Meet Ms. Ryley…She’s going places! I met Ryley while photographing her super hilarious family in 2016 and jumped at the chance to photograph her ballet portfolio. I knew she would be a dream to work with and I thought we would be able to create some really beautiful shots. She is so incredibly graceful, strong and fierce!!! Her dedication and time spent with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School has definitely paid off!
We started off with some headshots and then moved on to the required ballet “school shots” (these are just a few of both).
But then we got to play and boy was it fun!
Her love for her chosen career is inspiring. She absolutely beams when talking about the next steps (ahem…remember the little people…). While we were cleaning up she continued to twirl and dance around the studio with a blissful grin on her face and it was just so nice to see. Never lose that, my friend!! Break a leg!
Shona x
Oh my word this photography session was so fun!
The light was gorgeous, my subject was up for anything and didn’t shy away from the camera and we just played! This session was a Sweet 16 present from her Mom and I thought that was a fabulous idea! I absolutely love photographing teens, high school grads (or Seniors as they’d say in the States) and capturing this amazing and exciting time in their lives. It’s DEFINITELY something I’d like to pursue more in St. Albert/Edmonton, Albert when we move this summer.
Shona xo
I had the pleasure of photographing a gorgeous extended family session last weekend. It was a little chilly when we started, but we all managed. After I got the big group shots, I pulled each of the grandkids away individually for a few of their own portraits…they were all incredibly photogenic and, get this, they listened! Amazing 🙂 Here’s just a few to enjoy for now!
Shona xo
ps. Just one spot left in the later afternoon on the 13th for mini sessions! Let me know if you’re interested 🙂
…her Dad! This stunning teen is not only gorgeous, but she’s not even a senior yet! Her Dad also has to contend with her sister as well, so I’d be nervous if I were him!
We had approximately 25 mins to photograph each ‘model’ (they were real people, by the way 😉 ) and during that time we all worked like a well oiled machine. It was amazing really. We roamed around, tried to find different nooks and crannies to use and no one got in anyone else’s way. Great organization on Michele’s part, but also credit to everyone for wanting to push themselves creatively.
Sigh…wish I could go back…
And then she changed:
And two of my faves:
Enjoy your weekend!
Shona xox
First let me say, Merry Christmas! Ours got off to an interesting start with my in-laws being stranded in Britain due to the storms/airport closures, my sister-in-law being super sick and then on Christmas Eve my poor daughter threw up at church. BUT, these issues pale in comparison to what other families are going through at this time of year….
I received some beautiful and very heartfelt nominations for my Open Your Heart campaign and I had an EXTREMELY difficult time choosing. However, there was one submission that struck such a chord for me as the nominee’s future is very uncertain at the moment.
The winner of the Open Your Heart giveaway is…
Jude! This wee girl (and her family) has had to endure more this year than any 9 year old should ever have to face. She is a strong and mighty spirit who had another surgery this past week, but I was so very thankful to learn she was able to sleep in her own bed last night and wake up with her family on Christmas morning. 2011 will continue to be challenging for her and her family, but with our collective positive thoughts I hope that they will find the strength to face whatever challenges lie ahead. I can’t wait to meet and photograph you Jude!!
Jenna & Mariette ~ Your letter was beautiful, thoughtful and heart wrenching. Thank you for Opening Your Heart to me and trusting that I will help however I can.
Thank you again to all that put forth a nomination. I did not make this decision lightly and I will continue to keep you and your family/friends in my heart.
Much love & healing thoughts,
Shona xox
Have I got a fabulous post for you! For the first time I am teaming up with two AMAZING photographers (and ladies) for a very special Christmas project. Kelly MacDonald Photo in Woodstock, Ontario started this idea and Melissa Weicker (Whitecourt, Alberta) and I have decided to join her. It’s such a fabulous project and I just want to say a big THANK YOU to these wonderful women for opening their hearts and encouraging me to open mine…Please check them out and if you know someone in their area, encourage them to submit entries!!
Without further ado, here it is!
Yup, it’s that time of year. The leaves are beautiful and we’re starting to think about *shudder* Christmas! Let me make this easier on you…How about giving the gift of lasting memories to your family and friends? Here’s the details:
As a thank you to previous clients, I am opening up sessions to you first, but act fast as sessions will fill quickly and be on a first come first serve basis.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Shona xo
This is the beautiful daughter of this Mom…and she scares me! I look at her and think, wow. I’ve roughly got less than 10 years until my “baby” looks this grown up? EEP! Here’s a few more from our mini session we had the day after the big event 🙂
sigh….
Shona xoxo
After being in Victoria with my Mom, I had the pleasure and privilege of attending the Shannon Sewell Workshop in Red Deer, Alberta at the end of April. Thankfully the stars aligned and I was able to spend a good chunk of time with my Mom AND get to attend the workshop! I was one lucky girl!
Let me first say it was a pleasure meeting Shannon. She was extremely down to earth and forthcoming with her knowledge. She also brought Jeff Holt who is an amazing photographer from Charlotte, NC. They packed a lot into that one day workshop and left me with more questions than answers…which is a good thing. Vision/style whatever you want to call it has to come from within and as an artist, only you can figure that out. It’s a process and it ebbs and flows. And that’s okay! They inspired me to be better, to try new things and, on some level, gave me permission to fail. Sounds absurd, I know, but that is how we grow.
Thank you for a wonderful day!
Shona