She Who Dares…Wins

Like so many other photographers, COVID-19 changed my world in more ways than one. 

At first, I was afraid. Then I turned off the news and decided to focus solely on my family. And it was hard not to. Our daily routine turned upside down with my husband home on the phone all day, two teenagers tik-tokking 24/7, shopping & caring for a “high-risk” parent. And there was the fallout in my business.

When you are an event photographer, a global pandemic puts a big damper on things. Almost all of the photography income I expected in the first half of 2020 had been deferred or cancelled. Everything was up in the air, waiting for the “go ahead” to start working again.

Just before the lockdown, I received a request for a maternity session.  Maternity & newborn photography was how I began my photography career so it will always hold a special place in my heart.

But, I wasn’t sure if I could accept the request. I didn’t want to put my client (or her baby) at risk.

We waited for a few weeks. It was not worth the risk. Too many obstacles. Too many questions. Too many unknowns.

We waited a few more weeks.

I couldn’t sleep. 

My client Rachel is a beautiful soul with a beautiful heart. This was her first pregnancy. As a mother, I remember the excitement, the emotions that surrounded this time. There is only one “first”. I wanted to capture this time for her. It broke my heart that my hands were tied...do I dare?

I had to find a solution. 

A studio shoot was obviously out of the question.  But I could shoot outside, at a distance.

Living in Canada, this was proving challenging.

June to September is the usual outdoor shooting season.  This year, March and April were unseasonably cold.  

I heard a voice in my head.

Don’t overthink. Move like the wind.  It brought to mind this beautiful field near my home that is magical at sunset. Tall grass blowing in the wind.

That would be our location.

We watched the weather for the upcoming week. Only one day that promised sun and temperatures above 0.

That was our day.

The image above was the result.

Strong, glowing, beautiful with a hint of daring in her eye.

I am daring myself everyday to push ahead, get uncomfortable, and do what I know I should, in spite of fears or obstacles in my way. I am listening to my heart. I’m getting honest with what matters most, rolling up my sleeves, digging deep, being brave.

Because she who dares, wins.

xo, k

P.S- Miss Peyton arrived safely on May 18, 2020. Just as beautiful as her Mamma!

Congratulations!!!!

xoxo