Because it's tuesday. And this was filmed in April. And it's already October. And I can't believe how much kids can change in six months.
Thought those were good reasons to share.
A little video of our Banff travels.
xo
SCOTLAND . TRAVELS
This trip to Scotland wasn't something I had planned for a long time, yet I feel like it was planned for me. It fell into my lap, with my oldest son qualifying to play in a Team Canada golf tournament there.
I definitely wouldn't describe myself as a confident adventurer on my own, and am super thankful for my husband for his encouragement to go. And sometimes you are given opportunities you just can't say no to, and you have to say yes.
Perhaps we should all do that more often.
Most of my touring, other than my trip into Edinburgh, was done solo. I'm not sure if any of you have traveled this way or experienced this, but it kind of puts a new perspective on what you see. It's quiet. And it seems as though the space between you and what you see are closer. More connected. A stronger sense, if you allow yourself to listen, as to what the story is telling you.
And after coming back home, I stumbled across this quote ....
".....Whether you believe you are walking into dead geographical location, which is used to get to a destination, or whether you are emerging out into a landscape that is just as much, if not more, alive as you, but in a totally different form. And if you go towards it with an open heart and a real watchful reverence, that you will be absolutely amazed at what it will reveal to you. And I think that that was one of the recognitions of the Celtic imagination: that landscape wasn't just matter, but that it was actually alive. What amazes me about landscape, landscape recalls you into a mindful mode of stillness, solitude, and silence where you can truly receive time." John O'Donohue
So what I hope what comes across to you in this collective images of Scotland is what it felt like to be there. To be in a place that was so in tune and confident with what it is. From the people, to the land to the feeling in the air. Unapologetically strong, wild, real and honest.
1. THE STREETS OF ST. ANDREWS & THE HOME OF GOLF
St. Andrews is small, quaint and quiet. Just how I like things. It is located on the East side of Scotland along the ocean and mainly known as the Home of Golf. However, it has so much more to offer. The University is also a large part of the town, along with being a weekend tourist destination for UK locals.
2. WEST SANDS BEACH, ST. ANDREWS
The beach runs right along the golf courses of St. Andrews, and is famously known for being the incredible backdrop for the beach scene from the movie Chariots of Fire. The type of beach with miles of white sand, people on horseback, dogs playing fetch in the ocean and wind in your hair.
3. THE PLACES GOLF TAKES US
It still seems surreal that I was in SCOTLAND, watching this boy do something he loves.
4. THE LANDSCAPE
Quite often when I am wandering the golf courses and watching my boys golf, my camera in in hand. Not only taking photographs of them, but there is always so much beauty in the landscape around. And in spending four to five hours surrounded by it, I can't help but feel grateful.
5. EDINBURGH
The obligatory tourist visits to the castle and the royal mile. Along with the hundreds of other people who had the same idea on the same day ;).
6. THE FLOWERS OF SCOTLAND
Some bits of beauty.
Red Deer Photographer
STUDIO TOUR: THE BEHIND THE SCENES
In the final part of this 4 part series I wanted to share with you the real life version of the studio. The behind the scenes. Unedited.
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When I look back on the last year and half, there have been many, many lessons learned. What being overbooked feels like, how being super busy isn’t always the best thing (for me anyhow), how it’s okay to take a break for a while to do a little reflecting and how setting up a little structure isn’t always a bad thing.
But, most importantly sharing these moments with all of these people, whom I would have never had a chance to meet otherwise, has been the best part. As you can see, we have had our fair share of laughter and believe that taking ourselves seriously is way overrated ;).
The studio has hosted everything from headshots, to individual sessions, groups of girlfriends, grads, a family of over 40, hockey teams, a makeup seminar and our grad rep shoot.
Behind the scenes are the best, aren’t they?
You can see the previous three posts to this four part series here:
STUDIO TOUR: the before STUDIO TOUR: the in between STUDIO TOUR: the after
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PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO TOUR: THE AFTER
And finally, I'm excited to share with you the Photography Studio Tour!
As with any project, one of the best parts is seeing it finally come together as you had envisioned. And, as a creative person who doesn’t always (but just about always;)) finish what she starts, creating, building , designing and styling this space was gratifying.
After a solid two months in planning with my favorite designer, Lindsey Johnson, and contractor Saka Builders, we started demolition in October 2013. And thanks to their commitment and hard work, we were able to finish and shoot our first sessions in the middle of December.
After you have had a chance to see the tour, don't forget to check out the 2 previous posts to this 4 part series: Studio Tour: The In Between and Studio Tour: The Before.
Being a natural light photographer, moving the studio shooting area to the opposite end of the space, made such a big difference. We were able to install 5 windows, which face west and north. Ideally, a full north wall would have been amazing, but as with any renovation, you are limited in working with what is already existing.
As I focus my business on children, families and women’s portraiture (through Honor Studios, of which I am co-owner), I didn’t require a lot of area for storage of props and such. Rather, a couple of makeup stations, dressing rooms and a relaxing atmosphere was a must.
I hope you enjoy the little peek into my country studio. And perhaps one day you will have a chance to visit!
PS: For anyone interested, a list of resources is at the bottom of the article.
RESOURCES
Couch: Hudson Madison
Pink Chairs: Kijiji
Square Coffee Table: EQ3
Round Coffee Table: Hudson Madison
Rug: Overstock
Long Sofa Tables: Ikea
Pink Silk Curtains: Etsy - Avec Dieu
Gold Chandelier: Red Deer Lighting
Beige Bench: Home Sense
Gold Hooks: Anthropologie
Makeup Table: Custom Made
Makeup Mirrors: Structube
Makeup Stools: Overstock
Wall Sconces: Restoration Hardware
Coffee Station Cabinet: Kijiji
Pink China: Antique
Bathroom Vanity: Home Depot
Vanity Hardware: Anthropologie
Bathroom Mirror: Home Sense
Bathroom Light: Restoration Hardware
Changeroom Curtain: Ikea
Chandelir in Changeroom: Ballard Designs
Love Print: The Calm Gallery
Headboard: Overstock
Bedding: Etsy - My Shabby Chic Shop
Clothing Rack: Allen Display 