Slowing down

This summer I headed to PEI for a week of fun and inspiration at a photography workshop called Land and See put on by Dave Brosha. It was such an amazing week learning from and alongside so many talented photographers. 

 I had never been to the east coast before and it did not disappoint. I didn’t partake in any of the traditional lobster eating (thanks allergies) but I felt right at home near the ocean. It is so calming, relaxing and just all around beautiful. A big change from the prairies. 

 The week focused on portrait and landscape photography. Landscape photography scares the bananas out of me but it ended up being my favorite part of the week. I allowed myself to wander the shores at sunrise (hello early mornings!) and just watch the light, watch reflections, and just appreciate the beauty of everything. 

 I first picked up a camera a few years ago when I started to notice the sun illuminating the things around me and creating magic. I used to go out with my camera and take pictures of the smallest most random things made beautiful by the magic of the sun. Over the last year or two, life has gotten busy and I forgot just how important it is to do that. Not even heading out with a camera but just taking walks and appreciating all the smalls things right in front of us that we don’t see because we are so wrapped up in endless to do lists, appointments, and the busyness of raising a family.  The trip to PEI was a much needed reminder to slow down. 

Toddler takes on the park

Earlier this week I spent the morning with my nephew as he explored the park. It is amazing to watch him react to his surroundings and find pleasure in all of the little things we overlook as adults. 

Grown on the prairies

"We who live in quiet places have the opportunity to become acquainted with ourselves, to think our own thoughts and live our own lives in a way that is not possible for those keeping up with the crowd"  - Laura Ingalls Wilder 

Mountain Inspirations

At the end of May I made the drive to Banff to learn, create, and be inspired. Dave Brosha, Paul Zizka, and Wayne Simpson put on an amazing workshop in Banff called Portraits in High Places. 

Now lemme say I am not all that outdoorsy. I was a little nervous about freezing in the mountains, getting eaten by a bear, or getting lost. All slightly dramatic fears but non the less. ….. I will say it was a tad chilly. As a Canadian girl from the prairies one would think I was accustomed to the cooler weather but even with all the layers (seriously I wore all my sweaters one day) I was chilly. Truth be told, I hide indoors for most of the winter. Hot coffee, chucky sweaters, and board games keep me occupied throughout the winter. …I digress. 

Banff. ….well, It was amazing! I like to try new things. Even if they scare me a bit. I like to live with the idea that putting ourselves in situations where we are uncomfortable is how we push ourselves, that’s how we grow. Photographing models in the mountains seemed like the perfect way to push myself a bit. Try new things, meet new people, and just get away for a bit. 

The trip met all of my expectations and then some. I spent the week with seriously the best people.  Models, participants, and instructors …all of them were so great. There wasn’t a time ….even when the wind was whipping at my face, that I would have preferred to be anywhere else.  Watching how other photographers approach taking a photograph, seeing their perspective and vision come to life is amazing. Seeing new sights and visiting new places was so amazing. 

Now that I have gone through all the images I look forward to sitting back and reflecting more on the experience, seeing how it will impact my work going forward, and setting some new personal goals.  

Until next time. Peace out Banff. 

Daily Life- Spring Break

Spring break this year felt a little like winter break, am I right? 

We made the most of it by hanging out and having fun around the house.  Playing with favorite toys, games, and baking filled our days.  

I had pictured a spring break filled with puddle jumping but instead we jumped on the bed.  It was much warmer and everyone had just as much fun. 

Sugar cookies are usually our go to for Easter baking but this year we opted for bird nests made from rice crispy squares and mini eggs. The best part was the kids were able to do everything independently and the clean-up was much easier. 

Here is to hoping for warmer days ahead but until then we will be perfectly happy finding fun things to do while staying warm and dry indoors.