Banff Family Session- Calgary Family Photographer

This SWEET family came all the way up from beautiful Arizona and connected with me to shoot their Banff family session for them! Momma Michelle is a photographer herself. Some people are weary of shooting other artists and their families, but I was beyond excited!! I knew that her being a photographer means that the whole family understands the importance of memories, and they would really value what I do. <3

When I saw sweet family, I am not exaggerating at all. Anyone who knows them, I’m sure has a million amazing things to say about them! Such wonderful people. <3 Not to mention… they are basically all models. 

Have a look at the photos and you’ll know what I’m taking about.. ;)

Adventurous photography couple shares secrets to million dollar moments...

So many people think when the words “million dollar moments” are brought up, it must have a LOT to with with having lots of money.  In all reality though, to achieve those moments, it’s really the other way around. Everyone seems to think that to have an amazing life, you need to have 6+ figure income every year. So many people push themselves, struggling to keep their head above the water due to way too many extra hours at the office, just to be able to afford that luxury vehicle, or their dream home. Now personally, that is where I think everyone has it WRONG. The most crucial step to living a good, happy life is asking yourself one simple question. *Does this add value to my life?*  Over the years, I can’t remember how much joy that designer purse, or looking at an expensive car brought me, but I do remember the times exploring new parts of the world, and chasing wanderlust dreams with my best friend by my side. There is no feeling in the world that can ever compare, or replace the joy that one experiences though travel. When you get extra cash, set it aside in a jar overtime that you can collect, and you would be surprised how quickly it adds up! I know, I know...I'm just a destination wedding photographer, i'm not some super brain, but it sure has worked for me so far!  Below I am sharing with you all some of my favourite moments from Arizona this month that have been filled with feelings that millions of dollars could never buy. 

Now of course you do need the funds for your travel expenses, but I promise you if you do it the right way, traveling is way more rewarding, and more affordable then the $700.00 month car payment you are dealing with. 

GO ON AN ADVENTURE! Thank me later. ;)

 

Alberta Mountain Engagement Session <3

 The first time I met Jen and Jordan was for coffee to chat about their wedding. I knew right off the bat, we were going to get along so well! They truly value the investment behind photography, and know just how important memories are. <3

Gosh, I just LOVE it when my clients are the people I want to grab coffee and hangout with. These two met me in Brag Creek, Alberta and we headed out towards kananaskis from there for their engagement shoot! We spent the afternoon laughing, adventuring around and having good old heartwarming conversations. Jordan and Jen have such a beautiful connection and most of the time, it was like I wasn't even there. I would go to start my usual posing, and quickly realized these two were naturals in front of the camera and really didn't need too much assistance in the "be cute" area!

Jen is the first to email me when she has any questions about the timeline of the wedding day, down to the smallest of details that she thinks could possibly effect the photography aspect of the day.  It warms my heart SO much to know that my clients come to me, trusting me that I can not only photograph, but help with all general aspects of their special day. <3 I've always said as a wedding photographer, I'm secretly also a low key wedding day coordinator. Anything that I can help my brides with, I surely will do! 

(Thank YOU Jen! I know you'll be reading this. ;) )

Ok here are just a few of my favourite photos... P.S they brought their puppy! Yup, now you really need to look at them. ;)

A huge shoutout to the incredibly talented Aprille for dolling up Jen for her session! Go check out this crazy talented MUA/stylist here.
http://makeupbymisslu.com

Dreamy, Magical, Stylized Waterfall shoot <3

IT’S HERE!! The ever so long awaited photos from this dreamy, magical, stylized waterfall shoot. 

I had this vision in my head. Waterfalls, a beautiful model, a gown, and a gorgeous bouquet of florals. Everything seemed to fall together oh so perfectly… I was in the Bay one day and they had this HUGE sale going on. Guess what dress was hanging on the rack? Yup, there it was, the very last gorgeous red, full length lace gown just asking to be used for this shoot! I scooped it up in a heartbeat and then tucked it away to save it for a very, very special shoot I knew I was going to plan once summer came.

Summer time rolls around, and sure enough one of my closest friends, (Also a gorgeous model) says she is coming up to Canada to visit! It was at that point that the wheels started turning, haha! Right away I jumped into full creative mode to make this dream shoot happen.

We drove up to Johnston’s Canyon just past Banff, and hiked into this beautiful spot tucked away from the main trail. I had never been here before, but I knew that the waterfall was there!! So we kept our eyes peeled and found this incredible spot. We spent hours shooting, laughing and exploring this beautiful area.

I am SO happy to show off the talented work of the other creatives in the business that worked so hard to make this all possible! The ever so bubbly and fun Bobi from Artistry By Bobi came to my place in the morning to do Kirsten’s makeup and hair. Goodness she is so talented!! I gave her a really loose idea of what I was hoping for, and she knew exactly what I wanted!!! If you need a makeup/hair artist, she is your girl!! Go look at her work!  www.artistrybybobi.com 

Erica from Rhosyn Floral designed this stunning bouquet for the shoot! I gave her a color pallet, a rough idea of what I was looking for, and she far beyond exceeded my visions! Her husband Andrew met with me to drop off the bouquet. These two make an awesome team!! If you need a florist, I highly suggest you look at their work. I still have the florals sitting in my office. <3 Even dried out, they are still gorgeous! rhosynfloral.com 

My beautiful friend and seriously talented Artist/model Kirsten Collins was so willing to do WHATEVER it took to get the shot!  I’m forever thankful for her, and her willingness to do whatever is needed for me to get the dream images I have floating around in my head. She lives in LA and is killing it in the music scene! You’ve probably already heard of her.. ;) But for those of you who haven’t go listen to her voice!! https://www.facebook.com/KirstenCollinsMusic/?fref=ts

Now that I’m done telling you all about how this all came together…here are the photos!! <3

The real, raw reasons behind what fuels my passion.

This image means everything to me. Photography is a form of art, and my goal as a photographer is not to just take images but to capture real, raw, honest emotions. I usually avoid posts about personal parts of life, but I feel compelled to share this. 

This image I set up to do with a tripod and remote. You see, there is a reason as to why this image touches me so very, very deeply. The past year or so has been an ongoing uphill battle with my health. It floods back memories of the devastatingly rough days when I was much too weak to walk, and he carried me. There were times when I pushed my aching body to try to muster up the strength to walk myself, and I simply just couldn't. I would hopelessly collapse on the floor into a puddle of devestating tears. He would kneel down beside me, ever so gently and slowly scoop me into his arms and carry me. No questions asked. He is my rock constantly and his love for me has never wavered under the pressure of it all. Every time I glance at this image hanging on my wall it is constant reminder of his unconditional love for me and what a great example of love he is. If you want me to be brought to tears, you tell me to think about this photo, and this man.

This is why I am a photographer and do what I do. I want to make art that tells real stories, compels and moves people. Take images with your loved ones, memories fade but images last a lifetime. <3 

If this pulled at your heart strings, please do feel more then free to share this image and story.