Erin Wallis Photography Blog

From the moment I spoke to Raya on the phone, I was hooked. Absolutely.

I knew their wedding would be different, spirited, beautiful. I knew that by the sound of her voice.
When I met her on Sunday, in Powell River, BC. I knew, without a doubt in my mind, that her images would be among my favorites. She didn’t want to sit still. In fact, she couldn’t really. Raya didn’t want what everyone else wanted. She didn’t want to focus on ‘photos’ or doing things the way you think they should be done. Not only did she challenge those around her to do things the Raya way, but she challenged me to melt into her day, to not do what I usually do at a wedding. (ie: have some control over when the photos are happening) but rather rely solely on my photojournalistic roots and absolutely go with the flow. Move with the crowds, blend in, the entire time. Even during ‘photo time’ it wasn’t in my hands.

To be honest, it was absolute magic really.

I kept thinking, “oh, I hope this is what she wants” and I really hoped she wouldn’t be disappointed with my images. Her email to me just now, confirmed that we were all on the right track. Her email in fact, may be the most candid and touching I’ve ever received from a beautiful bride. So much so, that I actually burst into big beautiful tears while reading it, a few times.

My word for Greg would be solid, and for Raya… fleeting. Catch her if you can.

Meet Greg, Raya, their family and friends. Enjoy their wedding images, I certainly do.

We photographed the first look between Raya and Greg before the ceremony, here Raya is making her way towards Greg. Which I loved, as after the ceremony it was all about celebrating, connecting and enjoying the day. p.s…She doesn’t wear shoes while in Powell River.



Yes, this place is real.

So stressful.

With Neil Young on the Ipod, the shoes are bound to come off.

Greg’s dad warmly and emotionally welcoming Raya into the family.

Raya and her nephew

and, niece..

Swimming? in the ocean? at a wedding!? AWESOME.

Some of the best speeches I’ve ever heard, came from this wedding. Soulful, sweet, and not to mention absolutely hysterically funny. This was during Raya’s friend Erin’s speech… “again, I was in awe of my friend Raya.”

Congratulations to you both.

We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies. ~Shirley Abbott

When I dove head first into photography more than ten years ago. I had no idea that it may not have even been my idea. But an idea that was handed through a long line of photographic blood running through my veins.

Perched on a stool in the basement of my photography school, eyes wide with excitement. The darkroom became my sacred place. The room seeping with mystery, darkness, tools, light, negatives, I was in awe of the images forming in front of me. The smell of chemicals, the wet paper, the tongs, the thrill of it all.

The first time an image took form on photographic paper before me, I cried. Overwhelmed by the beauty in creating images. I was drawn down into the darkroom for hours on end, time after time, I was there when it opened and begged for just one more minute, as they would be trying to close the doors at night.

The darkroom became a sacred place. A place where I found my peace through images, art and creating.

A few years ago my Uncle Jim had been doing some research into our ancestry. Where the Wallis’ came from, how we got here, who we were and if it may evolve into clues as to who we’ve become. He mentioned something about a great relation being a photographer. ‘Oh cool’ I thought, and carried on my way. Never realizing how incredibly inspiring it was. I was preoccupied.

The ERIN WALLIS PHOTOGRAPHY studio is now built and I started to think about what Uncle Jim had said those years ago. Who? Who was a photographer? Are there more photos? Could I see them? Could I have a copy and put it in the studio?

So I asked.
The response, gives me goosebumps and chills and makes me smile all over.

My great great great Grandfather was William Gillard, an Artist Photographer from Gloucester, UK. He owned and operated his own photographic studio for a number of years. His daughter Enid De Samarez Gillard also a photographer married Henry James Cribb Wallis who later became a photographer as well (my great great grandparents). Enids brother was also a photographer. This is so incredibly inspiring as I’ve been able to see images created by them. It makes my heart dance in thinking that behind the lens of a camera over a hundred years ago, my ancestors may have also felt the same peace, or thrill.

(Henry James Cribb Wallis and Enid De Samarez Gillard both Photographers, my Great Great grandparents)

I have always been fascinated by photographs. Nearly every time I’ve ever been to my grandparents home, I would inevitably wind up digging through old photographs and asking questions, and listening to stories of the images. Some photographs had amazing stories, for some, the people in them, remain nameless their story lost with time. I could look at them for days, and repeatedly, and have done so for the past 30 years. I will do it forever.

I find something so magical about seeing faces of our past. Of my past. They may not be famous, or be interesting to anyone else. But to me, I care. I want to know their stories. I want them to live on. I want to be able to say to future generations, this is your great great grandfather, he loved to golf. He ate tomatoes right out of the garden like they were apples and made his own wine from grapes grown off his own vines. I can look at those images a thousand times. I will do it forever.

This all brings me around to the importance of photographs to me now. Documenting life, moments, people, history, and doing so artfully, honestly and with passion. Won’t we all be memories one day? Who knows, maybe no one will be searching through my old photos looking for clues about who I was, or what fueled me through my life.

But, maybe someone will.

My Great Great Great Grandfather William Gillards Medals and Accolades for Photography 1879.

On my moms side, my Grandmas mom, Great Grandma Maisie born in Ireland personality as big as the world.

Maisies Daughter my Grannie Goodheart living in Victoria, BC.

Second from left, my Grandpa. Don, who grew every kind of vegetable and created his own breed of apples.

My dads grandparents.

My grandma with great Gran and right image is my dads mom and dad (one of my all time favorite images)

This is my papa, I love this photo more than I can express. Here’s to you all!

As the Lakota Sioux say so eloquently to honor all relations and those who’ve walked before us, simply “All my Relations!” or Mitakuye Oyasin.

I have so much to share. I have no idea how to get it all on here!
A really awesome post containing images and story (history really) of a long line of photographers in my family. Of which I was unaware!!
Then we have a gorgeous family, a wonderful couple, a recent grad, and a new baby…. 2 weddings…
So… lets start with Saturday’s wedding.

Katie and Kyle.

The girls getting ready consisted of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. The guys getting ready? KFC and Lucky. Hilarious and very entertaining!

Katie looked at me, and said when I arrived “You can fix this right” (the pouring rain) My response, “Absolutely I love it. It doesn’t even phase me”.
In fact, these days rain + wedding= inspiration overload. If you can deal with a bit of dirt on the dress, a bit of water… well, I’m in. I’m your gal.

It was sprinkling with rain, then it was pouring, then it was really pouring. Then it was silver light and dramatic clouds and a bit of blue sky. None of it could have been more perfect. In my mind, if I can feel the rain, it means I am alive. If I am alive, I have the opportunity to create. If I can create, anything is possible.

And besides, if there is no rain, there is no dramatic clouds or light. If there is no dramatic clouds or light… life is no fun. Here are a few of my favorite images from Saturday.

Katie has a radiant smile. Truly.

Kyle

and Katie.

Sonora Resort is nothing short of spectacular. Joanne and Dan are wonderful. The weather was stunning. I had a really great time. In fact, so much so… that flying away in the float plane overlooking our amazing scenery, I thought… that didn’t feel a thing like work.

The forecast the day before was calling for 90% chance of rain. 90%, thats a pretty good chance it will rain. I could have been stressed out, like I would have gotten a few years ago. Could have obsessively checked the weather channel, could have. But didn’t. As I started to reflect on why I was so incredibly calm about the weather I realized that most of my favorite wedding images, have had a little bit of rain in them. (some a lot of rain)

In any case, rain? There was none on Saturday. (Today, however there is rain and wind and wild weather) Favorite images from Sonora… there are a lot!
Have a look at Dan and Joannes amazing wedding I had the pleasure of photographing on Sonora Island.

They got ready together, non traditionally. Which i loved.


On the short trip to the ceremony, to say their vows.

We’ve made it.
We started in March. We are nearly finished.
Last night. We were ready to shoot.
Who should be the first? I asked.
“Us” Bryce said.
Of course.

It was almost flawless, until Franko knocked over the light stand breaking a soft box (code word for big giant light toy). Small details. In any case.
Here we are.

I just have to upload this image, before I whirl around arms open wide shouting ‘yahooo’.

Joanne and Dan’s wedding was amazing. Sonora Resort, is out of control beautiful. My weekend was perfect. (aside from the fact that dear sweet Franko dug a hole in my parents back yard.) The studio is almost ready and looks incredible. I am nearly beside myself with excitement.

In any case. That image, is all you get today. I have so much to share! Stay tuned!

There are so many things I could say.

I could say that I’ve known Danielle since her nickname began as Peanut, and mine was Bubbles (don’t ask). I could say that her parents always had the best food in the cupboards while we were growing up, and such a cool house that I loved going to. I could say that we graduated together, that she lent me clothes before venturing out to sea on cruise ships. I could say that she sent me the best care package ever while I was sailing the world.

Or I could just say, that I am so happy that she has found her happiness in the world.

Dustin and Danielle together have created the most beautiful baby belly. I absolutely loved photographing them in Parksville, while they were staying at Tigh-na-mara over the weekend. We toured around a few of my favorite beach areas, and wound up with these images.

Note to those of you with Allergies: there is a field in Craig Bay estates in Parksville, that will knock you senseless. Just ask Dustin, who suffered for 2 days after our session ended on Sunday. All in the name of art Dustin! You win the father to be of the year award!

Amazing Light

Look at her eyes in this photo! Beautiful.

This one, to me… embodies everything I believe a woman carrying and nurturing human life should look like. You go girl. Carry that baby boy, and do it with pride, not to mention staggering beauty.

Such a pretty face!

This one is all about beginnings. These two on the beginning of an amazing journey together. Congratulations Dustin and Danielle. Looking forward to meeting the little one!

Amber contacted me a while back to capture some images of her amazing little one Svea, and her niece and nephew as well. Look at these beautiful children!

What could possibly be a more incredible life for me? I have no idea. This is bordering pretty good on perfection to me. Creating images of amazing people, adorable children, and fabulous personalities.

Today with this all of this in mind, I have few words, and these images.

Life with passion is a something to be documented and celebrated.

I absolutely love this photo.

I can’t remember what started the awesome personality show from little Svea here.. but take a look at the amazing performance I got from her! (Her mom informs me this is not uncommon)

I’d like to introduce you to Madison and Laine. Two of my favorites for sure.
How many times have I photographed them? Well, lets just say… a lot.
Do they have personality and attitude??? Oh yah! Do I love it!?! Absolutely.
Do we bribe them every time with candy… yup. Do we feel bad about it? Nope.
I think this series may be my favorite ever with them.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Pretty fancy nailpolish Laine, “yes, I see it, yes… Very pretty! Oh of course, I love it.”

We’ve established that puppies are cute.
I now know that I’m a big fan of puppies. Real big. So much in fact, that when Erin and Oliver contacted me to take photos of their brand new addition to their family… I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Not to mention that their brand new pup Barley, is a Vizsla just like our little wild Franko (or Franklin or Frankie depending on your mood or HIS).

Yesterday Erin and and Oliver drove down from Victoria with their little ADORABLE pup. They confessed that while they were waiting for Barley to be delivered to them, they displayed a photo of my little Franko from my blog, as their screen saver… awwww. Everyone loves Frank! (well, maybe not the 8 year old boy in the trail last night that he wouldn’t stop barking at… FRANK!!!) Erin and Oliver have only had him for 6 days! Barley is just 10 weeks old. I can NOT handle the cuteness.. oh and of course, I had to let Frank meet little Barley as that was him not very long ago!

There is something amazing about these images to me, as I not only see their happiness with their little guy, but also a reflection of the love that I feel for Franko, and that Bryce and I share with him as well.

Enjoy these images folks, and I am not responsible if these photos make you rush out and get yourself a puppy….

Vizslas have the BEST and softest ears

Frank still chews his feet, looks like Barley does too

Absolutely loved it when Barley played himself to sleep

Ok one last one of Frank and Barley meeting over a tire…

Seriously? Seriously?
What a beautiful family, a stunning night, and some of my absolute favorites yet.
Thank you guys for inviting me into your world, and allowing me to create these memories with you.
Truly blessed.

Monday morning wouldn’t be complete without a new post.

Brace yourselves for Tina and James amazing wedding. Located at the Haig Brown House in Campbell River. The sun was shining, the breeze was light, the flower girls adorable, the day.. wonderful.

Also you may want to brace yourselves and wiggle in anticipation of a new website update and brand new blog, coming soon… very soon!!! I’ll keep you posted and just so thrilled to be working once again with the amazing Jeremy Latham, who is now is living in Campbell River!!! What does this mean? Besides that I will have instant harassing access, to him and his lovely fiance! (background info HERE) It means that any of you Campbell River businesses that are looking at having your website or blog more incredible, professional and all together better, the BEST has just moved here! Give him a call. You will not be disappointed.

Now, back to Tina and James, and their wedding.

And a few favorite reception moments.

This little guy tried forever to blow out the candle through the glass, so sweet.

Everyone LOVES when grandma can out dance everyone on the floor!

And a few of my non traditional trademark favorites.

On a night like last night, in Campbell River two lovers pulled into a parking lot full of rich orange light, a still calm sky, and a silky smooth sea.

They were sweet, kind and immediately easy to love. Together with their awesome truck, they reminded me of so many movie scenes, and Melissa looked to me like she just stepped out of an amazing Renaissance painting.

They have an effortless, quiet and sweet love. Not to mention their amazing ability to ooze romance just by being close to each other. Which makes my job, absolutely exciting.

Have a peek at Melissa, Dave and the magic of living in a place as beautiful as Campbell River.
(p.s… I can barely wait for their wedding.. and to see the next sweet ride that they are unveiling at the wedding, stay tuned)

When adorable babies go roaming about the beach in nothing but a sandy bottom… summer has arrived. This is quite a shock to me, as this means, that all of a sudden I’m wildly busy! But… I could have worse problems! Here is Patrick, Lindsay and Colbie. How I loved this sunny family session.
Campbell River, beautiful? I think so.

And there may have been a few tears at the end… however… beautiful ones.

Warning: This post is not for the ‘I hate love’ or ‘love sucks’ among us. Kindly close the tab now, as I may gross you out with love talk here….

Maybe it was the spectacular conversation with an amazing friend that I haven’t spoken with in forever. Maybe its that I haven’t seen my fella in over a week (when we’ve never gone more than a day apart in almost 2 years). Maybe its that my soul is watery and weepy and more porous than a sponge. Possibly the country music on repeat, or maybe something about Rebecca and Steve’s love for each other rubbed off on me yesterday.

Whatever it is, wherever it came from… these images make me wanna throw my arms around my gorgeous man and squeeze him forever. Yes, I’m throwing my self right out to the wolves today. Rarely do I bare this much of my heart, especially online. But today, for lack of proper self control, here you have it.

What does your love look like? How do you love? If I were to turn my camera on you, how would I see you? From the moment Rebecca and Steve were in front of me… they were just more complete together. Laughed more when they were closer. Loved freely. At times, I felt like I was truly intruding on their intimate moments. What is so beautiful about love, is how thick, how visible it can really be. It would appear, through my lens… that love actually changes the molecules in the air. Changes the vibrations in the atmosphere, in the room. When you are at a wedding, watching someone say those vows, do you not just want to hug your sweetie, and love them more.

How lucky it is to have someone who you feel so completely loved with. How incredible it is to share this journey with someone. Regardless of what that journey may be, or how many times along the way you want to stomp your feet, throw in the towel and storm off. It sure feels nice, in the middle of the tantrum to turn around and see that someone is still, despite all of your weaknesses, still standing there not giving up on you.

If the bitter among you, are scrunching your noses and gagging… I was you not very long ago, and very well may be you again one day. But that doesn’t mean that I’m not going to strip all my baggage away off of my heart and try to love completely today. I’d rather live fully. Love more. Which will always give you more to loose, but I really do believe, it’s worth it.

Meet Rebecca, Steve and their love.

This absolutely makes me want to hold onto my own fella

From the moment we met… there was magic.
I first met Lori and her amazing crew at a wedding I was photographing some years ago. Her little one Mikaela and I hit it off even in her baby stages, and I’ve loved every shoot since! Including NOW! Such a strong, wise and amazing bunch. Love truly oozes out of them, and I’m so grateful to have been a part. Mikaela is honestly something spectacular as well. She is such an old soul, always trying to fly, always so vibrant… and so uniquely wonderful. (and she said I was a ‘real cutie’) so big time brownie points right there!
Wishing them all the best in the next phase of their lives.
Meet the incredible Garsons.

I always worry as I drive away from each and every wedding, that I haven’t taken enough images, that the photos will be just ‘ok’ that people won’t like them. EVERY wedding. It’s getting a bit old, so I never vocalize these thoughts… they are just my inner worries.

I drove away from Andrea and Mike’s wedding in Nanaimo BC, confident that I had gotten everything, every detail and moment I could, but hoping that I had done their day justice. Against my better judgement, I’m just going to say it… I nailed it. Editing these photos today, made me very happy.

I believe I am in for an incredible year. With this much beauty and love and inspiration around, I can’t see it any other way. Andrea and Mike, you two have chemistry that is infectious. I wish you nothing but happiness, always.

LOVE getting ready shots…

In a very calm grooms hands, a flower.

Are you kidding me!! A favorite ceremony moment!

Andrea and her little sister, love how sweet they are together.

I truly love this image of Andrea after the ceremony

They are so effortless together

I absolutely love this one, it looks so great BIG. (I’m thinking studio canvas for sure)

A fun moment on some wild rocks!

Chivalry is alive and well at Pipers Lagoon in Nanaimo

Love a bride who will hike all over in her heels!

And what wedding would be complete without a big sky shot?

What a better way to start off Monday morning, than a few images from Jessica and Rogers amazing engagement session.

Immediately, I loved them! Up for anything, and completely happy to let my creative mind go wild and free for some not so conventional portraits. I love when my couples are able to stretch themselves for something different, fresh and wonderful!

This session has gotten me incredibly excited for a whole lot of Vancouver Island weddings! A note to all of my 2009 Weddings, to email me and set up your engagement session, before its too late!

Have a comment? Click on ‘no comment’ on the bottom of the post, type in your name (or make up a name if you are shy) and leave a comment. It makes my day, and doesn’t hurt a bit!

Love this first shot of Jessica. So beautiful!

Their connection was amazing, and I just love this image
Love her on her tip toes

On our way to the second location… I remembered these stone tunnels, and put the brakes on, luckily they were up for anything, and look what we created!
Love the intimacy and laughter

I taught a photo workshop to an amazing bunch of Grade 7 students last week.  Not only was it a wonderful experience, but it was absolutely inspiring.  They were pumped.  Kids truly want to create, and given the opportunity and the fuel… they are magically unstoppable.  

I can hardly wait to see their images, which judging by the few I saw on Friday, we are all in for a wonderful treat.  I’ll try to get it together to post some of their images here.  I absolutely LOVE and could not get over, how fresh and alive it all was.  We had all of the different ‘cliques’ of kids, all inspired and climbing trees, jumping in the air, and hanging off everything, all to create different angles and amazing images.  All they need are a few tips, and tools… and watch out, these little sponges were rockin’ their cameras, and inspiring me, to stretch myself to see differently as well!

This just may be the start of an amazing venture.  I’d love to do it again… I think I just might!

Here are some of my images from our time together!

Having been shooting photos happily all day in 2007 at Lindsay and Peter’s wedding, I was tired. I walked over to where Bryce was standing, and laid my head on his chest, like I had been doing it every day for years. Except, I hadn’t. I snapped out of it… and we just stared at each other and laughed… Peter nudging me, “yup, sparks are flying”. I felt like everyone one was on to us, although neither of us seemed to have caught on yet.

Bryce and I have known each other since forever. High school sweethearts if you will. Somewhat like magnets we have always been drawn to each other. We had both been following our own paths, him chasing after an amazing hockey career, myself somewhat of a pirate sailing the globe as a photographer with Princess Cruises. Both being raised in Campbell River, we always wound up in the same circles. So it was no surprise that a few years ago at Lindsay and Peter’s Campbell River wedding we were again found at the same place at the same time. This time was different however, neither of us were leaving again. Both single. We had both decided to stay put in our home town, at the same time. Sometimes timing really is everything.

In any case Peter’s premonition on his wedding day was right, and here Bryce and I are with a house, a puppy and building a studio/suite in the back yard. Life is wild like that.

As for Lindsay and Peter, having known them both for so long, and watching them become the warm and loving couple that they are, I was honored to not only photograph their wedding and family photos, but also their maternity photos. Here are a few of my favorites from their session. The light was beautiful, their dog Mackenzie HILARIOUS, and watching them through my lens, couldn’t help but smile.

Here is one of my favorites from their wedding a few years ago.

The happy couple and I,

Look at them now!!

Love them all wrapped up here
Beautiful people in a Beautiful British Columbia


Love this one of Lindsay

Their dog Mackenzie was truly hysterical, popping in and out of the photos whenever he felt like it!


Can’t wait to meet the little one, so very soon!
Love you guys!