions either. They have a great playground, a weekend cafe for cake, coffee or a beer and special events around the year including our favorite haunted forest around Halloween time.

I can’t wait for the Walk through Time Adventure on October 21 in my favorite fall location of all. 🙂 Here is a look at some of my favorite Rouge Cloitre images from all around the calendar.

Ana Klenovsek maternity for websharing-17 — Promise

Victoria Martin de Hijas for websharing-16 — Summer days

Victoria Martin de Hijas for websharing-3 — Sweet breeze

Valerie Bode-Aristizabal for websharing-40 — Wander

Valerie Bode-Aristizabal for websharing-23 — Frame

Kristen Banks Card images-2 — Tickle time

Harriet Wadsworth for websharing-26 — And go!

Cooper second birthday for websharing-32 — Falling leaves

Emilia Janisz maternity for websharing-16 — Winter quiet

Cooper second birthday for websharing-60 — Peakaboo

Fall is coming – fa la la la la

September 9, 2017March 18, 2018 | lifeofbearanddragon

Yes! I love fall. Really, really love it. All the yummy things to eat that come from a fruitful harvest, Halloween dress-up, cozy sweaters, brilliant leaves and acorns. Of course, photographically, it doesn’t get much better. Belgium knows how to show off big time in the Autumn season and everywhere you go you can’t help but appreciate the riot of color.

I am just getting organized for the two fall Adventures (mini sessions). This year I will be holding “A Walk through Time” at the gorgeous Rouge Cloitre and “Sea of Leaves” in the iconic Parc Cinquintenaire. Stay tuned for dates next week. In the meantime, some of my favorite fall images of the last few years. Yum. 🙂

Tessa Gonyea - sea of leaves - edited-30 — Hanging out

Sarah Conners Sea of Leaves for websharing-9 — The wonders of youth

Sarah Conners Sea of Leaves for websharing-4 — Catch!

Sarah Conners Sea of Leaves for websharing — Imp

Amy Harker 2015 for websharing-12 — Float

Kristin Zinggeler for websharing-11 — Coil

Anita Baldwin walk through time for websharing-14 — Autumn’s frame

Anita Baldwin walk through time for websharing-9 — Warm and cozy

First look: A Splendid Harvest 2017

August 17, 2017August 17, 2017 | lifeofbearanddragon

You can already feel it in the air. Autumn is coming. After a wonderful and relaxing summer, both the kids and I are ready to shake things up with new harvest, a return to school and all things warm and cozy. To mark this transition, we return again to my very favorite orchard in St Truiden to prepare for the upcoming Splendid Harvest Adventure (mini session).

Having a little (tiny) extra time on my hands, I decided that we were in need of some fun new props to play with for the Adventure. I have always dreamed of acquiring an elegant vintage ladder for photo sessions. Finally I found the perfect once second hand and packed the kids up to a seriously shady section of Charlesroi to collect my prize. Over 100 years old, this ladder was in need of some serious rehab but the glowing wood and lovely lines inspired me. Hours of sanding, cleaning and refinishing later, I am in love and can say it was well worth the effort when I see it in the photos. Even the Bear has stopped researching insane asylums.

Amazing to see how the little ones have great since the last harvest. And so without further adieu, I present our updated Splendid Harvest, now with a merry band of three. There are still a few morning openings for this session on August 26. Contact me at bearanddragonphotography@gmail.com for yours!

Apple Harvest Blog-7 — From a high place

A day in the life: Wild and Free

June 9, 2017June 9, 2017 | lifeofbearanddragon

I used to not like the wind. Restless making and loud. It was a strong cue to make tea, hop in bed and wait it out. Now, wind means more. It means movement and freshening. A whipping sea of summer stems, raw and elemental. Inspiration. And I let this inspiration take me to the swaying fields just a few minutes away for a little fun with my crew of adventureers.

Just this week, my long awaited new camera arrived! I have already been blown away by the power of the the newest member of the canon family, the 5D Mark IV. I can’t wait for this weekend’s sessions to keep on playing!

Do you love this location? Looking for something a little out of the ordinary, a little wild and free? I am looking forward to holding some sessions here this summer. Gorgeous setting for family, maternity or a love session. Especially to catch the lovely evening light. Contact me at bearanddragonphotography@gmail.com to book your Wild and Free session.