Campbell River portrait

I had a great time connecting with Donna for her families portrait. We went to school a few years ago, ok maybe a bunch of years, it was fun catching up! Getting to the beach was easy, just walk across the road and start having fun. These guys are great smilers which always makes things easy. We got super luck with the weather here as well, missed the rain by one day.

Here is a peak at what we got.

Where have we been!

OK, I am back. I haven't been here for a long time. It has been dozens and dozens of great portraits since we were last on here, sorry about that. It is about priorities and serving you our wonderful clients in person that comes first so the blog has been lonely.

There have been many changes here, a new person, Elysia, has started working here and is fitting in just great. Elysia is handling the promotions we do as well as networking with the many charities we help. If you need to raise funds at your event give her a call.

Making it through the last year was my goal and I did it. Time to move forward and continue growing both in my business as well as personally. I, Jerry, will be handling the blog from now on. Keltie was in charge before she left to go back to school. It is definitely better for me to share the stories of the many portraits we do here. I have many images to post and will endever to do so in the next weeks. Hang in there if you are still with us:). I sometimes wonder if there is anyone out there, please let me know you are and maybe that will ensure more posting, what a deal.

Ok time to get back to an image or two, then I must go till next week at least.

Here is a cool panel we put together from a session I had fun photographing down at Seal Bay.

The next is the cover of our latest Kids of the North Island book. It looks just great, if you would like to be part of the 2010 book project we are now accepting nomiations.

Photo Update!

Here at Van's Portraits we've been busy, between the studio being busy, and holidays we just haven't updated the blog. Today that changes. Here is a photo update of some of the sessions we've had recently.

The White's had their family portrait session done at Kye Bay.



The next 2 were both done at Filberg Park in Comox.

Next we have Airforce Beach in Comox. The 2nd image is fantastic!

Then some from Goosespit.

These ones were taken for the Kids Book fundraising project at Puntledge Park.

When Andrew and his grandma came in for his grad portraits, they wanted a couple outside if possible. Right when they got here the clouds rolled in and Jerry got some amazing shots just in the field by our studio, here's a favorite!

I'd like to introduce you to...

TEEKA!!

Teeka is Jerry's new puppy - she is 9 weeks old, and is a soft coated wheeten terrior. Teeka is a great dog - she sits, stays, and most of all loves her new family. Isn't she beautiful? My favorite image is the one with the tube!

At the river

When Jerry came back from this shoot with the Stigants he was totally pumped, he said the little girls were a blast to photograph. This is the family portrait that was chosen and it is beautiful.

The Logans came in for their portrait and wanted something a little different. An alley way in Cumberland was the choice of location and it was a great one. I absolutely love the different textrues of the buildings, the rugged look of them. Here is one of the images of the whole family!

When choosing location, we love when you bring your ideas to the consultation. Location is a very important part of the portrait, and we love working with you to choose the perfect one for you and your family.

Just the 2 of us...

The Stewart's came in for their family portrait, but also wanted some great images of the kids. The portrait was taken right here in our studio. This panel of the 2 kids was created for them.

The neat thing about the little girls dress is that it was made from her moms wedding dress material and beading. What a special keepsake for her, something she'll treasure for many years to come!

Storyboard panels are one of the many great products we carry. It gives you the chance to display several images from your session in one place, and really can create a story of the session.

JUMP for joy!

This little guy can sure jump high and he gave his best jump for this image!! This portrait was taken at airforce beach, and Jerry came back with some awesome images from the session. This one is a favorite. So without further ado...


Just a reminder that our Mother/ Daughter Display is up at the Comox Mall until next Tuesday - so be sure to check it out!

Mother & Daughters 2009

Just in case you haven't made it to the Comox mall to view our "Mother/Daughter 2009" Display (which we strongly hope you do!) Here are a few more images from some of the sessions we had!

Mother/Daughter Display at Comox Mall

First of all, I'd like to invite you to view our Mother/Daughter Tribute 2009 Display, which is on display at the Comox Mall until June 23rd.

Next, I'd like to share one of our mother and daughter sessions. Dawn came in with her daughters and Jerry captured some beautiful images of the 3 of them together, and some stunning ones of the girls alone. I love this image it shows the closeness they share, they look relaxed, and you can tell they are having fun!

Thank-you for all who participated in this years event, it was great to work with you and to create lasting memories of you and the special women in your life!

A day at the beach!

When Jerry came back to the studio from this shoot, he was really excited! He was excited to put the images on the computer, and to work his magic to get this amazing image. He had a vision of what this image would look like, and did it ever turn out great!

This images is an HDR (High Dynamic Range) image, the same portrait is taken at multiple exposures creating different lights. Then the images are placed together to create 1 image. With this technique, as you can see, you get a lot of definition in the surroundings (the clouds, the wood, mountains etc.)

We have this image up in the studio in a great canvas wrap if you are wanting to stop in and check it out, and if you want to see some more of Jerry's HDR images, check out www.vansportraits.com and go to the "something else" gallery.

Some BIG baby eyes!!

Malcom came in for his 11 month portraits, his big sister has some taken at the same age, so now it was his turn! This was sure a fun shoot, he came with character, giggles, wonder and of course those BIG baby eyes!!!

KID'S WANTED...

... to be featured in a book!

We're looking for everyday kids!

This is not a baby show, nor is it a model contest!
A very special limited edition coffee table art book will be published at the end of 2009 featuring stunning photographic images titled,

"Kids of the North Island, a portrait of a generation"

This is your chance to have your child included in this exciting project!

A nomination fee of $50.00 per child or $75.00 per family with more than 1 child, ensures your child's participation. Each child ages newborn - 16 years old photographed will be featured in the book with proceeds donated to the

Help Fill a Dream Foundation

Throughout 2008 together with families of the North Island we raised $6125.00 for the Help Fill a Dream Foundation, which has helped them to continue to fill dreams for Kid's of the North Island!

Jerry Van of Vans Portraits with Marty Schubert of the Help Fill A Dream Foundation

Together we can help make a difference - Call us Today to ensure a spot in this years book!

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about"

-Angela Schwindt

To see MORE images from the 2008 book - check out our website http://www.vansportraits.com/

Mothers and Daughters and cherry blossoms too.

Cheryl is a long time client of ours, Jerry has had the chance to photograph her son Cohan and daughter Eberle since they were just new babies (We posted a couple images of Eberle's 2 year images a few posts back), and he photographered their wedding a few years ago too.

This year, they participated in the Mother/Daughter event, and this is one of the great panels that was created from the session.

When clients continue to come back and share their family moments with us it is always a huge encouragement, and a lot of fun, to get to see the change and to be able to remember the last time they were in!

We still have a few spots open for the Mother/Daughter tribute so if you or someone you know would be interested give us a call today!

An 80th Birthday Celebration!

Happy 80th Birthday! That is the celebration that brought the Mitchell family together on one April day. It was the perfect opportunity to capture some beautiful memories of the family together.

First I'll introduce you to the whole clan, this is a 4 generation shot!


There were so many great images to choose from, and we created some awesome story boards but above all I want to share with you some very cute kids!

I love all the expression in this one

And now for some big brother - little sister love...