Announcing the Bear & Dragon Fall Adventures!

September 15, 2017September 23, 2017 | lifeofbearanddragon

Bear and Dragon Adventure Walk through Time 2017

The air is getting crisper, days shorter and the fall harvest in coming in. Welcome to Autumn! Autumn is my favorite season and Brussels knows how to put on a show. This fall I am proud to offer two special Adventures that show off the height of fall colors:

A Walk through Time – October 21

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.

A Walk Through Time

9:00 – 9:30
9:45 – 10:15
13:00 – 13:30
13:45 – 14:15
14:30 – 15:00
15:15 – 15:45
16:45 – 17:15

Bear and Dragon Adventure Sea of Leaves 2017

The Sea of Leaves – November 4

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.

Sea of Leaves

9:00 – 9:30
13:45 – 14:15
14:30 – 15:00
15:15 – 15:45

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.

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

Kristen Banks Card images-2 — Tickle time!

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 look back – Sea of Leaves 2015

March 10, 2016 | lifeofbearanddragon

Its getting all springy and just in time, I am just barely hanging in there. Sun please!! But before we spring forward, I want to fall back (har, har) one last time with a quick revisit to the Sea of Leaves mini session. This was our second go around and once again. got super lucky with the weather, the deep fall leaves, and the beautiful families. And especially lucky as just a few days later, the magical Brussels leave vacuum visited the park and spirited all of our lovely friends away. Brussels efficiency strikes again. 🙂

Without further adieu, I present Sea of Leaves 2015

Announcing our 2015 Fall mini sessions: A Walk Through Time and Sea of Leaves, part deux

September 27, 2015 | lifeofbearanddragon

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

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.

First look: A splendid harvest

September 21, 2015 | lifeofbearanddragon

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. 🙂

First look: Sea of leaves mini session

November 23, 2014November 23, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Is it already time to get nostalgic about fall? Winter is closing in and with it all the good cheer, rosy cheeks and holiday treats we love in late November/early December. I am especially excited about this Christmas as it will be the first in which bababoo is actually aware of what is happening. Also the first that I can use the lightly veiled threat “Santa only brings presents to little girls who eat all their vegetables”. Yes!

Before we step into our red, white and sparkles. I wanted to share some of the beautiful pictures from the recent “Sea of Leaves” mini sessions held in Parc Cinquantiaire on one of the most gorgeous fall days of the year. Seriously, I am afraid I am using up all my good weather karma in one go. But hey, it feels good. 🙂

The fall mini sessions were such a hit that I am definitely planning more. The ingredients will remain the same: 30 minute sessions at a great price, a very special seasonal location and beautiful family photos. Send me a note or leave a comment if you want to get on the mailing list.

Without further ado, enjoy!

It’s official! Fall mini sessions at Marie’s Garden

October 7, 2014October 7, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

I am proud to announce that Bear & Dragon will be holding a day of gorgeous fall photo sessions on October 19 at Marie’s Garden! An absolutely beautiful setting with wide fields, sunflower lined paths and of course pumpkins. Come enjoy the space, harvest some lovely vegetables and take timeless family photos.

This is the first of two fall mini session dates. The second will be set in a forest or local park to capture the height of fall leaf colors. The location and early November date will be revealed shortly.

Email for more information: BearandDragonPhotography@gmail.com

Things to do with a toddler or child in Brussels: Harvest at Marie’s Garden

September 27, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

If you have been following along with this blog, you might have noted my almost unhealthy preoccupation with the changing of seasons. Apart from the transitions of light quality, I would say the thing I look forward to the most is the coming and going of favorite seasonal fruits and veggies. After many a nudge, I finally managed to get myself and the littles out to Marie’s Garden in Overijse to get our hands dirty and take part in the bountiful harvest of fall.

A beautiful day and such a wonderful time wandering the 10 hectares of land. We discovered so many of our favorites. Butternut squash, late summer raspberries, rhubarb, leeks, gigantic sunflowers and of course PUMPKINS! When you arrive, you get a simple set of instructions: harvest where you see a sign, no eating in the fields (oops!) and off you go with your wheel barrow, bags and scissors.

In addition to having a great time in the fields, I was truly in awe of the beauty of the surroundings. So inspired that I am now in the process of confirming (fingers crossed) Marie’s Garden as a very special photo session location. It will likely be an upcoming Sunday this October. Drop me a note if you would like to take part.

Either way, either by bus or car, find your way to this slice of heaven and partake in the many splendors of fall.

Where: Marie’s Garden: Valkenweg 116, 3090 Overijse, Belgium (just 10 minutes outside of Brussels)

When:

– Mon : closed
– Tue : 13.30 – 17.00
– Wed : 13.30 – 17.00
– Thu : 13.30 – 17.00
– Fri : 13.30 – 17.00
– Sat : 10.30 – 17.00
– Sun : 10.30 – 16.00