The ultimate vacation photos with Localgrapher

April 21, 2015April 23, 2015 | lifeofbearanddragon

Even as a photographer, I am loathed to drag my big camera out for family vacations. It just does not do getting lugged from sight to sight, thrown around with sandy beach towels and jostling with iPads, jars of baby food and books as precious carry on. That might be the reason that most vacation moments are either stuck in my head or on my iPhone. Not that I am in them anyhow. What a pity!

That is why I was so excited to be contacted by a fledgling start up called Localgrapher. An idea born in Prague when a solo traveller contacted the founder, Matej, to be photographed around his city. Just exploring, taking in the sights and enjoying her adventure. Since this inspiration, Matej has put together a team of photographers (myself included) in dozens of cities. San Francisco, Hong Kong, Vienna, Sao Paulo, etc – a dreamy list indeed. You can leave your camera behind and instead be photographed by a friendly professional who can also give you some great tips on what to do in their city. Why didn’t I think of that?

Check out their website and you might find a (very embarrassing) video of myself talking about what to wear for a photoshoot. Urgh, definitely more suited for behind the camera work. Travel, have fun, get amazing pictures taken. Ta da!

Our family album: Amongst the Apple Blossoms

April 19, 2015 | lifeofbearanddragon

Ok, I could not resist. I mean I have been preparing for these blossom mini sessions and hey, I have a nice little family I like to take pictures of so why not get a jump on the fun and a little practice at the same time! We head out to scout the location and enjoy some beautiful spring weather. We had an amazing time and I can’t wait to get some of these pics up on the mantle. If this does not convince you, I don’t know what will. Three spots left! Just email bearanddragonphotography@gmail.com to reserve your place.

Happy blossoming. 🙂

Checking the blossoms: A trip to Sint Truiden

April 17, 2015 | lifeofbearanddragon

Well there is no doubt about it. Whether you are a bloom enthusiast or allergy sufferer, you know that Spring is in the air. With the upcoming apple blossoms session around the corner, I headed out to Sint Truiden for a little look-see. Wow, I was blown away! The cherries are in full bloom and next week come the apples.

I am proud to announce that the location has been confirmed at Domaine Truilingen in Sint-Truiden, the heart of the haspengouw apple growing region. The trees are going to be beautiful with white-pink blossoms and they will be blooming perfectly next weekend. Not only it this a great place for family photos but also a fantastic day out. This small family business is situated in the castle domain of Truilingen. Here, apples and pears are grown in an environment-friendly and integrated way. During April they offer lunch and snacks in their beautiful tent set in the middle orchard. Definitely worth sticking around for. 🙂

We have just a few spots left. We would love to see you there! Following are a few shots from my little research trip yesterday. 🙂

All the pregnant ladies – I salute you!

April 8, 2015April 8, 2015 | lifeofbearanddragon

This one goes out to those gorgeous ladies out there rocking their bumps to the max. You are awesome, beautiful and I salute you!!

Major hair envy aside, I loved having Stacy and Jason in for their maternity session and can’t wait to see then again when their little girl arrives late this spring. Rock on!

Blue bells are ringing – a very special mini session among the blue bells in Hallerbos

April 6, 2015 | lifeofbearanddragon

Have you seen the blue bells blooming in the ancient beech forest in Hallerbos? It is one of those settings that is just so magical that it literally takes your breath away. Imagine a beautiful green forest carpeted with millions of blue bells. They stretch through the hills, valleys and ravines from mid April – early May. Spectators come in from all around the world to take a stroll in this lovely setting. Lucky us, it is just a very short drive from central Brussels (15 minute).

With a colder spring underway, I think we have just the right time to catch these beauties in full bloom on May 10. Amazing location for family photos as well as maternity or engagement. Following our mini session formula, we will offer 30 minute sessions and 10 images at the discounted price of 100 EUR. Hope you can join us!

Email or comment to reserve your space: BearandDragonPhotography@ gmail.com

Announcing our first 2015 mini session: In the Blooms in the blooming apple orchards at Limburg

March 28, 2015March 28, 2015 | lifeofbearanddragon

Well spring is upon upon us and it is a wonderful feeling. 🙂 For me, nothing puts a smile on my face like the early spring flowers that are the hallmark of warm weather and longer days. My first mini session of the year is inspired by this feeling.

The apple, cherry and pear orchards in Haspengouw are world famous and the local residents know how to celebrate them. Throughout April, events are held throughout the area including farm tours, “blossom terraces” and candlelit evening walks in the orchards.

Although Limburg is 55 minutes outside of Brussels, I was swept away by the ideas of photographing you surrounded by hundreds of acres of white and pink blooming trees. It is a beautiful location for family, maternity or even a love story session. April 26 is the culmination of the blossom events so why not make a day of it and join the Blossom Terrace and Promenade at Maanhof te Borlo. Fun!

I sincerely hope you join me on this magical celebration of spring and all that is to come.

Space is limited so please let me know very soon if you wish to reserve a place by contacting bearanddragonphotography@gmail.com.

First look: Rachel and Edith celebrate one year

March 24, 2015 | lifeofbearanddragon

I first met Rachel and Edith when Edith was a gorgeous two month old with huge blue eyes and way too many lashes. I was delighted to have them back in the studio to celebrate a year in the life of this lovely little girl. It was a quiet but sunny afternoon. The mood was relaxed and fun. It was such a pleasure to soak up the atmosphere with these two in their so cozy momma-daughter relationship. I hope you enjoy checking out these sweet pictures as much as I did taking them. 🙂

Things to do with a toddler or kid in Brussels: Visit the Zoo at Planckendael

March 20, 2015July 8, 2015 | lifeofbearanddragon

On a recent February morning we decided to embrace the Swedish concept of “there is no bad weather, only bad clothes”, and headed out to Mechelen to check out the zoo at Planckendael. We love animals and as Babatwo is finally able to differentiate between gorillas and giraffes, it felt right to introduce them in person.

To call Planckendael a zoo is really not doing it justice. With restaurants, play areas, and interactive exhibits, it really is a full day of fun, including lots of time and contact with the many varieties of animals. A bit of a maze, as you might expect but one thing you are really struck by is how much effort has been put in to masking or minimizing the barriers between you and your furry or feathered friend. This alone makes the experience special. As you wind your way around the map of the world, you come across many different play areas which give a very nice break from what can become a monotonous checklist of going from one animal to the next. Inside you find the excitement stays high as you bounce from activity to viewing and back.

Without a doubt the monkeys stole the show for my little ones though the elephants held their own. The passage to Africa was closed when we visited as the giraffes are expecting a little one soon. Hey, we are all due for a little privacy when so pregnant you want to just lay down and hibernate until your 100 kg and almost two meter tall baby makes its arrival. Lord have mercy.

The park provides cute wagons you can pull the littles along in which I highly recommend!

It is easy to get stuck in your Brussels bubble but come on, Mechelen is only 25 minutes away. Take advantage of the discounted offers meant to bring you out for a winter viewing. See animals, have fun. 🙂

Where: Leuvensesteenweg 582, 2812 Mechelen

When: Check their calendar for times. Open 7 days a week!

How much: Not cheap but for me worth it when you see that the animals are actually happy and well cared for. 🙂

Free for under 3
17.50 EUR for 3 – 17 years
25.00 EUR for loving and well meaning parents

First look: the most delicate cake smoosh of all

March 6, 2015 | lifeofbearanddragon

Somehow there is a little extra razzle dazzle in the air. Its Friday and its almost spring. Hooray! In the celebrating mood, today I am going to share a very special birthday session with one year old Liv. Arriving dressed to impress, we had one important mission. Capture some special birthday pictures and then proceed to smoosh the sweetest little birthday cake you have ever seen. While complying with the first part, Liv proved very lady like in her cake eating. After some encouragement she dug in. Go Liv!

So in the spirit and in celebration of little Liv, this weekend have your cake and then eat it too. Yum. 🙂

Life of Bear and Dragon

A beautiful adventure in Brussels