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
Solid Gold Esthetics | Brand Session Sneakpeek
Last month Carla hired me to capture some photos of her studio, as well as, one of her classes and I am so excited about how much we were able to accomplish in a quick one hour session. Take a peek through the photos above!It really was such an honour to document some of Carla's incredible hard-work and talent. Carla is the owner of Solid Gold Esthetics in Blackfalds. She also happens to be the one to give my first ever tattoo!! And I know a bunch of you have noticed because I get DMs about my fab new brows all the time haha. Honestly, as girl who can barely handle mascara, Carla is basically some sort of magical creature to me. This woman effortlessly free hands the most perfect brows a girl could dream of.Annnyways, now that I am done fan-girling, let's chat quick about brand sessions and how they can add value to your business:
They help tell your brand story. Let's be real. As customers we prefer to buy from people not faceless companies. Lifestyle photos show people who YOU are and why your work matters.
They are workhorses. You can use your images in print, on instagram, on facebook, on pinterest, your website, your blog, in brochures, on business cards (I really could go on). These photos are meant to give you a visual foundation for you online and offline presence.
They show you and your business in the best light. Literally.
Lifestyle sessions are versatile and totally customizable. In an organized one or two hour session, we can capture everything from products to behind-the-scenes. This variety can serve you (and your instagram feed) for months to come!!
If you have any questions about Brand Sessions OR my micro-blading experience let me know!! I am all ears and would love to help ya out.Warmly,KarmenPS. I took daily videos during the micro-blading process. If you guys are interested and would find this sort of info helpful let me know! I will happily post them for you!
Randee For The Skinny | Lifestyle Fashion Brand
Randee. "I hate getting my photo taken". Also Randee. "I need to apologize in advance for how awkward I am going to be!"Well I am so glad that despite all of her fears this lovely babe travelled down from Edmonton to model some clothing for the beautifully curated shop she works at, The Skinny. I have worked with The Skinny before, but this was my first time shooting some of their women's wear and I LOVED it. So much goodness.Also, it was summer. Man, I really miss summer. Anyone else pretending this warm 0 degree day is the beginning of spring??XO,KarmenP.S. There is a part two of this shoot coming and it is fire! So stay tuned! 
Maui Lifestyle Boudoir Sneakpeek
Can I just travel the world and photograph all the incredible women? Their stories, strength, families, business, love.Feeling so grateful to have been able to spend a few minutes capturing this lovely human while we were on Maui!! It has got me thinking about potential travel dates! Where are you from? Any place you would love to have a lifestyle session?