First look: Where the heart is

March 21, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Spring, spring, spring! Here we come. There are flowers, new leaves, good smells and smiling faces. Between the early thaw and some time away in Australia, it almost feels like winter just breezed by. Spring brings many new things and in the Bear & Dragon studio, it means lots of gorgeous new babies.

I had the pleasure of stepping out of the studio for a wonderful session with three week old Charlotte and her parents. Don’t get me wrong, I love the studio and the space I work in but it was also fun to work in a new space on a nice sunny day to captures some special moments. Being photographed in your home brings a different quality to the images. They feel more like memories. A slice of a time that whizzes by and almost seems surreal when looking back. I am grateful to have been asked to photograph this beautiful and growing family.

You’re Two!

March 11, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

My, my how time flies. My little darling bababoo is TWO. She amazes me every day with her fun spirit, artistic flare, commitment to yellow and pink clothes. She is my joy, my inspiration and the giver of all my future grey hairs. Here are some snaps to celebrate her second birthday. Love you dear!

zoe 2-6 — Everything is coming up tulips

First look: The reign of Princess Emma

March 2, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Happy Carnival! In the US we call this Mardi Gras and it is a booze fueled bead-fest decidedly not for kids. Here in Brussels and beyond, everyone gets in on the action including dressing up in school and checking out the parades. If you are looking to get your festivities on check out this link.

I the spirit of festivity, I wanted to share a very special little girl’s photo session today. Definitely in line with my current love of KIDS. Beautiful, fun and full of energy, we had a great time in the studio last week and the results are lovely to behold. All hail princess Emma!

Things to do with a kid or toddler in Brussels: Slide, climb and swing at Parc Georges Henri

February 22, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Happy Saturday! Now three months after the arrival of babatwo, things have finally settled into a routine. That means more exploring new, cool things to do with babies, toddlers and kids around Brussels!

Its no secret that there are a wealth of fantastic parks in Brussels but Parc Georges Henri‘s slides put all others to shame. I must admit, I had been through Parc Georges Henri before having kids and just made note of the nice walking paths and proximity to Capoue. Last fall, I met a friend there and was truly amazed at the great adventure set up they have. Tons of climbing options, swings, tunnels and three octopus leg slides. I had the pleasure of going for a ride on this last visit and it was a blast until I landed with an ungraceful thud at the bottom. Old people don’t bounce :-).

The play area is more geared to the 3+ group with 5 – 7 as its sweet spot. There is a small toddler area but when checking out the main play areas with bababoo, she seemed bit overwhelmed, not to mention in danger of getting smushed by her marauding elders.

Besides the play area, there are nice fields for running and playing as well as an outdoor gym area in case you want to get in on the action. Don’t forget to treat the little ones to some yummy ice cream on the way out, if you dare.

Where: Square Meudon, 1200 Brussels (WOLUWE-SAINT-LAMBERT) near Metro Gribaumont. The play area is in the back of the park.

Georges Henri-4 — A lone toddler-friendly snail

Georges Henri-5 — Chocolate glace. We dared. 🙂

On the passage of time: First look maternity and newborn with Amanda, Herbert and Dunkin

February 15, 2014February 16, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

It is sometimes the case that the passage of time seems to slow (stop?) in these long dark days of February. As we cuddle up inside, I look for evidence that time is in fact moving on. Nothing tells the story of progress, bright future and all that is right with the world than a new family in the making and the excitement of a new little person discovering the world.

This morning I share the story of a beautiful couple who welcomed their first son on New Years Day. We met first in the fall for a maternity photo session in the Botanical Gardens in Meise. Impossible to go wrong with fall leaves and a castle as the backdrop.

We met again in early January for beautiful newborn session with one of the most well behaved young gentlemen I have had the pleasure to meet.

Please accept this proof that warm days, picnics, strawberries and peaches are in fact on their way.

My how they grow

February 13, 2014February 13, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Ooh its a grey morning. Looking for some fun inspiration to get going on the day? Check out these awesome kids! I must admit, when Natacha contacted me about a session for four cousins, two aged two and two aged four, I was not sure if the studio could handle that much energy. Well, I had an extra cup of coffee and sure enough, had a blast. 🙂

Great session and so happy to photograph these cousins. Hope they brighten your day as they did mine!

Waaay down under

February 10, 2014February 10, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

: On the great Great Ocean Road

G’day mate! Fresh back from putting another shrimp on the barbie in good old Oz. What a fabulous place and a healthy dollop of sunshine to boot. We spent three weeks in Melbourne and most daylight hours in parks, zoo or aquariums. Bababoo and Babatwo had a blast (once recovered from some mean jet lag). Now home and ready to hit the ground running as super busy momma of two.

Took a mini-break from the big camera so holiday photos are courtesy of Instagram and iPhone. 🙂

: Travelling is such sweet sorrow – Abu Dhabi airport

: My sweet angels

: Baby nap photo bomb

: Discovery

: Party animal!

The magic of KIDS!

January 9, 2014January 9, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Kids! Amazing in so many impressive ways. I have to admit, my personal experience is mainly with babies at the moment but I continue to be blown away by kids. The energy, the fun, the always honest approach to life. 🙂 I have recently had the pleasure of working with lots of these awesome kids in the 2 – 6 set. The enclosed is one of my recent favorites. I just sit back and click, they bring the fabulousness.

Shadow Games

January 3, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Back from holiday and back to reality. Its a tad on the soggy side and though we were well intentioned to hit Baboes or the Baby Gym today, instead we played and practiced our colors in the studio. That was when Zoe sparked the fabulous idea of playing in the window. The photographer side of my brain couldn’t resist grabbing my camera. The result was magical. Here is our Friday!

Life of Bear and Dragon

A beautiful adventure in Brussels