the end of this chapter for aliciaTphoto

Even as I begin to write this, the tears start to flow, and I type through foggy tear-blurred vision.

Soon, this chapter will close. I'm writing this to you all to give you one last chance to log in and download any photos I may have taken for you in the past 7 years, and also let you know that I am waiving the gallery revival fee for the next 2 weeks before I shut this site down for good.

In the wake of Covid 19 and the emotional roller coaster that the pandemic was for everyone, and the sudden, traumatic and life altering loss of my father, my heart is no longer cut out for it. I don't have it in me anymore.

At least, not right now. 

I think the thing that hurts the most about saying goodbye to this chapter of my life is that my Dad was always my harshest critic.... and my biggest cheerleader and loudest supporter. He is the one who introduced me to photography at the ripe old age of 5. He always supported me and always pushed me to pursue this as a career.

And he would be the one who would be most disappointed to know that I can't right now. 

THANK YOU

Thank you for choosing me, over and over again. Thank you for trusting me with your memories for the past 15 years. All the bands and weddings and births and birthdays and big milestones and little in-between moments that make life real and raw and messy and perfect. For so many of you, I feel like I have grown with your families. I will be forever grateful that you chose me to be part of the stories that make your life truly and uniquely and beautifully your own. I will continue to carry those moments with me in a heart filled with gratitude. 

If you need your gallery reset, please send me an email no later than Friday February 24th, 2023. This website, and all the galleries contained within will be taken off-line permanently as of March 4th, 2023. After this date, there will be no further opportunities to access your galleries or my archives. 

With that said.... onward. To the next chapter. 

This is not the end of me behind a camera. At least I don't think so. I just need time, and some space to reconnect with it in a way that means something different while I try to navigate this altered universe I find myself unwillingly existing in. Maybe someday aliciaTphoto will return in some capacity. Maybe not. Maybe something new will emerge later on, like a caterpillar from its chrysalis... Time will tell. For now, my Facebook and Instagram accounts will remain online, though I haven't posted to them since 2021, and I can't promise they won't remain quiet. Either way, if you do need or want to connect with me after this site and email are shut down, you will be able to do so there, just keep in mind I no longer check them often. 

So, my friends... until we meet again,

Cheers.

Sincerely and with much gratitude,

Alicia

Winnipeg Family Photographer │ Farewell 2020

Well, I don't know about you, but I'm over 2020.

I miss my family.

I miss my friends.

I miss my clients.

To those precious few clients I did see this year, THANK YOU. I'm so grateful that amid the chaos that has been this past year, we managed to sneak in some time together safely when the restrictions allowed. Those sweet moments and connections will stay with me always as a major highlight from what was a really hard year for my little business.

I shouldn't be too down though. All things considered, there were many happy moments for my family this year. My boys are learning to sail along side me, which when travel was kiboshed, became our go to adventure this summer. We spent many nights on our little sailboat, having fires on the beach, swimming, "fishing" off the dock, catching minnows with nets and even managed to get a couple of actual sails under our belt. Maybe next year, once I've got my practical sailing exam under my belt, I'll be brave enough to take the boat our without my dad... Maybe. 

Also, while being laid off from my day job was a big blow, especially since I had just returned to the workforce full time last November, I'm going to choose to view 2020 as the year the universe gifted me a bonus summer of (close to home) adventures with my kids that I would not otherwise have had. We sailed. We rented a cabin with my sister and her family once restrictions lifted. We floated down the Pinawa river. We explored. We played in our own back yard, and even managed one popsicle shot when Covid numbers allowed us to briefly increase our bubbles. 

I hope you enjoy this little highlight reel of our adventures.

Our yearly trip to Barrier Bay Resort in the Whiteshell. Pre-Covid this year.

DCIM\100GOPRO\G0262956.JPG DCIM\101GOPRO\G0403366.JPG Drew and I also celebrated our 2nd "official" wedding anniversary in style this year with a trip to Cuba. 12 years with and 8 years married to this guy and I'm grateful for every minute. Towards the end of our trip, we were watching as Covid began spreading in Canada.

A few days after we got home, my parents were scheduled to go to Mexico for their yearly 2 week vacation. There were still low rumblings about Covid leading up to their trip, but at that point there were no reported cases in Mexico, so off they went... Only to have the Canadian Government declare that all Canadians abroad should return home that very morning.... but that announcement didn't come through the tubes until their flight was already in the air headed to Mexico. Once they landed, my sister and I told them what was going on, and they made the decision to try to enjoy at least a little bit of their vacation.... after about 5 days of closely watching the goings on, we told them to get home now. They managed to rebook on an earlier flight ( 8 days before they were supposed) and made it home safely to a house full of groceries, ready for the mandatory 14 day quarantine.

And then it was time for spring break.... that was extended by two weeks... then a month.... then basically until the end of the school year. I'm sad that Q was all but robbed of kindergarten. I'm sad that both my kids missed out on so much with their schools. I discovered that being a teacher is NOT my forte. But it will be a year they will remember. It will forever be the year of zoom chats with school friends, of drive by birthday parades and of realizing just how much we value the people in our lives.

What a year my friends. These moments amid a less than ideal year are what will make it memorable.

I leave you with one last tid bit from 2020.... At the beginning of the pandemic, Insight Productions hosted the largest multi-network televised benefit show in Canadian history. And they chose little old me to contribute some photos for the opening song. So, in the words of Sam Roberts:
"We may never be the same again, we may never be the same again... Keep moving, don't stop. Keep moving, don't stop. Keep moving, just go go go."

Stay safe, spread kindness, and CHEERS to putting 2020 in the rearview.

Cheers to more hugs.

Cheers to being able to gather with friends and family, hopefully sooner than later. 

I miss you all, and send you love, health and happiness.

-Alicia

A bit about my decision to start, and why I decided to stop.

Yep. You read that right. I am stopping this project.... for now.

Photographers across the pages of history are invaluable. Many of us capture split seconds of all types of stories and our photos have the ability to humanize events like this one, and all other life events both big and small, with our cameras. Whether it's a historic event, or a sliver of time captured for the clients we cherish.

But here's the thing, #fromthefrontsteps and #throughthewindow are non essential. As a family photographer, I view myself as a non essential service, and with the announcement in Manitoba that all non essential businesses have been mandated to close from April 1-14 2020, I personally feel that it would be irresponsible for me to continue until these closures are lifted. Will I keep going? Absolutely. When it is safe to do so. I'm sure I could find a loophole that would allow me to continue this project if I tried hard enough. Perhaps there is no loophole needed because of how we were conducting these sessions and the causes we were supporting. But I won't keep going. My conscience won't let me. My heart was telling me it was time to pause this project, even before non essential businesses were asked to close. As the aunt of an immune compromised nephew, I can't keep going right now. I won't be pushing the limits laid out before us.

The group of photographers that I've been working with on the "From The Front Steps" project have unanimously decided that we are all pausing for the time being. We should respect the current directives from the government. We need to set a good example for everyone out there who has been reaching out about this project. We have had the safety of ourselves and our families and our beautiful clients & communities at the forefront of our minds when we made this decision. 

I've personally faced a lot of backlash about my "through the window" project and I have heard from many photographer friends who have faced the same, and it's been primarily from other photographers. It hurts. A lot. Especially since the backlash has never been direct. Not one of the people with concerns about this project had the courage to reach out to me personally to discuss it. Not. One. That was a hard pill to swallow. It might still be stuck in my throat. But, I tried to thicken my skin before I went public with this project as I knew there would be backlash.  As with anything even remotely controversial there always is. Plus, we are all scared and nervous and navigating uncharted waters currently. So I'm also trying my best to remind myself to take all the hate with a grain of salt, and then wash it down with a glass of wine.

I will say though, that the feedback from the public has been wonderful, supportive and uplifting. I mean, Manitoba's head nurse gave us a shout out during the provincial press briefing yesterday (Click HERE to see it, fast foward to 5:54). I have had health care professionals reach out to me to participate in my window project AND the front steps project. I have had local businesses and politicians do the same. I believe that what have been able to do up to this point has been a good thing. And both my window project, and The Front Steps project group that I have been working with have raised over $10,000 for local charities who have also been hit hard by the current events. So to me, the good far outweighs the bad. I'll take some heat if it means we can help organisations that need it, and put some smiles on faces and give some small sense of normalcy to the families on the receiving end of our shutter clicks amid this chaos.

Though with that said, I'm repeating that I will not be going out again until the non essential business closures are lifted. My aim with all of this has always been to be part of the solution, not the problem. And while I know I am able to conduct these sessions safely, I won't put the integrity of myself and the group I've been working with on the line just so I can keep going.

But don't worry, I'll be back. I have a list of all those who have reached out to me. I WILL honour your portrait once it's safe and advisable to do so. 

For now, enjoy what has already been captured.

Thank you all for your support over the years. 

Thank you to the incredible group of photographers I've connected with for the "From the front steps" project. I cannot wait until I can hug you all in real life. We have done a lot of good. (If you want to see the beautiful face of Casey Nolin Photography, who brought us together, click here to watch her CBC interview).

Stay safe and healthy my friends.

Cheers

-Alicia

What this could mean for small local businesses, and some other personal musings.

And an invitation to participate in this personal project.

COVID-19.

The elephant in the room that's not actually an elephant. It's been in the forefront of all of our conversations for about 2 weeks now. On the whole, I am incredibly proud of my fellow Manitobans with how we have (for the most part) risen to the challenge presented to the world at large. Working from home. Cancelling large social gatherings. Pulling kids out of school early if we had the means to. Practicing social distancing. 

However, the reality of all these measures is rather terrifying.

I recently lost my newly acquired day job as a result of these crazy times. I hadn't been there long enough to qualify for EI.

My husband, part owner/operator of NeverGreen Pool Care, is wondering what the future will hold for his small business with the current economic climate.

He also doesn't qualify for EI.

And we are not alone. Not by a long shot. There are many many small businesses who are in similar or even more dire situations than us. There are single parents out there who are wondering how they will keep their jobs if school is cancelled for the rest of the year and they have no childcare. There are farmers who might not have access to their seasonal workers, which could jepordize our access to locally grown fresh produce. Small restaurants and shops are having to close their doors, unsure if they will have the means to open them again. The sad reality is that half a million people had applied for EI 2 days ago... I don't know where that number currently stands, but you can bet it's not lower. unemployment rates are through the roof and we don't know when things will settle down. I'm hopeful that I will have a job to go back to, but like so many of us, I honestly have no idea.

These times are scary.

It's been starting to weigh heavily on me.

So during these surreal times, I decided to channel my inner worry and frustration into a personal project that I've dubbed "through the window". I've been reaching out to family, neighbours and friends asking if they would allow me to take a portrait of them through their window to convey a feeling, not necessarily creating a proper "portrait", of the current mood I feel like so many of us are experiencing. Social distancing hurts my soul. I'm a hugger by nature and being asked to keep 2 meters between me and my friends and family is really hard. But it is necessary. The sooner we band together, realize this and stay home, the sooner we will come out on the other side of this madness.

We are in this together. 

If you want to be a part of this project, please reach out to me on Facebook or via email. While my family is struggling with uncertainty right now, I am not asking for payment for these portraits. I am however asking that if you have the means, you make a monetary donation to one of the charities that I work closely with as they are facing hard times right now too. I will also point out that I fully understand and appreciate that many of us don't have the means to donate right now though, speaking as someone who just lost her job. If you do however have the means to make a donation of any size, you can donate to You Can't Spoil a Baby HERE or to K9 Advocates Manitoba HERE.

**EDIT** Pamela, the beautiful soul behind You Can't Spoil a Baby, has requested that any potential monetary donations be paid forward to Winnipeg Harvest. Due to the current outbreak, YCSAB has temporarily paused all operations in the interest of keeping everyone safe and healthy. You can donate to Winnipeg Harvest HERE!

And please, for the love of everything, LAY OFF THE TOILET PAPER. There are some of us who are legit going to run out soon...

Stay well my friends. Cheers.

-Alicia

Back yard/Summer adventure sessions are back for 2019!

Summer has arrived! We are into our last week of school and I for one am excited for school to be out. I'm excited for later bed times, no (ok, fewer) commitments, and some new adventures. Other than a couple of weeks of day camp and a trip to grand forks with family, we don't have much for plans which is the way I like it. I'm a total fly by the seat of my pants kind of gal. We make this story up as we go along because summers allow for that spontaneous outlook!

One little bit of planning you should do though, is choosing a date for your summer back yard or adventure session! I say this now because the summer booking bonus ends on July 15th. Didn't hear about the bonus? Well I'm glad you're here then. Here's the low down:

You get a one hour session either in your home, back yard, or one location of your choice in Winnipeg* for $300! (which is a $50 price reduction from regular price). Also, if your session is booked before July 15th and takes place before August 30th 2019 then you get a BONUS! And you get to chose your bonus:

Option A) an additional 30 minutes added onto your session

Option B) an 8x12 matted print of your choice from your session

So that's awesome. A discounted session AND a bonus. Can't go wrong there. So let's make a date! Get in touch with me by clicking HERE. You can also click that button and I can send you my client guide, or you can just message me with any questions! I'm an open book and I'm excited to make some amazing memories with you!

Cheers friends!

-Alicia

*if your location of choice is a place with an entry fee - read; the zoo, then client is responsible for my entry fee

Let's discuss our village

As I visited with some friends last night, an aspect of parenting that I've always believed to be true was painted very vividly in front of me yet again.

Parenting is freaking hard. Moming is hard.

As we sat and chatted openly and candidly about our own unique parenting struggles, from struggles at school to stress about finances to single parenting and everything in between it hit me, as it does fairly regularly, that I am incredibly lucky to have this village of women to share my parenting journey with. A circle who won't judge me. A safe space to word vomit all the crazy thoughts that spin through my head about how hard I am screwing up this parenting gig and about that time I said the wrong thing to my kids once when they were 3 or that time I yelled instead of hugged them and I'm sure I've messed them up for good this time... and my village will hug me and share their mistakes and their struggles and their perceived flaws, and I instantly feel less alone. I start to think that maybe I'm doing ok. That we are doing ok. That when we unite in real and raw and honest motherhood, we have the ability to give ourselves more grace simply because we realize that our hot mess of a life isn't all that unique after all and that we aren't really alone and we aren't screwing up as badly as we think we are.

I try to remind myself of all these chats from my village when I am behind my camera. From documenting women becoming mothers to mothers becoming grandmothers, and all the incredible life events that happen in between, motherhood is a beautiful mess of perfect imperfection. It's pure chaos with a toddler behind the wheel. It's sleepless nights and never having the bed to yourself. It's unfolded laundry and skinned knees and a sink full of dishes. The beauty in our lives as moms goes so far beyond what we typically see and share.

It's beautiful chaos.

So today, let's remind each other that we are stronger together. That we are each walking our own path and doing the best we can. Let's remember to show ourselves some grace in motherhood and hope that when our village sees us do this that they will in turn show themselves more grace. Let's remember to be vulnerable and share the ups and the downs of our journey because this whole parenting business is made much easier when we know that we aren't alone. That we aren't the only ones who make mistakes.

Unite in motherhood friends. Unite in parenting. Find your village and grow with them. Support each. Share the journey. Parenting is not meant to be done alone. If you don't have a village, make one. I can guarantee that there is another mom out there who is feeling just as lonely and lost as you are. 

And for real, if someone out there has a parenting manual and isn't sharing, imma be super cheesed.

Happy Mothers Day friends. 

We've got this.

-Alicia

Winnipeg Family Photography, but something a bit different.

Our lives are filled with movement. We are always in motion in one way or another. So why, when it comes to photos of our families, especially our kids, do we try to get everyone to sit still? Why not embrace the movement and motion of our lives and be open to creating some art?

There are many ways we can show movement in our pictures.... in many of the pictures we make, we can feel the motion regardless of how it's captured. 

But my personal favorite by far is to capture that little bit of motion blur.

If done intentionally it can add a little extra something to a picture...

To convince you that our lives in pictures don't need to be stiff and still and flawless, I am offering a round of what my kids have lovingly dubbed "Super Speed" micro minis. These will not be for family photos. They will be 5 to 15 minuted micro sessions to create a single piece of motion filled art that can hang on your wall eternally. You can scoot, run, rollerblade, skateboard or bike.... or whatever else you think of that gets you moving. Any family member can participate, even the 4 legged & furry ones if you desire a piece of art with your running buddy.

I have 8 spots and they will take place on June 1st, on the Transcona Trail just behind Oxford Heights Community Center. The time slots will be fairly lose (I am going to schedule them every 10 minutes, but please allow some grace as this isn't an exact science. There is an awesome park at Oxford Heights that can occupy little people if needed), and I will have stand by options for anyone who doesn't manage to grab one of the 8 spots. 

With these sessions, you will receive an 8x12 archival print, matted with an acid free archival mat to fit an 11x14 frame, with the option to upgrade to an 11x14 matted to 16x20 if you want to go big or go home. You will also receive between 2-4 digital files for you to share on social media or print more of if you so chose. Due to the nature of these sessions, the cost will be per participant. If we have time, we can attempt siblings together but my focus will be individuals. 

I know, I know.... get to the cost already.

$75 per person. This gets you your 8x12 artwork and your 2-4 digital files.

Want to upgrade your print size to the 11x14 matted to 16x20? Cool - add on $25.

Want additional copies of your art to gift to family members? Awesome, add on $20 for 8x12 or $40 for 11x14 (as long as they are ordered by the deadline... I can order additional copies after the deadline, but they're $35 for 8x12 or $75 for 11x14)

So let's ditch the stiff and proper portraits in favour of capturing our lives in motion. 

Watch the Facebook Event for updates on the event itself (like if we need a rain date) as well as a map on how to get there if you're not familiar with Transcona.

Want to grab your spot? Email me ASAP as I'm only guaranteeing 8 slots. Payment is due in full to secure your spot. If there is enough interest then I will add more time or a second date. 

Cheers friends. I look forward to making some art with you that you can proudly hang on your wall for a lifetime.

Alicia

Ready to book or have more questions? CLICK HERE to connect with me.

Winnipeg Family Photographer

This amazing family has been trusting me with their memories for years now. It fills me with so much joy when my clients become my friends and year after year, bring me back to capture their lives and their growing families. I feel so incredibly lucky that I get to watch my families grow and evolve. 

This session was extra special because some of the family was visiting from abroad! Photos of them all together are fairly rare. It's hard when some family is far away. I know because a good chunk of my family lives in Holland, and I may or may not go overboard with photos when we are all together because that time is so precious.

It was also fun because these Dads all love their cameras and tend to be the ones who wield them most often. This way, with me there, they get to ignore their cameras and actually be in some photos with their families. That's the whole point of what I do! I let you ditch the camera and be in the moment with the people you love most.

Here's a peak into an evening with the P family!

And, I promise, we can even sneak in a "proper" family photo if you want one.

Let's redefine what a family photo session looks like.

Let's work together and make photos that will make you feel the feelings and remember the details and bring you back in time.

Because (and I will keep screaming this from rooftops until people believe me) a picture can capture MORE than just what we look like.

Let's make some memories friends.

I'm booking summer sessions almost every Saturday, all summer. Get in touch ASAP if you have a specific date in mind.

Cheers friends, and thanks for being here.

-Alicia

A hairy adventure

My son has had long hair for most of his life. He started growing his hair out this time, by his own choice, when he was 3.5 years old. He said he loved mommy's long hair and wanted to have long hair like me (cue heart melt).

A couple of years later, we got it into a ponytail for the first time ever. HE WAS SO PROUD.

But the downward spiral had already started..... the random, likely innocent, comments from strangers telling me "how much they love the colour of my daughters hair". Classmates going out of their way to refer to him as "she" or "her" just to bother him. Even a family member commenting that he would look like a girl with long hair because long hair is for girls. 

In the beginning he couldn't care less. He was happy and proud of his hair. He loved it. He thought he looked like a rock star. We showed him pictures of famous men with long hair. We talked about how some aboriginal peoples in Canada think that the longer your braid is, the closer you are to Mother Earth (this one he loved the most, and he insisted on wearing his hair in a braid most days after we talked about this one).

But things wear on you after a while, and I saw his attitude shifting. I saw his resilient little heart wearing out and he was becoming more and more sad, and even becoming verbally aggressive with strangers who referred to him as "she" or "her" or "your daughter". 

And then his teacher at school had a chat with me..... he'd tried to cut his hair off in class. He was sick of being called a girl. 

So I asked him if he wanted to get a hair cut, and much to my dismay, he said he did. I knew it was coming... but it still made me sad. 

Please don't mistake me, if he'd just wanted to have short hair I would have been all for it. I'm just really angry at society as a whole for unintentionally wearing down my son to the point that his little free spirit seemed broken, no matter how much me and his dad and his Nana and Opa and our close circle of family friends tried to lift him up. I even waited a full 2 months to make sure this is what he wanted and to make sure he understood that once we cut it, he would be 10 years old before it was this long again.

He was sure. So off we went...

He chose a mowhawk. So his hair still speaks to his independent and quirky little personality that I love so much. And of course, because he picked a mowhawk, so did little bro. 

And there's a new spring in his step. In the moment, he was a bit unsure, but within hours he was on top of the world, and professing his undying love for our dear friend, and co-owner of The Sapphire Hair Lounge, April. And he hasn't been upset about going to school. And he hasn't been as confrontational. His confidence is back.

So while I'm sad about his reasons, I am happy for him... Because after all, this isn't about me. 

And to all my grown up friends out there, I implore you, pause for a moment before you comment on a kids appearance... because they are listening, and they hear more than we think, and their little hearts and minds absorb way more than we give these little people credit for. 

If you've stuck with me this far, thanks for hearing me out. I've fallen off the wagon with my 365 a bit, but this was a full story that needed to be told, and I'm trying to get back on the daily photo train for April. 

Happy Monday friends!

-Alicia

Creating custom content as unique as your Winnipeg business

7 seconds.

That is, on average, how long you have to grab the attention of a potential client or customer.

And that's if they make it to your website. On Instagram or Facebook? It's even less. 

But that's ok! I'm here to help.

Something really fun I've been working on is Small Business Stories. Basically what this is, is I hang out with you while you're at work on location or in your shop or office, where ever work happens to be for you. You will tell me about your business and your clients and we will tailor make a catalogue of pictures that is relevant to your specific business. Think of these sessions as stock photography that is custom created using your products and/or services. No more cellphone snaps or wasting your budget buying irrelevant stock images (because you're not right click saving and sharing pics from a google image search right...? cause that's totally not allowed). You'll have an inventory of social media ready photos that are curated to your specific business and there waiting for you to pull from as needed.

 These sessions are 100% geared to the virtual world we live in. And an eye catching photo says more than words ever could in the average 7 seconds you have to grab the attention of potential customers or clients. 

Did we create imagery that you love so much you want to use it on your website and/or in your printed advertising? Well that's awesome and with these sessions you will get a hugely discounted rate on per image commercial usage!

This is Nicole Hacault of Royal Le Page Top Producers. She and I have known each other since she was my boss at the Sears Portrait Studio (*GASP* yes, I worked at Sears) some 10 odd years ago. Fast forward and we crossed paths again once we both had babies and had our own businesses. She's a wonderful client and a dear friend. 

She's also an amazing realtor who promotes small business and local love. She has other businesses she works closely with and she has these wonderful weekly video chats called "Wisdom Wednesday" and "Local Business of the Week" where she reaches out to other local businesses and shares a bit about them or shares tid bits of knowledge that are relevant to buying or selling a home (you can watch them on facebook by clicking HERE). She's such a community minded women that we decided to create a gallery for her of a collaborative brainstorming session with some of the partners she works closely with.

So, what ever your business needs happen to be, we can create some photos that tell your story and show off your vision for your business. I'm happy that I got to work with Nicole on this little project and I look forward to the next time we work together!

If you're interested in creating stock imagery as unique as your business, please get in touch! I am offering an intro rate for the next 5 business that book a branding session with me. Want to have a monthly or quarterly date and keep your imagery current? I may or may not have a discount for that! Message me and let's chat about it! I look forward to hearing from you! And as always, if you have questions I'm an open book, so ask away! I'm here for you.

Cheers friends, and thanks for being here!

-Alicia

PS- If you're looking for a realtor, look no further. This lady has her stuff nailed air tight and if we ever move again she is who I'll be calling!

Personal 365 project -  February 2019

We are SO over winter. That was the coldest February since the 80's. We are all suffering from a bad case of cabin fever. We are bored. We are grouchy. We are sick of each other and being cooped up together. As you can plainly see, I've been struggling with my personal project, feeling fairly uninspired by these same walls day in and day out. I may or may not have cheated a couple of times and also used my phone a couple of times.....

But I will push through! Why? Because every year I do a 365, I grow.... a lot. And that growth then trickles down to you my dear and precious clients!

So enjoy a peek at our February...

Thanks for stopping by my friends! I hope these last winter days find you warm and cozy while we await the return of warmer days. I will say that I've noticed the light returning to my kitchen in the evenings and that is my yearly reminder that the end of hibernation is near. I cannot wait to play in my gardens and feel the sun on my skin.

Stay tuned, I've got a few more great client sessions lined up to share with you in the near future!

Cheers folks

-Alicia

A summer adventure Story in Winnipeg with the F brothers

Summer adventure sessions are my favorite. Well, to be honest, any family adventure session is my favorite. These are the memories we will want to hold close forever. Something as simple and regular as a trip to the park or splash pad is one of those things that may fade from our memories quickly because it's such a regular occurrence.

I've been lucky enough to watch these 2 brothers and their relationship grow for a couple of years now and I'm honoured that I keep getting invited back. And now that they've met me a few times their wonderful and goofy personalities come out a lot sooner than they did the first time we met. 

I'm also sharing this now because I'm SO over -27C and I need to think and share some summer happy thoughts to get me through. I hope it helps get you through too! Spring will come... some day! In the mean time, enjoy this little flashback to last summer and a glorious day to play at the park!

Thank you Mama M for continuing to trust me with your memories! Excited and looking forward to some new adventures this summer!

If you're interested in having your own family adventure captured, please reach out! You can connect with me by clicking HERE! You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram. Stay warm Winnipeg! We will get through!

Cheers friends

Alicia

A walk with her Fur Baby

Our family members don't always walk on 2 feet. Sometimes they walk on 4... and have fur. I know first hand. I have a fur baby and she's been my bff for longer than I've known my husband. As she gets older I cherish more and more the photos I've made of her, and of her and my kids over the years.

Which is why I am grateful that K asked me to hang out with her and her main fur man Bosco for a walk around a favorite (to me) off-leash. Since Mr B is getting older, Karen wanted to capture some memories of the two of them together. Whether you're a fur mama or a skin baby mama, getting in the frame with those most dear to us is actually a rare event and it really shouldn't be. We deserve to be part of the story. 

Also remember, your fur babies can be part of your family photos too! I love all pets and welcome them into my frame as often as possible. I am proudly pet friendly and if you want a session that incorporates your fur family, please get in touch! We will find a time and space that works for everyone.

Cheers friends, and thanks for being here!

-Alicia

Personal 365 project, attempt #4.

I've yet to complete a 365. I've attempted 3 others in 2011, 2013 & 2017. I generally fall off the wagon somewhere around August/September as those are my busiest months with client work and personal work will tend to fall by the wayside.... But I know that the years I attempt them are always incredible growth years for me as an artist, and I'm always grateful for the visual legacy I have at the end of the year.

If you're unsure what a 365 project is, it's making a commitment to take one picture per day for an entire year. 

So friends, here is a peek into our January!

The above photo was taken by my dad. I had my camera with me and I took many photos as this was my big kids very first TaeKwonDo promotion ceremony. He earned himself his yellow strip and I'm so proud. I put the camera down to celebrate with him and I'm grateful my dad caught this for us. I'm so rarely in the frame that this is extra precious to me and hands down trumps any picture I made this day.

  Even if you're not a photographer, I highly recommend doing one of these projects for yourself. You can even do it with your phone... (you may notice that there are only 28 photos here.... that's because 3 of my 31 were taken with my phone, and I'm ok with that!)

Cheers friends!

-Alicia

PS- I've got 2 more spots for birth stories this spring so fire me a message or spread the word to anyone looking! There might even be a little bonus in it for them!

Winnipeg family photographer

Have you ever moved to a new city? How about moved to a new city with a new baby, far away from family supports and everything familiar?

When Mallory connected with me about doing some photos for her daughters first birthday party, I immediately asked some details about the event only to find out that it was just going to be the 3 of them as they had just moved to Winnipeg not a month before so hadn't made many personal connections yet. 

Well I was glad to make some new memories for them in their new home in a new city! It was so wonderful to connect with them and miss A has a smile that will melt your heart! Even now when I see it, it brightens my day.

Thank you for finding me, and inviting me into your lives to celebrate a whole year as a family of 3! What a perfect way to spend an afternoon, looking cute and enjoying each others company in your new home!

Cheers friends!

Alicia

Winnipeg Family Photographer

legacy - noun -  something transmitted by or received from an

ancestor or predecessor, or from the past

What visual legacy are you leaving your kids? Your future grand kids? Have you thought about that? Have you pondered what your life story will look like to future generations? What tiny glimpse of your real every day will you leave behind?

Here's another question.....

Are you leaving them tangible, hold in their hand photographs?

Or are you going to hand them a hard drive of memories past?

This is why I've made some changes for 2019.

They may seem like big changes, but they're there for a very valid reason.

All sessions will now include prints. 4x6 ready to slide into your favorite photo album prints. Ready for your favorite collage frame prints. WHY?? Because printing your pictures is important. You are investing in having your memories captured, it's important for you to be able to look at them in real life, not just on a screen.

Did you know that there have been studies done that show that kids whose families display photos of them on their walls at home have higher self esteem? 

So yes, while your investment with me will increase, so will your take away. Big time, and in a very important and tangible way.

I will also be offering a-la-cart print products and add on's printed through one of Canada's best professional print labs. If you're curious, please message me for details! You are also welcome to order prints from sessions past. These prints that I am proud to offer are archival quality and absolutely stunning. There is no comparison vs local consumer labs. It's an investment, but one that will last a lifetime or longer.

Along with the above changes, I am also super excited to FINALLY start

offering my "Legacy Card" program. 

This is something that I've had floating around in my head for a long time.  Basically what it is, is when you book a minimum 1 hour session with me (sorry, mini sessions don't count), and plan on booking at least once every 15 months, you will lock in your price forever (or until I retire, which ever happens first. I will even continue to honour legacy cards if I ever change careers as long as you keep up your end of the bargain and have a session every 15 months).

So if you book a 1 hour session right now, and pay $350, you will lock in the $350 for 1 hour price every time you book, no matter what my price increases or package changes may be along the way, as long as you book again, and that next session takes place within 15 months. It won't change to the current equivalent to, it will remain the original package/rate you booked with me (unless you want to upgrade or change to the current package ,that is).

Did I mention that Half/Full day in the life sessions now also come with 3 matted fine art 8x12 prints included?  So you will get the 4x6 prints, as well as wall art, every time you book a half or full day session. The only catch is you have to hire me at least once every 15 months.

Just think of the printed legacy you will be leaving your family.

It will be an incredible one.

And one last exciting thing for 2019; "The Memory Keeper"

I am so excited to start offering parents a means to better capture their own families. "The Memory Keeper" is a workshop that I will run annually (more if the demand is there) that will give parents the basics on how use their fancy camera to its potential, and WHY documenting your family in a real and honest way is so important.

If you want to more details on the workshop, click HERE. Registration is open for the first one, which will be taking place February 3rd 2019 at Scout; Coffee & Tea. These workshops will be both intimate and intense. We will learn a lot together, and seats are limited to 10 participants per class!

So there you have it. Some super exciting things for 2019! Cheers to a new year my friends. I'm excited to keep growing and making memories with you!
 

-Alicia

PS- I also have the ability to accept credit cards... which obviously means I'm a big kid now right?

The Memory Keeper

The Memory KeeperGrowing kids

Let's set the scene shall we....

You took the plunge and invested in a DSLR camera! Or a well meaning partner or family member gifts you a fancy camera, because they know you love to photograph your family. You are over the moon excited and start snapping away!! ... Then you load up those photos and they're not what you pictured... They didn't fulfill the vision you had in your head. You're frustrated, so you go back to your phone snaps because, let's face it, may as well use the phone if the fancy camera isn't delivering, plus it's way less cumbersome to carry around... but you still dream of the photos you want to make with that camera that still calls you, dust covered, from the shelf in your office.... It's there begging you to document those milestone and mundane moments that make your life uniquely yours...

What if I told you that you CAN create the images you have in your head, with a little bit of guidance?

Because you can.

And I can help.

"The Memory Keeper" is an intense 4 hour in person workshop that will help you better understand how your DSLR works, how the different functions can work together, and how to get the most out of this amazing memory preserving tool you have at your finger tips.

We will also cover your "why". What is important to you in terms of capturing your real, and how best to capture the feeling and not just the actions. We will talk about different kinds of light and how they can add to the mood you're trying to capture. We will talk about perfection in our pictures and why it may not be as important as we think. We're going to dig deep and be honest!

And we will have some open Q&A time where you are welcome to pick my brain about anything and everything. This will also be the time I will open up my own gear bag and you are welcome to look through it and ask questions (or maybe even try something if you happen to be a Nikon shooter!)!

What you need:

A DSLR camera. Mirrorless users are welcome as well! Though I am not overly familiar with the system, the principles are the same.

Your camera manual, if you have it. If you don't you can always google it....

A notebook if you're a note taker.

Yourself and your eagerness to learn and grow!

What will be provided:

All course material, printed and ready to go for you to take home and use for reference

Homework assignments. (yes, I am giving you homework)

A private Facebook group where we will share successes, trouble shoot issues, post homework for feedback and continue our discussions!

Coffee, Tea & snacks! (because learning is no fun without caffeine and snacks... all the snacks)

My gear bag for you to poke through.

--> The Nitty Gritty <--

Who: YOU & ME!

What: The Memory Keeper - a workshop for parents who want to better capture their family story

Where: Scout Coffee & Tea - 859 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3G 0N8

When: Sunday, February 3rd 2019 from 12-4pm

Why: Because you made the investment in a beautiful camera and you want to use it to it's potential, and because your family story is imperfectly perfect and you want to remember the chaos long after your house is quiet.

Registration opens December 20th 2018

Early bird pricing will be available from December 20th - 30th 2018

Regular enrollment will be available until January 20th 2019 or until sold out

And just because learning is made more fun with a friend

I will also be offering "Buddy Passes"

when you and a friend book & pay together

How to enroll:

Email me at [email protected]

Include your full name, email & mailing address, and what you're struggling with most about your gear.

Once I receive your email, I will send you contract & payment info! Seats need to be paid in full at time of booking and will be processed on a first come first served basis. Once I receive your initial email and send you payment information, you will have 24 hours to claim your seat. If I don't receive payment inside the 24 hour window, your seat will be released to the next in line

I want this to be a small, safe and intimate class so I am only accepting 10 participants

I like to keep things real, so here we go....

Is any course going to make you a true "master" of your camera? Nope. Not even close. I spent a lot of time & money on a full year of full time photography school and I was by no means an expert at the end. You will need to work at it and you will need to practice. You will fail. I did. I still do. But the more you practice and put what we learn together to use, the more those failures will become fewer and further between, and you will feel your confidence grow. And you will see that growth in the pictures you make.

I am here to help you build the foundation you need to create beautiful time traveling memories of your family that you can cover your walls with, but ultimately you have to be willing to put in the work. To practice. To be patient. To make mistakes, and then try again. And again. And again. 

I'm excited to be on this journey together! And I am honoured to share some of my knowledge with you.

Cheers friends.

-Alicia

PS- Have more questions?? Please do not hesitate to reach out to me! As always, I'm an open book and am here to help in any way I can! Click HERE to get in touch

Welcome Home Hudson

World; meet Hudson.

His session was supposed to be an in hospital Fresh 48, however this beautiful little peanut needed to charm the nurses and Drs in the NICU for a few days first. As soon as this sweet belly birth boy was released from the hospital, I was privileged enough to be invited into his home. A home that is filled with so much love.

A home that has 2 babies, one of which looks down on her new baby brother and her parents from the stars. 

Regardless of what your beliefs end up being sweet H, your big sis will always be looking out for you.
I know this because even though I'm not sure that I believe in any sort of higher power, I'm positive she came to say hello to me on her birthday while I was giving out flowers and milkweed seedlings in her honour. 🦋🦋

You are loved beyond measure sweet H, and I know that you will move mountains.

I am so very excited to watch you grow.

A summer recap

What a year... I fell off the blog train really bad this past year. Life was just too overwhelming and maintaining my website fell by the wayside. Though I'm going to try to get back on top of it because there are some exciting things coming up, I have a lot of beauty to share with you from the past year, and an exciting announcement for next year.

So a little recap... Being a household with 2 self employed grown-ups (one of which also works a day job, and the other is also home-maker) and 2 small humans means we don't have a ton of time and in all honesty, I have been pretty horrible about documenting my own life this year. Our family's 2018 album is going to be pretty thin, and that makes me sort of sad.

But there were some amazing moments that I captured for myself, and before I start sharing some of the magical sessions I've been honoured to capture this past year (and there are MANY) I'll share a bit of what we have been up to...

Sleepovers, BBQ's and popsicles with my favorite humans.

And butterflies.... many many butterflies. This was our second year raising monarchs and eastern black swallowtails. Next year we will be scaling back our butterfly rearing efforts in exchange for creating butterfly friendly habitats in our yard and possibly applying to be a Monarch Way Station. The more we raised and the more research we did, the more we realized the best way we can help is by ensuring these butterflies still have a habitat and access to their native host plants. Though we will likely still raise a few, because there is nothing more magical than watching a caterpillar turn itself into (as my dear dad calls it) a bag of protein soup (or chrysalis if you prefer the more technical term), then magic itself into a completely new creature. Plus, butterflies are breathtaking, and my kids have learned SO much.

We went on a couple of family adventures too. My family reunion. A trip to Grand Forks. And just regular family adventures around our own beautiful city.

And the in between moments. The rare times Daddy has been home to snuggle. A couple of birthdays. First dentist appointments, finishing kinder and starting grade one for the big... another year in preschool for the little. Learning how to ride bikes with no training wheels.... the big little things.

If you've made it this far, thanks for being here and sharing in our journey and our joy.

I have some amazing client sessions I'm going to finally be sharing from the past couple of years so stay tuned, because celebrating your real life moments with you fills my soul.

Remember friends, our lives don't have to be perfect to be beautiful. 

Just slow down and take it in.

Because, as this year has shown me, the days feel oh so long.... but the years truly are short.

Cheers friends.

Winnipeg Family Photographer takes a trip to the "Hi Neighbour" Festival

*Welcome to Transcona!*

You see those signs whenever you enter my neighborhood. You see, Transcona is a part of Winnipeg that's basically self contained. Once you're here, you don't really need to leave. My friends whom almost all live in other areas of the city always joke that they're leaving Winnipeg when they're coming to see me becuse I'm so far away and Transcona is so unique. It's the "Park City".

One of the many great things about my little section of Winnipeg is the "Hi Neighbour" festival. It's something we look forward to every summer, and even more so now that my kids are a bit older. It's a long standing tradition for most of us transconians, and Winnipeggers from across the city will come to our neck of the woods to enjoy the festivities. 

While we eagerly await this year's Hi Neighbour festival (Which will be June 1-3, in case you're wondering), I will share with you our adventures from last year, starting with watching the parade...

And of course, my nephew being my nephew, and Opa basically letting him do whatever he wants, my nephew decided that he wanted to be part of the parade. Luckily for us, Transconians are amazing and cheered him on the whole way! My mom even stole my camera so I managed to get on a couple of rides and make it into a shot or 2! So if you look at the image above here, it's ME! 

And after a busy day enjoying all the sights, sounds, rides & treats, everyone was starting to run out of steam... 

And even though no one was ready to leave yet, because let's be honest, when are 2 & 4 year old's ever ready to leave anywhere fun, we compromised (ok, ok, I bribed them with...) on one last ride on the cars, followed by slurpees.
After a long day of sunshine and chaos, it's no surprise that these 2 didn't even make it 4 sips into their slurpees or the 3 minute walk to the car...

Hi Neighbour is something we look forward to every single year. To us it feels like it's the official launch of summer. It signifies the countdown until school is out. It means warmer weather and later days, and the beginning of summer shinanigans. 

If you see us this year, come say hi! We look forward to seeing all of your faces.

I may even open up a "Hi Neighbour" session or 2, if anyone is interested! Get in touch asap (click here to do so), as the festival is only 3 days, and I will be there with my own kiddos one of those days. 

Cheers friends, and thanks for being here!

-Alicia

Dear Talia,

I have known your mom for a while now. Going on about 4 or 5 years. She and I met when I would pick up pictures from the photo lab in Costco. I ordered and picked up prints so often that I eventually got a job there and she and I worked together until my littlest kiddo was a year and a half old.

We worked together during my pregnancy with my second baby and I remember chatting with her about it often. She would feel my belly when my baby was moving and we talked about all things birth and baby and parenthood. I remember, even then, how interested in it all she was. She wanted to know everything and I could tell that some day she wanted to be a mom.

Well, fast forward a couple of years and there I was, back at Costco picking up pictures and your momma, beaming from ear to ear, ran around the counter to hug me and whispered the sweetest secret in my ear... that you were on your way! It was very hard for me to contain my excitement in that moment. Oh sweet Talia, I wish you could hear that whisper from your mom. I could already feel her immense love for you.

Your parents had planned on meeting you for the first time at the Birth Center here in Winnipeg but as with life, sometimes things don't go according to plan. You were very cozy in your mama's belly and came very close to being served a formal eviction notice. I was very relieved to hear that her waters had broken on their own and that, likely sooner than later, we would be meeting you. But you decided to remain warm and cozy in your momma's tummy and had no want of coming out. She laboured beautifully, with your daddy by her side attending her every need, for a long time. She is one of the strongest women I know and she worked so very hard to bring you earthside.

After many, many hours and a little bit of help, we finally got to see your beautiful and perfect face... I will let your pictures tell the rest;

Sweet, sweet Talia. I hope you can look back at your birth story and see how incredible and strong your Momma is, and how much your Daddy loves you both. I know that you are going to be just as strong and caring as your parents are. I am honoured I get to be part of your story and I am excited to watch you grow.

Welcome earthside beautiful girl. The world can be a pretty awesome place, and it's even better now that you're here!

With love,

Your birth photographer

**If you are interested in having your birth story documented, please don't hesitate to connect with me! I have a limited number of slots left for 2018 so get in touch soon to see if your date is still available!

The highlights, from Winnipeg Family Photographer, aliciaTphoto

Winnipeg..... wow. What a year indeed. It was filled with both new and familiar faces, and many memories made and captured. More of you than ever have invited me into your lives and trusted me to come into your homes and capture your real and honest selves and I could not be happier or more grateful. The biggest compliment I could ever get from you are your referrals or you sending me pictures of your pictures on your walls. Thank you for this year.

I've also grown immensely in my craft. I invested some time in education and discovered and became involved with some incredible photography communities that have helped me learn and grow and see better. All of these amazing things will in turn help me to capture memories for myself and for you even better than before!

I teamed up with my dear friend Catherine from Catherine Brown Photography & Doula Care, for my annual mini session fundraiser for You Can't Spoil A Baby (<-- you can learn more about them by clicking there! They're an amazing project and I love that I'm able to support them this way!) and together we raised almost $500 to help their budget.

2017 was also the year that I got to cross one incredible thing of my personal bucket list. I had one of my day in the life sessions featured on Fearless and Framed. This is an achievement I'm very proud of, not only because it's been a personal goal of mine for almost 3 years, but also because the session they asked to feature is one that is very close to my heart.... [if you click on the image below it will take you to the feature article. If you click the collage below that you can see the original blog post]. Thank you M Family, for letting me share your story with the world!

This year also brought a pretty epic occasion to our family. I got to witness my Dad become a Canadian. After 40+ years living, working and raising a family in Canada, he never actually became a citizen until this year and I'm so very proud. [again, click the collage below to read the full blog post]

Our family also took our second trip to Holland together to visit my Oma and Opa and celebrate their 90th birthdays. We are so incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to go overseas with our children and have them spend precious time with our European family not once, but twice in the past 3 years.

And while my rock'n'roll days are long over, I did get to attend a few amazing concerts & shows this year. For nostalgia sake, I even brought my camera to a couple including a fundraising show called the 90's tribute show and an incredible ode to a friend gone to soon, put together by my BFF.

I also had the humbling experience of being selected as one of the photographers for Beauty Revived's "50 Beautiful Children" campaign. If you don't know anything about Beauty Revived, it's a magazine and blog that showcases REAL beauty. The kind that comes from spreading love and kindness and showing inner strength and determination to overcome life's obstacles. I was so happy when my friend Dayna nominated her amazing daughter Belle, and allowed me the opportunity to share their story surrounding her brother's heart transplant and her advocacy for organ donation. You can read the full write up by clicking the picture below.

This past summer, my sons and I tried our hand at something new to us as well, and it was incredibly amazing, fascinating and rewarding. We began our journey raising butterflies. It all started with some cool looking caterpillars we found on our carrots in the garden... so we kept them, fed them, and watched them grow and transform into Eastern Black Swallowtail butterflies. From there I continued to research, and educate myself and discovered the current plight of the Monarch butterfly... and discovered that my dad has milkweed (the Monarch caterpillar's only food source) planted in his garden, and that those plants were covered in caterpillars, so we stole 5. Of those 5, we successfully released 4 and I'm so obsessed that I have my husband building me a butterfly house this winter and I'm already planning my butterfly garden with my milkweed seeds on standby waiting for germination. In all, we released 8 black swallowtails and 4 monarchs, and have about 15 swallowtails overwintering in our shed. Should be a colourful spring!

And now for my personal recap. I hope you enjoy scrolling through the wonderful year it was for my family.

And to cap it off, here are my top 20 personal favorite photos from 2017...

Friends, family, clients and fellow photographers.... There are no words for me to express how grateful I am for all the love and support I received from you all this year. Your faith in my abilities, your trust in my lens and your words of wisdom push me to grow and make sure that 2018 is even better! I'm excited to share it with you all.

Cheers friends.

And thank you.

~Alicia

A Challenge To The Documentary Movement

For those of you who don't know, I'm part of an incredible team of 5 photographers from around North America who run a group called "The Documentary Movement". We are over 2000 members strong and growing. We collaborate, network, brainstorm and grow together. It's an inspiring community and I'm so happy to be part of it!

A few weeks back, I challenged our amazing group to push themselves outside their comfort zones. With me being in the frozen north of Winnipeg, Canada, and us losing daylight at around 4pm, I thought "what better way to get people to step outside their comfort zones and learn or try something new, than to force them to shoot with almost no light...."

Challenge details: 7 days in a row, at 6:54pm, shot at 3200ISO, make 1 good picture of what you're doing (get it? 7,654,32[00],1... yea I did that...).

I thought it would be super cool to see what we were all up to at a specific time, but if you know me at all, you know I'm not a fan of rules so these weren't set in stone... basically just pick a specific time of day, and shoot at an ISO that's beyond your comfort level. 

And the results were incredible.

Both in terms of the photographs everyone created, the feedback and growth that was shared, and what people had to say about what they took away from our challenge. I'm excited to share some of them with you. I hope you will take a moment to feast your eyes on this awesomeness. It's an incredible collection and I'm humbled to put it all together. If you want to know more about the amazing artists featured here, click their name and it will take you to their website or social media page!

Adriana Silva

ISO 4000 1/160 f2.5 at 8:30PM

I learned that I could push my ISO much higher than I usually go for. I'm including routines that were missing on my memories. Grain... I love grain anyways!

Alexandra Bagley

28mm, f2.8, 1/160, ISO 6400

Cara Bettcher

6:54pm, ISO 3200, f2.0, 1/100

While I feel fairly confident working with low light situations (thank you birth photography), I sometimes forget that you can make even the lowest light unique and powerful. This challenge forced me to step outside my comfort zone of just getting a "safe shot" when light is lacking and to embrace it and use it to create something unique and fun.

Courtney Hupp

20mm, f/1.8, 1/100, ISO 8000

This challenge taught me 2 things 1. I really need to be more intentional about getting my hubby in the frame more. It's so important that my kids have these images of them with their dad. 2. It reminded how much I LOVE shooting indoors in terrible light, lol! 

Erika Kao

f/3.2, 1/250, ISO 8000

My 6-year-old creating art on my cast

Jenneve Robinson

ISO 25600 f/2 1/320s

We went exploring this past weekend in an old tunnel in and I've been nervous to try anything with an ISO this high but with the textures on the walls I thought that a high grainy look would possibly look really interesting. I love how this turned out!

Jennifer Blake

 ISO 3200, f1.4, 1/200, 6:43pm
I learned that artificial light doesn't always have to be ugly and I can play with it and get an interesting shot. I can give myself permission to shoot in less than ideal situations and not miss out on moments.

Jessica Hachey

8:18 pm at ISO 12800. Ap 3.5, SS 1/200 

So, here is my favourite for the week of the challenge. My take away was...experiement! I tried really slow shutter speeds, shooting all the way open and cranking up my ISO. The challenge forced me out of my comfort zone...and now my comfort zone is a little bit bigger.

Karah Mew

ISO 12800 F2 1/125

ISO ... the most scariest dial in my camera- or so I thought! 
During the challenge week I got to photograph a birth and wow what an experience. It pushed me with regards to my image making and camera settings. 
It taught me a few things
1) Photo quality isn't always paramount to making a photo
2) Embracing the grain is good for creative freedom
3) Clients often do not care - they see the emotion not the noise. 

Kathleen White

 f1.8, 1/160, ISO 3200 7:04pm
Stalling before bedtime, but I'm in love with those perfect little eyelashes. There is something about this picture that makes me want him to stay little now more than ever before.
Also can I just say how much I loved this challenge. It completely pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me see light in new ways. And it was nice to have some of these nighttime memories captured even through the chaos, when I wouldn't normally be taking pictures!

Koren Smith

ISO 3200 1/400 f/2.8 with 28mm

This challenge really pushed me out of my comfort zone. It gave me the ability to play with lighting more and taught me that grain can't ruin a great photo but it can add to the feel.

Lisa Robinson-Howler

 ISO 8000 1/320 f 2.2

Taken at 9:43 p.m. I learned from this challenge to take the photos I want, when I want, no matter the ISO because in the long run the memories are way more important than the grain. 

Lori Hancock McCurdy

F1.8 ISO 10,000
When your husband sits down to play the piano and sing and you think it's still so cool after 26 years. 
And you want to make a picture of it. 
And then your daughter decides to dance. 
But it's almost completely dark. 
And then he laughs at you trying to make a picture in the dark. 
But in the end you make the picture that means so much to your heart ❤️

Nikki Gould

8:54 pm ISO 6400 16 mm f2.8 1/250

I'm not afraid of taking photos in less than ideal lighting. It's something I've been working on, knowing that I do sessions in homes and I'm not always guaranteed outside light coming in through the windows. This challenge certainly helped me push myself and watch for the lighting that I needed to achieve the photos that I took, and to push my camera to the extremes. Luckily my kids provide plenty of entertainment when it comes to getting ready for bed.

Summer Foytik

ISO 10000 F/1.4 1/200 with my 35mm

This challenge made me realize I have been missing so many amazing things because I assume it is too dark to shoot. It also made me realize I don't ever pull my camera out during the chaos that ensues during bedtime. I know these are some of things I will miss most when my kids are grown and I'm incredibly grateful to have stopped and taken the time to capture the beauty in our monotony. 

Tara Lynn Geldart

Iso 10,000 1/320 f3.5 @6pm

We waited all day to decorate this tree. I was going to move it into the living room to get better light but it was still too dark. I was pretty bummed and almost didn't take my camera out because I couldn't make my "vision" work. Instead I bumped the iso and waited for the shot I wanted!

Tasha Carbaugh Hicks

ISO 10000 F1.8 1/125 with my 35mm

This challenge made me realize you don't need perfect light or "good light" to make pictures that mean something or that have emotion.

And finally, here's a few from me. While shooting at higher ISO isn't something that scared me, it was nice to push it to it's limits. To better learn the limits of my gear. And to consciously think about taking a photo at a specific time for a week. It was also amazing to see how our community came together to help one another work past the obstacles one encounters when shooting in low light (both mental blocks and technical issues). It was wonderful to hear over and over again how fulfilled people were just from trying something new.

6:53pm, 3200ISO, f1.8, 1/400

6:34pm, ISO5000, f1.8, 1/200

6:52pm, ISO3200, f1.8, 1/200

6:50pm, ISO3200, f2.2, 1/250

Thank you all so much for participating!

And thank you to all my readers who enjoyed this eye candy to the end!

Cheers friends, and thanks for being here.

~Alicia

Dear husband

This season of our life is hard.

It's draining, both emotionally and physically.

It's stressful for our family.

We miss you.

But I don't have the words to properly express how grateful we are for all that you do. For how hard you work.  Being by your side and watching you and your partner build and grow your now thriving business from the ground up over the last 3 years has been nothing short of inspiring and it pushes me to do better for myself and for my dear and precious clients.

I remember that day, last summer, that I followed you to work for a day. We put our kids in daycare for the day so I could tag along and see what you do, and so we could spend some much needed time together. And in true "me" fashion, I had my camera in tow so I could document some of your story. 

**For those of you who may not understand my reasons for wanting to go to work with my dear husband for a day, let me back up a little bit.... If you have a partner who works a seasonal job, you probably have a better idea of where we're coming from. My husband works (literally) non stop in the summer. Beginning some time in April, all the way through early November, he's up and out the door before 7am, and he is rarely home before bed time. 7 days a week, with the sole exception of holidays (and even then he's out the door if something is on fire). It means we don't get to see him all that much. It means we miss mothers day, fathers day, half our families birthdays, park days, beach days, bbq days... we miss out on a lot of precious summer family time. And then on the days he has off, he's still busy... trying to help me get a head start on the next week. Maintaining things around our home that are beyond my skill set (you should ask him about our front hedge that one time I tried to trim it and it ended up with a mowhawk because I couldnt reach the top... ) and trying to squeeze an adventure with our boys in there too, when I'm sure all his body is screaming for is sleep and food.**

I'm excited to share a bit of your story with the world my love.

So, here's a "day in the life of the pool guy".

I'm happy I got to tag along with you. I'm happy you are so proud of what you do that you wanted to share it with me. Even though I think it will be a while yet before I understand all your terminologies or technical terms, it was really wonderful to see what you do. 

The even better part of this day with you is that it was just a maintenance day and there were no fires to put out, which means it was a shorter day and we got to finish the day with some well deserved family time. 

But in true entrepreneur fashion, the work never ends....

I love you with all of my heart.

And I'm proud of you.

With love, your camera toting, storytelling, life documenting wife.

**if you're interested in having your small business story told, I'd love to help you out! Please get in touch!

***if you happen to be in need of a hard working (dare I say, handsome) team of pool guys to help you out with repairs, service or maintenance, you can find NeverGreen Pool Care by clicking HERE

You know what I mean when you meet someone new and it feels like you've known them forever... that's exactly how this session went down. I had such a wonderful time playing with their oldest daughter, chatting with mom and dad, and getting to meet sweet baby V. We all became fast friends, and it's been wonderful keeping in touch and watching them grow as a family of 4!

ROCK ON LITTLE ONE! We are meant to be friends! Miss J was so proud to show off her baby sister to me.  After a while, J had to take Daddy downstairs. Daddy needed to get his guitar. Something we do in our family as well. It's so wonderful to see another family share their love of music, and it's always a favorite thing of mine to capture!

Sweet V, you are part of an amazing family that is filled with so much love. Thank you Allie, for finding me. I am so looking forward to watching your girls grow, and to the many more play dates and splash pad adventures I see in our future!

Cheers friends, thanks for stopping by today!

-Alicia

**if you're looking for a relaxed newborn session in the comfort of your own home, feel free to get in touch! I'd love to connect with you and show you that your photographs can preserve so much more than just what you look like!

Dear Rowan,

I met your mom a year and a half ago or so, at a rally to support our Manitoba midwives. See, she and I share this common love for midwifery, and a passion for growing awareness surrounding midwifery care in our province. Since that first meeting, she was at every rally I was. It was fun to watch your big sister grow, and I was honoured to fight for our midwives alongside her and your mom.

Fast forward a year(ish), and your mom told me she was expecting! I was so incredibly happy for her! When she asked me if I would be able to document your arrival, I was both incredibly humbled and tiny bit worried. See, we had already planned a trip overseas to visit my grandparents for their 90th birthdays. You were "due" a week after we got back, but I was still worried you would come early and I would miss it.... so I teamed up with my dear friend and fellow birth photographer, Catherine Brown Birth Photography and Doula services, and together, we made sure that we would be able to take care of your mom and dad no matter what. Your parents were so excited you were coming. During our meetings she would talk to us about how she was feeling, how your sister was doing, how she was both excited and nervous about becoming a mama again. 

My adventure overseas came and went... and when we got home on June 30th, I must say that I was happy and grateful that you waited for me. I talked with your mom every other day once we got home, to see how you were both doing and asking how she was feeling. She was most definitely ready to meet you...

In the early morning hours of July 3rd (a Monday), I got a message from your mom saying that she thought her waters had broken and that today might be the day! She had called her midwife to check in, got checked out and since it was still early, went back to sleep for a bit. 

Later that morning, with your big sister happily with Grandma, off to the Birth Center you all went. Your mom and Dad kept me in the loop throughout the afternoon. Her surges were becoming stronger and closer together and she was  ready to be admitted by her midwife to the Birth Center. Today was for sure the day! Everyone was excited and SO ready!

Once everyone was settled in, I got the invite to join your birth day party. When I arrived shortly after 2pm, your Mom and Dad were in the tub working through her surges together, with the tender and skilled hands of Jenna from Equilibrium Massage Therapy and Wellness Center, your doula close by. Your mama was so incredibly strong, and your dad was so in tune with what she needed. He was the most wonderful support. I could feel the love radiating off of him. It brought me to tears.

I will let your birth day images tell the rest...

Your Grandma called while your mom was working on bringing you earthside, to see how she was doing and let your mom and dad know how your big sister was doing. She was also very excited for your upcoming arrival!

After some good pushes, at 6:40pm on July 3rd, there you were. You were big and beautiful and perfect, and covered in birthday frosting. You daddy caught you and seeing the love in his eyes when he saw you and held you for the first time, and passed you over to your mom melted me to my core.  And a bit of a funny story for you.... you had a big, thick umbilical cord.... so when your Mom asked if you were a boy or a girl, your cord was in the way and your Dad mistakenly thought you were a boy. Upon checking again, he determined that you were in fact a girl. He was the proud dad of 2 daughters. The moments above are when he reassessed and had to amend which sex you were... there was not a dry eye in the house! It was priceless. Your doula was an incredible part of your birth team. This is the second time I have had the honour of watching the Equilibrium team support a birthing family, and I must say, I'm sad that I didn't know about them when I had my babies. Jenna was such a wonderful support to your parents, and shared in their excitement and joy every step of the way. I know how excited she will also be, to watch you grow!

Once you were settled and cozy for your first nursing session with your mama, everyone relaxed and enjoyed the calmness and quiet while we waited for your big sister to arrive to meet you. 

Your big sister was already such a big help to your mama within minutes of meeting you. I know that you will have someone to watch over you and help you navigate this big wide world for the rest of time. And speaking as a big sister myself, you will have a friend and confidant for life. 

Your mama worked so hard to bring you earthside, and as soon as you were born, her midwives said to her "well now we know why you had to work so hard!". You were a big girl... but no one was sure just how big you were. This was the face your mama made when her midwifery team told her that you were 10lbs 10oz. The size of a 3 month old. Your mama rocked it!

And here is where I leave you. A new and perfect family of 4. When ever I take my leave from birth spaces, I always ask mama if there is any other photos she wants me to capture before I go, and this time was no different. And I was brought to tears (again!) at your moms request for one final image.... She wanted a photo with me....

Rowan, your birth day story is truly incredible. I am so honoured that your parents asked me to be a part of it. You were born into a room that was bubbling over with love and I know that it will follow you through out your life. I hope that you can look back through these images and that they become a talisman for how much love has enveloped you from the very beginning. 

With love, your birth photographer

as documented by Winnipeg family photojournalist aliciaTphoto

It's become a tradition that every year on Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day (March 25th), I document a half day in the life of the M family. Their oldest son has severe Cerebral Palsy, and they see it as a way to spread awareness and acceptance to typical families, and a message of hope to those facing a similar situation. This family is extra close to my heart, as Mama M is my little sister. She is a warrior mama like no one I've ever met before, and I am so incredibly humbled every time I get to witness her strength and devotion to her amazing family.

The kind of cerebral palsy my nephew has is called "spastic, dyskinetic quad cerebral palsy". What that means is he has global damage to his brain which causes many uncontrolled movements, and all 4 limbs of his body, as well as his neck and trunk are affected. He is non mobile and non verbal, technically, but you better believe this incredibly smart kid will make what he wants known, and thanks to incredible technology he's actually pretty mobile with the help of specialized equipment. Their family dynamics may look a little different than most of ours, (with tube feeds, meds, therapies, Dr appointments and everything that comes with being a special family), but the love and nurturing, support and caring, the sibling fights and love (my nephew will regularly try to run over his sister with his walker), are all the same. I invite you into a morning with the M's. Share in their joy, their frustration, and the undeniable beauty of their every day.

He asked if he could sit with me for a bit. This Auntie was happy to oblige and very grateful my sister wasn't scared to grab my camera. After all, I am a part of this story too!! Another incredible piece of technology out there is something called an "eye-gaze". It's an attachment and software for a tablet that my nephew can control with his eyes. He uses it a lot in school so that he can actively participate in his classes and communicate with his peers. He's a stubborn little stinker though, and thus far refuses to use it at home, because at home are the people that are capable of understanding him without it. The mandatory "Wear GREEN for CP awareness" selfie!! I took one with my kiddos when I got home too! Flipping pages of cookbooks is one of his favorite things to do! Also the morning check in with Nana and Opa via skype to remind them to wear their green shirts today! When our friend Heather arrives for the day to play, that's pretty exciting stuff! Respite workers have been such a blessing to my sisters family, and to have found some wonderful ones is nothing short of amazing. While Caleb has a few respite workers, a couple of them have essentially become a part of our family! And just like that, it was lunch time and time for me to go. Time for me to head back to my own chaos.

Thank you friends, for sharing in this beautiful every day story. And I hope that next year on Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day, you will join us and wear a green shirt, and show your support! 

Cheers friends!

-Alicia

**If you have questions about having YOUR every day story captured, please don't hesitate to get in touch! All half and full "day in the life" sessions come with a 10x8 hardcover photo book of your story. You can contact me by clicking HERE any time! I look forward to showing you that wall worthy moments happen every single day, if you take the time to look for them....

100 days of summer announcement

SUMMER! She's finally here. To be outside and feel the sun on my cheeks is a beautifully glorious thing. Winters here are so long, I spend a lot of it daydreaming about all the super fun and amazing adventures we will take once it warms up outside. The park, the splash pad, sailing with my parents, BBQing with friends.... and ALL of the popsicles! 

I always get extra excited to document our summer adventures because, especially towards the end of winter, our days feel so mundane. So repetitive. Like how many times can I document my kids doing the exact same things day in and day out and keep it interesting..... my 365 project has been pushing me that's for sure, but now I'm excited to get extra creative again!

In honour of our short, yet amazing prairie summers, I'm doing something crazy. Like, you'd be silly not to take me up on it kind of crazy. For 100 (yes, ONE HUNDRED) days, I'm offering 90 minute summer story sessions. These sessions will include your best images in an online gallery for you to download from, print and share, and it will also come with a 7in x7in hardcover mini album of your summer adventure. Yep. You read that right. You get a wonderful little album of your story! Why? Because I want you to have a tangible memory from your summer day to hold in your hands. I want you to have an amazing piece of your story, ready and waiting for you to flip through during the long winter months. I want those pages to pull you in and remind you that summer is never far away, all you need to do is look through your story and the images that are kept in there will warm your soul and bring you back to when it was warm outside too! 

Here are 25 amazing things you can do this summer, that would compliment this crazy summer promo:

1) Family and/or friends BBQ

2) Family picnic

3) A trip to the splash pad

4) A trip to the park

5) Playing in the sprinkler

6) A trip to the zoo

7) A visit to the grandparents house

8) A trip to the dog park

9) Going for ice cream

10) Bonfires & Smores

11) An adventure to tinker town

12) Puddle jumping

13) Playing in the rain

14) Exploring the forks

15) The farmers market

16) Water balloon fight

17) A trip to the beach

18) Going to the greenhouse or garden center

19) Planting a garden

20) Going strawberry picking

21) An outdoor carnival or street festival 

22) Bubbles. All of them.

23) Decorating your neighbourhood streets with sidewalk chalk

24) A pool party

25) Hanging out at home, enjoying your comfortable space and relaxing as a family.

So there you have it friends! If you have other amazing summer ideas, please share them in the comments! I'd love to hear, and maybe even add a thing or 3 to my own summer bucket list! 

This session promo is on from May 29th through September 5th! Looking forward to making some amazing summer memories with you all! To book yours, or if you have any questions, you can contact me HERE!

Cheers friends!

-Alicia

Finding the life, Volume 4. A special edition.

On April 27th, 2017 something epic happened. After 44 years in Canada, as a landed immigrant turned permanent resident, my dear father took his oath of Canadian Citizenship. In his words, he kind of did things backwards. 

"While for most who took the Oath of Citizenship along with me, it was the start of a new and exciting endeavor, I did it a bit backwards.

For more than 40 years, I have lived in Canada as a landed immigrant, building a career here, married a beautiful Canadian woman, raised 2 fabulous daughters, took part in all aspects of Canadian society and Canadian living, and only then became a citizen myself.

So, actually I see this ceremony as a reward at the finish line after a long and good race. One of which I am very proud of." -Alfred J.

My day started with loading up my crazies and taking them to daycare, because there is no way on this earth that they would have sat through this ceremony. I am super lucky to have a casual daycare that welcomes my boys with such open and loving arms. 

After kiddos were happily at daycare (they didn't even say bye to me... they were excited. I think they may be sick of me) I was off to have my winter tires swapped off my van and enjoy a hot coffee in peace before heading off to my dad's ceremony.

**side note** When I became a mini van mom, someone jokingly asked me when I was going to get a stick family as a bumper sticker. This was my compromise. Win.

And off I go! 

It was so incredibly wonderful that so many of my dads long time friends were there to support him along with my mom, sister and I. 

Taking the Oath of Citizenship!

Receiving his citizenship certificate! The judge asked him who his cheering section was... apparently we were pretty rowdy in our excitement...

A very happy and proud new Canadian, rushing to greet his wife, family and friends! I even handed off my camera so that I could get in at least one frame!

And now off to the forks to enjoy a celebratory beer!

And after our quick celebration beverage, it was time to run to sort out dinner and pick up children...

Someone was not ready to come home....

And home we came. To pizza and a lonely puppy.

Thanks for sharing in our joy. This truly was an incredible experience and I am so proud that my Dad can now count himself among Canadians. To all our friends and family that came out to celebrate this day with us, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and support. 

Dad, I am so happy you chose to come here. I am so grateful you decided to explore our big wide world and settle down and create the amazing life we've all shared (I wouldn't be here had you not). Canada is lucky to have a man like you in her midst, and I am so very proud and honoured to call you Daddy. 

Love to you all! Cheers friends!

-Alicia

What is real beauty? Who gets to decide who or what is beautiful?

Well in this case, I do. Want the scoop?? Read on!

As part of Beauty Revived, a photography movement, I am accepting nominations for beautiful children right here in Winnipeg (or willing to travel to...) to be featured in an international magazine that celebrates REAL beauty! The kind that goes beyond skin deep.

The beauty of these kids will not be measured by their looks.  No way. My selected kiddo will be chosen because of their passion, their courage, their inner strength and their want of giving back to their community.  The child chosen through the nomination process will be gifted a FREE session with myself, and a feature in the Real Beautiful Children’s issue of Beauty Revived magazine.

Hundreds of photographers applied to be a part of the Beauty Revived, 50 Beautiful Children campaign and I was chosen to find a deserving kiddo whose story needs to be shared! How cool is that??!

I will be accepting nominations from today, through Sunday May 7th, 2017 (nominations close at 11:59pm on May 7th) and I will then be tasked with the impossible.... choosing only one whose story will be shared with the world!!

A bit more about Beauty Revived:

Beauty Revived was founded two years ago as a way for photographers to use their lens for good, and shine light on the real beauty that happens within our communities.  In the last year and a half, more than 500 women and children have been featured on their website and in their print magazine.

 “The photographers who participate in our campaigns not only have great technical and artistic talent but also have big hearts and a desire to be more than just a picture taker.  They want to be a photographer who changes the world with their work,” says Michelle Gifford, Beauty Revived founder.

If you want more information about Beauty Revived, please head on over to their website www.beautyrevived.com .

ON TO THE GOOD STUFF!

Now the fun part! Have a kiddo in mind who fits the bill??? An inspiring child who's passion will change the world? A determined fighter who has overcome all the odds? Nominate them by clicking over to the nomination form

right HERE!

The nominated child can be between 1 year old and 17 years old. You will need the contact information for their legal guardian to complete the nomination form. If information is inaccurate or missing, unfortunately the nomination will be void. Nominations are open to residents of Manitoba only. The session will take place in Winnipeg, so feel free to nominate a child from another community in Manitoba, but they must be willing to travel to Winnipeg. Session must take place PRIOR TO June 15th 2017.

If you have any questions regarding this project, please feel free to connect with me. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have! 

Cheers friends! I'm SO looking forward to getting to know some of the amazing kids in our community!

-Alicia

Finding the Life │ Volume 3

So here we are.... it's April as I'm writing this, and I barely squeaked in my personal Day in the Life session for March... I had all these grand plans to borrow my dad's 1970's film camera and brush up on my actual film shooting capabilities since I'm pretty sure it's been half a decade since I last shot a roll of film... but alas life happens and things rarely go according to plan.... my poor big guy was sick for a good chunk of the month, plus the weather was sloppy and melty and messy. But there's always next month. I'm saying out loud that this is my eventual plan, so that you all (and myself) hold me accountable lol.

We are enjoying the last few weekends we have with Daddy still around. His phone is already going near non stop with people asking to book their pool openings with him... (hey Winnipeg, it's barely April remember. You're not supposed to take my husband from me until at least the end of this month). Anyhow, it was a fairly typical spring day.... but it started with my dear husband letting me sleep in..... (did I mention I love him??)

And the usual weekend morning cartoons in the hopes that Mom & Dad can drink at least their first coffee of the day while it's still hot.

A little someone decided to raid the fridge while Daddy and I were enjoying our coffee..... so we decided instead of wasting the egg, it would be a french toast kind of morning.

After breakfast, the wild things decided to do what wild things do best, so we deemed it necessary to get them outside for as much time as possible.

Waiting for everyone to be ready is hard......

Walks also take FOREVER because this guy must stop and stomp in Every. Single. Puddle. For the entire walk....

And pick up and show you every rock he finds along the way. I regularly find them in the bottom of my washing machine if I make the mistake of forgetting to check pockets before starting load number 7'346 of this week.

Then it was time to head in to put some tunes on, make lunch, and warm up.

Apparently this one was a) unenthused by having to come inside or b) not a fan of big brothers music selection

Even with your dissatisfaction with brothers taste in music, when Daddy asks if you want to play dinosaurs with him, you dry your eyes and find your dino.

Lunch is followed by more music, and a quick inventory of our crawlspace before free giveaway weekend.... (for those of you not from Winnipeg, twice a year we have a giveaway weekend, where you put unwanted/unused furniture and household items on the curb, and people come take what ever they want.... works for me) Also, I have no clue how we ended up with so much stuff... no, I do know. We had a bunch from our old house that didn't work in this house, and the previous owners of our current house left most of their furniture behind... I'm honestly excited to purge a lot of it.

Old relics were also resurrected from their banishment to the crawlspace!

and then it was nap time. and grown-up beverage/editing time for me... (it was post noon, don't judge me :P )

and since the sun was still shining and it was a beautiful day, back outside we went until dinner time.

My little is always saying "hannn mama. hannn mama. i gattchew. we go" (Q speak for, hand mama, I got you. Let's go)

picking moss out of the patio to take inside and look at under his microscope.

Helper.

We had just enough time to finish our burgers before it was time for jammies and a Skype date with Grandma and Grandpa (who live 2500kms away). And whenever we Skype with Grandma and Grandpa, we must show them things.

Show them ALL of the things.

Including our improved drawing skills.

And, as per usual, this is the part of my own story that gets fuzzy or is entirely missing. Bed time routines are very momma hands on so I don't get the opportunity to document much. I wonder if my camera does time lapse photos.... I should look into that.

Anyhow, this handsome, amazing man and I capped off our day with our first bonfire of the season. In a yard that's still half snow covered and smells like a swamp.... but hey, who doesn't love a good bonfire after a beautiful day.

Thank you, yet again for sharing in my day with me friends. I hope you enjoyed and I hope that I'm helping to convince you that there is beauty to be found in every single day. You just have to take the time to see it.

Head on over to Alaina Nunez's beautiful blog and follow her along in a typical Friday in her life!

Remember friends, real is the new perfect and our lives are wonderful in their chaos. 

Cheers friends!

-Alicia

Some answers to frequently asked questions about the documentary approach to your family photographs

"Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory" ~ Dr. Seuss

These words ring true. They ring true for all of us on some level. There are some details of our lives that are not but fuzzy memories now. Case in point, my nursing journey with not one, but both my children. It feels like a lifetime ago. I can barely remember it already. And all I have from my nursing journey with my oldest is 1 image a dear friend took for me when he was 3 weeks old, and like 3 selfies. How I look back and long to have that amazing relationship we had captured with more than my cell phone. I would give almost anything to go back in time and explain to myself how valuable those images would be to me 4 years later. And, being a photographer and all, you think I would have learned my lesson the first time around... but the same holds true for my youngest. With him I have 3 nursing photos.... other than cell phone ones.

So here's the down-low friends. Here are some frequently asked questions about family photojournalism and documentary style family photos. Once you've read through it, ask yourself what YOU will want to remember 4 years down the road. 10 years. 50 years. 

What on earth is "Family Photojournalism"?

Family Photojournalism is exactly what it sounds like. You hear of news photojournalists and street photographers documenting things as they are, from their perspective. My goal when using a photojournalistic approach with your family is to capture the essence of WHO you really are, as a unit as well as individuals at this particular stage in your journey. To capture true family connections and to create images that will trigger memories for you. Images that will grab your soul and bring you back in time. 

What is the difference between lifestyle and documentary/storytelling?

When you hear of lifestyle photography, you think of family portraits that are more laid back than your typical formal portrait. There will likely be some guidance from your photographer on where to sit, how to position yourselves and what to do to create the image you and your photographer want. It will happen in a predetermined location, maybe with you all in coordinated outfits, and it will take place at a specific time of day so you have the prettiest light, and the best backdrops to work with.

With documentary photography, there is none of this. There's no posing. There's no "re-do's". There's no staging. It's all about comfortable, genuine moments that happen organically in your own home or out and about doing the regular activities you do. These images will tell the story of who you are as a family. There's no pressure to behave a certain way or dress a certain way. There's no fancy (and let's be honest, a little intimidating) studio lights. These types of sessions are all about your story and capturing your most honest and truest selves, in your own environment.

Let's be real here for a moment, shall we? I'm not here to convince you that one is better than the other. They are both equally amazing photography experiences in their own right. It's like comparing apples and oranges... sure they're both fruit, and they both grow on trees.... but that's about all they have in common. But that doesn't mean they aren't both tasty! You have to decide for yourself which appeals most to you at this stage in your life! 

All the photos hanging in my home are posed. Can I even hang candid photos on my walls...?

The short answer..... ABSOLUTELY! My own walls are covered with the candid moments of our lives, and I've had many a past client from both documentary sessions as well as lifestyle sessions tell me that the candid moments always make it onto their walls because those are the ones that pull them in. Those are the images they can most relate to. 

We are soooooo boring. You would have nothing to photograph!

So you think! I have yet to encounter a "boring" family. Your day may feel or seem boring to you, because you live it every. single. day. Sometimes all it takes is an outside perspective to remind you that your unique story is perfect and beautiful simply because it's yours. And remember, I will likely see things that you might miss on a daily basis... not because you're not watching for them, but because (as mentioned before) sometimes it takes an outside perspective.

My house is messy. There's no way I'd want a session here.

Messy-shmessy. My house is rarely, if ever immaculate. Can you tell in most of my personal work? Not really. Because there are ways to document to draw a viewers focus a certain way. And if someone does happen to notice the basket of unfolded laundry beside the sofa or the dust bunnies in the corner (or the kitchen table that looks like a bomb went off on it and the counter full of last nights dishes.... *ahem*)? So what. It's easy to forget how chaotic life with small humans can be. It's all part of your story right now. 

Maybe we'll have a session once my house is organized/I lose 10lbs/my baby can walk/my kid grows some hair/*insert random honest hesitation or worry here*.....

All I will say on this point is that the days feel long, but the years are short.... this part of your journey will be over before you know it. Don't put it off.... I can also say with 100% certainty that your kids won't care whether or not your house was spotless or if you lost that 10lbs... what they will care about is that there are photos of them with their parents, living and loving.

You talk a lot about kids and families... Can I have a session like this if I don't have kids? What if it's just my partner and I?

Heck yea you can! These kinds of sessions generally appeal to young families most, however if you want to document you and your partners story, as you are right now... whether it will always be just the 2 of you, or you want to paint a picture of your life before you have kids, or you want to celebrate your love now that your nest is empty, these sessions are for anyone! 

If you've stuck with me this long, thank you! Thanks for taking a moment out of your day to hear me out. I hope this answers some of your questions. If you have others, post them in the comments! I will gladly answer them. I would love to know what, if anything, is holding you back from documenting your now. 

Remember friends, real is the new perfect. 

Cheers!

-Alicia

Why I document our every day messes and moments

I'm sure you've noticed by now, but I tend to take and share a LOT of images of my own family. Maybe too much. But, other than wanting these memories for myself, there's another big reason I share so much. I want you to get to know me. I want you to see that life isn't always nice shirts and clean houses and well behaved kids. Real life is messy. It's chaos. It's windows full of finger prints and a kitchen that's still a mess from last night's dinner that no one ate.

To me, photography is an incredibly powerful tool. My camera is a piece of machinery that I hold in my hand that I can use to stop time. I can freeze things the way they are, right now. In the midst of the busyness, the mess and the chaos I can hit pause, knowing that I can rewind to this moment of my life long after my kids are grown. It's pretty humbling.

So in honour of messes, and kids being their crazy nutcase selves, here is my little Picasso in action. It escalated very quickly. From the first frame you see to the last one, a whopping 18 minutes passed. But these are 18 minutes worth of memories that I have locked down in my personal vault, and you better believe one of them is being printed to hang on my wall. And I know that every time I look at it, I will remember my littlest saying (in his oh so cute toddler speak) "PAAAAYTE MAMA! Paaaaaaaayyyyyyyte" at 5pm... when I should have been starting to make dinner. Instead, they got to paint and I got to procrastinate from my mom duties for 18 minutes to capture the ridiculousness that ensued. Ok, longer than 18 minutes because, as you can see, there was a small amount of clean up required afterwards. Dinner was late. Our kitchen was a mess. I was left wishing my 2 year old would still fit in the sink for a sink bath... but that's life. And I want to remember it.

So here is my challenge to you: the next activity you do as a family, be it big or small, document it. With a *big* camera or your phone. Doesn't matter. Capture it. Lock in your memories. These days are fleeting. This I know, since the main character in this mini story is 2 and a half years old as of today. 2.5 years. I blinked. Or it feels like I did. But I know that I have albums and walls full of ordinary moments, just like this one that will take me back.

Cheers friends. Thanks for stopping by

Alicia

Dear Alivia,

I remember when your momma got in touch with me. I remember thinking how honoured I felt, not only to be asked to document such a momentous occasion, but to be trusted by fellow photographers to do so. I had many chats with your parents leading up to your big day about all things birth, as well as adjusting to life with 2 kiddos, and of course geeking out a bit with the photography talk. Your mom and dad were SO excited to meet you.

Your mom was in pre-labour for weeks. At least it felt like weeks to me.... It probably felt much longer for her. Your big brother came early so I'm pretty sure she was convinced you would come early too. I think we were all hoping that you would be here before Christmas, but as with all the best things in life, they come when they're good and ready. And so we waited. And oh sweet girl, you were worth the wait. 

When your birth day finally came around, after a couple of false starts, I had been talking to your mama earlier in the day, just asking her how she was feeling and seeing where things were at. My usual check in every day or 2. She was telling me about her Dr appointment earlier that morning, and the most fabulous nap she'd had afterwards. We were both just settling into bed around 11pm and I got the message that her waters broke. It was go time, so I grabbed my gear and hit the road! 

A couple of stops later (a cup and straw for your mama and a coffee for me and your Daddy) and I arrived at the hospital. It was about 12:30 and your mama was still in triage, with your dad and her doula. I hung out in the lounge while your mom laboured with you in triage, waiting to be moved to a room. I wasn't allowed back there, but from what your Dad and doula told me, your mom was rocking it.

Shortly after 1am into a room we went. The room your mom and dad would get to meet you in. Your mama was labouring beautifully. She was so incredibly calm and strong as she worked through her surges, and your dad was never far away. I'll let the photos tell the rest...

At 3:23am, on Thursday December 29th you were welcomed earthside. All 7lbs 4oz of you. You were born into a room filled with love, strength and support. You were absolutely perfect. I think you felt the love because you were so calm and alert. Your beautiful wide eyes were taking it all in. One of the things about your birth story that sticks out most in my memory came after you were born. I was quietly observing your mom and dad, and your Daddy looked at you, then right at your mom and said "Wow. That was just as amazing as last time. You were amazing". He was filled with such awe and pride and incredible love for you both. It took my breath away. 

I hope that one day you can look back on your birth story and see how much you are loved, and see how much love has surrounded you from the very beginning. I am very much looking forward to watching you grow!

With love, your birth photographer. 

a personal 12 month project

I honestly don't even know where to start with this day.... we are so over winter in my house. Everyone is tired. Everyone is stir crazy. We've all become pretty sedentary.... This is the point I break every winter. Around the end of February I'm just so over it. I want to be outside. I want to smell the rain. I want to feel the sunshine kissing my cheeks. But alas, we still have a month or 2 (or 3) to get through. Also, wishing for spring/summer is always bitter sweet.... yes we will get to be outside more. Yea we'll go on more great adventures instead of watching cartoons in our pj's all day... but it also means that Daddy is back to working crazy hours and we essentially won't see him again until the fall. 

This was my second attempt at my Day In the Life for this project... the first attempt, I never made it past lunch. Even this day isn't 100% complete. I mentioned this last time, but I will say it again; documenting my own family for an entire day is HARD! It's so hard to parent, be involved AND document. I don't get to go into full on photographer mode when I'm shooting my own family. I keep telling myself it will get easier the more I do it, and it likely will... but for now while I learn how to juggle all 3 of those tasks, you'll just have to bare with the missing bits. The bits where my kids had a meltdown in the van on the way to the store so I couldn't take a photo. Or while we were in the store and they decided to run away ( in opposite directions), so I couldn't take a photo. Or when the little one went for a nap and the big one and I ended up falling asleep on the couch together, so I didn't take a photo for 1.5 hours... yea, those things.

Anyhow, here is our day. An ordinary, boring, midwinter kind of day where we don't really do much... but hey, guess what? Even though to me our day felt uneventful and un-extarordinary, I know that I will still look back on these and smile because they're REAL. This is our reality right now and some day I may forget how much I enjoyed them being little, even on the bad days.

Early.... always always early.... and the little one points at the coffee pot as it chugs away saying (in his oh-so-cute toddler speak) "Mama! Mama! Kaw-pee! Mama kaw-pee!" [mama, coffee].

My good old girl waiting for the okay to initiate post kid eating clean-up . More coffee.... ALL THE COFFEE...

Even though it feels like we don't do much.... they still manage to destroy any room they're in for longer than 30 seconds.

Insert pre-grocery trip cuteness.... K wanted to wear his Batman cape to Safeway, so of course I have this image in my head of this cute little batman flying down an empty aisle in the grocery store... but yea, this image was quickly followed by the above mentioned melt down and kid scatter.... so my vision didn't come true. Ah well.

Clean up crew in action post lunch. She saves me so much floor cleaning since having kids.