Best of 2016

Wow! Putting this blog post together was no easy feat, but here I present to you, some of my favourite images from last year. A lot of these images are personal shots from my trips to Vancouver Island/America/England/Iceland/Scotland. 

For me personally, last year was amazing, from starting a new job, going part time so I can focus more on my own business, travelling home to celebrate a friends wedding, and taking Ryan so he could meet my family and friends. Spending lots of time with friends on Vancouver Island, making some unforgettable memories. Having visitors from home, some of whom I hadn't seen for years and of course making new life long friends! Oh and how could I forget? Last January, I got my permanent residency for Canada!!

Thanks to all clients, old and new for choosing me to document your memories, it's such a privilege to be part of your milestones. I'm so excited to see what 2017 brings! 

Edison Mae

Since moving to Vancouver, I haven't photographed as many babies and families as I did when working in the UK, so it was a surprise and a delight when Natalie asked me to photograph her precious new arrival, little Edison Mae. Surprise because I actually worked with Natalie before her maternity leave, and I know she has worked with many other very talented photographers in Vancouver. So it's flattering to be asked to photograph such an important time in Natalie and David's life, it's exiting, exhausting, new and I'm sure all kinds of wonderful with a bunch of other emotions squeezed in there that I haven't yet experienced!! 

The thing I loved most about this shoot was observing how in love Natalie and David are with Edison, it truly warms my heart and I hope I captured it. I tried to keep the shoot as organic and natural as possible by capturing little in between moments that they were unaware of. In this case, it helped immensely that we were shooting in their own home, where they're most comfortable. So if you're thinking of having some family photographs taken then I'd hugely recommend this type of lifestyle session, especially if kids are involved as new environments can often be very distracting for them. Also, natural light is always welcome, so OPEN up your blinds and let the light in. 

Megan & Bill engagement shoot

Megan and Bill engagement session

I loved spending time with this sweet couple, Megan and Bill. We shot their engagement session at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC. Megan used to work there so we had access to the balcony upstairs where there is a gorgeous view of mountains and the ocean. They'll be getting married next July at the Diamond Alumni Centre at SFU, Burnaby. I can't wait to see them again and document their special day. 

Behind the camera to in front of the camera and back again..

Behind the camera to in front of the camera and back again..

Last week, my friend and I decided to take some photos of each other for our websites and social media. Michele of Michele Mateus photography (http://michelemateusphotography.com/) and I first met earlier this year whilst working together on an engagement shoot. We clicked right away, laughing, joking and bouncing ideas off each other.  She's a great support to have and does nothing but encourage the people around her, i'm so lucky to now call her my friend! 

So last Monday, the day after my thanksgiving dinner, feeling a little bloated after lots of over indulging I spent the first half hour in front of the camera. This is really hard for me because I hate being photographed but Michele eased me into it and I just didn't take myself too seriously. The result..I LOVE THESE PICTURES. Michele did an amazing job, definitely check out her work. 

Then I photographed Michele, she was a little more prepared than me and had a few outfit changes and accessories!! I just live in hats so I just wore mine the entire shoot. Michele never takes herself too seriously and has a great sense of humour and I hope that shows in my pictures of her..