Matthew Ramadan - Spear Financial

Matthew Ramadan has a cute giggle and he's also extremely gifted in financial matters.
We had a lot of fun exploring Granville Island together to create these new headshots for his website.

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