It all began with my great auntie Nelly, who had an uncanny ability to capture the essence of our family’s story through her photographs. She was the one behind the lens at every family gathering, from bustling reunions to bittersweet farewells and everything in between. Birthdays, graduations, weddings, and even those seemingly ordinary moments - she preserved them all. As a child, I would sit with my brother and cousins, flipping through boxs filled with vibrant snapshots of our lives. Each photograph was a timeless tale, a chapter in our family’s history.
Inspired by her, my brother and I would mischievously “borrow” my dad’s film camera [along with his entire stash of film in our downstairs fridge] and spend our afternoons crafting our own little masterpieces. We’d dress our cats in hats meant for my dolls, giggling as we captured one playful image after another, the joy of each click echoing through our home. Our parents were both amused and impressed, and those early photos have earned a cherished place in our family album, serving as a delightful reminder of the magic of storytelling through photographs; a magic I first felt in those carefree, playful days.
After years of borrowing my dad’s camera, my parents finally gifted me my own; a small, point-and-shoot film Fuji camera that became my constant companion. It marked the beginning of my journey in photography, and I’ve been chasing that magic ever since.
Growing up on a farm in rural Alberta, I was surrounded by endless skies, vast fields, and rustic buildings that shaped my love for the world around me. The beauty of nature was ever-present, with antique tractors dotting the landscape and dreams stretching along the horizon. Each sunset felt like a painting, and the expansive views ignited my passion for capturing moments.
My mom gifted my dad a Nikon D60 DSLR when I entered high school, but it didn’t take long for my brother and me to commandeer it. We were notorious for snapping photos more often than he did. [I still own that beloved camera, which came with two kit lenses, a reminder of my humble beginnings in photography.] We spent countless hours capturing storm clouds rolling in and the serene beauty of frosty winter days around the homestead. Our photos had a peaceful quality, and we would often flip through farm magazines, dreaming of one day creating something just as timeless.
After high school, I moved to the city to pursue further education, leaving my trusty Nikon behind. In its place, I bought a small green Fuji Finepix digital camera, which I used for about a year until it was stolen during a road trip. That loss was tough, but my boyfriend (now husband) surprised me with my first Canon DSLR for my birthday; a Rebel with two kit lenses. I took that camera everywhere, and it marked a significant turning point in my photography journey.
One of my fondest memories is from a family trip to Hawaii, where I captured my first ocean sunsets with my DSLR. Standing on the beach, I felt a sense of familiarity as the waves stretched out towards the horizon, much like the vast fields of my Alberta home. There’s something about the meeting point of land and sky; whether it’s the rolling waves of the Pacific or the golden wheat swaying in the prairie wind - that evokes a sense of freedom and possibility. As I explored my new hobby, I gradually learned to shoot in manual mode, pushing my creative boundaries and embracing the beauty in both the familiar and the new. Each click of the shutter felt like capturing a piece of my heart, reminding me that whether I’m standing by the ocean or among the fields, the world is full of moments worth preserving. These experiences became the foundation of my passion, each photo a stepping stone toward turning my love for capturing these stories into a business.
With each photo I edited, my style evolved. I embraced Adobe Lightroom, honing my editing skills and developing a bold, true-to-color aesthetic. My appreciation for light deepened as I challenged myself with off-camera flash for indoor shoots, although I still prefer natural light for outdoor sessions, often scheduling them during daylight hours.
Today, I shoot with my Canon R Mirrorless series alongside my Canon 6D Mark II, a significant upgrade from my Rebel. My collection has grown to include various lenses.
Reflecting on my journey, I carry the lessons of my past with me. Each photograph tells a story, and I’m grateful for the journey that started on a farm and has blossomed into a lifelong passion.
I invite fellow photography enthusiasts in Alberta to share your stories or connect with me on social media. Let’s celebrate the beauty of our landscapes and the moments we capture together!
