Cherry Blossoms Devonian Park

My Pandemic Projects

Hello hello!

Long time no see, I hope you’re hanging in there, staying safe and sane. Since we are all in the same physical distance boat, I figured I would use this time to tell you all a bit about what I’m doing in isolation, for the sake of interest or inspiration. Firstly, my themes for 2020 are “Heart Opening” and “Movement”. I know, what do those have to do with photography? Well, that’s what I’m trying to figure out. I am doing some serious investigation and realignment of my purpose, goals, vision and values. That may sound a bit heavy, but I think it’s the best possible thing to be doing! I love photography. I see beauty (and things I want to capture) everywhere and I’m positive that won’t change. However, I also enjoy other things. For example, I love helping people with their businesses! I feel like a professional “encourager” or cheerleader but also a guide and mentor. I often see solutions to other people’s business obstacles. What does my future hold? Perhaps I am some sort of “business healer”.

What else am I doing?

1. Writing a chapter for a book

The chapter is for a book called “A Journey of Riches” subtitle “Return to Love”.  I agreed to do some writing and am loving the process. I’ve been writing informally for most of my life and I am relishing the opportunity to share some stories and, dare I say, wisdom? I mentioned above that heart opening is a theme for 2020, so when I was asked to write for a book called “Return to Love” I took it as a direct sign from the universe. Message: received. Books are a lengthy process so this one won’t be out for several months if even in 2020, but feel free to sign up for my newsletter to get updates, or ask me anytime how things are going!

2. Full-on contemplation

It all started with a re-branding objective, and has now blossomed into much, much more.  I am allocating specific times to think about all aspects of my business, what makes me happiest, how best I can offer myself to the world, what is of highest value and also has high earning potential. To assist me in this process, I downloaded branding worksheets and am going through them. I am asking questions like, “am I reaching the right people? Am I attracting my tribe? Creating what type of images makes me the happiest? What is my purpose?”. These are always important questions but this time of hibernation has allowed me to really dive deep.

3. Going through my box of “journals”

Yup, you know how I mentioned writing for most of my life? I have had journals (upon journals) in storage forever that I’d like to digitize. My journals are filled with… pretty much everything. It’s a mix between business concepts, ideas, personal journal entries, more ideas, and life planning. I have been going through them and deciding what is worth transcribing so I can organize them all onto a digital platform to be able to actually do something with them. I’m not sure what this looks like yet, but stay tuned 😀

4. I occasionally record and post videos of myself lip syncing in the living room

I call this #lipsynclivingroom and fine, I’ve only done one so far. But please, join me! If you’d like to participate or feel like embarrassing yourself, I am here to support you. DM me immediately. 

5. Fitness related activities

Working on my “movement” theme for 2020 pushed me to try a new type of fitness! Before social distancing I managed to install a pole into my apartment, so I’ve been doing pole dance tutorials. So fun, but so hard. I also love audio workouts on the Aaptiv app (highly recommend, try a free trial here!) Also, when the weather is beautiful, like it has been this week, I like going for short runs around my area, and of course, admiring all the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Check out some cherry blossoms photos on my Instagram.

Here’s one of my favourites! 🌸 Did you notice how I managed to turn a point about fitness into a point about cherry blossoms?🙄

6. Setting a timer so I remember to get up every hour

Sad but true. I’s very easy for me to sit in front of the computer from morning to night and only get up to eat (this has happened, so now, we have the timer, it works wonders!)

7. Unwrapping my new camera bag! And video-ing myself doing it!

I ordered an amazing camera bag called the “Camera Pack” from Kickstarter. The bag was made as a collab between Peter Mckinnon and Nomatic. It is sleek, sturdy and spacious. Now (well, when isolation is done) I will be able to comfortably cycle, or motorcycle, to shoots or even hike comfortably with all my gear. Click here for a video of me reviewing this awesome bag.
Bear with me, it’s my first product review video and first IGTV attempt. Actually, don’t watch it.

8. Last but not least, implementing GTD, or “Getting Things Done”

GTD is an amazing book (and system and lifestyle!) by David Allen that I read in December that has revolutionized my life. This book is full of life changing tips, but one of my favourites is learning to “trust the system”. This is a lesson that will always be ongoing, especially in times of uncertainty such as the one we are experiencing now, but holding onto this trust allows me to stay grounded and present in the current moment. My biggest takeaway from the book was the “getting in to empty” phase. This means collecting (capturing) ALL the things in my head, life and space, and putting them into one giant “inbox” or in my case, the “in-corner” (since I had so much stuff). During this phase I compiled all the lists I had around my space (digital, paper, notebooks) and went through all the items on these lists and decided what to do with them. As you can imagine this took quite awhile. “Getting in to empty” focuses on the idea that once you decide what to do about the unfinished items taking up space in your head, you create a clearing of mental energy, allowing more space for creative flow. If anyone is interested in this book I would LOVE to discuss it further!

I hope everyone is hanging in there during these uncertain times, if anyone wants to talk photography, life, or business (or movement or heart opening or pole dancing or organizing) feel free to reach out. I will be making more videos and blogs to keep myself busy, and to keep you (and me) entertained! Let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like to see or hear about.

See you soon!

Suzanne

Iyengar Yoga in Vancouver. Three yogis in triangle pose at Studio on 7th. It's a bright, welcoming space with gorgeous high ceilings and fantastic natural light.

Yoga Photo Shoot

I recently photographed four yoga instructors for their promotional material and websites. This is my favourite type of shoot! The studio space at Yoga on 7th was bright and spacious, with high ceilings and white walls. The light bounced beautifully around the room, and I was able to perfectly balance my strobe with the window light, for a natural look without shadows. This is always the goal.

Close images show the focus of the yogis and add a nice touch of closeness to the set. This is who you will actually see when you take a class with any of these women. I think it creates a connection between the viewer and instructor.

You’d think all they do is eagle pose 🙂 This image shows the space, the equipment, and the individual style of each instructor.

yoga shoot yoga shootyoga shoot

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