ryan macdonald | PHOTOGRAPHY | blog

Bria + Arwen – Sneak Peek

Ryan — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 05:23:25 +0000

A quick sneak peek of two sweet sisters. Thinking lots about my sister Shannon today as she’s en route to a 7 month placement as a midwife in the Democratic Republic of Congo with Doctor’s Without Borders...a safe and speedy return Bubby! As for me, I’m making my way through the piles of edits, and will have more from Bria and Arwen’s shoot shortly.

Graham Hand – Vancouver Bagpiper

Ryan — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 05:06:03 +0000

I knew Graham from my piping days in Ontario. He’s recently moved to Vancouver and came to Victoria to have a few portraits taken with his pipes.

Deanne + Dylan – Westin Bear Mountain Wedding

Ryan — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 02:44:32 +0000

Deanne and Dylan got engaged in the gardens at Royal Roads. It was near closing time, and by the time Dylan popped the question, the gates had been locked and they had to use the ‘Emergency Use Only’ phone to call for help. On August 1st, they chose to have their wedding ceremony just around the corner from where she said ‘yes’. When I arrived at the Westin Bear Mountain to take some photos prior to the ceremony, I walked into a room of the most calm and organized group of women. Their reason? Teachers, they told me! Following the ceremony, we made our way in a champagne filled limo to Fort Rodd Hill for portraits and finished off the night at the Westin, with touching and comical speeches and lots of dancing (led by Dylan’s dad and his fabulous dance moves!).

Kirsty + Andrew – Glasgow Wedding

Ryan — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 21:39:31 +0000

It seems as though I’ve known Kirsty and Andrew forever. Andrew and I played together in the Peel Police Pipe Band about 12 years ago and I met Kirsty after Andrew’s move to Glasgow to play with The House of Edgar Shotts and Dykehead Pipe Band. Kirsty was a piper in the band, and needless to say the two made quite an impression on each other! When they finally got engaged after many years together, they contacted me to make sure I’d be available for their July 2nd wedding. The day was filled with laughter, love, piping, a worst dancer competition, a drum fanfare, and ceilidh dancing. Their little triplet nieces were flower girls and I’m sure I could make a complete blog post with images of them. Kirsty and Andrew, thank you for inviting me to be a part of your big day…looking forward to the next time we can spend time together! Check out a few more images posted here as a sneak peek a couple of weeks back.

Duncan – Fort Rodd Hill Portrait Session

Ryan — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 02:36:36 +0000

I met little Duncan and his family at Fort Rodd Hill for a portrait session during their visit to Victoria. He told me about recently losing his tooth by biting into some candy (watermelon taffy I believe?). There was no shortage of laughter during this session…pretty cute when your subject is missing his front tooth!

Joanna + Justin – Beacon Hill Park Portrait Session

Ryan — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 02:00:57 +0000

Joanna and Justin booked a session to celebrate her 30th birthday. We met up in the morning and took photos around Beacon Hill Park followed by a quick trip down to the ocean. I sat in a pile of burs and barely missed stepping on a garter snake during this session (the latter being a major fear of mine, which I had been telling Joanna and Justin minutes prior to the incident). I survived what felt like a near snake attack, continued to high step through the long grass, and had a great time with Joanna and Justin.

The Paperboys

Ryan — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 22:15:39 +0000

I had a session with Vancouver-based band, The Paperboys while they were in Victoria playing at Butchart Gardens. Within the 8 piece band, is also a 5 piece band, three 3 piece bands, a duo, and a 5 piece Latin band….talk about versatile! Keep your eyes peeled for The Paperboys playing in your area!

Mandy + Mike – Victoria Bridal Session

Ryan — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 17:59:33 +0000

Mandy and Mike have been together for 10 years and are planning an elopement in the near future. They wanted a portrait session with their son before the big day so we braved the July heat and spent the afternoon exploring Fort Rodd Hill. Good luck with the planning Mandy and Mike!

Kamryn + Her Folks – Victoria Baby Session

Ryan — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:06:26 +0000

Kate and Trevor received a gift certificate for a portrait session at their baby shower from Kate’s sister, Jane. 7 weeks later, I was introduced to their baby girl Kamryn during our session at Kate’s parent’s home. This wasn’t the first time that a baby has peed during a session, but it’s the first time a baby has peed all over her grandmother’s bedroom wall, stripping the paint! As the first grandchild however, Kamryn was off the hook…how could anyone be angry at that face!

Fiona + Ed – Providence Farm Wedding

Ryan — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:56:45 +0000

Fiona and Ed were married July 10th in the church at Providence Farm in Duncan. They got ready at the Oceanfront Grand Resort in Cowichan Bay and had their tent reception outdoors at the farm. With Ed’s family from Ontario and Fiona’s family from Ireland in attendance, I knew the party at the end of the night would be a good one! Lots of ceilidh dancing, wolf calls, singing along to Johnny Cash, and even attempted splits…now that’s a party!