Erin Wallis Photography Blog

Girlfriends.

I’m not talking about the kind that come and go, the kind that you’re kinda/sorta friends with… I’m talking about the kind of friends that you’ll hold a certain bond with until, forever.

For my lil sisters grad present I couldn’t think of anything better than to put Kaylee and her pals in their grad dresses and let them loose in a field! I had a vision of just that a few years ago, and thought it would be a perfect way to commemorate the beauty of their friendship, and to wrap up their high school days together.

However, I didn’t realize that I was going to well up with tears while watching them all out there in the field, laughing, twirling, hugging, and being 18. It was for a number or reasons but mainly because I can relate, we all can… when something we love… comes to an end. With everything in life being so impermanent, I find it incredibly beautiful to think that these girls, bursting with youth and joy, and excitement for what their futures hold, will be able to look back on these photos one day… and think about what an incredible time in their lives it was.

What I was witnessing through my camera lens last Sunday night, was that high school had just ended for these girls, who have grown up together, who have shared ice cream and tears together. They have endured memorable teachers, hysterically funny moments, concerts, and even formed an undefeated dodge ball team (well ok not undefeated). These girls have curled each others hair, spent hours obsessing about relationships (with fellas, with parents, with teachers) they’ve comforted each other during times of loss, and sadness. They’ve been each others best friends since grade seven… and now, high school is over. Just like they never thought it would be.

So with happy/sad tears in my eyes, I photographed them being friends, none really knowing where their lives will take them, or how near or far away. I saw them being so beautifully pure, and only hope that they are able to bring that same joy and passion for life with them always.

Ladies, may you always carry sunshine right along with you. I wish you nothing but joy.

OH! The Places You’ll Go!!!

On the rainiest day imaginable, Cody and Alicia met us in Qualicum Beach for their engagement photos. We had re-scheduled so many times, and with their wedding fast approaching… we had to photograph them, rain or shine. And rain it did. Poured in fact… And it was awesome.
We found interesting little bits, all over the place, and wound up with some really cool images!
Cody had us all laughing the entire time, and I kept thinking what a beautiful bride Alicia is going to be!
Here are my favorites from our time together!

I’ve known Erica, since… forever.
So when I was asked to photograph her to start up a modeling portfolio, I was happy to set it up!
We did the initial session last year (see photo above), and when the modeling agencies got a hold of her, the phone was ringing off the hook! She called me nervously last week, to say that she was off to Asia for a modeling contract, and needed more images.

I was excited for her and again, glad to help her with more for her modeling portfolio!
I wish her nothing but success and a wealth of worldly experiences! She is such a sweet gal, with such a good heart…. Good luck Erica, and don’t forget about us when you’re famous!!!

Recently, I met up with these two lovebirds to capture a few images of them on their holidays. We met at Painters Lodge (where they had spent their vacation) to create their images. I can hardly wait until they come back in the summer with their kids… we will be doing another session, and I am so excited!!!

Amy just emailed me after seeing her images for the first time and said…”Oh my Erin….. I love them, love them, love them. I can’t wait to see the rest. Thank you so much. I can truly say that I think you captured that love that we both have for each other. And it was so fun!”

Now thats what I like to hear!!!!

As for me, I’m off for the annual “before weddings consume my soul” road trip. There will be news when I return! Stay tuned for images from that… plus a wedding on Saturday too!!!

How did I end up with a website?
How did I end up with business cards?
How did I wind up with a blog?
The answer, is incredibly simple. Jeremy Latham.

I worked as a photographer on cruise ships for a number of years, not exactly as glamorous as I had invisioned, but completely worth every moment. Each contract would be between 6-8 months, and I would come home to Vancouver Island in the summers, photograph a few weddings, and head back out to sea for the winter months. Often when I would return home, I was unsatisfied with cruising, somewhat tired of the endless parties, the warm weather, exotic countries, and late night beverages on the outter decks of the ships (crazy I know).

Jeremy and I had already been friends for a decade. He knows me. He gets me. So one sunny summer afternoon in between contracts, I gave him a call. I noted that I wanted to do something different. Something else, something more. I was over ships. I was ready for change. I wanted him to design me business cards. He said no.
I begged him. He said no.
I didn’t understand his resistance.

Thankfully, he knew a whole lot more than I did about starting a business, with a background in marketing and all kinds of experience. He knew that what I needed was a website and then business cards could follow. In the beginning, my website consisted of 10 photos. It was simple… but it was exactly what I needed to get going, to start my business.

When I have a technical question, I call Jeremy.
When I have a business question, I call Jeremy.
When I go through a breakup, I call Jeremy.
When I need my website overhauled and updated, a new blog, more business cards, or new computers… yup, I call Jeremy.
I am lucky that his girlfriend is wonderful, and doesn’t mind my constant harassing. I also value that we’ve gotten to be closer over the years as well. So how fitting, that while staying with Bridget and Jeremy in Vancouver, while updating my website and creating a blog, I also photographed them as well!
Jeremy, you are such a valuable part of my life!

I used to work as a lifeguard/swimming instructor.

I would end up at the pool, irritated to be getting into my bathing suit, dreading the cold unfriendly water. Pick up my clipboard, scramble together a lesson plan and head down the deck begrudgingly. In every instance, no matter how bad my day had been, regardless of what kind of foul mood I was in at the time… as soon as those little people saw me, and started chirping in “hi teacher” with their ears poking out of their swim caps, goggles too big and crooked… it would have been inhuman not to brighten up. It was impossible to be cranky with 5 year olds eager to learn, eyes wide with excitement and anticipation. I would crack, smile and even laugh.

They got me. Every time.

My swim instructing days are long since over, and I often missed the innocence and pure beauty that kids bring to the world. How fitting then, that I photograph children now on a regular basis.

Yesterday I was having a bad day, one of those days. I was trying to pull myself around, pull my boots up… when along came Meigan and it all melted away. What a gorgeous little creation. What a joy to photograph. I hope you enjoy a few of my favorite images of a spirited, wonderful child, who in a blink of the eye, melted away any negativity and made me forget all about myself.
What a fabulous job I have, and no, I don’t miss the pool.