If I were to be asked, whether I would prefer to be "rich" or "famous"... my answer; without hesitation would be; "neither. I want to be lucky, loved, and happy." I am very lucky. I have been able to find something that I have such a passion for, and I get to share that passion with so many people. That, truely makes me very lucky. Loved, in a broader sense, I feel completely fortunate to have met, and made so many friends in my life, and through my photography (though, not to beat a "dead horse", so to speak.. I am not sure where all my friends were, when the car I was driving to London broken down and I ended up walking down the 401 in the dark, for 11 km before getting picked up by the OPP and mistaken for a drunk walking down the highway... lol.. ). I have a mother who loves, and supports me not matter what I am doing.. and has even become one of my bigger photo fans; and my father, whom at times, does not see eye to eye with me, my choice of career; but true be told.. if I were in trouble (other that walking on the 401 at night...lol), if i were in real trouble, or in need, my father would be the first person to come to my aid (he'd likely bitch about it for years after.. but he'd be there).Where was I going with that..
oh ya;
For those of you would know me, or read this blog; then you are aware that I have with the help of partner(s) opened a Family Portrait Studio here in Cambridge... Weddings, Maturnity, Children, and Family photos, both in studio and right at your front door... (or local park etc..).
It's something that I feel strongly that I could have done 4 years ago. As you know, in the field of photography, your portfolio is your resume. Four years ago, I had very few kid, family, or wedding photos that could make up a portfolio; but someone very close to me had their frist child :) But for some reason, that person and her child became partise, and portfolio material for another photographer; who was just starting out (and now has a thriving business - in Belville, mind you- nonetheless that opportunity became out of arms reach), and I wasn't bitter, but more of a disappointed that a relative would favor paying a stranger, than allowing me the pleasure of photographing; her now, two boys, for absolutely no cost. Odd :)
Back to the present day... 
My two cousins have just had children.. within months of e
ach other. If you have a quick look at my blog's new banner, I'll introduce you to Molly.. The younger of the two cousin's kids :) and also to Elysha (oh my I hope I spelled it correctly). I think that you will be seeing alot of these two cutie's in my blogs for a long time to come. I was also lucky enough to met little Billie this weekend. My friends, and proud new parents, Amanda and Tim, brought her by the studio for her first photos; including the "Cutie as a Halloween Pumkin" photo at the top of my post today.. I have known Tim and Amanda for a while now (you'd likely be able to spot Amanda in for of my photos).. and Tim is a big guy. He's a country farm boy, with the size to match.. the only reason I mention it; is because while I was taking Billie's photos, it's also fun, and really touching to watch "new" parents. Amanda check Billie's diaper no less than a half a dozen times, in the hopes that if she had wet her diaper, she won't have to spend a single second longer than she had to in an uncomfortable diaper; and as big a guy as Tim is... when he held Billie, it was with such a gentle love, and pride, that you could almost see a glow 
around the two of them. It's the reason I wanted to also share the photo of my cousin Kevin walking Elysha... The love and pride in his face is a billboard for a life of happiness.
My two cousins have just had children.. within months of e
ach other. If you have a quick look at my blog's new banner, I'll introduce you to Molly.. The younger of the two cousin's kids :) and also to Elysha (oh my I hope I spelled it correctly). I think that you will be seeing alot of these two cutie's in my blogs for a long time to come. I was also lucky enough to met little Billie this weekend. My friends, and proud new parents, Amanda and Tim, brought her by the studio for her first photos; including the "Cutie as a Halloween Pumkin" photo at the top of my post today.. I have known Tim and Amanda for a while now (you'd likely be able to spot Amanda in for of my photos).. and Tim is a big guy. He's a country farm boy, with the size to match.. the only reason I mention it; is because while I was taking Billie's photos, it's also fun, and really touching to watch "new" parents. Amanda check Billie's diaper no less than a half a dozen times, in the hopes that if she had wet her diaper, she won't have to spend a single second longer than she had to in an uncomfortable diaper; and as big a guy as Tim is... when he held Billie, it was with such a gentle love, and pride, that you could almost see a glow 
around the two of them. It's the reason I wanted to also share the photo of my cousin Kevin walking Elysha... The love and pride in his face is a billboard for a life of happiness. Am I lucky? Absolutely.. I am already loving this newest chapter in my life, and career in photography. I love what I do, and am so happy, and excited to be able to be a small part, in creating the photos, to capture the memories that will tell the story of friends, family, love and happiness.
I would also like to be able to take your family, and kid's photos.. and be part of recording the memories that will last a life time.
My new Portrait Studio in located in the Hesepler part of Cambridge.. at 165 Fisher Mills Rd, or you can also call 519-220-0100, or 519-594-2291 to introduce me to your family and set up a time to take your families' photos. Let's get started :)
Oh... yes; I am extremely happy.
Mark Allan
