Daily Xtra Columnist Aaron Chan || Vancouver Headshot Photographer

Once upon a time I photographed full covers for Xtra Vancouver's print publication.
Since they moved to their online digital format the freelance assignments are smaller but I get to pick & choose which ones resonate with me.
I had previously photographed Aaron Chan at the Qmunity International Day Against Homophobia Breakfast where he recited a powerful story about coming out to his family.
These new portraits were taken for Aaron's new Daily Xtra column where he writes about his multiple identies as a Gay, Chinese, Canadian man.

The ever so awesome Jennifer Campagnolo

Jennifer's Twitter profile says she's a "Steadfast Citizen for Canada."
Indeed, as she comes from a line of strong and patriotic women. Her mother Iona Campagnolo was Canada's 1st female Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia.
Jennifer herself is the Senior Development Officer for Aboriginal Programs at Service Canada. She contracted me to do fashion style personal portraits.
I love the one I captured of her relaxing in the studio chair. It's so genuine and beautiful.

Overthinking Conflict Podcast || Vancouver Headshot Photographer

These two have a funtabulous relationship and I'm looking forward to hearing their new podcast that explores the business, skills, and styles of peacemaking.
Amanda Semenoff and C.D. Saint from overthinkingconflict.com.

Gastown Headshot Session || Behind the Scenes

Yeah, I pretty much lost control of this headshot session.

Disability Alliance of BC || Vancouver Headshot Photographer

When the Disability Alliance of BC contacted me to do their Annual Report photos I had bronchitis, by shoot day I had no voice. Inflammation in my throat from continual coughing for two weeks resulted in acute laryngitis.
During the shoot my assistant had to verbally communicate for me while I wrote notes and did interpretative dances to communicate pose instructions.
Maneuvering in the world being non verbal is a challenge. Most people assume you can speak. Not all people can.
It was interesting watching the reactions when I passed my notebook to someone. On a few occasions people spoke to me as if I was a child. It was a deep practice in patience for me while I was out in the world trying to communicate.
It also heightened my awareness that people I meet might have a hidden disability and to never make assumptions.

Cicely-Belle Blain || Vancouver Headshot Photographer

Cicely-Belle Blain is co-founder of the Vancouver Black Lives Matter and we created these portraits together for their Xtra Vancouver column.
Cicely-Belle was featured on the Coolest People in Vancouver list published by Huffington Post and created a diversity and inclusion consulting firm to help companies become more diverse and inclusive. (website).

Danny Ramadan || Vancouver Headshot Photographer

When I googled Danny Ramadan, pages and pages of links for Syrian Refugee, Author, Journalist, Public Speaker, Activist and LGBTQ Refugee Advocate came up.
Danny has only lived in Canada for 3 years and has become a vital citizen sharing his passion and compassion to assist LGBTQ refugees from 80 countries where being a LGBTQ person is a punishable offense.
His TEDX talk video below brought tears to my eyes. His words are poetry.

2016 Pride Grand Marshall - photo by belle

Lifting Stars Pet Homecare || Vancouver Headshots

Meet Squeak. Rescued as a kitten at Scottsdale Veterinary Hospital in Surrey, BC, he is the feline love of veterinarian Jeffrey Berkshire's life.
Two years ago our elder kitty was suffering and we had to make that difficult decision that no one wants to make.
We were so grateful to have a vet come to our home and assist Mr. Nigel's peaceful passing.
Lifting Stars Pet Homecare is a mobile veterinary service for end-of-life care and at-home compassionate euthanasia for dogs, cats and small mammals in the Greater Vancouver area.
Jeffrey is a gentle and caring person as these testimonials on his website attest.