Losing a pet is hard. It’s been three months now since my Reese crossed the Rainbow Bridge, and I’ve been missing her so much. Thinking about her lately has brought me back to another sweet girl that I was so glad to have met over a year ago now, on her very last day. Nikita was such a sweet old gal, who was very unwell. I met with her and her humans early in the morning on her very last day, and to say that this session tugged on my heartstrings would be an understatement. This session left me downright brokenhearted.
People commission me to photograph their pets for a variety of reasons… one of them is to memorialize their loyal companions at the end of their lives. It’s never easy for anyone, but it is my hope that having these moments to look back on can help bring peace. Losing a pet is like losing a friend, and the pain that humans feel when I help them to document these very last hours and days is always palpable. I remember sitting in my car when this session was over and letting myself have tears for their pain. Creating their gallery, I was so happy with just how beautiful the images of Nikita turned out – my greatest hope was that they would help heal their pain over time.
I didn’t realize just how powerful these images were until I entered one into an International Competition and it became a Finalist in the Passion Portraits category out of hundreds of thousands of entries.
Meet Nikita, her eyes will show you just what a kind, brave, loyal and beautiful soul that she was.
Raindance Photography is Barrie’s exclusive newborn, baby, child, family, maternity and pet photographer. Specializing in studio photography and outdoor portrait sessions and servicing Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Midland, and Penetanguishene since 2011. To book your indoor or outdoor photo session with Raindance Photography, please contact info@raindancephoto.ca
I can’t even tell you how excited I am to finally make this happen! The wheels have been turning on the Fine Art Collection for years now. I have always wanted to create a more luxurious, timeless, classic, evocative line of portraits. The first time someone contacted me and asked to commission my services for “just one portrait”, I thought “well, that’s not how I work…” and that left me sitting there scratching my head and wondering “Do people REALLY want JUST ONE great portrait?” Turns out, the answer is “YES” they do.
Once upon a time (in like, the olden days) 😛 Photographers were commissioned to create portraits. They didn’t host the more lifestyle/candid sessions that we’re so accustomed to nowadays thanks, in part, to digital technology (which I still love dearly, but this is something completely different) – they had “sittings” and the photographs they created were timeless and became heirloom pieces that were passed on for generations. I am in possession of more than one commissioned portrait of grandparents and great-grandparents, and I’ve got to tell you, they are some of our most treasured heirlooms.
I want to bring that service back with a modern spin. When I first started planning for this launch, it was my intention to launch in the Pet Division first (hence why you’ll see more fine art images of pets than the non-furry variety at this time)… but then as I started posting the teaser images, more and more people started contacting me asking if I could photograph their children (and families!) in this style as well. So, as a result, I am excited to be officially launching The Fine Art Collection service today, and offering an AMAZING launch discount to both fur-babies AND my human clients to try out at 50% off (limited spaces available, must be booked during the two weeks listed below.
Want to try the Fine Art Collection yourself?
CONTACT ME TODAY to snag one of the limited discounted timeslots! (Check your junk/spam folders if you don’t hear back from me within 48 business hours – Mon-Fri)
When will the sessions take place?
The discounted launch event will take place July 9-13, 2018 AND August 13-17, 2018 from 10am to 2pm daily.
What’s the deal?
$99+hst is required to book your session. This fee covers your 45 minute session and 1 digital file of your choice via digital download. This is a 50% discount off of regular price!
Raindance Photography is Barrie’s exclusive newborn, baby, child, family, maternity and pet photographer. Specializing in studio photography and outdoor portrait sessions and servicing Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Midland, and Penetanguishene since 2011. To book your indoor or outdoor photo session with Raindance Photography, please contact info@raindancephoto.ca
REMAINING 2018 SUMMER AVAILABILITY
Tuesday June 5 @ 6 & 7pm
Tuesday June 19 @ 7pm (The Field)
Tuesday June 26 @ 6 & 7pm
Tuesday July 24 @ 7pm (The Beach) – BOOKED
Tuesday August 7, 14 & 21 @ 6
Tuesday August 21 @ 7pm – BOOKED
Rain dates are Wednesday/Thursday evenings.
This is it for the Summer months, once they’re gone, they’re gone! These timeslots are for outdoor Summer Golden Hour Portraits for both Raindance Photography families, children, maternity, and The Pet Division.
To snag your timeslot, please fill out the booking form (in comments) and email info@raindancephoto.ca with your preferred date (if you have one). 😀
Raindance Photography is Barrie’s exclusive newborn, baby, child, family, maternity and pet photographer. Specializing in studio photography and outdoor portrait sessions and servicing Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Midland, and Penetanguishene since 2011. To book your indoor or outdoor photo session with Raindance Photography, please contact info@raindancephoto.ca
Today’s adorable pug faces are Mia & Oliver! This sweet duo came in to model for my April (Easter) and July calendar spreads! Big sister, Mia, seemed embarrassed over her little brother’s antics, but that’s okay… their little personalities were pretty awesome and Oliver sticking his tongue out at me was pretty funny! 😉
Enjoy!
Today’s pug blog belongs to Kiki! I loved this little face so much! Kiki was my “March” calendar spread and was so full of character!
I’m having so much fun sharing all of these adorable pug faces this week! Keep watching, still a bunch more to go! 😉
Raindance Photography is Barrie’s exclusive newborn, baby, child, family, maternity and pet photographer. Specializing in studio photography and outdoor portrait sessions and servicing Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Midland, and Penetanguishene since 2011. To book your indoor or outdoor photo session with Raindance Photography, please contact info@raindancephoto.ca
Leaf was one of the youngest Pug pups to pose for the 2018 Pug Calendar last Fall. She was my February model and I just loved her seriously worried little face! lol! She was so shy, peeking around her Mama to catch glimpses of me every once in a while until she warmed up enough for me to get what I needed.
Despite how unsure she was, her images are some of my favourites! Enjoy! 😉
Raindance Photography is Barrie’s exclusive newborn, baby, child, family, maternity and pet photographer. Specializing in studio photography and outdoor portrait sessions and servicing Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Midland, and Penetanguishene since 2011. To book your indoor or outdoor photo session with Raindance Photography, please contact info@raindancephoto.ca
Meet Pig! This little character was my calendar model for my January and August spreads… he was such a sport – wearing a scarf and booties AND posing in his pool floatie (safety first!) lol!
My kids got to meet Pig while he was here and completely fell in love. I did too. You will too, once you see what a little ham he was! Enjoy! 😉
Raindance Photography is Barrie’s exclusive newborn, baby, child, family, maternity and pet photographer. Specializing in studio photography and outdoor portrait sessions and servicing Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Midland, and Penetanguishene since 2011. To book your indoor or outdoor photo session with Raindance Photography, please contact info@raindancephoto.ca
This week, I am going to be sharing at least one pug session per day on my blog, because pugs make everyone smile and who doesn’t need a smile!? Seriously!
Last November, I undertook a personal project called “The Pug Project”, where I photographed 9 different pugs on a variety of different themed sets for the purpose of a 2018 Pug Calendar (The cover photo is below) 😉
I’ve chosen to start my week of sharing with sweet old Tucker. Tucker was nearly 13 when she came in to see me… I was pretty excited when her Mama submitted her photo for consideration for the Pug Project, because I wanted a variety of sizes, shapes, colours, and ages and she was definitely the oldest gal up for consideration. There was no doubt in my mind that Tucker would become my “December Pug”. She had sweet, kind, happy eyes and a tongue that didn’t quite fit back in her mouth anymore – she stole my heart immediately. When the time came for her session, she rocked it!
Sadly, last week, Tucker crossed the Rainbow Bridge… which is why I thought it incredibly fitting to honour her today by starting my week of Pug sharing with her. 🙂
Thank you, Tucker, for being a rockstar “Christmas Pug” for me, and for the years of loyalty and companionship that you gave your humans. You will be missed.
Raindance Photography is Barrie’s exclusive newborn, baby, child, family, maternity and pet photographer. Specializing in studio photography and outdoor portrait sessions and servicing Barrie, Orillia, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Midland, and Penetanguishene since 2011. To book your indoor or outdoor photo session with Raindance Photography, please contact info@raindancephoto.ca
I look forward to this moment from the very beginning of the year each year! There is nothing I love more than being able to host the Client Appreciation Contest as a big huge “Thank You” to every one of the clients who chooses to hire me each year. You could have chosen any one of a massive quantity of other photographers in this area, but you didn’t. You chose me, and for that, I am truly thankful!
So, in appreciation, each year I host this end of the year contest where you have an opportunity to win everything from an entirely free session to gift cards, canvas, and a mounted print!
So, What Are These Prizes!?
Grand Prize (Winner selected via random.org) – Complimentary All Inclusive Portrait Session ($960 Value)
Secondary Prize 1 – $200 Gift Certificate to use towards any Raindance Photography service. I’m always really excited about Secondary Prize 1, as it is chosen by the Grand prize winner! The Grand Prize winner will be required to go through the entries and select which one they think most deserves this prize!
Secondary Prize 2 (Winner calculated by number of Facebook Votes Received) – 16×20 Gallery Wrap Canvas (1″) of the entry submitted.
Secondary Prize 3 (Winner calculated by number of Facebook Votes Received) – 16×20 Mounted Wall Print of the entry submitted.
Secondary Prize 4 (Winner calculated by number of Facebook Votes Received) – $100 Gift Certificate to use towards any Raindance Service.
How Do We Enter?
Entering this year couldn’t be easier. Just CLICK HERE and fill out the form, upload your image, and press “submit!”
Deadline for submissions is January 7, 2018, at midnight.
When Will Voting Begin?
The Contest Album will be uploaded to Facebook on Monday December 18, 2017. Voting will run until January 8, 2018, at midnight. Winners will be announced on January 9, 2018, via the Raindance Photography Blog.
Everyone wants to win something, and I don’t often give away free creative portrait sessions, but I’m desperately trying to raise as much money as I can for a fantastic cause! 🙂
I am so proud to be part of a network of amazing photographers in this area who, each year, donate their time and talent to help raise money, toys, and food for those less fortunate.
My business model is unique in this region, being one of only a few professional photographers who offer Custom Pet Portraiture. As such, my “Giving Back” service to my community is to raise as much money as I can each year to a deserving local animal rescue.
This year, I have chosen to support Street Cats Rescue. Of the original 42 timeslots that were available on Saturday November 25th, 21 still remain. I want to fill them ALL so that I can give as much as possible to this amazing organization!
So, I’m offering a wee incentive to fill those remaining timeslots! I am going to be giving away TWO Creative Portrait packages (valued at $375+hst each) to be used in 2018!
There are two ways to win:
1. Anyone who donates and signs up for the event will be entered into a draw, which I will do live once all spots are filled. (Yes, this also applies to those already booked). Donation amount is only $40 and covers your session and a digital file of your choice with print release and rights to share online. SIGN UP HERE: http://raindancephoto.ca/mach/view.php?id=46563
2. TAG SOMEONE who has a pet who might be interested in this event. The tag must be on THIS ORIGINAL POST to count. IF the person you tag signs up for the event, YOUR name will be entered into the draw for the Creative Portrait Package!
BONUS: EVERYONE who tags a friend on this post will be entered into a draw to win a $25 Starbucks Gift Card (because it’s that time of year when we could ALL use just a bit more caffeine!)
Here are just a very small sampling of portraits from last years’ Pet Photo Event. I can’t wait to meet your fur babies!
What an amazing experience! Stephanie was super comfortable to work with and exceeded all expectations!
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
I just loved doing our gender reveal photoshoot. It was so much fun and I just love the pictures. I can’t stop looking at the blog!! I can’t believe I am having another girl! It is so awesome to have that moment captured forever.… Read more
Great with my baby and offers lots of choice!
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 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
Loved our family photo’s! Very accommodating and great with kids 🙂 Excellent Customer Service! Nothing but 5*’s for Raindance Photography!
Amazing photographer, some of our best family photos are from Stephanie.
Just wanted to say thank you for the GREAT experience! I was so disappointed at the hospital when the nurses were too busy to get a family picture of the 3 of us. After having our photo session with you, I felt a lot better. You … 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 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.
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
Stephanie made our newborn session a special experience! Her studio is clean, organized, and professional. She totally takes control by helping sooth the baby. She definitely has the most care and patience I’ve seen and a special vi… 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 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
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
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
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
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
I am a firm believer in the importance of recommendation. I think that when someone, or a company (big or small) goes above and beyond your expectations you should not only tell them, but tell others! My husband and I had such a diff… Read more