Tag: Comox Valley Photographer

Every now and then I hit one of those wedding days where I worry a little - where we don't have too much time for photos, where the sun is hot and the light is harsh.  Generally I work with my clients beforehand to make sure the schedule is one that isn't going to put us in a challenging spot, but...

When I first talk with my wedding clients on the phone I make messy notes. Of course I record details like wedding time and location, but I know these elements will be flushed out and we will come back to them later when I write my itinerary for the day. I am interested in these details, but at...

I don't even know when I first Claire, but I do know I have adored her, first as a kid, and now as youth. She is the type of person I would want my kids to have has a friend, ok let's be real, I want to be her friend. She is kind, wise and engaging. Oh and her style.. she (and her mama) have...

There are some people that I just love to watch, to witness how they interact and move in their day. Erin came to one of my photo workshops, and  she interacted with others and and her camera with a thoughtful and warm intention. When she emailed me about  photos, I was excited for the...

Like many women Leanne was wanting to have a boudoir session for many years. We started talking about it back in 2014, when I first met her to photograph her 2015 wedding. She wanted to create these photos for herself. While her husband certainly appreciated them, like many women this is something...

It was with tears of joy that I received news that  Keltie and Phil were expecting, and not just one, but two. Since we first met,  Keltie and Phil have been in front of my camera four times, and over the years I have blessed to call them not just clients but friends.  They are those type of...

I love surprises. So when Jessica called to book a session with her family and her brother and girlfriend as a surprise for her dad I was completely onboard. What an incredible loving gift! Dad, however, found out. After suggesting that they all have a family photo, Jessica had to cave. But, I...

Great things about being a Comox Valley Photographer? The David Family. I have been photographed them for many years and I  remember the first time Zoe was in front of my lens - and how she lit it up, she clearly still does. Flanked by two outstanding parents, this girl has some serious spark. I...

Like many these days, Laura and Scott met online. She was living in Tofino, him in Courtenay, but knowing she would would move back eventually, she took a chance on connecting with him. After their first date - she knew.. like Scott says, "it just took off." Laura is one of those people that are...

A best friend from grade 5. Despite her moving away during our teen years, regardless of her living in different continents, and now a neighbouring country, she is still one of my faves.  During spring break, myself and my youngest daughter hit the road for at two week road trip, with the goal of...

  Erika and Emili met while doing their undergrad in Pennsylvania and after years in school together, it was a close friendship, and nothing more until, as Erika says " I went to the nearby Renaissance Faire, and saw Emili striding across the park in her pirate garb full of corsety goodness...

  I became a photographer out of a love for people. My camera is just a tool to connect and care.  Through hard work I have been able to put food on the table through my passion. It is something I am really proud of. Photography has never been an easy way to make a living and these days...

This was a very special session. I first became her family's photographer when I photographed Mikhaila's high school graduation, but  we really got to know each other during the planning sessions for her wedding to Greg. Their wedding was celebrated on a beautiful beach in Maui, I came home...

[vimeo video_id="49310945" width="850" height="478" title="No" byline="No" portrait="No" autoplay="No" loop="No" color="00adef"]   You walk into calculus class and you know what to expect. Right? You typically don't get excited about it and definitely don't think that is where you will find...

It was such a thrill to capture portraits of Carrie and Rob. I was crushed that I was not available to photograph their upcoming wedding, and this was a wonderful consolation (although now I might be a little more crushed) - because they truly are fabulous. Not only are they both stunning, but you...

A 13 th birthday is nothing to let pass without something special and Darion's mom knows how to make some magic. As well as organizing a fabulous party for her she took her daughter out for some hair and make-up treatment and then we connected for a photo shoot. What an amazing gift! Of course we...

The session has been planned on and off for months, for those of you who have ever lived in renovations or built a house, you understand, time and completion schedules are not what you expect them to be. It was worth the wait though, because despite the weeks before, the week after, and the weather...

Seriously! At three weeks old this adorable bundle was just a joy to work with. Yes, I said work - because it was like she knew she was coming in to "Get-er done!" She came in and charmed me with her fine pretty features and beautiful skin, then she happily played along throughout the session....

Welcome to day one of 12 days of Christmas. The culmination of my celebration of my 10th anniversary of photographing in the Comox Valley. For the next 12 days, each day, there will something a little special listed on the blog and on my facebook page.  Here's how it works:- Each day I will...

My lovely friend Trish radiated through her maternity session, which you can see HERE, and now she has a complete different glow - that of a new mama who is deeply in love. Trish and Jamie have been busy raising two adorable boys, and now, they have a girl to round out their beautiful...

I loved this session. Loved, loved, loved.... I have the radest clients! This family is so relaxed together and in love with each other, it was so easy to capture this. It didn't hurt that they are all stunning! The bond between Angela and Alayna is so strong, it truly moved me as  I thought...

Sasha's parents have been intending to organize a photo session for her for sometime. So, while I was in Hawaii to photograph her sister's wedding, I was doing some location scouting for the wedding and found this place that left me totally inspired. The spot wouldn't work for the wedding, so I...

This time of year is always a busy one and exciting one. I am out photographing whenever the weather hits the right mark and I am busy booking next years weddings and the final portrait dates for the year. So, getting to blogging, although it is such a love of mine, has been a little harder...

Sam had been planning for a year for a session with her lovely side-kicks Liam and Alexis, and her patience paid off as we were given a stunning late summer warm light evening. This top shot looks amazing in color, really it does, there are warm tones streaming in through the trees, but then,...

Life changes. Quickly. I re-connected with Jen ten years ago, when I walked into a room and our radars went up, remembering each other from our elementary years. I was new here, so was she, and having someone that was from our past, gave us an instant connection and comfort. I remember...

It was as real as a wedding can be, it was't about how the napkins were folded, or a strict itinerary, it wasn't fussy - it was just warm. It was about friendship and partnership. Tara and Gary new exactly how their wedding would be. When Gary, a dedicated bachelor, met Tara, he immediately knew...

It's hard to write about this wedding, because it really is just a feeling. I first felt it when Danielle came into my studio to talk about her wedding, but really she just talked about Justin and her love for him. I felt it during our engagement session, when they stayed embraced in each others...

I love this session. Let me count the ways. - Shayla's grandmother booked this session for her granddaughter while she is here visiting from Texas. When Shayla looks back on these, she will always connect the experience with her lovely and very loving grandma. - Shayla is 9. I don't know...

What a wonderful session, what a wonderful woman, a true beauty, who I enjoyed every minute photographing. Petra quite simply you are...

Life is busy - I work full-time, John does camp work and is gone half the time, we have four kids. I do most of my work when the girls are at school and pull some long days when John is here. We have a groove and it works for our family. But then summer comes, and I feel like I have to...

I first met Mackenzie and Kevin when Christine recommended them for my house mortgage and I was a convert. Ask anyone who uses their services and they will tell you they have never been taken better care of my anyone in the financial services area.  It was the type of experience that makes you...

Avery is Christel second, and I was moved that she commissioned a photograph of just her and her daughter, like it was the most natural thing, as is a mothers love for their daughter. She asked that the photo be black and white, a classic portrait - easy, with such a classic beauty and a...

Erin, Simon. Aidan and Owen I met at a little trail, on what was finally a sunny day, for a leisurely shoot. Well, it felt leisurely for me, as this crew was super warm and laid back. However, I think Aiden and Owen got a bit of a work out running around and playing. Honestly, Erin, you...

If you follow the blog you know I have been gushing about the beautiful families I have been photographing recently. Wai-Ling, Rupert and their children fit right in. I adore this family and their approach to their session. The intention has always been to photograph them on their property and when...

I am coming out of the closet,  Frank + Chantel (Frantel) are my couple crush. I first met Chantel when she was dating and we did an instant and open dish about the joy (sigh) of dating. John and I hadn't met long before, so the memory of my bad dates with men in cover bands was still fresh....

Typically I work Saturday's but am typically firm about Sunday being time with family. And yes, sometimes I take a whole weekend off. This long weekend I photographed Thursday night, Friday and Monday, but Saturday and Sunday were chill time - that count's as a weekend off doesn't it? I...

Young Loveit's the sweetest. Angela and Tim, have it all together, they are both doing jobs they love and they are in-love. I don't think they quite realize how it radiates from them. She smirked  as she told me about how she sits through "his" movies, they  gazed at each other when they...

If you follow me on facebook you know it has been a funny week. It is amazing how putting in a new computer system can mess with things. At one point yesterday I looked over at Christine and her head was laying on her desk. Of course, we are managing to add much laughter to our week - so the...

I am a tad behind on blogging and such as we are switching things up. We are finally doing the pc to mac move. Why haven't we done it before? Well, I have been PC since the beginning of time and I am damn fast at it, if I don't say so myself, plus the thought of switching over all my software ......

This family is one of my favorite to photograph. There I said it. I have favorites. I first started photographing them with the birth of their eldest daughter Meave and it was a click. Me and Meave got each other, and her photos have since be used on my website and magazine covers. Then little...

Inspired. They probably don't realize it but Dianne and David left me inspired. John and I, blended our family five years ago. We are newbies to each other really and when I spend time around couples like Diane and David, who despite meeting many years ago and having raised two now grown children,...

I photographed Amy's belly on her first pregnancy as a surprise for her hubby, then I photographed sister Maya, then another maternity with dad along and now... Lola. Lola was a little dream for us. She is six days old in these photos and already has expressions that remind me of her gorgeous big...

I love photographing twins and a big part of that is to put me in my place. I had it easy. Parents of twins, I bow to you - twice. Meet Anthony Roger and Micah Gabriel. They were just lovely for their shoot. They took turns giving me adorable expressions and are bursting with adorable beauty. Thank...

I know a few of you have been waiting to see Michelle and Greg's maternity session and speaking of waiting...Ever since I photographed their wedding years ago I have been waiting for the call to photograph this maternity session. Greg and Michelle have so much to give, and it is easy to picture...

As part of the Helping Hearts collective I met with Krystal, Andrew and their little boy Conner to provide them with some very special photos.  Helping Hearts is an organization that pairs photographers with families of critically ill children to provide them with complimentary photos. I was...

I appreciate you. I appreciate that you allow me to live this life with my camera. As this year is my tenth anniversary, each month, until October, (the first ten months of the year,) there is a little celebration which is listed on the blog and our facebook page. First we had something for Bella...

I didn't think I was going to write anything on my blog. However, this morning it is all over facebook, and I realized, that  blogging, was her medium. She would want and expect me to. Last night, the dear to so many, Jenn, passed away. For all of you that sent her love, helped money be raised...

Last week I was interviewed by The Daily show about the Comox Valley Love Affair and wedding photography in general. It is on Channel 4 rotation right now. I think I "ummmm-ed" a few times and failed to make eye-contact - but, hopefully you will forgive me.  It is so funny to watch yourself. I...

I don't tend to blog many Bella Sessions, often they are surprises and usually they are not for everyone's eyes. I shot a Bella session for my friend and longtime (so very appreciated) client Dhea and asked her if I could share one of her  'not so private' images. She truly is the definition...

If you have been following the blog and facebook you know it's a big year around here. Yes, I am celebrating 10 years of being able to follow my passion here in the Comox Valley. For the next ten months, each month, we will unroll something special. - professional makeup application- one hour...

Girl tribes, being a household of gals and growing up very close to my sisters and mom, I was pretty pumped for this session. In they came, laughing, talking, telling me stories. The laughter started right away and stayed with us the whole time. Lily, Autumn and Elizabeth - three beautiful names,...

At the 2010 YANA auction I got lucky. Something really awesome happened.  A bunch of my friends chipped in and bid on me for a Bella Party. Bella Sessions are our own spin on what is typically known as boudoir. Our sessions can go in any direction depending on what you want - they can be...

 How many weddings are you photographing this year?When I was first starting, the amount of weddings you had booked was thrown around like a badge, the idea being the more you photographed the more successful you were. This idea never sat right with me. I realized early on that only I...

What made this shoot so fantastic, (apart from two adorable kids, sweet outfits, nice light, a grandma to play peek a boo,) was how chilled mom was. Simon wanted to climb, Neah couldn't keep her mind off jumping in the puddles. So that's what we did, we played, and I could have kept playing all day...

Stay tuned......... ...

I am off to Victoria today, my big sis is flying in and I am picking her up and we are hitting Bear Mountain for the night. I think you need a holiday after a holiday, I have been back for about three weeks and need to re-connect with my holiday self.I am someone who likes to be around people,...

Sweet, sweet little Dexter, the littlest brother in his clan, is already all boy. Something about the way he moves, kind of a swagger, at just one years old, tells me he won't fall in the shadow of his bigger siblings. Dear Dexter,  I owe you one. If it wasn't for you and your arrival shortly...

I'm going to lay it on the line here. I have had these photos ready to blog for more than a few days, and I know that mom and dad have been waiting and checking. I kept going to blog them, and then I would move onto something else, even when I knew they were waiting. My intention was actually to...

Tuesday morning, settling into the email mountain and the phone rings. Before I even look at call display I know it is Helen excited because we have dry sky's - which are not to be taken for granted. We move our session which was schedule for a different day to asap and it all falls in to place....

I had the most delicous weekend. Saturday we celebrated Gabrielle's 10th birthday at Reel Films at Freelones - but that deserves its own post. Then Sunday I had the joy of four fantastic sessions - two newborns, a maternity and a business portrait. The day just rolled along at a lovely pace with...

I fell asleep in the last ten minutes of Lost - three days ago. I have it taped and tonight is the night I should get on it (because these things are such high priority) and spend some time with Kate and Jack, but I had a much better idea. This week has been full of sweetness and today is just got...

Yes, another Bella sessions coming at you and more to come. I can only show you a portrait image from this session as the rest is so hot it will melt your monitor (well, really we just have to keep it under wraps, but the first reason sounded way better.) and yes, you guessed it my clients are...

I just got back from holiday, well, not really, but it feels like it. I was feeling a little worn out so I took the seven year old and we headed to Victoria for a night. It was 30 hours away that left me feeling like I was gone for a week. We ate sushi (twice), grabbed a nice hotel room with a...

The Bella Sessions are ON FIRE   - I am giddy about how fun they are, Chrystal is blowing us away with her makeup skill and the woman are moved by how stunning they look and how empowering the experience is - it`s all good. This beautiful woman has been in front of my camera many times,...

Jess and Josh brought their style, warmth, love for each other and their four legged buddies into the studio last week and together we created what might be one of my favorite sessions this year. They were set up with their session through a fundraiser we are doing with the St. Josephs Hospital...

It was a beautiful morning, not warm, but dry. Then the afternoon arrived and with it looming storm clouds and a building wind. It also brought the Scott's all the way from Victoria for a portrait session. The Scott's had with them their gung-ho bulletproof attitude, so we embraced the wet-coast...

There is an abundance of inspiration out there in web world - and some of it is homegrown Comox Valley talent. Many of you are familiar with Joel Lamaroux as the morning show host on Jet FM, but he, like all of us, wears a few different hats and has a story. Joel, on his blog and through speaking...

Some children are just meant to be photographed - and quite often it is the shy, quite type, like Maryn. These two offer up some serious beauty. ...

This cute shot of little Sophia just had to be blogged. She was photographed as part of our annual mini-session day. It was a special session as I photographed her parent's wedding two years ago and it was great to have their new addition in front of the camera. If you know her mom and dad, you...