Location Feature - Aviation Way

Directions via Hike Kamloops: https://hikekamloops.ca/aviation-way/

I’ve shot more along here but this is just what’s on my computer right now! I’ll add to it as I go through hard drives (and shoot more!) I love walking here with the kids, Ella loves it because of all the dogs. With the closing of one of the dog parks in Brock, this trail will be getting busier but there is so much space and so many different spots to shoot I don’t imagine it will be an issue. If there were awards for the friendliest people that walk a trail in Kamloops… this would win! Stroller friendly HOWEVER the trail down to the beach isn’t the easiest with a standard stroller, much better with a jogging stroller.

These two lovebirds photographed in September 2018! The sunset photo happened on our way out - I had turned around and the sunlight was falling perfectly on them, worth it to stick around the extra few moments. Crazy how different Aviation Way looks in September vs October!

We actually missed the sunset here, our first location was closing so we picked up and drove here - everything was running a little bit late! But I never let that stop me. I just make my own dang sunset. Larissa booked a session while I had this insanely beautiful dress from Reclamation. And she ROCKED it, as always.

EEK! How adorable!! I love how mama styled babe for these. That blue summer cover is also part of my client closet. I always try to take a photo of mom and dad during these sessions, especially when your kids are little. Because I KNOW you guys haven’t had a date night in a long time and it’s a 5 minute escape to reconnect and remember why you’re here together. That photo of them I took with Charlie on my hip! (July 2019)

See what I mean about October!!! Looks like an entirely new place. This location is 10 minutes down the path just before the beach. Lots of space for kids (and pups!) to run, fairly secluded and a very peaceful spot for photos.

So safe to say if you want green, go from May to July! It’s a very lush look, almost a Vancouver Island feel to these images. These are the same spots I’v put everyone else in, just different time of year and different lighting conditions. I edit based off of the colours you wear, the energy you have and of course the mood of the shoot. I don’t like to box myself into one category of moody or airy - I edit what works best for the set.

Quite possibly one of the coolest shoots I had the pleasure of capturing last year. I MEAN who else brings their very own unicorn to their session. This princess grew up around horses, and the photo above has mom edited out so don’t you worry! Safety is my number 1 concern!

Yes, I’m oversharing this shoot BUT it’s also the perfect example of how versatile this location is. All of these photos (and more) were taken in an hour and a half, that includes the travel time (all within walking distance and all along the trail)

Model: Emily Phillips of DejaVu Model Management Makeup: Ginger Turley Artistry

Styled by: Thrift Monster

Location Feature - Kamloops Lake View Point

I’m just going to drop address here, just plug it right into google maps and you will be set! Trans-Canada Hwy, Savona, BC V0K 2J0 They haven’t failed me yet.

Kyle was the one that first showed me this location - we took Ella and made the trek up to the top. She was 1.5 then! So it’s totally doable with kids, just be cautious. It is a VERY popular location for Kamloops Photographers because it has amazing views without an hour long hike. It’s about a 10 minute stroll up. (I’m still out of breath by the time I reach the top, but if I can do it so can you!) Please note that mini sessions bookings will only be accepted for this location if there are 2 or more bookings back to back.

This first image, Kyle took of Ella and I. I took the one of the two of them! I loved the juxtaposition of the rocky terrain and the soft sunset. (May 2018)

One of my most recognized photoshoots from this last year. Danielle of Renegade Beauty was both the subject and the makeup artist for this shoot! We wanted something bold, memorable and dramatic and boy did we get it. That evening there was a fire a few km up the road from this location so we almost didn’t go. But thank goodness we did, because it is absolutely one of my favourites to date. The dress is by Reclamation and was rented via #travellingdresscanada ! (June 2019)

Look at these cuties! This was such a fun (and windy!) family shoot. I had K take some sweeet pictures of his parents. He’s a great second shooter, I think he might put his mama and I out of work. I’m always a bit nervous shooting with other photographers but Christine is such a sweetheart, she made it easy peasy. You can find her stunning work here!! Love ya, thanks for trusting me with your photos. (October 2019)

There is just something about Reclamation dresses and this place. I love them together. These were taken the exact same day as Christine’s family photos above, but in harsh high sun. I love the challenge of shooting in any and all conditions and light! (October 2019)

Location Feature - Peterson Creek

Peterson Creek was probably my most requested shoot location of 2019! Kyle and I used to hike it all the time but I honestly never really considered it a good spot for photos. Why? I haven’t the slightest clue. Chances are I will still get you lost, my goal for this year is to do the hike to the waterfalls a few times to really get it under my belt - I got a couple lost last time I tried but luckily we made it work (and hiked to the top instead!!)

Directions: https://hikekamloops.ca/peterson-creek-park/ (I use the downtown entrance!)

This shoot my sister in law Elishia and I hiked when I was 6 or 7 months pregnant with Leo! (So if I can make it, so can you!!) She was the mastermind behind this shoot and did the hair, makeup and styling for the model. We had almost no light and shooting in blue hour was a challenge but I loved it and we got to create something so special and unique.

I am always so nervous when other photographers book me! But also very grateful. This is Leida of True Colours Photography BC and her family! They were a blast. They just moved here recently and I was loving the colours at Peterson Creek so that’s why I suggested it for a fun and warm family shoot.

It was so difficult choosing some favourite from this shoot. This is the couple that I got lost in the trails (and they still talk to me, so I count myself lucky!) The look out is the Fallsview Loop - that one I barely made it. It is definitely a more challenging hike but the view is spectacular. The other spots were in and around the park on our way to get lost.

This was a fall mini session! It was a very dark and overcast day, the sunset early I swear it. By the end of these 5 sessions it was pitch black. Luckily, we all made it work! And I say we because photoshoots are a team effort, you get what you put in.

Spring Mom and Me Session along the Xget’tem’ Trail - I loved the Boho feel of this. Mama made the floral crown herself with earrings by Rachael’s Creations. I love this spot for families, it’s safe, accessible and very close to the parking lot for when you’re ready to make your getaway.

See what I mean about it being super dark by the end of those fall minis? But honestly, I love it. We used the streetlights, the car headlights, flash, you name it. These are just a couple fun & creative elements you can use to enhance your images. One of my favourite family shoots of the year!

Would you just look at this family, how perfect?! Same spot as the other fall minis, but you can see how the changing light affects the look of the photos. This little cutie was also a great assistant for me! She took some stunning shots of mom and dad with my back up camera.

This shoot was in partnership with Kamloops Cinderella Effect. After this shoot was shared, this location became a hot spot! And you can definitely see why. This was in the summer around 1 pm, very green, very bright, but with a lot of shade coverage for a variety of looks.

I love the look of these, this was a last minute booking for my fall mini sessions. They are a health and wellness mother daughter duo, so we wanted to create a very natural look in an outdoor setting. I knew Peterson Creek would be perfect for getting just the right images to reflect their brand.

And most recently, a winter session with one of my fave boudoir babes! This was her idea folks!! Quick changes, quick shooting and armed with blankets and sweaters we pulled this one off.

Location Feature - Tranquille Creek

I haven’t used this location very much, though it is a very popular spot in town!

What I look for in a location is variety, safety and accessibility. There are a few cacti to avoid if you want to go down in the “bowl” BUT if you follow the trail there are a ton of possibilities. I was first brought out here by a photographer friend and she took a few photos of me when I was pregnant with Leo!

Directions: https://hikekamloops.ca/tranquille-river/

Hike Kamloops is an incredible resource for our city! All directions will be a link from them, trust me it’s better that way. If you know me, you know I get lost on my way to the grocery store. So trust these and you’ll find the spot easily.

Taken in early September at Golden Hour! We explored a little further on the trail and got to visit the river. Easy to get to and lots of spots along the way to stop for a photo. We made our way back at the end of golden hour and hung out among the cacti. Poor Tanisha got one in her foot, but worth it for those shots.

Taken in the beginning of October - midday and overcast. The fall colours really pop here!! We stayed on the trail so that A could run and be free and safe. Not many others were out that day so it was almost like having the entire trail to ourselves! In and out with photos taken in 25 minutes, easy peasy.

Taken in the beginning of June around noon! Downside - not a ton of tree coverage so if you’re looking at June be mindful of that. And it was HOT! The trail with coverage didn’t quite have the look I was going for but I loved how fresh and springy everything looked in high sun in the bowl. This fallen tree was one of my new favourite spots, I love it, kids love it so we’re set! Make Up for this shoot was done by Ginger Turley Artistry.