A Year in Review 2024

2024 was truly a blessing and a wonderfully grateful year for me. I had so many beautiful opportunities to explore my passion, and I met some incredibly talented people along the way who inspired me in countless ways. It was definitely a remarkably productive year, filled with numerous achievements and successful projects that have contributed significantly to my growth.

I started a creative project that opened several exciting doors, allowing me to meet some truly amazing individuals along the way. I’m in the process of putting together a comprehensive book that showcases people I admire deeply. I’ve been inviting a variety of individuals whom I regard as strong and inspiring figures in our community. To complement their stories, I provide a carefully crafted corporate cinematic image of each person, capturing their essence and spirit.

So far, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of photographing, Dustin Lavigne, REMS - Real Estate Mexico Sales, Evan Will a Professional Photographer, digital creator, Mark Hughes a Professional Photographer (dogs/cats and their families), Robert Bray a 3 Time Canadian Portrait photographer of the Year. 6 Time Alberta Portrait Photographer of the year, Steven Carr a good friend and Professional Photographer, Robbie Coppard a Photographer, site worker, endurance runner, pet lover, Onam Meeyan a Professional Photographer, and Magdalena Barry, Alberta Photographer capturing stories of connection, authenticity and honesty, in the real moments.

I look forward to meeting and collaborating with more individuals who inspire me and encourage me to take bold leaps into new creative endeavors.

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting and getting to know a few incredibly talented local bands and artists throughout this past year. Among them were Ahead by a Century - A Tribute to the Tragically Hip, Forsaken Rite a Folk Metal Band Hailing From The Northern Realm Of Canada , Sugar and Spice, an International Award winning songwriters, The Stevie Project, A tribute to Stevie Nicks by Laurie Slater & The Band, and Maureen from MZ & THE REMEDY, Chantelle Marie Sings, singer songwriter, and Melody McArthur singer songwriter and theater.

I was truly blessed to have the opportunity to meet and photograph the incredibly talented Maria Dunn, a Juno award winner and the inspiring Stephanie Harpe, Singer, Songwriter, International Advocate for Murdered, Missing and Exploited Indigenous People's. Their creativity and passion for their art made a lasting impression on me. I would love to extend an invitation for them to return to my studio this year so we can collaborate once again and create even more beautiful images together.

Another wonderful honor it truly was to have the opportunity to work with Bear Grease Live. The show is brilliantly written by the dynamic duo Crystle Lightning and Henry Andrade, serving as an inspiring indigenous version of the classic musical Grease. The cast comprises an energetic and diverse group of exceptionally talented actor-singers, each bringing their own unique flair to the performance. LightningCloud, the creative team behind the production, are two beautiful and remarkably kind individuals who are also extremely skilled in their craft. They truly make a talented dynamic duo. I sincerely hope to collaborate with them on future projects that showcase our shared passion for storytelling and performance.

I had a truly wonderful time meeting so many incredibly talented individuals from many different backgrounds and diverse areas of expertise. It was a fantastic opportunity to work and meet with three esteemed members from Monster Pro Wrestling during their visit to our studio for promotional photos. Meeting Massive Damage "The Tattooed Terminator", Levi Night, and The Matriarch was truly a delightful experience that we thoroughly enjoyed.

Reading Sage Mo story brought tears to my eyes. I'm honored to have met her. I look forward to many more visits in the studio.

Other amazing people I had the great pleasure of working with include Tyler, a talented baseball pitcher, Superfan Magoo, and Nipîy Iskwew.

We recently completed our very first music video at the studio, featuring the talented artist Melody McArthur.

I was asked to present at the PPOC Lightmatters event in Calgary. Unfortunately, I became unwell and was unable to attend in person, so I took the opportunity to piece together a YouTube video that encapsulates my presentation. This is just one of many YouTube videos I plan to create in the future. It features a substantial amount of my work and delves into how I develop my creative ideas for various photoshoot projects.

I recently submitted a total of 4 of my images for the prestigious Alberta PPOC Salon, and I’m thrilled to share that all 4 of them successfully passed through the rigorous selection process. One particular image that I am exceptionally proud of is titled “Call Me Ishmael.” With great enthusiasm, I will be submitting these remarkable works into the National Competition this year in 2025.

I was fortunate enough to get out and photograph the breathtaking Northern Lights, and wow, I’ve never in my life witnessed such incredible beauty. I was completely in awe of the spectacular colors and the intensity of brightness dancing across the night sky. I can't help but wish my mom was around to have seen them with me, as I know she would have been just as captivated. This experience has ignited a desire within me to explore many more hidden beauties that our world offers for us to see. It may very well be a new direction in my journey of capturing exhilarating and memorable images of the world around us.

I'm part of a talented group that encompasses many different genres, which we affectionately refer to as FX. This year, we had the wonderful opportunity to gather together for a delightful dinner and to meet each other face to face. While there were a few members who couldn’t make it and were truly missed. It was genuinely nice to finally connect in person, especially since we usually communicate through Zoom. Our creative group consists of 9 passionate individuals.

I was also approached by the talented author Alexis Marie Chute, who expressed her desire to use my image titled "Voices of Change" as the captivating cover of her upcoming book. InFocus Photo is an annual exhibit of the best Canadian-made photography, curated by Alexis Marie Chute.

One more thing I did over the summer was to get a wonderful chance to meet some other enthusiastic PPOC members at a delightful group camping trip that was expertly organized by a fellow PPOC member. Sitting around the warm fire and getting to know each other on a more personal and meaningful level was truly a nice experience. There were a variety of enjoyable activities, resulting in lots of laughter and heartfelt hugs exchanged among everyone present.

Some big surprises are coming this year for me, and I couldn't be more excited about them. I have a few traveling adventures on the horizon that promise to bring new experiences, and many more incredible people to meet along the way. I truly look forward to expanding my genre and exploring new directions that will fill my heart with love and joy. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making my 2024 year so fulfilling and blessed. It has truly been an adventure working with each and every one of you. The direction my path leads me, especially with where PPOC takes me, will be inspiring in ways I can't yet imagine. Never stop believing in yourselves and dreaming big. I’ve been blessed with a wonderfully supportive family of friends and colleagues.

2025 Goals and Challenges

As we step into the promising and vibrant year of 2025, it presents a perfect opportunity to reflect on our past experiences by setting meaningful goals and exciting challenges for ourselves. Take a moment to pull out your collection of 2024 images and thoroughly review them, allowing the memories and lessons they hold to inspire your new aspirations.

Focus on selecting specific projects that can effectively help motivate you and provide steady momentum throughout the year ahead.

Challenge yourself by exploring and learning new techniques in Lightroom and Photoshop to enhance your photographic editing skills.

Consider engaging in a weekly or monthly challenge: explore night photography, experiment with various aspects of portraiture, or creatively capture the enchanting changes of the seasons. Locate a still object in an outdoor setting, such as a bridge, a tree, or a building, and take a comprehensive series of photos showcasing it from seasons or monthly. Additionally, experiment with aerial photography techniques to capture a unique perspective of the object and its surroundings. This will allow you to explore different visual possibilities and enhance your photographic skills.

Each innovative technique you master not only broadens your skill set but also significantly expands your photography toolbox.

I set specific goals and challenges every year. What do I truly want to focus on and work on? Where exactly do I want to see improvement in my skills and abilities? What specific changes do I need to implement in my approach to get there effectively? How hard do I genuinely want to push myself to achieve the meaningful goals I desire?

How well do you truly know your equipment, or are you finding yourself becoming stuck in a creative rut? It's a good idea to take the time needed to revisit and thoroughly explore your camera, lighting tools, and other essential equipment. This exploration can open up new possibilities and enhance your photography experience significantly.

Discover and develop your unique photographic style. Explore the diverse styles of other photographers and consider incorporating elements of their techniques into your own artistic approach. However, remember to never simply imitate their work; instead, take the time to analyze their methods and understand what makes their style effective. Enroll in various workshops to gain new skills and insights, and seamlessly blend what you learn with the techniques and styles you have already cultivated.

Photography should never feel like a chore or a burdensome task. Instead, make it an enjoyable experience that brings you joy and satisfaction. Embrace your creativity and carve out a designated time in your schedule to practice and experiment with different techniques. This dedicated time will help you to explore your craft and truly enjoy what you are passionate about. Consider making plans to go on a photography walk with fellow photographer friends, exchanging ideas and inspirations along the way. Additionally, joining a camera club can provide you with opportunities to try out different genres and broaden your skill set.

Something we all struggle with is receiving critiques of our work. It can be challenging to remain open to the opinions of others and to truly take in what they are trying to suggest. Learning to accept feedback gracefully is indeed a difficult skill to cultivate, but one that is incredibly valuable for growth. Many photography camera clubs often feature individuals who provide constructive and insightful feedback on various aspects of photography, which can be a great resource for improvement and development.

This year, I plan on diligently writing down my specific goals for personal improvements and growth. I want to identify not only where I hope to expand my skills but also the habits that I often find myself falling into, which I wish to change for the better. I’m consistently very hard on myself and have a tendency to overthink every little detail. Therefore, I need to be much more uplifting and encouraging toward myself.

One item on my list will be to concentrate on various YouTube videos that I aspire to create and release this year. I will make a note in my book labeled “YouTube,” and beneath that heading, I will list the different video ideas that I am excited to work on. The next section will focus on Lightroom and include everything I want to learn or revisit in that area. Photoshop will be another important topic to add to my list, along with various other subjects that pique my interest.

I encourage you to find yourself a dedicated book to write in and begin crafting a list of goals and challenges you wish to tackle in 2025.

Once you feel confident in the body of your work, take the initiative to reach out to some galleries or venues where you'd like to display your art. Many local camera clubs organize various competitions throughout the year, providing you with valuable opportunities to participate and showcase your talent. Additionally, you will have the chance to enter prestigious competitions such as those hosted by CAPA (Canadian Association for Photographic Arts), which can further enhance your visibility and recognition as a photographer.

The International Photography Awards conducts an annual competition for professional, amateur, and student photographers on a global scale, creating one of the most ambitious and comprehensive photo competitions in the photography world today.

The International Award Honoring Black & White Photography. Black and White Spider Awards is open to professional and amateur photographers shooting in all forms of black and white photography.

The Portrait Masters Awards is another. These are just a few that are out there.

I found that entering in a competition significantly helped me grow and develop my skills in ways I had not anticipated.

In your journal book, take some time to write down various competition groups that you can find, which you might be interested in joining. Additionally, make a note of the different workshops and events that you would like to attend, along with their corresponding dates. Be sure to consider that some workshops may be local to your area, while others could be located overseas, providing you with a range of opportunities for growth and learning. Consider reaching out to various local and online camera groups to discover the ones that align with your interests and that you would enjoy joining. The world is truly your oyster, presenting you with endless possibilities and opportunities to explore and cherish.

Creative blocks are entirely natural and part of the artistic journey, but remember, they don't have to derail your progress in any way. Here are some valuable resources to help you get back on track and reignite your passion.

Maintain a collection of inspiring images that resonate with you and spark your creativity. List interesting locations to photograph, which can serve as motivation for your next outing. Review your journal for creative ideas you may have forgotten about; this could uncover gems that inspire new projects. Follow respected photography blogs and YouTube channels to gain fresh perspectives and insights. Join a local camera club where you can connect with fellow photographers and share experiences. Attend photography classes and events to learn new techniques and meet like-minded individuals. Your camera is a powerful tool for capturing your unique view of the world around you.

Make this the year you fully embrace that potential and explore the art of photography. Focus on consistent progress rather than striving for perfection. Let 2025 be the year you push not only your creative and technical boundaries but also develop and refine your unique photographic voice!

One last piece of advice; make sure to find someone who truly shares your passion, someone you can comfortably talk to. This person should be someone you can reach out to when you find yourself feeling stuck in a rut or have fallen behind in achieving your goals. Having that supportive connection can make a significant difference in your journey.

Best In Class - Conceptual Illustration

I’m greatly honored to have received the prestigious Best In Class Conceptual Illustration award at the esteemed 2024 PPOC Alberta Regional Image Competition. This recognition not only highlights my dedication to the craft but also motivates me to continue exploring new creative horizons in my work.

My image titled "Melancholy Mime" received a Merit award, and notably, that particular piece was also the image through which I won the prestigious Best in Class award for Conceptional Illustration.

I’ve been diligently working on my Clown Series Project, which has proven to be both challenging and rewarding. My talented friend, Kerry Ann Winter, graciously agreed to be my subject for these captivating images, bringing her unique personality and flair to the shoot.

Being a part of the Professional Photographers of Canada has been incredibly rewarding in many ways. This membership has not only helped me grow to appreciate my work more deeply, but it has also played a significant role in enhancing my skills and improving areas where I was previously weak. The community and resources available through this organization have been invaluable to my development as a photographer.

Heather Fryer

Best In Class Conceptual Illustration 2024 PPOC Alberta Regional Image Competition

The First Nation Sensation "BEAR GREASE"

I recently had the distinct pleasure of welcoming Crystal and Cloud into my studio to photograph the exceptionally talented cast from Bear Grease the Musical for their promotional material. It was an inspiring experience to capture their creativity and talent.

“LightningCloud”

They create and produce innovative musical theatre with a strong emphasis on indigenous writing, inclusive casting, and culturally aware directing practices. The talented playwright duo “LightningCloud,” comprised of Crystle Lightning and Henry Cloud Andrade, is deeply dedicated to authoring and composing work that is not only trailblazing but also transformative in the performing arts landscape.

In the studio, the enthusiastic cast were animated and full of energy, jumping energetically and break dancing with great skill, flipping their skirts and executing impressive handstands. I found myself caught in a delightful dilemma, torn between clicking my camera like crazy to capture every moment and simply taking a step back to watch them perform with such passion and flair. It was truly an unforgettable and memorable experience that I will cherish for a long time.

Bear Grease takes the iconic 1978 musical, Grease, on an exhilarating Indigenous joyride, featuring fashion that completely slays, humor that delightfully tickles your funny bone, and music that compels you to groove along! It’s a vibrant rez makeover for the beloved characters, meticulously keeping the authenticity alive while adding a burst of rich cultural flair. Buckle up for an electrifying experience that not only celebrates Indigenous cultures but also dances its way into your heart—it's truly a one-of-a-kind adventure that you simply don’t want to miss out on.

If I could somehow manage to fit into one of their suitcases, I would absolutely seize the opportunity to travel on the road with them in a heartbeat.

Click on the group image below, to get to the Bear Grease website.

Teneil Whiskeyjack - Marty, Tesla Wolfe - Frenchie, Melody McArthur - Sandy, Tammy Rae - Rezzo, Skylene Gladue (Nipîy Iskwew) - Jan

Justin Giehm - Sonny Boy, Kean Buffalo - Butter, Bryce Morin - Danny, Rodney Mcleod - Canuckie, Raven Bright - Roger

Bear Grease

Northern Lights

10-10-24

I find myself feeling a bit overwhelmed by the beauty and vibrancy of how these images turned out. Never in my life have I ever witnessed the Aurora Borealis appear in such a mesmerizing and breathtaking way.

The colors and the movement of the lights seemed to dance across the sky, creating an unforgettable spectacle that truly captivated me. This experience has sparked a desire within me to step outside of my usual routine and explore more of the world that surrounds us.

There is so much beauty to be discovered beyond the confines of daily life, and I feel a strong urge to venture out, to immerse myself in nature, and to take in the wonders that our planet has to offer.

It's a reminder of how much there is to see and appreciate, and I’m eager to embrace those experiences.

Steve and I embarked on an exciting adventure and discovered a stunning location just beyond the bustling city of Edmonton, Alberta, which is ideally suited for capturing the breathtaking beauty of the Northern Lights. The vibrant colors and dazzling displays of the aurora borealis are something we both long to photograph, and this spot seems perfect for our creative pursuits.

As we prepare for this upcoming journey into the night sky filled with shimmering lights, I realize it's important to invest in warmer and more suitable clothing. Layering up with thermal undergarments, insulated jackets, and high-quality snow boots will help keep us comfortable and able to fully enjoy the experience without the distraction of the cold. I can already envision us bundled up, cameras in hand, eagerly anticipating the moment when the sky lights up with vibrant hues of green, purple, and pink.

It's thrilling to think about the memories we will create during our nighttime escapades, and I'm excited about the prospects of venturing out into the crisp, clear air of the Alberta wilderness. I can't wait to share these incredible moments with Steve as we capture the magic of the Northern Lights together!

Image Salon 2024

I’m truly honored to have been given the opportunity to be a part of the PPOC (Professional Photographer of Canada) community. The highly competitive judging event took place on October 14, 2024. I submitted a total of four of my images, and I am pleased to share that I received three Merits and one image was accepted.

The Image Salon is recognized as Alberta’s premier imaging competition, and I was vying for the esteemed title of Portrait Photographer of the Year.

The awards for this specific category are scheduled to be announced at Lightmatters, the Alberta PPOC Convention, which will be held in Calgary at the end of October.

Images submitted for the Salon are rigorously judged based on various criteria, including overall impact, technical merit, composition, presentation, and the overall variety of skills exhibited. The scoring system ranges from Not Accepted to Accepted, then to Merit, and finally to Excellence, reflecting the level of achievement of each submitted piece.

Team Spirit

Merit Image

This vibrant image featuring Superfan Magoo and Nipiy alongside a young friend was captured during the thrilling Oilers' run for the cup last year. These enthusiastic fans bring a tremendous amount of energy and excitement to the game, making for an unforgettable experience. They truly are a lot of fun!

Call Me Ishmael

Merit Image

This image presents a fun and creative interpretation of the classic book Moby Dick. I made sure to capture all the elements myself, ensuring no stock images were utilized in the process. This project was a well-thought-out shoot that required careful planning and consideration, taking me a dedicated three months to gather all the necessary items and materials together.

Melancholy Mime

Merit Image

This image was part of a project photoshoot I have been diligently working on since the year 2023. I envisioned a captivating black and white circus theme that would evoke nostalgia and intrigue. To bring this vision to life, I purchased an accordion specifically for this creative endeavor, believing it would perfectly complement the overall aesthetic I aimed to achieve.

Prairie Posie

Accepted Image

This young girl was an enthusiastic participant in a workshop that I organized to demonstrate the art of capturing beautiful photographs of children. Her natural charm and energy added a delightful dynamic to the experience.

GOYA Get Off Your Ass

I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in GOYA events over the last couple of years alongside my wonderful PPOC friends. A GOYA is a unique social event focused specifically around the art of photography. Every month or two, I select an exciting theme, find an incredible model, and work some lighting magic to create an enriching experience. This provides attendees with the opportunity to learn something new, teach something they know, and have a great deal of fun while capturing some truly amazing photos together. Here are some examples from all of the GOYA events we have conducted so far.

I’m currently taking a well-deserved and much-needed break from this due to some ongoing personal issues that have arisen recently. It is essential for me to focus on my life and dedicate some time to my personal projects for a while, allowing myself the necessary space to recharge and realign my priorities.

Heather

I’d like to thank all the models who have helped us out and all my PPOC friends who attended.

Starting at the top, from left to right.

Dustin, is a body builder who is always working on his fitness and health

The Purple Dress I bought to match a headpiece I made.

Robin is a local musician doing our goth themed GOYA

Quinten is very dapper in our Peaky Blinders GOYA

Brooke was one of two models for a Lighting GOYA

Kerry was the other model for the Lighting GOYA

Jaiden was for our second lighting GOYA

Carma Was our model for playing with Gels GOYA

Ari was our model for the dress making out of scraps (provided and done by Kari) GOYA,

Professional Studio Portraits

Powerful professional studio portraits play a key role in shaping your distinctive brand identity, expertly capturing your essence and showcasing your professionalism.

Come visit me to schedule your upcoming portrait session. I specialize in providing top-quality portraits tailored to meet your professional needs.

The price of $250 covers a one-hour photo session and allows for three outfit changes during the session.

Professional retouching involves enhancing images through editing techniques to achieve a polished and high-quality result.

We will provide you with high-resolution and web-sized formats of the selected image to ensure it meets your needs across different platforms and purposes at $50 per image.

You will receive your own private gallery to view your edited images.

A variety of tight headshots, including various angles and expressions, will be taken during the session. In addition, a wider selection of 3/4 and full-length portraits will be captured to ensure that you have ample proofs to choose from.

I am an Accredited member of the Professional Photographers of Canada.

Sports Photos

If you are in search of studio sports portraits, our newly launched Larger-than-Life hero series of sports photographs might just be the perfect fit for you. 📸🏆

Contact us to book your free consult at our studio.

We recently had the privilege of capturing exciting sports photos of this talented young athlete, Tyler Bonin, an emerging baseball prodigy known for his exceptional skills on the pitcher's mound. Tyler, with his remarkable talent and ambition, sought out dynamic and cutting-edge visuals to showcase on his website.

MMIW Behind the Veil

Please take the time to have a listen to this beautiful song written and performed by talented Lena Daniels.

God Took You Home. “I think this really recognizes the pain that we all go through when we lose our loved ones, or if we’re still wondering where they are. We still look at their beds every day and look at the dust that’s on their beds, smelling their clothes, feeling the pain of them missing and wondering if they’re coming back. You know I just really feel that these words would really touch the hearts of all the people watching and listening”.

Every few years, I embark on a deeply emotional endeavor focused on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) issue. My latest project, titled Behind the Veil, aims to shed light on a topic that society has often skirted around - the plight of Indigenous women who have gone missing or have been tragically murdered in Canada.

Red Dress Day, May 5 is a significant annual event that commemorates and raises awareness for the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirit, and gender diverse people in Canada. This day serves as a catalyst for educating and fostering understanding to ultimately eradicate violence aimed at Indigenous women, girls, 2 spirit, and gender diverse individuals.

Red Dress Day was inspired in 2010 by Jamie Black, a Métis artist based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Black's poignant art installation involved hanging hundreds of empty red dresses in public places. These dresses served as a powerful symbol, representing the tragic reality of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The choice of the color red was deliberate, symbolizing the lifeblood that unites all individuals and holding deep cultural significance in many Indigenous traditions. According to folklore, red is said to be the only color visible to spirits, allowing the vibrant hues of the dresses to help guide the spirits of the missing and murdered back to their grieving families.

A red hand symbolizing the MMIW movement covers the mouth, serving as a powerful representation of this increasingly recognized issue. This emblem honors the voices of countless missing sisters, echoing the overlooked absence of their presence. Moreover, it sheds light on the concerning silence prevailing within the realms of mainstream media and law enforcement, spotlighting the urgency of addressing this ongoing crisis.

Indigenous women are four times more likely than non-indigenous women to be victims of violence. Shockingly, from 2001 to 2014, the average homicide rates involving indigenous women were four times higher than those of non-indigenous women. Despite comprising only 4.3% of the population, indigenous women make up 16% of all female homicide victims, highlighting a deeply concerning trend that demands urgent attention.

This powerful image evokes a myriad of intense emotions — anguish, fear, rage, pain, and anger — stemming from the inaction in addressing this pressing issue. Each element captured within the frame serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences that arise when challenges are left unresolved.
For far too long, society has turned a blind eye to this pressing issue, opting to shroud it in secrecy (Behind the Veil) and shield it from public scrutiny. Year after year, an alarming number of indigenous individuals continue to face the harrowing reality of being either brutally murdered or mysteriously vanishing without a trace.

Lena Bobbie Chelsea Marion Daniels is a Woodland Cree Iskwew born in Thompson, Manitoba with her roots stemming from Peter Ballantyne First Nation.   She is an advocate for MMIW and believes that Every Child Matters. Lena is a full time Building Operator and Musician as well as a Model.  When Lena is not working she tends to her loving family.  Lena hopes to empower the youth through her music.   Along with her fashion shows teaching them to believe in themselves, step out of their shells and be Brave! 

Lena looks stunning in her ensemble, styled with exquisite beaded Indigenous earrings crafted by the talented Montana Cardinal. The unique touch of a Custom MMIW Ribbon skirt, designed by Under_the_Night_Creations under the skilled hands of Deeanna Sutherland, adds a powerful statement to her outfit.. Liz, Keisha and Lena are all wearing Manitobah Mukluks

Here Lena is wearing a t-shirt remembering Carolann Robillard, 35, and 11-year-old Sara Miller, killed in a random attack in Edmonton on May 5th 2023.

Keisha Cardinal is a young indigenous woman who is looking very forward to seeing what her future awaits for her. She grew up around numerous indigenous peoples which whom she looked up to, as well as shaping her to be the person she is today. 

Ever since she was a kid, she loved to express herself through creating art, which she would often times give away to her friends and family to show her appreciation for them.

Keisha hails from Chipewyan Praire First Nation but grew up in the small hamlet of Smith, Alberta.

Keisha radiates elegance as she proudly displays a remarkable pair of beaded Indigenous earrings by Montana Cardinal, perfectly harmonizing with Lena's own exquisite earrings. To complete her ensemble, Keisha dons a striking skirt crafted by Edna Buffalo, the talented designer behind the esteemed brand Mrs. FlyingBuffaloDesigns, honoring and raising awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Liz, Keisha and Lena are all wearing Manitobah Mukluks

Breanna Inkpen is a proud Métis woman from treaty 6. She has been representing indigenous designers all over Alberta. She is now proud to call herself an international model who recently walked in New York Fashion Week for Kaska Dena Designs.

Makeup artist for 12 years now Breanna has always had a passion for beauty and fashion.

Her goal is to spread positivity to uplift and teach the youth about confidence, self love and that you are not alone!

Breanna is a strong advocate for mental health awareness. Being the oldest sister of 13 siblings she teaches her siblings the importance of being safe in todays society and that a lot of our family and friends have been affected by MMIW.  “Breaks my heart to know a lot of our sisters have been taken away from us due to being missing and no one taking the time to look for our indigenous women . This is still a problem to this day for our culture, we need to be more aware of this issue for our people and this photoshoot is to make people aware of that. I’m so honored to have been a part of such a powerful photoshoot. No more stolen sisters!!! Hiy hiy”

Bre is wearing a skirt that was beautifully handcrafted by Liz. In addition, she has adorned herself with striking long red hide earrings that were skillfully created by Jo Swampy.

Liz Pelland, “I am a Cree woman was born in Selkiirk Manitoba in the late fifties. I spent the last three years of my schooling at R.B. Russell in Winnipeg. I have always been interested in the art in high school;. I was in a theater group with the costumes department. I tried my hand at different types of crafts when I lived in Prince Edward Island. I took classes in Tole painting in the past two years and I renewed my interest in sewing.”

Liz, a talented designer, meticulously crafted this stunning skirt entirely on her own, showcasing her creativity and skill in every stitch. Liz, Keisha and Lena are all wearing Manitobah Mukluks

Owen Lloyd is First Nations Cree from treaty 8 territory and currently lives in treaty 6. He has been modelling since he was 15 and also dances. He wishes to inspire other indigenous young adults and youth to know that any dream is possible.

Brittany, Anishinaabe from Black River First Nation, Manitoba. Now resides in Edmonton, Alberta. Started her career in Business development and Networking. She felt the need to follow her dreams and become a TV/Film makeup artist. Her passion and drive led her to graduate Masters Makeup Artistry in 2020, while attending school she created Binny Cosmetics. She was doing fashion and designer photoshoots before she graduated. Her career as a makeup artist and entrepreneur skyrocketed. Brittany has been head makeup for multiple films and fashion shows. She has worked on Tv series, Brand campaigns, and music artists. She and her team worked at Western Canada Fashion Week as the only Indigenous team. Brittany wants her skill to be known as creative, innovative, and unique. Although her passion is in the film industry, what brings her joy is working with today’s Indigenous youth. Brittany has been a part of youth model conferences that boost our youths’ confidence to walk the runway. 

Binny cosmetics is a 2-Spirit cosmetics brand created to inspire Indigi-queer youth to be uniquely themselves and to empower them to be creative with beauty and makeup to allow self expression. What sets her apart from other brands with the same image is that she is 2-Spirit and with her being the face of her company sharing her story, having similar struggles, she has created a safe place for Indigi-queer youth. A place where they can ask for guidance or advice. A place where they feel comfortable expressing their self expression for the first time

The profound essence of this photograph captures a mystical moment amidst the branches, revealing a poignant portrayal of a two-spirit silhouette intertwined with the tree, while the vivid red figure symbolizes a wandering soul searching for solace within the enigmatic stillness of the surroundings.

Monster Pro Wrestling (MPW)

We had the fantastic opportunity to work and meet with three esteemed members from Monster Pro Wrestling during their visit to our studio for promotional photos. Meeting Massive Damage, Levi Night, and The Matriarch was truly a delightful experience that we thoroughly enjoyed.

Sage Morin (The Matriarch) began her journey in wrestling following the heartbreaking loss of her son Geo in 2013 due to a drunk driver. Her poignant narrative never failed to evoke deep emotions within me during our studio conversations. Reflecting on memories of Geo and the profound motivation behind her wrestling career always resulted in heartfelt moments that touched my soul..

She holds the promotion’s Women’s Championship belt. She’s been doing several shows over the last year and a half in Edmonton, and travels across Western Canada, doing shows. Wrestling has become her life; it’s also become a huge part of her healing journey from her traumatic past. Sage’s Story

One of the initial organizations to extend a helping hand to Morin and her family during their challenging time was Monster Pro Wrestling. Merely two months after Geo's passing, they organized a heartfelt tribute show dedicated to the family. This event marked Morin's introduction to the world of Monster Pro Wrestling. Since then, a strong bond has formed between Morin and Sean Dunster, the owner and promoter of MPW, keeping them connected throughout the years.

Levi Day, (Levi Night) in the professional wrestling realm, emanated an infectious energy that was matched only by his radiant smile and laughter during our time together, surrounded by lively disco tunes.

This local legend in the making had a clear vision early on - deciding in 12th grade that he was destined to pursue a career in professional wrestling. Day shared that his dream was to step into the wrestling ring and truly make his mark.

Reflecting on his journey, he recounted two particularly memorable moments; one in Carnduff where his dad gallantly intervened to shield him from an opponent's chair strike, and another in Winnipeg, where he found himself teaming up against stalwarts Dustin Rhodes and Keith Lee in a standout match for All-Elite Wrestling’s dedicated YouTube followers. The surreal experience of standing alongside someone he once admired on television since childhood, Dustin Rhodes, left a lasting impression on Day as he marveled at how far he had come in his wrestling career. Levi’s Story

Sean Dunster, (Massive Damage) originally from Hell’s Kitchen, NY, was trained by wrestling icon Leo Burkeas well as Bret "The Hitman" Hart. A trained technician, Massive Damage soon found his calling in hardcore style matches.

He's been through tables, set on fire, tangled in barbed wire, and split from ear to ear. He has even tackled a Japanese Death Match against Leatherface. Despite these extreme challenges, his unbelievable conditioning and persistence have solidified his position as one of the most promising talents on the independent circuit. Alongside defending his Canadian Hardcore Title worldwide, he dedicates his time to shaping the future stars of wrestling at the Monster Pro Wrestling School in Edmonton, Alberta.

Massive Damage is one of the toughest professional wrestlers you'll ever meet, "If I break an arm, if I break a leg, if I break some ribs, if I'm bleeding all to hell, I'll show up the next day ready for work. Might not be the best match I've ever had, but I'll still throw 100% into my matches."

One-Time Opportunity Deal

How would you like to get a chance to work with me for half my session fee and get a composite image edited by me?.

Unbelievable Offer: Transform into a Work of Art!

📸 Are you ready to be the star of the show with a stunning composite photo capturing your unique essence? 🌟

For a limited time only, I am offering an exclusive one-time crazy opportunity deal that you simply can't miss! Get a professionally crafted composite photo for just $125, a whopping 50% off the regular session fee of $250. This incredible deal is your ticket to a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you feeling like a true work of art.

Here's what you can expect:

  • One-hour photo session at my studio, where you will be the focal point of attention.

  • Let your creativity shine by coming in costume, or choose from my collection of outfits that resonate with you.

  • Enliven your photos with props, hats, and any other accessories that tickle your fancy.

  • I will select a theme that perfectly complements your unique style and personality.

  • The final edit will be hand-picked by me, ensuring that your portrait is a masterpiece that truly captures your essence.

Please note:

  • Offer cannot be combined with any other shoot; this is a standalone deal.

  • This deal is limited to one person per session, so you will have my full attention throughout the photo shoot.

  • Makeup is not provided, so please come prepared with your own makeup to enhance your look.

Don't let this rare opportunity slip away! Elevate your individuality and charm with a composite photo that reflects the best version of yourself. Book your session now and let's create magic together! 🎨📷🌠

Does this interest you? BOOK NOW

Christmas Mini Session

Christmas Mini Session

December 10th, 11th, 13th, and 15th

Step into a Winter Wonderland and let us freeze moments of joy, love, and laughter this holiday season.

Our Christmas - themed mini sessions December 10th, 11th, 13th, 15th, are the perfect opportunity to create timeless memories with your loved ones.

What’s included

  • 45 - minute photo session

  • 5 professionally edited images

  • Individual or small group

  • Personal online gallery

Who’s invited

Families, couples, friends, and even pets. Everyone is invited to join in the festive fun.

Location

4634 91 Ave NW Edmonton

Cost

$350

Times

4:00 PM 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:00 PM
















Low-Key Portraits

Over the summer I invited male musicians to my studio for some low-key portraits. A few of these images I entered into the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) accreditation for Low-Key Portraits.

Mitch Zorich - Musician

Nathan Samuelson

Daniel Martin & The Infamous

Shelby Blaze

David Stuart Bruce

If you are looking for a photographer that takes professional photos look no further.

High-Key Portraits

For the last two months I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with some very talented musical artists.

Take some time and check out these amazing talented local artists.

If you are looking for an album cover look no further and we can get together at my studio, Studio 91 to discuss your needs.

Child Portraits

Thank you to Valeria for bringing your granddaughter to the studio for some portraits. She just turned 8 years old. One of her favorite photoshoots to do was the chess board. She loves to play chess. I look forward to Valeria coming back with her granddaughter for more photos.

If you are interested in a creative session with your child contact me for a consultation at the studio.

Purple Edit- July 11th-2023

Check out my Youtube

I put on a GOYA, (Get off your ass) at my studio recently for the Professional Photographers of Canada.

I made the headpiece and I set up a beautiful green wall with purple and yellow flowers. We had a beautiful white bistro set with a pitcher of lemonade and lemons on the table. I chose these colours as green and yellow are complimentary to Purple.

I also brought in my CCM Yellow bicycle.

We had a few PPOC Photographers show up and take turns photographing our lovely model Miranda.

We also shot on my standard Fashion Gray background.

Steve helped with the lighting.

This edit on the gray paper took me around three hours to complete, I sped it up to only 20 minutes.

Thanks to Carla Lehman for organizing this event.

Thanks to Simon and Cynthia for joining us in this shoot.

I will create a blog specifically to showcase the other photographers images.

My next GOYA is July 27th "Red Goth" featuring my red and black gothic headpiece with a red and black dress. Feel free to ask me questions

IACC Film Noir Event June 4th, 2023

On June 4th, I was happy to host the IACC Studio Portrait SIG for a Film Noir themed photoshoot. Thank you to Allan for bringing his group to our studio.

We did two, 2-hour sessions with 9 people total.

Below are some BTS images I took with my phone.

Loreen, from My Mother’s Closet, brought some 1940’s vintage clothing and accessories and modelled them for us along with three models she brought as well.

Models - Carma, Anita, and  Anastasia


My Husband Steve (assistant) was there to help with the lighting. He set up the lights and helped with the triggers for some of the Photographers. We got a chance to use our new optical snoot and GOBO’s for some neat window blind effects. 


See lighting techniques below.

The first lighting set up here is a classic Paramount lighting with a 24 inch beauty dish, top down with a grid placed camera right, and a snoot creating a spotlight on the back wall, there was also a hair light top right with a reflector and grid with barndoors.

The second set up was the optical snoot with the “blinds” GOBO in it camera left,

The third set up was a 36” strip box with grid camera left with the snoot creating a halo on the back drop, this created a classic Rembrandt lighting scenario.


We provided several period props, including an antique brass phone from France, a vintage perfume spritzer and a vintage box camera. 


I interacted with the models to get some fun expressions and poses, Loreen asked me to help her models with posing. There is nothing like having a model turn suddenly or gasp to get realistic expressions. All of our models seemed to have a fun time.

Anastasia was pretending to put on makeup and I told here to turn to me as if something had just caught her attention.

We wanted to make sure all the photographers got some good shots. One photographer saw me doing this, and said “ I want That Shot”. So I made sure all of the photographers after him got the same chance.

I told two of them to act like they were listening in on the same conversation on the phone, as if they were actually listening on a party line.


We think everyone managed to get some excellent Noir style images. There were so many good images from this talented bunch of photographers, it was hard to choose just a few.  Here are some of my favourites.


We thoroughly enjoyed these sessions and look forward to working with Image Alberta Camera Club again. 


Photographers are: Gary Ford, Katherine Caine, Colin Vince, Ilse van Loon, Boris Sukulski, Edi Spagrude, Ravi Kumar and Allan Reich.


Here are some of the images from these talented IACC Photographers.

I did not take any of the photos below and all edits were by the IACC photographer who took the picture.


Check out their website if you are looking for a Photography group to join.

Images Alberta Camera Club

We look forward to working with Loreen again and all of her authentic and beautiful outfits.

Shot on location at Studio_91 Edmonton. If you wish to book and event with us, please contact us and we will provide studio space with bathroom and change room, lighting expertise, and posing.

Accreditations

I’d like to share images from the accreditations I have received from Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC). For each accreditation you must submit 10 images to be judged by a panel of Photographers.

Accreditation is the degree of elevation above the general membership level and is achieved by submitting samples of the applicant’s photography in a chosen category. Accreditation demonstrates that the photographer has proven professional ability to the Board of Examiners of the Professional Photographers of Canada. In assessing Accreditation submissions, the judges will consider the following criteria: Vision, Impact, Composition, and Technical merit

My first Accreditation was 2019 for Image Manipulation. I had to provide source files as well as final edits.

My second Accreditation 2022, Studio Portrait.

My third Accreditation was 2023, Fantasy Illustration.

Ruby and the Hitmen (Composite)

I had the pleasure of meeting and working with this incredible local band called Ruby and the Hitmen. They came to Studio 91 December 9th, 2022 for some professional photos.

I photograph each member of the band separately and then I create a composite image. The same way they create movie posters. That way each person is perfectly lit.

Because of the name of the band Ruby and the Hitmen, I got each of the guys to pose as if their instruments were weapons. I grouped all the guys together on the left side in Photoshop. Ruby was placed on the right side. I then created a spot light for the back alley look.

Here are the individual images of each member of the band.

Here’s another composite band poster.

If you’re looking for a photographer to take photos of your band, give me a call or send a message and we can pencil you in for a FREE consultation to go over your needs.