extraordinary ~

Sunday, January 31, 2010

ashley skjaveland red deer photographer

When was the last time you have cleared your mind of the tasks that must get done and the deadlines that must be met, to take in a moment of beauty and contentment?  There are extraordinary moments that happen in between the ordinary.  They wait for you.

This year I will devote more time to experiencing my family.  Loving them and getting to know their hearts.  My girls are getting so big now.  I can really communicate with them and they can really express themselves to me.  I love documenting my family through images.  My goal to also start being *in* more of them.  I want my girls to know that I was there in the moments with them.

Love Ashley ~

:: Random Goodness | Tags: ,

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Jody - These are beautiful Ashley. The light, the moment and the inspiration. I talk about this a lot and don't do enough!

Corey Sewell - So beautiful and full of emotion. Love this series!

Sarah Wheeler - these are absolutely positively beautiful ashley!!

Lyndsey - Wow! Beautiful.....

Kristine - Magic! Your message rings true for so many of us. Have a wonderful week. The pictures are really timeless and have so much love in them.

Velia - These are so beautiful.

Loren Ioppolo - Sublime work !! I, as a mother totally relate to what your saying - and made that decision myself recently too. Thanks for sharing..

KaraRL - Amazing and Inspirational!

johnwaire | photo - these are amazing...

kate - these are so beautiful, and they work so well together as a series!!

karin - so inspiring. in photography and in capturing these memories for you and your children.

Stephanie - Wow. That is so stunning! Amazing Ashley!

aileen - breathtaking. wonderful images and purpose. inspirational. thank you.

angela - This is wonderful! So beautiful! I try very hard to do this, but it seems to get harder with each year. Thank you for the inspiration!

julie - How extraordinaryily put Ashley. I am working on the same thing :) Your blog, with its words, have been ispiring to me. Thank you for that.

Danielle - Beautiful post ~ I definitely need focus on the same thing. Gorgeous images too!

Shona - Beautiful words, beautiful images...

Lisa Russo - Just beautiful, Ashley. My goal is to do the same this year, thank you so much for the reminder.

Cecilie Harris - These are inspirational. Love the lighting.

Kristen Cook - You bring me to tears each and every time you open your heart Ashley. It's such a precious and wonderful gift to have. Thank you for sharing these with us x

Drea - Oh, amazing. Love the light!

Gemma Higgins-Sears - beautiful ashley.

you will be amazing ~

Thursday, January 28, 2010

baby photography red deerFrom feisty girls come strong, independent women.  They will become fearless leaders and shining stars, risk takers and magic makers.  They will do extraordinary things and become extraordinary people.  Dear child, you will be amazing.

newborn photography red deer

Love Ashley ~

:: Newborn | Tags: ,,,,,,

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alpana - these are simply stunning!! I love them all and especially the one of the babe cocooned with the wrap.

Karyn - I think the PP said what I have been trying to put my finger on about your style - elegant. Your photos are divine! Superb! Beautiful! And above all elegant. Stunning, really stunning and really stand out.

Jake~ - Simple. Elegant. Beautiful.

Simone - I love how the ruffles in the fabric just add soft texture and frame her so nicely. Very sweet!

Amy - You are one of the most inspiring photographers I have ever come across! I love your work, you are pure magic. Thank so very much for sharing all that you are.

Tonya Riggs - Ashley-simply stunning! I especially am drawn to the upper left pose with baby's fingers on her back. You are my idol today!

Cristine - *melt my heart* I love the middle one of dad. beautiful work as always.

Janet Palmer - just beautiful... so sweet and I love your words x

Kelsey - These are lovely!

be present ~

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

deb schwedhelm photographer

I have have a friend.  A marvelous, creative, giving, inspiring friend.  Deb Schwedhelm is a photographer that I admired from afar early in my photography journey.  She creates pure poetry with her camera and imagery.  Back in 2008 the stars aligned and I had the pleasure and honor to go visit her in San Diego, CA.  Deb and her beautiful family welcomed me into their home without hesitation.

Now, this was my first time away from my family.  This was my first time being gone overnight, never mind out of the country!  I loved having the much needed me time, but I was desperately missing my family.  Because my mind kept wondering back home, I wasn’t able to *be present* during this time.  Here I was with one of my personal creative idols and I’m not sure that I said anything of substance!  I don’t think I ever really dove into a conversation about creativity, inspiration or passion about our craft.  DUH Ashley!  Be present.  Be open.  Live and laugh hard because moments do not come back again.  I know I will someday be with a clear mind, open heart and have the chance to see my friend again.  This adventure to San Diego was an experience for me.  I choose to now breathe in each moment  …  with my family and without.  I am more aware now that I need to also feed the soul of my individual self. (Something each of us Mommy’s need to remember).

I need to find a way to express my gratitude to my friend.  With every blog post she writes, she has this ability to stir something inside me.  She gives so much of herself and she inspires on so many levels.  I’m sure many of you out there may already follow her work and blog but just in case you don’t, please take a moment to visit the links.  Please also take a moment to visit The Give Ten Project – a project I hope to be a part of very soon, started by both Deb and the fabulous Stephanie Beaty of  Lifeography.

deb schwedhelm photographer

Big hugs friend! oxox

Love Ashley ~

:: Random Goodness

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morgaine - i know what you mean about deb... she's a beautiful ray of light. i've loved her images and her words for quite some time... this is a lovely post ashley. your words are ringing like a perfect bell... * m *

Lyndsey - You inspire me :) and I am so glad I read this this morning!

KaraRL - What an opportunity! I follow Deb's blog and she's amazing. I'm sure what you got from this experience will last you a lifetime!

corey sewell - Great post, Ashley - something a lot of us needed to hear. I'm glad you had such a wonderful experience and visit!

aileen - great reminder. especially love the second shot. thank you.

Kelsey - Wonderful post, and lovely images! Thanks for sharing!

butterfly dream ~

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

photography red deer

Today I took a moment to capture some of the magic that is currently happening in my little one’s room.  I have been meaning to show the sweet Kristine from Beach Cottage Studio what I have done with our butterflies.  Without getting into too much detail, we experienced a slight set back in the potty department once our third little lady arrived, with our newly middle child.  We needed a reward system for awesome dry nights and I am terribly tired of stickers being stuck to my coffee table (anywhere & everywhere else too).

When we have a dry night now, she gets two new butterflies to hang in her room!  She has a long, white bamboo stick that we hung by clear fishing line (mono filament) on two little hooks, on her wall.  Several strands of fishing line hang down from the bamboo and is the home to a bunch of fluttering butterflies.  I also had a whole bolt of  white tulle in her closet that I thought might be fun to use.  My husband helped me drape and hang from her roof so that she is sort of in her own little tent with butterflies scattered around the room.

I was just in there today enjoying the soft light that was in her room so I wanted to pop in and share.  Hopefully it might also give some inspiration to anyone also dealing with potty issues and are tired of stickers!  lol!  :)

:: Children

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brooke bowland - beautiful. we used jellybeans...the yummy little ones. he loved it. he was never one for the charts and such. what about a little treasure chest of wee goodies to choose from. small items...we did that too at one point. what kiddo doesnt love getting a little pressie!? best of luck. dont worry, she will pick it up again...so normal!!

KaraRL - What a great incentive! Simply magical!!

jacquie - Ashley, what a great idea! I want them! :)

Danna - oh Ash, what a lovely idea.....very magical!

Dawn - Pretty sure I have to steal this idea for my little one and those butterflies are too cute. By the way, this is my first visit to your blog and I adore it's delicate simplicity. It fits your work perfectly. Be well!

julie - This is TOO sweet, and gorgeous images to boot. A great idea!!!

twenty one days ~

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

EB_55

In twenty one days, I will be one year older. I think if anyone asks me if I “feel any older”, this year the answer might be yes.  It’s one of those birthdays for me … and don’t ask which one because I know some of you may laugh at me for reflecting upon my age.  LOL!

I have seen so much beauty.  I have experienced so many extraordinary moments.  I am grateful for this life.  So grateful.

Because it’s going to be my birthday and I can do what I want to, I have an idea brewing for a special sale that I would like to offer my clients.  This will be a *very* short sale .. two days only type sale.  Be sure to tell your friends, family and neighbors to check back here at the blog or even the new facebook page for details in the next twenty one days.

Love Ashley ~

:: Newborn | Tags: ,,,,

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Elisabeth - Happy Birthday Ashley!!! I silenlty watch you blog and there is no word to describe how I like your photographs. Clear, bright, soft, lovely... I began my adventure with photographs not so long ago, so I am the beginner, and my dream is that one day I'll make as good photos as you do. Happy to find your blog! E.

shawn houllis - happy birthday!

small steps ~

Monday, January 18, 2010

RED DEER CHILD PHOTOGRAPHER

They are growing and learning so much.  It’s amazing to watch the big kids they are becoming and to remember the little toddlers they were.

The morning of our session, the world looked incredible.  Don’t tell my husband, but I pulled my camera out of my bag and took a one-handed photograph as I drove to the studio.  There was this haze in the fields and everything was a magical cool winter color.  The most incredible part of it all was that there was such a thick frost on the trees.  It was a wonder they didn’t fall right over from the weight.  My one-handed photograph doesn’t do the scene justice at all, but it helps bring me back to that place.

Have a most lovely Monday, Friends!

Love Ashley ~

:: Children | Tags: ,,

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Velia - When I see photos like this it makes me love photography even more. These are beautiful.

Michelle Kane - Just found your site. Your work is deliciously simple and oh, so beautiful.

Fiona Andersen - I adore your perspective. There is such a serene quietness about them. Just beautiful

Debbe - I love your small steps storyboard. I can see the story unfold and imagine the mothers face as she picks up her daughter...so beautiful.

corey sewell - Beautiful, Ashley! Love the steps series so much and the one-handed shot was worth it and looks truly magical!

Kristen Cook - Such a beautiful scene, I feel so much every time I visit here Ashley x

jill - wow..you do such amazing work.

little bunny ~

Friday, January 15, 2010

red deer newborn photographer

Dear Little Bunny,

You are growing so quickly.  You are sprouting such personality and make mommy’s heart all fluttery when you giggle.  You are looking like your sisters more and more everyday.  Lately you have decided you will not cry – instead you will scream.  Mommy has chosen to think this is cute.

Thank you sweet child, for being mine.

Love Mommy ~

:: Newborn | Tags: ,,

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darla - I love the letter you wrote to Bunny! Motherhood IS bliss.

Jessica - Love your choice:). Just lovely--both of you:).

KaraRL - Simply Precious!

Rej - beautiful....just beautiful

Kristen Cook - This makes my heart sing Ashley... (and laugh, too!) x

sweet feet ~

Monday, January 11, 2010

red deer photography

Aren’t these sweet little toes above just adorable?!  Just another image I loved from this session.  They were so good to me ♥

:: Children | Tags: ,

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stephanie - Love it. Just beautiful.

Lyndsey - I was so excited to see so many new posts!! I have been away on holidays and sick so was slacking a bit on checking your blog but was so excited to get to look at so many super fantastic pictures this morning! Love them all and you truly are amazing at what you do. Lots of Love Lyndsey

Jen Bruns - i can't think of anything sweeter than those "little piggies" all in a row! thank you ashley.

radiant ~

Friday, January 8, 2010

maternity photographer red deer

There is such beauty in life.  One of the greatest gifts we could give to ourselves is the time and willingness to simply … breathe it in.

This day … was awesome.  I guarantee that if you saw someone singing their ever lovin’ heart out on the highway this day, chances are it was me.  If it wasn’t me, than it was someone else with a grin ear to ear.  I cannot tell you my pure joy when I am when I feeling good, it’s a beautiful day and there is good tunes on the radio.  lol!  I *am* that person you drive past and they are all alone, singing in their car.  It makes me laugh and sing louder when someone sees me.  If you don’t already do this, you simply must start.  Your heart and mind will feel lighter and happier.

Love Ashley ~

:: Maternity/Prenatal/Pregnancy | Tags: ,,,,,,,,

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Tonya Riggs - radiant is the perfect word for this post. your work inspires me. thank you.

jaime - your posts just make me smile! i love how you view life and see all of it wonderful things. your last few posts have been nothing short of amazing and my cheeks hurt from smiling!

Corey Sewell - Absolutely stunning, Ashley ... and I am one who sings loudly and even dances while in the car! lol

Natalie Bice - so peaceful, so light, so inspiring, so....sigh. I to sing very loudly in the car....lol.

Angie Baxter - Heavenly light - lovey love... xxx

happy ~

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

baby photography red deer

Yay!  My orders that I placed just before the holidays are starting to finally arrive (with vengeance).  I am currently sorting through them all so that they can make it to their new homes!  If you are waiting to hear from me, you will be soon!  I will also be taking the next couple days to respond to all the emails received while I was on my wee holiday.

The new year has really got me all fired up, full of motivation and totally inspired.  I have some exciting projects on the horizon – some business, some personal and some non photography related as well.  One thing I am excited about is some new custom display products that will be available this year as well.  It’s going to be an amazing year!

Love Ashley ~

PS – Isn’t the lovely Miss Lila (above) so cute it hurts? lol!  She is the sweet miss of my very good friend Andrea Hanki from Pink Sugar Photography

:: Baby | Tags: ,,,,,

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bridget - the shots of lila are beautiful!!!

andrea - teehee, that litlle ball of sunshine just brightens my day. love her. love these. love you.

Kristine - She is so cute! Wonderful pictures that really capture a happy moment!! ~Kristine

KaraRL - She's adorable!! Wishing you GREAT tings in 2010!!