a family stands in intriguing overgrown hops patch with last suns rays illuminating them in the mountains of golden bc.

Living in Golden, BC, I'm surrounded by some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in the world. While those views are incredible, most of my favourite photographs have come from places that most people would normally drive right past...

Red cedar shakes, a tree swing, a creek, these are a few of my favourite things, oh wait, wrong blog post, where was I?

Some of my favourite galleries have come from couples and families who trusted me to choose a location that matched their story, rather than choosing the most famous view. These places are full of intrigue, mystery, and rich with stories. Just like with thrifting, the thrill of finding these gems is like a treasure hunt!

From overgrown hops gardens, to creeks tucked inside a forest next to a dirt road, these places are unique and special, just like the families that step in front of my lens. These places feel like they have more to them than what meets the eye, and I think this is why the photos seem extra special. You can’t help but wonder what other stories these places hold.

Let’s explore some of them.

R, J & E- Family session

R & E had been photographed by me a few times now, several years prior. This time, she reached out about family photos in the fall, and the possibility of doing it on her partners family land. “red cottage”, “willows”, “tree swing”, “large field”. As she was explaining it, my imagination went to work painting a vivid picture in my mind. I knew this place was going to be a dream.

As I pulled down the driveway, I took in the beauty of it all. I love old things. Old things hold memories, stories and charm. Old wooden windows and doors, slightly peeling paint, old vines calling this cottage home.

We started off the session how I start off almost all of them that involve children. Play. Little E swung on the tree swing while I took some photos. Swings are great because they combine movement and play and is a fantastic way for kids to start getting comfortable around me. We explored the little creek, throwing some rocks, and then went to play amongst the willows. I had to stop myself and slow down my excitement and allow them to just be.

Pretending they were airplanes, they weaved their way through the trees and ended with playing some tag amongst them. It felt like a scene right out of a movie. After all that fun, they sat on the front steps and had a little cuddle together. Just chatting and being a family. You really learn a lot about people when they just sit and be themselves.

I noticed the most charming old wood windows in the cottage and asked if we could take some photos of them looking through. These images were so cozy. They peered through the windows at the cool September landscape, their warm breath fogging them up slightly.

I was enthralled with this old storage shed that had been overrun with hops. The ground, the buildings, anything the hops could get their tiny crawling fingers on, and in between that all, a sliver of delicious light. They explored the jungle of hops, pointing and noticing things together as I happily snapped away.

Places like this, with an almost unlimited number of places to explore, are a rare find, but even the simplest of locations can be breathtaking, like our next spot.

J & E- Engagement session

You never know what spaces will inspire you.

This location was right in town, at an almost empty lot (There is one tree). I’d biked past it only once and I already knew I HAD to shoot here. It felt so whimsical, so simple, so romantic. A subtle backdrop for a couple whose love should be front and center. You don’t need large epic mountains to have incredible photos, and I think this session is a testament to that.

I planned the session for months, waiting for the right time of year. Luckily this couple was in no rush, and willing to wait for what I was envisioning. Weather delayed it by several weeks after we had an unseasonably cloudy May, but in the end, everything worked out and we got these romantic shots together.

For some reason, as I was planning the session, I was drawn to the forget-me-nots that were blooming around everywhere, and when I mentioned it to J, she told me that forget-me-nots were some of her favourite flowers, so the day of, I went and hunted some down and made a whimsical bouquet tied with twine.

As the sunlight streamed in between the shimmering leaves, they read to each other, laughed, and enjoyed each others company. It was simple, beautiful, intimate and unhurried.

Proof that you don’t need anything fancy. Just you, and your love for one another. The rest will fall into place with some strategic little details (and maybe a few little props).

H & C- Engagement + misc.

“Trust me, I know a spot”.

I had driven this road hundreds of times, but one day, while driving home, I noticed it.

This super secret little spot just a few feet off from the dirt road, tucked away in the forest. A small creek, little boardwalk, singing birds. Straight out of some fairytale movie. A place where you can dilly dally, slow down, read a good book. Where nature sucks you in, holds you, like a hammock. In between the babbling brook, the birds singing, and the leaves shaking their little song in the breeze.

I’ve only ever photographed 3 people here. It’s the kind of spot you want to leave untouched, and it’s often small spots like this that leave the biggest impression. A memory of a time you won’t soon forget.

So, our engaged couple, H & C.

H told me how much she adored my soft, dreamy, romantic style when she hired me to photograph her 2027 wedding. We planned a special engagement shoot just for them, and I knew this spot would be perfect. Quiet, unassuming, but sweet and lovely. We drove out together, loaded up on bug spray and went in (I’m just being honest here, sorry to kill the vibe).

We giggled, gazed in awe of the beauty around us. They were such good sports as I moved them around and gently guided them with prompts. We finished quickly, only needing a few photos, and happily chatted altogether on the 15 minute drive home.

What is the point of this post? Am I trying to turn people off of the glorious mountain views?

Absolutely not.

I understand that people come to Golden BECAUSE of the mountains, and that it’s a very special time for people and their families. It’s my pleasure to give the people what they want. This is my way of suggesting that perhaps what you may want, may just be a little quieter, more subtle.

The mountains are grand, there is no denying that, but I want people to realize that they are what’s special about the photos, and you don’t need the mountains for that.

Here is a large selection of my favourite photos that have nothing to do with mountains, and instead highlight the connection between one another.

None of these clients ever felt like something was missing from their photos, because they highlight connection, love, play. It’s not wrong to want some mountains, but know that you are the star of the show.

Think you might want to learn more about what a session with me could look like?

contact me