PWPC Spring 2014

I used to not enter contests.  I used to not wear sunglasses or my hair down either.  I didn't try yoga, or water skiing either.  I didn't wear sunglasses or my hair down because I didn't want people to think, that I thought I was cool.  I didn't try yoga because I was afraid I might not be good at it.  I didn't try, because I was unsure of the unknown.  I didn't used to enter contests I for similar reasons.  What if I'm not good enough, what if I don't win. What if I don't "place" , what if my peers, industry professionals just think I'm a joke.  A girl with a camera.  A few years ago I started entering, for different reasons... but mainly to push myself. To try.  What if I fail??? Well... what if I DON'T.  What if I'm in a yoga class with a bunch of amazing yogi's, all bendy and in perfect form and I fall on my face.... really who cares.  

What happens if I love it.  What happens if I don't fail.  What happens when I place third among talented Canadian wedding photographers for my images?  

What happens if I try and fail.  Oh well... Elliot {my one year old} falls down pretty much every 10th step.  He always gets back up.  He always tries again.  He just stands up.  He just falls, and then stands up again.  I recently came across a quote that I love so much "The worst thing is watching someone drown and not being able to convince them that they can save themselves by just standing up."  I could just stand up.  I could just pull myself up and go for it.  I tried yoga for the first time in October 2013 and have been hooked and in love with it ever since.  I am miles from some master yogi... however, I try.  I feel better.  I would just never go before, I would be frustrated with my aching body but not be actually DOING anything about it. Then I thought... If I can give birth to a 10 pound 8 oz baby without any drugs or pain medication... I CAN DO YOGA. I can enter contests, I can do whatever I want.

Lets do this people.  I believe the secret is to not focus on what you can't do... and just focus on what you CAN do.  In any case, I feel humbly proud today.  I feel honoured to share these contest results from the Professional Wedding Photographers of Canada today.  I wouldn't have ever known that I could place so highly, if I didn't try.  I'm grateful for many things, but today, I'm grateful for the ability to always pull myself up, and try.  

Be brave friends.  It is your life.  Yours.  

Have a look through the galleries as well to be blown away by our Canadian talent! **CLICK HERE******

Hold My Hand

I was leaping out of my comfort zone entering one of my most personal and emotional images into the National Geographic 2013 photo contest. My remarkable friends trusted me enough to be in the BC Womens Hospitals NICU just days out of having an emergency C-section at 28 weeks, resulting in their precious teenie treasure Westley Wade. They not only trusted me to be in the room, but allowed me to photograph some of their most intimate and personal moments. I entered this photo of Westley because in the moment of taking this photo, everything was so unclear. The amazing doctors had just told the brand new parents that their not even 2 pound baby boy could potentially need heart surgery depending on test results. I took a few steps back and tried to give them a bit of space, emotional. Nervous, and admittedly a little terrified about what that meant. As I watched over the incubator that was busy with wires and cords and growing Shannon and Ryans miracle baby in it, they looked down at his incredibly tiny body with a million thoughts and feelings racing through their veins. Everything was unclear. Then, the most beautiful thing I have ever seen happened… This tiny little miracle man Westley shot his little hand straight up at them. "I'm here!!! I'm ok!!! It will all be ok!!!" I instantly burst into tears, clutching my camera to my chest…. then I suddenly remembered… "I'm a photographer!" I brought the camera to my face and this is the result.

I am blown away at the response from so many people about this photo, but having my photo chosen by National Geographic editors as a top pick, will always remain a key moment in my photographic career. It is such an honour. I have seen the photo on Huffington Post and following as well…. kinda wild to see it go so far and reach so many! Relevant MagazineYahooMSNThe AtlanticTwisted Sifter

The winners of the contest will be announced some time in December. Do you love this photo? If yes… please head over (CLICK HERE CLICK HERE) and show your love here and "like" it. I don't think the votes really count for anything, however… it certainly looks good if there is a peoples choice winner. In an age when there is so much doubt, uncertainty and confusion. It certainly is a beautiful reminder from the tinest little body with the most enormous spirit that truly anything is possible. Hope is a beautiful thing.

Endless gratitude to Shannon and Ryan for allowing me into such intimate moments with them. Love you all so much. The very best part of this story… is this, is Westley Wade these days (below). Happiest little West Coast baby in the world.

PWPC Fall 2013

If you follow my Facebook page at all, you may have seen me comment about how I used to be paralyzed with fear about contests. I wouldn't enter them. I had a variety of excuses, but slowly last year I entered the BC Wedding Awards and won Best Group photo, and this year decided to submit some more images to some different contests. I am floored by the response, and so incredibly moved by the results of entering.

I entered the Professional Wedding Photographers of Canada quarterly contest. Fall 2013. I entered 11 images and am so honoured to have 8 of them place, putting me at 6th overall for the Fall 2013 contest. Isn't that insane? I think so. I am so honoured. So excited. Feel so grateful for all of my remarkable 2013 clients who've allowed me into their precious moments and have given me the opportunity to receive a little recognition in the photographic community. There is so many talented and dedicated photographers in this contest and I am so grateful to find my name among them. Congratulations to all of the winners. {For some serious eye candy check it out the website here … PWPC Fall 2013

Award winning wedding photo kids

engagement photo

I'm also learning so much during this process. I'm learning what images do well in competition and what don't. I've learned so much in the past year. It has really been an amazing year. A completely mind glowingly amazing year. Elliot isn't even 9 months old yet??? and I photographed 13 weddings and have won a few awards (more announcements to come). Feeling a bit awesome right now, and trying desperately to not let it get to my head. These aren't 1st place finishes… but it was my first time entering this and I am so proud of myself! (can I say that??) Well, I just did. I am proud. It just feels like a little pat on the back, for working so hard this year, and all the years leading up to this one. The best is yet to come. Thank you so much for your love. oxxo Here are my winning images and their placements~

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wedding kids

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beautiful dress

Ceremony joy

Jessica and Ryan

vancouver island wedding photography

I love Dolphins Resort on Vancouver Island, I love these people, I love this wedding. I love that it was chosen for feature. Love. Style Me Pretty Canada features another Dolphins Resort wedding! Click HERE for the full feature.

Heirloom Magazine Feature

Nootka wedding

We're in HEIRLOOM MAGAZINE!!!!! Incredibly honoured to share one of my all time favourite vancouver island weddings... featured in such a beautiful way!!! Two of my most cherished friends married in such an intimate and beautiful way... celebrated by and chosen for feature by the glorious Heirloom Magazine. PERFECTION!!! So in love with the magazine... check it out here... You can find Shannon and Ryan's story on page 55! (but for sure check out the whole beautiful magazine for inspiration galore!!) A full blog post is also included HERE!!!