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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. They show you and your business in the best light. Literally.

4. 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! 

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:

1. That's flippin' crazy.  Its FEBRUARY.  I don't plan that far in advance.
2. 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 😉

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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.

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! 

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  

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?

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

<3K   

Summer Mini Session Style Guide | Alberta Lifestyle Photographer

Summer portrait season is in full swing, and I am sooo excited!  I know it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming to decide how dress for your session. So I thought I would post a little inspiration to help ya out. If you ever have any worries or concerns about what to wear for your photo session please feel free to let me know!! I would absolutely love to help you style it to perfection.P.S. In case you missed it! I am hosting mini-sessions for individuals, couples and families this July in DRUMHELLER! It's going to be so incredible and I have two sessions left!!  Click HERE to find out more.