Hello, I’m Arlene, a passionate photographer based in the beautiful Muskoka region. For the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of capturing the stunning landscapes, unforgettable moments, and vibrant personalities that make Muskoka such a special place. Whether it’s the quiet stillness of a Muskoka sunrise, the joy of a family gathering, or the playfulness of a toddler, my goal is always the same: to tell your unique story through the art of photography.
Why Muskoka?
Muskoka is more than just a place to me—it’s home. The lakes, the forests, and the changing seasons offer an endless array of backdrops, each one more beautiful than the last. The natural beauty here has inspired me as both a photographer and a storyteller. From candid moments in the great outdoors to intimate indoor shoots, I’ve come to appreciate how Muskoka’s landscape can truly elevate any photo session.
My Approach
Photography is about connection. I strive to create a relaxed and comfortable environment where you can be your authentic self. Whether I’m capturing the joy of a family portrait, the emotion of a marriage proposal, or the simplicity of nature, my goal is to make each photograph feel genuine and meaningful. I believe in capturing the in-between moments—the ones that might be overlooked, but that often carry the most emotion and depth.
With a combination of technical expertise and creative intuition, I work closely with each of my clients to ensure we capture the moments that matter most to them. I pride myself on being adaptable, whether it’s taking photos on a serene lakeside dock or navigating a rustic, woodland trail, I’m always ready to embrace the beauty of the environment and make it a part of your story.
Family Photo Session FAQs
What should we wear?
I always say to my clients… you just need to be you! Yellows, really bright colors, and small highly repeated patterns are generally less attractive in photos. Generally best colours to complement skin tone and most hair colours are navy blue, dark grey, burgundy, dark purple, deep green, and dark brown. Shirts for men are best in light blue and light grey. No need for everyone to be in matching colours, unless that’s your thing, but complementing colours look beautiful in a portrait.
I found exactly what I want on Pinterest. Can you recreate it for me?
Um, well, nope, sorry. We can definitely work together to recreate the general idea, but each day brings different light, weather, etc, the location will be different and your family is not the family on Pinterest. It can be a great source for ideas, but every photo really comes from a unique moment and personal traits of your family members. Let’s try to make your own moments unique as well.
What is the best time of day for a photo session?
The best time for photos is usually during the golden hour—early morning or late afternoon. The sunlight at this time is softer and more diffused, reducing harsh shadows and creating a flattering, even light on your face and body.
With young children, this timing doesn’t always work. While soft light is nice, it is more important to have a happy kiddo so we’ll book your session for a time that works best for you and your kids.
Can we include our pets in the photoshoot?
Absolutely! I’m a pet lover and understand that pets are a part of the family. They can often add a layer of warmth and joy to the photos and can often lead to a more relaxed and authentic you! Please just let me know in advance if pets will be joining us so that I can be sure that they’re permitted at the location we’ve chosen.
What happens if it's rainy?
If it’s a rainy day I am more than happy to re-schedule! Sessions on cloudy days will go ahead as scheduled particularly if you have a sought-after weekend appointment, as these tend to get booked up many weeks in advance! You would be surprised at how beautifully soft the light is on overcast days (overcast is actually preferred for a photographer), which can make for really gorgeous photographs.
What if my child won't cooperate?
Don’t worry. It’s completely normal for kids, especially younger ones, to have trouble sitting still during family photos. Rather than focusing on perfection, family photos are about capturing the love, connection, and unique moments shared between family members.
Sometimes, the best photos come from those spontaneous, playful moments when kids are being themselves! A few squirmy, candid shots might even become the most cherished memories. The goal is to enjoy the experience, not to stress about achieving a posed, still moment. There is almost always time in a session to create lovely genuine portraits and I am very used to dealing with tantrums, demands to go to the playground or children running in the opposite direction!
READY TO BOOK?
If you feel like we are a good fit, let’s chat about your session.