From Daycare to Photography: How La Fab Camp Inspired My Next Adventure

This summer, I had the honour of being the specialist at a kids photography camp. The opportunity seemed to fall into my lap—a serendipitous moment when you feel like the universe has your back.

Lots has been going on with me this past year. For one, I retired from 18 years of running a home daycare. I took a leap of faith made Annie Bananie Photography my full-time income. As you can imagine, it’s been a fun and scary journey. I am enjoying the opporutinites that are coming my way. Like the phone call from Kay Kerman back in June asking if I would be the specialist for La Fab’s two week photography camp. I jumped at the chance! It was the perfect fit—combining my love for children and my love for photography.

I only had three weeks to get ready and I took my job seriously. I threw myself into lesson planning, which made me revisit the basics of photography. I reflected on my own photography journey and created ways to make photography fun and engaging for the kids. Curriculum planning is something I enjoy, so it was fun and easy. In the process, I discovered the world of pinhole photography. Compared to the digital world we live in today, pinhole photography feels like magic. I even dug out some of my old travel pictures and slides from my 1997 adventures and beyond.

During the camp, we explored exposure, lighting, forced perspective, and so much more. We made our own pinhole cameras, created portfolios, and celebrated our achievements with a party. the kids had fun and so did I. Their enthusiasm was contagious—it reignited my own passion for photography, inspiring me to take more photos just for fun, not just for work.

This experience has inspired me to launch a photography club this fall. The club will meet once a month at La Fab Sur Mill on the following dates:

September 22nd, October 20th,

November 17th,

and December 15th from 09:00-12:00.

It will be a safe space for kids aged 9-13 to express themselves, explore the world through a camera lens, and work together creatively. I have some exciting ideas lined up, and I’d love your help in spreading the word to families who might benefit from this opportunity.

Thanks to a generous donation, I even have a few DSLR cameras and lenses for the kids to use and grow their skills. Thank you for your continued support in helping me inspire the next generation of photographers!

The image gallery below are images taken from the young photographers at camp.

Annie Bananie Adventure Day: A Sunflower Maze at Juniper Farms

Last Thursday was my Annie Bananie Adventure day, so I grabbed my camera and hopped into my cute little red Honda, heading straight for Juniper Farms. If you haven’t been, Juniper Farms is a wonderful, family-owned farm close to Wakefield, Quebec. Their fresh organic vegetables and charming farm store have always been a favorite of mine. Everything there tastes so fresh and nutritious.

This year they have done something extra special. For the very first time, they created a maze of sunflowers. Now, who doesn’t love sunflowers, right? They’re bright, cheerful, and just make you feel good. If I remember correctly, they planted around 50,000 seeds in a 2-acre lot. That’s a lot of sunflowers! My secret password to get into the maze was “They are made of 10,000 little flowers.” How cool is that?

I had never been in a sunflower maze before, and it was such a unique and fun experience. Wandering through those tall, golden blooms reminded me of the beauty around us. I loved it and I am already looking forward to next year!

Inspiration Caught Me: A Weekend Adventure

This past week, inspiration caught me. I picked up my camera and documented our weekend road trip. We drove down country roads with the top down, music playing, and the sun shining. We spent one night at a friend’s cottage on the Big Rideau, had lunch at a winery in Westport, and slept two nights on an island in the Gananoque. It was a fun weekend and I feel blessed for the people in my life. 


Thank you for being part of it!


Life is an Adventure...

Thank you for being here. If you don’t know me my name is Annie Boudreau but known to many as Annie Bananie Photography. This photography community began eight years ago when I captured my first newborn session. Since then, I've had the privilege of photographing weddings, events, families, maternity, and newborn sessions. I appreciate all the families who I have had the privilege to photograph.

Life is an adventure! Last fall, I volunteered with Dreams Take Flight and photographed deserving children at Disney World, which was an incredibly rewarding experience. I backpacked through South East Asia, did a 10 day meditation retreat and led a fun, photography camp at La Fab Sur Mill in Chelsea. Not to mention all the families that I have photographed. What can I say? I love my life!

I love family photography. It holds a special place in my heart. I understand the significance of family images. I often find myself looking at pictures of my children, wishing I could reach into the past and give them a hug. Now that they’re all grown, the value of those images has only grown with time. It’s these cherished moments that make family photos so meaningful to me. This is the magic that I give families; I give them an experience and the chance to reach back into the past with nostalgia and love.

Annie Bananie 😉

This image was taken by Zen Perspective Photography a camper from La Fabe Sur Mill Photography summer camp that I led in July. What a great experience to see the children’s passion for photography grow.

Capture Magic at the Wakefield Bridge – Family Photo Sessions on September 14th, 2024

Is there anything better than capturing family memories against a backdrop that’s rich in history and natural beauty? On September 14th, 2024, I’m excited to invite you to a very special family photo session at the iconic Wakefield Bridge and Fairbairn House!

Why this location? The Wakefield Bridge is more than just a picturesque spot—it’s a place where history meets the present, providing stunning lighting and coverage, no matter the weather. Right next door, the Fairbairn House adds a touch of autumn magic with vibrant fall flowers, a charming stream, and the serene beauty of nature. It’s the perfect setting to capture the essence of your family’s connection.

We’ll meet at the Fairbairn House parking lot, take a leisurely walk through the grounds, and along the way, I’ll capture images of your family as you connect, laugh, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Investment: $450, which includes 12 professionally edited images and 12 Christmas cards. It’s a beautiful way to share your family’s joy with extended family and friends during the holiday season.

Available time slots:

  • 08:30 AM

  • 10:00 AM

  • 02:30 PM

  • 03:30 PM

Ready to create something magical? Book your session by emailing me at photo@anniebananie.ca or give me a call at 613-240-1845. Let’s make some memories together!