THE ART SHOP IS LIVE!

 Ok, so the truth is the print shop has already been live for about a month and I am just now blogging about it now (fail).  But despite the turtle-like pace, I am honestly SO excited to share some of my most beloved prints from around the globe with you! Ahhh, like I'm actually a little embarrassed to say how giddy I was putting the first two collections together!I really think there is something for everyone and I hope that you guys love it as much as I do!  And out of pure, selfish curiosity, I would love to know which piece(s) are your favourite!  You can check them all out HERE!I Thank-you, thank-you to everyone who has already ordered, I legit did a little happy dance for each and every one.  You guys are the best!And to everyone who hasn't, can't or doesn't want to that's totally cool too!  I am just so excited that you are here to hang.Warmly,Karmen   

The Taylor Family takes on Westerner Days | Red Deer Family Photographer

  Ever since having a family of my own, photographing parents and their beloved little ones has taken on a whole new meaning.  I love tagging along on little outings or just spending some time documenting everyday life.  This session was a first though! Thanks so much for having me join you at the Westerner Days Fair Taylor fam, I am so totally in love your photos!  I hope that you are as enchanted as I am!Would you ever get your family photos taken at the fair?  If not, where would be your dream location?!  

May your portraits age like a fine wine!

 The truth is I don't want your portraits be that cheap pair of flip-flops that broke after one summer of use and then were carelessly tossed into the garbage.  I want your portraits to be that favourite pair of leather boots.  You know the ones!  The ones that just make you feel so darn gooooooood everytime you put them on!  I want them to hang proudly on your walls or rest lovingly on your coffee table. I want your portraits to make you smile every time you walk by that gallery wall or flip through the pages of your album.  I am wildly aware that this will not work for everyone's taste and/or budget and that's ok, because these days there are an incredible amount of photography options to choose from.  But for YOU, you know who you are..... you think less just might actually be more, you would rather have 10 stunning prints for your wall than 100s of files lost on a hard-drive.  For you, I want to create something one-of-a-kind, something long-lasting.  Seriously though, is it egotistical of me to want the photos I take to be the ones handed down to your great-grandchildren?  I imagine that they will lovingly look through them, perhaps they will need to smooth out a crease from it being accidentally folded into the gutter of a book, or maybe the ink will be slightly faded from sitting on that sunny livingroom shelf, and they will wonder to themselves about what life was like all the way back in 2018 with all it's strange, beautiful moments and trends. 

Tammy | Genuine Portrait Series

 Hey Friends, it's been a little while since I posted a Genuine Portrait Series session here!!  But it just so happens to be Volerra's second birthday this week (hooray)!!  So, I thought there was probably no better time to share some photos of the incredible lady then now.Meet Tammy.  Tammy hand-makes gorgeous jewellery which is as easy on the eyes as it is on the soul .  Her attention to design and love of nature is evident in every single piece.  You should really just do your lovely free-spirit a favor and head over to her website (or instagram feed).  I'm serious, just looking at her jewelry will leave you with that good sorta feeling.  You know the kind I'm talking about?  Hard to miss, but hard to describe.  I asked Tammy if she wouldn't mind sharing a little bit more about herself and Volerra, so without further ado, here she is:

"Working from home as a graphic designer full time while still managing a house, two small children, battling anxiety and hardly sleeping - my days were getting stressful. Apart from healing myself holistically, I delved into ways to bring peace and calm to my everyday by adopting minimalism, and decorating in ways that were very soft and inspired joy.

Gemstone jewelry came next. I had been making jewelry all my life, starting out with glass and wood beads and through my hunt for peace I progressed into gemstone beads.  I started making bracelets I could wear everyday that would help me with my stress and anxiety. With so many women out there wanting peace, and also self-confidence, love, healing, and gratitude - I began carefully selecting stones and botanicals to share my pieces with others in hopes that it could help other women on there journeys.

I want to create pieces that not only do good, but also in styles and hues suitable for any occasion and all outfits. I want women to wear these frequently so that they can gain the most benefits from them. I now offer gemstone bracelets, bracelet sets, naturally shed deer antler necklaces, beach jewelry and I have even taken the leap into making children's gemstone jewelry.

Perhaps starting a second business isn't everyone's idea of how to manage stress, but I have always found joy in making things quietly. I pour loving thoughts into each piece and find the act of creating things with intention so rewarding."

It is always such a joy to have such a kind, creative soul in front of my camera!  And am so grateful that our paths have crossed.  I CANNOT wait to see what's in store for you, Tammy, and Volerra in your third year <3

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