In the initial glance at an image, what do you see.
Perhaps there are fun props, quirky poses, something beautiful. Maybe you don’t know why you like the photo. You just do. I’m not really one for fuss. I don’t really like using a lot of props or things in photographs. I like spirit. I thrive on emotion. I love seeing behind the image, what is really in that photo. Because really, there isn’t much chance in any single moment of seeing nothing in life. If you are seeing nothing… it is my humble opinion that you are missing a whole lot.

There is substance in everything. There is a story everywhere, in everything. In every molecule, every moment, there was something before it. Or some path that lead it to right now. You have a story, and many of them. I may not know what it is when I first set out to photograph you, but I’ll see it somewhere along the process. Or I’d like to think that its possible to catch a glimpse of your story in your eyes, in your silence, in your movements on your own and then how you move with your man/lady/child/mother/sister. We are all full of tightly woven sinews, all connecting us together inside ourselves as well as those stories fusing every single one of us all in a closely knit and intricate labyrinth.

I am somehow connected to you. Right now, you reading my watery words… me typing them from my laptop, feet up, reclined… baby wiggling away inside my belly. Listening to nothing but the wind howl through our fireplace, I contemplate what’s behind an image. You, wherever you are, which ever screen you are perched at in whatever part of the world. Reading these words. Maybe there are ten of you. Maybe only one. But somehow, something has brought us together. Be it only in the vast world of cyberspace, for this moment. Our stories have met.

When I look back at a few of these photos from the past, I see what I saw in that moment. In whatever fleeting moment was occuring, I am right back there. What I find most interesting, is to wonder.. what you see? Is it different from what stories I see, or feel or wish to feel. Do you see behind the image? Or is it just a nice photo. Is there anything compelling about it to you? What is it? I’ll likely never know. But I will leave you with a few of the images that I truly love. Mainly because of what lies behind the photo. Maybe you see it too?

What I do know, for sure, is… women are amazing. Stacey was in labor for somewhere near 36 hours. We had decided weeks ago that I would be there to photograph the delivery. I was called at 8am on January 14, 2010. I didn’t leave the hospital until after 10pm on the same day. That wasn’t necessarily in the plan, especially being 30 weeks pregnant myself. But I wouldn’t take back a single second of it. If you’ve ever been a part of a ‘baby story’ you’ll know what I mean in saying it is life altering and absolutely incredible. I was also unbelievably honored to be given the kind of immense trust to be aloud into such intimate and emotional moments. This was one of the most rewarding, special, and not to mention beautiful experiences of my life. One more thing, before I leave you with a slideshow of the experience… Midwives are AMAZING. I love my midwife and also Stacey’s. We should all be so lucky to have these insanely gifted women in our lives. Thank you so much to Stacey and Eddie for allowing me to post this slideshow as well.

I am forever changed.

**If you are visiting this post from USA please view video without music.. by clicking HERE.***

The songs are Feels like home by Edwina Hayes and Lullaby by the Dixie Chicks.

As human beings, generally… we don’t really know the first thing about actually growing a baby. I don’t know how to make eyes, or hair, or more importantly vital organs, but apparently our bodies do. Women’s bodies just know, and without any input from the brain, or logic or reason… a baby is created. That, in itself is incredible, and absolutely deserves to be celebrated. One thing I know for sure about pregnancy now, after going through the experience myself is that there are a whole lot of NOT very glamorous moments involved. It isn’t just beautiful photos of a gorgeous belly and then a perfect little baby a month later. There is a lot of struggle, there are emotions, there are countless physical challenges, nervous breakdowns, tears, endless fears, worries and an amazing amount of ‘firsts’. I absolutely get it.

More than ever, I now appreciate and realize the intense value in maternity photos. In capturing a glimpse of the beauty of growing a baby. The magic in setting aside the struggles and challenges, and just simply appreciating the beauty of what is happening within the female body. Not to mention, allowing a woman going through so much, to see herself in a different light… my lights.

There are big miracles in life, medical miracles, and unbelievable stories of survival against all odds. Its no secret that pregnancy is a miracle. But I also believe it is a miracle that we fall asleep at night and wake up breathing in the morning. That our bodies carry us around in this world day after day, put up with our clumsiness, bad habits and keep that heart beating and oxygen flowing, all without any intellectual input from us. We think we are cool, or in control, or clever… but at the end of the day we are nothing without our little beating hearts. So, along the same lines when carrying a baby inside your belly you can try and read as many books as possible, you can be the smartest in your prenatal class, know all the terms… but when it really comes down to it, we have very little control over our pregnancies. Our bodies will grow these babies, and then deliver them. Wild.

Here are some of my beautiful friend and her husband a month before their due date. I’m so excited to meet your little one, and see what a marvel you’ve created together.

“Each second we live is a new and unique moment of the universe, a moment that will never be again. And what do we teach our children? We teach them that two and two make four, and that Paris is the capital of France. When will we also teach them what they are? We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the years that have passed, there has never been another child like you. Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, the way you move. You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel. And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like you, a marvel? You must work, we must all work, to make the world worthy of its children.”
-Pablo Picasso

Hannah is the eldest of three amazingly fascinating souls. Hannah is kind, caring, and has a purity to her that is like childlike innocence and gold all in one. You always know where things are at with Hannah, she’s an open book. Her soul seeps out of her pours, in plain view for the world. In Hannah’s eyes it’s easy to see love.

Ella Ireland is the middle child. Full of mischevious wit, boundless humor, and endless creativity. She is quirky, somewhat unpredictable and always true to herself. She is the surprising one. When you least expect it, she will throw her arms around you and say something that melts you into instantly. Like “Auntie Erin… you are sooooo special” She is also the one that will not just shed one or two small tears over something, but will BURST into a flurry of crocodile tears, suddenly, without warning. She doesn’t give up her love to just anyone. But once you have it, you are filled up entirely.

Elijah is highly spirited to say the very, very least. He has an inability to sit still. He is alive. He is full of life, energy and full of all sorts of quirks. His report card names him as one of the most popular little dudes in school. He calls it “famous”. He is charismatic, moody, charming and irresistibly sweet. He has a bad temper, and a sharp mind. My time with him as a baby was spent perfecting the art of the baby dance, as he was terribly hard to calm down. He makes you want to know him forever.

Its no secret that I’ve loved this family from the beginning of time. I’ve been through it all. Witnessed each of them as a brand new baby, been woken up by their little peepers staring at me, grinning… whispering.. “Auntie Erin, are you awake?”. They’ve irritated me, inspired me, lifted me and quite honestly served as a very happy place for me. Time spent with them feels profound. Meaningful. Well spent. I am blessed with their love and friendship. Through good times and hardship, through tragedy, happiness, strength, and many changes… one thing remains the same. I am better with these people in my life.

A mothers love for her children is magnificent.

We have started a very awesome little company called Runaway Soul. It is a collaboration of two wildly creative souls, who can not stop creating! Truly our motto is ‘Anything is Possible’. This holiday season we have created 5 holiday greeting cards in a happy little package. They are $15 for five cards. Each card is blank on the inside, for you to leave your own message. My images with Shannon’s design expertise and voila… magic happy holiday cards! They can be used as a little gift for someone special, just as they are. Or, for your personal greeting cards.

Want to know the best part? We are donating all proceeds above printing costs to the Ann Elmore Transition House here in Campbell River. By buying these cards you will be donating money directly to the local women’s shelter. It truly doesn’t get more awesome than that. So, before you go out and buy a few Hallmark cards (nothing wrong with those either) but just remember that there are extra cool cards that can be purchased from Maxima Photo Lab in the Tyee Plaza as of tomorrow!! We only have 40 packs available as we had no idea how many we were able to sell. Let us know if you are interested and if there is a big number of people interested we will make MORE!! (also please bring cash as form of payment)

What is the Ann Elmore House?
A shelter for women and their children in need of safety from all forms of abuse.
The Ann Elmore Transition House is a residence where women and their children can go to be safe from abuse or violence.
Each year over 250 women and their children seek shelter in the Ann Elmore Transition House. More than 300 additional women receive support and information.

I recently became involved with the House when I contacted them with an amazing project called Help-Portrait. Which started off as a few photographers with a vision to create portraits for people that would otherwise never be able to afford or have the opportunity. Currently there are over 4000 photographers worldwide participating. It is all about making someone feel beautiful, special, loved just by taking their photo. In larger cities, whole groups of photographers are getting together and doing it for the homeless or anyone else in need.

As I am only one photographer, I decided on a smaller scale, to contact our local women’s shelter where they chose 5 mothers with children that they felt would greatly benefit from this project. On Sunday the amazing Susan gave up her day to co-ordinate and drive the women and their children to and from my studio. Also, the fabulous Amy Lowes donated her time to pamper the women and their little girls with beautiful hair doos. My super human side kick Shannon also donated her time, love and energy to help make the day flow smoothly. For obvious confidentially reasons, I will not be posting the photos. But I do want you to know, that it was a beautiful experience. The women were glowing, the children so heartbreakingly beautiful. The spirit of magic was everywhere. To be honest, there are a few photos that I am unable to look out without giant tears rolling down my cheeks. If you are a local photographer, and are interested in joining me next year in the same endeavor contact me! We’ll be able to help so many more people. The experience will be one of the most beautiful things you’ve ever come in contact with.

For the past three years in my business, all I have wanted to do is give more, do more… be more. Finally this year multiple opportunities have presented themselves and I couldn’t be more thrilled. If you are one of the awesome ones that gives whatever you can, volunteers all the time, donates etc… your compassionate heart is beautiful. It is glowing and it is radiating throughout the universe. If you haven’t heard it lately, you are spectacular. If you aren’t usually the first to jump on the donating train… don’t worry.. it’s never too late. Anything is possible. You can do anything you want. Honestly. You have the power to change your mind, change your ideas, and change your priorities. You do. Give it a try. Spread the love. You’ll be happier.

So, the moral of the story is… Holiday Gift Card Packages with all of the proceeds going directly to the Ann Elmore Transition House $15 @ Maxima Photo Lab in the Tyee Plaza. Leave me a message if you are interested in purchasing so I will know how many to leave there.. or how many more to make.

On December 1st I decided to join in on an amazing adventure.

For every comment my fabulous blog visitors would leave, I would donate one canned item to our local food bank. I just have to say, that 203 comments graced the pages of my blog in ten days. That is incredible.

Your comments filled my heart with all kinds of warm and fuzzy love and just spread all sorts of love around. The other night, we went to the food bank here in Campbell River and asked what they specifically were in need of. “Groceries” the sweet volunteer fella told us.. “This has been a particularly bad year, we need everything”. So, off we went. Filling our buggies up and walking away with over 203 items.. (I got swept up in the spirit of it all)

So, not only were 203 cans donated by Erin Wallis Photography, but Simone and her mom Susan and Tara from Undersea Gardens in Victoria also are matching my donations. SO SO SO AWESOME. Folks, because of your comments and the generosity of Simone, Susan and Tara… a total of 609 cans will be donated, all because of this little blog! Thank you all so much for taking the time to comment, look what we’ve done!

So, now… have you donated to the food bank???

At Thrifty’s you can simply purchase for either $10 or $20 a bag of pre packed goods, and they will deliver it for you. At Superstore, you add some extra cans to your grocery order and drop it in the box on your way out. So simple. So necessary. So helpful. In Campbell River there is also a Wish Tree @ Zellers and another at the Discovery Inn. With heartbreaking things on each item on the tree saying “newborn baby warm clothes” , “one year old boy warm clothes”, “5 year old girl” etc… you pick a name off the tree and then buy them the appropriate gift… give it to the customer service folks at voila.. you have just made magic happen for someone in your very own community. You will not regret getting involved. In fact, you will likely want to find ways to do more. Do it. Today.

So awesome! Thank you Chris plus Lynn for coming up with such a meaningful and wonderful way to spend some time on the blog, and help out the food bank. YES!

*** AWESOME NEWSFLASH… make that 812 cans in total.. as awesome Tom has also matched my cans!!! Yahoo, this is super super awesome!!!******

When I start having mild panic attacks about how in the world we are going to be as parents, how its going to be delivering a baby, nursing, staying somewhat calm, balancing wild Vizsla pup, relationship, running my business, shooting weddings etc… I continually fall back on… I’m certainly NOT the first person to ever be a mother. Every time I think about how many women give birth to babies.. daily, repeatedly even. I am instantly ok. I am not alone.

I think one of the most beautiful things I’ve come across recently was a comment Stacey’s mom made while viewing her maternity images. Jill wrote..

“I sometimes feel like this is surreal – that my baby is now having a baby – you look so beautiful in these pictures – you will be such a wonderful mother, and Eddie such a great father. We can’t wait to meet our first grandchild – I only hope that I will be as great a grandmother as my mom was for you.”

So on that note… I give you a few of my favorite images from Eddie and Stacey’s maternity session. I look forward to more firsts with you guys as we embark side by side on this wild adventure. What a ride its been so far.


Doesn’t she look amazing?

And my personal favorite.