Can you believe it's the last week of JUNE! Oh my goodness! I don't know where the last few months have gone but it sure has been a fun ride!

I haven't been here to blog for a LONG time (since the studio opened) but I have had SO many exciting projects on the go...that I can't wait to share with you.

This summer...I will have a bunch of amazing sessions (sports teams, grads, pets, family reunions, babies and brides) and blog-posts to share with you. I have some interviews lined up and a handful of weddings that I can't wait to help capture. This summer is going to fly by!

I did want to let you know - I'm going to be planning some short & sweet sessions out at the lake. I had so much fun last year! I can't wait to plan them again! And... I am going to have some other fundraisers in the community...so keep an eye on my website and social media for updates. 
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I'm not sure why I woke up this morning and felt compelled to write this...but here I am... feeling like I need to explain myself to the world.

I have had a dream for almost as long as I can remember to be both a photographer and a physical therapist. My original plan was to live in Regina, work as a physio part-time and buy a house with two floors so I could live on the upper floor and turn the main floor into my photography studio. I feel like this has always been my dream...knowing that one day I would move from being a physio to being a physio educator.

Recently, I have been talking with a few people - and when I list off the things I am doing, they ask, "how do you do it all?"...  And I don't have an answer other than I have this calling... this notion that I'm on the right path and I'm exactly where I am supposed to be. It is a lot of hard work, juggling and sacrifice - but I have to believe that there is a reason for all of this. 

I also want my family to know that it is never too late to follow your dreams. My Grandma Jones went to university when she was in her 50s to upgrade her education as a teacher. My current goal is that by the time I am 50 I will have my family (including two teenage boys that have grown into two young men who will be much taller than me), my photography business, and a PhD in Rehabilitation Science. Why is it that I feel I need to do this at this very moment in time? Doesn't that sound completely insane? I have no idea why I feel compelled to do this... I only know that it feels like I am where I am supposed to be. And...the strange part - instead of this making me feel stressed...I feel very much as though everything is falling into place in ways so much more exquisite than I could ever have dreamed.

Truthfully, I don't know. But I do know that my focusing on them, putting energy into them and trying to find ways to do good in the world, I will be the best version of myself that I can be and get closer to my goals than if I hadn't tried at all. I think the last few years have really taught me that time is a gift and that I need to make sure I make the most of the time I have here.

​1. Use your eyes.
Use your eyes to express emotion. When you smile naturally your whole face lights up and your eyes look bright and awake. Before the photo session practice smiling in the mirror and use different expressions to see what looks best. ​

​2. Relax.                                                                                              Great photos happen when the subject is relaxed and confident. Let the excitement of your photo session show through the lens as you take a moment and breathe, relax and just have fun. You may feel silly during this process but I will do everything I can to help you feel more comfortable. ​

​4. Move.
Staying stationary can sometimes produce a very staged and cheesy look. Just because you are sitting or standing still doesn’t mean you can’t change the angle of your body to create a look that is fresh and inspired. Try leaning into the camera slightly to appear more engaged, shift your weight from left to right, or simply move your chin slightly up and down for different shots as this gives us a variety of facial expressions to work with. ​

​5. Beautify.
This goes for everyone. Ladies, spend some extra time getting your hair blown out, get your makeup done and choose an outfit that makes you look and feel your best. As for the men, take a shower and shave. When you look your best, you feel your best and when you feel your best, you are naturally more confident. Go the extra mile to walk into your senior session feeling confident, attractive, prepared, and inspired. ​

Dear graduates...
I am so proud of you and the resilience you've shown as we enter another year of pandemic life.  Some things have become a new routine and you've adapted to everything life has thrown at you.  I want you to know that these moments in the last few months before you graduate are precious - not only to you...but to your family and friends too.  You have an incredible world waiting for you and the special qualities you are going to bring. 

Wishing you every bright light in your future ahead!

Forever and Always,
Melissa

Just in case you were wondering...I still have openings for graduates in 2022 and 2023.  You can find out more by clicking on the button below.

​Ensure that the sensor resolution is good enough and meets your specific requirements, especially if you want to print larger size images. In most cases a 10-14 mega pixel camera is a sufficient for an entry level photographer. 

• As a first time photographer, your child will want to keep practicing so it’s important that you are able to extend the camera’s memory using a SD/SDHC memory card. 
• Next come the accessories. Your child will want to download their images from the camera onto a computer for editing so a USB cable will be an essential accessory. 

​I hope this helps you if you're considering purchasing a camera for your child.  My mom let me use her Olympus film camera when I first started having an interest in photography.  I've always loved the idea of freezing a moment in time that you can always return to.  The happy moments, the silly and laugh-out-loud moments, and the moments when you were with those who are no longer with us.  In that way, I am so grateful for a camera that can capture the moments of our lives.

May this holiday season bring you joy and peace and hope.

​Forever and always,
Melissa​

This year has been especially exciting and adventurous as I begin the journey of being a Part-Time graduate student at McMaster University.  For those of you who know me better as a Physical Therapist, it probably doesn't surprise you that I am working on my Masters of Rehabilitation Science because I have been talking about it for years.  There have been some opportunities that have come across my path that have been too exciting to pass up... including the chance to collaborate in a research project with CanChild and volunteering as the Chair of the Paediatric Division with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.  I feel so grateful to be a part of these amazing teams and to have an opportunity to learn from so many incredible people!​

For now...this means that I might take longer to get back to you if you have a question for me.  It also means that I will be focusing my photography on "Short & Sweet" Sessions in the time between when one class ends and the next begins.  I will still be taking a limited number of weddings, family sessions and grad sessions.

Instead of doing giveaways every month - you'll probably just see them here and there - as much as I can manage.  There are so many Canadian businesses that I want to share with you that I just can't stop.  I already have October's giveaway planned and ready to go - so be sure to watch to blog for updates at the beginning of October!

I am also working on getting my photographic artwork website up and going.  I hope to have the website live just in time for the end of October - just in time to order gifts for Christmas! (Can you believe it's less than 100 days until Christmas - I've gotta get my butt in gear!)  Watch the blog for the big announcement (and SALE) when it goes live!

If you want to check it out, you can find out more at www.inspiremyptheart.com
​It's a work in progress...
​just like me.  

I hope that you are enjoying this crazy end to September and that October is starting to look a little less intense for you.  I would love to hear from you, so feel free to leave a comment below.  I have been having an amazing time photographing families this fall!  Stay posted... when I have a chance to send all of you a sneak peek.

Forever & Always,
​Melissa

Photo sessions with kids are wonderful...but sometimes parents feel worried about making sure their child behaves in a specific way.  If you’re preparing for a photo session with your children, you may be feeling a bit apprehensive. Children aren’t always easy to deal with, which is why the below tips will definitely come in handy before your upcoming photo session. 
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​1. Don't make a huge deal out of it. If you're stressed out and cranky, your kids will usually pick up on it and act accordingly. Their behavior will usually be better if you are relaxed and having fun. You may have to make some compromises to keep the peace such as letting your energetic daughter's hair stay straight instead of curling it into because she won't sit still. Focus on the big picture and don't sweat the small stuff. 
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3. Be prepared.  If you're going to be out for several hours, ensure that your children are well rested and have had their nap. Bringing some snacks and activities along is also a great idea. If you are having your own photos taken too then you might want to bring a babysitter or family member along to watch the kids. If you happen to be shooting in a remote location, you never know when you might need something like an extra blanket to keep warm, bug spray, tissues or a first aid kit so bring that along too.
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4. Be patient. Save your sanity by trying not to control the photo session too much. Sometimes the best photos come from kids just doing their own thing. Work with your photographer and your photos will look fantastic. 
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I don't think it is a secret - I LOVE family time at the lake!  This summer I thought I would try to do something new by adding in short & sweet sessions out at the lake.  I think this might be one of my new favorite sessions!!!

The session I wanted to share with you today is the Lipp Family.  

These kids were just the sweetest!  You could tell how much they adore each other!  They were even encouraging each other as we battled the masses of ants on the beach!  

And I just have to say...I am a total sucker for dimples!  Can you even believe how adorable they are?!?

Ashley told about some of the memories that she has out at the lake as a child.  It warms my heart to think about how her children are able to make memories - walking down the same path - enjoying playing on the same beach - swimming and splashing in the same lake...
and those memories will last their lifetime.

These are the moments and the memories that will last forever...

I am so thankful that Ashley contacted me to preserve life's precious memories at the lake!

If you are interested in learning about the upcoming short & sweet sessions we have available this fall - check out this link for more info.

Stay tuned as I start to share more of these sessions from the summer!
I'm excited to share these sweet & loving families with you!

Forever & Always,
​Melissa

There are some people who come into your life and you just can't imagine your life and your family without them.  Autumn & Matthew Bodnaryk are some of those incredible people in our lives. We originally met Matthew and Autumn through Kee's Tae Kwon Do in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.  All of our family (including myself) have been students at Kee's Tae Kwon Do.  All of the instructors and students are dedicated, encouraging and foster excellence both at practice and in the community.  

I have been so fortunate that Matthew & Autumn have allowed me to photograph all of their babies.  It has been such a gift to me to watch their family grow and get to know each of their sweet children.  Each of them are so happy and excited about life.  They love to move and play together as family - it always makes my heart smile...

If you interested in learning more about Kee's Tae Kwon Do in Yorkton, you can click here to go to their Facebook Page.  

Forever & Always,
​Melissa

Those of you who know me already... know that I love all things sentimental.
​I came across this one today.

Dang. 
That is hard to remember sometimes.
There are some days, I just wish I had a magic wand to get my entire TO-DO list all done in one fell swoop. 
Then we could just rest, or have fun together, or so something that is totally fluff.
And then I remember...

Progress is progress...even if that progress is a small step in the direction you want to go.
And making changes in your life to increase efficiencies in how you do them, is not necessarily efficient in the beginning. 
​(I'm not sure why that is so clear in my physio brain but is so hard to remember in my personal side of my life).  
As seasons change throughout the year, seasons change in our lives.  
Things that used to work well for us, no longer fit as we grow and evolve.

So... as we enjoy this last day of the weekend together, I am going to do my best to make as much progress as I can while also being okay with the fact that humans need rest - and it is okay to pause for a moment as we move forward.

What do you do to help keep you moving forward?  What have you learned over the years that helps you keep balance in your life?

I know this is not one of my regular posts, but it has been such a change to how successfully I can garden (which makes me very happy).  Just in case you are looking for a new way to garden, I thought I would share what was working for me. 

If you have any green thumb tips... please share them below!  I'd love to hear how I can become even more efficient!

Forever & Always,
​Melissa