Erin Wallis Photography Blog

Maybe a pretty person makes a pretty photo. Maybe the outfit or the hair or the colors makes the photo appealing. At first.

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?

I know that I’ve posted a whole lot about little Landon lately… see last two entries, but I just can’t help it!
Here is little Landon at two weeks old, with his mom and dad.
What a love. (Can’t possibly tell you how excited this makes me to meet our little girl! Not long now…)

This one cracks me up… somewhat like..”Yahoo, I made it to the world!” So cute!

If I can ask my amazing clients to share their intimate maternity images on my blog, I suppose, it is only fair, that I ask myself to do the same. With just over two months until we meet our little girl, here we are in our studio, with nothing but a little light and a little clothing.

Today, after much anticipation, I celebrate a facelift for my Vancouver Island Photography blog. I’ve had this look to the blog locked in my head for months, and I’m so happy it has now come together.

The header image and the ones here, was a vision I have had for ages. I wanted something that was different from a usual headshot of myself. I wanted to portray who I am, what I do, and how very precious my images are to me. To capture my photos, my canvases, my art, my soul, in amongst the natural beauty of Vancouver Island.

I conveyed my vision to the ever amazing Shannon Andrews, (my incredibly talented sidekick/graphic designer/artist). Unsure how to prop up all of the photos, I didn’t want real easels (however that was my original thought) So, Shannon proclaimed, ‘we can make driftwood easels’. Surely my crafting abilities would not create something like this? But of course, Shannon can do basically anything, and in one night with the help from her ‘crazy with a drill’ helper Ryan… they created me the most beautiful, rustic display easels made with driftwood from right here in Campbell River.

We were ready for action. These images were created near Oyster River in Campbell River. With my wild vision, and Shannon behind the camera. Here is what we created for my updated website and blog. Thank you Ryan and Shannon for all of your help!

All of the old post images will have to stay the same size, unfortunately I just can’t justify the millions of hours it would take to resize each and every one of the thousands of images that are already on here. But, all posts from here on in, will have these gloriously larger images. Fabulous.

Of course, as usual, none of this would be possible without Jeremy Latham Thank you for everything.

There are many beautiful gifts in this world. They come in the most amazing packages, and at times, exactly when you need it.

What I find amazingly rewarding, is to witness, and be apart of one of the most beautiful gifts of all, laughter. Where there is laughter there is joy, freedom, and most importantly there is hope.

In my travels, and right here at home…I have learned that not all childhood is bright, sunny and full of happiness. Sadly, so many children are not smiling, or laughing. So, when I can witness children exploding with joy… well that my friends is pure happiness.

This session originates from the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s need for images. I’ve partnered with them to create a bit of a stock library for their fundraising materials, brochures documents, etc… I’ve had a long and profound connection with the foundation because of my Uncle Michael’s early loss of life because of CF. Also the long and beautiful relationship with the Black Family.

In any case, I’m always thrilled to do whatever I can, and I love this cause!!! The Campbell Rivers annual Rod Brind’Amour Golf Classic is also coming up, and if you have anything you would like to donate, to the silent or live auction, or wish to help out in any way, please do not hesitate to contact them.. HERE!

Now! The sun is shining… that is my cue… Have an amazing weekend everyone!
Thanks always, for all of your love and support, your comments make my day ALWAYS!

And go on, have a laugh, you’ll feel better!