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Happy Birthday Max!

Fran — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 15:45:14 +0000

Six years ago today was the best days of my life! I became the mother to the most wonderful little boy.

Dear Max,

There are so many things I love about you that it is hard to put into words. You are such a gentle boy and you make me so proud every day seeing how you interact with people whether they are young or old. Your laughter and sense of humor cracks me up on a daily basis. You are so inquisitive and always asking questions trying to learn everything you can about every topic … it is sometimes hard to keep up :). If I can have one wish on your birthday … it is that we will always have our special bond. You are always wanting to snuggle, kiss me or hold my hand…even when you are sleeping, playing or watching tv…

You are my greatest accomplishment. I love you to the moon and back!! Happy Birthday!!

xo~ Mommy

I am a photographer and I never seem to take any photos of my family. This needs to change :). Here are some photos I took of my little turkey about a week ago. His favorite place ever … the beach … we threw rocks in the ocean and looked for kryptonite (aka sea glass)

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LOL!! You gotta love his form in this jump

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playing with the new shells we found…

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New Chucks

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Photowalk in Maple Ridge with Erin Gilmore | Vancouver Photographer

Fran — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:07:23 +0000

When my phone rang last week I was pleasantly surprised when my friend Erin Gilmore asked me if I’d like to do a photowalk in Maple Ridge. I was incredibly excited for a few reasons … 1. I adore Erin and think she is an extremely talented photographer so I was thrilled to shoot/hang with her and 2. I rarely get the chance to get out to her neck of the woods and I absolutely love barns and open fields … we had a riot and man did we find some great gems!

After overcoming our shyness … we both took turns photographing each other. Erin made me feel so comfortable in front of the camera and I just love the shots she got of me! Thank you Erin for a fabulous day of great photos and tons of laughs!

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And the beautiful Erin … she’s so fun to shoot and is incredibly photogenic.

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how RAD is this belt buckle!!

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and these are the shots Erin took of me

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An article was written about my photography … what an honor | Vancouver Wedding Photographer

Fran — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:37:55 +0000

I had the privilege of being interviewed and listed as one of 50 Essential Portrait Photographers in the Vancouver area. To be among these talented woman is truly an honor! Thank you for adding me to this amazing list!

http://vancouvermom.ca/best-of/fran-chelico-of-fran-chelico-photography/

50 Essential Portrait Photographers: Fran Chelico of Fran Chelico Photography

02 Dec 2009, written by Christine 0 Comments

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Photographer Fran Chelico loves to hang out, both with her long-time friends and new acquaintances… mostly to laugh while enjoying a glass of wine! When she`s not focusing on her photography she`s just a North Shore girl who loves to have fun with her husband Mike and her son Max on the beach in the summer and the slopes in the winter.

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Why did you get into photography?

As a child, I was always interested in art. I would prefer to sketch images of things around me than to play with dolls. When I was 13 years old I landed my first job as a photographer’s assistant and that’s when I reallyfound my passion. I enjoy capturing special moments for people, I find it very satisfying and fulfilling. That feeling you get when you know you just got ‘THE’ shot … it’s exciting!

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Tell us a bit about your company?

I had left photography for a few years and worked in various corporations, but always felt like a piece of me was missing. Six years ago while living in NYC I decided I wanted to explore a career as a photographer. I wentback to school to learn all about digital photography and after some early success with formal shoots and encouragement from my husband Mike, I opened my own photography company when we moved to North Vancouver. That was four years ago. My current business focuses predominantly on weddings andportraits (I like interacting with people!) but I do the occasional commercial shoot as well.

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How would you characterize your style of photography?

I am a natural light photographer. I like clean, elegant shots that are timeless, capturing real moments unfolding around me. A groom’s smile as he walks his new wife down the aisle; the tiny little hand in yours that will only be that size once; or the moment when your grandfather blows out his candles for the 95th time are all endearing moments that make life so sweet. I love to see the world as a photograph and would like to preserve those images for people before they fade away.

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Who are your clients?

My clients are regular people who want to have images captured that tell a story of who they are. For the most part, they are not people who feel comfortable in front of the camera, so a photojournalistic style suits them. If I have done my job well, they will forget I am even there!

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What should your mom clients expect when working with you?

That I am a very easy going, patient and fun person to work with. It totally makes my day when a young client is dreading their photo shoot and at the end are disappointed it is over and say it was much easier then they thought it would be and that they had a ton of fun! That is one of the biggest compliments for me! For families, I would tell them I understand when your child is not cooperating because I have a 5 year old son and deal with that whenever I want to take photos of him “lol” sometimes you have to just let them do their thing until they get used to the camera or you get down on your hands and knees and play with them until you’ve developed a bond. You do anything to get the shot!

Anything else to add?

I love working with people, hearing people’s stories and capturing the moment for them! It makes me feel good that I can contribute a small bit to keeping their memories alive! I love what I do…

Fran Chelico Photography

www.franchelico.com| Twitter : @franchelico

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11 years ago today … Happy Anniversary | Vancouver Wedding Photographer

Fran — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:53:33 +0000

I woke up 11 years ago today with butterflies in my stomach like I have never felt before … it was a beautiful day with blue skies … all my friends and family were with me … and I was going to get married! You couldn’t wipe the grin off my face all day!! When my parents walked me down the aisle … I remember starting to cry … everyone was staring at me and it was starting to register … “oh my goodness!! I’m getting married!!” … When we got to the end of the aisle and Michael held my hand … I felt like I had come home … a feeling of complete and utter calm came over me … I couldn’t wait to begin our life … he still has this affect over me whenever I start going a little crazy … he just needs to hold my hand and talk to me and I know it is going to be ok … he makes me laugh like no other … he is my biggest cheerleader … the best father to our son … and the person I always want to have around me … he is my rock … and the love of my life!

We have had such an amazing adventure the last 11 years … from selling our home in St. Catharines, Ontario and moving to Ithaca, NY … to New York City … and now to Vancouver. We have had some ups and downs but it has only made us stronger as a team … We have traveled all over and have some great memories … I cannot wait to have more adventures with you by my side …

Happy Anniversary Michael … I love you!

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for my girlfriends and sister … really … I had short hair and tried to have an updo . i look like an upside down mop!! ya coulda tried to talk me out of that one …

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See what I mean?? Big grins all day long

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LOL!! How about these photos … all of this done without Photoshop!!

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ok … wait for it … wait for it …

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Jasmine Star Workshop in Orange County | Vancouver Wedding Photographer

Fran — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:19:17 +0000

I have been reading Jasmine Star’s blog for the past year and have always been a huge fan. When I heard she was going to be doing a Workshop, I couldn’t wait to sign up! Unfortunately, I was too slow and it was sold out in 20 minutes! When the notice for her 3rd Workshop was released, I immediately signed up…lucky for me, I got a spot! I made some new friendships with some pretty rock star photographers! We had a ton of fun and look forward to keeping in touch with all of them.

I think it is so important to take workshops and I try to take at least one a year. They help you push yourself and keep your business fresh.

It was a jam packed day full of branding information and a live shoot with one of Jasmine’s previous clients. Vern & Melinda knocked it out of the park! They looked fantastic and were absolutely at ease in front of the camera.

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The lovely flowers were done by Carissa from JL Designs

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Melinda’s Monique Lhuillier wedding dress was gorgeous!!

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Vivian Tran from All Made-Up did a fantastic job on Melinda’s makeup!

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Thanks Jasmine for an ultra fabulous day!! Thanks for JD for providing me with gluten-free goodies all day!

Engagement Session | Hermitage Ruins | Ancaster, Ontario | Destination Wedding Photographer

Fran — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:57:38 +0000

Polkaroo … that is how Melanie (a registered veterinary technician) thought of Chris. At the time he was the mysterious ‘cute paramedic guy’ that worked at the same Fort Erie Race Track. Every time a mutual friend tried to introduce them, Chris had either just left or wasn’t working that shift, etc. etc. there was always something that prevented them from meeting…Polkaroo…

Until one day…months later…Melanie went to a local pizza place for a birthday party and Chris happened to be there watching the World Juniors Hockey game. They were a match! I couldn’t be happier for them! Chris is now a firefighter for the Niagara Falls Fire Deptartment and Melanie is currently a stay-at-home mom with their beautiful boy Edan!

I was able to photograph their engagement session in Ancaster and spend some quality time with both of them before I flew back to Vancouver. We went to the Hermitage Ruins which some believe to be a ’haunted house’. There are only a few walls left standing that were once part of a mansion from the 1830′s… they have guided ghost walks where you can explore the dark alley’s and remaining buildings where they believe ghosts still visit. If that is too freaky then the hiking and trails on this property are pretty amazing as well. I had a hard time keeping Chris’s attention, he was a true boy at heart and wanted to go out exploring instead of getting his photos taken.

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It is always so amazing seeing you guys! I am bummed that I will be missing your wedding in August!! But at least you will have half of Team Chelico there to witness this beautiful union. xoxo ~ Fran ~ xoxo

Sunny Scooter Day along Lake Ontario | Vancouver Wedding Photographer

Fran — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:11:19 +0000

My mother loves to tell the story how I was missing for over an hour as a small child at my dad’s shop, and that they had to get the whole body shop looking for me. I used to love climbing up into the back cabs of the transport trucks and explore…this particular time I ended up curling up and took a nap…oops. I have fond memories of hanging out at Brockley Truck. Now that my son is a bit older we decided it would be fun to take him to Neutzie’s (grandfather in Italian is Nonno…long story how it became Neutzie)…anyways…Max and my neice Angela had an absolute riot climbing into all the trucks and cars. Here are a few photos of them exploring…

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Then the sun peeked out and turned into a really nice day so we decided to take the kids to the beach to ride their new scooters. It was nice to get out for a walk and some fresh air.

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1...2...3... annnnnnnd they're off!

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Scooting is hard work

Sherkston Shore Fishing Expedition | Vancouver Wedding Photographer

Fran — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:02:02 +0000

It has been a fun filled trip back to Ontario to visit my family and friends. I feel bad and embarassed to admit that I lugged all my gear here and have hardly taken any photos. Bad Fran! Bad!

The weather has been crazy…one day it is sunny and warm…the next it is snowing…the next it is raining with extreme winds. Very hard to get out and do some of the photo shoots I came down here to do. But it has been amazing just chilling and hanging out with the family!

Here are just a few photos of our trip to Ridgeway, Ontario… I promise to do a better job in the last week that I am here … lol! Stay tuned for an exciting contest that I am about to launch in the next few days …

This is our friend’s gorgeous 10 month old baby…Edan. Look at these eyes…my goodness!

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This dog is the only dog my son will play with...he is absolutely amazing! Must be having a firefighter as a Master

My husband Mike and his friend Chris grew up together in Brockville, Ontario. I have been married to Mike for 10 years and have noticed that these two men cannot be together without talking about fishing…going fishing…talking about past fishing experiences…planning fishing trips…eatting fish…etc. :). So, it was not a surprise when they suggested we go fishing at Sherkston Shores…my son was extremely excited!

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Looks like it’s going to be chicken for dinner …. but that’s ok Mommy, it was still fun!

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It was a great day getting caught up with a dear dear friend, and especially lovely to finally meet Melanie who Chris will marry in August. It felt like we have known each other for years! I love it when that happens .

here’s the photo of Edan in black and white too…I couldn’t decide which one I liked better…

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New Blog and New Website | Vancouver Wedding Photographer

Fran — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:59:34 +0000

After many many months of preparation…I am proud to announce my new website has just launched. What a long and stressful process, but definately worth it! Please check out www.franchelico.com and see if you agree! I would love any comments or feedback, if any

I would like to thank the team at ShowIt Sites for all of their help…especially Andrew! You definately saved me from pulling my hair out a few times Andrew and I can’t thank you enough!! You ROCK!!! David Jay is the creator of all the ShowIt products and I find them to be very easy to use and they look great! If anyone is looking for a new site, slideshows, etc. this is the place to go.

I am equally happy with my new blog! The team from ProPhoto Blogs, especially Jared Henderson, were incredibly helpful and quick to respond with any question I had. Jared was on vacation and was still emailing me with answers to my questions. He was just as dedicated to getting my blog up and running as I was…very very impressed! you guys are truly amazing! Thank you for all your hard work.

And you can’t put up a blog post on a photo blog without a photo or two…I took these last summer outside the Sequoia Grill Restaurant in Stanley Park. You can’t get a more beautiful sunset!! {sigh} Dreaming of summer nights, flip flops and warm weather!

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Whistler Roadtrip … landscapes

Fran — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 20:40:43 +0000

My family and I often visit Whistler to hit the slopes and to enjoy some quality time together…no television…no phones…just us and the glorious outdoors. Driving up tends to be a long journey because the view from the Sea to Sky highway is just so incredible, that I often stop to try and capture the beauty of these landscapes {sigh}…they truly are breathtaking.

It was 3 years ago today when we moved from New York City to North Vancouver and it still amazes me that we actually live here! As much as I miss NYC, I wouldn’t trade living here for anything

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