Tag Archives: personal

Eliza | Niagara Child Photographer

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Hey y’all.
Warning! Proud (and 100% biased) Auntie moment coming up!
Isn’t my niece beautiful?!

I’m not going to lie, it’s been a rough year so far and I think everyone is feeling the same way! It’s been hard not being able to see my family and friends, but it’s also been torture not being able to do what I love. I photographed my niece last weekend (for what should have been my Spring Mini Sessions) and it felt INCREDIBLE to have my camera in my hand again. I can’t wait until all of this is over and I can get behind the camera again full time and capture all of your beautiful faces!
Stop growing up so fast. *Insert cry face emoji here*
The best part about my niece getting older – I can ask her to photograph me in return! Impromptu portraits = covid hair and scrunchy nose!

Hunter | Niagara Child Photographer

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This little Tom Sawyer just happens to be my nephew. (How lucky am I?!) It was one of those last minute shoots where everything just fell into place. The location, the outfit, the theme – all on the fly. I love photographing my niece and nephews because I get 100% complete creative freedom! This “fishing” scene is something we were talking about back in March and again briefly before this session. So when Hunter asked if he could go fishing we were ALL over that! He had fun and was completely co-operative. WIN WIN!
He loved his suspenders. And somehow never learnt that snapping them on himself hurts, quite entertaining.
This handsome little gaffer. I know I’m his Aunt but I think he’s pretty darn adorable!  As much as I love every other photograph from this session, this one is my favourite. SO HUNTER!  Every year I take a photograph with my niece and nephews in the same pose. It’s great to look back on every year and see how they’ve grown.  I love these three with all of my heart!  My favourite portraits are the natural ones. The one on the right completely represent them at this age.

Tara | Niagara Birth Photographer

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Last week I had the honour of photographing my first birth!

I have been with Tara and Derek since their wedding; maternity, their first born’s newborn through her first year, every Halloween, and some springs and christmas’ thrown in for good measure. Tara started out as a stranger and quickly turned into one of my best friends.

I remember chatting with Tara a couple of years ago about birth photography. After she had Alexis she regretted not having done it and asked if I would photograph her next labour and birth if she ever got pregnant again. I vividly remember saying YES! But thinking in my head “IF she gets pregnant again (I was sceptical), I hope it’s not until after I have my first.” Birth photography is something that I’ve considered for a while, but was a little apprehensive that it would scar me from having my own. Now, fast forward to 9 months ago; a text with two positive pregnancy test and a moment of panic and the realization that I was 100% going to see my friends vagina.

As the due date got closer I prepared, packed a bag, did some research, made sure my batteries were charged and HOPED that Tara wouldn’t go into labour on Christmas! Well, she didn’t, but her water definitely broke on Christmas. When I got that “Umm…” text I immediately knew it was go time.

When Tara called me half a second after a contraction, out of breath and said she was headed to the hospital I couldn’t help but laugh at her (that’s what best friends are for right?) From that moment on all my nerves were gone. Tara handled her labour like a boss! (I think I was more nervous about the no epidural thing then she was!) She arrived at the hospital with her husband and sister around 6:30am and baby was born at 9:10am. The midwife was AMAZING throughout the entire labour and birth, definitely convinced me to go that route when it’s my turn – and yes, after witnessing everything I will still be having one, or three of my own!

In addition to not knowing the gender of the baby, they also hadn’t told anyone the names they were considering. So when the baby was born and Tara looked at the baby and said “it’s a girl, oh Everly.” The entire room teared up. It was such a special moment. I’m in love with her name, it suits her so perfectly.

I am so honoured that I got to share this with Tara, Derek and Kelly. I couldn’t imagine experiencing my first birth with anyone else. I am still in awe of my friend, as far as births go, it was pretty much perfect.


Alexis is already and amazing big sister. Although she REALLY wanted a brother, she warmed up to her instantly. She made sure everyone got a turn to hold Everly (quickly!) before she said to pass her onto the next visitor, her ulterior motives were revealed when the last person held her and she said “Okay, now it’s big sister’s turn!”

I am so, so happy for the four of you. I love you so much!

Does Anyone Read These Things?

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A few weeks ago I was deciding whether or not to offer Easter Minis. They have never appealed to me; plastic eggs, live unsanitary animals (however cute!), AstroTurf. Whether you know me personally or follow my photography, there’s a good chance that you know those things are the furthest from my style. “I solemnly swear never to use AstroTurf..”

liz_czinege_photography_niagara_maternity10Art is subjective, everyone is different. What looks amazing to someone might look terrible to someone else. Every photographer has their own style, and every person has their favourite photographer.Montage - Grass

I pride myself on capturing natural, timeless portraits. There have been hits and misses along the way (everyone starts somewhere). But as I continue to grow and evolve, like any artist, my style has become more distinctive and more “me”. It is about what makes me happy and my creative freedom, rather than worrying about what other photographers are doing or what people will think of the photographs.

Liz Czinege Newborn Child Photographer Niagara Hamilton07It wasn’t until a someone told me they liked my style that I realized I had one, and then proceeded to have this revelation.

I’m not sure if anyone even reads my blog posts but these personal (albeit rambling) ones are my favourite to write. They’re raw, they probably have spelling or grammar mistakes, but they’re very much me. I love when I discover a new blog and after reading a few posts I feel like I have gotten to know the writer. That is what I aim to do with all of my posts. And if you are reading them (I hope you are!) I’d love for you to leave comments and feedback. You’re getting to know me, let me get to know you!

Till next time,
Liz

(Oh ps. I am offering SPRING Mini-Sessions on March 29th, my last minis until Halloween. Email me at liz.czinege@gmail.com for more information.)

Is it Spring yet??

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liz czinege photography spring

Is anyone else wondering if Spring will ever come? The groundhog told us six more weeks of winter, which means that this cold, dreary time should be coming to an end soon. But as I sit here in my bulky sweater and wool socks I can’t help but wonder when.

I long to walk outside and not have profanities spill from my mouth involuntarily due to the bitter cold. (C’mon, we both know you do it too.) And I can not wait for the orchards to start to bloom. When that happens I will definitely be taking the back roads from Hamilton to Niagara – windows down, radio blasting some country tunes. Ahhhh..

As a natural light photographer (and a country girl), I much prefer photographing outdoors over a studio. There’s just something about photographing families and children outdoors that appeals to me. Maybe it’s the ability to play with the light, or the fresh air, or the open spaces – whatever it is, I sit here writing this with a twinge of excitement because soon I will be out there doing what I love, surrounded by so much beauty and beautiful people.

Brian, Matthias&Eliza | Niagara Family Photographer

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Liz Czinege Family Photographer Niagara Hamilton5

I’ve been taking photos of my niece every Spring&Fall since she was born. She is far more willing to be photographed then her brother! Last Spring I took photos of her and my nephew – which are some of my favourite photos to date, I may be biased, but hey! – so this year I thought it was time to update the family photos and include my brother.

Any photographer will tell you, sometimes it’s harder to photograph family then it is to photograph a first time client. But last May was one of those perfect days when the kids behaved and the weather was perfect. This is one of the photos – it was a completely natural shot – Matthias put his arm around his little sister all by himself. ((View more photos here.))

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I love watching Matthias&Eliza grow up. Looking back at photos it’s crazy how much kids change in one year! I love them to bits!

Liz Czinege Family Photographer Niagara Hamilton9Last week we were very lucky and caught one of the last orchards to be in bloom, I looked everywhere and eventually I found one!  With a little bribery on my part I got some beautiful photographs of my brother&kids. My nephew is obsessed with sea animals, so after the session we drove to Big Al’s Pet Store in Hamilton to look at some saltwater fish. They have a lot of Nemo’s, Dory’s and Gill’s plus they have a shark – pretty cool! – needless to say, I think it was a pretty fair trade.

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I love Eliza in this one – so carefree!Liz Czinege Family Photographer Niagara Hamilton2 Liz Czinege Family Photographer Niagara Hamilton1 Liz Czinege Family Photographer Niagara Hamilton3

Paul&Laura | 19 Years | Niagara Family Photographer

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A few weeks ago I photographed my brother and sister-in-law. Growing up Laura was like the sister I never had and it’s safe to say I can’t imagine my life without her. But really, when they started dating I was 18 months old, I actually can’t remember my life without her, but I wouldn’t want it any other way!

This is the part where I should talk about the wedding, and how nice it was to see my brother marry his high school sweetheart. But I can’t tell you that story, because I wasn’t there, no one was, except the maid-of-honor&best man. To this day I actually have no idea who’s names are on their wedding certificate, or when their anniversary is. But I love them all the same.

I’m so happy that we finally got a chance to do photos, I hope you guys have many more years of love&happiness.

Neglect..

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As a result of a busy summer I have severely neglected my blog. But now that Fall has arrived I am finally giving it the attention that it deserves. I can’t wait to share photos with you!

Over the next few days I will be posting numerous family, newborn and engagement sessions, but what I am looking forward to the most is my Halloween Costume Contest!! Come back in a few days for details on how to vote for your favourite costume!

Talk soon.
– Liz Czinege