Some Essential Soul Work
This retreat was a first of it’s kind for me.
Guided healing, cleansing and sharing, (not so good at this kind of stuff). Emotionally exposing ones self, and getting into some deep rooted soul work, also something i truly suck at.
I laughed, I cried, and I opened up to women I just met. It was terrifying, humbling, and liberating all at the same time.
Marilyn, the facilitator of this healing retreat, created such a loving safe space for us to to all come together and dive into some soul work
She is also the owner and operator of her business Soul Essentials offering healing modalities from Reiki to chakra healing. Here is her link on Facebook
The retreat was held at this stunning 2 storey walk out over looking Echo lake in Qu’Appelle Valley.
The lake view from the back of the retreat lake house
Kitchen in our private little cabin
My good friend Rox and I decided to rent a private cabin for our weekend stay. We arrived the day before all the festivities. It was a short drive from the retreat location, and gave us some quiet time away from all the action to regroup and just do our own thing.
Because i’m rarely in front of a camera , here are some cell phone snaps below ~
A little wine, and a sunset dip.
Yours truly, taking a sunset swim in Echo Lake Qu’Apelle Valley - Video compliments of the lovely Rox
Waiting to Rewild with some ecstatic dance.
A bowl of pre-rolled joints being passed around to help ease the journey into some ecstatic dance.
Completely complimentary and voluntary.
Cana butter portioned out on spoons
The ladies of Soul Essentials Retreat June 2023
These beautiful souls have a piece of my heart
The Styled Photography Session
Contrary to what I used to tell myself, I’m quite capable of styled shoots. They can be liberating, and inspiring. In the past I had expectations of the whole experience being mechanical and unfulfilling.
You, as the photographer and choreographer, are manipulating that narrative, your subject, and the vibe.
I felt like I was cheating on my non posed, on the fly - in the moment genre.
Styled or contrived
Contrived - To deliberately create, rather than arising naturally or spontaneously. Created or arranged.
Carolyn at the Lawrence House
Contrary to what I used to tell myself, I’m quite capable of styled shoots. They can be liberating, and inspiring. In the past I had expectations of the whole experience being mechanical and unfulfilling.
You, as the photographer and choreographer, are manipulating that narrative, your subject, and the vibe.
I felt like I was cheating on my non posed, on the fly - in the moment genre.
Elopement shoot model Kaytee stands gorgeous in this Daci Gown - Bouquet from Wild Bloom Tofino Hat - West Von
Styled Elopement Session Tonquin Beach B.C.
Styled sessions can also give a photographer the chance to collaborate with fellow photog’s. Showcasing locations, venues, stylists, florists, makeup artists, clothing lines you get the picture. This can broaden the reach to your preferred client base, create content and promote the style of photography you want to hone in on.
Also, it’s a shit ton of fun, and in this case, some pretty soul filling scenery, so theres that.
It’s a win win ..
Unless that’s not really the style of photography you are looking to promote. And then your just in it for the shits and giggles, with a creative splash of fellow photog camaraderie.
Which can be extremely therapeutic, causing you to run into the Pacific Ocean fully clothed.
Me - Image by the talented Robin Lafond
Quite often theses styled shoots take place with numerous photographers involved. You know the old saying, “too many cooks in the kitchen”
Everyone feverishly clicking away and directing poses, trying to capture one or two unique moments, the other 12 shutterbugs may have missed.
In the frenzy of it all, the chances of that happening seem pretty minuscule.
But everyone sees art in a different light, and so in the end there are usually a few moments captured that stand out to you as something you would want to call your own.
Now, where do you post all this beautiful content? When it’s not really what your photography brand is all about?
Or is it?
Well thanks, I thought you’d never ask. Why I post it on my instagram feed so I can further confuse my existing and future clientele as to what the hell I’m actually focusing on behind my lens.
Britt on Tonquin Beach
Jillian - Grid + Gertie Dress from Wild Gemini Dress Rentals
Post - Styled Photography Session
And so the battle goes of posting anything at all.
Step 1 -Torture yourself over which pictures best emanate your “photography style” whatever that is.
Step 2 - Agonize over crops, tones and finishes.
Step 3 - Close your eyes and commit. Slap those babies up on the old Instagram. Because it’s your work, and you are proud of those chosen few.
Step 4 - Don’t count the likes. Post what makes you happy. Hence my random and non conformed professional Insta feed.
In the end I always find myself longing for those impromptu happenings, those unscripted moments. Capturing a moment in time. And an opportunity to tell a story.
Those are the things that I love the most about pictures.
xx Td
Winter get away in Waskesiu
Wildlife, ghost town, scenic winter landscapes, frozen lakes and sprawling forests. A photographers dream really. Im not a travel writer, and I generally suck at logistic details, which doesn’t bode well when recommending and promoting destinations on the old social media vortex.
So please bear with me on this blog post.
A chance to just indulge in thine own creative self and make some pictures because i want to.
Not because there is some sort of looming client dead line or pay cheque attached.
Foot prints in the snow leading down to the snow covered beach leading to a snow covered Waskesiu lake
Every couple of years my husband and I take a little winter trip up to Waskesiu.
For those not familiar, its about 2 and a half hours (238 km) North of Saskatoon.
This year, like every year mid winter, it was much needed. Kind of like hitting a mini refresh button.
Kinda.
In the deep dark chill of winter, January can often feel like it’s 62 days long, instead of the actual 31. Especially when the temperature hovers in the -27 to -35 range for days on end.
A boatless and snow covered marina
As an Entrepreneur and creator, this time of year can also feel stagnant, uninspired, anxious. In my profession this is one of the quieter months. Which can work to a photographers advantage if you can get past all the other bullshit emotions that start to creep in.
Tree shadows on a snow covered beach lakeside Waskesiu Lake, PA National Park
An Elk standing on the road, pauses for a photo shoot. Thanks Elk
The bustling summer hamlet of Waskesiu is located within Prince Albert National Park. Not so bustling in the winter months.
Surrounded by Boreal forest, lakes, and campsites.
This snow covered and seemingly abandoned community does host a few winter wonderland visitors like us. And I far as I could tell, a small number of full time residents tucked in the back end of town, some RCMP, park staff.
But truly, its emptiness is eerie yet peaceful.
The pay phone.
Thanks to cell phones, here stands an archaic form of communication
A snow covered SaskTel payphone in the seasonal town of Waskesiu
A snow covered patio at the Patio Cafe in Waskesiu
We chose to stay at the Hawood Inn , located across the street from the lake.
In the winter it hosts winter wandering adventurists like myself and my husband, looking for a quick and affordable get away.
Staying at the Hawood Inn you have access to snowshoes and cross country skis and 2 roof top hot tubs. It’s located close to some groomed ski trails.
You are almost guaranteed to see some deer, fox, and if your lucky a few Elk.
Take the scenic route 263 past Emma and Christopher lake off of highway 2, into the park if your not afraid of some snowy roads.
So beautiful, and so close. Go take a tour, you won’t regret it.
Careen Lake part 2 - 2022
Well we did it once again. Hopped on a float plane in Buffalo Narrows, and made the flight to Grayling Lodge on the massively beautiful, secluded and awe inspiring, Careen Lake.
And it only took me 6 months to organize and post. .
Hopefully the summer visuals will bring you some warmth and smiles.
There were camp fires and smores, fishing, and boating. Relaxing mornings with warm coffee and a book. Wine and bourbon - Bourbon and wine, sipping/guzzling evenings.
Hikes, and barbecues. Warm sunny days lounging on pinkish white sandy beaches, secluded by miles of water, with only access by boat.
Here are a few memories captured.
Voyage Air float plane in Buffalo Narrows, Sk.
A goth Caribou adorning the kitchen wall at Grayling Lodge
This big guy got released
This little guy also got released
Lilly Pads and flower wooing
A rain storm - Careen Lake
Nephew Grady does some hot tub snorkeling in the rain.
What can i say, this kid loves the water
The local Whiskey Jacks, love Grady’s pancakes
Two Canada Jay’s enjoying some breakfast pancakes
Smores
A trip to killer hornet Island - A capture hostile mission
Protective gear was of the utmost priority
Killer Hornet island mission was a success.
*Killer Hornet is a fictitious name, created by those who were stung discovering the tiny island.
Views at Cabin #4
The Stewart thumb
Thanks for stopping by :)
xx td
A Trip to Saskatchewans North
Sunset and a Dragon Fly. A late evening picture of the bay just outside our little cabin #4
Well hello from the other side.. of this blog :)
As Adeles 2 hour TV special promo echos in my kitchen, and her song Easy on Me plays for the 150th time this morning, all verbiage that pops in my head seems too morph into an Adele lyric.
Trying to think of how to introduce this little blog on our summer trip to a fly in camp on Careen lake in Canadas North.
But I think I will let the photos speak for themselves.
The family
The Camp
A barren shore line devastated by forest fire on Careen Lake in Northern Saskatchewan
A thick treed, rocky island we passed by while boating.
Waskesiu
Some wildlife
This big boy.
Lots of wildlife in this winter wonderland of a ghost town.
Did not care we were there one bit, as he was sniffing out Voles under the snow.
Zero “fox” given. See what I did there?..
Some scenery
Looking out over this frozen lake, was so peaceful. I swear it felt like we were the only ones around for miles. Come to think of it, I’m pretty sure we were.
A quieter version of this busy summer destination.
New York City Oct. 2019
Well it’s been a while since I’ve been to the land of blog. But here is what happened lately.
First view of Central Park coming into the big apple.
This trip, unfolded mostly on the streets of the Big Apple. It was me and 2 girlfriends from Saskatoon. There was much walking, lots of touristy sightseeing, and some quiet moments with myself, sidewalk crowds, historic buildings, and my camera.
On foot adventures aside, there was also some mostly successful subway navigation, and an Uber ride or two. But the majority of our exploring was on foot.
The lovely and delicious Joanne Trattoria served us up some Italian food, in house made pasta, and great wine. Below are some shitty photos taken with my cell phone of a stained and empty wine bottle, and an awkwardly positioned cannoli- sum up my wine consumed evening where photography skills were discarded for gluttony and visiting.
We stayed in China town - no photos
Walked a bit in Central Park. Indulged in martinis and charcuterie from Tavern on The Green The bartender turned into a raging lunatic when i requested a separate bill. I guess thats not a thing in New York?
Until next time
xo
td
Ewoks on sale
Along the highway somewhere in Saskatchewan, there are Ewoks on for half price.
First of all, I didn’t even know you could buy a good Ewok here in the middle of the prairies. But there you go.
Just call me the bearer of useless information.
Happi'Ness
Our little slice of HappiNess
It’s true, this place could be a metaphor for happiness. Depending on your level or need, for urbanism.. This may or may not, be your cup of Starbucks. But for myself and bae ( I’ve always wanted to say that ) it is pretty damn soul filling in all its’ snowy winter wonderland, back to nature splendour.
For me this, Ness Creek mini mid winter get away, was just what the doctor ordered. Metaphorically speaking. Frigid temperatures and all.
Our little cabin was perfect and had everything we needed, aside from a bathroom and running water. If you’re into that kind of thing. I mean, whatever.
Not to worry there are flushing toilets and hot showers in another building just a hop skip and a jump away. Maybe two hops, but not far I promise.
There was plenty of cosy heat provided by some electric heaters and a fresh water jug in our kitchenette. I absolutely loved the wall wisdom, hand written with marker or pencil, on the walls and ceiling throughout the cabin.
A few steps away there was a community cabin called Ness Quarters with a washer/dryer and a fully equipped kitchen for communal use.
I brought a slow cooker, why is this something I needed to share? Well, let me tell you - In times of limited kitchen facilities, this or an insta pot can be your one- stop -pot life saving Swiss Army knife. It also helps fill the gap with no BBQ’ing option because in -30, those little tin grills just can’t keep up.
Had mother nature been a little less manic we would have Barbecued for sure. Brad and I really do love our camping( please refer back to bae reference). So this was a perfect little getaway.
One of my favourite little spots amongst all the cozy cabins and Boreal Forest was the warm and comfy straw bale house. Resident care taker Perry kept the wood burning stove going through out the day and past my bedtime, which isn’t saying much. .
It was glorious and oh so warm. Pretty sure I just got a shiver there. This sweet little straw bale house comes equipped with a kettle, fridge, couches, vintage record player, and an arsenal of vinyl for your groovy listening pleasure. When one talks of vinyl records groovy is perfectly acceptable verbiage.
There is also a flat screen TV. But given where we were, and the purpose of our little get away, it just seemed wrong to engage. I think it would have killed that “remote cabin in the woods vibe” Besides we can watch tv at home right?
Wifi is available but I think it works best in Ness Quarters. We didn’t have much of a signal in our cabin, but the cell service was great.
Cross country ski’s and snowshoe rentals are available, and there are plenty of groomed trails for the light of heart, and hard core outdoorsman. Pick and choose your level of pain my friends.
I really wanted to snowshoe but given the temperatures I was talked out of it. Ok fine, not much persuasion was needed.. so we went on a small hike instead. Which I decided was probably harder than the frickin snow shoeing, being the snow was up to my damn knees, (hence the sole purpose of snow shoes) my ski pants were 2 sizes to big, and I felt like I was hiking in a space suit. It was ridiculous, and I need to burn them, never to be worn again. I shall banish them forever.
But all that aside we were submersed in the tranquility of a Northern forest with towering pines, and plenty of fresh air, I was at one with nature - and calories were burned.
The view from our cabin
Sometimes I forget just what Winter in the Sask can offer. I loved our little hike, caught up on some writing, read a book, and played some Scrabble. Perhaps snow shoeing or cross country skiing next time. Without the Ski pants.
We came, we saw, we kicked its’ ass - Sorry, I couldn’t resist. No ass was kicked, but if anyone remembers what movie that is from let me know in the comments below.
Our Ness Creek cabin was perfect and I really can’t wait to go back.
Side note for the “non” Saskatchewan readers - Numerous functions and annual music festivals are held out at Ness Creek in the summer months, when the air is not so Arctic. I hear it can be pretty busy. The beauty would remain the same, but I’m thinking the quality of mid winter tranquility could be affected. Regardless, I’ve never been in the summer months, so don’t take my word for it. I highly recommend arranging your own little adventure to this cool little gem, in Northern Saskatchewan.
Some buildings throughout Ness Creek camp
Thanks for the the love Ness Creek ♡
Frosty nose hair smiles-
xo
TD
