Ottawa Wakefield Photographer's travels

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Antigua

Antigua, Guatemala is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its cobblestone streets showed us charming views of the colourful city and a touch of Spanish colonial architecture. The bright blues, yellows, oranges, and terra-cotta buildings made me smile. If you know me, you know that I love decorating my home in colour. Colours to me say “Let’s celebrate!”

I called it the City of Hidden Doors because so much life and beauty lay behind them. Doors of all kinds! Small, medium, large, and extra-large doors—brown, blue, and giant-sized. These doors opened into cute cafés, garden restaurants, courtyards with fountains, shops, and accommodations. I felt like Dorothy on the yellow brick road, but with her best friend Jay.

We rented a tiny house in Santa Ana, a suburb of Antigua. It’s a 20-minute walk to downtown, which was perfect. We like finding charming spots outside the main hub. We made few plans. We’d step out of our tiny home, look at each other, and say, “Let’s see what today brings!” That’s how we met people from around the world and loved hearing their travel and life stories. Traveling reminds me that we’re all humans sharing one Earth.

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Lac Atitlan

Our bus to Lake Atitlán was cramped. Jay rode up front; I sat in the back with Luis and Paul. Luis, from Mexico City, was a music conductor. Paul, from Wales, was a videographer. Conversation and laughter flowed easily. It was like being with old friends. It reminded me that travel is about the journey, not the destination. It sounds cliché, but it's true.

Lac Atitlán formed 84,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption and is the deepest lake in Central America. When I arrived, I gasped at its shimmering blue beauty and felt a sudden thrill; the surprise of finding something unexpected.

Communities around the lake are reachable by boat taxi. We had fun hopping between towns and enjoying their different charms. Our first night’s stay was in Santa Cruz at the Iguana Perdido hostel. At the family dinner we met a fascinating young woman. She told stories of hitchhiking down from Alaska and nearly dying in a solo back country hiking trip. It's fascinating to hear people's stories. Stories have a powerful way of connecting people.

In Santiago, the lake’s oldest town, we rented a geodesic dome. Perched on a slope above a vegetable garden, it was true glamping. The full moon cast a soft grey light on the volcano and the town across the bay. We enjoyed the grackles’ calls and watched fishermen bring in their catch.

We had a “see what the day brings” kind of day and found the Yoga Mystical Farm, a unique spot with art, cozy yoga rooms, a sauna, and welcoming people. It felt like arriving home.

We circled back to Santa Cruz for our last 4 nights where we had to channel our inner mountain goat. Our room at the Ilse Verde hotel was a long, steep hike up a dormant volcano. With hearts pounding, aching legs, and sweat dripping, we'd look at each other and say, "While we can", meaning we must do this now, because we aren't getting younger. The effort was worth it, as the view from our room was magnificent. Nature has a way to remind me that I am part of a beautiful planet and universe. This is what travelling does for me. It helps me put things into perspective.

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The El Mirador

I left Jay at the Yoga Mystical garden to hike The El Mirador with my bestie Ann. El Mirador lies deep in Guatemala’s Petén jungle. We hiked 100 km in 5 days (round trip). It was hard, at times I felt like my feet wouldn’t bring me any further. Other times, I was delirious with walking and my body went on autopilot. The jungle teemed with birds, insects, and loud howler monkeys; they sound like monsters. Puma tracks showed we weren’t alone. The plants were huge and beautiful; some leaves were bigger than me. Most impressive were the massive Mayan ruins, which taught us a lot and reminded us that history repeats itself.

For me, our day at the El Mirador was a spiritual experience. We woke up at dawn to experience sunrise on the El Tigre pyramid. The 360 degrees swept across jungle that spread further than the eye could see. I was proud to think that we had hiked through all that jungle. I thought it amazing that 2,500 years earlier a city of 100,000 had cleared the jungle, and now it was wild again.

For sunset we hiked 13 kms to El Danta which is the largest pyramid by volume and is 72 meters high! Our group sat quietly to experience an awe inspiring sunset. I have experienced many sunsets but this one was, wow! As the sunset colours were replaced by twinkling stars a feeling came over me. A feeling of being connected to something bigger than myself.

This experience ranks as a top 10 experience of my lifetime. The number one experience? Giving birth to my children.

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Mazunte, Mexico

Mazunte is a place that we have been coming back to since 2018. We stay at an off grid hut at the end of Mermijita beach. The surf here is strong and I love the sound and its beauty. Our daily rhythm revolved around yoga classes, long walks, nightly sunsets, reading in hammocks and hanging out with friends.

I am happy to be back!!!! I love travelling and just as much I love my community here in Canada. Travelling has a way of making me grateful and see all the beauty around me.

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You can call me or test at =613-240-1845

I hope to hear from you!

Annie B

Under Siege!

Antigua

Our second morning in Santa Ana, Guatemala, I woke up to a few texts from home.  The one from Rebecca read “I hope you’re keeping safe in Guatemala! I just saw an update to the Canadian travel advisory’ my mind struck in alarm, this can’t be good. I read the provided link: “Guatemala is under siege. Seven guards were killed. There has been a high level of gang activity. For this reason, Guatemala government can search anyone without a warrant.” Next  link I Read Canada’s Trip Advisory  to Guatemala. Its warnings were many. “While traveling in Guatemala be careful of kidnappings, kidnappers bring you to an ATM daily for maximum withdrawals.  Beware of muggings, theft (my headphones had been stolen within an hour of arriving in Guatemala), only take marked taxis. Some Guatemalans disguise themselves as police officers. Putting my phone down, I laid in bed, paralyzed. I could hear ‘pow, pow’ sounds off in the distance. What was that?  It sounded like fire crackers but was it gun shots? My anxiety did what anxiety does it created fear, worry and stories.

I cuddled into sleeping jay and woke him up. We laid in bed talking it out. We wondered, if that’s why there was such a heavy police presence in the centre square the day before.  My thoughts went to my mother. I hoped that, this news hadn’t gotten to her, as she would worry, as mothers do.

We rolled out of bed feeling unsure but decided to live our day as we normally would and go from there. So we did yoga in our cute little meditation room, ate breakfast and said our gratitudes for the cute little tiny home we’d rented from AirBandB. It had a beautiful garden, was enclosed in a fence with barb wire and cameras. The big windows overlooked El Fuego the active mountain off in the distance. Once about every 15 minutes it burped a puff of black smoke. Many travellers come to Antigua to hike the mountain and observe the lava burps during sunrise.

Ready to face the world, we locked our tiny home and walked through Santa Anna towards Antigua.

We were aware of our surrounding, looking for stress on people’s faces. We were greeted with a “buenes dias” with every passing local. The sun was warming up the day and a blue sky shone above. Through an open door, we glimpsed Guatemalan women making hand made mais tortillas, another door  opens to a man sitting at a sewing machine mending clothes. Tiendas on every corner selling the same thing; water, chips, coke and sugary drinks.  Families of 3/4 drove by on motorcycles, no helmets. Some of them smiling our way in curiosity.  Looks like business was open as usually.  This didn’t look like a country worried about being under siege. All the scenarios I had played in my head only lived in my imagination.

We walked the cobble stone streets, and marvelled at the colourfully painted buildings, Yellow, blue, reds oranges all the colours of the rainbow. Big doors, small doors opened to beautiful courtyards of flowers, fountains, restaurants, hotels and homes. I coined it (probably not the first) the city of secret doors. Soon my anxiety ebbed and my frown softened. Antigua felt safe. I breathed easier and decided to yes have my wits about me, but enjoy the beautiful landscape.

It’s that lesson that comes up into my life once in a while.  What I see on the news is only a fraction of what is going on. Yes, Guatemala is under siege, but within that there is still lots of good.

My vision was to end this entry with a photo dump of the streets and doors but my wifi is so slow that I cannot! One more thing that traveling brings gratitude for faster wifi :)

Expand Beyond Recovery at La Anita Farm in Costa Rica

I am writing from a flight heading home from photographing The Expand Beyond Recovery Retreat in Costa Rica. I recognize that I return a little different. Payton Kennedy and Rebecca Sawyer crafted a week with intention and the experience changed me.  I was honoured to be the retreat photographer as well as a participant.

We were nestled in the rainforest at La Anita Ranch in Upala; a small village in the mountains.  Mother Nature was present in at every turn; the birds singing in the early morning light, the lush trees,  the flowers and butterflies, the mist in the mountains, the sun peeking through clouds, the pounding of the rain and the smell of fresh air. One of the highlights for me and there were lots, was swimming in hot springs after massaging lava mud onto my skin. The finding of my wild woman as I climbed from rock to rock in a warm stream. It’s those moments in nature that I find my wild woman speaking.

There was hiking to keep us active, nourishing food, yoga, meditation, and sharing circles. All the things that support self-care.

BUT it was the women that spoke to me, that opened my heart. It was the sharing in private conversations, the honesty, that allowed me to go a little deeper into my vulnerability. The first night I shared that I am a master of keeping those tender feelings locked away.  BUT with the nightly sharing  circles, witnessing other women’s tears, the hugs, the support, the acceptance and the non-judgment. I felt myself crack open. I found myself feeling those wells of emotions and gave myself permission to feel. These women helped me realize that I am not alone, that although our life experiences can be vastly different, we are all the same. We all hold pain, loss, victories and seek happiness and love.

La Anita cocoa farm in Upala feels like an oasis tucked away from the rush of everyday life. The beauty of the land and the calm atmosphere invite you to slow everything down, breathe a little deeper, and savour the small moments that often go unnoticed. It is the kind of place that holds you in softness and reminds you how good it feels to simply be.

The week had a life of its own. A magic wove itself around the thirteen of us where awkwardness and uncertainty was replaced with  confidence, strength and a sisterhood.  It occurred to me that maybe this is how we create world peace. By bringing together circles of women, where we share, uplift one another in a way that empowers us to step  back into the world a little stronger, a little braver, ready to listen to the wise woman that lives inside of us. What if men also gathered to share of themselves in honesty, in support, allowing each other to be fully who they are, to realize that we are interconnected with the Earth and the humans that walk upon her.

Just a short walk down a rainforest path, tucked between layers of green, was this beautiful stream. It became the special spot for each woman’s personal photo session, a quiet place where the sound of flowing water held us gently. Surrounded by the softness of the jungle, the women could slow down, breathe deeply, and see themselves with new eyes.

I leave you as the plane lands in Ottawa, back to my hustle and bustle. I arrive with a smile on my face and strength in my being.

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Are you interested in joining a Retreat with Expand Beyond Recovery? Simply check out the link below.

A Century of Love: Photographing Rae's 100th Birthday Celebration →

Rae was born on July 4th, 1924—one hundred years ago. This past week, I had the honour of photographing her 100th birthday celebration surrounded by her family at the beautiful Les Fougères in Chelsea, Quebec.

The setting was stunning, with gardens in bloom and a warm summer sun shining down on a momentous occasion. Her four children, who live across the globe, gathered together with their families to celebrate Rae and her life—a milestone very few reach, and even fewer get to celebrate with all of their loved ones by their side.

As an event photographer in Wakefield and the Ottawa area, moments like this are so much more than just sessions. They’re reminders of what truly matters: connection, memory, and love.

We began with a quiet walk around the garden, looking for the perfect spot for portraits. Full sun can be tricky—it casts shadows on faces—so I always look for open shade or place my subjects with their backs to the sun. That soft, even light is so flattering and helps keep the focus on what’s important: the people.

I brought along a vintage wicker chair for Rae to sit in, and we took group portraits with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren surrounding her. It was simple, heartfelt, and full of love. At one point, I asked Rae, “In your 100 years, what memory stands out the most?” Without hesitation, she replied, “The birth of my children.” I agreed with her. Birthing my children rank at the top of my list too.

Due to the family’s request, I won't be sharing images that show faces, but this single image says so much. It captures a gesture of care and quiet tenderness—a glimpse into the deep love Rae’s family has for her. It’s a photo that speaks volumes without needing words.

Photographing events

like this gives me perspective. In a world that often feels heavy, these moments shine like beacons. They remind me that celebrating life with family and friends—whether it’s a 100th birthday or a simple gathering—is what it’s all about.

If you're planning a milestone event and want it documented with warmth and intention, I’d be honoured to be your photographer.

🌻 Sunflower Minis: A Summer Adventure in Bloom

There’s something magical about a sunflower maze in full bloom. The golden petals, the sunshine, the laughter of kids winding through the paths—it’s summer at its best. And this August, I’m bringing the magic to life with Pop-Up Mini Sessions at Juniper Farm.

Last summer, I photographed the sunflower maze at Juniper Farm in Wakefield and I was enamoured. As I wandered through those golden paths with my camera, I couldn’t stop thinking: this would be the dreamiest place to photograph families. Fast forward a year—here we are, and bookings are open! I can’t wait to bring families into this beautiful space and document all the joyful, playful moments.

The team at Juniper Farm has planted 100,000 seeds, yes there will be 100,00 sunflowers!

What’s a Pop-Up Mini, anyway?

It’s a bite-sized version of my full Simply Together session. Same heartfelt approach, same beautiful quality—just shorter and perfect for busy families who want to update their family photos without the big production. It’s relaxed, real, and all about capturing the love you share.

✨ Why Sunflower Minis Are Extra Special:

📍 Location, location, location
We’ll be surrounded by sunflowers at Juniper Farm, just outside Wakefield. It’s one of my favourite spots—rustic, vibrant, and full of character.

⏰ Short & Sweet
The sessions are just 20 minutes, which is plenty of time for me to work my magic (and for your kids to stay happy and engaged).

🎒 A Little Adventure
We’ll have a sunflower-themed treasure hunt and a few delightful surprises to keep things fun. No stiff poses—just play, explore, and be yourselves.

📸 The Real Deal
You’ll walk away with authentic, joy-filled images that reflect your family as you are right now. These moments matter—and they pass quickly.

When & How to Book

🌻 Dates: August 23–24, 2025
🌻 Where: Juniper Farm, near Wakefield
🌻 Cost: $275
🌻 Booking is now open — spots are limited, and they fill fast!

Come explore the maze, soak in the sunshine, and let’s capture the joy.

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With sunshine and smiles,
Annie 🌻
Annie Bananie Photography

When Life Gives You Sunflowers 🌻✨

I love when life’s little coincidences show up and sprinkle their magic.

This afternoon, on the Summer Solstice no less, I had the joy of photographing a beautiful birthday party at La Fab Gallery in Chelsea. And guess what the party theme was?

Sunflowers!!!

If you’ve been following along on social, you’ll know I recently launched a new offering—Family Mini Photography Sessions in the Sunflower Maze at Juniper Farm—so to walk into this bright, joyful celebration and see sunflowers everywhere… it felt like the universe giving me a golden high-five.

The vibe at the party was relaxed and joyful. Families with little ones under five gathered to celebrate not just a first birthday, but the gift of community. And for those who may not know—I ran a home daycare for over 18 years, so being surrounded by young children and their grown-ups felt deeply familiar and so special.

So today, I’m sharing a few of the sunflower-filled moments I captured at this lovely celebration. 🌻

There’s something so meaningful about these kinds of gatherings. They’re simple, heart-led, and full of magic. Just like sunflowers—they follow the light, and they help us do the same.

Here’s to sunshine, connection, and those little signs that we’re exactly where we’re meant to be.

With warmth and golden light,
Annie

🌼 Frequently Asked Questions: Working with Annie Bananie

What’s your photography style?
Natural, relaxed, and connection-focused. I blend documentary moments with gentle direction to capture the real you—warm, playful, and perfectly imperfect.

Where do sessions take place?
I love shooting in the beautiful outdoors of Wakefield and Ottawa! Some of my favorite spots include forests, fields, and lakeside gems. I’ll help you choose a location that suits your vibe.

What should we wear?
Keep it simple and comfortable with coordinating (not matching!) tones. I’ll send along a full style guide to help you out—think cozy knits, soft colors, and layers that move. And no worries, I’m here to help you feel confident in what you wear.

What if my kids don’t cooperate?
That’s totally okay! I’ve worked with kids for years (I’m a retired daycare provider!), and I truly believe in letting kids be kids. We’ll follow their lead, have fun, and capture the magic in the mayhem.

Do you pose us?
Lightly! I give gentle direction to get you started, then let real moments unfold. I might ask you to snuggle, walk, or play together—nothing stiff or awkward.

How long is the session?
My full Simply Together sessions usually last about 1 to 1.5 hours. We take our time and move at a pace that feels good for everyone.

What happens after the session?
You’ll receive a beautiful online gallery where you can view and purchase your images. I offer framed prints, albums, digital files, and more—because your memories deserve to be seen, not stuck in a folder.

Do you offer mini sessions too?
Yes! Keep an eye out for Pop-Up Mini Sessions throughout the year—they’re short, sweet, and perfect for quick seasonal updates.

Can I bring grandparents or extended family?
Absolutely. If it’s meaningful to your family, it’s meaningful to me. Just let me know ahead of time so I can prepare accordingly.

How do I book?
Easy peasy! press the link below to contact me via email.