I truly LOVE doing maternity sessions, for one, it introduces me to the expectant parents of the bundle of joy that I will be photographing, while at the same time, letting them know a little about who I am and how I work.
But the BEST part of it is just being able to focus on this moment in their lives.
Now I have never been pregnant.
Read MoreClick on this video below to watch a slideshow of clients I had the pleasure of capturing in 2014. This here is why I do what I do. It is so important to me to capture beautiful, authentic, emotional moments of my client's lives. Nothing stands the test of time like photography, and although capturing these moments of your children growing up is incredibly important to you, so will the documentation of their growth be to them. Watch this video below to see how I can capture your beautiful family!
If you want a photographer that will make you feel beautiful when you are at your most bloated and swollen, that will put you at total ease, that will handle your baby with the utmost care and never complain no matter how many times she is pooped on - then Reina is the photographer for you! Not to mention the flawless images you are delivered of these incredible milestones in your life! I can't recommend Reina enough!
Please contact me for more information
There is a lady named Sue Bryce, and she has taught me so much in the past few months... My whole life has been a question of whether I am good enough, and recently, whether I am worthy of this life I have stumbled upon creating for myself. I walked around for years with the attitude that I didn't care what others thought, but in reality I did. Oh boy I did...And that strangled me, and it weighed me down... But then I stumbled upon a talk this woman did, she is a photographer, and I mean come on... what has she got to say that hasn't been told to me countless times from people who love and care about me? A lot of what she said was stuff I had already heard, but the way she explained it just spoke to me. I like to say that she knows the words that just kick my butt, they tear me down and build me up all at the same dang time. And she isn't even Oprah, people!! But it is through her personal struggles and how eloquently and intelligently she explains them that just catches my attention.
I have now learned, that it has not been the people in my life that have gotten me through the toughest of times, it has been me. I carried myself through the pain and the struggles. I have this strength inside of me that carries me and the people I love. Wow. I am a pretty awesome person. 5 years ago if someone had told me that I was a strong, amazing and talented person, flawed, but with WORTH and a MEANINGFUL life, it would have just barely pierced my armour... I would have laughed and made a joke, deflecting that truth into the "yeah, right, ok, what do you want from me?" pile. But now I actually have the belief and strength to say it to myself. And it feels amazing. And I feel like I can do anything. Although this is another struggle I have carried myself through, and there are many more waiting, I can definitely say that Sue helped light the way for me. And I can only hope that I can pay that forward someday. Because my life has been completely changed for the better.
I can definitely say, that I love this person-that-is-me. I would be proud to call this person-that-is-me mine. I am dang proud of who I am, what I am, and where I am going. Through this past year of self reflection, and putting away old hurts, and building healthy relationships with myself and loved ones, I have found one thing that I can hold to be truth: I accept myself. Completely. This life of judgement and fear is done. I am not afraid. I am only excited for what is in store for the rest of my life.
But that is the INSIDE of me. There are struggles still with the OUTSIDE of me. Perfection is impossible, but this struggle is tied to my health and well being.
This struggle is accepting the outer shell I live in. In one of her talks Sue said that we tie our identity to what we want to change about ourselves. I want to lose weight to be accepted by society, to not be discriminated against and bullied. I want to lose weight to feel pretty again. I want to lose weight to be a better photographer. But losing weight doesn't guarantee this... so why do I keep thinking that it will? And we all have feelings like this, whether it is with weight or another flaw we want to change about ourselves but are struggling with. And oh the pressure that puts on us! Everyday that I am not losing a pound I am failing. Every day that I am not thinner I am not a better photographer, I am not pretty, I am not accepted, and I will be judged and bullied.
It is time I stop identifying with my weight. This weight is not me, and it has nothing to do with me.
So to try and disentangle myself with these notions I have decided that I will exist in photographs for myself. I will take a photo of myself each day, and then I will list what I am grateful for. I will use this medium, that has thus far healed me in so many ways, to heal me once again. These are not photos that I will post and share with you all... but it is time that I show MYSELF the kindness and compassion and acceptance I have shown many others in my life.
Comment below if you are thinking of doing a similar project to help stop identifying with your flaws.
And thank you Sue Bryce for being vulnerable; opening yourself up has caused me to open myself up.
And so far I like what I see.
I love every one of my babies. They may cry, they may poop on my pretty blankets, they may just say to me that they need to reschedule with a very loud "Wah! Wah! Wah!" But the great thing about me (I at least think so) is that I tend to have a selective memory. Because when I look at the shots I take I think about their sweet little faces, soft and warm, falling asleep. Their little coos or cute little grunts. I look at their pictures and wonder who they will be? And I never remember how many tries it took to get them to sleep, I never remember the poop.
But then there was Elyse. And I will always remember her session. Because this was a session that was almost too easy! She slept the entire time! And I got to hear the words I love to hear which were, "you must be a baby whisperer." Oh trust me I am not! LOL Elyse and I just clicked... She knew what I needed from her and she delivered!
Congrats to Helen and Yaro! She is a gem and so gorgeous! You did good!
I met Jackson last week and he was such a little dreamer! He was ready for his photos almost immediately! Congrats to Mom and Dad, I would say he is a keeper!!
I had the absolute pleasure of photographing this beautiful little girl when she was just under 12 hours old for her Fresh 48 session, and then again when she was 6 days old. She is growing so fast! I can't wait till in a couple of weeks she is in front of my camera for her family's Calgary flood mini session! Here is a little of what I captured in her portrait session!
Had a marvellous time with this little one! Such a little sweetheart and SO many smiles! Congrats Eddie and Deborah!
I met these two last week :) We were supposed to go out to the park but there was a thunder storm in the middle of their session. I am actually glad, we had a blast, stayed warm and had a great time getting to know each other! I can't wait to meet the little one in that belly next month!!
This past weekend has not been a good one for many people in many areas of Alberta.
I can go into all of the statistics, but I am sure if you have a Facebook, twitter, Instagram account of even just a TV, you have heard it all.
And it is so sad, scary, and it definitely makes you feel helpless.
But we can help! And this is how I feel like I can help.
Only cash or email transfers will be accepted for these sessions.
Age limit is the child must be over 6 months, but this is negotiable.
You can either buy a session for yourself or donate money to a session for a flood victim.
$50 payment needs to be made at time of booking.
Email or comment below to book a time slot or nominate a family for a session.
Time slots are first come first serve so book quickly!!
Saturday July 13, 2013
10AM - BOOKED
10:45AM - BOOKED
11:30AM - BOOKED
12:15AM - BOOKED
1PM - BOOKED
1:45PM - BOOKED
2:30PM - BOOKED
3:00PM - BOOKED
3:30PM - BOOKED
4PM - BOOKED
4:45PM - BOOKED
5:15PM - BOOKED
5:45PM - BOOKED
6:15PM - BOOKED
7PM - BOOKED
7:30PM - DONATED TO FLOOD VICTIM - BOOKED
8:00PM - DONATED TO FLOOD VICTIM - BOOKED
8:30PM - DONATED TO FLOOD VICTIM - BOOKED
Donations of locations (a farm or acreage with trees, fields of flowers where I can set up in the shade) or anyone who wants to come help assist me during these sessions for part of the day are also welcome! Please email me with pictures of locations or your interest in assisting me at reinaproceephoto@gmail.com
I can't wait to send $650 to the Red Cross!
Also if demand is super high I may have to do this a second day, but only if time allows and demand is high
We can't do anything about mother nature, but we can definitely help out each other!
What is a Fresh 48 session?
It is a session where I come to the hospital or your home within the first 24-48 hours of your new child's life. It is a great time to capture first meetings between siblings, pictures with grandparents, baby's first bath, as well as beautiful casual lifestyle photography capturing the buzz of excitement and awe with this huge change in your life.
I was invited by this gorgeous family yesterday to come and capture their little girls first few hours at home, we captured her first manicure, her first check up and a whole lotta snugglin with her family. I cannot wait till Saturday when I get to see her again for her newborn session!
If you would like to book a Fresh 48 session email me at reinaproceephoto@gmail.com
I had so much fun with this family during all sessions! Little Emma wasn't really interested in modelling her first session, but her family was so kind to bring her back for a take 2, and that is when the magic happened! Such a little beauty!! Congrats Miranda, Dave and big sister Zoey!
Here is a sneak peek of this beautiful mama-to-be! She is due on Monday and I cannot wait to meet her pretty little girl! This was the session where my camera broke, thank goodness they were so nice to come back for a reshoot! It was a nicer day and a better location. Awesomeness all around!
Pretty excited to meet the little one that this beautiful couple is about to have. Like literally! Her due date is on Friday!! 
I debated about continuing my personal note blog from last week, there was more I wanted to say on it, but I kept it business. Because I have seen those comments other photographers get when people say, you should just keep it business, we don't want to hear you talk about your weight loss or your personal life, etc.
Then I realized that this is my world that I create to welcome you in. My manifesto (which is still in the works but I will let you all know it as soon as I word it fully and properly) has a lot to do with how I want for you to think about a session with me as a different world. A world where it doesn't matter if your kids are not cooperating and smiling for the camera, because you can trust me to capture moments of them being themselves, where you don't need to worry about your newborn crying (again, lol, always again) because I am there to soothe her and snuggle her, and you can take that moment, that time out you are normally unable to take. I want sessions with me to be a world that isn't real in the sense of all the worry and stress, but a world celebrating your real love, your beautiful creation, your mark on this world, your children.
And because I create this world, I am the boss LOL and I say personal is not off the table. At least when it comes to me, and only when it is in a way that I can grow, but also maybe you can grow from it too.
So here it is.
So today was a day of waaaaay too much procrastination. And honestly I can't tell you a day when I am not procrastinating lol, I do love to distract myself with pretty shiny things, and Chuck (husband/rationality expert/second shooter) noticed that about me, I think, on our second date. But sometimes procrastination is good!! HAHA because sometimes I am lucky and I stumble on to something like this:
This is Sue Bryce, and honestly, I don't know very much about her, she is a creative live teacher, a very talented photographer, but most importantly (at least to ME, today) she is an amazing speaker.
This video is an hour long.
I have watched it twice.
She has literally changed my life.
When I spoke in my last blog I mentioned how 2013 was a year that represented CHANGE for me. I spoke of how that drove me to take my business seriously. But it also was a time for me to look at myself, my life, and protect my dream career that has given me so much. Because I am really good at screwing up a good thing for myself, and I needed to figure out why and fast, so I can realize this dream career I have been given.
Lately FEAR has really been getting to me. I mean, moving to another province, leaving all of my business I am generating here, actually having to WORK at finding clients, where as here I have been lucky to have majority of my clients be word of mouth referred.
WHAT AM I DOING???
Then there is the whole weight thing... oi vey. I am in serious need of a healthy make over. And it's not for lack of trying people, I sit there and try and think about how to tackle this, I know I want a healthy happy lifestyle so bad, I miss dance, I miss yoga.
But what is holding me back?
That question has been tormenting me for months, how can I want something so bad, but not have the motivation, to get up and get it. And its not motivation that I am lacking, I feel paralyzed. Unable to move. What is holding me back?
I have found out what has been holding me back. If you are in the same boat or ever have been. If you have insecurities, unhappiness with your place in life, career, or love. If you are scared of failure, or of rejection or anything that might be standing in your way of realizing your amazing life and true potential:
Trust me.
Watch this video.
I hope it changes your perspective on life, like it has for me.
Much love,
Reina
Meeting this sweet couple for their consultation got me so excited to capture this beautiful moment in their lives, and can you blame me? They are gorgeous! Inside and out! So I literally did a happy dance when I got the email from Sharlene that she wanted to hire me. I had a wonderful time at both of their sessions, and meeting Gia I was blown away at how beautiful she was! Poor Chad, he is going to have to get himself a shotgun or bazooka or something, because she is going to be a heartbreaker!
I met Jessica in French class in my first semester of university and was ecstatic to hear that she and her man Paul were expecting! Now they are engaged!! I wish this beautiful family with their sweet little daughter all the best and I cannot wait to see Pyper grow. She is just beautiful!
I had such a great time getting to know this adorable lil guy and his sweet family! His sister has the sass of a three year old but you can see that she is pretty much in awe of her little brother, I asked her if she was excited for him to grow up so they could play together and her answer was "I dunno" which is super funny because that is what her answer was for most everything hehe. This little boy was such a sweetie and so good to me with all of his smiley faces, I cannot wait to see the cuteness that will happen as this little one grows... I just hope for mama's sake he doesn't grow too fast.
Just a few weeks ago I met this beautiful family as they were expecting their second child. We did a beautiful maternity session and sat back and waited for this little guy to show up. Today I finally got to meet him! He is absolutely perfect and unbelievably adorable! Here are some images from both the maternity session and the newborn session.
Introducing Deonte!
Don't miss out on the HUGE Contest I am running until March 31st, how huge do you ask? HUMONGOUS!! I am giving almost $1000 in prizes, click here for all the info! Good luck!
Also don't forget about the mama & me sessions I am throwing at the end of April, click here for all the info on that, book quickly Saturday is already almost all booked up!
If you are looking to book a session with me, please contact me via email using the button below.
Honestly to me, nothing is more beautiful than the love of a mother for her child, except maybe the awe and adoration children have for their moms. Dads are pretty amazing too, lol, but seeing as Mother's Day is coming up I want to showcase this magnificent love between mother and child. All your kids are welcome (: Mamas of mamas are welcome too! I would love to see as much mama loving as possible! (: The information is all in the picture below, and below that you will find the times that are available. Contact me via email (the button to do that is at the bottom of this post) or comment with the time you would like to schedule yourself in.
Also make sure you enter into the HUGE contest I am throwing! I am giving away almost $1000 in prizes click here to read the post telling all how you can win!
SATURDAY
12-1 BOOKED
1-2 BOOKED
2-3 BOOKED
3-4 BOOKED
4-5 BOOKED
5-6
SUNDAY
12-1 BOOKED
1-2 BOOKED
2-3 BOOKED
3-4 BOOKED
4-5 BOOKED
5-6
This is a new product I will be offering soon. So super excited about this (: its an electronic birth announcement! We have entered the computer age (:
Affordable, Fine Art Photography of your pregnancy, newborn and baby. Let me help you capture your child's entrance into the world, for the first year of their life, while they grow and change so incredibly fast.
