William is the youngest person I have ever photographed. As a family friend, I was there documenting his birth and since that time I have watched him grow up into an incredibly interesting, personable, driven, and thoughtful (almost) adult. He always has great stories and was the type of person who brought a group “up”. His entrepreneurial and independent streak has always resonated with me, and I am so thankful to be in his corner cheering him on.

If you know this family you understand that being with them is a joy. Fia and Niu Niu both graduated this year and before they head off on a family trip to Europe we gathered for some portraits. Fia, Niu Niu, you two are exceptionally good company and your wisdom, kindness and strong sense of self is impressive. I loved swapping stories, and hearing about your childhood - thank for you for sharing yourself with me.

For this beach session, we had no wind, but Taryn did bring her solid sense of humour and focus - while also shining in front of the lens! Taryn, wishing you all the good experiences that university can bring, and your impressive quick wit and obvious “get-er-done attitude” will no doubt serve you well.

So yah, I think most teenagers are pretty darn amazing. Sometimes though there is one that stands above the rest. Likely I have a personal connection with them, which is the case with Jolie. Although it has been years since we have connected, I remember her “all-in” style, warmth and talent. It was a true highlight of my spring photo season to spend this evening with Jolie and learn more about her creativity, emotional intelligence and confident, yet down-to-earth nature - what a joy - check out this wisdom:

I first met Naomi when she sat patiently at the beach while I was creating her brother Zander’s grad photos, she was patient and lovely - which is exactly how she was while we rescheduled due to weather and then gambled on a session another evening when it had been raining - our gambling definitely paid off as we were gifted this stunning night. Naomi, thank you so much for your easy-going, comfortable nature, it was so lovely to run around the beach with you creating and chatting - you are one wonderful person.

Eli’s older sister and my daughter are close friends, so I have been hearing about Eli for many years - and truthfully it has always been 100% rave reviews (even from his big sister,) about the little brother. Well, Eli isn’t so little anymore! Warm, self-assured, wise and a pleasure to be around are the words that jump to mind to describe this little brother.

Theo is my last grad session of 2021 and it was so special - we had everything we needed - friends, family, the family dog, the ocean and the forest. Theo brought everything I adore about spending tie with grads. He was curious, shared wisdom, laughed easily and we squeezed in some good conversation about cheese. Theo, thank you for making it out to the forest in the morning and letting me get to know you better. You are a stellar human and I wish you all the best on this next adventure.

If you know Rachel you know she is exceptional. She has a unique, introspective way of seeing the world and if you have had the pleasure of seeing her dance, you know she is full of expression. This evening was such a joy, full of talk about favourite things and dreams. For both they are many. I have no doubt that Rachel, who is full of independence, curiosity, and bravery will meet all her dreams - academically and artistically and that a life full of adventure and meaningful moments awaits her. Rachel, thank you for this peaceful, joyful evening and I cross my fingers that I will once again get to see you on stage dancing.

Photographing Shelby was a joy! I have been watching her on stage at Pantuso Dance since she was nine and she blossomed into this incredibly talented and passionate dancer who is an artist and an athlete. I have also had the chance to photograph her with her family in the past - but this was all Shelby and what an incredible night of climbing over things, getting some love from mosquitoes, watching nature give us a cloud show and creating these photos.

I have been photographing this brilliant grad since she was a kid, in family portraits and on stage dancing for Pantuso Dance. I have numerous photos of her seared happily in my permanent memory because her smile was so radiant - and it still is. Elska is joy, and also a buddle of warmth and kindness. She has an incredible air of knowing who she is, and at the same time a gentle humbleness. And she laughs easily, a valuable trait as she enters the social justice program at UBC (I wish I could join her) and makes her mark in the world.

Cailyn is a bit of a wonder, she has a quiet kind demeanour backed by a powerhouse of grounded wisdom. From when she used to dance, to taking on some running goals, to being recognized for the Chamber of Commerce for fundraising, this gal is naturally her impressive self.

I first saw Zoe on the stage in a musical theatre number, she was wearing a car constructed out of cardboard and belting out Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang - and she was 100% in. I started adoring her grounded enthusiasm then. She has been in front of my camera numerous times, and each time is a joy - Zoe has a humble, honest wise energy and a heart of gold!

This session was a dream to me because it can't seem real that Ethan is graduating. Ethan is a third of four to graduate in his family and I have been lucky enough to capture all of them, mostly since they were babies. Ethan has an incredible spark - he lights up a room and makes others feel part of it and no matter where his life will travel, he will have the ability to find connection and joy. Congratulations Ethan - you are amazing!

This session was a tear-jerker for me. I met Emily when she was a quiet four-year-old. Her family joined our dinner group of five families who have dinner together once a month. I have a strong memory of Emily, on my patio talking to me about how she wanted to dance all the time, and she sh

We started the evening with Brooke and her close friends, a friendship that goes back to elementary school. It was a joy to witness their connection, ease with each other and their differences. After which we headed to do some photos with Brooke and a few of those she loves. Brook was a joy to photograph, I so enjoyed her sense of self, love of the little things and openness to what is to come.

Logan is McKinnon Photography royalty, by way of his lineage. His parents, Natalie and Jeremy were one of my first clients when I was a newbie photographer who had just landed here from the mainland. Logan, photographing you was a JOY, and I appreciated your kindness, good sense of humour and that you didn’t make fun of me for my lack of hockey knowledge

Ian is a super interesting person with a wide range of ambitions and passions. Mountain biking has been a huge part of his high school years so we went to photograph some of the jumps he created. Thanks, Ian for taking me to one of your favourite spots and adventuring with me, so awesome to see what a rad grew up human you are!

Becca is an extraordinary human. She is really chill, yet completely engaged in so many interests and also driven - I think I have a few things to learn from her. We had a magical night twirling in the field and reminiscing about shared experiences at Pantuso Dance and swapping stories. Becca, I am here cheering you on as you adventure into the world.

I remember photographing Bryn when she was four years old. Her family didn't live here, however when they visited we created a family portrait, which I actually remember surprisingly well. It was Bryn's dimples and her family's kindness that stuck with me. I am going to state the obvious, you meet someone when they are four, and then you are "shook" to see how they have become this wise adult, with drive, interest and a great sense of humour.

I have known this fine human since he was four when I first photographed his family at Filberg Park. They became part of our Pantuso Dance carpooling family. Mirren could always be counted on to make us laugh, sing us a song and make the best of any situation. Mirren, you are a powerful human - in all the right ways - your good nature, interest in so many things, and hard work are going to take you so far.