Every Body Is Beautiful for DOTE Magazine
It’s been a process, and I’d be lying if I said that I figured everything out. The whole journey has left a lasting impression on me and it is the reason why I photograph women in a way that claims back our womanliness and celebrates the female body for all of its strength and loveliness. This shoot is a culmination of these things as well as so much more. Each woman pictured has been on her own unique journey, and I couldn’t be happier that we all ended up spending a chilly evening standing together in Mill Creek…
It all started at the beach. Young, modest and insecure; I found myself wading in the water wearing a one-piece Speedo covered with a t-shirt and board shorts. I’m not sure why I felt my thighs were embarrassing or that my body was something to be covered and unseen, I just know that by being covered up I was hiding. I was afraid.
It was at the beach that I saw mothers, women confidently in bikinis. I watched them in awe, and disbelief. How did they not feel concerned with all the people around them seeing their imperfect bodies? How did they get the confidence to so nonchalantly show themselves to the world?
Years have passed and I am now a mother myself. I think back to these moments I had when I was young, so insecure, yet, so amazed by the confidence these women exuded. Their freedom and confidence gave me permission to be OK with myself. I could dress like myself. I could be myself. I could breathe.
It’s been a process, and I’d be lying if I said that I figured everything out. The whole journey has left a lasting impression on me and it is the reason why I photograph women in a way that claims back our womanliness and celebrates the female body for all of its strength and loveliness. This shoot is a culmination of these things as well as so much more. Each woman pictured has been on her own unique journey, and I couldn’t be happier that we all ended up spending a chilly evening standing together in Mill Creek, Edmonton.
My hope is that others will see these incredible, strong, smart, beautiful women as a source of encouragement and strength. That perhaps for a few, it might just be the first step on a road to self-discovery and self-love. Let’s look out for each other, friends. Let’s take every possible opportunity to build each other up. You don’t know when a young girl, covered up in a speedo, will be watching.
Publication: DOTE Magazine
Models: Marielle Elizabeth, Hannah Hamilton, Osase, Kendra Allen, Sharon Litchfield, Justine Ma, Anna Stein
Floral Crowns: Lacombe Florists
Hair: Jill Keech
Make-Up: Shake-up That Make-up Tiiu Antrea
Clothing: Red Ribbon
Explore Edmonton
I jussssst realized that I have never blogged my session with the lovely J. She was writing a an article about hidden gems in Edmonton and I had SOO much fun wandering around some of her favorite neighbourhoods. Edmonton has become such a special place to me. It is where I went to school for photography, it's where Brad and I bought our first home, it where our oldest daughter was born!! And even though we live outside of the city now, it will always feel like home. I absolutely adore our frequent visits with it's places and wonderful people.If you are an Edmontonian or will be visiting this summer I highly recommend checking out Justine's blog posts about Highlands and Westmount. Below I've linked up some of my favorite stops, come tag along with us!
OK now let's hop and the car and head over to Highlands, shall we?
...
Vintage Trailer Reno | 1970s Triple E Camper
OH my goodness you guys!! I got an email from Alberta Parks saying that we can start booking camping sites at the end of the month! When I read it, two things immediately crossed my mind:
- That's flippin' crazy. Its FEBRUARY. I don't plan that far in advance.
- Weeeee camping!
And now I keep finding myself daydreaming of summer, and actually considering camping sites in February lol. So since I can't get summer off my mind anayways, I figured now would be the perfect time to share our little trailer reno here on the blog.If you follow me on instagram you have probably caught me over-sharing about our beloved little trailer already. But for those of you who haven't, I inherited this teensy little home-on-wheels when my Dad passed away and proceeded to spend a good chunk of last spring giving it a bit of a face-lift. I can honestly say that it turned out to be a wonderful healing process for both me and the trailer! We are both feeling lighter and brighter and less leaky.Here is a little glimpse at the BEFORE pictures:[gallery type="square" size="large" columns="4" link="file" ids="4725,4723,4726,4721,4724,4722"]My grandparents bought this trailer brand new in the 70s, so it is filled to the brim with road trip memories. The fabric on the cushions has already been replaced at some point, but I really wanted to keep as much of the rest as original as possible. The hardest part really was tying in the new fabrics with the (awesome) existing patterns and colours of the 70s. Not gonna lie, I think it was a wonderful success. Everything feels fresh and clean, but nothing is so precious that dirty camping fingers and muddy paws can ruin it.
Last summer we gave it a good test-run. We enjoyed every bit of our hard-work, and I reveled in the fact that I get to keep this little piece of my dad's childhood alive with my own family. To say we are excited to make some new memories this year would be a giant understatement..... So I just might have to be that person who books their camping in February lol️. How about you? Do you book early to get your favourite spots? Or do you do what I usually do and just call around until you find something available haha?P.S. If you have any questions regarding the reno let me know!! Just didn't want to bore y'all with the details 😉
HUGE thanks to Suzanne Taylor Photography for taking some photos of us hanging out on a perfect Alberta summer night. All the lovely photos of us are by her.
Could we really part with everything we have built?
Maybe it's because I was completely exhausted from a 6.5 hour red-eye flight with two children. Or perhaps it was the cute little off-the-grid cottage that we stayed at in Maui (pictures above!!). Or it could have even been the wonderful simplicity of living with only a bag full of clothes and toiletries. But after two weeks of travelling, when I stepped back into the home I adore, it suddenly felt HUGE and overwhelming. I turned to Brad and said, "I've never felt more ready to downsize"It's something that has loomed in the back of our minds for a while now. But the truth is, we absolutely love our home. We built it ourselves, planted the grass and trees. We love it here and have hundreds of little (and big) projects in mind to make it even better. But neither of us can seem to shake the feeling that we just don't need the extra space, the extra stuff, the extra costs.The idea of downsizing is sort of intoxicating. But will it actually be a positive forward step for our family? Or will it turn out that cute little homes are really only practical for a two week vacation? Have you ever toyed with idea of downsizing your home? Anyone actually done it?! I would love to hear your thoughts!Warmly,Karmen
Pyne And Smith | Capsule Wardrobe Update #3
Hey Guys! Its been a little while since I gave you an update! Honestly things haven't been super exciting, I have just been doing the best with what I have. BUT I am working on my summer capsule wardrobe! And I have been enjoying the two new purchases I told you about earlier! One of which was this Pyne and Smith Clothiers Linen Dress.I was soooo excited to get this little number in the mail. I immediately put it on, and then, had one of those moments of doubt. You know the kind. I wasn't sure if I could 'pull it off', if it was the most flattering dress for me. Maybe it was just one of things I loved on other people? So I let it hang in the closet for few days, but eventually decided that if I like the dress I should darn well wear it, and love doing so.Jump ahead to day of errands, peppered with compliments and I was completely sold! (I really try not to dress for anyone besides myself, but being on the receiving end of a compliment is always encouraging <3) Needless to say, I have been wearing this incredibly comfortable dress on repeat ever since! It is honestly so versatile (and the midi length is crazy practical when you are running after little ones). I've worn it on its own, with sweaters and belted so far. (PS. the belted version kind of made me feel like Belle!! Honest to goodness the soundtrack played in my head allll day long lol)So I thought I'd share a few real life pictures that I snapped this afternoon while my kiddos splashed in the pool! I am about 5'2" and am wearing an XS. If you have any questions let me know!
Happy Weekend Pals,
<3Karmen
Samantha | Lacombe Maternity Photographer
In honour of mothers day this weekend, here is one stunning Mama-to-be on a wonderfully moody spring day. So it has been a quite a while since I last shot a maternity session, and to be honest, I forgot how absolutely special they are! I am soo honoured to have documented such an important time in your life Sam! You are absolutely breathtaking and I can't wait to meet your little one.And lastly, Happy Mothers Day to all you amazing Mama's. You are honestly amazing!Warmly,Karmen
Why I haven’t gone shopping for myself in 4+ years…
OK, so that’s not entirely true, I have picked up the odd item here and there but it has pretty much been out of necessity! I have honestly not just gone shopping or purchased clothing that I love AND feel amazing in (and about) since I became pregnant with my oldest, and here are a few of the reasons why:
- A changing body and breastfeeding. The past 5 years I have been reluctant to invest in much clothing because I just might not fit in it a couple weeks later. I don’t know what other ladies have experienced, but I found that it drove me crazy that none of my clothes fit for more then a week or two. And I am not just talking about pregnancy, but postpartum as well! I basically lived in dresses, cardigans and leggings during this time. And now let’s talk breast-feeding for a second, if it doesn’t unbutton, pull-down or lift up it’s a no go. I really don’t have the time or patience to change in order to feed my child. And let’s be real, I didn’t really have much time to think about this whole fashion and shopping ordeal during this little phase of my life haha!!
- I’m not a impulse buyer. I don’t see something I like and swipe my card. Much to the dismay of my shopping companions, I generally need to research and compare what I am buying. I DON’T WANT A LOT OF STUFF, I JUST WANT A FEW GREAT THINGS.
- Ethics. I feel completely overwhelmed when I walk into a mall and see thousands of things for sale, many of which were essentially made to be disposable. I can’t help but wonder who made them, where they are made and where they will end up. I often don’t even bother with ‘fancy expensive stores’ because I just am not all that fancy, and yet in the same breath how are all those fast-fashion chains selling these clothes for so cheap?! I am not saying that clothes shouldn’t be affordable (trust me I LOVE a good deal as much as anyone!) but it’s just the lack responsibility that I cannot get behind.
- I am picky. If I am spending my hard earned cash, I want to love the way it fits and feels and I want it to last!
So ya, I guess now you know. I am a super up-tight shopper, a total prude really. But my body seems to have found it’s new normal and I am no longer nursing! And I am sooooo, so ready to LOVE getting dressed in the morning. I want my wardrobe to feel like an extension of myself, rather then just something I have to put on in order to leave the house.Like with most things, I likely won’t rush into this little project and I will probably start with researching ethically and locally sourced companies. I am also debating creating a capsule wardrobe (because after 4+ years sans shopping I am basically starting from scratch anyways)!If you guys have any advice or tips or favourite shops, designers or makers I would LOVE, love, LoVe, to hear from you! I have tried to navigate into ‘slow fashion’ previously and found it incredibly difficult (and kind of depressing). But I am hopeful that after nearly 5 years away from the shopping game that there are lot’s of hidden gems to be uncovered! And I promise to share any little nuggets find you <3. EEEK, wish me luck!Warmly,KarmenP.S. Thanks so much Erinn, from www.shoptheskinny.ca, for sending this amazing dress with me to Hawaii! I had so much fun wearing and photographing it (and it is bonkers comfy) 💜. I am so stoked for you to be launching a ladies clothing line next month! YAY!!! Heck here's one more of The Skinny's 'Willa' dress, just for good measure ;) 