Chantelle and Ryan

Often times in my life, a word, phrase, saying or theme will be swimming around in my head. Sometimes for a few days, other times for weeks. This one has been dancing with me for a few weeks now. Authenticity. Or being Authentic.

As a photographer it is my job to be professionally prepared. The gear checked, contracts signed, insurance in place, the planning the timing all organized, and then... on the day, being open enough to let the inspiration and magic of a wedding day seep into the images.

Chantelle and Ryan's wedding was at the Maritime Heritage Center in Campbell River and we didn't have a lot of time for images. As it usually happens during a wedding, things were running a bit behind, and I wasn't sure if we'd have enough time for Elk Falls, like we'd talked about. The amazing pale yellow Buick Skylark that they had to drive them around, stopped running. We were staying put. I was secretly excited as I had found an amazing tree on the property just before the wedding. We ventured down to the pier, and then the beach. To my delight, an unplanned and perfect low tide had left us the most stunning tidal pool with an amazing reflection. Unplanned, and awesome.

While I was shooting Chantelle and Ryan, I said "I can't believe we almost left here. This is amazing. I have the most perfect reflection of you guys in the pool. Perfect!" I was freaking out and jumping around and getting all caught up in everything and Chantelle said "That is so weird. My parents have a photo of them with their reflection in a puddle from their wedding day." Unplanned perfection equalling truly authentic images. We proceeded to let the magic of their wedding day, and our planned but unplanned perfection sweep us away.

I have photographed many weddings at the Maritime Heritage Center. I will hopefully photograph many more, but the most amazing part to me, is that still... the photos can be different. Unique. Theirs. As with any location, I'll likely not be the first photographer to find it. Or to create images there... but those images, those settings in those moments. Were ours. I didn't find the location anywhere, but from my own inspired moments. I promise, images are always best this way.

Their energy, their love. Their family, friends, locations. All an amazing opportunity to create art, that is authentic. I am so blessed. Thank you both for sharing your moments with me, and allowing me to create images that I truly love.

Renate and Scott plus two.

Over a fabulous lunch date, with a marvelous friend Karen this afternoon we got to talking about originality, photography and the variables of a photo session (among many other things including sausages, hedgehogs and drool).

I believe that each session has a life of it's own. Each couple/family/person, brings their own energy, their own story. I believe that yes, I create the images, but there are also many other variables that make the final images what they are. The outfits, their personalities {my personality}, the moods, the weather, the location... everything. I believe in being prepared, professional, and having everyone as informed and ready as possible for their session. However, I like to let each session breathe life into itself.

I absolutely loved watching my session with Renate and Scott and their beautiful children form in front of me.

I am not a fan of snakes. I find them unpredictable and creepy. However, I also find bunnies and cats kind of creepy, and all of them I can find beautiful if I really take a moment to look at them. The moment when Renate scooped up this snake and showed her little girl one of natures masterpieces I was instantly aware of how amazing life is. It was as though time, just slowed right down... and stood still.

I watched her gently show the snake to her little girl and knew I was in the presence of the magic of island living. The bottom line is, I couldn't have scripted this session. It just happened. So, I suppose if you are preparing for your session... daydream about up your outfits, the colors, what you'd like to see in your images, but when the time comes, maybe just take a deep breath and let it all happen. Your images will thank you. I photographed Renate and Scott's wedding in 2007 and was thrilled to share more moments with them and look forward to more as the years move on. Thank you, for choosing me {again}. I was compelled to look back through Renate and Scotts wedding images from 4 years ago, and I just can't help but share a few. I think it's a great sign, that I still love them.

Baby 'R'

I love our weather forecasts. This session in breathtaking Parksville, called for 90% chance of rain. I would have likely re-scheduled if they lived on the island. But they don't. Kristina and I were determined to make it happen, and our mutually amazing friend Shannon told me she knew it would be perfect weather.

We'd never met, but I felt as though we'd been friends for a long time. From the moment I saw her, I knew we were kindred spirits. Shannon told me, "You'll love her, I already know. I can't wait to see what you create together". I might have stayed there on the beautiful Parksville beach chatting away to my new/old friend for hours, had my new little 'buddy' not wanted ice cream so bad! But alas, our time together was short and sweet and the images that we created are full of peace, power and beauty. I love them. Just love everything about them. May our paths cross again.

Wishing your beautiful family all of the very best with the upcoming addition of baby "R".

Olivia is one.

A first birthday is special. I'm not sure exactly what it is that makes it so special. Maybe it's that it is the first, or that it will never happen again. Or that you had no idea what to expect, but all of your expectations were exceeded and then some. Maybe it's a celebration of the most pure year of a life. Whatever it is...

Celebrating the first birthday of your first baby is one of the sweetest moments in life.

Sarah and Chris asked me to be a part of Olivia's first birthday by documenting her first cake, on her first birthday outside in beautiful Campbell River. They left the location up to me, and I immediately had a vision of an old quirky tree. I spent a few hours with my girl Maisie scouting out the perfect location for such a sweet session. I saw it, and immediately knew we would make beautiful memories there. I was so honored to be chosen to be part of such special, sweet moments in their lives. Happy First Birthday Olivia. May your life be filled with sweetness, always.

The Gordon family {aka Gordashians}

I've always been an admirer of beauty. Of great beauty. Of beautiful things. But, most importantly beautiful hearts. You may see these photos and think. "Ugh... look at them. They are all perfect. Beautiful. I hate beautiful people. They are probably mean to waitresses." You'd be totally wrong. They are wonderful. Gentle. Lovely. You'd want to be friends with them instantly. I first met Dorian and Corey 3 years ago, while photographing their beautiful Tofino wedding. I've loved getting to know them over the years, and am always honored to be chosen to document and capture more amazing moments in their lives. Thank you for choosing me, for trusting me with your family images, your moments and your lives. I am so honored. Always. Wishing you all of the joys this life can offer. We headed to the studio to capture a bit of little Arianna's sweet face, and baby blues.