I’d like to introduce my preferred photographer for beautiful pictures - Sharon Navarro. Listen up GTA residents: this one’s for you.

Sharon is a new mom, an avid runner, and a friend. Months ago, after stalking several gorgeous pictures of her little guy on Facebook, I asked if she’d ever consider giving up her day job to take pretty pictures. As it happens, she was already one step ahead of me – she had set up a part-time business (aptly named Sharon Navarro Photography) and was ready to rock and roll.

Now she just happens to have an eye for capturing little ones at their best. From her website -

I specialize in contemporary children’s photography. To me, each photograph tells a story and evokes emotion. I would be honoured to capture some of the miraculous moments of your child’s life and tell a story. Their story – one that will be cherished for years to come.

A photography session with Sharon is like nothing you’ve experienced before. Instead of the stiff, predictable poses you’d expect from a studio photographer, she has an uncanny way of relating to you and your children (whether they be 2 months or 2 years old) and bringing out their best. Our first photoshoot together – featuring a semi-crazy Ryder – yielded pictures that captured a mischievous sparkle never before communicated in photographs. It was as if the spirit of Ryder had been simultaneously magnified and condensed to 4×6″.

So it’s no surprise that she was the first person I called when little Reid was ready for his debut. Working with a delicate touch and happy to wait for the baby (fed? check. sleepy? check. content? oh yeah, check) Sharon created magical memories that I know we will cherish forever.

If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, Sharon will meet you on-location where you are most comfortable. Her pricing is incredibly reasonable (Lena Approved!) and I promise you will be blown away by her creativity and talent. Visit her website today!

WIN IT!

Sharon has generously offered one Listen to Lena! reader the chance to win a family photoshoot at a location of your choice (within the Greater Toronto Area), plus 5 hi-resolution images (value $200)!

To enter, simply check out her gallery and leave a comment here telling us why you’d be excited to win a family photoshoot. 

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) Tweet about the It’s One of A Kind! giveaways (tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/369glqk)
(3) You may Tweet daily.

I’ll draw for a winner on December 4th. Good luck everybody!

It is a picture of Ryder, but it’s also a story.

1972, Miami Beach. The weather is unbearably hot, but the waves are breaking high and heavy. The air, thick with humidity, does not bother me. I am here to play.

As I look to the shore, I catch a glimpse of the wave rider. He is waiting for me to recognize him, but I do not. Who is this old soul masquerading as a young boy? There is joyful mischief in his eyes, his posture erect with confidence. The familiarity confuses me.

“Hi there,” I call. He hears but does not move, smiling ever so slightly in response.

“Have we met?” I ask tentatively. Silence.

Sharon gave this picture a 70′s vibe through her custom photo finishing. I love it.

I’ve been waiting for this dealio!

Until tomorrow, August 5th, take 50% off all collages at Photolab.ca (sizes 11×14 to 20×30). For example, an 11×14 collage is now just $5.00, and a 20×30 will run you only $11.00.

This makes a wonderful gift, is handy for your engagement or wedding photos, or just because! If you’ve taken some recent pictures of your little one or would like to commemorate an occasion, I think a collage is a lovely idea. I just ordered two 20×30 collages to show off Ryder and Reid’s recent photo shoots with Sharon Navarro. Can’t wait to hang them up!

Photolab orders are available for pick up at your local Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore or Zehrs. The quality is fabulous and they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Bonus: 4×6″ prints are also only $0.15 until tomorrow!

Click here to place an order with Photolab.ca.

I should really preface this post “Lena Loves…” because I am definitely loving the pictures I’ve got in front of me.

There’s nothing I enjoy more than sharing wonderful finds with my readers – whether they be hot deals, fabulous new products or yummy, tried and true recipes. So today I’d like to introduce my preferred photographer for beautiful pictures – Sharon Navarro. Listen up GTA residents: this one’s for you.

Sharon is a new mom, an avid runner, and a friend. Months ago, after stalking several gorgeous pictures of her little guy on Facebook, I asked if she’d ever consider giving up her day job to take pretty pictures. As it happens, she was already one step ahead of me – she had set up a part-time business (aptly named Sharon Navarro Photography) and was ready to rock and roll.

Now she just happens to have an eye for capturing little ones at their best. From her website -

I specialize in contemporary children’s photography. To me, each photograph tells a story and evokes emotion. I would be honoured to capture some of the miraculous moments of your child’s life and tell a story. Their story – one that will be cherished for years to come.

A photography session with Sharon is like nothing you’ve experienced before. Instead of the stiff, predictable poses you’d expect from a studio photographer, she has an uncanny way of relating to you and your children (whether they be 2 months or 2 years old) and bringing out their best. Our first photoshoot together – featuring a semi-crazy Ryder – yielded pictures that captured a mischievous sparkle never before communicated in photographs. It was as if the spirit of Ryder had been simultaneously magnified and condensed to 4×6″.

So it’s no surprise that she was the first person I called when little Reid was ready for his debut. Working with a delicate touch and happy to wait for the baby (fed? check. sleepy? check. content? oh yeah, check) Sharon created magical memories that I know we will cherish forever.

If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, Sharon will meet you on-location where you are most comfortable. Her pricing is incredibly reasonable (Lena Approved!) and I promise you will be blown away by her creativity and talent. Check out her website today!

Here are some of my fave shots…introducing Baby Reid!