A & K | An Intimate Canmore Wedding

A and K were married in Canmore on a cool {COLD} day in May, in an intimate ceremony surrounded by close family.  K in particular was a brave bride, and obliging in every way.  I was told later that it took at least an hour for her to stop shivering once the photos were finished!  The only missing element was the couple's 2 beloved dogs - hopefully I can capture them all together soon!

Thanks so much for the privilege of being a part of your day!

Seniors - of the High School Variety

Grade Twelve.

That time when the future lies before you like a blank page waiting to be written.  You're excited to be finished your "required" schooling.  Excited to leave the nest.  Stressed out about everything from college application deadlines to diploma exams to that zit that showed up the morning of grad.

Now that I've started this post, I realize that I likely no longer have much of a grip on what it feels like to be a senior in High School.  What I DO know is that while most of us fit into a fairly predictable mould, there is a part of us that longs to be unique - to be one-of-a-kind.  We long for significance.

I will be the first to tell you that you're not going to get that from a photo session.

What you ARE going to get from a senior session is an experience that reflects YOU. The uniqueness of your smile, that way your eyes scrunch when you laugh out loud, that special bracelet you wore every day for the last three years.  Those little things you can't even put your finger on.  Those things that remind your Mom of that little girl in the pink hair bow or that little boy with his popsicle-stained shirt who's all grown up now.

This is not your graduation day photo.  This is YOU on the verge of the rest of your life!

Contact me to book your session - Grade twelves: it's not too late!  Grade elevens: it's not too early!

The Baby Gets a Trim

I was going through the hard drive and came across this set of images from a few months ago - I couldn't resist posting them!

Take Time

{In case you are just visiting my blog for the first time, click on the "TAKE TEN" tab at the top of the page to get up-to-date on the importance of Niger Vocational Training Centre to Rachel 6 Photography this year!}

I had the opportunity - no, privilege - of sitting down with Chantelle McIver

 recently for a cup of coffee  and an informal interview about the Niger Vocational Training Centre.  She greeted me at the door and quickly explained that she was just doing some product photography for an upcoming auction of ethnic items, many handcrafted by the students of the Girls at Risk School, the main outlet of NVOC.  She brewed some coffee and served it in mugs from her Starbucks collection (only from places she has visited - those are the rules).

Chantelle is the director of NVOC, and is also a high school classmate, choir mate, and friend.  The responses are composed from the notes I took during the interview, and not direct quotes!

Where did the vision for NVOC come from?

A needs assessment was conducted and during meetings with the Tuareg elders, it was identified that the education and skill development needs of young girls were not being met.  The Tuareg are historically a nomadic people, and many of the girls have no opportunity in their rural communities for schooling and life management skill development.

 "Women reinvest 90% of their income in their families and communities, spending more earned income on food, healthcare, home improvement and schooling for themselves and their children."

~ The Economic Power of Women - Calvert Foundation

What is the profile of a student at the girls-at-risk school?

She must be unmarried, and remain so for the duration of the three-year program; she is between 12 and 18 years old; she is "at risk" - from a poor household, at risk for prostitution, etc. The girls are from either the Tuareg or the Zarma people-groups.

What are some of the highlights of your work in Niger?

TRUST has been a speed bump in our relationship with the parents of the girls.  That relationship is very important, because without the support of the parents, the girls are at higher risk of being married off or taken out of school.  Initially there was very little trust, but as the second year of the three-year program began, we were very pleased to see that the parents not only trusted us, but even became our advocates when outside forces threatened the school.  We are known as "the people who care".  

Talk about some of the challenges...

As a director, keeping the parents engaged has been challenging.  We have definitely seen growth in this area!  As a mother and a wife, finding and keeping a balance between work time and family time has been an ongoing effort.  Paul and I are passionate about this work and it can be hard to carve out time to nurture our marriage and family.  Playing together in the evenings and living simply so we can take a vacation each year are some of the ways we do this.

What is on your wish list?

Praise the Lord the NVOC is fully funded for another 3 years!  But we are currently fundraising for 60 sewing machines (which the girls take with them when they graduate from the program) and we would love a small-scale long arm quilting machine!  

Chantelle, it was wonderful to sit and talk about your passion and I am really excited to be able to contribute (even in a small way) to the work you are doing in Niger!

Photo credit Chantelle McIver

Photo credit Chantelle McIver

Photo credit Chantelle McIver

Photo credit Chantelle McIver