Tag Archives: Kitchener wedding photographer

What Drives Emily Beatty Imagery? A Story About Passion.

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Self Portrait, June 2013

This is installment #2 of Alex Beadon’s 7 Day Feel Good Blogging Challenge. If you’d like to see the 1st installment, click here. Today’s topic is PASSION. Here goes…

We were 10 years old, fishing frogs out of the pond in her back yard when my best friend, Carrie spontaneously announced that she could see me being a photographer when we grew up. I scooped up another frog and laughed at the randomness of her proclamation. Ten years later, I found myself switching my major from journalism to image arts at The University of Guelph-Humber. You see, I knew I wanted to tell stories for a living, but I had to get my hands dirty to figure out that I prefer telling stories in a visual format, with a camera rather than a pen.

Today, this love of storytelling has morphed into a passion for making people feel good about themselves through the power of a portraiture. Back in my fourth year at school, my thesis project was about how women’s sense of self esteem is often negatively affected by advertising and fashion photography. I know that seems obvious now, but in 2006 it was pretty groundbreaking stuff. Self expression is important. I believe that a portrait should do more than document a person’s features, it should give you a glimpse of their soul, and capture a moment of truth and beauty. A good portrait makes you feel good about yourself. Its a strange universal truth.

Trish photography by Emily Beatty.

Canadian singer-songwriter and performer, Trish in 2011.

About the same time I figured out that I was meant to be a photographer after all, I was also struggling to deal with a diagnosis of 4 separate digestive disorders. Having been “pleasantly plump” all throughout my childhood despite a healthy diet of homegrown meat and veggies, and constant dance classes, I had finally accepted that I would have to learn to live with my squishy, hourglass figure. Then, in university I suddenly went from a size 14 to a size 4. I was the only kid living in residence that lost weight and got money back from the campus meal plan. Of course my system wasn’t empty, my doctors had me taking meds literally 14 times a day. There was nothing healthy about it, I just couldn’t keep any nutrients in my body. I still had to make it to classes, photo shoots, and weekend adventures, so I avoided food altogether whenever possible for nearly 4 years. I was also working as a nature interpreter at the Humber Arboretum and I didn’t have a car, so I spent 6-8 hours a day hiking. I ended up with a degree in applied media studies and a diploma in creative photography, and a fatigued wreak of a body. I recall falling over from fatigue and dizziness while walking home after school one evening, and only gathering the energy to get up and get home when I realized it was getting dark. I was finally skinny. But it didn’t make me happy the way I had always imagined it would. 506WM

After my four year education in Toronto, I came back to my hometown and got a place with two of my oldest and dearest friends, as well as a boyfriend, Todd. I also registered my business, Emily Beatty Imagery, to ensure that I wouldn’t give up on my long term goals of becoming a successful professional photographer. After the stress of university, being at home with my loved ones and practicing photography and bartending to pay the bills was a welcome change, and little by little, my appetite and the weight crept back. But you know what? I didn’t really mind. The ups and downs of my dress size and the love of a good man have taught me that being confident in your body, expressing your unique traits and living joyfully are the things that make a person beautiful.

I remember being a kid, and in the impetuous way of a child asked my mom something to the effect of, “Hey mom, even though I know you’re fit, your legs and your bum are much thicker than the rest of your body. Doesn’t that bother you?” Her answer was perfect, because I remember it to this day. She told me, “I’m grateful my legs are strong and they allow me to get around and do my job as a nurse and take care of my family.” Having grown up a bit, and accepted that my body is imperfect, I now know that its much more fulfilling to enjoy the capabilities of the body you have, rather than lament the qualities it lacks. When you feel good about the body you’re in, you have the confidence to reach for your dreams, and ultimately that is what makes a person attractive to others. couple's portrait by Emily Beatty

I know that its my calling to help people celebrate their unique qualities and capture joyful moments through unique, heartfelt portrait and wedding photography experiences. Can I just mention here that just last week a bride sent me a thank you card that literally included the words, “You were a dream.”   Nothing feels better than hearing from a client how happy their new pictures make them, and how they devote time every day to look at their images and reminisce about the time they were taken.

Think back to when you got your high school yearbooks. What’s the first thing EVERYBODY does? They check the index to find all the pages where their picture appears. I don’t care who you are, everybody is happy to see themselves looking natural and looking good in a photo. Its just a fact of human nature. For some reason, as social creatures we care about the way we present ourselves to others. I’m super excited to spend the rest of my days creating fun, fresh photos that make all different kinds of people feel good about being themselves.POMBA and Multiple Births Canada photography by Emily Beatty.

I also really enjoy working with young adults, and I regularly visit a local high school photography classroom to inspire the grade 11 students. I also routinely work with the Cambridge YWCA to teach groups of girls in our community about body image issues, how Photoshop works, and how to create their own photography and mixed media art. The school program we’ve developed won awards last year. I’m so grateful to have found a career path that allows me to pursue my interests, meet all kinds of different people, and fill my working hours with a huge variety of fulfilling experiences.

Thanks for taking the time to find out why I’m so passionate about my work as a portrait and wedding photographer. Have a great day!

Get To Know A Fun Portrait Photographer Serving Kitchener-Waterloo and Southern Ontario

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Well hello there! This is the 1st installation of Alex Beadon’s 7 Day Feel Good Blogging Challenge.

Welcome to the blog for Emily Beatty Imagery! I know there are about 3 zillion other ways you could be enjoying the Internet right now, so I’m really thrilled you’ve made your way here. I’m Emily, a colourful, glass half full, quirky and laid back portrait and wedding photographer, operating out of my home studio in quaint Belmont Village, right smack in the middle of Kitchener and Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. My mission is to create an environment where my subjects feel completely at ease being themselves, so truthful and genuinely joyous moments can happen in front of my camera.

I love all sorts of photography, but photographing faces is the common theme throughout my portfolio. Whether its documenting a newborn baby’s first days, dreaming up a vibrant new series of creative head shots, building a boudoir set, or capturing every moment of a couple’s first day as a married pair, I always strive to bring out people’s unique beauty. I am at my most fulfilled when I see somebody reacting with visible emotion to a photo I’ve taken. Long term, my goal is to open a luxurious studio designed especially to give women a once in a lifetime, pampered portrait experience.

Now they say a photo is worth a thousand words, so kindly let me share a few images of myself that will give you a much better idea of what my personality and my photography business are all about.

Photo credit: Amy Foster of Fostered Photo

Photo Credit: Amy Foster of Fostered Photo

Photo Credit: Amy Foster of Fostered Photo

Photo Credit: Amy Foster of Fostered Photo

 

If I had to put it into words, I guess I’d say me and my brand are all about being yourself, living life to its fullest, and celebrating the unique traits that make you you and me me. I believe we all have the potential to be beautiful human beings because beauty is more of an attitude and a feeling than a series of physical traits. I also believe happiness is a choice, and something we can all achieve with the right perspective.

Want some fun facts?

~My fiancee Todd and I have been together for over 8 years, and love nothing more than reading in bed together on a Sunday morning.

Photo Credit: Amy Foster of Fostered Photo

Photo Credit: Amy Foster of Fostered Photo

~ My own mother probably couldn’t tell you my current hair colour, because it changes literally from week to week.

~My heart lives in Algonquin Park, where our family is very luck to have a cottage on crown land- even though I only get to visit for a few days each summer.emily_beatty_1dipdip&swing

~ My bunny Ebenezer Rorschact Bunnicula lives in our kitchen and is spoiled beyond belief. He’s a brat and I love him._EBI6858_edit_Em_Rory_web

~Despite my love for bunnies, my favourite animal is the giant anteater. Hands down. They are totally under appreciated for a creature with so many fascinating adaptations. There is an anteater hidden somewhere in every piece of art I produced during 4 years of high school art classes.

~ I look 10 years younger than I am. In a town with 2 universities I am constantly mistaken for an art student, and at nearly 30 years old, I still have to have my ID ready when I visit the LCBO._EBI2489EDITforwebsite

~ I long to live in the tropics. I love Canada with all my heart, but sometimes I think I was meant to live in Hawaii._EBI1430edit1 For now, I make due by dressing like I’m on a tropical vacation 90% of the time.

~I’m a really lousy housekeeper. I have good intentions, but my constant crafting means there are always stacks of scrapbook paper and picture frames and half finished paintings and jars of glitter invading our living space.

~My goal in life is for Todd and I to retire to a country estate complete with a library, a turret, a photo studio, and a water feature out back. I’ll spend my time with family, and creating completely unique portraits, and I’ll go swimming every afternoon. It will probably take me decades to get there, but I’m excited for the journey._EBI1563edit!_blog

About This Blog

So what am I doing here writing about my hopes and dreams on a photography blog? Well I suspect that the only way to attract the kind of clients that will love and appreciate my work is to put myself out there. I know my work isn’t for everybody. Its very bold and bright and not for the faint of heart… or people that exclusively enjoy beige. I also know that the people that like my work, like it a lot. I take the time to retouch each and every portrait I share, and once you get used to having a professional editor on your side, its hard to go back! Furthermore, its not just the photos that keep my clients coming back, more importantly its the experience of having a custom photo session, and the way you feel when you see yourself looking polished and perfect in print.

It’s a bit of a leap of faith to hire a photographer. You’re putting your image in their hands, and you’re probably going to give up a chunk of change in the process. If you’re going to trust somebody to create memories of your family that could last a lifetime, you want to know you’ve got something in common with that person. Establishing a rapport with your photographer can go a long way to creating, relaxed, genuine portraits that reflect your true personality.

A year ago I started being a little more colourful with my online presence, and the more personality I share, the more I like the kind of clients that are finding me on the Internet. Now, the people that seek me out are almost always a good fit right from the get go.  I feel fortunate to have turned a number of clients into true friends in the 6 years since I launched my business.

The people that hire me are often other young professionals with an eye for design, fashion, or some aspect of the arts. Many are people that are falling in love, getting married, and beginning families. There are also a wonderful little group of clients that tell me, “I love how bright creative your photos are, but I just don’t have an eye for that stuff. I have no idea what colours go together or how to coordinate props- so I need you to come up with something cool for our shoot.” Regardless of background, all my clients come to me because they have something to smile about, and they want to document somebody or something in a way that is fun and fresh.

What really makes my heart happy is working with other offbeat and quirky souls. If you live life differently, if you’ve ever been called eccentric, or alternative, if you’re covered in tattoos or spend half your time immersed in some strange subculture, I’d probably love to work with you to make some one of a kind memories.

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Back in March, I turned 29, and as 29 has always been my favourite number, I created a “Lucky Birthday Sale” to celebrate. Over the next 3 months, I was fortunate to work with close to 20 families to plan, shoot, select, edit, print, and deliver unique portraits for them to decorate their homes with. This sudden influx of new clients was one of the busiest times of my life, but also an excellent opportunity to gather feedback from people about what they really wanted out of a photo shoot, which products are the most desirable, and what the average young family in our community are willing to spend on a custom photography experience. Now its time for me to implement some of those lessons and take my business to the next level.

New individualized business cards, branded stickers, and most exciting of all, wall art samples are all going to help me increase the level of service I can provide for clients. Once people have seen their lightly edited proof pictures, they’ll select their favourite digital files to have edited and keep for future use. Even more fun, now they’ll be able to pull product samples out of a case during their sales session, and examine different mediums to find the perfect way to display their new photos. My photo products are all produced by independent, local, Canadian companies that know me and my work, and take care to get every single order just right.aug29thportfolioORDER-Emily-Beatty

I feel particularly good to finally have in my hands a standout product that I’ve been imagining for years. I’m proud to be the only photographer in town offering round acrylic prints. When I first requested these from my printer, the owner kind of looked at me funny and said they’d have to look into the logistics. When we looked at the finished product together all present agreed that the crisp, sharp, bright and modern acrylic format complements my style of portraiture perfectly. round16inch_acrylic_EBI6294edit

My round samples are 12 inches and 16 inches in diameter, and they come ready to hang. A round piece of custom photo art might become a treasured focal point in any room. One day, I’d love to see a wall of these round “bubble prints” on a client’s wall. Round or rectangular, wall mounted or table top, wooden, canvas, metal or acrylic, EBI now has high quality photo products available to suit every client’s personal style and home decor. At last I’ve got everything in place to take people through a custom photo process from planning to presentation to printing albums and installing wall galleries.

If there’s one thing I’d like my readers to know, its that I’m incredibly grateful that I’ve found my life’s calling in making people smile. I think its very important to love what you do. Being a professional photographer in this day and age is anything but easy, but it is incredibly rewarding. Watching your families develop and grow up in front of my lens is a pleasure. Thank you so much for taking an interest in my work. I feel so lucky to have your support.

May your day be filled with sunshine and smiles!

 

 

 

Becky & Sean’s Geek Chic Rainbow Themed Backyard Wedding in Elora

_EBI7499edit_WEBThe first time I met with Becky and Sean to discuss wedding photography I tried to play it cool… but secretly I REALLY wanted to work for them. Of course it was the rainbow theme that piqued my interest, but getting to know the bride and groom made me even more excited for their summer 2014 backyard wedding in Elora, Ontario. The two of them are always fawning over each other, just two perfectly matched nerds in love. Sean is warmhearted and jovial, and Becky is sweet as can be, soft spoken and very intelligent. We sampled cupcakes and French macaroons at Honey Bakery in Waterloo, and talked about wedding plans while simultaneously bonding over our love for Harry Potter, music, and the great outdoors.

Right away, I could tell these two had a totally fresh take on wedding planning. They knew immediately that the center piece for each table should be a plasma ball, the draping for behind the head table would be colourful mosiac tapestries painted by the bride’s sister and best of all, every member of the wedding party would wear a different hue from the refracted light spectrum. If you ask the groom where you get a formal rainbow striped vest, he will happily tell you, “My mom made it for me!” When asked why they chose a rainbow theme, they will happily shout, “Because rainbows are awesome!”

Well I’ve gotta say, their wedding was even more awesome. Yep, even more awesome than rainbows. Not even the rain could dampen our spirits. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and light sabers. You have to see it to believe it, but at dusk every single guest participated in an epic, once in a lifetime light saber battle.

Sean and Becky, your wedding day was as unique and special as the two of you, and I wish you both a lifetime filled with all kinds of quirky romantic adventures. Thank you for being different, you rock!

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Such  great night! Thanks to my second shooter, Stephanie Canada, for having my back throughout Sean and Becky’s wedding. Although I’m only sharing my own photos from the wedding here on the blog, Stephanie contributed plenty of great shots to our collection of images from the wedding. Hope you enjoyed these pictures, thanks for visiting!

Full Gallery of 2014 KW Polar Plunge Pictures

Making A Splash for A Good CauseKW_Polar_Plunge_2014_Emily_Beatty_Imagery

It was a brave crowd that came out for the third annual KW Polar Plunge on Saturday February 22nd, 2014. This fun and dramatic community event is the pride and joy of founder Greg Lehman, who started it three years ago after losing a bet. Participants including Greg collect donations from sponsors, and then dress up and jump into freezing water to support KidsAbility, and the families that benefit from their services.

The numbers are in, and this year’s event raised $7,816.75, all of which will go directly to the KidsAbility facility in Waterloo. KidsAbility is a terrific organization that “empowers children & youth with special needs to realize their full potential through life-changing therapy and support services”._EBI7043edit_web

This winter has been the coldest on record for many years, and those who took the plunge deserve a lot of credit for boldly jumping into a COLD kiddie pool on a day that hovered right around zero degrees. The rest of us were awfully grateful to be bundled up in boots, hats and jackets that were a bit more appropriate for the middle of winter in Canada. I think every one of us in Waterloo Town Square that day was glad that the event was rescheduled from the original January 25th date due to dangerously cold temperatures. Zero Celsius is pretty cold– but it could have been worse!Polar_Plunge_KW_2014

As always, it is the volunteers, community sponsors, and local businesses that made this event such a success. Thanks to Nom Nom Treats, Hogg Heating and Air Conditioning, KFUN 99.5FM, 105.3 KOOL FM, Soul Awakenings Yoga Boutique, Spike Creative Solutions, Bre Creative, Bright Water Services, Boston Pizza, Beertown, and everyone else that made a splash at this year’s KW Polar Plunge.

If you’re looking for a quick rundown of the events, check out my previous blog post about the 2014 event. If you want the full story, keep scrolling down to view all of the event photos from this year’s Polar Plunge.

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The delightful team that organized the 2014 KW Polar Plunge.

The delightful team that organized the 2014 KW Polar Plunge.

Thanks to the Hogg Hot House for once again keeping our Plungers warm(ish).

Thanks to the Hogg Hot House for once again keeping our Plungers warm(ish).nom_nom_treats_KW_Polar_Plunge

Bre Creative always makes time to volunteer for community events.

Bre Creative always makes time to volunteer for community events.

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Thanks to Nom Nom treats and volunteers Keirra Reid and Charlotte Armstrong for the delicious custom cookies!

Thanks to Nom Nom treats and volunteers Keirra Reid and Charlotte Armstrong for the delicious custom cookies!

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Greg's Marilyn Monroe moment.

Greg’s Marilyn Monroe moment.

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Our fearless leader, KW Polar Plunge founder, Greg Lehman.

Our fearless leader, KW Polar Plunge founder, Greg Lehman.

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Dear Banana Girl, you left your red hoodie at the Polar Plunge. Please contact event organizers via Facebook so that we can get it back to you!_EBI7267edit_web

 

Did you like what you saw here? Please leave a comment below to tell the organizers what you thought of this year’s event, and don’t forget to nominate your friends and family for next year’s Polar Plunge!

 

Styled Portraits with Twin Two Year Old Ballerinas

Styled Valentine's Portraits I’ve loved these two little girls since before they were born, and I think my heart grew three sizes the day they walked into my studio in their brand new ballet outfits.

This styled session began with a vague, vintage middle school dance kind of theme, but the tutus and L & M’s wonderfully unique personalities brought it to a whole new level. When their mom walked in she clapped her hands and said, “It looks like the prom!” I styled the set with authentic vintage gloves, oversize pink marshmallows, apothecary jars, my grandfather’s vintage camera, and homemade cupcakes. Our shoot was timed to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but I have a feeling some of these images will be on display year round!twin_ballet_portraits_Kitchener_EBI6481edit*flip_web_EBI6294edit_webKitchener_kids_portrait_photographerEmily_Beatty_Imagery_EBI6171edit_web_EBI6387edit_web_EBI6227edit_web_EBI6465edit2_web_EBI6154edit_web_EBI6459edit_web_EBI6183edit1_web_EBI6364edit*_web_EBI6163edit_web_EBI6146edit_web5x7FRONTcardKnightVday2014_web

I see a great deal of dance parties in our future! Happy Love Day! xoxox

 

 

 

Summertime Photography at Steckle Heritage Farm

_EBI7774edit2crop_webAs the official site photographer at Steckle Heritage Farm, I’m lucky to have had many opportunities to explore “your farm in the city” during each season, but summer is undoubtedly my favourite. Whether its strolling through the apple orchard, visiting the animals or picking fresh produce from the gardens, you’re sure to encounter something unique and beautiful each time you visit this Kitchener heritage property.

Steckle also happens to be the new home of Two Crows Growery, a business that specializes in urban farming, restoration agriculture, and providing KW restaurants with fresh, local food. You can read a recent Rare Republic interview with the Two Crows here.

These first months of 2014 have been the most frigid that most of us can remember. Lately, the farm staff have been battling 16 foot snow drifts just to make it to the barn! I think we’ve all just about had it when it comes to shoveling, icy road conditions, and hibernating. Maybe what we need is a reminder of good things to come, like summertime at Steckle. It’s coming. Patience grasshopper.Steckle_Heritage_Farm_photographerSteckle Heritage Farm photographerbaby animals at Steckle Heritage FarmPortraits at Steckle Heritage Farm in KitchenerEmily Beatty nature photographer

twin photos at Steckle Heritage FarmSteckle Heritage Farm Photographerflowers at Steckle Heritage Farmfamily photos at Steckle Heritage FarmKids Portraits at Steckle Heritage Farm in Kitchenersunflowers at Steckle Heritage Farmfamily portraits at Steckle FarmSteckle_Heritage_Farm_PhotographerTwo Crows Growery at Steckle Heritage FarmSteckle Heritage Farm Maternity PhotosSteckle Heritage Farm PhotographerSteckle Heritage Farm animal photographyflowers at Steckle Farmexplore_Steckle_Heritage_Farmsunset at Steckle Heritage Farm Steckle Heritage Farm Events photography at Steckle FarmSteckle Heritage Farm Events _EBI3632edit_webgarden_Steckle_Heritage_FarmSteckle Heritage Farm Events Steckle_Farm_photographerSteckle Heritage Farm Events rooster at Steckle Heritage Farmsite photographer at Steckle Heritage FarmSteckle Heritage Farm Events baby_pigs_Steckle_Heritage_Farmflowers at Steckle Heritage FarmTwo Crows at Steckle Heritage FarmSteckle Heritage Farm sunset

Kitchener Waterloo Portrait Photography Prices

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Back in March, I did something called the “Lucky Birthday Sale”. I was able to meet and photograph nearly 20 new families in a short period of time, and using their feedback, I’m currently developing my new portrait packages. (Don’t worry, prices aren’t going up!) Need a quote right now? Sure! Just e-mail emily@emilybeatty.com, let me know what you’re looking for, and I’ll write back with a custom quote, usually within 48 hours.

Looking for information on wedding photography? I accept contracts for just a handful of special weddings each year so that I can pour my heart and soul into each one. Download this e-zine with all the details about EBI wedding photography or visit the website pricing page for more downloadable price sheets and details about the collections I offer.

Looking for more sample portraits before proceeding? Visit the portrait galleries on my website.

Want to talk to a real human before you invest in custom photo art? Call 519 568 9819 to make an inquiry or to book a date for your photo session. Don’t worry, I’m not one of those pushy sales people that will try to give you some long winded sales pitch over the phone, but I will happily answer any questions you may have, make suggestions for your shoot, or give you an on the spot estimate for a shoot.EBI confetti themeweb

 

You can also e-mail emily@emilybeatty.com with your inquiry, or just to say hi. It’s pretty common to e-mail back and forth a few times before actually booking a shoot. With all the other options out there these days, I completely understand if you want to shop around and check out other photographers before committing to a session date. Not everybody enjoys my bold  portrait style- but if you have been hunting for unique and eye catching photography and you’re drawn to bright colours like a bee is drawn to honey, than this could be the beginning of something beautiful. Clients with unusual tastes, and alternative lifestyles welcome!EBIgiftCERTadTHINGYweb***

 

Want to see more samples before committing to a shoot? Click here to visit sample galleries.

If you’re ready to book a session, e-mail emily@emilybeatty.com or call 519 568 9819 to set up a photo shoot at my home studio or another location of your choice. 

 

Winter Graffiti Art Photography in Kitchener

portrait photographer Emily Beatty“We are currently under a blizzard warning.” said the man on the radio as I gathered my gear. Perfect. I’ve been visiting the same hidden graffiti wall near the train tracks in Kitchener for over 5 years now, but this was the first time I’d ventured out in an actual blizzard. I figured it would add some interesting texture and sense of atmosphere to my photos. I didn’t imagine I’d have to bust my way through a snow bank nearly as tall as myself to access the hidden wall.

I think it was worth the effort, because once I’ve got a particular photographic scene in my head, I can’t rest until I see it it physically emerging from my printer. Translating an image from a dream to a reality is an incredibly rewarding way to make a living, and trudging through knee high snow drifts with five bags of equipment and props in -40 degree weather on a hunt for the perfect setting for my surreal clothesline image reminded me of what it was like to be a college student, just excited to be out the world with a camera.KW graffiti photographyOver the recent holiday season, Todd gave me 5 pairs of alarmingly bright two tone knee socks– because as I’m fond of saying, “I love a good gradient.” I so admired the socks that I envisioned a scene where they hung on a line in front of some fresh and colourful graffiti before they went through the wash a bunch of times and started to lose their vibrance. I hadn’t visited my usual wall for a few months, and expected some new artwork. Surprisingly, there was just one new piece since my last visit, so it was the one I chose to highlight with my crazy bright clothesline.

Emily Beatty

The wall in March of 2013, about 10 months before the clothesline shots.

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fun photographer in Kitchener

Jo Gnome, AKA F that S returns to his old stomping grounds for this photo series.

Chris Austin graffiti photos by Emily Beatty.

One more 2013 shot, featuring a super sweet shark by Chris Austin.

Kitchener graffiti

Taken using a special Lensbaby lens called The Composer.

_EBI3614editgraffiti photo Emily Beatty_EBI3700editgraffiti photography Kitchener_EBI3621edit72dpiIn addition to wanting to document my socks, I also wanted at least one good shot of my newly blue hair. In 2013 when my stylist and I spent 13 hours creating “peacock hair” using bleach, 5 shades of hair colour and about 25 foils, we only ever took one photo of the end result. (Which was pretty spectacular, I have to say.) While the blue took a mere 6 hours to create, I still figured it deserved at least one decent shot for the record books. Consequently, this was the first time I took a tripod to the wall with the intention of creating a self portrait. I took about 5 snaps, then gave up because I was beginning to worry that my fingers were literally freezing, and maybe I should have paid more attention to that weather dude that told me to stay indoors. self portrait by Emily Beatty

In my experience, the images I create for my own satisfaction are the ones that people respond to with the most enthusiasm when viewing my portfolio. This is why it is so vitally important for photographers that consider themselves artists to continuously pursue personal work and creative projects, just for the fun of it. Its easy to fall out of love with photography once it becomes your day to day reality and a means to an end.

My business philosophy involves the mantra, “do something you love long enough, and eventually someone will pay you to do it.” Here’s hoping! These photos may not make it onto anybody’s wall. They probably won’t inspire a bride to hire me for a wedding, or convince a new mother to choose me to document her brand new bundle of joy. Its unlikely that I’ll ever make any money off of them, and yet they are deeply satisfying to me. I’m using my camera to follow my heart… and so far it’s been a colourful quest!

If you enjoyed this post, kindly like it, share it, or leave a comment below. It is always much appreciated when you help me share my work, and bring new visitors to this blog. Have a most excellent day!

Yoga To Beat Cancer Event Photography in Victoria Park Pavilion

_EBI9314edittitlepageFriday November 22nd, 2013 was the night of the first ever Yoga to Beat Cancer fundraising event hosted by the Canadian Cancer society in Kitchener’s Victoria Park Pavilion. Close to 150 participants registered and collected donations from sponsors to draw strength and support from each other as a group and raise over $8000 for cancer research.

Queen St. Yoga instructors were on hand to lead fundraisers in a 2 hour yoga practice that was regularly punctuated by feverish dance party breaks. The DJs at the event had a great selection of current dance hits and the crowd was definitely feeling the music, twisting, leaping, and even doing a Conga line at one point. Unsure of exactly what to expect, the yogis were delighted by the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere of the glow in the dark dance party.

I would photograph the next Yoga to Beat Cancer event in a heartbeat! Even though I was stressing about how busy I was on the way over to the Pavilion, by the time I left the event I was in a far more relaxed and positive frame of mind.

As far as I’m concerned, this was a flawless first time event thanks to the amazing team at the Canadian Cancer Society and their trusty squad of community volunteers.

Thanks for a phantasmagoric evening!

_EBI8915edit_web_EBI8923edit_webyoga_Kitchener_cancer_EBI9077edit_web_EBI8870edit_webYoga To Beat Cancer_EBI9072edit_web_EBI9018edit_webYoga to Beat Cancer photos by Emily Beatty Imagery, 2013. Yoga To Beat Cancer 2013_EBI8942edit_web_EBI9308edit_webyoga_Kitchener_event_photographer_EBI9177edit_webYoga to Beat Cancer photos by Emily Beatty Imagery, 2013. _EBI9000edit*art_web_EBI8908edit_webYoga_to_beat_cancer_2013_EBI9191edit_webyoga_Kitchener_EBI8996editcrop_web_EBI9262edit_web_EBI9218edit_web_EBI9238edit_web_EBI9186edit_web_EBI9170edit*_webyoga_to_beat_cancer_EBI8998edit*_web_EBI9122edit_web_EBI9222edit_web_EBI9195edit*_web_EBI9221edit_web_EBI9106edit_webyoga_to_beat_cancer_conga_line_EBI9058edit_web_EBI9143edit_web_EBI9213edit*_web_EBI9249edit_web_EBI9009edit_web_EBI8996edit_web_EBI9251edit_web_EBI9105edit_web_EBI9128edit_web_EBI9051edit_web_EBI8994edit_web_EBI9226edit_web_EBI9224edit_web_EBI9152edit_web_EBI9001edit*_web_EBI9266edit_web_EBI9314edit_web_EBI9312edit_web_EBI9033edit_web

“Wake Up, Santa!” Breakfast at Steckle Heritage Farm

A HOLLY, JOLLY BREAKFAST WITH SANTA HIMSELF!

Once again, the staff at Steckle have come up with a totally unique community event. Their “Wake Up, Santa!” breakfast on November 30th was a real treat for both the young and the young at heart. My presence was a last minute thought, but I’m glad I was on hand to capture the atmosphere of joy in the barn that morning.

group photo at Steckle Heritage Farm in Kitchener

The staff at Steckle Heritage Farm pose for a photo with Santa outside the 180 year old barn.

Families arrived at the farm around 9am, and gathered around the curtained stage where Santa was rumoured to be snoozing. When the curtains were drawn, all the children shouted, “Wake up, Santa!” and the big man himself sat up with a smile! Santa put on his coat and his boots and proceeded to visit with all the breakfast guests while they enjoyed pancakes, sausages, clementines, hot drinks, and other goodies.

Once everybody got a chance to eat, Santa sat down on his special straw throne and invited all the children to meet him one at a time, take a loot bag, and pose for a photo or two. Children also had the opportunity to make a tree ornament and visit with all the animals that live year round at the farm.

There were a TON of smiles in the barn that morning before Santa had to head back to the North Pole. Merry Christmas to all the friends of Steckle!

Santa! in Kitchenersleeping Santa at Steckle Heritage FarmSteckle Heritage Farm_EBI1781edit_WEB_EBI1803edit_WEB_EBI1848editSanta at Steckle Heritage Farm. _EBI1856editSanta in Kitchener_EBI1876edit_EBI2029edit_webSteckle tree. Never too old for Santa. _EBI1770edit_web_EBI4336edit!_web_EBI1887edit_web_EBI1896edit_web_EBI1897edit_web_EBI2164edit_WEB_EBI2121edit_WEB_EBI2196editWEBpullback_EBI2092edit_WEB_EBI1934edit_WEB_EBI2020editHoHo_WEB_EBI4329edit!_webanimals at Steckle Heritage Farm in Kitchener on Bleams Road._EBI2183edit_webSanta, Kitchener eventSanta and Mrs. ClausWishing you all the best this holiday season, and in 2014 from Emily Beatty Imagery and the entire team at Steckle Heritage Farm.

Cheers!