Tag Archives: Waterloo portrait photographer

What Drives Emily Beatty Imagery? A Story About Passion.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

~ 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.

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

~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.

~ 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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Join EBI For Spooky Styled Halloween Minis in Kitchener!

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Halloween is without a doubt, my favourite holiday. I just can’t resist all the cozy fall traditions, costumes and dressup opportunities, tricks and treats. To celebrate the season, this year I’m once again hosting spooky, styled Halloween mini photo shoots for children at my home studio in Belmont Village, Kitchener.

Choose a 15 or 30 minute session, and bring the kids in a costume or a cute outfit involving black/white/green/orange/purple. We’ll have some fun, snap some photos, and each child will leave with a little painted pumpkin souvenir and maybe a treat or two. You’ll have super cute digital photos to share with family and friends, and revisit every fall as your little one gets bigger and bigger.

To book a mini session, e-mail emily@emilybeatty.com to say hi, let me know how many children you have and how old they are, and share your top 3 choices for time slots. (Scroll down for options.) I’ll write back within 24 hours to confirm your time slot, and share more info about what to expect.

These are some of the accessories that will be available for you to borrow for our minis.

You can stay up to date by joining or visiting the HALLOWEEN MINIS EVENT PAGE ON FACEBOOK.

Hope you can make it!

Half A Year Later… 7 Things I Learned From My Lucky Birthday Sale

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There there, poor, sad, neglected blog, I know you’ve missed me. I’m back, and its time to get you all caught up.

Back in March, I held a Lucky Birthday Sale to kick off my last year as a twenty something, and because I’m convinced this is the year my business will finally start to really take off. Nearly 20 families signed up for portraits within 24 hours, and just like that my next three months were booked solid with shoots, sales appointments, editing and deliveries. And when I say solid, I mean SOLID. I was shooting every single day for all of March, 30 working days in a row, and I was sleeping maybe 3-4 hours a night for the entire 3 months it took me to complete all the shoots and orders. By the end of it I was thrilled to have met so many awesome new clients, but oh man was my body run ragged. I happen to have 4 different GI disorders, so lack of sleep and high stress meant I was getting ill (let’s leave it at that) nearly every day for all of April and May.

Now, in retrospect, and after plenty of rest, I have no regrets. I do have some ideas about how I can make my clients’ experiences with EBI even better.

One of the motivations for my sale was to gather feedback during in person ordering sessions. I wanted to know if it was genuinely helpful to visit people in their homes after their shoots to review the images and choose which photos to keep. I also wanted to see what my target market was willing to spend on portraits, and which printed products were the most popular. Fortunately, this turned out to be a very informative exercise.

And so, without further ado, here are 7 things I learned from the busiest 3 months of my life:

1. There’s a very good reason the minimum turn around time most pro photographers promise is 3 weeks. I told people 10-14 days, not thinking I would have nearly as many bookings as I did. I was working seven days a week, just as many hours as humanly possible, consuming wayyyyyyy more coffee than my stomach could tolerate, and still every order was completed the day or night it was due with not a moment to spare. I wasn’t willing to compromise on editing time or quality, and so there was simply no time to sleep. Never again. If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. From now on, my official turn around time is approximately three weeks.

2. People almost always bought more images than they planned to. In some cases, clients told me they expected to end up with just a couple of shots to frame on the wall, but ended up loving 20-30 pictures enough to keep and pay for them. This is good news for me and my clients. It means I can afford to lower my shoot fee, with the confidence that most people will choose to buy more images than the bare minimum.

3. Photographing multiples is pretty cool, and something that might just become a specialty of mine. My dad is a twin, some good friends of mine have twin daughters, and I had the pleasure of working with I think 10 sets of twins in the first half of 2014. There’s something so unique and beautiful about the relationship that twins have, its kinds of fascinating to see it in action. I would love to collect enough twin portraits to make a book someday. Secretly, I kind of hope the old “it skips a generation” thing is true… maybe one day I’ll have twins of my own. Can you imagine how many photo shoots there would be???

4. Making a client pay for rush processing is not mean, on the contrary, it ensures that other clients get their orders on time. I didn’t ask any of my lucky birthday sale clients to pay extra for rush processing. And wouldn’t you know it, the majority of them had some kind of deadline in mind for the photos that was less than 10-14 days. I recall Mother’s Day was a big one. Because I already had deadlines scheduled every day, when somebody suddenly e-mailed with a request, it meant I was scrambling to get everything done on time. I had to push regular orders back a day or two, then pay the printer for rush fees (up to 50%) out of my own pocket to stick to the delivery dates I originally promised people. A good chunk of what little profit I made on printed products disappeared in those missed rush fees.

5. I need to get a Square reader so I can accept credit cards on the go. I looked into it years ago before it was a common product in Canada, but nowadays I hear from other local vendors that its very reliable, and totally worth it. Up until now, clients needed money in the bank to pay for portraits via e-transfer, cheque, or cash. With Square, clients will be able to pay using credit no matter where our session occurs.

6. People are hesitant to commit any amount of money to a shoot before they know what their images look like. They also don’t want to waste time wading through 20 different package options. There are so many factors that need to align for the perfect portrait shoot: well rested participants, clear skin, good naps, snacks on hand, bad hair days, it can be nerve wracking! Better to pay just a little upfront, knowing you’ll get a handful of good images for sure… and then go from there depending on how well the pictures turn out. Beginning fall 2014, you’ll see new, simplified EBI portrait packages that make life easier for clients.

7. In person ordering sessions save a lot of time in the grand scheme of things. It really does speed things up to go through the proof images together, pick out which ones should be edited, and discuss products tailored to your shoot, face to face. An hour long session is often 3-4 times faster than you trying to make all the decisions yourself, and e-mailing back and forth until your order is confirmed. Its also the best way to ensure that clients end up with actual tangible printed memories at the end of our time together. In some cases, when clients live a ways away from me, it will still make sense to send proof galleries via the Internet and submit orders online. For local families, I’m going to continue to recommend the in person ordering session as a follow up to every shoot.

And so there you have it, seven lessons learned. Although they aren’t the only seven lessons I learned.

Working my tail off for the first 3 months of my 29th year also helped confirm something else for me: this is what I am supposed to be doing with my life. I know I have room for improvement as a photographer, and especially as a business owner. I also know that nothing feels as good as seeing somebody’s face light up when they see their own images for the first time. I’m good at making people feel comfortable being themselves in front of the camera, and the smiles I’ve captured are genuine. I think I’m on the right track.

Steckle Heritage Farm’s Third Annual Easter Egg Hunt

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This past Friday, two hundred children and their parents participated in Steckle Heritage Farm‘s most successful Easter event yet. Now in its third year, the hunt has steadily grown in popularity. In fact, the Steckle team was prepared for a full house after registrations for the 2014 hunt crashed their website almost immediately after it was announced. Fortunately, thanks to some good planning, everybody was happy and cooperative during the hunt and each participant enjoyed an assortment of treats as well as fun farm activities.

The feedback I heard from parents this year has been overwhelmingly positive. From the hunt to the crafts to petting all kinds of baby animals and the DIY photobooth that I provided for parents to use, the crowd agrees, this year’s Easter Egg Hunt at Steckle Heritage Farm was a great time for all involved. Despite grey skies and a little bit of rain towards the end of the second hunt, everyone that came out left with a basket of sweets and a smile.

Thanks to all of the Steckle staff and my fellow volunteers for making this Easter Egg Hunt such a memorable occasion. Happy Easter!!!

Springtime Birthday Photos for Adorable 3 Year Old Twins

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I’ve known these girls since before they were born, and today they turn 3!

This was a very last minute idea, just a handful of shots, just in time for the girls birthday party. The best part is, after many shoots together over the past 3 years, this was the first time the twins were able to collaborate by choosing their own outfits. On the way over, I stopped at the grocery store and picked up a few bouquets of spring flowers to bring some colour to the dull April Canadian landscape. Just by luck, the pink white and yellow flowers coordinated perfectly with the outfits the girls selected. It also just so happens that these two little ladies are about to be big sisters! Definitely cause for celebration.

Happy birthday to two very special, very unique little personalities. Love you M & L!

Full Gallery of 2014 KW Polar Plunge Pictures

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Making A Splash for A Good Cause

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”.

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!

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.

The delightful team that organized the 2014 KW Polar Plunge.

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

Bre Creative always makes time to volunteer for community events.

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

Greg’s Marilyn Monroe moment.

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

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!

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!

Celebrate My Lucky Birthday With A Free Portrait Session!

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Save 100% On Portrait Session Fees To Celebrate My Lucky Birthday!

Today I turn 29, my lucky number. I’ve always imagined that 29 will be the best year of my life. As a teen, I thought maybe I’d have a baby at 29. Or maybe I’d finally marry the love of my life. Or maybe, my photography career would grow exponentially and I’ll finally leave Ramen noodles behind forever. Amazingly, my boyfriend of almost 8 years proposed to me at sunrise on Christmas morning, so at least I get to be engaged at 29. That’s pretty exciting.

Regardless of what else the next year has in store for me, I want to take this opportunity to thank every one of you reading this blog post. Each one of you that’s selected me out of hundreds of photographers to capture your wedding day, or your baby’s newborn moments, and also those of you that never fail to click “like” on Facebook. I’m so grateful to have such a supportive group of family, friends, and regular clients cheering for my little photography business.

Because I’m so pleased to have your support on my lucky birthday, I want to offer you an insane one day bargain.

On March 3rd, 2014, you can save 100% on session fees for all a la carte portrait shoots.

That means you can try out my services absolutely risk free in a studio setting at your home or mine. I’ll cover the $200-$350 session fee that covers my time and talent, education, equipment, travel expenses, editing time, material costs for proofs, and all that jazz.

If you don’t love your portraits, and don’t want to keep any of your photos, you can walk away without paying a cent. If you happen to love your photos, I’ll help you get exactly what you want out of your photo shoot. A week or two after your shoot, I’ll return to show you your edited images and help you decide if you want to create an a la carte collection consisting of digital files, prints, or custom wall art with your new portraits. All digital files will cost $15 each to start. The more photographs you choose to purchase, the more the individual costs come down.

Scroll down for all the details on how to qualify for this sweet deal in under 60 seconds.

THE FINE PRINT:

*Use this free session for any type of portraits during March 2014. It could be family photos (up to 6 people), a couple’s shoot, pet portraits, boudoir photos, first birthday portraits, newborn photos, a cake smash session…

*To qualify for a free session, simply write at least one positive or constructive comment at the bottom of this post, or any other blog post on this site on March 3rd, 2014.

*This free session fee DOES NOT include free prints or digital files. You will get to see your edited photos for free, but must purchase prints or digital files ($15 per print quality digital photo) if you want to keep them. You can view a full a la carte price list here.

*100% discount on session fee applies to clients in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph. Clients that live outside of the Tri-City area in Ontario may be required to pay a mileage fee.

*100% discount applies to any a la carte session, but does not apply to custom photography collections. Confused about the difference? View EBI pricing details here.

*Once you’ve commented on a blog post and visited me on Facebook, e-mail emily@emilybeatty.com on March 3rd to request your free session. All you need to do is state the type of portrait session you want, and 2 or 3 possible shoot dates during March 2014. Make the subject of your message, “Free Shoot For Your Lucky Birthday” and I’ll get back to you within 48 hours to talk about your shoot and select a date. Inquiries after March 3rd at 11:59pm will not be considered for a 100% session fee discount.

*You can find samples of my work here on the blog, and in several galleries over on my website.

*Please “like” Emily Beatty Imagery and share this blog post on Facebook if you haven’t already. (Not required for a free session, but I’d be ever so happy if you did!)

Thanks for being here, and have a great day. I know I will!

Natalie’s Guelph Garden Fashion Photo Shoot

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My dear Aunt Natalie is the youngest of the seven children in my mom’s family. She has built a rewarding career for herself, found love, and pursued many creative endeavors, including writing several books, award winning poems, and teaching herself photography. As far back as I can remember, the two of us have had a special bond. We still really enjoy each other’s company, and she has even assisted me as a second shooter for two weddings.

When she undertook a substantial fitness goal about a year ago, the whole family wished her well. Now, having surpassed her weight loss goals, Natalie is thrilled with her new life and we’re all very proud of her. Although very competent behind a camera, she’s never really been in front of a lens. Back in September, she asked me to take some photos of “The New Natalie” to celebrate her hard work. We planned a full day of magazine style fashion shots so we could have fun with her new wardrobe. I’m very impressed with how she handled my instructions as a first time model. We had so many great shots to choose from. And the shoes! So many awesome heels. She was laughing at me by the end of the day because I had easily taken enough photos of her feet to put together a blog post consisting entirely of shoe shots. I’ll leave that for another day.

It’s March. And yet its still well below freezing and there’s snow in the forecast for the next two weeks. Winter, I am over you. I need the flowers to grow back so we can take more pretty garden inspired photos like these.

Natalie, I can’t wait to have you there with me taking photos on my wedding day. Love you.

2014 KW Polar Plunge Fundraiser for KidsAbility

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The jury is still out on the final total, but word has it that this year’s event raised over $7000, 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”.

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