Tag Archives: Abelle.ca

Book author headshot. Black turtleneck on black backdrop.

A welcomed return: Judy

Back in December 2015, a woman walked into my studio who I would come to think of as a sort of muse. She had recently retired from a career in physiotherapy and had just stepped into a new chapter of life as a writer and entrepreneur.

Her first fiction novel, Voices in the Wilderness, had been released in 2012, and she wanted portraits that captured this exciting transition. We experimented with a variety of looks—soft knits, elegant blouses, tailored jackets—and ended the session with a classic black dress. The final portrait, with its quiet strength and timeless grace, became one of the most iconic images to ever come out of my boutique studio. It still hangs on the studio wall today, a reminder of everything I want my work to stand for: style, timeless elegance, and fun.

Circa 2015

Nearly ten years later, I photographed her again. Still radiant. Still full of grace. This time, she was returning to update her headshots and to welcome a new book she co-authored: Anchored in Hope: Inspiring Stories of Faith That Endures. There’s something incredibly moving about photographing someone whose transformation and journey you’ve glimpsed once before. This portrait session, like the first, began with warm conversation, lots of laughter, and expert hair and makeup by the ever-talented Madison. Madison’s calm energy and skilled hands brought out the best in our client and set the tone for what turned out to be a deeply meaningful shoot.

Before the session, we had a styling consultation where we talked through what she wanted her new portraits to say. The words that came up again and again were “approachable,” “confident,” and “professional.” She wanted images that could speak to who she is today—someone who has built a second career, connected with readers, and continues to grow. We decided on a series of three-quarter-length portraits, elegant in their simplicity. With the right light and styling, the portraits told a story of a woman who knows who she is and isn’t afraid to be seen.

There’s a quiet joy in photographing someone again, years later, and realizing that while time has passed, the essence remains. She is still the muse who inspired one of my favourite images, but now she brings even more life, depth, and perspective to the frame. These sessions—then and now—remind me why I love what I do. It’s not just about creating beautiful photographs. It’s about witnessing a person’s story as it unfolds and being trusted to hold up a mirror to it.

Voices in the Wilderness

Madison H&MUA

Women of influence who choose to influence.

I met J. through a corporate portrait opportunity for the non-profit association: The Upper Canada chapter of Girls Inc.

This assignment was a blessing because I met intelligent, devoted, and accomplished women, including J, who inspire me to continue my life’s work: to show people the inner beauty and strength they possess. The conversations alone were worth their weight in gold. How lucky could I be?

J. is the board chair for this organization, whose mission also speaks to me: inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. As a grade 7 and 8 teacher, I strive to do this daily.

Official corporate headshot


During the first photography session, we focused on corporate portraits. Later, we completed J.’s image portfolio with images that capture her essence, grace, and natural beauty. Within a few hours and with the help of a few outfits, some chocolate, music, and conversation, we created more casual and relaxed portraits.

A classic: the black dress.
Another classic: the white shirt.


Au naturel.

J. is also a business owner. She owns and operates a small community-focused grocery store located in Athens. I hear they have the best cinnamon rolls. I’ll have to find out, won’t I?

https://www.thevillagestore.ca/

Hair and makeup: Madison

Country wedding portrait of a couple in Knowlton shot by Abelle.ca.

R & F: l’amour dans les collines

Cette vue est certainement une des plus belles de la région. Cette région est assurément une des plus belles de la province. Ces collines verdoyantes, façonnées par l’activité agricole, ont été l’arrière-plan de l’enfance de R. On croirait entendre Julie Andrews chanter les collines en vie dans La mélodie du bonheur.

Pour R., fille de producteur porcin, cette journée, c’était son rêve de petite fille: se marier dans le champ sur la ferme. Une pandémie mondiale est venue ébranler ce rêve, à plus d’une reprise. Quoiqu’il en soit, ce rêve est devenu réalité. Pendant quelques heures, le temps s’est arrêté et tous les amis et proches de R et F ont pu respirer et partager leur bonheur contagieux.

Comme une star, R. enfile sa robe de mariée dans une autocaravane
stationnée tout près du site.
Ah… lumière d’automne quand tu nous tiens.

La beauté naturelle du site et la simplicité du décor ont servi de trame de fond pour ces amoureux authentiques, sportifs et comiques.

Au cœur de la journée étaient la famille et les amis de longue date puis ceux et celles rencontré(e)s durant les plus récents chapitres. Tout ce beau monde s’est réuni dans le champ. La pluie était menaçante en matinée.

Puis, comme par magie, lors des photos du couple nuptial, des faisceaux de soleil les ont éclairés.

La soirée s’est terminée, à quelques kilomètres du site, au Domaine Château Bromont. Les convives ont apprécié le coucher de soleil automnal sur la terrasse.

Vieux-village de Bromont.