Studio J

Andrew and Pam are friends with my 1st wedding couple, Jen and Jeff.

These 2 met years ago on the set of a church video production and photo session – where they couldn’t speak to each other – all quiet on the set.  A few years later, Pam was training Andrew to replace her in a position at the church.  .  .  . which led to a few dates.

Remember when you were 18, 20, 22 – staying up nights with friends,  solving the world’s problems,  talking about what really matters?     These 2 never stopped, I think.    They’re still learning, growing, thinking, striving to be more.

At 30, they are both going all-in to start anew and live by their convictions and ideals – living for meaning and caring for others.   They are at the same college, studying and training for ministry.

Pam – those eyes!!  . . . . . . I cannot wait to photograph you in your wedding dress! :

I had a small case of nerves before starting their engagement session.    . . . . Will I make some connection with them?   There’s a social ease that comes with knowing I am on the same page as my couple.   . . . . all of us knowing what’s most important to make their wedding experience great.    . . . . all of us knowing what’s most important for their photography.

We can’t be strangers or they would never trust me enough to be open, emotional and unselfconscious on their wedding day.

There was no need for me to worry.

Pam and Andrew have a dynamic together and I can picture it in the future with them working together as a team.   Andrew is joking and playing and genuinely funny, breaking the ice;  making you welcome and comfortable right away.   Pam is calm, almost meditative, very perceptive – a listener who is understanding.

Both are caring and personable in such different ways!  . . . . and they’re both very aware of those differences and they appreciate each other for them.    [that's not normal]

A slideshow of their session:

Mallory, Courtney and Madison trekked into the bush, over hills, rocks and gullies – all in their sandals! – to create some sweet images for their mom.  I was completely impressed and appreciative that they were up for serious hiking and had the perfect attitude to get this done.   These 3 laugh easily together and show a natural closeness, without coaching.

Mallory used to go to Silverlake summer camp, where my daughter Kayla went.   . . . . yes, they’re still jumping in the cold lagoon before breakfast every morning!   Thanks for pulling this all together Mallory!

Courtney is at my old school – Brock.   I wish she could have experienced Alphie’s Trough, the best campus pub ever  ( a beautiful ski lodge style building in the woods on the Niagara escarpment ).   Sadly, they turned it into a faculty lounge ( Booooooo!!).   So glad Mallory nudged you into unleashing your hair Courtney!

Madison has a totally infectious grin and attitude.   She radiates good humour.   She could read a phone book and make me laugh.

A slideshow of their session:

There was a crowd –> 6 of us hanging out at my studio for Jill’s fitness session.   Jill’s amazing trainer, Lorne King of Absolute Health and Fitness was there.  . . . . . and 3 photographer friends came out to help me with on location studio lighting (and some extra gear!).   Thank you so much John, Rene, and Heather !

She’s not only full of energy, up for anything and fun to photograph,  Jill is amazingly kind and always doing things for others.  Thanks for a really cool session Jill !

No steroids.   Lots of raw foods.   Mostly vegetarian diet.   Weights 3 times a week with King Lorne.   Lots of cardio.   Incredible focus on training and diet.  = G. I.  Jill