Lisa-Marie Photography Turns 4!

Hello Everyone!

Today is Lisa-Marie Photography's birthday! This time four years ago I was in my 3rd and final year of University, I was experimenting with fashion and beauty photography and knew in my heart I had found what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I was unsure of starting up a Facebook page, I was weary about showing my work. As artists I think we are our own worst critics and I was scared that no one would like my style of photography. I'm going to get a little personal here, all of my life I have dealt with bullying. My self-confidence was completely shattered at a young age, and it took a long time for me to love myself. This came across in showcasing my work, I was terrified of how well (or not so well) it would be accepted. I contemplated for so long putting my work out there and finally on the afternoon of August 17th, 2012 I opened myself and my work to the world.

Words cannot express how grateful I am for everyone who has supported me from the beginning and to those who have recently found my work. The messages and emails I receive on a daily basis bring me so much joy, to know my work is appreciated all over the world is so overwhelming in the best possible way. I could not have dreamed of this when I first started four years ago. 

I love going back and seeing how much I have grown over the last four years, I love seeing my style evolve. Everyone needs to start somewhere, in 2012 I was so incredibly proud of this image. I was just learning studio lighting and was honestly afraid of it. I never knew how to control my light so when I captured this, I remember feeling so excited and couldn't wait to show it off. It was so well received and this image is what got my name out there in my city. Looking back at the image I cringe a little at the lighting and retouching but when I first shot and edited this I was so happy and that's all that matters. Now, four years later I am doing more studio/beauty work and getting out of my comfort zone. I didn't realize how much I have grown until I put these images side by side. If you're a photographer, I highly recommend you put one of your first photos next to one of your most recent and you will see such a difference. The image from this year is by far a favourite of mine, the team I worked with are such amazing ladies and we all pushed each other out of our comfort zone. I see a major difference not only in my lighting, but my retouching skills also. I'm so proud looking at these and seeing how far I have come. I cannot wait to see where my work will be in another four years!

The last 4 years have been such a journey. I have met so many amazing people and continue to meet such talented artists. I love this community, I learn so much from other artists and they help me grow as a photographer. I could spend forever individually thanking everyone I have met and worked with so I'm just going to write a big THANK YOU to all those individuals I have had the pleasure of working with, you are all amazing!

I am so happy that four years ago I swallowed my nerves and put my work out there, I created a little Facebook page to post my work and show my family and friends. Now four years later I have been internationally published, asked to travel to different cities and countries, internationally recognized and receive messages daily from people who admire my work.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I will be eternally grateful for everyone who has supported me. 

Thank you and until next time,

Lisa-Marie x

Growing as a Retoucher and Photographer

Hey Everyone!

Hope you are all doing good! Over the last 6 months or so I have been experimenting with my retouching. Photographers will probably understand where I am coming from but after some time I get tired of editing the same way. That time came for me a few months ago and I decided I was going to try new things. I watched Youtube videos for days, researched other photographers and read some books and then I started up Photoshop and took some old shots and started experimenting. I also started using my Wacom tablet and oh my word it has changed my life! How did I edit on a trackpad for so long? lol!

I started editing some old photos with my Wacom and honestly I almost gave up. To go from editing on a trackpad to using this tablet was, I'm not going to lie, frustrating. But the more I practiced and persevered the more I loved it and my editing time became quicker. For my natural light portraits I attempted a more 'fine art' approach and honestly I love it and have continued to edit this way. I even created a few of my own actions that I use on almost every shot right now. 

My beauty photography and retouching is something I am focusing on at the moment. I love beauty and studio work right now.  Studio photography used to scare me, I'm a natural light shooter and being in a studio with all of these lights made me uneasy until very recently. Now I prefer studio work and can't wait to keep experimenting with lighting. Don't be afraid to try new things, get some friends together and try different lighting. Try different angles. Experiment. Don't let it make you uneasy, get behind your camera and go for it. I'm glad I did because I can see my work evolving and growing each time I do a shoot in studio. 

Photography and retouching always requires you to grow and learn. There's always something new. I love that about this industry. I always worried that I didn't have a particular style but now looking back at my work, especially my newer work I see a distinct style there. To all you new photographers, don't hold back! I was told in University never break the rules and honestly now I love breaking the rules because your vision is YOUR vision. 

Here is some of my old editing style vs my new editing style. I love going back and seeing how much my work has grown over the years. There's nothing wrong with the old photos, I still love them but the newer work represents my style right now. 

Until next time,

Lisa-Marie xo

Meet Chloe!

Hi Everyone!

I've been somewhat quiet with photoshoots the last 2 months mostly due to family matters but another reason is because my fiancé and I welcomed this beautiful little girl into our family! Meet Chloe! At the beginning of the year we were talking about getting a dog but didn't tell many people until we officially got her. We met this beautiful little girl when she was 3 weeks old and we were smitten. We brought her home a few days after she turned 8 weeks old and she has been the best little thing to come into our lives in a while. 

She joins my boy Mac, who is also a boxer and turns 8 in July, and Jenny who is my fiancé's family Bichon! The dogs are quite taken with her but know when to put her in her place haha!

So next time you're over for a shoot in my studio you will not only be greeted by my gorgeous boy Mac but my little love bug Chloe! Prepare for lots of kisses!

Until next time,

Lisa-Marie xo 

Practical Photography Magazine PRO Showcase Interview

Hi Everyone!

I am sitting here completely speechless, crying ugly happy tears as I write this. A few months ago I was contacted by Ben of Practical Photography Magazine based in the UK. They were looking to interview me for their July issue. They hadn't interviewed a fashion photographer in a while and were hoping I would be interested. Of course I was! I couldn't believe they wanted me! They have interviewed photographers such as Annie Leibovitz, Kirsty Mitchell etc., so to be put in the same category as some of my idols was such a wonderful feeling. 

Ben sent me a few pages of questions to go over and I sat and really thought about how I wanted to answer. I need to take a moment and thank my Mum and my future mother-in-law Barb for all of their help. After many emails back and forth he sent me the first initial draft and I remember sitting next to my fiancé reading it and all of a sudden breaking down in tears. Happy tears of course. I couldn't believe this was my life. A magazine that I have stacks of in my bookcase, that interview some of my favourite photographers were interviewing me. Me! It still feels surreal. 

I couldn't wait to shout this from the rooftops. Now that the day is here I'm struggling to put everything I want to say into words. Today the July issue released in stores and on their app. To see my name, my words, my work in those pages is truly an accomplishment I am so proud of. I have loved photography since I was 15. I have loved fashion photography since I was 21. I am only three years out of University. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be experiencing these amazing opportunities. I do photography because its my passion, its my heart, its my love. To see your name being recognized all over the world is so unbelievably overwhelming in the best possible way. 

I need to take a minute and thank you. All of you. From the bottom of my heart I cannot thank you enough. You give me that push to keep working hard. To keep doing what I love. From the people who have supported me since day one to the people who are new to supporting my work. Thank you. I could repeat it over and over and it wouldn't come close to saying how much it means to me. I will never be able to thank you enough. I will never forget it for the rest of my life. 

To my parents, I couldn't have done this without you. From day one you have told me to go for my dreams and reach for the stars. You have helped push me to achieve them even when I was ready to give up but you never let me. Without both of you I wouldn't be here today writing this. I love you both so much and can't thank you enough for everything you have done for me. To my fiancé, thank you so much. You are the most amazing man in the world and I am incredibly lucky that I get to spend the rest of my life with you. You are one of my biggest supporters. Thank you for everything you do for me and encouraging my crazy dreams. And to my future in-laws, Barb and Jim. You have become two of my biggest supporters. The love and encouragement I get from you two means so much to me. Thank you so much.

Reading the article and seeing my photographs on the 6 page spread gives me butterflies. I'm a small town girl from Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. My name, my photograph and my work is now in magazines on shelves all over the UK. My home. I am truly blessed. 

If you just believe in your wildest dreams, they will come true. Mine are. 

Here is the link to their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PracticalPhotographyMagazine/?fref=ts

Until next time,

Lisa-Marie xo

"The Beauty of Humanity" NYC Exhibit June 8th 2016

Hi everyone!

Two blog posts in one day? I'm on a roll! 

A few weeks ago I got a really exciting email! Squarespace, the company I host my website through, were going to choose one image from my website to showcase in their "The Beauty of Humanity" exhibit in NYC on June 8th (today). They were choosing certain artists from all over the world who have their website through their company (which I highly recommend by the way!) to showcase in this exhibit. I feel so lucky and honoured to be chosen as one of the artists. The image they chose is the one of the lovely Emily Fowler with the beautiful design by Kelsey McIntyre of Kathryn Bass Bridal. 

We shot this in my living room, material back drop right in front of the stairs, grey paper taped to my front door, all natural light. We even did the hair and makeup ourselves! It was such a fun day with these ladies and the whole series was absolutely stunning.

If you're in NYC go check it out! Unfortunately I couldn't make it to the exhibit but I will be getting sent a photo of my image in the gallery and will share is as soon as I get it! 

Thank you SquareSpace again for this amazing opportunity! 

Tomorrow I have more big news, stay tuned because this one is HUUUGE! 

Until next time (tomorrow),

Lisa-Marie xo

Vistek Contest Winner!

Hi Everyone!

Hope you are all well! Life has been a roller coaster the last few months, I'm taking a small break from photography for the month of June due to a family matter. Although I haven't been shooting I have some really exciting news that I can't wait to share with you! The first piece of good news is that for the first time in my life I have actually won something, and it is to do with photography which makes it even better. I entered a contest that Vistek hosts every year called "Show Us Your Best", I never enter contests like this but I thought why not?

I had a hard time deciding on an image to enter, I have so many favourite images that it was a tough decision. I decided to go with my "Twisted Fairytale" image featuring the talents of Jill Billingsley, Sheba Levoir, Kelsey McIntyre and Cory Christopher. This editorial was so amazing, it brought back a fire in me for creative/fantasy work. It has become one of my most popular images to date so I thought since it was well received I would enter it. I did it for fun not expecting to win. I asked my friends to vote for me and I couldn't believe how many of my friends voted and shared it. By the time the contest was over I had 474 votes, I was hoping to get at least 50 so that was mind-blowing to me.

I made the Top Ten based on the votes and the final images went to the judges for the winner to be chosen. There were so many amazing images I was sure I wouldn't win but I was very happy with even making the top ten. I woke up to an email the other day announcing me as the winner, and I think I screamed for a good 15 minutes (sorry to my fiancé for screaming at you on the phone haha). My image is going to be used in Epson advertisements in both magazines and on television plus a print is being places in the Vistek store! I also won an Epson printer! I cannot wait to print my new portfolio and now offer prints to clients! I have more exciting things happening for Lisa-Marie Photography so stay tuned!

Here is the link: http://prophotoblog.stfi.re/community/contests-promotions/the-vistekepson-show-us-your-best-contest-winner-is/?sf=aaygdbd&utm_campaign=2016%20Scotiabank%20CONTACT%20Photography%20Festival&utm_content=31630458&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook#aa

Thank you so much to everyone who voted and the judges!  

Until next time,

Lisa-Marie xo 

A Personal Post: My life the last few months

Hi everyone,

First off I just want to say I know I haven't been very active on social media due to unfortunate events that have taken place in my life the last few months. I won't get into too much detail but I just want to thank those who have been patiently waiting on photos and those people who have continued to support my work while I have been on hiatus.

A few months ago, when I was home in Scotland I unfortunately had to say goodbye to someone very dear to me, someone who has been in my life since I was born. I knew this would be the last time I would see him and even though it was somewhat of a blessing I got to tell him how important he was to me it was the most emotional and heartbreaking thing I have ever had to do. 

Once Jenn and I landed back in Canada and I saw my mum at the airport, I remember breaking down and falling into her arms. I had never felt so emotionally drained. A few months passed and there were some difficult days but around the end of September things really started to go downhill. For a few months there, there wasn't a day that went by that something didn't go wrong. I didn't want to fall asleep because every morning I was waking up to bad news. My birthday was one of the worst days of my life. Something I never thought would ever happen completely took me off guard. I won't disclose what happened but it completely shook me to my core. I went into a deep depression. I became someone who was so negative and I couldn't shake it. I would just hope things would get better, that eventually it would all go away. Then after it didn't, I eventually started praying. 

But on November 17th, early in the morning, I lost my best pal. I knew it was coming, but you can never really prepare yourself. Cancer is such a vicious disease. It is cruel. To watch someone you love be taken over by this horrible disease is completely heartbreaking. You feel helpless. 

Its been almost a month now and I feel myself slowly getting back to normal. Although there are still some challenges my family and I are facing, its better than how it was. I started going back to church because I got to a point that I knew I couldn't keep going on the way I was. I feel better since Ive been back, I feel my faith has been restored. I know life isn't perfect, there are going to be some really hard times ahead but as long as I have my family and my faith I know I'll be okay. 

I'm sorry for rambling, I needed to get this off my chest somehow. While I am still on my hiatus from photography, catching up with editing and just trying to get back to normal I will be back in the New Year. I can't wait to shoot again, to be creative and do what fills my heart with so much love and joy.

Thank you for reading and continuing to support me on my photography journey, its something I will never forget and will be eternally grateful for.

Until next time,

Lisa-Marie xo

Thank You <3

I want to take a moment and thank some amazing people in my life. When I was 15 I took a photography course in high school thinking it would be something I could get easy marks on. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would fall in love with the profession and what to pursue it as my career. When people in my graduating class spoke about going to school to become lawyers or doctors, I struggled with accepting the fact I wanted to do photography. I was mocked, I was told I would never amount to anything, that photography was silly and should only be done as a hobby. But I knew deep in my heart this was my passion. Two people who never discouraged me, who always supported me was my amazing parents. 

All of my life my parents have wanted one thing from me, to do what makes me happy and put 100% into it. They encouraged me from day one with photography, they even bought me my first digital camera, a Canon 40D. They got me my first set of studio lights during my first year of University. They have never questioned me, told me to pursue something else or doubted me. I know I wouldn't be here today without their love and continued support. When I was going through a difficult time about a year ago, I wanted to quit. I wanted to sell everything and move on. My mum wouldn't let me. She refused to let me quit. She picked me up and pushed me to be better. She pushed me to keep going. I couldn't thank both of my parents enough for all they have done for me. I am truly blessed. My dad is my hero, he is the reason I work hard and strive to pursue my dream because thats exactly what he did. He worked his way up and has become so respected in his industry for his talent. My mum is my number one fan, she calls herself the creative director of Lisa-Marie Photography and that couldn't be more true, she comes up with concepts, designs jewelry and outfits and is the assistant for most of my shoots! She is my best friend and my inspiration. I wouldn't be as strong of a person as I am today if it wasn't for this woman. I love you Mum and Dad, with all of my heart. I will never be able to thank you both for everything you have done. But know that everything I do, I do because you have given me the strength and encouragement to keep going and make my dream come true. I am eternally grateful. 

I also want to thank my boyfriend. He came into my life just under a year ago and has been the biggest support. He drives me to shoots, helps me set up, he even let me use his house as a studio while mine was under construction! He calls himself my biggest fan, even though he might need to fight my mum on that one! His family are so supportive and encouraging, their excitement throughout my journey has been overwhelming. I can't express how lucky, grateful and genuinely thankful I am to have these people in my life. 

To those friends and supporters who have been there since the beginning and those who I have met along the way, thank you. I know a simple thank you could never be enough but I just want you all to know that I will be forever grateful. It means the world to me that I have so many amazing people in my life who encourage me to keep pursuing my dream.

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart, I will be forever grateful. 

Until next time,

Lisa-Marie xo

Europe Trip Part 1! Scotland!

Hi Lovelies!

I've been back from my trip now for a few months and have been wanting to do a blog post on my travels with my best friend Jenn who owns Jack'd Up Beauty Boutique! We got to do so many amazing things and meet some wonderful people! This blog might be a bit lengthy but I hope you enjoy! :)

We landed in Glasgow quite early on June 23rd, it was a long day of travelling but we stopped over in Iceland which helped and we got to see some beautiful scenery! We only had one day to relax before our first shoot of the trip with the beautiful Amy! I had been contacted by Donna a few months before our trip and her daughter Amy was just starting out in modeling, Jenn and I loved her look and thought she really fit the look we wanted for her concept! When we woke up that morning it was absolutely pouring! Of course with it being Scotland I wasn't surprised but we were going to shoot outdoors regardless. Someone was definitely watching over us because once we got to the location, the STUNNING Doune Castle (Castle Leoch) featured in the tv show Outlander, the sun came out and the rain finally stopped! The location, the model, the dress the amazing Kelsey McIntyre designed for us, just made the shoot absolutely breathtaking. After taking a few shots I couldn't help but cry. I was in my home country doing what I absolutely love with a phenomenal team. It was a shoot of a lifetime and I am so blessed! Stay tuned for the entire editorial entitled "Dance of the Druids" which was inspired by Outlander!

After our shoot we walked around Stirling and visited Stirling Castle where Jenn learned some history about Stirling and the castle itself. She also got to see the William Wallace Monument from afar. Oh and needless to say it started raining again, but we weren't complaining! 

The next day we were up bright and early to catch our flight to London! Stay tuned for Part 2 which will feature our adventures and our shoot from London!

Until next time,

Lisa-Marie xo

A New Chapter

Hello lovelies! 

I haven't blogged in a while but I felt it was time for an update! A few weeks ago I made a huge decision, one that I have pondered for a while but didn't have the courage to follow through with. First, a little backstory. After graduating from Grant MacEwan I wanted to focus on pursuing my photography career but didn't have the funds to do it nor did I have enough clients to do photography full time and make a living successfully. I started working for an oil and gas company, I had worked there before and knew most of the people. I was so grateful for the opportunity and it allowed me to keep doing my photography on the weekends. For months it really felt like I could do this for a few years and then I would have enough money to successfully run my photography business full time. 

The end of last year I started thinking of leaving my job and focusing on photography. I was travelling for work and was away from my camera. All I could think of when I was gone was that I wanted to be back at home with my camera in hand doing something I love and have so much passion for: photography. 

At the beginning of this year I knew I had to make a choice; it was either my full time job or my passion. After months of contemplating I finally decided my photography had to come first, I needed to focus on my career rather than keep putting it on the back burner. I have never felt more nervous about anything, it is a huge step to leave a job that is your safety net and dive into the unknown. I couldn't have done it without the amazing support I received from my family and friends. To have so many wonderful people back you up and encourage you to push for your dreams is truly heartwarming. 

I am now proud to say Lisa-Marie Photography is full time and is expanding to family, children, engagement/couple, and individual portrait sessions. As of 2016 Lisa-Marie Photography will also be offering wedding packages. 

Thank you so much to everyone who continues to support me, encourage me and stand by me as I work hard to pursue my dream. 

I hope you all follow me along in this new chapter of my life! To be continued...

Until next time,

Lisa-Marie xoxo

First Photography Feature!

It's been such a long time since I blogged I figured it was time to update! A few weeks ago I was contacted by Destinee from Scorpio Jin, she had found my work online and wanted to do a feature on my work. She asked me to write a wee bio about myself and choose a maximum of 20 photos to showcase. That was hard! There were so many photos with a lot of talented people that I wanted to choose but I had a limit. I am so thankful to all of the amazing people I have had the privilege of working with, without you I wouldn't be able to create these images. This is my first photography feature, I am so incredibly honoured! Here is the link where you can read it: http://www.scorpiojin.com/#!lisa-marie-feature/cqsr

Hope you enjoy viewing/reading the article! 

Until next time,

Lisa-Marie xo

Lara Jade Workshop and my trip to NYC/Brooklyn

Hello beautiful people!

I haven't wrote a blog in so long, hopefully I can start again as I love keeping you all up to date. I am just back from a 4 day long trip to NYC and Brooklyn where I attended Lara Jade's workshop. I have been to NY before so I knew how much I loved it but had never been to a photography workshop before. I am so glad I attended and got to learn from someone who inspires me so much.

The first day was our shooting day, after a brief introduction and portfolio review from Pratik and Lara we moved onto a demonstration of how she lights her subjects and the equipment she uses. The 2 models, Ivanka and Lara (what a coincidence), where absolutely stunning and a pleasure to photograph. The theme Lara created for this workshop was Gatsby inspired. We got to photograph both girls in different lighting set ups and learned some amazing tips and tricks from Lara Jade herself.

The second day we were taught editing by the amazing Pratik of Solstice Retouch. After learning more about him and his business we sat down and edited photos from the previous day with his editing techniques. I absolutely loved watching and learning from these 2 amazing artists. I cannot wait to use what I have learned!

Our next day and last full day was amazing! We spent the day walking around NYC and visited many amazing places. Four days flew by so quickly but I really loved every minute of my time in New York and I cannot wait to return! <3

Until next time,

Lisa-Marie xo

Internship at Numa

Yesterday was my last day interning at Numa Models, a modeling agency in Edmonton, AB. I started last Wednesday doing office work and this week was my photography internship. What an amazing (and busy) week! I have met so many wonderful people who are incredibly talented. I got to photograph a variety of models with different levels of experience and it was definitely challenging but I enjoyed every minute of it! Each model changed 2-3 times and there were usually 3 models a day, except on Friday when there were 6! I also got to photograph 3 handsome guys, which will be a great addition to my portfolio! During this past week I have learned and grown so much as a photographer. I want to give a BIG thank you to everyone who helped me this week and pushed me to go out of my comfort zone and try something different. Also I could not have done all these shoots without the help of the wonderful Dipavan, you are amazing! I can't wait to start editing and showing off the amazing talent Numa has. 

A Personal Post: A Photography Students Journey

​Growing up I was always in front of the camera. My Mum wanted to capture as much of my childhood as she could and she definitely did. I was always used to smiling, doing a wee pose or just being silly in front of the camera. I never thought that I would end up behind the camera.

​I never knew much about photography. I knew what a camera was but never knew how much thought-process went into being a photographer. In Grade 10 of High School we needed to choose two options for credits. As I looked at the list I knew I didn't want Art because I cannot draw to save my life, I didn't want Math because well its Math, and I was already taking a computer course. I remember seeing Photography and thinking this will be so easy, well it wasn't. It was hard. But somewhere along the line I fell in love with photography and watching a creative idea come to life was so thrilling.

After I finished my Beginners course I wanted to continue, so my teacher allowed a few of us to do Intermediate after school the following semester. I remember being so excited trying new things, having fun with props in the prop room and starting to "attempt" portraits. In Grade 11 I knew my option would be Photography so I took the Advanced course. This was where I learned more about Photoshop and tried, and I mean TRIED, to be unique with editing. Looking back I cringe and laugh but when I was doing it I was so proud of myself. ​

My parents could tell I was really considering Photography as a career. For Christmas that year I was surprised and amazed to find a Canon 40D under the tree. ​I was happy, I could take photos at home, on vacation etc. I had so much fun snapping away at everything I could, I wanted to improve and was determined to learn more. 

Since I finished Advanced in Grade 11 there really wasn't another course in Photography for me to take. I spoke to the teacher, who knew I was ​hooked on Photography, and she said I could take Advanced again even though I passed with flying colours, and we would call it Advanced +1. I did mostly similar stuff to the Advanced class but had my own projects. I really started to experiment with portraits and what I called 'fashion' back then. I did some head-shots for the school play and dance shots for a teacher's daughter. 

I took a year off after graduation and worked full time. I wanted to pay for University by myself even though my parents offered. I applied at Grant MacEwan University for their Design and Photography program and NAIT for their Photographic Technology program. In the end, Grant MacEwan won. 

These past 3 years are a blur now, even though when I was living them it seemed like it would never end. I learned so much from Grant MacEwan and it helped me grow as a person and a photographer. There were a lot of tears shed, a lot of sleepless nights and times I didn't eat all day. But I made it through and can't believe how amazing the journey was.

The teachers were incredible and they didn't hold back. One teacher told me 'People aren't your thing', and at the time I agreed with him but it hurt nonetheless. I wanted to prove him wrong, and in a way I think he knew my personality well enough that that's why he said it. He knew I would try and prove him wrong. If it weren't for him I wouldn't be where I am now, having the opportunity to work with all these beautiful models and amazing make-up artists. 

​One thing I remember from day one of University, I am not a designer I am a photographer. I tried my best in school and there were some amazing designers there and it was great seeing them grow and improve but it wasn't what I wanted. I've loved Photography since I was 15 and its all I've ever wanted to do. 

​I know I sound like a broken record but I am so excited to see where this new chapter takes me and I cannot wait for the journey.  I am so thankful for the people I've met along the way and the new people I can't wait to meet. You really helped shape who I am today and I am forever grateful. 

Until next time!

Lisa-Marie xo

Grant MacEwan University Grad Show

Last night, April 23rd, was Grant MacEwan's Grad show for the design studies program. We have been waiting for this day for over 3 years and have worked so hard to get to where we are today. I was so amazed and impressed with all the amazing work from my classmates in the photography major and all the other majors. ​

​I wasn't too nervous as the day went on but when I saw the table with my name tag on it my heart started beating a little faster. I had made little giveaways for everyone with little watermelon sweets inside and of course my business card attached to the box. The industry part of the show went surprisingly smoother than I thought, I met a few people who seemed interested in my work which is always a great feeling.

​Once the industry people came and went it was time for the family and friends portion of the show. That was so much fun! My beautiful friend Sam arrived with flowers and a card, she just made my night! I got a lot of positive feedback from people and at one point had a line of people waiting to view my portfolio and slideshow! The little giveaway boxes caught peoples attention and everyone was so curious as to what it was which was great! My parents arrived soon after Sam and I was so excited to show them my table and portfolio (even though they seen me put it together). My Dad flew in from Calgary just to come and see me, it made my night, I am so happy he could come and see my work. My Mum is amazing, she helped me days prior to get ready for that night and I couldn't of done any of it without her. My parents have been so amazing these last three years and so supportive, I wouldn't be where I am today without them and I will be forever grateful. 

​At the end of the night I must of gave away 100 business cards and most of my giveaways were gone! I walked away from my table feeling great, I am so grateful for this experience and can't believe its over! But I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life and can't wait to see where it takes me.

​Until next time!

​Lisa-Marie xo