The Session Guide

Let’s start with your vision!

What would you do together on a date night if I wasn’t around? Where are your favourite places to go?

We could absolutely go to the nearest “pretty location” and take a bunch of pretty photos at sunset with you looking at the camera like models. And hey - if that’s your vibe, let’s do it! But if that doesn’t represent who you are, or your story, let’s go deeper.

I want to take an intentional and collaborative approach to these photos. From the location, to what you wear, any themes, and beyond. The more vision and ideas you can give me, the better. If you have a go-to date night that you love to do together, tell me!

And even if you don’t think that your idea is “photo-worthy”, ask me first! What makes photos meaningful is not the beauty/vanity, but the story they tell.

Location Ideas

Whistler

Blackcomb Helicopters

Flying out to private mountain locations with Blackcomb Helicopters to get incredible mountain photos is an amazing option. It is more of an investment but it not only provides you with amazing photos, you also get to have a special experience of flying out to the alpine and having the whole landscape to yourself. I also get 10% off when you book through me!

The South End of Green Lake

This is an amazing location for 360 views and long lasting sunshine. It has tons of space for running around and getting those movement based photos. There is also a beautiful river that runs out to the lake. It is a mostly private location depending on the day but because of how large the space is you can find always find a corner to yourself.

The North End of Green Lake

This spot is stunning in the late afternoon evening. It is also very private and we are normally the only ones there. There isn’t as much room to run around like the south end but there is a beautiful forest walk to get out to the point. This is a great add on if you are flying with Blackcomb Helicopters because the location is only a 2 minute drive from the heli pad!

Cheakamus River

This location is perfect for walking through the forest and stopping along the river to get photos. The river is crystal blue and the forests are lush and mossy. It is a beautiful walk and there are so many spots to explore. This is also a great location when it is raining or if you wanted to check out Green Lake for an hour and then pop over here for those mossy forest photos.

Lost Lake

Lost Lake is a beautiful spot for a walk around the lake with amazing views of Whistler Blackcomb. You can walk out on the dock with 360 views of the mountains around, enjoy the forest and the take photos on the beach. On a sunny weekend day this spot will get pretty busy but if you go out early in the morning or during an off season it is a great location for photos.

Whistler Blackcomb

This is an amazing option to get up into the mountains without paying for a helicopter ride. It is great as well if you were interested in getting some photos while skiing. I love photographing proposals up here!

Nordic Hill

This spot is stunning in the winter with snow on the ground. It overlooks the valley and gets lovely evening light. It doesn’t have the most room for running around and there is one main lookout so there isn’t as much variety but it is great for sunset.

The Stone Circle at Alta Lake

The stone circle is one of my favourite locations for all kinds of weather. It is beautiful for a private snowy proposal or engagement session, a rainy session by the lake on the dock or in the late day sunshine. This spot does get busy at the docks during high season on a sunny day but is great when you can get it all to yourself.

The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

This spot is perfect for a rainy day since it is tucked away in the forest. It also looks beautiful with dappled light coming in through the trees. This location is easily accessible from the upper village area and only takes a few minutes to walk through. A great addition for a session if you are looking for those mossy forested photos. There is also lots of room to walk around and duck into the forest.

Nita Lake

This little spot by Nita Lake is lovely in the summer or fall. It is not accessible in the winter or with snow as you have to walk briefly on the railroad tracks. But it has a beautiful view of the mountains from your own secluded lakeside spot. You can also walk around and get some photos around Nita Lake Lodge!

Pemberton

Mile One Lake

A beautiful little lake for walking around on the boardwalk with mountains all around you. This location is very accessible and looks stunning in all kinds of weather.

Mt Currie Viewpoint

This spot is perfect for golden hour! You get the most amazing view of Mt Currie and have so much room to run around. And it is only a 5 minutes up a FSR. Starting at Mile One you can spend some time enjoying the lake and then drive up here for sunset to get those big mountain views.

Squamish

The Sea to Sky Gondola

I think you can tell from my portfolio that I love coming up here! This location looks stunning in every season and every whether. Even if its rainy you will still get amazing images at the gondola. In the summer it does get busy so booking out the bridge for 15 minutes to get photos of just the two of you is really worth it! And staying up here for golden hour is great for a sunny day.

Crumpit Woods

This is my absolute favourite forest to run around and take photos in! It is perfectly mossy and runs all along the most beautiful crystal clear river. Stunning in the rain, sunshine and winter you will always get amazing images in this forest.

The Squamish Estuary & Beach

This location has a stunning view of the chief and is nice and open for lots of movement. We do need to pay attention to the tides as at high tide this place is filled with water. But at low tide is is a beautiful spot for amazing mountain views! You can easily drive down the road to a huge open rocky beach along the river. It offers stunning views down the valley and lots of room to run around.

Furry Creek

The Beach at Furry Creek

I absolutely love this spot for photos! Being here in the evening you get the most stunning lighting over the ocean. You also have tons of space to run around and get lots of movement based photos. The views of the mountains and the smell of the ocean make this location really special.

Travel Fees

I live in Whistler so any location within Whistler travel is included! As for Pemberton, Squamish, Furry Creek and Vancouver I do charge a little bit for travel. However, if there is a location that you absolutely love outside of Whistler it is definitely worth it!

Squamish - $80

Furry Creek - $100

Vancouver - $200

What to Wear

What to Wear Guide

At the end of the day, I want you to feel like yourself when you look back at these photos, and part of that is wearing what most feels like you!

Obviously I'm giving out guidelines and wardrobe expertise for photography, so of course, don't just wear sweatpants and a hoodie. :) But, apply all of this to what you already know looks good on you and makes you feel confident and comfortable!

Here are my creative pointers...

WHAT do you Already Have?

Take a look at whatever is already in your closet, and go from there! Don't immediately jump to: "Let's buy something new that I'd never wear in real life!" Totally cool if you want something new and special for your shoot, but just make sure it reflects who you've been all along!

If you want something new, maybe wear it a few times before the actual shoot day, and think about how you like it on yourself!

How does it make you feel when you are in social settings or when you look in the mirror? Same thing with something-you've-always-had, make sure you do love wearing it, and it makes you feel confident/comfortable!

Movement

Make sure you can move in your outfit very easily, and it's an added bonus if the piece itself moves as well. A huge thing as well to think about is footwear. I always suggest wearing comfortable footwear that you can easily move around in. Being in the mountains means that we will be beside creeks, scrambling over rocks and walking over uneven surfaces. You don’t want your movement to be limited by the shoes you are wearing!

Timeless

Look for a piece that you won't regret wearing in 5 years. Maybe something that has already stood the test of time. Use what I call: "The 5 and 5 rule." 5 years ago you could have probably worn it, and in 5 years you could probably still wear it!

All You

Make sure it has that classic, trademark, you stamp on it. Whether it's something old or new!

What to avoid:

Avoid crisp or starchy clothes that make you feel constricted or overly formal. Stay away from blazers or business-wear. we want a comfortable, cozy, fun version of you!

If logos or branding are bigger than a quarter, try to look for something else without any branding or words on it. Try to stay away from trendy patterns and bright/neon colors. Try for flowy, airy and soft materials rather than stiff, crisp or starchy material.

Let's talk about colour..

I always recommend neutrals and earthy-toned colours that visually fit into the natural surroundings we are shooting in. You want to avoid the bright or aggressive colours and tones that don’t look like they belong in a natural setting, because they will stand out too much and will end up looking out of place in the final photo.

When it comes to colour, you do want to stand out from your surroundings, but still look like you belong there.

That said, one or two pops of colour pairs nicely with neutrals everywhere else. For example, if you have a pop of colour in the outfits, it’s nice to not overcrowd that colour with too many other ones.

Denim also looks great in natural environments and some black pieces. I would just avoid wearing all black or both of you wearing all black.

Location and Season

When you think about what clothes will look best for your shoot specifically, you want to take into account the location you are shooting at and the season you are shooting in.

Location can oftentimes dictate what the best colours and outfits are going to be, because the location is bringing its own vibe, colours, textures, and theme. Think through how you want yourself to look in the location we will be shooting in. What will look best against that backdrop? What makes the most sense in the location?

Second, take the season into account.'

I photograph tons of sessions in the winter and often these months don’t offer much colour or light so you might want to add something with colour or texture to make you pop and give the photos dimension.

The summer months, on the other hand, are a completely different story! The light and colour of the season will be really captivating so you could wear mostly neutrals and creams.

FAQ

I always say there is beauty in every weather! Clouds act as a diffuser to create soft, flattering lighting, rain covers the greenery with a glistening sheen, snow transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland and sun provides amazing light to play with.
Let me know that! I have so many ideas, don’t worry. Try to follow the guidelines in this guide but feeM free to message me photos, and bring options to your shoot! We’ll make sure you look amazing. :)
My promise is that you will have 5-10 preview photos within 72 hours, and the full final gallery and slideshow within 3-4 weeks from our shoot date. I also offer a rushed gallery turn around for $400 to get your photos back in one week!
You can either keep emailing me through the email portal (just email me back from any email I have sent to you). Or we could chat over text/ imessage if you find that easier! Normally we will switch to text before the session to coordinate more easily.
I do not. I believe that natural and real is the most beautiful and authentic way to be photographed, and it’s for that reason that I don’t offer heavy retouching and editing. I spot edit temporary blemishes and smooth out skin texture, but professional retouching is something that perpetuates a false standard of beauty, so I choose not to do it.
My main objective is for you to enjoy your day and feel comfortable! I take the time to get to know you, your sense of humour and favourite things about each other. I will do my best to ignite your confidence until you feel totally relaxed in front of the camera. I will give you easy instructions, guiding you to interact together in ways that allow me to capture candid moments in a flattering style.

Final Notes

Shoot Prep List

Let’s nail down your location

Once you have a location in mind, let me know! If you need help, I’m just an email away. I’ll be sure to reach out if we haven’t discussed this yet. I am open to any new location ideas as well, I love checking out new spots!

I want to hear your vision

What are you dreaming of with these photos? Something specific come to mind? Send me any of your ideas, your Pinterest boards, anything! If you’re struggling to come up with something, reach out to me and we can create a pinterest board together!

Let’s finalize your outfits

Keep in touch from now until the session! I can help you when making decisions and we can easily chat through what you are planning to wear.

And finally don’t stress! These are all just ideas and basically all of this is to say I want you to feel really comfortable and confident in what you are wearing.