Two days into my Yellowknife Vacation and I have felt so much love and support. There have been deep conversations with friends, laughter, and moments of intense creativity.
Last year I worked with Erykah on two creative portraiture projects, one was regarding Mother Earth and the second was a Levitation portrait.
Erykah is a true creative, she is an exceptional nail tech, Jagua designer, dancer, and model. Not only was it a joy to photograph her in the heart of Yellowknife overlooking Frame Lake, but it was refreshing to reconnect and spend some quality time together.
I brought my bolt of tule and lace with me in my carry on and I fashioned a dress from a white bed sheet and used the tule to create shape and an ethereal movement to the fabric as well. It’s creative sessions like these that revive me as an artist.
I hope you all enjoy this new series!
Erykah tam, Fine Art Portraiture, Yellowknife Photography, NWT Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, SLPHOTO, Summer, 2015.Erykah tam, Fine Art Portraiture, Yellowknife Photography, NWT Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, SLPHOTO, Summer, 2015.Erykah tam, Fine Art Portraiture, Yellowknife Photography, NWT Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, SLPHOTO, Summer, 2015.Erykah tam, Fine Art Portraiture, Yellowknife Photography, NWT Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, SLPHOTO, Summer, 2015.Erykah tam, Fine Art Portraiture, Yellowknife Photography, NWT Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, SLPHOTO, Summer, 2015.Erykah tam, Fine Art Portraiture, Yellowknife Photography, NWT Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, SLPHOTO, Summer, 2015.Erykah tam, Fine Art Portraiture, Yellowknife Photography, NWT Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, SLPHOTO, Summer, 2015.Erykah tam, Fine Art Portraiture, Yellowknife Photography, NWT Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, SLPHOTO, Summer, 2015.Erykah tam, Fine Art Portraiture, Yellowknife Photography, NWT Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, SLPHOTO, Summer, 2015.Erykah tam, Fine Art Portraiture, Yellowknife Photography, NWT Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, SLPHOTO, Summer, 2015.Erykah tam, Fine Art Portraiture, Yellowknife Photography, NWT Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, SLPHOTO, Summer, 2015.Erykah tam, Fine Art Portraiture, Yellowknife Photography, NWT Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, SLPHOTO, Summer, 2015.Erykah tam, Fine Art Portraiture, Yellowknife Photography, NWT Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, SLPHOTO, Summer, 2015.Erykah tam, Fine Art Portraiture, Yellowknife Photography, NWT Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, SLPHOTO, Summer, 2015.Erykah tam, Fine Art Portraiture, Yellowknife Photography, NWT Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, SLPHOTO, Summer, 2015.Erykah tam, Fine Art Portraiture, Yellowknife Photography, NWT Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, SLPHOTO, Summer, 2015.Erykah tam, Fine Art Portraiture, Yellowknife Photography, NWT Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, SLPHOTO, Summer, 2015.Erykah tam, Fine Art Portraiture, Yellowknife Photography, NWT Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, SLPHOTO, Summer, 2015.Erykah tam, Fine Art Portraiture, Yellowknife Photography, NWT Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, SLPHOTO, Summer, 2015.Erykah tam, Fine Art Portraiture, Yellowknife Photography, NWT Photography, Stephanie Lauren Photography, SLPHOTO, Summer, 2015.
I often find myself online looking for inspiration. Today I came back to two photographers that I love, Miss Aniela and Aaron Nace of Phlearn. Their work in levitation photography sparked my creativity.
Erykah Tam, my most recent model for my “regrowth” series ( which I will be featuring on the blog this next month) had the perfect dancer like posture that levitation photography requires.
This Photograph is titled “Mind over Matter” and I want to keep adding to this levitation series. If you are interested in learning the technique both in shooting and surreal editing I am considering hosting a “Levitation Photography Workshop” in Chilliwack BC this fall.
If you like this image, please share and leave a comment!
Michael and Arielle have been close friends of my husband from long before I even met Ian. While Michael and Ian have followed very similar career paths, their differences are what make for such a strong friendship.
Today we decided (since both of our husbands are in town, Ian and Mike are usually on opposite camp rotations) that today would be the perfect time to do their photo session. On this golden afternoon we wanted to thank Mike and Arielle for all their hard work in our wedding this january, with Mike being Ian’s best man, and Arielle being responsible for our yummy reception cupcakes.
Thank You Mike and Arielle!
If you like my photos, please feel free to share, leave a comment, or contact me about booking your own session. Don’t forget to like my page if you want to see more photos like this!
Mike and Arielle Taekema, Yellowknife Portrait Photography, Northwest Territories, Frame Lake Trail, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2014.Mike and Arielle Taekema, Yellowknife Portrait Photography, Northwest Territories, Frame Lake Trail, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2014.Mike and Arielle Taekema, Yellowknife Portrait Photography, Northwest Territories, Frame Lake Trail, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2014.Mike and Arielle Taekema, Yellowknife Portrait Photography, Northwest Territories, Frame Lake Trail, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2014.Mike and Arielle Taekema, Yellowknife Portrait Photography, Northwest Territories, Frame Lake Trail, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2014.Mike and Arielle Taekema, Yellowknife Portrait Photography, Northwest Territories, Frame Lake Trail, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2014.Mike and Arielle Taekema, Yellowknife Portrait Photography, Northwest Territories, Frame Lake Trail, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2014.Mike and Arielle Taekema, Yellowknife Portrait Photography, Northwest Territories, Frame Lake Trail, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2014.Mike and Arielle Taekema, Yellowknife Portrait Photography, Northwest Territories, Frame Lake Trail, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2014.Mike and Arielle Taekema, Yellowknife Portrait Photography, Northwest Territories, Frame Lake Trail, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2014.Mike and Arielle Taekema, Yellowknife Portrait Photography, Northwest Territories, Frame Lake Trail, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2014.Mike and Arielle Taekema, Yellowknife Portrait Photography, Northwest Territories, Frame Lake Trail, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2014.Mike and Arielle Taekema, Yellowknife Portrait Photography, Northwest Territories, Frame Lake Trail, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2014.Mike and Arielle Taekema, Yellowknife Portrait Photography, Northwest Territories, Frame Lake Trail, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2014.
Zoey is a breathtaking dog, she is a Blue Heeler/Border Collie Cross. The perfect mixture of good behaviour, steadfast adoration of her owners, and a very smart canine overall.
Mike and Arielle Taekema, Yellowknife Portrait Photography, Northwest Territories, Frame Lake Trail, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2014.Mike and Arielle Taekema, Yellowknife Portrait Photography, Northwest Territories, Frame Lake Trail, Stephanie Lauren Photography, 2014.
“They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
This verse has been a favourite of mine for countless years and a source of inspiration for my photo-shoot with Gwich’in model, Nigit’Stil. I had bought the feathers many months ago in hopes to bring my dream to life; when Nigit’Stil echoed my idea in creative conversation I knew she had to be my face for the series.
The night before our session I planned out lighting, make-up, and composition. I have a deep passion for photography, but not many people know my love for makeup artistry which I do like to stretch my muscles in these creative situations. I really love how it translated so fluidly with my vision to include feathers in lieu of her eyebrows. It is truly a blessing to have a fellow artist like Nigit’Stil have full faith in my creative direction.
I hope you enjoy the creative vision for my series of images entitled “The weight of my wings”.
After our indoor portraits Nigit Stil and I ventured out into the brush of Yellowknife. I specifically wanted to have two very different styles within this photo-shoot. The first being a cascading entanglement of feathers and hair, and the second to be a magnificent nest of brown curls and feathers. I was very happy with the conversion that took no less than 5 minutes to pin up.
There is nothing greater than the last image of a session taking your breath away completely. This last portrait below was taken as I was disassembling my studio lighting, I saw this pose and took what is one of my most favourite creative portraits to date!
I had the immense pleasure of photographing the faces of our fine city at yesterday’s festivities. From the parade to the farmers market and live music I met new people, joined in the laughter, and introduced myself to my community.
On behalf of my business I’d like to introduce myself. My names is Stephanie Lauren Wills and I am the owner and photographer of Stephanie Lauren Photography. Originally from Chilliwack BC, I have 6+ years photography experience. I hope that in the future you remember my name and face when you plan your next family portrait, wedding, graduation pictures, or any other need you may have. Feel free to drop me a line via the CONTACT US page.
I love people, and I definitely fell further in love with you yesterday! Thank you for visiting my site, and if you would like to view the images I have for purchase simply click the image below and it will take you to the gallery of images for purchase.
Stephanie Lauren Photography, Yellowknife Event Photography, Somba Ke Park, Downtown Yellowknife, Canada Day, 2014.
I absolutely love when photographers get together and create. This evening, and I say evening when it was really 9pm (Yes at 9pm it is still sunny and stunning out) a group of photographers and myself went out on a photo walk. Thanks to our Zumba Model Joan, we were all graced with a vivacious personality that shone through each image. Thank you to Samantha Stuart Photography who set it all up, there is nothing I love more than a group of people who share the same passion getting together.
The beauty of Yellowknife is found in its rolling hills; painted with a warm cinnamon hued brush and evergreen trees perched atop monolithic rock formations. Upon moving to Yellowknife I joked about the constant state of white, how I had become color-blind in the constant winter slumber. As the sun melted away the blankets of snow I saw the true character of the landscape and I was instantly inspired.
Sadetlo is a beautiful Yellowknife model; and when I asked her to join me on an impromptu photo shoot capitalizing on the beauty of nature she was excited to play with the vision I had.Nature and the human form combine in this series of images, influenced by the setting sun and moody clouds, this session centered on the Awakening of Spring shows the initial thaw of a cold world coming back to life.
Yellowknife is a curious place, especially for a BC grown girl like myself. I’ve heard at least 80% of the year is winter, which isn’t the worst thing in the world when you love the clean crisp shade of white lying like a blanket over everything (that is until your fingers freeze even with gloves). There are roads made of Ice, Skies full of Aurora, and a community that is much more like a family then anything I have yet to experience. In fact I had made some amazing friendships through a photography page for the NWT long before I moved here. One of those photographers was a man named Lee Sacrey.
Lee’s niece was in preparation of her wedding when she went to her uncle for council for her wedding photographer. After multiple people sent their portfolio’s in I was blessed to be contacted by Denika, the excitement in her voice was akin to my own as the wedding was just around the corner for Ian and myself.
When Denika and Shawn asked me to be their wedding photographer I counted it as an honor, they are my first Bride and Groom North of 60 and I cant wait to tell their story.
Here are just some of my favorite pictures from their Engagement Session yesterday. We had to fight strong winds and harsh light, but I couldn’t be more in love with the result.
After much anticipation to shoot in sub-zero temperatures, here is one of my first teaser images from a session with my new co-worker Laine Moore. We braved -20 degrees and fell knee deep in snow a couple times. Thank you again Laine for braving the cold to amuse me and my photographers itch, as I had been dying to get out and take pictures again.
When you’re married to a fellow photographer, your idea of down time is watching photography tutorials. Just the other day we sat down and watched a video about a lighting technique using the “inverse square law”. After the video was over, we were inspired to test out our new knowledge. I chose to light Ian from the left and proceeded to place a slave 480EXii flash behind him, directed at the wall, essentially creating a great grey gradient on what normally is a stark white wall.
Ian chose to place me far from the white background with one key light overhead, and a rim light to my left, because he chose to move me away from the wall and expose for my face, it in turn made the white wall appear more like a dark grey/brown. I’m very proud of the result we both came out with. Now to find a model to test this out further.
