Yippee! It’s almost summer! But why does Costco have snowsuits and mitts out?!? Boo to that!

But let’s not think about winter!! To celebrate summer, I’m going to offer a few select dates for mini sessions in July for those of you who would just like a few shots to update your lovely portraits. Please note space is limited and exact locations are TBA.

The two dates are WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY JULY 8 & 9 starting at 7 PM. The cost is only $125 for a 20 minute session (max 4 people – $25/extra person) and this includes either 2 high resolution digital files or 4 professional 5×7 prints (not mounted). Additional prints and products may be purchased.

Please contact me at info@shonareid.com for more details.

Hope to see you then!
Shona xo

It’s no secret. I love hockey and I love kids so when a wonderful client of mine asked me to support “Relive the Moment” it was a bit of a no brainer!

“The 1972 Canada-Russia Summit Series was a defining moment in Canada’s history. Paul Henderson’s goal brought Canada together in one the nation’s greatest hockey broadcast moments ever. This once-in-a-lifetime event will bring together more than 500 people from the worlds of sports, politics and business to relive the moments with Paul Henderson and Ron Ellis.” (www.ottawa72.com)

Video Credit: Heritage Hockey

I have heard the stories of this moment all my life and it’s kind of neat to see it on video…however seeing them play hockey without helmets still kinda freaks me out! I can’t believe goalies used to play without face masks…crazy cakes…but I digress!

“This event brings together two great hockey legends for the benefit disadvantaged children and youth in both Canada and Russia through Christie Lake Kids and iOrphan Canada. Take part in both silent and live auctions throughout the evening for the rare and special opportunities to bid on and acquire unique pieces of hockey memorabilia and other valuable items.” (www.ottawa72.com)

I believe there are still tickets for sale, so if you, too, would like to support this event, please go to www.ottawa72.com or HERE to purchase tickets directly! AND, don’t forget to bid on my item! A full family session + digital files + proofs + and 11×14! A smokin’ great deal while supporting two very worthy causes!

Shona xo

You know that book…I know you do!  I remember reading it when I was pregnant with my first child and I gotta say I was a little dopey with respect to some of the changes that would occur… Especially once we got to the giving birth part.  But we won’t go there!

Anyway, Alliance Films is hosting a screening for their new movie “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” on Wednesday, May 16th at 7pm.  It looks hilarious and stars some of my favourite actors! And guess what?! I have 4 tickets to GIVE AWAY thanks to the good folks at Alliance Films!

So all you have to do, is leave a comment on the blog, make sure you’re available on that night and I’ll be drawing the winners on Tuesday, May 15th! There will be TWO WINNERS so that each person can bring a guest!

Pass the word on and I hope to see you there!
Shona xox

What a night!  Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of photographing the ZK28 Power Play (red) & 4 on 4 (white) wine launch at the Empire Grill in Ottawa’s beautiful Byward Market.  You can see the product shots that I photographed prior to the event HERE.  It was an exciting event as Ottawa Senators forward, Zenon Konopka launched his two new wines (in partnership with Palatine Hills Estates) while supporting Stop Concussions.

This amazing online resource was initiated by former Philadelphia Flyers captain, Keith Primeau and former European professional hockey player, Kerry Goulet.  “The main goal of this organization is to raise the awareness on concussions and the impact they are having on our youth today.  Also to raise the awareness of the impact of putting players, in any sport, back into the game too early.” (www.stopconcussions.com)  Both gentlemen were in attendance and it was an honour to meet them.

The martini bar and food were delicious and Vin-Aire aeration systems enhanced the red wine.  In addition, there were many high profile names in the sporting/community world in attendance.  Did I drop that I got to hold an Olympic Medal?  Why yes, yes, I did 😉

But as you can see, it wasn’t all work…I did manage to get a left hook on Mr. Konopka’s chin by then end of the night 😉  That’s as close as I EVER want to get on this NHL power-house’s bad side!!

Thank you for inviting me to take part in this fabulous and worthwhile event.  Best of luck!

Shona xo

February has been all about stretching my abilities with different projects. I am particularly proud of this little project as it involves wine, hockey and, most importantly, a good cause!  Here’s a sneak peak at some product shots that I photographed for their website/advertising and more details will unfold once the ZK28 Event is a wrap 🙂

And on a completely different note, if you haven’t signed up for my newsletter yet, get on it!  Newsletter subscribers will get first dibs on any sales or promos and word on the street is that Maternity in the Market will be back this spring.  So if you or your family/friends/coworkers are expecting a baby, stay tuned for information on this fabulous and COMPLIMENTARY event!

Shona xo

This week has been all about trying new things. Head shots and product shots involving wine (can’t say which kind yet, but let’s just say I’m pretty excited!). I love trying new things, being challenged and pushing both my technical and creative abilities. It’s what keeps things fresh in all aspects of photography for me. More details to come!

Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Shona xox

Imagine you just turned 9.  You’ve been sick for a year.  Your bones are becoming brittle and break.  You’ve had more biopsies, bone marrow tests and poking and prodding to last a lifetime.  And you still.don’t.know.what is wrong.  You watched your friend become crushed under a play structure and be told she probably won’t make it.  You cry at night for her.  Not.for.you.  And now imagine that your face may have to be reconstructed due to the drastic surgeries that may be taking place soon…

Your heart just fell didn’t it?  When I heard Jade’s story (and believe me, this is oh so abridged), I knew I had to capture her spirit with my camera – and soon.

We tried to do our session in late December, but she was too ill from her last surgery.  She wasn’t well on Friday and her Mom worried she wouldn’t be able to do the session again the next day.  But she woke up feeling strong and excited…so did I!

These are just a couple of the many beautiful photos that we captured during our session…I promise to post more, but I wanted to give her Mom something to look at while Jade is at the hospital again.

We had the perfect day full of laughs (especially since Mom had to translate for me since my french is…painful) and we realized that some things break all language and age barriers {monkey poop!}!  But what was really special was my drive home from Cantley…It was cold with a slight snowfall, but it was sunny.  And guess what?  I saw a rainbow!  Right then and there I knew Jade would be okay…I sure hope I’m right.

Thank you for Opening Your Hearts ~ It is so worth it to connect and give.

Shona xoxo

(ps.  The little girl mentioned is out of her coma and ‘out of the woods’ so to speak!  Yay!!)

Yup, it’s that time of year.  The leaves are beautiful and we’re starting to think about *shudder* Christmas!  Let me make this easier on you…How about giving the gift of lasting memories to your family and friends?  Here’s the details:

As a thank you to previous clients, I am opening up sessions to you first, but act fast as sessions will fill quickly and be on a first come first serve basis.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Shona xo

I had the honor and privilege of photographing the NPSIA Soiree earlier this month at the NAC. For those of you who don’t know, NPSIA is the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University. The school is well renowned for training students in international affairs and many alumni have gone on to various key leadership positions. More information about the program may be found on their website.

To quote from the event website:
“The Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA) Benefit Soirée is a non-profit event hosted by the incoming class of NPSIA at Carleton University. This year marks the 13th anniversary of the event in which the students of NPSIA organize an evening of engagement and entertainment for the benefit of an international affairs related issue. The evening normally consists of a general reception, an address by a keynote speaker, dinner, and a silent auction, with all proceeds from the evening benefitting the associated charity. The intent of the evening is to raise awareness and funding for an international issue while permitting the leaders of today to mingle with the leaders of tomorrow — namely, the future graduates of NPSIA.”

This year, the class chose to support the Canadian Red Cross relief efforts in Haiti and invited Mr. Conrad Sauvé, Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Red Cross, to be the keynote speaker.

Although I was there to “work” (I use the term loosely…you’ll know why when you see the beautiful food I was able to indulge in), I found it to be an extremely informative and inspiring evening. Thank you to Julia and the rest of the NPSIA Committee for inviting me to attend. I hope you enjoy the images!