A black and white photo of a happy couple embracing outdoors, smiling and laughing.
Line drawing of two hands gently touching or holding each other.

TIPS & TRICKS FOR DREAMY PHOTOS

PLANNING YOUR SESSION

I’ve created this session planning guide to go over what makes photos special and how we can collaborate before/ during our time together.

A blurry photo of a man and a woman holding hands and running outdoors on a grassy field, with a cloudy sky in the background.
Close-up of a couple holding hands, with a focus on the woman's hand wearing an engagement ring featuring a solitaire diamond. The background shows the other person's hand and a blurred outdoor setting.
A heart-shaped locket pendant with intricate floral and leaf engravings, hanging from a twisted chain, displayed against a black background.

Take the time to browse Pinterest, and make note of the background. What locations are you drawing inspiration from - How does it make you feel?

Consider how you would describe yourselves as a family or as a couple. Dreamy and romantic? Bold and modern? Rustic and organic? By thoughtfully selecting your location and adding personal touches, your photos will feel intentional & true to you.

location

SETTING THE SCENE

IT STARTS WITH THE

Drawing of a hand holding a rose against a black background, outlined in red.
A pair of cowboy boots on a wooden dock with a boat and two people with a dog in the background on a river surrounded by trees.
A woman and a man on a boat with a husky dog, on a body of water, enjoying a sunny day.
Two people and a dog on a small boat on a river with trees and rocks in the background.
A couple standing on a beach, with the woman pregnant, smiling and embracing. They are near a wooden structure and the water, with a shoreline and trees in the background.
Close-up of two people embracing, showing a woman's hand with an engagement ring resting on a man's shoulder. The woman has dark nail polish, and the man has brown curly hair. The background is blurred outdoors during sunset.
A couple standing on a beach near water, smiling at each other, with a tree trunk in the foreground and rocks in the background.

How location sets the tone

A man driving a vehicle with reflections of trees on the windshield and a woman sitting next to him.

A beachy, sun-soaked session will feel completely different from a moody, forested scene. The colours, textures, and natural elements all influence the final look of your photos.

Again, think about what inspires you.

Birdshill Park, Henteleff Park, La Barriere Park, St. Norbert Monastery, The Forks, Exchange District, Archdiocese of St. Boniface, Manitoba Legislative Building, Fort Whyte Alive, Duff Roblin Park.

Some further options, up for the drive if you are:
Matlock - Lac Du Bonnet - Grand Beach
St. Malo - Spirit Sands - Riding Mountain

Recommendations

LOCATION

A pregnant woman in a white top and skirt holding hands with another person by the water at the beach.

Meaningful/

Sentimental

If you’re stuck, you can never go wrong with a sentimental spot. I’ve had the honour to travel to a few cabins, lake houses, homes and even simply neighborhood parks that are sentimental for my clients.

Oftentimes we forget why we capture memories of ourselves? Personally, my intention for my work is to document your existence here on earth. So when looking back on your images - having a memorable tie to the location makes the images quite special.

A woman sitting on a wooden dock by a lake, smiling and looking at a man standing in a rowboat, with a dog in the foreground and two pairs of boots on the dock.
A simple red outline of a bow with a long, flowing ribbon on a black background.

Indoor/

Studio

There is always the option to shoot indoors! Winter and Spring when the weather is unpredictable, we can opt for indoor photos. Whether it be your home, a studio or an aesthetic spot - being in a controlled environment has it’s benefits.

Studio can offer a more editorial look, but also allows for a clean, designated space that keeps kids contained (unlike a park where they can roam free). If you’re wanting to do photos at home, take note of when the natural light is best and we can schedule around that!

A couple is sharing a romantic moment on a bare wooden floor in a studio, with the woman slightly pregnant, holding a bouquet of wildflowers.
A pregnant woman and a man sitting on the floor, facing each other, smiling, with the woman's belly visible.
A pregnant woman standing barefoot in a bright, minimalistic living room, gently holding her belly and looking down.
A pregnant woman and a man standing together against a white wall, with the woman's belly prominently visible.
A man holding a baby in his arm, the baby is lying on the man's hand, wearing a white and black outfit and smiling or yawning.
A woman with brown hair holding a newborn baby in a kitchen with wooden cabinets, sunlight casting shadows.
A young woman holding a baby and feeding it with a bottle while smiling at the camera, and a man standing nearby in a cozy home setting.

WHY TELLING A STORY

IMAGES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL SOMETHING

is what makes photos special

When planning your session, what’s going to make the photos stand out and feel unique to you is the story they tell. How do we do this? By thoughtfully adding props and curating a scene.

Arranging a picnic, bringing your bicycles, having your dog join us, borrowing your dads friends vintage car, or simply carrying around a bouquet of flowers - all of these props can provide context and allow for true documentary style photography. You just want to make sure whatever scene we set or props you bring, still feel true to you.

A young couple holding their newborn baby inside a bright room, with the father kissing the mother on the forehead, and natural light coming through the window.
A woman holding a newborn baby in an indoor setting with a man, standing next to her wearing a baseball cap, both smiling and looking at the baby.

As you are

DOCUMENTING YOU

As mentioned before, we can always opt to take photos at your home. I truly think this is the most authentic location there is. Even if you don’t think it’s ‘picture-perfect’ there is value in authenticity - your home in itself is a prop and sets the perfect scene to look back on. True to the stage of live you are in.

A family sitting on a porch, with a woman holding a newborn baby, a man sitting next to her, and a young boy sitting on the steps, smiling at the camera.
A woman holding a young child by a window, with the child looking outside.
A woman holding a baby close to her chest, outdoors with green foliage in the background. The woman's face is not visible, but she has tattoos on her arm and is wearing a short-sleeved maroon top. The baby is looking up at her, with a hand resting on
A woman and two young children seen through a window with reflections of trees and houses outside. The woman has shoulder-length brown hair, and one child has blonde hair and blue eyes, looking towards the camera. The other child is mostly looking do
A woman changing a baby's diaper on a bed in a sunlit bedroom.
A newborn baby lying on a couch, gently being touched by an adult and a large golden retriever dog resting beside them.

YOU ARE THE ART

PAINTING THE PICTURE

what you wear matters

Next step in our planning is your outfits! When choosing what to wear - think comfortable & confident. Layering, movement and texture are all equally important. You want the clothing to move with you, and not feel constricting.

Take into account the location you are shooting at and the season you are shooting in. The location has its own vibe, colours, textures - so let’s work with these characteristics by complimenting its theme.

A red, hand-drawn illustration of a circle with a heart and an arrow inside it.

Let’s talk shoes

A couple holding hands and walking along the beach at sunset, smiling and enjoying each other's company.

Starting from the bottom. Think about what you would naturally wear in the setting. You wouldn’t wear heeled boots on a hike, and if we’re taking a stroll along the beach.. let’s go barefoot.

Comfort first then compliment the scene.

Two people, a man and a woman, are interacting near a vintage wood-paneled station wagon parked on a grassy area near a lake. The man is sitting inside the car, looking up at the woman who is standing outside, leaning toward him. A small dog with a harness is lying on the grass nearby, facing away from the camera.

Be you, but elevated.

I encourage you to re-read before your session.

Comfortable clothing that fits well will allow you to move naturally and express yourself without restriction. Compliment each other, but don’t match. Have your nails painted or treat yourself to get them done. Accessories elevate any outfit. We generally have time for an outfit change, bring 2 options! Ensure you have a purse or backpack to empty your pockets of: phone, wallet, keys, etc. and bring a brush & lip gloss, we can take breaks to touch-up!

Outline of a heart shape filled with intricate floral patterns in red against a black background.
A mirror with multiple light fixtures on top, reflecting the image of two people talking in elegant attire, with a textured carpeted floor beneath.
A woman displaying her engagement ring on her left hand as she shows it to a man in a suit; the woman's dress has a pleated pattern, and she is holding a small purse with a chain strap.

Feel free to send me photos of your outfits/ options!                   I’ll guide you.

Thrifting encouraged

Find your outfit at the thrift! Sometimes the most unique part about the photo is the clothing. I suggest buying second hand or borrowing from a friend before buying new.

Stay open,

And have fun

Lastly, this time is exclusively for you. This is an hour where you can totally put your phones away and enjoy each others company. Having a positive attitude going into our session is really important. I perform my best when my clients are open to my direction. But it’s okay to be nervous, just know that everyone feels that way. Even I do! I will guide you and give prompts to loosen up. My only ask is that you be present and stay open to the process. It will be a fun session if you want it to be!

A man with a beard and mustache holding a person over his shoulder in a grassy field with trees, during sunset. The man is smiling, wearing a black cap that says 'Howies,' a white t-shirt with a small logo, and has a tattoo on his left arm.