A long time and very dear friend of mine (and MJ Photography), Dehara September, was chosen to be featured in HUSH Magazine’s ‘In Her Room’.  This was no surprise to me at all as she is known to grace such a striking beauty and a confident persona that is hard to shake off.  She has been a muse of mine ever since I took an interest in photography and shares a connection with my camera lens like no other.  We’ve created such beautiful images in the past because of our chemistry, there’s no surprise that the most recent one  (which is featured in her article) is an absolute stunner.  One common denominator for the both of us is the love for music.  Music is one of my main inspirations in my work and in life in general.  Throughout the years we had spent many nights listening to Sade or Erykah Badu with a bottle of wine chatting about life and love.  Which then led to spontaneous photo sessions.  I’ve witnessed her life’s darkest days as she suffered some devastating blows that can cripple the weak as well as her life’s celebrations and accomplishments in her career and in life… and her different hairstyles that complemented her life’s turning points so boldly.

She is a lover, a mother, a singer, a soccer player, and entrepreneur.   She is multi-faceted and shines so bright. She is a perfect example of a powerful woman and she does it unapologetically.

You can read her interview by HUSH Magazine HERE.

I hope everyone is transitioning smoothly from the holidays to the new year!  ‘Tis the season for for longer days and goal setting for 2016!  I have a few personal goals– To be the best I can be for Noah, my three month old son, and his daddy… and less texting, more one-on-one conversations.  With that aside, I also have some goals for 2016 on behalf of MJ Photography– and that’s to cater and provide a positive and unforgettable experience to all women of all ages, to celebrate any milestone of her life.  To let her beauty shine through her photographs for her loved ones, for her children, and most importantly for herself.  I wanted to explain the different styles of shoots I have to offer.  

• Luxe Portraits
  
• ‘White Sheet’ Boudoir
• Moody Boudoir
• Branding / Business Headshots

Luxe Portraits

Not to get confused with those portrait sessions you have done at Sears, or the cheesy, I meant dreamy glamour portraits from the 80’s (No need to dig up that feather boa).  It’s modern and couture inspired.  It’s fit for a cover of a magazine like Vanity Fair or Vogue.  

‘White Sheet’ Boudoir

It’s coffee in the morning and intimate pillow talk.  No wardrobe needed here.  Let me pose you in bed as you’re wrapped around your own white bedsheet.  Bare all… or not (Totally up to you), as this flattering for all style is classy yet seductive, flirtatious and fun.  

Moody Boudoir

A more risqué of the bunch.  Bring your favourite lingerie and your stilettos while I pose you against shadow and light.  Not to worry if its your first time, I’ll direct you.  I may or may not have The Weeknd’s old stuff playing in the background. 

Branding / Business Headshots

Super quick and straight to business.  I provide branding / business headshots to those (mom)(entre)preneurs and boss ladies.  

There ya have it.  Four different ways you can exist in photographs by MJ Photography.  Please note each experience will begin with a complete makeover*.  How you do want me to photograph you?  Shoot me a message and let’s start planning your dream photoshoot!

Marissa XO

*optional for the Branding / Business Headshots only

“I am always on the other side of the camera and have never really been one to switch roles. But recently I have been quite curious as to how the “subject/muse”, person I am photographing feels. What better way to experience that then by actually putting yourself in their shoes. Letting the self conscious walls down and saying screw it and taking the plunge.

As I get older I have been discovering how important it is to not get caught up in the social media world and to understand that beauty has no limits. Most of what you see online is just a highlight reel anyway. What I think is beautiful may be different as to what you think is beautiful, and thats okay.”  - Aleshia

I’ve been photographing everything and anything since I bought my beloved camera.  I found myself drawn towards photographing people– what ever it is, from children’s portraits to boudoir, there was always that one common factor– and that was a sense of connection between myself and the person I was photographing.  There’s a moment when my client looks past the lens of my camera and directly at me, I feed off it and it drives me to photograph more.  I may not be the best photographer out there but I am confident to say that I have strong connection existing in my photographs… and I take pride in it..

When I got pregnant, I made a decision with MJ Photography to focus more on providing an experience– and not just a photoshoot, for our everyday hardworking women.  Whether she would be a young lady just emerging into this hectic scary working world as an independent adult, or a devoted mom of two who’s everyday life consists of round the clock feedings and diaper changes.  At the end of it all, there is pure beauty within, and sometimes– especially with how the social media has warped what is considered beautiful, we lose touch with our sparkle.  My most favourite photographer, Sue Bryce, expressed many times over how important it is to exist in photos– Do it for your children, your parents, your beau, but most importantly do it for YOU.

During this experience you get to bring with you your most favourite of outfits and jewellery, receive a full makeover by a talented makeup artist and be photographed by me.   Here are some photographs I did for Aleshia, who definitely carries a genuine sparkle– and it shines through her images.