I might get a little deep with this blog, so bear with me…
Every few years, I like to try and photograph my children with their best friends. My “why” for doing this probably isn’t what most people would expect… I mean, they’re beautiful and they look lovely in my portfolio, but that is not my “why”.
When I was the same age as my daughter is now (7), my then-BFF and I declared that we were best friends, and that we would be forever. It turned out, that her and I would be the kind of friends who could drift apart and together again over the years and fall back into pace with each other like there had never been any time apart. She was the sort of perfect friend that everybody always wishes for – she was always smiling, always listening, and she always just happened to turn up when I needed her the most.
17 years ago yesterday, I saw her for the last time, as she drove past me and asked if I needed a lift home from college. 17 years ago today, she left this Earth, far too soon. 17 years has gone by and STILL I expect to see her turn up every now and again, with that smile on her face that everyone loved so much.
I think about her often, and being the visual creative type that I am, I WISH that I had more photographs of her and of her and I together. She is my reason for photographing my children with their best friends. I know that these friendships and close bonds that they have formed at this time in their lives will live with them in their memories forever, no matter where in the world they all end up. I want them to be able to look back and remember that love and happiness that they all felt when they were together. I hope that they will be able to look at these images when they’ve had a falling out and remember why they loved each other in the first place.
Even if you don’t have professional images of your family, or children, or friends – for the love of everything, people, grab whatever camera you can find and just start snapping! Make sure you’re in those photographs too! You never realize how important photographs are until they’re all you have left. And if you’ve ever wanted professional photos of you and your best friend (or best group of friends!), I’m happy to help!
In Loving Memory of Ashley – You will never be forgotten!
Raindance Photography is Barrie’s exclusive newborn, baby, child, family, maternity and pet photographer. Specializing in studio photography and outdoor portrait sessions and servicing clients from Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, North Bay, Midland, and Penetanguishene since 2011. To book your indoor or outdoor photo session with Raindance Photography, please contact info@raindancephoto.ca
Words can’t express the amount of admiration I have for this photographer. She is capturing all of the biggest moments of my familys life. She has a natural talent that you cannot teach anyone. Her pictures are beautiful and she is so … Read more
From boudoir to kids to family – this lady will amaze you with her ability to capture your moment! The kids photos are so life-like, real… showing the personality, the age, innocence, and mischievousness! Family portraits are fun, r… Read more
Stephanie did our Newborn and mommy and me photos this year and did such an amazing job! The way she handled our daughter during the newborn session had my husband and I in awe.. she was so calm/gentle and so professional. I Highly rec… Read more
Stephanie, The pictures are absolutely beautiful! Everyone is so happy! You did an awesome job and made our bachelorette party very memorable. You are an extremely talented photographer. 🙂
Loved our family photo’s! Very accommodating and great with kids 🙂 Excellent Customer Service! Nothing but 5*’s for Raindance Photography!
Absolutely fantastic! Stephanie was so great with our daughter, Ellie! She had beautiful props and backdrops and the pictures were stunning!!! Number one photo studio! We absolutely loved Ellie’s photos and couldn’t ask for anythin… Read more
We have been clients of Raindance Photography for years. She has documented my child’s life from around age one, and I treasure all of the photos she has taken. My son has some significant disabilities, and Stephanie has always been ki… Read more
Stephanie is an amazing photographer who is very friendly and professional. We have always enjoyed ourselves and have felt comfortable and relaxed during our photo sessions with her. She is the type of person you feel like you’ve known… Read more
We have been having our photos taken with Steph at least once a year for the past few years! Every time I book an appointment, I am so excited. she is amazing with kids and always gets pictures when I don’t think we will. We are st… Read more
I found Raindance Photography through another Facebook group. I checked out the work, and really liked it, so I then followed it. After my son was born, I knew I wanted pictures of him, (what mom doesn’t?!), so I just kept waiting and … Read more
What an amazing experience! Stephanie was super comfortable to work with and exceeded all expectations!
Stephanie is amazing. She is always calm and able to capture great photos, even when the littles are not at their best! She is gentle, relaxed, and the children always respond to her! She does amazing work.
Stephanie from Raindance Photography did our amazing family photos, she was absolutely fantastic. My family “may” have been at each other’s throats mere seconds before arriving at her studio, but with her friendly, easy-going nature, … Read more
We have had the pleasure of using Stephanie at Raindance Photography for at least 3 extended family photo shoots. Her work is lovely, she is friendly, great at communication and so adaptive when working with our family with ages baby t… Read more
Stephanie has been taking our family photos for years and they never disappoint! She’s amazing with the kids and always gets so many great shots that I have a hard time making decisions on which to get. Pro tip – get the package that i… Read more
Steph did my son’s cake smash pictures for his first birthday & they were AMAZING. My family absolutely loved them all! We had a wonderful experience too, very professional, friendly & outgoing. We got the best smiles out of my little … Read more
Great with my baby and offers lots of choice!
I first took my four children to Raindance Photography in 2011. I told Stephanie I didn’t need a group shot of them as they wouldn’t sit nicely together for more than two seconds anyway, just take individual shots. I couldn’t believe… Read more
Amazing photographer, some of our best family photos are from Stephanie.
My husband and I have had the pleasure of working with Stephanie 3 times now and it was always a wonderful experience. She makes you feel very comfortable in front of the camera and she was also just amazing with my son when he was onl… Read more
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