It Has Been a Loooooong Time

 Life got busy.  And hard.  Photography felt like too much.  The responsibility of capturing the best of an individual or family, delivering top quality images, and talking about payment felt like too much on top of schoolwork, caring for my elderly mother, and caring for a family member struggling with their mental health.

Recently though, the families of a few of my favourite students contacted me because those little boys I first met when they were barely out of toddlerhood, who I had the privilege of helping educate right up until I took a leave from my regular job - are graduating high school.

My instinct was to say no.  It’s too much, it has been too long since picked up my gear, I’m not confident enough.

But my students become part of my heart, and I found myself saying yes despite my misgivings.

By the end of the shoot, my heart was full, my soul was fed, and I knew it was time to get back behind the glass.

2017 AA Champs!

After a tough season in the AAA Potter Division, the Oak Park Varsity Raiders football team ended up taking the AA Vidruk Division title in a strange set-up that I still don't fully understand.  I give kudos to the Kelvin Clippers and Brandon Vincent Massey Vikings who fought hard to make it to the semi-final and final games.

Always looking forward - here's to the 2018 season back in AAA!  GO RAIDERS!

Winnipeg 2016 HS Football

It's not just family photos that have been keeping me busy.  

I also became a football mum for the first time this year!  I generally make no secret of the fact that hockey is my favourite sport to watch, but I would gladly watch my son and his teammates play football any day of the week!  These boys have worked hard all season long, and it's been a privilege to be witness them grow as players and young men.  

It's also been great to reconnect with the parents of some of my son's teammates whom I've known since they were all in preschool together, and to meet new people as well.  

One way or another, our season ends on Wednesday and no matter the outcome of the big game - I couldn't be more proud of these kids!  Proudly a member of the OP Raider Nation!

GO RAIDERS!

Winnipeg Autumn Family Photos

September and October are always popular months for photos, and this year was no exception.  Although the weather was particularly unpredictable and overall pretty rainy, I was still lucky enough to catch some time with these four families!

Some of them you'll recognize from previous photos, and a couple of them are new to the Zaniac family.

more after the jump.

Winnipeg Party Photos

You might recognize this beautiful family from a previous wedding.  Barb is an incredible teacher at the school my son attended during his elementary years, and now she's someone I consider a beautiful, wonderful friend.   Her son was married to his sweetheart earlier this autumn and I was lucky enough to be included in the pre-wedding festivities.

Spending time with this family is truly a gift.  They are kind, welcoming and hilarious!

More after the jump.

Rainbows and Love and Friendship - Oh My!

July 9, 2016 marked the first ever Pride march in Steinbach, Manitoba.  This was an event surrounded by no small amount of controversy, but that's not what I want to focus on here.

It was a privilege to participate in this event and witness the coming together of humans from all walks of life and many different beliefs in a celebration of love, friendship, community and togetherness.

When I say that Zaniac Photo is For Every Family - I mean it.  <3

More after the jump.

Winnipeg Graduation Photos

High School graduation is such an exciting time.  You've worked hard for at least 13 years to accomplish this goal - and you deserve to be celebrated!

With that in mind, I'd like to congratulate Shay on her hard work and perseverance and wish her the best in this next stage of her life!

You are a courageous and beautiful young woman and you will no doubt do big things in your life!