The Wright Family.

Family. Get together. Be together. Celebrate.

I really didn't understand why my dad would get a weird dreamy satisfied look on his face when we would all be sitting around the dinner table together. He would end up taking a deep breath and saying how nice it is to have all his kids together again. We would all kinda roll our eyes, and "ok dad" him. I really understand now. Things just don't feel right until Maisie, Frank, Bryce and I are all together in the same house. It feels best to have all your love in one spot. I always come back to this, but her words just echo in me all the time "I am sure you will catch that in the eyes of all the parents you photograph. We all wish for a little more time."

Put aside weirdness, clear your schedule and hold onto your loved ones. It's a beautiful thing to celebrate life.

Love this family, love their love, and I love that I was able to spend a bit of time with them, when they were all finally able to be all together. Family. Get together.

On treasures and gifts.

When I got the following email, I was overwhelmed with emotion. Thoughts like, how can she do that job? and then quickly... I'm so grateful that someone like Kim does this job. Such a huge heart, giant spirit and I hope that every single one of you reading this, never had and never needs to encounter beautiful Kim, doing her job so well. Really put things into perspective for me. Like, in a minute.

Our session was beautiful, graffiti everywhere, broken glass, trash... the works... but the light... ah the glorious light from the sun, and from the people. There is so much that goes into their images. Their light, their magic, their hearts and their love for each other. All highlighted in an hour of our lives. I am so lucky we have found each other. ***Amazing note... the appearance of their family Van "Paris" is extra special. This is the same van that they (over dinner one night years ago) decided to sell their house and drive to Chile in.*** These people are awesome.

Kim wrote:

Hi Erin I'm a Pediatric Palliative care nurse I work with dying children and their families, it's what I do and I love my job. I'm constantly inspired by strength, resilience, perseverance and overwhelming love of the individuals I work with. Sometimes I get caught up in trying to take away the pain, nausea, bleeding or managing of the lines but usually at some point I can't ignore the magnitude of the feelings around me I have to open myself up to them, they just can't be ignored.

I worry that one day I won't remember every single little soul I've said goodbye to and I wonder if their parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles feel the same. If I could give each family a gift I'd give them and hour with YOU and your profound ability to capture true love in your photos so they could stare at their pictures the way I have been at mine for as long as they need to forget the pain, sadness and all the rest of it and see they will always be surrounded with love.

These parents truly know the meaning of priceless and in return make me appreciate the undeniable value of your work. It's worth every penny and a hundred times more.

Sometimes people say "Life is too short to have regrets" and I think yes, yes it is too short but having regrets is just learning from our mistakes. I regret having waited so long before stepping in front of your camera with my family. We surely will not wait so long ever again.

Our photos are unreal, a treasure I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Endless thank yous!

Much love Kimberlee

(Thank you so much to Kimberlee for allowing me to post your email. It means so much to me to have you write such incredibly heartfelt words. I appreciate you. oxox)

In your blood

A wise woman recently told me that we carry the joys and sorrows of the 7 generations that have walked before us.

These beautiful Metis children are infused with a long lineage of inspired Metis people. I am truly honored to be able to capture a small piece of what makes them so unique, so spirited and full of wonder.

Besides having a strong family history on their mothers side (and a strong and passionate mother), their father Leander Dumont, comes from an incredibly strong Metis family. Leander's dad Bruce is the President of the Metis Nation-British Columbia. His father, Ambrose Dumont was a great, great grandson of Isidore Dumont the first Metis killed at Duck Lake, Saskatchewan at the beginning of the Riel Resistance of 1885. Ambrose was in-turn, a great, great nephew of Gabriel Dumont, brother to Isidore.

Gabriel Dumont (1837-1906) is widely known as a influential Metis leader. I found this on Gabriel Dumont – "the name conjures up a host of images: the diminutive but courageous “chef métis” who led his people in armed struggle against the Dominion of Canada; a nineteenth-century Che Guevara passionately concerned with his people’s self-governance; the quintessential l’homme de prairie who lived freely as a bison hunter and entrepreneur and a humanitarian who shared his bounty with the less fortunate. Gabriel Dumont was a man of action, whose many admirable qualities, including his selflessness, courage, sense of duty and love of his people, have inspired generations of Métis." (found HERE written by Darren R. Préfontaine, Gabriel Dumont Institute)

On theMetis BC website I found this and thought it well suited to these kids. 'Young people are the hope of our future. They must not only be nurtured to embrace and learn their languages and cultures, but also be mentored to embrace both worlds and to equip themselves with the tools needed to function in both worlds. Language and culture provide the tools to build good character - a character that emulates the values of respect, humility, kindness, empathy and good leadership."

I find family history fascinating. If you are lucky enough to know a little of where you come from, you should celebrate it. If you have no idea, you may want to start digging. It's incredible the inspiration or explanations that you might get from a little family history lesson.

Father with his children

girls. metis

ella

elijah

hannah

metis family

family photos

together

I find this family heart meltingly beautiful and I love being a part of documenting their cherished bonds. I love these three kids. I love their pride in their heritage. Love love love being able to give them gifts like photos to celebrate their family bonds. These three gorgeous children with their undying and limitless love for their father. Seriously. It is just so incredible to know you all. I am richer for each moment spent with you. Much love. xo

Oh baby

Um, still haven't caught up on blogging. Can't believe I have yet to share this gorgeous baby boy and his fun lovin' family. It's not often that you laugh through an ENTIRE studio photo session. But, we did. If you know this family, you know that you it is not uncommon to find this sweet family full of laughter. So happy to be a part of capturing a little bit of what makes you all fabulous. A gorgeous family. A rolly, polly happy baby boy. What's not to love? (from our session in DECEMBER) omg.

Sawyer, joins the clan.

On Easter Monday 2 years ago I was welcoming my own little marvel into the world, and I thought it only suitable to share a bit of newborn photo sweetness with you this Easter Monday. I love this family. You might recall this sweet growing family from their big debut on the ever popular On to Baby a while ago. Two days before the post went live, they lovingly welcomed Sawyer Keith to the world. It was love at first sight for all and hard not to fall in love with Sawyers sweet newborn face. We had decided on a newborn photo session in their home as opposed to studio to mirror our in home maternity session. I love the intimate love that oozes from Tiffany, Braden and big brother Hudson as they check out the newest addition to their family. Love newborn photos, love creating newborn photos and getting to snuggle these beautiful creations. New babies are precious, perfect additions to the world. I'm so honored to be a part of their story. I give you, Sawyer Keith surrounded by love. (want to see more from this family??? CLICK HERE FOR MORE.)