Valentine’s Day has come a long way from its Catholic origins of a feast day, which paid homage to Christian martyrs, including Saint Valentine (a famous Roman priest from third century AD). The holiday, which started as a religious one in 496 AD Rome, has become known as a commercial and cultural celebration in the twenty-first century. Most people don’t associate February 14th with priests these days.
Legend has it Emperor Claudius II had outlawed marriage arguing that married men were bad soldiers. Valentine disagreed with this point of view and believed it to be unfair, so he rebelled. He broke the law and arranged marriages in utter secrecy. When the Emperor discovered what Valentine was doing, he had him killed. But first, Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daughter while in jail and sent her a love letter prior to his death signed, “from your Valentine.” He was executed on February 14th.
Fast forward to 2022 and Valentine’s Day is no longer considered a heavy day, but rather fun and light hearted. It was in this spirit that I decided to give the option for themed photo sessions all year round for children who are able to sit up until around 2 years of age. While today I’m highlighting love themed photo sessions in this post, I offer year round ones with a variety of backdrops. These photo sessions are unique and special. And yes, these pictures are both sweet to scroll through as they are to take.
9 month old Wesley was born a preemie at 2.5 lbs, and he came across more like a 6th month old baby because of his early entrance into the world. We should all be young at heart like little Wesley. The mug scared him as it was a bit deep for him, but I was still able to get some cute shots of the little guy. For Wesley’s cocoa mug look, I used cocoa powder that had no sugar in it.
Emma’s cocoa mug shoot was a different story. This little girl smiled for most of the time we were together. As you can see from her first photo displayed here, she really went for it! Like Wesley, she is also 9 months old.
For Emma’s session we turned the water pink by using a bit of food colouring and some vegan coffee creamer. I enjoy using my creativity to give my clients photos that they will love and cherish for years to come. Emma’s smiley personality and her big red bow made it a session to remember.
The mug is made from a plastic planter and then has a wood handle attached to it. These sessions are always a blast with the large marshmallows. Kids splash around in the water and eat the marshmallow. Children LOVE being in water, I haven’t met a kid yet that didn’t want to stay in the mug and continue splashing around.
Most people may not know the origin of Valentine’s Day and some may not even care to celebrate the occasion. But there’s no denying that what every human longs for is to be loved. Wesley and Emma entered this universe with a need for it. Each one of us does. I hope you take some time today to tell someone what they mean to you. Give a little love and it will return to you.
Happy Valentine’s Day friends!
~ Amy
Amy Cheng Photography offers Red Deer and Calgary families the very best in portrait photography! I pride myself on delivering a fun, relaxing experience where you feel valued and beautiful! I specialize in family & wedding photography.
I service the Red Deer and Calgary areas, as well as everything in between & surrounding. This includes but isn’t limited to: Crossfield, Airdrie, Olds, Ponoka, Rocky Mountain House, Sylvan Lake, Lacombe, Blackfalds, Okotoks, Chestermere, Cochrane, Canmore, and Banff.
Images by Red Deer Family Photography – Amy Cheng Photography © 2022
Contact me today to book your session! ~ Amy Amy Cheng Photography ~ amychengphotography@gmail.com
I have been serving the Red Deer and Calgary area (as well as everything in between, and surrounding!) for over 7 years now, and I have loved every minute of it! I specialize in Wedding and Family Photography but also enjoy doing a bit of Event & Corporate Photography throughout the year. It is my goal (and an honour!) to create quality images that my clients showcase in their homes and on social media. I'd love to work with you!! ~ Amy
©2023 Amy Cheng photography | wedding photographer | family photographer | red deer & calgary photographer
SERVING CENTRAL & SOUTHERN ALBERTA
serving Central & Southern Alberta
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