Category Archives: portrait

Mother: A Title Just Above Queen

Mother, Mom, Mum, Mummy, Mamma, Maman, Mamá, etc. There are so many different ways to call upon her. She is many things to many of us. From counselor, to confident, to nurse, to accountant, to judge, and to cook, she embodies all of those roles without, most times, any formal training in any of those disciplines. Even when she is tired, she always has energy for those in her tribe.

My mother, my little sister, and me. Circa April 1976.
Taken with a Kodak Instamatic 110. Remember those?
The matriarch of my family.

In the last 20 years of photographing women, I have photographed hundreds of mothers. The one constant I have found is the positive shift in energy when they talk about their children. No matter how tired or calm they seem, they always liven up when they talk about their children and family.

Life doesn’t come with a manual.

It comes with a mother.

We provide a place where you can come in, be vulnerable and authentic, and where you can relax. At Abelle Boutique Photo Studio, you are the center of your world for a few hours. When was the last time this happened?

Your portrait session is customized. We map out the outfits, accessories and props, lighting setups, backdrops and overall mood of the images we wish to create. If you also require a business or profile headshot, let us know we will add this to the plan.

You do not need to be photogenic. There is no such thing. It isn’t your job to know where to look, how to smile or where to place your hand. This is what we do: direct, inspire, and pamper you and craft the light in such a way that you shine.

Showing your children and the ones you love you matter sets a great example for them.

Portrait photography studio: Abelle.ca

When your children and loved ones come looking for images of you, what will they find?

See other sessions here.

Order the Portrait Brochure here.

#motherdaughter #mothersday #familyportraits #family #beautiful #portraitstudio #photostudio #mothersdaygift #familyphotos #glamourshots #photographer #thanksmom

Fall in love with yourself: Abelle Portrait Studio

“To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance.” – Oscar Wilde

Fall in love with yourself: portrait promotion for Valentine's Day by Abelle.

Many female clients put portraits of their loved ones on their wall. Some women admit they feel vain displaying a portrait of themselves. Yet, they have no difficulty having their partner’s portrait or their children’s in the home.

Think an 8 x 10 is large?!
This image is 16 inches by 20 inches and professionally framed in a 20 x 24 frame.
Every morning, this is N’s reminder of how uniquely beautiful she is.

Women clients tell me they are not photogenic, that they dislike their arms, their double-chin, their thighs, their behinds, their hooded eyelids, etc. In the last 20 years I have heard it all!

Fine art boutique portrait photography. Abelle Studio.

So I have a challenge for women, this Valentine’s Day. How about honouring your unique beauty? That inner beauty that is uniquely yours. That beauty that is earned in a life of raising children, staying in or leaving a marriage or long-term relationship, caring for aging parents, losing a loved one, going back to school, building a business, embracing retirement, etc. The beauty that comes from a life lived to its fullest.

The unique features that define your body image create an energy that is perceptible in a portrait. Energy, passion and sparkle cannot be Photoshopped into an image. Those are superpowers that you bring to the photo shoot.

9-up portrait sequence.

Hanging portraits of yourself in your home, reminds you of how uniquely beautiful you are. It lets the other members of the family know you are as important as they are. It is a great way to model self-love and acceptance to younger family members. If nothing else, you leave a legacy-portrait of yourself to those who love you. More importantly, it may change the way you see yourself.

Boutique portrait studio: Abelle Wedding and Portrait Photography. Montreal. Brockville, Canada.
Boutique portrait photography studio: Montreal, Brockville Canada.
Abelle.ca

In the beauty magazine-style photoshoot experience, we go after your sparkle. Your inner light. The styling of the photo session is customized. It can be as casual or as glamorous (or both) as you wish it to be. You decide.

Request the Magazine-style photoshoot brochure here.

Boutique portrait studio photography printed on canvas.

Résolution 2019: moins de plastique

Dans ma quête pour réduire ma consommation de plastique, j’ai ajouté ceci cette année: le déodorant fait maison. Très facile à faire, il est super efficace et doux pour la peau. Honnêtement, je n’ai rien trouvé sur le marché qui fonctionne aussi bien.

ingredients for diy deodorant

Bonne nouvelle: tous ces ingrédients sont disponibles dans les magasins en vrac. La prochaine fois, il n’y aura pas de nouveaux contenants.

Des dizaines de recettes existent en ligne. À vous de faire vos recherches pour trouver celle qui vous convient.
Voici les ingrédients que j’ai utilisés cette fois-ci:
1/3 tasse cire d’abeille
1/3 tasse huile de coco
2 c. à table beurre de karité
2 c. à table bicarbonate de soude (j’en mets très peu +/- 1/2 c. à thé parce que ceci me cause des irritations)
1/3 tasse poudre “d’Arrowroot” (vendu en magasins d’aliments naturels)
huile essentielle pour l’odeur (facultative)

Je dépose des petits pots en vitre dans un bain-marie (ou au micro-onde) pour faire fondre la cire d’abeille. J’y ajoute ensuite le beurre de karité et l’huile de coco. Je mélange ensuite le bicarbonate de soude et l’arrowroot. J’ajoute au final quelques gouttes d’huile essentielle. Une recette me dure plus de 6 mois. Quand j’en fais, je me double ou triple la recette pour en offrir en cadeau. Ingrédients pour fabriquer son déodorant naturel.

Less plastic: DIY homemade deodorant: Abelle Portrait Photography

En plus d’être efficace, ce mélange onctueux sent bon.

En hiver, j’utilise un bâton de bois pour l’appliquer puisque le mélange est plus solide. En été, le mélange est plus mou et s’applique facilement à l’aide des doigts.Homemade deodorant Zero Trash

En plus, 2018 a été l’année durant laquelle j’ai utilisé la brosse à dent en bamboo et dit bye-bye aux serviettes hygiéniques de la pharmacie.Zero trash products Ces petits changements faciles s’ajoutent aux changements adoptés dans les dernières années: la bouteille d’eau et la tasse réutilisables puis le compost pour les déchets organiques. Ce ne sont que de petits gestes, j’en conviens mais c’est avec des grains de sable que se forme la plage.

Bananez 2019!

Quelques addresses:
Magasin en vrac où l’on amène ses contenants
Brosse à dents chez IGA Després à Sutton
Serviettes Performa chez Verveine et Cie
Cire d’abeille 
Cire d’abeille autre fournisseur
Pellicule pour recouvrir les aliments

Attracting Clients I Deserve: Abelle Portraits

The web makes learning accessible. I use it as part of my regular training to perfect the mastery of my craft, I follow a number of entrepreneurs and leaders in my industry. I am constantly watching and listening to webinars and podcasts. Like every day. Like all the time.

The other day, while listening to a business webinar, the influential speaker said this: «You attract the clients you deserve.» In other words, you attract clients who are aligned with your energy. This line has stayed with me since.

I struggle with the confidence in the service I provide and the quality of the work I produce for people. I have come to understand that and expect it. I know many artists and soul-preneurs feel the same way because our soul is part and parcel of the service we provide for others. Indeed, portrait photography is my labor of love.

Abelle Portrait and Wedding Photography

These are some of the lovely souls that have come into my life in 2018.

When I read this line over and over again: «You attract the clients you deserve.», I am at a loss for words to express my gratitude toward the clients who come into my studio. All I know is I am one darn-lucky and blessed human being!

Bon-cadeaux Abelle: le cadeau parfait. • Abelle Vouchers: the perfect gift.

Gift cards available in a variety of denominations. Abelle Family, Wedding and Portrait Photography Studio.

Abelle portraits: a priceless, timeless and tasteful gift.
Starting at 200$ and available in different denominations. Available online.
Call or email for details.

Une idée-cadeau d’une valeur inestimable: des portraits contemporains: d’affaire, de familles ou individuels..
En coupures de 200$ et plus. Ces bons-cadeaux sont offerts en ligne.

info@abelle.ca
514 259.5006

Magazine-style portrait photo session

Session photo de style magazine: Abelle

Parfois, on a le goût de jouer à la star. Parfois, c’est le regard que les autres posent sur nous qui nous aide à grandir.Magazine-style portrait photo session

Ça fait longtemps que j’attends la belle So. J’avais ce shooting en tête depuis plusieurs années. Puis, un dimanche d’automne, on eu la chance de concrétiser ce projet. Et, ça donné ceci:

Magazine-style studio portrait photo session Magazine-style studio portrait photo session

Magazine-style portrait photo session

Je me suis sentie vraiment entre les mains d’une professionnelle qui a su me mettre en confiance et me guider. J’ai tellement aimé l’expérience! Quel bel exercice pour rehausser sa confiance et son estime :))))

Ce n’est pas le maquillage, la coiffure et la robe qui rendent un portrait inoubliable. Ce sont les yeux qui sont le reflet de l’âme qui se trouve derrière ceux-ci.

En voir davantage / To view more:
Pour réserver votre session / To book your shoot:

#beautyportraits
#bookyourphotoshoot
#whatareyouwaitingfor
#beautiful
#portraitstudio
#abellephoto
#glamourportraitshoot

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Celebrating the Overcoming of Challenges: Abelle Portrait Studio

Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory. George S. Patton

Business profile portraitThere are no words to describe this session. I decided to let my client share her story in her own words.

“Most of us know life can bring challenges that knock us down for a while. And even when we know things have started to turn around, this turn-around can take a while, in little steps at a time. When I moved to Brockville in 2015, it was to start over. I found Isabelle’s blog by a “happy accident.” And I put the beauty makeover photo shoot on my wish list for when I felt ready to “come back out” into the world. It took 3 years, but then I contacted her, which started the ball rolling. I was excited and scared, and questioning it all as I met with her beforehand and decided what I wanted to wear. But also afraid that what I had been hoping for so much would turn into another disappointment that I had to overcome.

Disappointment was never part of this experience – ever—not during the shoot nor when I saw the pictures. The shoot felt professional and Isabelle’s photography knowledge was front and centre. However, her compassion for her clients like me was also an integral part of the process. She knew and understood this was not an easy experience for people to go through. Yes she was gentle and considerate about it all. My pictures surprised me but also made me feel like I had found me again….yes, a bigger size, a little more wrinkled and looking older. But I now had something—physical evidence– that showed on the outside how much better I was feeling on the inside.

Business profile portrait Business profile portrait: Abelle Photography

What are you celebrating?

Photography and styling: Abelle.ca
Hair & makeup: Madison Moore MUA

Abelle Portrait Photography Studio

Celebrating Family: Mother and Daughter Portrait Photo Session

Ah women… They are a special breed. This mother, sister, wife, and friend is such a remarkable human being. I never want to get too personal so I do not reveal too much of my clients’ personal lives. However, I can assure you that the world is a much better place because F. and S. are in it.

Abelle Family Portrait Photography

Beauty runs deeper than the thickness of the human skin. This is what you is visible in these images: an inner beauty that shines through in these portraits.Abelle Portrait Photography Studio

Based on the phone consultation we had, F. brought a variety of top of various colors, necklines and textures. We tried different colors and played with different necklines until we found what was most flattering and photogenic on photographs. The deep royal and emerald blues looked great on F. You see, this woman is from Cape Breton and the sea is part of her DNA. Not surprisingly, these colors, reminiscent of the ocean, looked amazing on her. Also, notice the neckline on the royal blue top. Take note: cowl necks are a must in your wardrobe ladies.Abelle Portrait Photography Studio

S. came in with simple and understated tops that also worked well in the photos. I hope we did justice to her perfect creamy skin and her sublime eyebrows. Abelle Portrait Photography Studio Abelle Portrait Photography Studio

 

 

Madison’s lip color choices. Frances is wearing Greystone and Sarah is wearing Saint. Colors by Nude Stix.

 

Hair and makeup: Madison Moore HMUA
Photography assistant: Angélique Gravelle
Photographer: Isabelle Bouchard

Mother and daughter portrait photography session.

Celebrating Family Ties – Mother Daughter Photo Shoot: Abelle

Meet Andrea and Annie, the models in this beautiful and intimate portrait photo shoot.
This is Andrea’s testimonial:

“ Isabelle in her thoughtful and skilled manner has marked a transitional age/stage for Annie and I. Annie is completing high school and is heading to university in September.

Studio magazine-style portrait shoot by Abelle.

She reminds me of Chelsea Clinton.

I am growing my businesses in preparation for retirement from soon to be 25 yrs. of teaching. We very much appreciated Isabelle’s organization, professionalism and attention to detail in creating a safe atmosphere for the photo shoot and the exciting reveal process. As a painter, I am fascinated by how she masterfully paints her subjects in their most beautiful and authentic light! Annie’s casting shot captured her fresh look and was ideal for the intended purpose of her performance audition in Toronto.Studio portrait photo shoot by Abelle.

Senior portrait photo shoot.Portrait photography studio: AbelleBeauty makeover and portrait photo session.

Isabelle suggested a business shot for me which I will use in various multi-media forums including Facebook promoting my local businesses – Buells Creek Furnishings (hand-painted custom furnishings) & Walk More, Bark Less  (pet nanny and dog walking).

 

Mother and daughter portrait photography session.I treasure the images which caught my girl and me in our groove together. Such fun working with you, thank you again.”

Photography assistant: Angélique Gravelle
Hair & makeup artist: Madison Moore
Photography and styling: Isabelle of Abelle

 

 

Beauty portrait photo session

A Few Shades of Grey: Abelle Portraiture

Remember this woman?

Back in 2015. A very different look.

Natasha was the face of a few of Abelle’s promotional pieces back in 2015 and 2016.
Well, look at her now!

It takes courage to go gray and for Natasha, it was a journey. Courage is this woman’s middle name.

Beauty portrait photo session

Rocking the Silver Pixie Cut!

After choosing to live a chemical-free life, it became clear that she would eventually have to make that decision. I cannot believe how stunning she looks. Look at the other glamorous portraits of her taken a few years ago.

Mother daughter portrait photography session: Abelle

She, too, has changed a lot since 2015!

Classic portrait of a young girl shot by Abelle

A classic portrait of her daughter back in 2015.

Beauty portrait photo session

Oh yes! A Sparkly Dress!

Beauty portrait photo session

A Classy Look. Love the Jackie O’ Dress.

Here is to celebrating the different stages of life! What stage do you wish to celebrate?

#glamourportraits #Abelleportraitstudio #corporateportraits #familyportrait #portraitphotographer


Natasha is an energy worker: a Reiki Master Practitioner and teacher, a Young Living Essential Oil Aficionado. She is also a Raindrop Technique massage therapist.

Styling: by Natasha herself
Hair & makeup: Madison of Madison Moore MUA
Lip color: Sin by Nudestix
Photography: Abelle.ca