I remember when I had this dream. A dream to be a photographer, an actual, legitimate photographer. But…shh…you don’t verbalize a crazy dream like that unless you want to set yourself up for disappointment, judgement and failure. If you keep it a dream, buried in your heart, you protect it from getting shattered. Right? SAYS WHO?? The moment I began to timidly share my desire to pursue such a thing, is the moment I realized you need to share. And the more you share, the better. I began to realize the circle of support I had, the people who would push me to dream bigger than myself. I had asked God for a passion, a goal to strive for, and I whole heartily believe he gave me “the desires of [my] heart” (Psalm 37:4). He implanted this dream of mine and has been giving me the tools to make it happen. Most of all, he has surrounded me with people who are dreamers, too. People who have business smarts, who have excitement for life and all of its moments, who are artistic, and who want to share. Who want to share with me. Who want to dream with me. One girl in this industry who has dreamt big and succeeded in a big way, is local girl Jamie Delaine. Jamie was SEVENTEEN when she shot her first wedding. A few short years later, she has become a major source of inspiration with a voice that reaches around the globe. Not only has she got the talent, the creativity, the keen business sense, she gives all the glory to her Creator. The way she pushes herself and her dreams makes my heart race to be able to do the same for mine. And now she’s taking all that she has to offer and channeling it into a workshop! Aptly called: Dreamers: a Jamie Delaine Workshop. I’m crossing my fingers and saying a prayer that I win a coveted spot! Just a chance to learn a little more, glean a little more insight, and soak in a little bit more loveliness that is her art. But even if I don’t…I’m going to vow to keep dreaming, keep pushing, sharing, and when it gets tough, let those who love me dream for me and believe in me. Who knows where it could take me? Because I never thought I’d be where I am…
Read MoreVancouver Engagement: Todd + Alanna
I am so thrilled to be this couple’s wedding photographer. Could it be because they’re saying I do on the beach Mexico? Quite possibly. But I think it also has to do with who they are. Todd and Alanna are fun-loving, genuine, and perfectly balance one another out. It’s been so fun getting to know them and hearing about their vision for their wedding day – make that wedding week – surrounded by family and friends in the Mayan Riviera :) For their session, we drove into the city. Todd is a Vancouver firefighter and Alanna had the fitting idea to shoot at his hall. I love that they glammed it up with Todd’s formal uniform and Alanna’s little black dress! I don’t typically have a second shooter along for engagement sessions, but since Shane will be assisting me in Mexico, he came along to gain the extra experience. And I have to say, a couple of my favourite images belong to his eye and skill. Not only was it great to have the extra perspective, but Shane goes way back with Alanna’s family so he’s known them as a couple from the very beginning. And I’ve been lucky enough to become a friend of the family as well :) While we were in Vancouver, we took advantage of new and varied locations, and the gorgeous sunshine we were blessed with. We started right near where Todd used to live, and where their relationship began to take form…we ended in Stanley Park to get the last of the sunlight, and then got a foretaste of Mexico at Las Margaritas for dinner! Thank you, Todd and Alanna, for being SO fun to work with, for treating us to dinner, and well, for being you. Can’t wait to capture your I do’s and wedding festivities next month! xo Mikaela. My photo above, Shane’s below… We learned that Todd’s nickname around the hall is ‘Glee’ :) Alanna, you are going to make SUCH a gorgeous bride! And Todd, you ain’t so bad yourself…;) love, love, love… To see more photos from this session, CLICK for a slideshow!
Read More101 List: Shootsac + 35mm 1.4L
I’m taking a break from learning about FTP and installing plugins and setting up Showit Slideshow to check off another two items from my 101 in 1001 list: #5, purchase a Shootsac, and #74, purchase the Canon 35mm 1.4L lens. Woot woot, two in one week! I bought the Kelly Moore Camera bag last year and I love the look and structure. But I still hummed and hawed over the Shootsac…its lightweight, ergonomic design still appealed to me. So when I received a lovely $35 off coupon to celebrate my recent birthday…I couldn’t say no. If you haven’t signed up for YOUR coupon, or just want to check out their awesome products, click HERE. Then there is the new addition to my lens collection. Ahhh I can’t believe I have this baby in my hands, the 35mm 1.4L. There is something about that ‘L’ that makes all the difference. Simply put, L = better glass = better pictures. At this time in my business, I’m focussing on investing in pushing it forward, and buying new equipment definitely falls into that category. I plan to replace my 50mm and 85mm with the L series lenses as well, but its a pricey transition :) I’m so excited to put them both to good use. Actually, I began by shooting my Shootsac with the lens itself…though they will both be put to much better use at this weekend’s wedding!
Read MorePedal Away the Day
I started writing this post in my head yesterday as I tried to pedal away my frustrations of the day. And now, as I sit down with my Macbook, I’m not really sure where this is going, but I just know that I need to be more faithful to one of my goals for this year: write more often. There are some days when things don’t go your way, and then there are days when it feels as if something is out to get you. Because one thing goes wrong, and then another, and then you burn your mouth on what was supposed to be some delicious oatmeal, you know how the rest of the day is looking. Or maybe its how you decide to see the rest of your day. I know I live a good life, and I know I don’t have to deal with much crap, but some days are still just hard. I love that I get to have my own business. I love that I get to pursue a living doing what I love to do. But, let’s be honest…that in itself brings on challenges and sometimes with those come walls that I like to beat my head against. Or so it seems. One thing going my way yesterday (okay, besides getting to share a really fun, really sweet engagement session!) was sunshine. I got home that afternoon, dumped my bags, barely said hello to my mom, and wheeled my bicycle out of the garage. My shiny red bike would fix everything. I’d been itching to take it out so I pedalled hard and tried to shake this silly mood. The chilly breeze whipped at my bare hands and my face and I pedalled faster, until my ears ached from the cold. Still, I kept thinking, I wouldn’t have been able to take a break for a bike ride at my old job. I noticed the low sunlight streaming through the trees. A little boy rode his bicycle, with his grandpa following closely beside. Birds sang with the hopeful promise of Spring just around the corner (and warmth, too, please?!). And so, slowly my day started to turn around…a couple patient people in my life allowed me to vent. I then ate the bad day away by consuming a lot of sushi. Our favourite Monday night tradition took place (I just know its Shane’s favourite, too)…
Read MoreUBC Engagement: Foster + Megan
She was excited to see him as she and her girlfriends walked towards the pub. When she set her eyes on him, they exchanged looks over the pitcher of beer he was carrying. Gave her a smile. He was happy to see her, too. And then just like that, caught up in the moment, spilled the pitcher of beer all over the floor. Her friends let out a collective gasp, but the event didn’t deter Foster and Megan’s relationship from becoming what it is today. It didn’t stop Foster from one day taping a ring on the bottom of Megan’s morning tea cup, to be discovered and then slipped onto her left hand. For their engagement session, we met up where it all happened, at the UBC campus. Where their relationship grew over classes, books, and working together. As we walked, they pointed out different buildings and places that held memories and meaning for them. I was excited that they had chosen such a perfect location that held significance for the two of them, and that offered me a fun, new backdrop for taking photos. But what I’m really excited for is Megan and Foster’s wedding at the gorgeous Hycroft Manor this summer! Thank you to the both of you for inviting me to document your love and the start of your life together… Click HERE to see a slideshow of more images from this session!
Read MoreEngagement: Natasha + Alex
It hadn’t gone according to the original plan, but then again, life doesn’t usually happen that way. And there’s beauty in that because sometimes, unbeknownst to us, Plan B is the better one. During a romantic getaway to Whistler to celebrate their birthdays – they share the same birthday! How perfect is that? – Alex proposed to Natasha. Coming in from the wintery cold, Natasha stepped into their room and was met by a flood of candlelight and roses, prearranged by Alex. And there, he got down on one knee and offered his life and his love. Sounds more like a Plan A, doesn’t it? We met up on another cold, wintery day to document their engagement, looking forward to their June 2012 wedding! Alex brought his sense of humour, the one that brings such a gorgeous smile to Natasha’s face…I think we can all agree that she’s going to make a most stunning bride! And I’m the lucky one who gets to capture it all, so thank you Alex and Natasha! Thank you for a great session together and for giving me the honour of being your wedding photographer. Now for a few favourites…
Read MoreWarmer Times: Hawaii
Is it still procrastinating if instead of the thing you were going to do, you do something else that you’ve been meaning to do? Something else you’ve been putting off? This morning when I woke up, I looked outside and then I looked at the calendar. It’s March 1st. There is a scattering of snow on the ground. Or maybe its hail but it doesn’t matter, because it fell yesterday and its still there. It made me think of sunnier times, warmer times…Oahu, Hawaii. Last November. And the fact that those photos are still waiting for me to show some love, or in other words, edit. My clients’ photos always come first and so my personal photos wait, but this morning I was feeling extra motivated to tackle my to-do list. It may be because I felt like having my first cup of coffee in about a week (a sure sign I’m getting over my cold, yay!), and this is the clearest my head has felt in as long. So. I hit play on some Jack Johnson tunes and I flipped through photos of sunshine and sandy beaches, memories and feelings trickling back into my mind…
Read MorePray for Rowan
Remember this couple? Freshly married, with a world of hopes and dreams before them, excited to build a life together. Still in the first year of their marriage, they are in desperate need of our prayers. Lori and Jeremy are expecting their first child…a little boy. Rowan. What should be a joyful time has been difficult, but the latest news has been more than devastating. “The tech quickly moves to his heart. The screen only shows two beating chambers. I sit there with tears welling up in my eyes…knowing from biology there should be four. I look at the cardiologist and he looks at me, and for a moment time freezes. “There is a problem with the baby’s heart.” A heart. A tiny little heart. The heart of my son.” Lori has a beautiful way with words and they grace her own blog and deserve to be read, so click on the link below to read their story and learn how you can pray for their family.
Read MoreWPPI 2011: Wrap-Up
Vegas, you kicked my butt. WPPI, you made the trip more valuable than I had hoped for. Where do I begin… To kick off the week and set an amazing tone for the days to come was the PhotogUNITE Gathering. UNITE is a group of Christian photographers who believe in giving all glory to God, in their businesses and in their lives. It was powerful to join with so many others (standing room only!), in a city like Las Vegas, to lift up the name of our Lord in song, lead by talented worship leader Brian Wurzell, and then listen to a passionate message by Albert Tate. Apart from the worship service, the most impactful aspect of the convention wasn’t the classes or platform speakers (although, Elizabeth Messina’s presentation still left me inspired and at times, brought tears to my eyes…LOVE her!), but the connections that happened as a result of the trip. The events that weren’t in the plan, the conversations that couldn’t have been predicted. Thousands of photographers come to WPPI and with so many people, its easy to get lost in the masses and struggle to connect on a personal level. So it was the small things and seemingly small gestures that meant the most. Like getting to meet Kendra, a talented photographer and really sweet girl from Texas, who I had connected with over my blog (again, THANK YOU for ‘interrupting’ our lunch :) Another connection that was really fun to make was with Brandon + Kristin Kidd of Brandon Kidd Photography. I recognized them as soon as they sat down next to me and Shane at lunch. Jasmine Star shot their wedding and, like I told Kristin when I leaned over to say hi, their wedding was one of my favorites! From there we struck up a conversation around business, traveling, The Bachelor, and before we knew it, felt like we were friends. Be sure to check out their work, they’re another talented husband and wife team in the industry! Speaking of talented husband and wife duos who have much to offer…Jasmine and JD. I’ve been honored to maintain a personal relationship with Jasmine over the last year, and I was so excited for Shane to meet her and JD, this amazing and humble power couple who has given me much encouragement. With Shane and his business/marketing mind who also desires to learn more about photography, I knew he and…
Read MoreWelcome Baby Holly
She was sleeping soundly on her mom’s lap as I walked through the front door. A little package of perfection, crowned with layers of soft, dark hair. Sweet baby Holly, Mike and Emily’s second child. Last fall, we all met up for a fun maternity/family shoot, and out of this session came some of my favorite family photos. Feel free to have a peek at them here! I think I have a few new favorites in this session…big brother Moses was so sweet to his baby sister, being oh-so-gentle and singing her songs. For such a young boy, he was just bubbling with love for his family. Skipping around the house, he would sing “I love you, you love me, we’re a happy family…” and then give out hugs to everyone. Our time together really couldn’t have gone any better. Many thank yous to Mike and Emily for inviting me to hang out and document your growing family!
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