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.

Leanne believes in the power of movement to enhance the quality of life and the importance of listing to your body. This value is clearly illustrated in the positive and welcoming environment that has a focus on mind and body healthy. Of course, Leanne has years of experience and knowledge and combined with her care for her Inner Pursuit Fitness community you and see why this is a go-to spot in the Comox Valley for fitness.

In full transparency, I have to tell you that I absolutely adore Leanne, if we weren’t already friends, my friend crush level would be 11,259,000 points

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!

Colin and Nuch celebrated with friends and family at one of Vancouver Island’s most intimate and beautiful locations, Gowlland Harbour on Quadra Island

Nuch’s family had travelled from Thailand to be with them. Watching her parents watch her, was one of the most heartwarming takeaways from the day. Everyone had such a happy, content vibe – we all knew this was a celebration meant to be.

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.

These calls became regular and when they finally met in person it was love at first sight. It wasn’t long until Myles dropped to one knee at the top of a mountain and proposed.

Sarah lights up a room, however, her magical quality extends beyond that, she has the ability to subsequently shine and put the spotlight on others - it is pretty spectacular. The weather was threatening some big rain and wind, but in true Sarah style we went for it, and I am so glad we did.

The Grove Health and Wellness is a team of health professionals that includes Chiropractors, a Naturopathic Doctor, a Registered Acupuncturist, a Chinese Medicine Practitioner and a Registered Massage Therapist.

Genie and Andy knew each other in high school, and two years ago, a chance meeting in a parking lot brought them back together. As I saw how they honor each other with care, attention and honesty, like many guests (including the candy girl, aka flower girl), I was moved to tears by this union. 

Make a compost pile look cool? Show it off in a way that speaks to how much work and passion goes into organic gardening? Ok, I am in. I spent the day capturing life at Eatmore Sprouts. Glenn and Carmen Wakeling are deeply committed to running their business with social responsibility and sustainability at the forefront of what they do.

They were grounded so naturally in the moments of the day – the words being exchanged, the knowing looks, I could feel them absorbing the meaning of the day which allowed me to let their joy, gentleness and love shine brightly in photographs.