Courtenay family photographer- M family session- Bellaphoto

I have to admit, my happy place is a warm backlit family photography session.. So I was a little nervous when right before The M family session the clouds rolled in.
And.. It's GORGEOUS!!  I was so happy to head back to tsawwassen for this session. Since opening my photography studio in the Comox valley, it's been nothing but snow and rain, so outdoor sessions just weren't happening as much as i had hoped.

This session was so fun, the boys were awesome with so much energy, baby Evie was adorbs.. it's amazing how in love with her her big brother are...Dad didn't complain AT ALL (which is kinda unheard of) and momma... STAP.
how gorgeous is she.

Comox Baby photographer- Gordie the Doodle- Bellaphoto comox valley

Meet the newest addition to the Roddam family.
Gordie the doodle.
Gah we are so so in love with this little guy.
Nothing but snuggles, kisses and playing.
I decided to bring him in to my comox valley newborn photography studio and take "newborn" photos.

Squiiiish.

Comox valley maternity photographer- bump to baby- bellaphoto

Bump to baby special!

Continuing from 2016, I am offering a bump to baby, maternity to newborn photography special.
Book a newborn photography session, and you can add on a maternity mini for only $200.

The maternity mini session can take place in studio, or on location in the comox valley!
for more info email info@bellaphoto.ca
or visit my website

Fear and self loathing in Black creek- Comox Valley Newborn Photograher- Bellaphoto

Getting real time.

I needed to write this blog post for me.
Since moving to my new AMAZING new house in my AMAZING new town...
I haven't felt that AMAZING about my business.

It's such as weird change going from a town you have lived in your whole life, knowing everyone, having a full client list... to a town where you know no one.

This is where pity party sets in.

There are so many kick ass photographers here.. like so many.
Karen Mckinnon, Bluetree Photographhy, Charlene Harris, Love Story Photographic New Leaf Photography Just to name a few! (these lovely ladies have also been so incredibly amazing and welcoming to me. There is a total vibe of community over competition.
Why would anyone book me, when there are all these talented people already here?

I keep getting people asking "are you so busy with work??!" and my response is always the same "oh I haven't even painted my studio yet"....

Instead I... went for coffee, chopped wood, baked muffins, played with the puppy..
Anything instead of painting the studio.

And why is that?
Fear of failure.
If my studio isn't done, I can't shoot clients, therefore it doesn't matter if no one knows me, or likes me, because hey, I can't take clients anyway.

I could feel this fear rising. I could feel it starting to take over.
I could either succumb to the dread.

or so something about it.

I bought paint.
and it sat there....

Then I decided to start on a wall..
The more I painted the more empowered I felt.
It's amazing the roadblocks your mind puts up, and how they will just fall away when you start working on it.

I have a newborn booked! Due Feb.22.

I came here to drink coffee and kick ass.. and I am all out of coffee.

-Ali

Comox Valley Photographer - project 52- Bellaphoto

I have a bunch of goals for 2017. 
Eat more veggies, learn how to curl my hair with a flat iron (how can a 13 year old on youtube do it with ease but i end up looking like Einstein??) 
AND photograph my family. Document our life.

you would think the children of a photographer must have millions of awesome photos...
but as the cobbler's kids have no shoes... I tend to forget about my little people when I have clients to capture.

So i am going to attempt a project 52.
there is no way in hell i am trying a 365, I will probably forget around day 6, and then like.. what is even the point. But i feeeeel like i can do once a week.

So in case you aren't up to speed, we sold out townhouse in the city (ish) and moved to the sticks.
Total rural paradise.

and currently that paradise is covered in 6 inches of ice.

I reeeealy wanted to take some pics of the kiddies in the snow, so i begged.
Please, just 5 minutes and you can eat that giant ass Kinder surprise egg on the counter.

I think they gave me like... 1.8 minutes. 

ooh look how cute they are... then someone stepped on someone's toe.. and the other punched the stepper..

And then they both just fricken RAN inside.
1.8 minutes.

So next I tried to get the big one to come in to my new studio space.
I wanted to test the light.

this is how that went.



but hot damn look at that light!!!
I can't wait for family photo sessions on this little window seat!

So last..
this guy.




He was not impressed either.
but at least he got his treat :)

Comox Valley newborn photographer - Guest Interview with Junebug- Bellaphoto

For years I have been part of an amazing online group of photographers that inspire me on a daily basis. We love supporting each other, learning from one another…and dishing about just everything. #snitchesgetstiches. I am honored that one of my favorite Snohomish Newborn photographers Melissa Jenkins from June Bug Photography joined me today for my weekly photo crush interview!

My photog crush of the day is…

Name: Melissa Jenkins

Business Name: June Bug Photography

Specializes in: Newborn photography, cake smash photography, family photography, and maternity photography.

Check Junebug out here:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

How long have you been in the photography business?

My love for photography started forever ago when I was in high school. I turned my bathroom into a darkroom and was obsessed with black and white film photography.

Then, I went to college, became a science teacher, and didn’t return to photography until my daughter was born. I started my business, June Bug Photography after taking personal photographs of my tiny one reignited my passion for photography.

Short Answer: I started my business 4 years ago.

What the most fun part of being a (newborn) photographer?

Besides the obvious perk of getting to snuggle babies all day… It warms my soul to see so many loving, caring, sweet families come in with their new bundle of joy. Not much compares to the excitement and love a mama and dad have for their newborn!

Are you brave enough to show your growth? A photo of one of your very first sessions, and your most recent session?

Oh man. This one makes me cringe a bit. Mostly because I don’t want my first clients to feel like their photos aren’t “good enough”. But, everyone starts somewhere, and this one was a free session. For a friend. Gah, this makes me feel really vulnerable…

Tell me something that would surprise most clients about the newborn photography industry?

All of the moms that come into my studio are blown away by my prop collection. I always joke about how they would be SHOCKED to know how many people make a living making props and accessories for newborn photography. I have some amazing go to vendors for my bonnets, layers, headbands, dresses, etc. Oh, and that anyone in their right mind would pay $50 for a knit hat. (Which I am HAPPY to do, because I love that they are handmade of quality materials!..That being said, I’d never spend that much on a hat for my OWN CHILDREN!)

Coffee vs Tea…vs Vodka?

Is the sun out? Yes: Coffee. No: Vodka.

Break down a typical day in the life of YOU. What does a typical day look like for you?

7:30am- Wake up. Make Coffee. Gently try to wake my kids for school.

8:20-8:40am- Mad frenzy to get lunches made, shoes found, backpacks on, homework done, teeth brushed, breakfast in bellies...and to the bus stop.

8:43am- Wave the kiddos on the bus and head to the studio.

9:00-10:00am- Prep the studio for session, pick sets and props. Realize I forgot to DRINK the coffee I made before leaving.

10:00am-1:00pm- Greet family, snuggle baby, work my baby soothing magic, get pooped on, typical newborn session.

1:00-2:30pm: Clean up studio, organize studio, head back home.

2:45-3:45pm: Immediately back-up images to my computer, external hard drive and cloud based storage. Start laundry (so much laundry from newborn sessions!) Eat something. Drink cold coffee from the morning.

3:45-7:30pm: Mom stuff, pick up kids from bus, homework, snacks, fight negotiation, bathtime, bedtime routine…

8:00-12:00am: Edit! Edit! Blog, marketing, emails, gallery uploads. Maybe some vodka.

What “gear” do you use? Do you shoot with natural light or studio lights?

I currently shoot with a Canon 6D, but plan to get the new Canon 5D mark iv next year...not that I need an upgrade, I just WAAANT IT!

Most studio sessions are shot with my canon 24-70mm or my 50mm 1.2. I love my 70-200 for outdoor sessions! I shoot in studio with natural light, so I am pretty light on gear. I do have studio lights that I use as needed, but I prefer using natural light when possible. When using studio lighting, I use my Einstein Strobe, and giant PLM which are amazing.

If you could travel back in time, and give yourself ONE piece of advice about your business, what would it be?

GIRL! This is not a hobby! You spend 40+ hours a week at this gig. Make sure you are compensated for it!

What are some of your favorite recent images? This one is my favorite because not only did the AMAZING Melissa Shoot this, but my BFF Karen at Snug Sparrow Made the adorable Bee outfit!! Love this lady to BITS and I can't believe the growth she has accomplished in just one year!! <3

Comox Valley Newborn photographer - coming soon!- Bellaphoto

(for a high res version of this video, click here)

I am so excited!! It's almost time!! Only 2 more weeks until I hop on the ferry to my new home in Black Creek in the Comox Valley!! Last year I met with an amazing life coach www.coachki.com who asked me what my dream in life was... I said I would love to have a small hobby farm, with a barn.. I could have my newborn photography studio in.. you know.. living the dream.. ;)

Fast forward one year and it's all happening!!!

I can't wait to have chickens.. and dogs... and apple trees.. and most of all my photography studio at home!!! For years I have had a commercials space, which was awesome... but lacked... that personal touch.

The thing I am the most excited about... Outdoor newborns session in my garden!! SQUEEEEE!!!!

To hear more ramblings about my home... follow my personal blog
https://coffeetillvodka.blogspot.ca/

Carefree by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license

 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1400037Artist: http://incompetech.com/