On Self Portraits

An idea that has been dormant for a while with me, is self portraits.

Yesterday, I was inspired. 5 seconds later, no makeup, hair a mess with my baby and her un-matched socks... I was off shooting. The images will not win awards, they are not fancy, styled, or the greatest images of all time... but, they are mine. Ours. Exactly as it was yesterday, in our life, our bedroom, our home... our moments. I'm grateful to have them, and have a sneaking suspicion that this will not be the last self portrait you see this year.

Want to be inspired? Check out what got me rolling yesterday Robyn from Little Bug Photography HERE, and another whole world of self portrait photographers on the ever amazing Sarah Rhoads Photographers HERE and HERE. Absolutely fabulous. What are you waiting for? Grab your camera, photograph you. Your moments. Today. and also, my new favorite photo of Maisie Lu.

2010 Favorites: Weddings

(Images Above... Kate and Sean. Gracefully easing me back into shooting a wedding not even three months after giving birth to Maisie Lu. No one's wedding would have been a more perfect beginning to 2010)

This. Was. NOT. Easy. Instead of doing a "Best of 2010". I decided to do a "Favorites of 2010" instead. This truly was not an easy task for me. I've chosen a selection from each of my 2010 wedding couples.

They are MY favorites. For a variety of reasons. My favorite characters, moments, smiles, tears, hugs, emotions and light. Going back through each and every wedding, I am quickly reminded of what I saw, who I connected with... what my 2010 was all about.

I've sat here speechless for the past few days looking through all of my 2010 wedding images. I remember what I was thinking when I drove up to each and every one. I remember where Maisie was. (Hotel rooms, with Bryce at the wedding, with Bryce at home, at grandparents etc) I remember it all.

Yes. There is something beautiful about being in the moment and looking to the future, but at times equally as profound can be reflecting on where you've come from.

Who's touched your life, and who's life you may have touched. What moments I've recorded. Witnessed. Shared. The decision was solidified.

I give you my favorite wedding moments of 2010.

Heidi and Danen. We laughed, and laughed, and at one point, I even told Danen that I should be paying him for his "artistic direction". Heidi saw my new mommy face and being the seasoned professional of two babies herself, she said... "call. Go ahead, call all you like, I don't mind. Just call and make sure she's ok" I didn't call... but I did text. Heidi, you are wonderful! I miss you guys!!! Jeremy and Bridget. Ultimate confession time!!! Their wedding wasn't blogged. Yes, I know... amazing friends, beautiful wedding... no blog??? Urg! I HAD A NEWBORN BABY!!! Please, go easy on me! I wasn't sleeping!!! There are so many images from their incredible day that I am so in love with. Being the amazing friends that they are, I was hoping they'd understand my trying to balance a baby and a wedding season. They did. I love them for it. But, I am thrilled to now, share a few of my favorites from their day. Alicia and Mark. Cape Mudge on Quadra Island was a perfect venue for these truly sweet souls. I loved being a part of your moments, and feeling all of the emotions right along with you all. Such an exquisite day. Ana and Aaron A wedding out of my Vancouver Island element, in Stanley Park, Vancouver... proved to be one of the most beautiful steps out of my comfort zone. Thank you both, for trusting and believing in me. Leah and Mike A wild crew, a fast tide, and a whole lot of fun. The highlight for me was Leah, without question leading her bridesmaids into the sea for me. Natalie and Mike A gorgeous Cortes Island wedding full of favorite images. But, Natalie and Mike's twins were truly the highlight for me. Their spirits light, sweet and brilliant. I am always honored to watch children witness their parents be married. Jeanine and Bryce I also didn't get a chance to blog this beautiful wedding at Dolphins Resort in Campbell River this year. The venue stunning, the wedding party perfect and the babies adorable! I loved watching Jeanine's mom and dad (who I've known forever) gaze lovingly and proudly at their baby girl getting married. Shevaun and Rod I would never pass up an opportunity to re-visit the Bird residence on Quadra Island. A perfect setting for another love infused day. My favorite part of their day was seeing the connection between them, and seeing them smile all day long. Crystal and Evan A rainy Quadra morning was the perfect day for Crystal and Evan to get married. Crystals grandpa might just be the best guy you've ever run across. He and I engaged in a ceremony 'shoot off' was definitely a favorite moment of mine. Full of meaning and thought, and inspiration, this wedding... was a highlight of my entire summer. Michelle and Jeff Seeing a new mom and dad with their little baby... heaven. I loved watching the love spiral between this gorgeous bunch. Cathy and David. It was just them. It was another highlight for me. Quiet. Serene and oozing with magic, I was honored to be a witness. Mel and Larry. So much can be said. I LOVE YOU MEL. As if you aren't the most wild, caring, thoughtful, WILD, awesome gal ever. I showed up to photograph her wedding and she had a gift for my baby... "um... HI.. I'm about to spoil you rotten with wedding photos". Now that's a way to make your photographer step it up a notch! All joking aside, she has contagious enthusiasm and just makes you want to give her anything, and more! Meg and Troy My baby cousin and her wonderful fella. The light was perfect, the couple blindingly in love, and everyone there was GORGEOUS. An amazing Victoria wedding. Love you guys. Heather and Andy Their Mayan Riviera wedding couldn't have been an ounce more perfect, or more them. It was exactly as they wanted it to be, and I am always honored to share such intimate moments with such important people in my life. Cherie and Jamie I always love weddings at The Black Rock Resort in Ucluelet, but this one was incredible. I instantly fell in love with Cherie, and her boundless spirit and ability to light up an entire room with her smile and laugh. It was full of awesome (and my sidekick Thelma, and our dogs came for a mini getaway to the resort, always a bonus). Stacey and Eddie The perfect ending to an amazing 2010 wedding season. For me, it wasn't just a wedding season though. It was all intertwined with my memories of being a first time momma. All of it was challenging, but all of you, my cherished wedding couples and clients and friends, made it all extraordinary. A perfect end to it all, of course is in Maui, with Stacey my pregnancy buddy, and Eddie. I can only hope that 2011 will be as amazing. Thank you all for joining me on the ride.

Nostalgic nights

Believe everyone when they say, it goes by so quickly.I still believe Maisie Lu is a little baby. But, judging by the photos of me holding her now... her half the size of me. I know now. It has already gone so quickly. I know how cliche it is, to say these things, but I'm going to say it anyways... she's turning into a big girl, right before my eyes. Although, I still feel like she's only minutes old. She's nine months old. So sweet. So precious. So worth every moment, of every little thing. Here is a brief look at my baby girl, getting big. Wishing you all a tremendous New Years Eve. Looking forward to fresh starts, new ventures and a clean slate with 2011.

The end of 2010

If I were to sum up how I feel right now. It might be the above image.

On Saturday I finished my last photo shoot of 2010. I can scarcely believe I made it at times. I have mixed emotions about the whole year. It was quite the journey. Quite the adventure. Quite the ride. There was no way I could have predicted any of it. However in 2009 I was faced with booking weddings on the assumption that I would be ok. That I could shoot weddings 2 months after giving birth to our first baby. I had no way of knowing that I actually could juggle breast feeding, and pumping, and emails and working, and not sleeping and whacked hormones and being creative, and being in the moment, in your moments... that I could be inspired. I made it.

I would have never made it, even one step without Bryce. At times, we were barely making it. At times, we were flourishing, but in the end we made it. Together. Our own journey. Together.

I also wouldn't have made it without Shannon (aka Thelma). You really are a spectacular being. Your energy, your light, your joy. Beautiful. Thank you for lighting your hair on fire with me and being ready for anything. For doing the impossible along side me, and for always, being normal, awesome, alive, creative, inspired, careful, thoughtful and ridiculously selfless. You are a rare bird my friend. Incredibly rare. Thank you for an amazing 2010.

I also need to thank all of you, anyone reading now, YES YOU! for your support, encouragement... blog comments and emails. I am seriously grateful.

The reason for all of this, with these images is because I loved their session so much. I also, loved what Shannon said about her upcoming session while we were corresponding about it initially "This photo shoot is very special to me because it not only celebrates Cypress turning one but also the fact that we all got through the crazy, unpredictable, emotional, and truly amazing first year together... as a family." You may remember the stunning Shannon from our maternity session HERE. I know what you mean Shannon. I truly do.

I'm officially on Holidays. Christmas Holidays. Starting NOW. Yes, I'll blog and update a bit. But, most of all... I might not. I will be doing a Best of 2010, so stay tuned for that!

In 2011 I'll be back, full of all sorts of wild ideas, inspiration and images. A girls gotta charge her batteries and fuel her fire somehow.

Holiday Cards

They're here, and they're awesome.

******* DECEMBER 10 2010 UPDATE********* RUNAWAY SOUL HOLIDAY CARDS NOW AVAILABLE @ INNOVATIONS GIFTS (MARINER SQUARE). While they last!!!!

You may, or may not be aware, that my fabulous partner and I have created a greeting card company RUNAWAY SOUL. Shannon and I have joined creative forces and whip up series of awesomeness, again.

We love creating and we like to share!

We have fulfilled all of our pre-order sales, and now have a few packs left for sale! Let us know if you want some and we'll get them to you right away! If you weren't able to get personalized greeting cards this year, this is an amazing way to give to the FOOD BANK ($5 from every sale goes to FOOD BANK).

You'll love them so much, you won't want to give them away! If you can bring yourselves to give them away... awesome... if not? Put them in frames for the holidays, hang them from a ribbon for festive decoration, or snuggle up to them at night. They'll warm you up!

Contact runawaysoul@erinwallis.com or shannun@telus.net to get them NOW. Previous info on Runaway Soul HERE and HERE FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

Local business owner and want some for your store??? Lets do it! Want an e-card to send to all of your friends??? No problem, email shannun@telus.net for more info!