Leah Rae Photography

New Blog

2010-02-17T21:19:00.004-07:00

I am thrilled to announce the launch of my new blog!
You can check it out HERE.
This blog will no longer be updated.

My little furry family.

2009-11-14T23:30:00.076-07:00

This is the love of my life. He supports me, encourages me, and has my back through thick and thin. It may sound cliche but he is my best friend and I will always love him. Christopher you are my everything. And your not that furry... I promise!

The is French Fritz. He tries to talk to us ALOT but we never know what he is saying. He yells at us when we are eating Tuna, and he steals chicken off our plates. He tries to rule the house and loves to chase Louie around. Although he ruins our furniture with his claws, we still love him to bits!

And may I introduce you to King Louie. Even though Fritz chases him around the house and he is the definition of a "scaredy cat", I still think he is majestic like a king. He loves feet and we tend to trip over him in the morning. Louie is sooo furry and probably the biggest cat you will ever see... well besides the fake image of the man holding his 50 pound orange cat that everyone got over e-mail in 2001. He is my love bug.

And last but not least its my little kickstand, bum thumb, cinnamon bun, Silvia. I have never had the chance to raise a puppy until her. When she came home with us, I immediately understood why people put pictures of their dogs on their desks at work and why people talk baby talk to their puppies and refer to themselves as "mommy" and "daddy". She is obsessed with her tennis ball, loves to walk on her hind legs, and we spend almost every minute together. She is my baby and she makes my heart swell.

My family is super important to me. Though some can't speak as well as others, I get cuddles all around and each can melt my heart with a bat of their eyes. I love you guys!

Hello Naveigh Clara Grace!

2009-11-13T22:35:00.030-07:00

This is my cousin Amanda and her husband Steve's first baby. Amanda and I grew up so close to each other. I still remember playing barbies until we were in grade 9, but we would never admit it at the time especially when our Dads teased us in front of cute boys. We have had so many great times over the years and she feels like a sister to me. It is lovely to see her growing as a woman and starting a family now. Naveigh is adorable and I love her so much!

Is it strange that I love to photograph a baby crying? Its not that I love seeing a baby in pain or discomfort, but I think its the emotion and "life" that is captured with a cry-filled scream.

One more scream!

The Wigelsworth Family

2009-11-12T21:58:00.003-07:00

I love watching families grow and I feel especially special when I get to follow their growth. I photographed Kyle and Brandy's wedding a year ago and I was so happy when i got the call that they had a baby and wanted to come back for more pics. Because it was so cold, we were stuck indoors in my studio but they brought some fun props and cute outfits and it was great to re-connect with old friends. Heres a few of the shots:

Chelsea

2009-11-04T21:20:00.004-07:00

Erica & Gavin

2009-11-01T20:51:00.007-07:00

These two kids made me laugh!! Gavin is such a coy ladies man and loved running around my studio with his endless energy. Erica is a polite, young model in the making. I love photographing kids.

Linsay

2009-10-26T02:45:00.007-06:00

I was thrilled to take Linsay's picture. She is the second place winner from Canada's next top model. She was kind, shy, down to earth and such a pro at modelling. This is just the teaser picture, but there will be a few more appearing in a few local magazines. Stay tuned for those images!

make up/style: Gina

hair: Bonnie

clothing/style: Thread Hill

The Twins

2009-10-22T02:31:00.002-06:00

Jessica

2009-10-20T02:01:00.002-06:00

Freshwind

2009-10-16T00:35:00.046-06:00

Freshwind is a conference for woman. It is an exhilarating weekend full of purpose, understanding and an intimate experience with God. I had the pleasure of photographing this conference and being a part of a wonderful weekend. Thanks Lori for choosing me to document such an incredible event.

Shannon Ethridge is an accomplished author and travels the world to tell her stories and encourage woman through every walk of life. Her stories will have you holding your breath and anticipating the conclusive result.

A few pictures from the photo booth.

Alissa & Carey

2009-10-15T12:16:00.014-06:00

This was one of the most diverse engagement shoots I have done in regards to weather. We had a location for almost every season; summer, fall, and even winter with green leaves. I guess that is what you get when you live in Alberta! These two had so much chemistry and I know the wedding day is going to be a blast!

Kirsten & Kirk

2009-10-10T15:20:00.005-06:00

I had a great time shooting kirsten & Kirk's engagement pictures, so I was thrilled when they asked me to photograph their wedding. It was a pretty cold day at a cool minus 4 along with snow. Coats where thrown to my assistant Alex between the shots, and he became a coat rack for the day heh. Thanks for braving the cold everyone! It was my pleasure shooting your wedding!

Kirsten was shocked to get a third ring from Kirk that day.

you girls don't even look that cold.. perhaps you were numb by then?

love

Lisa, Dan & the bump "Charleigh"

2009-10-09T14:26:00.002-06:00

I had spoken to sweet Lisa a few times over the phone regarding her photo shoot. She was so easy to talk to and it seemed like we had known each other already. But I was still shocked when she walked in and I realized she was my manager from my first retail job in high school. Though it had been 10 years, she was still smoking hot and full of smiles. She brought so many creative props and we had a blast. Congrats on the birth of your little lady; Charleigh.

Sam

2009-10-06T14:18:00.001-06:00

Mackenzie

2009-10-05T13:40:00.002-06:00

Nicole, Jared and their little man

2009-09-28T12:53:00.005-06:00

I have been taking pictures of Nicole since before she was pregnant with little Reece. I was so disappointed when their wedding date fell on a day I was already booked. I didn't get to shoot their real wedding, but they got all dolled up again and we went out a few months later to recapture the joy of their day.

Save as Draft

Michelle & Andy

2009-09-25T16:41:00.007-06:00

Michelle and Andy met whilst working at Chateau Louise and have been inseparable every since. Since it was a really cold day, Chateau Louise was nice enough to let us photograph there. These two are perfect for each other and I'm looking forward to the wedding!

Michelle

2009-09-22T15:52:00.003-06:00

The Tarapacki Family

2009-09-21T13:39:00.003-06:00

I really love all of my extended family members but I have always been closest to my Auntie Rhonda and her family. I think it is because they are so real, full of fun, they love life, and are always up for anything and laughter.. you should see our family Christmas'... we are CRAZY! Love you guys like mad!

Poor Tiona she is the only girl and gets harassed

The boys have outgrown Uncle Mike.. but he does his best to stay tall...

..like jumping for instance

Daddy's Girl

Mike's Girl

My cousins are so cool.

The Coursen Family

2009-09-20T17:30:00.002-06:00

These are some shots I did of my best friend Jill, her husband Dion, and their baby Eddie. They are a picture perfect family and I love them!

Eddie is so cool!

Thankfully my husband came along and hulled my favorite vintage couch onto the field! He is such a help and always willing to come along, how did I get so lucky?

We had a few extra moments to do some promo shots for Jill's company, Jill Coursen Photography. I love that I that I have a bf who is also a kind and talented photographer! I am blessed.

Devon & George

2009-09-19T21:18:00.009-06:00

Devon and George are shy and seem to save their affection solely for each other. Being with them for the day allowed me to capture those special glances, stolen kisses and loving touches. They are so kind and generous. I felt more like a guest and a friend than the hired photographer. I thank you for that kindness.

something blue..

Most brides getting married in Hinton, Ab would insist on being photographed in front of the beautiful mountains... but I guess that is why Devon insisted on any location BUT the mountains. We shot at a pretty church, a storage facility, the stinky paper mill, an alley, the family's restaurant L&W, their new house, and a pub. It was a great day!

the stinky mill heh

They wedding cake was HUGE, beautiful, and covered with real gold flakes

Brook

2009-09-04T18:55:00.001-06:00

Jenna

2009-09-02T18:30:00.011-06:00

Cash Store

2009-08-30T19:09:00.005-06:00

The following are some shots I worked on with Trisha Johnson, a local graphic designer. The photographs were for Cash Store's annual report.

Chelsea & Shawn

2009-08-29T21:07:00.002-06:00

These two lovebirds adore each other for obvious reasons. Chelsea is gorgeous inside and out and easy to love with soooo many admirable qualities. Shawn shares the same admirable qualities and is such a loving and devoted husband. Chelsea's huge smile and laughter is the perfect compliment to Shawn's HUGE heart :P

Chels and Shawn are wonderful parents!

Cute Calleigh

Trouble!!

Who you laughing at?

I LOVE this cake design!

Alexis & Josh

2009-08-22T03:20:00.010-06:00

Doesn't every girl like to be chased? and doesn't every guy love chasing the girl? That was the start of Alexis and Josh's relationship. Now they chase each other and you can see it. They both enjoy sports, are easy going and one thing is certain.. they were meant to be married! What a blissful day your wedding was<3

Not Forgotten

Adorable!

This was a very hard shot to get with all the bubbles blown!

Sisters have a bond like no other.

Handball!!

The wedding party were all friends and it made for a carefree fun day.

The room was so dark and romantic that A&J became lost in the moment.

CONGRATS you two!

Krystal & Scott

2009-08-15T22:48:00.002-06:00

I had a fabulous time photographing Krystal and Scott's wedding. They followed my one rule effortlessly! "Be all over each other on your wedding day!!" They love each other so very much!

I loved the different colors in the wedding party!

The church was the perfect setting for such a beautiful ceremony.

Look at those eyes!

Krystal loved my own wedding pictures where I used silk flowers... but she did it in a more environmentally friendly way with real roses! The petals were delicate and could be thrown only once so the above and below image's flowers were combined from 3 different shots.

I love downtown ally shots and I tend to pick those locations quite often. If I had a dollar for every time a random person walked into one of my ally shots, I would be able to buy a decent dinner for my husband and I.

The shoe game is a classic!

Happy Birthday Fynn!!

2009-08-13T16:09:00.003-06:00

My dear friends Deneal and Ryan had their baby boy. I can't wait to meet the little man!! Congratulations xoxo

A few snapshots we took at a friend's wedding.

Andy & Jeff

2009-08-08T09:03:00.003-06:00

Andrea is SUPER creative and as an artist, she pays attention to every detail. I knew this wedding was going to be beautiful and I loved photographing it! Jeff is a also a photographer and made the pictures alot of fun! Andy and Jeff are perfect for each other(period!).

A very important guest.

I think they were a tad excited they got married hehe

Fake mustaches for all of the guests!

Real or Fake mustache?

Congratulations again!!!

The Ritz Family

2009-08-05T16:51:00.008-06:00

They are a really easy going family and fun to photograph!

Randy Ritz is an actor, professor, and story teller. Here are some new promotional shots we did.

Mandy and the bean.

2009-08-04T15:09:00.004-06:00

I feel honored when family and friends choose me to take their pictures. This is my cousin Amanda, but she is more like a sister to me. This will be my grandparent's first great-grand child, and we are all so excited! Mandy and Steve will be amazing parents.

Mandy wore this shirt to announce she was pregnant.

Amanda has always been this gorgeous!

Mandy & Me

AB Health

2009-08-01T12:14:00.002-06:00

I have done the photographs for Alberta Health Patient Advocates for the past 3 years. I have always wanted to take the ladies out of their office for the annual report shots. This year they suggested it and I was thrilled!

Pro Life

2009-07-25T21:06:00.002-06:00

I'm currently working on an ad campaign for pro life. Here are a few shots from the shoots. I would like to extend a HUGE thank you to my models for their participation.

Brittany & Ryan

2009-07-18T13:17:00.002-06:00

Brittany and Ryan compliment each other like salt and pepper. They are quite opposite but perfect for each other. She is quiet, polite and too adorable for words. He is the life of the party, and from what I heard, "a trouble maker". But his soft side is apparent and his heart melts for his gorgeous wife. Hope you two had fun in Punta Cana!

I really love this pic. I took one of Britt in focus, then one of her mom in focus. With photoshop, I combined the two and here it is.

The girls all scrambled to get some money when they heard the "ice cream" song. It was a great start to the day.

Its official!

Belly Laughs!!!

Brittany has extremely unique and beautiful eyes. They are bright yellow, brown, green and gold.

Newly engaged <3

The Band.

I believe every detail of a wedding is important, and I document it so.

The speeches were great!

Alex

2009-07-16T18:31:00.003-06:00

Michael & Kristin

2009-07-11T10:57:00.004-06:00

Michael and Kristin are two of the most carefree people I have ever met. Kristin is full of grace, kindness and respect for everyone around her. Michael is funny, protective and his heart is so big that it is impossible to miss. When the are together they are always smiling.

Kristin and Michael picked the absolute best day to get married on! Not only was the weather perfect and the sky full of big fluffy clouds; but did you know that every year on July 11th (7-11) you can get a free slurpee from seven eleven?? My assistant Gravy and I were super stoked!

These shots make me laugh. I loved how animated the whole bridal party was. They made my job quite easy!

Big fluffy clouds = Happy photographers!

They are madly in love

The Polish Hall was a perfect location for the reception.

Lexi

2009-07-09T23:49:00.004-06:00

Elissa

2009-07-09T23:46:00.004-06:00

Rachael & Scott

2009-07-05T22:55:00.003-06:00

Rachael and Scott are in love.. and I am in love with them. They are overflowing with sincerity, kindness, and consideration. The love they radiated to their family and friends was contagious. I didn't know them prior to their booking, but I felt like family by the end. May God bless your marriage and life together. Love you guys!!

She is adorable.

heh.. watch out for the kiss Rachael!

The wedding party was so creative, I would count to three and they continuously would change their poses for me! What a dream!

My new favorite wall.. and couple :)

I gotta give a shout out to God for releasing the birds at the perfect moment. This is one of my favorite shots of the year.

The fountain where they got engaged.

Stock Photo shoot

2009-06-28T11:12:00.008-06:00

Here is another stock shoot for designpics (My "stock name" is Leah Warkentin). We did some serious scenarios but also some really fun, "out of the box" kind of shots. These images will be magazine quality once they are photoshopped. It was tough finding models who were willing to get in the box so a HUGE thank you to all my models! It was a really long 10 hours but thank you for all your help :D

This one was actually candid.. that is his Dad in the box hah

"Trophy Wife"

"You can't take it with you... really!!"

I think this will be me when I pass on... I can't stop working, but at least I love my job.

This was a tough one.. that is my little brother in the coffin. I did not like this scenario, but Drew kept me laughing with funny faces between the shots. I love my brother alot.

Beautiful Katie

Mohawk Mark

Steffanie & Scott

2009-06-24T16:01:00.002-06:00

They met in Junior High and were friends for many years prior to dating. They really wanted to go visit their old school for some shots and I loved it!

Congratulations on your engagement!

Jenna & Sean

2009-06-20T23:58:00.002-06:00

Jenna was not only the most organized bride I have ever met, but also incredibly easy going. She got up extra early so that she could do her own hair and makeup and be ready to do all the bridesmaid's makeup as well.

The Boys ready to walk down the aisle.

Their rings were gorgeous and gold. Different but a really nice different.

Trying to pick up the groom!

Jenna was stunning in her gown from Kleinfeld, NY.

The wedding party was up for anything. It was +30, they were all melting, but they still managed to have fun trying not to step on "cow pies".

TEXTURES: Textures can be added to your photos post processing. It adds an old nostalgic and romantic look.

Before/After

Family Hug

The groomsmen decided to play the old "switch a roo" game.

Congrats Jenna and Sean!

Andy & Jeff

2009-06-17T14:11:00.002-06:00

Andy & Jeff are getting married! I have known Andrea for about 9 years now. I met her in the hospital after she had just broken her back. Andrea is so full of life and fun to be around. You may notice the wheelchair the first few times you meet her, but after that her "disabilities" are unapparent. They are so perfect for each other and totally in love.

The Dirty Alley Gangsta shot hah...

How fun are they!

This is where they are getting their wedding cupcakes from... f.y.i. fuss cupcakes are to die for yum!

See you August 8th!!

Stock Photo shoot

2009-06-16T12:37:00.002-06:00

I am represented by a stock company called Designpics. Stock images are used for advertisements worldwide. I still get excited when I spot one of my shots in a magazine or on the internet. We have some really exciting/different shoots coming up and I will post some of those shots in the future. These photos have not been photoshopped yet. For stock photography, it takes 30 minutes to 3 hours to process one image. Each image has to be billboard quality and "picture perfect". The difference photoshop makes is incredible. You can see some examples on my website. I know you have heard it before... but trust me, 99% of the images you see in magazines have been retouched.

This image will look entirely different when I am done with it... stay posted for the final product :D

Kirsten & Kirk

2009-06-10T14:15:00.003-06:00

Kirsten & Kirk are madly in love. They were such a pleasure to work with and made my job incredibly easy.

I'm looking forward to wedding in October!

Barrett

2009-06-09T12:28:00.008-06:00

This is Barrett and he is two years old . He has type one diabetes and was diagnosed when he was only eight months old. Barrett is sponsored by the cash store and they hired me to do a lifestyle shoot for him. I had so much fun following this little man around for the morning. We pet the cat, he showed me his train, how high he can jump on the trampoline, his swing set, and his power wheels tractor. This little boy is so full of energy and life and it was my pleasure capturing it. Thanks for the fun morning Barrett, Jeg and Lindsay.

Here are a few more shots from our morning hangout session:

Trying to blow a bubble...

Falling off the trampoline...on purpose...

Barrett has this needle in his body at all times, he is one brave little man.

After getting his blood sugar checked, Barrett enjoyed a sugar free popsicle.

Then we were back outside for more fun!

Barrett and his brother Jeg have a fabulous playhouse!

Chasing his brother.. this went on for awhile haha

Ready for a nap.

blog

2009-06-08T13:12:00.001-06:00

I'm excited to be starting up a blog. I am really going to enjoy this simple way of sharing with my friends and clients what I'm working on at the moment. Thanks for checking out my blog! Leah Rae

Natasha & Jason

2009-06-06T16:24:00.002-06:00

This wedding was really close to my heart. I have known Natasha my entire life, and we were neighbors for 10 years. I felt incredibly privileged to photograph their wedding. Natasha couldn't have found a sweeter man and Jason couldn't have found a more passionate woman. Their love for each other had me in tears.

Always one of my favorite shots.

One of the funniest men in the world. I had forgotten how much he makes me laugh.

It was a windy day...

My husband Chris was able to snap a shot of me and the beautiful bride.

YC 2009

2009-05-22T01:26:00.003-06:00

Usually my friend Kristy-Anne Swart photographs YC. But one year she met a drummer at YC, fell in love and moved away. It was bitter sweet. This year, I was asked to photograph the youth conference. Though it was the most exhausting weekend, I had a blast! More images on my facebook page.