New Restaurant in Town..Persian Food "SHIRAZ"

 A Mother and  2 month old baby enjoyed the opening night music and with Morteza Akbari.

Mother of the owner -Mahrokh (Mary) Akbar   relaxing with the baby.

The Chief - Nahid Taheri (holding chin )

is off and visiting with her friends and their baby Rika.

Owner Reza Akbari and his Proud Father Morteza Akbari  after at the end of Opening Night

Day 4  Cheers to our new friends. (L-R) Lynda Anderson,

Marie Hay, Nahid Taheri,Reza Akbari,Mary Akbari,Morteza Akbrai and Hanna Hughes.

View from the tea & alcohol bar!

Persian Tea and Father of Owner - Morteza Akbari

SHIRAZ Cafe and Restaurant just opened their doors in the Parkwood Mall here in Prince George.  It is the fist PERSIAN Restarant in town. Sat Dec 29 was their Grand Opening.  Music and dancing was enjoyed along with the great food!

We were delighted to have had the owner and his parents and chief to our home for Christmas Day Dinner. .Quite by coincidence  my partner went in to get some food the night before. It was after the  Lessons and Songs Service we attended at St.Micheal's and All Angels Anglican Church where I sing in the small choir.

When she said she had invited them for dinner I realized I knew who she was inviting - the family of my friend Roya Akabri - another photographer who now lives in Vancouver.It is a small small world.They are a delightful family and though our English is limited we are able to communicate no problem.The parents have been here 4 months now from Iran to help their son Reza with the restaurant.Reza has been here several years and has lovely English..So if you haven't already been to their cafe/restaurant as it is open during the day ...and till 11pm so you can go before or after a movie or any time for Persian tea and baklava ( absolutely my favorite ) do go.It is a lovely new diverse addition to the  dining out options here in Prince George."Like" them on their Facebook Page too and share your secret new get away.

Happy Holidays..family portrait session with a twist

With families gathering for the holidays we often go on location in and outdoors for sessions

and this past weekend we were at the university to photograph 20 people 10 under the age of  5!

They were marvelous.We did this as a fun one on the steps. Happy Holidays to all our clients

of  past present and of course the future ones too!!

Weightwatchers Draw Today Bringings Double the Joy

Oh what a wonderful way to start the day .
Once again we gave a full makeup and hair makeover  plus boudoir session with
Philomena Hughes Photography . Jody at Craze Salon will be the makeup and hair artist.
 The winner was Sandra!! Her Mom was absolutely THRILLED...and screamed when she heard her daughter's name called.Paddy did the draw at the  Saturday morning  Weight Watcher meeting ( the one I regularly attend) and received hugs from both her Mom ( upper right pic), me ( bottom left) and the previous winner (bottom right) from last year.Fern knows how much Sandra will love her experience.We will be doing the session the first week of January. After they both told me separately that they wished were hoping that the other would win it.The icing on the cake is that Kathy is one of my swimming buddies so it just makes me smile ( alot all day so far!). I know Kathy feels she has won just because Sandra did.
I love the expressions on those around Sandra and Kathy too! Thanks everyone.Next year we are opening it to all members of WW  here in PG at the 1st & Tabor location..Details will be announced at all the meetings in 2013.!! Congrats again Sandra!

A Mother & Daughter Portrait to Cherish

A Mother and Daughter session is always lovely to do, but  this one was also emotional.  Lucy and her Mom

will be separated in January  when she leaves to live in England, for her gap year. Though  both of them are prepared  and agreed that with the Internet it doesn't seem as difficult we also know that it will have its impact ..Letting go is easier said than done.I too will be experiencing this when our 15 year old

daughter goes to France to live for 6 months  in Jan. 

Your comment Collette that we caught the essence of Lucy and of your relationship really says it all to me.

Thanks so much for coming back to our studio and letting me be Your Photographer.
Come to our website for more info at: http://www.phughesphotograp

Children Grow Up..but our Memories Linger

 When the mother of these children hired me  years ago to photograph her family and her Mom who was visiting.. I always want to take the session beyond what I am asked for by looking for the tender moments that sometimes we take for granted and seeing where it takes us.We asked to them to  sit there at their tree-house. The little girl was protective of her little brother.  He had a stone that he didn't want to let go of .I asked her to stay close and if she could give him a kiss and this is what happened.
I love the  colours.I really love  their curled toes and though we do not see their faces enough information is visible.
What is not "visible" is what we feel when looking at it. And that is what makes it so memorable.That is a "successful" image.Not the awards it wins ( which it did) but the feeling it gives us.
 Flash forward to this year 15 years later and now the  sister is leaving her little brother to live in Australia.
Their father asked if we could make some images before she left. I've never forgotten this image from years ago and near the end of our session  suggested we try to working with it..The emotions were there, knowing that everything would be  changing soon for them, nearly as much as they had since this image was taken I took the kids to my studio garden where I asked him to choose a stone to hold .These were fake stones with a words engraved on them.. The choice was  Integrity or Endurance.He chose Endurance.That spoke volumes to me.
The last image is one of my favorites...as it represents the reverse role..of he being protective of her but the kids preferred the happier look,so you choose and send me a note about your thoughts below on the comments.!  Thanks again for asking me to come into your lives again..and I look forward to our next meeting.

Our Auction Fundraiser Donation for the Art Gallery 2012

One of the things I hear from our Boudoir clients is how much they LOVE making this a special day for themselves.I LOVE hearing that too.So when you are planning your session treat yourself and pamper yourself as you only will do this a few times ( we hope) in your life! Frances came to us when she won the bid on the fundraiser we did for PG Art Gallery's" Menagerie" Event last month. Her Hair was by Jody at CRAZE (562-6226) and her Makeup was by Heather at Les Beaux Visages Salon (563-3788). Thanks ladies you did a beautiful job.Her  cute hair piece was made by a friend..Your husband is going to love his pic. ssshhh if you know him don't tell him as it is a Christmas gift.

GrandPa and Granddaughter

Proud Grandpa and his Granddaughter who stayed awake a long time...not wanting to miss anything.This was a newborn session with Mom Dad and GrandMom too.She was under 2 weeks old but very very alert!

Any Day Now.

Oh I LOVE Boudoir and double that when it is for a new Momma to be.
This was such a beautiful session that we did for our Bridal Winner from Storybook Wedding Show back in

January. She looked radiant as you can see.Thanks so much to Renata at La Tienda who did her hair in this very 50s ish style and to Crystal of Blessings Studio who did the makeup.Both ladies put their talents in with us to give a wonderful experience which she just can not say enough positive things about.She said "everyone should do it , even my Mom!!" Hear that Mom ...or soon Grand Mom (for the 3rd time!) I think that would be super!!  And we are super excited because in a couple weeks we will be seeing her back again with her little bundle of joy!!Our Winner's Boudoir Sessionhttps://www.facebook.com/crystal.desharnais.9?ref=ts&fref=ts

Magical Powers

This hat does such amazing things to anyone who wears it. Each one of them look so different that I think it  has  magical powers! Yesterday was no exception when we had this  lady in for her bridal boudoir session.
Looking foward to surprising more grooms with this amazing gift.

2012 OLYMPICS ...finally

 

Yup I am one of "those" Olympic aholics" just can't get enough. Thank goodness for 

PVR.(  I took this pic while watching it on TV with my Samsung II phone/camera)

   I can remember how it all felt when I was in attendance at the Vancouver

Opening Ceremonies in 2010.  Go Canada Go. Being there can't be beat but CTV is 

doing a great job of covering the events.I hope watching helps my swim stroke!

Maternity Fun

You know when a couple come to just enjoy themselves you are so pumped and it just brings out some great images.
Well it did with these two!! what a fun session for me.Ryan was joking with Trish's hair on his head and the super energy just continued. Thanks so much for asking me to do this for you.Can't wait to continue the fun with you when the baby comes!!!

Miss Maddie

Oh lovely lovely newborns for the last few sessions have been a delight to work with.
This family had their Moms visiting from overseas so Definitely had to capture that
historical moment.Ok Maddie slept through it but she'll appreciate it later in life!

Newborn Week!!

Baby Arianna

Maybe it is because I do so many boudoir sessions ( someone
said to me) but I have been also doing as many ( not quite)
newborn/baby sessions!! But that isn't always true - right??

Just thought I'd share this pic that  Amy's husband John took
for me on my NIKON D300 at the end our newborn session.
We were all exhausted...except Arianna this past week.
My excuse: it was one of 3 newborn sessions this week!!

Thanks John and Amy and yes you too Arianna!You were
fun to work with.

Summer 2012 Brides Boudoir Session

We had another Summer Bride in for her Boudoir Session for her Fiance.
It was a blast and her 2 aunts came to the preview session and couldn't believe
their eyes how beautiful she looked.Tissues!! Loved loved the lashes.

Hair and Makeup by Core.Nice work there girls.

Pretty in Pink Plus

Introducing one of our newest sets!! Pretty in Pink.How cute is this?
Our first session on this set and boy did she have fun.It is a surprise for her husband so if you know her
please keep it to yourself until after the end of August. She didn't think he'd be looking here ( but he will after!!) Hair done by Erin at Contours and Makeup by Les Beaux Visages - Linda. Beautiful job everyone!!

Hottest Gift for the Groom

Another lucky gal from our Bridal Show came in for her session.She had been wondering what to give her fiance for their July Wedding. I think he will be very happy with what you came up with!

A Marilyn Moment

Our Silent Auction Gal Julia made it this week.

She was so much fun and gorgeous on our Private Suite Set.We both just loved the look she has in this 

one and has that Marilyn Monroe look of being "caught" between poses. I think her husband is going to love it just as much.

A fun day in the Boudoir

We had a couple of gals in from our promo we did last Jan and had a blast with both of them.
We always offer to put up an image on our blog if they are interested and want to share a peek
at one image from their session and this was one of her favorite ones we worked on.Bet you
can't wait to see the rest now T!!

Pretty Please at the BAY May 9th

APRIL...gheez where did it go???? Ok so we were away on a quick trip to England but really that was only 10 days of the month.Got some more cute heels for our Boudoir Studio and more inspiration for our clients.

So we have lots of new things coming up including a fun way to spend time with your 4 or 5 of your close girlfriends with us ! Give us a call and find out more ( or check out our Boudoir Website )
http://72.29.89.230/~phug/rosie/index2.php#/home/
May is going to be busy so make sure you book your spot with us and come see what gals ( and their men )
are talking about!!  Come see us at the BAY May 9th for their Annual Spring Fling "Pretty Please"!!
Tickets are $10 at the door $2 goes to charity $8 goes towards your purchases. Yup we will be there !

RaceFace

This gal won a session with us at a bridal show earlier this year
and was not so sure how it would all work.
She said:"I was surprised at how uncomfortable I felt during
the shoot but how natural it all looked on camera". She was referring to the
positions she was in, but was blown away with how amazing she looked.
I think we can all agree how relaxed and super natural and real she looks.
Boudoir doesn't just mean corsets/teddys and bras & panties. It is so much more,
so if you think "not for me"....think again. Michelle was SO Glad she did.

Little Holiday Time

Hope you all had a break...of some kind this long winter.
I was with friends in Mexico who flew in from Ireland.
We met up on St.Paddy's Day!!
It was So Good to be in the sun all day.
On our last day I did some pics of them on the beach.
And yes it may be strange that I show this as one of my favorites ..being out of focus but honestly it is. It is like a dream - not quite visible but evokes a great memory. Just thought I'd share this with you. Now I am back, full of vigor and enjoying myself doing a variety of sessions..and spring cleaning.

2nd Pin for Master of Photographic Arts

Again at our Awards and Salon Print Evening I received another honor that I had actually earned the previous year. I was unable to attend the National Convention last year in Banff ( and again this year I am unable to attend it in Halifax!) so it was given to me this year by our new PPOC-BC President on the far right in this picture..Melissa Welsch. (She is actually taller than me but here we look about the same height as she bent down and I went up on my tippies.!! Beside us is the stunning Aura McKay our MC for the evening. The Pin, My 2nd Bar, acknowledges service and prints accepted into competition within our own salons both Provincially and Nationally. Not entirely sure who took this photo, either Brenda Hala,Greg Schurman or Craig Minnelly.Thank you whomever. I will track you down and correct his asap.

Prince George Photographers win at BC Photo Salon

Our Imagequest 2012 was alot of work for many of us but it surely paid off to see old friends and make new ones.Our speakers were so inspiring. Storey Wilkins and David Anthony Williams from Toronto,Chuck Arlund from Kansas City,USA ,Wendell Phillips from Vancouver and Gina Yesnik from Saskatoon,Sask.gave us solid tips,ideas and inspiration.

Running simultaneously were the people running the 67th Salon Print Show. Many people put countless hours into preparing the show,judging results then the actual Salon Awards Presentation. A dinner to celebrate together with our peers and talented photographers was followed by dancing to the sounds of one of our Vancouver photographer's band "Since When".

I had only one image accepted but it just shows you the "power of one"! It won for Best Press.
Debbie Malm was for Best Child and Tina Cyr was a finalist for Photographer of the Year,which went to Chester Gossen of Vancouver.

The North continues to rock

Kris Kringle CDC Winner

We had a wonderful time with Cindy who came to us via a Kris Kringle CDC Silent Auction we supported in Dec.
So BIG thank you to Jody and Brooke at CRAZE
Hair and Salon on Tamarack St ( tucked in between Sylvan Learning Centre and Leslie's' Pet Parlor across from Value Village) for donating their talents doing her hair and makeup. Have to tell you Cindy's husband LOVED her hair and was very taken with all her images today when they saw them for the first ( and 4 & 5th times!!).
So next year ladies watch out for this HOT item as I think it will be talked about alot and the bidding will
be something you will want to get in on and WIN! Supporting a great cause to top it off!

Bride to Be....Boudoir Session

What a gift this Bride is giving her Groom.
The Boudoir Session was today and tomorrow she is writing a major exam! Wow.Amazing. She looked
stunning in her baby blue teddy and pearls.
It was a delight to photograph you again and
I wish you both all the best on your wedding
day!

Thank You.

You know we do have an impact on people's lives and two people took the time to thank me the last couple days and I wanted to share this one as it is a card she made.The family session was 2 years ago this spring but the daughters purchased more images from that session that they wanted their parents to have for their anniversary just recently.It was very emotional for the parents to have all the images of their children with their own families.Kids are great hey even when they grown up! To all of you who have sent me cards/emails I thank you for allowing me to be a part of your memory making.xx

Boudor Winner from our Weight Watchers Draw Dec 24,2011

She kept saying she was in a dream..but Fern woke long enough to enjoy her win from our draw on Christmas Eve to have her hair styled by Renate at La Tienda.Then off to Heather at Les Beaux Visage for her makeup then to us for her session which was done today! Even to the choosing her images Fern was having a hard time this was all happening to her - now she is walking on a cloud and you can certainly see why! Yes it really is her in both images.Honest.

Storybook Bridal Boudoir Winner is.....

Wow what a lucky gal!! This young lady won at our booth and then won the Big $1200 Grand Prize as well!!...here she is with her Mom and a friend just
after winning. The Bridal Show was at the Civic Centre organized ( amazingly) by Mary from STORYBOOK Weddings!
Crystal from Blessings Art will be her makeup artist and Renata will be working with her hair. Then it will be my turn to work with her for her fabulous session.Congrats!!

STORYBOOK BRIDAL GRAND PRIZE Jan.22 10-3pm

CIVIC CENTRE Prince George

We are Back...at another Bridal Show and this one is going to be our last one this year so do come and see if you are the lucky lady to win this dream prize.
If you were at the last show you know what we were doing so do come by our booth and see what you will win this time. Can't miss us - we are the first thing you will see at the entrance!

New Year Beauty

The New Year started off with a really beautiful session and sweeter yet it was from our promo at the Sweetheart Bridal Event the previous weekend. Lovely images . She won an extra set with us so definitely worth coming out to that show for her!!Bonus, she is married and a new mom not a bride - she was there with her sister in law to be.

STORYBOOK WEDDING BRIDAL SHOW JAN 22,2012

Yes, we are going to be out at another bridal show...love em!
You won't miss us as we will be the first thing you see when you come in....Do stop by for some sweet things we are going to be giving away.BOUDOIR of course !
Sunday Jan 22 10am -3pm Civic Centre here in Prince George.
tickets are $20 from Storybook on 3rd Ave(across from the Northern) 614-9178

GRAND PRIZE is really G R A N D !!!!!

Wow what a Sweet Package to Win just for attending the Sweetheart Bridal Extravaganza!!
See you there Sunday Jan.8th 2012 at the Civic Centre in Prince George.

SWEETHEART BRIDAL SHOW JAN 8th 2012

Come and check us out. First time back to a bridal show in years..Sorry not doing the weddings
but a great gift for your groom!! ( or if you aren't getting married and just want to have some fun and feel terrific). Prizes to be won!! Where: Civic Centre When:
Sunday, Jan. 8th,10am-5pm. PLUS......
Jane Dayus – Hinch from the “Wedding S.O.S” show will be speaking there!

Happy New Year. Valentine's Day is coming