2024 was a year of change for our family as our daughter started her uni career out east (so grateful that both our kids are only a few hours from each other). Of course the house is not ‘quiet’ with three dogs and two birdies (thank goodness) but we are still adjusting to it feeling, somehow, ‘empty’. Alas, my adopted mantra of us being ‘bird launchers’ is so much easier on my heart than the more widely used alternative.

With both kids across the country I had hoped to busy myself with the joy of work, alas a shoulder injury in June led to ‘frozen shoulder’ and had me almost entirely sidelined through the Fall… almost being a key word! 😉

Despite the hiccup in my plans (ahhh, life), there were a few banner events this year that I’d be remiss to not highlight…

In March I finally summoned the nerve to contact Marie Bryce, founder of Emerging Narrative, about doing a video for my business: best decision EVER. Marie held my hand (literally + figuratively 😉) through the entire process and not only did I come away with an artist’s statement video I’m really proud of but, even more importantly, I gained a friend and colleague. As part of the process we invited some past clients to studio to film testimonials, which proved to be an incredibly humbling + touching experience… my deepest gratitude to the amazing women who came to share their thoughts + experiences ❤️. Marie and I also worked on some branding and headshots for her biz and then, in September, Marie invited me to collaborate on what we coined the ‘Branding Bootcamp’: an offering of three professionals (video, headshots, marketing) to help small businesses ramp up for the coming new year. It’s been a joy working + playing alongside Marie and I am excited to continue the trend… it can be lonely being a solopreneur and so these joint collabs have been a dream!

In May I hit 50 and, as part of the festivities, hired Alexis McKeown to shoot my milestone portraits. I have known for years how empowering the experience can (and should) be, and I’m so happy I did this for myself… every woman deserves portraits she loves! In Alexis I found a kindred spirit and I am hopeful our paths will cross again soon (throwing it out there so Lady Universe hears me ✨!) Thank you, Alexis, for a beautiful experience.

As part of my bday celebrations I did a 50-4-50 list (things I’ve never done but always wanted to)… mid-May brought an extraordinary Northern Lights show to Southern AB, providing me an opportunity to photograph them for the first time. Thanks to my fam for tagging along on this epic late night shenanigan.

The Garage Series, that I started in 2023, rolled on and I had the absolute pleasure of welcoming many new friends into the ‘studio’! Total dream work and I do intend to continue this offering until I hang up my camera as it’s just so.dang.fun!

In the fall I was thrilled to welcome a dear friend into the studio after YEARS of us chatting about it. As she’d travelled to Calgary for her session we had to make the most of our time, which led to my first time combining two sessions in one day: a garage session followed by a modern boudoir. I was so grateful to my long-time friend + colleague, Jill, for assisting - always helpful to have an extra set of hands + eyes, and especially so when you have a bum shoulder. 😬 Together, the three of us made some images that I think are really, really beautiful and that celebrate my friend’s ‘here and now’… which is: 💥!! (thank you for your trust and for the fun, MJ! Love you 😇)

Natalie came to me through a mutual friend/colleague/artist for new headshots but, instead, what ensued was a longer and more poignant session. Everything felt kismet as we chatted, laughed, cried, and got to know one another, all whilst collaborating on a variety of looks. With so many synchronicities between us I feel certain (hopeful 🦋) our work together is only just beginning. 🤞

A Sampling of my 2024 🤩

This morning a post by John Perricone came across my feed just as I was watching a news report on the passing of the incomparable Jimmy Carter.

Not unlike so many around the world, I have been so inspired by President Carter throughout my life… inspired by his kindness, his respectful nature, his good humour, his dedication to being of service, his humility, and his tolerance of others. While he was a devout Christian, he seemingly never let his own beliefs stop him from loving + respecting others who held different views or beliefs… case in point: “Dylan called Carter a "kindred spirit of a rare kind”.

As we head into ‘25, with more turmoil + uncertainty of any year in my lifetime, may we heed President Carter’s example and the words of a monk:

let us all go forth and ‘commit acts of immeasurable profundity’,
for every small gesture of kindness has the capacity to change our world.

Looking ahead… yesterday I took the first studio shot for a new personal project I’m working on, in tandem with Stacey Walyuchow, and I’m stoked to see how it unfolds; I also have some epic women already booked into the studio for milestone celebrations and headshots; and I’m going to try my hand at a new artistic approach + medium… there is work to be done and I’m excited to be doing it!

If you’ve gotten this far - thank you! I thought I’d have one paragraph to share but turns out that more happens in a year than one thinks!

I hope you too can reflect on things that provided you joy or hope or purpose in this past year and may we all welcome in a new year filled with immeasurable possibility, grace, and kindness!

With my immense gratitude to each of you for being here,

xo

Lori