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Want to know what I’d do if I wasn’t doing photography? I think I’d be a midwife or a doula. My interest in it started a few years ago and since then, I've tried to learn as much as I can about birth & motherhood.  And, I know it’s gonna be on a whole other level very soon. What has been such a gift is how much my “job” has given me the opportunity to see what motherhood is for women in all walks of life. It's given me an insight into the real life emotional roller coaster that is this adventure, and not just the fairy tale side of it.  With each family sessions, I walk away with new views on motherhood, with different advice, heartfelt stories, confessions and things that get shared in total vulnerability. Each mother (and even father) has taught me something important and I’m thankful for each one of them. We learn through people's experiences and I'm so thankful for the honesty people share with me. PS. this sweet family is on the blog. It'll have your heart smiling, I promise!
Oh hey there, I guess it’s that day of the week when people tell you stuff about them. I was gonna post this yesterday, then I got distracted. And to be honest sometimes, posting on instagram gives me more anxiety then posting a photo of me in my underwear. I’m clearly conquering both those fears right now (sorry dad!). And with that, here’s a lil’ bit about me recently. Watching my body change the last few months has surprised me, or rather, my reaction to the changes have surprised me. To be honest, I’m quite critical of myself on a daily basis. More often than not I see my body in a negative light. A lot comes from my teens and the 6 days a week in dance classes. Even now in my 30’s, I’m always aware of how I look, wishing it wasn't so. And, yet somehow with an extra 35+ lbs, squishy skin all over, a rounder face and an amazing double chin that is out in all it’s glory when I’m smiling or laughing, I’ve never felt more happy in my skin. There was a hot minute in this pregnancy when ppls comments about my size started to get to me. If one more person told me how “huge” I was, or asked yet again “how many babies are you having?” followed by a “are you sure” when I said just one, I was gonna lose it. But, like most things I’m learning with being pregnant and the transition into being a mom, you have to take what people say with a grain of salt, keep what serves you and forget the rest. Everyone has a different story and a different way of being. Their comments don’t necessarily ring true and their experiences are not mine. I am still growing (in more ways then one lol) and things are harder little by little, but with every grunt, every failed attempt to tie my shoelaces (‘cause I just can’t reach all that well) and while I refuse to let the waddle become my walk or wear pants at home, I keep reminding myself I’m growing a human and it’s totally awesome. I’m so excited to meet this little babe of ours who has already taught me so much. And, being able to eat a bowl of pasta, then take this photo also kind of rocks too, if I am being completely honest. #32weekspregnant #uniteinmotherhood #thebump #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodunited #motherhooduprising
Since being pregnant there has been many conversations in my life about what is sexy, what is "woman", what women are capable of, how we change as women & how we stay the same when entering into this new role. I'm yet to fully experience the whole mom thing, but as I get closer, I have strong feelings about certain aspects of it. I think being a mom doesn’t take away from anything, but adds much more to everything. My awareness into what it takes to be a woman has truly been heightened. And, I've become even more fascinated by the women I surround myself with. I’m amazed by the raw talent, drive and adventure seeking ladies in my life. I'm so inspired by those that truly experience life to it's fullest and keep the adventure alive. One in particular is this beauty who I was truly inspired by yesterday as we created some frames that have fueled my heart.
Despite being Canadian and living in Canada, the snow has only appeared once for me while shooting this past winter, then the weather immediately got warm. So the fact that it snowed the other day makes me happy ‘cause I don’t feel too weird posting this snowy shot from a recent elopement shoot. Now that I’ve gotten this snowy photo out of my system, I hope Mother Nature gets the cold out of hers and we can officially move on to spring.
Apparently this isn't a little known fact, so I'm gonna share it. Photographing births is one of my most favourite things in the whole wide world. With just under a dozen beautiful babies births being witnessed and captured by me, I honestly can't even begin to explain how full my heart is from these experiences. Nothing fills a heart like that of seeing a life come into our world. And, it’s kind of crazy to think that soon, I’ll be the one living this experience. Even though I’ve witnessed more than a few births, been reading so much about it, asking all the questions, practicing my hypnobirthing, going to birthing classes with Anthony, being open to all things related to our birth plan/preference; it hasn’t totally sunk in just yet. But, what I know is that I have the most comforting & loving rock of a partner, an incredible support system, and a beautiful lady tribe along every step of the way. #wegotthis #30weekspregnant
Truth; I've been trying to post a photo all dang week. To break my instagram silence here's a photo of a sweet moment that makes me happy, which is much nicer than how I actually feel today. This week has totally rocked me. I'm gonna go make a bath, drink a glass of milk (still my one and only craving) and then watch some mindless netflix that will hopefully make me giggle and forget all the things I need to do, just for tonight.
When you escape to an A-Frame cabin in the woods in Mt. Rainer, Seattle and spend it with your hubby, baby belly and the most bad ass & totally rockin’ gal @laurkenkendall 🙌🏻 Perfect lil’ #babymoon Big love to you Laurken, you are ❤️🙌🏻😍🐐🥓🙃🤗 xo
Sunset at the Symes with Lesley & Jon ❤️