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   

Brand Sessions Just Got Even Better

 Oh I have some exciting news to share with you today!!

I have officially partnered with this talented woman to take branding sessions to the next level!  Tammy Swier of Tammy Swier Design is a graphic designer, web designer and visual director with an incredible eye for developing your brand.  We have been working together for the past year and I just adore her natural instincts when it comes to style and design.  I can't wait to show you what we have created together so far! If you have any questions or are considering if a brand session is right for you just shoot me an email!  I'd love to help you out.

Warmly,

Karmen

Debbie Coleman and Nicole Lorrain | 2018 Women of Excellence Nominees

Wow, I cannot believe another week has flown by!!  This Wednesday I would to introduce you to two wonderful women: Debbie Coleman, Deb is a registered nurse in emergency and endoscopy at the Red Deer Regional hospital. She is an incredible leader; her spirit, engagement and dedication to the cause is awe-inspiring. Deb has been a volunteer with the Red Deer festival of trees for over 20 years. She has been involved in various capacities throughout the years; most recently, as a member of the board of directors, the co-chair of the facilities committee and Chairperson of the Decorating and Trees committee. Deb is always on the lookout for new ways to enhance the event, and believes that seeing the patients and communities benefit from the donations raised is priceless. She believes wonderful things comes from volunteering, and that there is something in it for everyone. 

AND Nicole Lorrain!  A graduate of Red Deer College, Nicole started her professional career as a nurse, focusing on providing support for the elderly. Nicole has lived and worked in Red Deer for more than 20 years, while raising three boys with her husband. With over 16 years in leadership roles, with the Government of Alberta, Nicole is experienced in all areas of human resources and people management. Nicole is currently a board member for the 2019 Canada Winter Games Host Society and has a lengthy history of volunteering across Alberta. Nicole has also served as an elected School Board Trustee, Greater North Central School Division and as president of l'Association Canadienne Francaise de l'Alberta Regional de Red Deer.

Every Body Is Beautiful for DOTE Magazine

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  

#WCW Breanna Fitzpatrick + Lisa Nicholson

It's #WCW!! And I'm very excited to introduce you to Breanna Fitzpatrick. Bre is a leader and creator in the nonprofit community. She is constantly pushing for the small initiatives to grow with her involvement. She is a very busy woman who outside of her full-time schedule at Red Deer College has the alumni development coordinator, volunteers on numerous boards and committees. Her active life doesn't stop her from taking on new projects, or sway her from supporting local businesses. You will find her at the local coffee shop mentoring others or paying it forward by buying strangers coffee. She believes women should help one another out and not be competitive with each other she is here to make red deer a better place by creating a movement in the nonprofit community. AND Lisa Nicholson. Lisa founded Hope4MVCKids Society in 2013, out of a need for children with medical needs support, financially and emotionally. Her own children, biological and adopted, have special medical needs that were not easily met. She knew things had to change. The 'Pay It Forward' attitude that she possesses spread quickly and soon and an entire Society was created. She stepped up to challenges and overcame unfair regulations and laws. Lisa has become highly involved in the Alberta Provincial Parent Advisory Committee to the Alberta Ministry of Health and continues to give to the community by being an advocate for those without a voice. Her empathy and understanding is without comparison. Accomplishments aside, her biggest success is enriching the lives of everyone around her.

Here's to trying new things!

I'm going to do something that I've wanted to do for AGES friends. I'm going to make some of my favourite photos available as Fine Art Prints (and you didn't hear it from me, but maybe iphone cases and tapestries too!) so that all of you (my favourites) can enjoy them as well!! Seriously, who doesn't want a little piece of Hawaii or California Desert to stare at in the dead of winter?! I am feeling so, so excited about this but, if I'm totally honest, I still have a lot of details to work out lol. So stay tuned!!

Poppy Barley Fall Launch

When Jane from Poppy Barley emailed me about attending their Fall Launch event, I thought for sure she had made a mistake.  I'm a full-time mom/photographer who lives in the middle of nowhere, I don't get invited to fashion launches!  Soooo naturally, I quickly wrote back so that she couldn't change her mind lol!!  But in all seriousness, I cannot tell you how happy I was to celebrate Poppy Barley's new store and their 2018 fall line-up.  You see, Poppy Barley was my VERY FIRST responsible shoe purchase and it was scary because, as we all know by now, responsible fashion costs more.  And spending money stresses me out friends.  I usually have to mull over purchases for weeks to months, and in this case YEARS.  Ya, that's right, it took me 2 whole years to finally purchase my ankle boots, and I have zero regrets.  In fact, I went back the next year for a pair of mules!!  To put it simply, I wear them All. The. Time.  They are comfortable and seriously level-up my outfits!I really want to to say a huge thank to the Poppy Barley ladies for having me, and for putting on such an intimate event.  I had so much fun hanging out with some of Edmonton's best humans!  And you guys I brought home a pair of the leopard print flats (which was a prettty bold move for me)!!  Eeee, I love them so much and cannot believe how many garments I can pair them with.  I had to turn down the most comfortable pair of oxfords I've ever had my foot in, but I just love how this pair of D'orsay flats completely changes the look of my outfits.  I swear, it's the shoe I didn't know I needed! If you haven't already, I can't encourage you enough to check out this Women-run Edmonton-based company, they are a dream.  If you have any questions about my experiences with them and their shoes ask away below!  I genuinely love chatting slow-fashion with y'all!

Warmly,

Karmen 

PS.  If you could have any pair of shoes from the Poppy Barley fall line, what would you get?!?