I’m really excited to announce that I’ll be hosting a Headshot Blitz happening on the afternoon of Saturday, October 17, 2020 at the gorgeous Werklab Coworking Spaces in Vancouver, BC.  This is a fantastic opportunity to have a few headshots taken without the need to book a full photoshoot (which by the way, my next availability for a session is February 2021!).  

So if you’re in need of a headshot refresh for your website, social media platforms, and marketing material… or if you’ve just started your business and need just a couple of professional images to introduce your awesome self to the world, this is a perfect chance to get what you need in just 15 mins with me and my camera, all for just $79.

What’s Included:

• 15-Minute coached photo session 
• Multiple scenes to choose from
• ONE headshot image of your choice (with the option to purchase more images)
• Images will be edited and retouched with my signature style 

Are you in?  Do you have any questions?  Shoot me a message at mjphoto.van@gmail.com .

…but don’t wait on this.  There is limited availability, so claim your spot today!  Hope to see you soon!

To view the actual images taken at The Wild at Heart Workshop, click  HERE.

Joshua Tree, CA

It’s been exactly one year since I attended the Wild At Heart Boudoir Workshop, but ever after capturing thousands of photos that magical weekend, it took a global pandemic and me being quarantined at home for me to actually sit down and write about it.

Ever since I took an interest (and became OBSESSED) with the art of Boudoir Photography, I’ve always looked online for inspiration.  Who are the Masters at creating such intimate art that really speaks to my heart?  Who’s work did I want my images to aspire to?  It was then when I discovered the body of work created by Jasmin Pickens.  When she announced she was teaming up with Jessica Rae, another insanely talented boudoir photographer and educator extraordinaire, to create an intimate and intensive boudoir workshop in the deserts of Southern California, I did not hesitate to reserve one of the 5 spots available.  I lucked out as it was sold out in no time!  I packed my bags, kissed my family goodbye for now and flew from the Vancouver spring chill to the sunny Palm Springs Desert.  

Touchdown

I eventually drove up to Yucca Valley to a beautiful rancher in the middle of the desert where I met such amazing fellow photographers from Canada and the US, and the talented Jasmin and Jessica.  I was pretty excited to meet these two talented women in person.  I would be roomies with these creatives for the next few days to just learn and shoot.  It was just exactly what I needed.

Yucca Valley, CA

After a time to settle and introduce ourselves, we didn’t waste any more time as models started arriving and getting ready.  We were photographing models in the different rooms and corners of the house with two groups led by either Jessica or Jasmin.  We eventually drove up to Joshua Tree and continued shooting with the most gorgeous desert landscape as our backdrop.  We eventually ended our day shooting during sunset with a beautiful Reclamation Dress.

Behind the Scenes

This is US

Joshua Tree

Moment captured by Jessica Rae

The next day we woke up before dawn to photograph as the sun rose in front of us.  I never woke up that early for a shoot but I know now how priceless and so worth it it is.  It was then when I captured one of my most favorite shots I ever took!  As the day progressed, another batch of models arrived and we were free to photograph them inside the house and around the property, practicing what we had learned from our teachers.  Later that afternoon, after the models left we eventually all agreed that we would take ourselves, along with a bottle of wine, to the desert and photograph each other.  With not a care in the world, it was then when we let go of any hang ups, and emotional and physical baggage and be free with the desert wind while being photographed by one another.  I have to admit: As a boudoir photographer, I hadn’t walked the walk nor had I been in front of the lens in this type of nature until this moment.  It was then when I really experienced the therapeutic, self-healing and liberating effects of an intimate photo session for myself.

Props

I am proud of the photos that were taken that amazing weekend, but behind those photos lie a collection of memories that I will keep close to me.  My biggest take away from the workshop?  To be more free.  

Captured by Jasmin Pickens

To allow freedom when I shoot.  Not everything needs to be perfectly placed.  Movement in photos has a certain beauty that cannot be duplicated, posed or staged.

Also, to allow more freedom as a woman.  It’s okay to go out of your comfort zone for the hell of it.  I used to live my life spontaneously but  I’ve lost touch with that side of me ever since I had children.  I needed to be reacquainted with that side of me that weekend in the desert… and I’m so glad I did.  Now more than ever I strongly believe that once in a while, every woman needs to reconnect with their inner wild child.

…until we meet again.

Enough with the chatter, let’s check out some of the MAGIC taken from The Wild at Heart Workshop by clicking  HERE.