Vancouver Tourism 'You Belong in Vancouver' LGBTQ Campaign

I am proud to have been chosen as the photographer for Vancouver Tourism's 'You Belong in Vancouver' campaign creating portraits of these wonderful people in my community.
This is the largest production I have ever been involved with and I was so excited and nervous I could not sleep the night before the shoot. Two full days of photography and video with an incredible team who deeply cared about telling these individuals stories with respect and beauty.

I love photographing my LGBTQ families and this video with Myriam Dumont speaking about her family was emotional to watch while filming and still effects me each time I watch it.

Orene Askew is a passionate speaker and this video of her describing her heritage and music is powerful.

Videography:  Barbershop Films
Makeup & Hair:  Tasha Vu
Photography:  Belle Ancell
Digi-Tech:  Maylies Lang
 

Lukas's Family || Vancouver Family Photographer

Lukas was born in December and was 4 months old for his debut photo session.
His parents were 37 and 47 and his grandparents were 59 and 75.
This guy is usually all smiles, except for this day. I had to make some ridiculous noises and facial expressions to elicit that smile. It was worth it.

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.

'You Belong in Vancouver' Tourism Vancouver campaign || Behind the Scenes

I was incredibly nervous working on my 1st commercial campaign for Tourism Vancouver.
I just might have ate too much chocolate that first shoot day.
'You Belong in Vancouver' will promote Vancouver as a fabulous holiday destination to LGBT folks who live in the U.S. Intimate video interviews combined with portraits (my part) of LGBT Vancouverites will be used in the campaign.

Gastown Headshot Session || Behind the Scenes

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

Spring at Jericho Beach || Vancouver Family Photographer

I'd been saving this sweet yellow bunny for a special little person.
Easter and a 6 month old birthday session seemed like the perfect opportunity to gift it away.

Contact me for info on my family sessions. I'd love to photograph your sweet family.

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).