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what to wear for your grad photo session

Looking for what to wear for your grad photo session in Vancouver? Get tips on outfits, colours, props, and accessories from Vancouver grad photographer Michelle Baril. Stay comfortable, be yourself, and capture authentic photos you’ll love.

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what to wear to fine art school portraits: tips from your richmond school photographer

School photo day is a special milestone for families in Richmond. As a boutique school photographer, I love creating timeless portraits that highlight your child’s personality. The right outfit can make a big difference in ensuring your child’s photos are both classic and flattering. If you’re preparing for school portraits, here are my professional tips on what to wear.

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fine art school portraits: elevating richmond school photography

Hello, Richmond parents and schools! If you’re tired of the same old school photos, it’s time to experience something new and exciting with Fine Art School Portraits. As a leading Richmond school photographer, I’m thrilled to bring a fresh, modern approach to capturing your child’s school moments. Say goodbye to forced smiles and generic settings, and hello to authentic, timeless portraits.

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families Michelle Baril families Michelle Baril

why I’ll never tell your child to smile (and what I do instead)

My approach is different. I focus on lifestyle photography, which means capturing moments that are real, unscripted, and full of personality. Whether we're walking through Garry Point Park or playing along the docks in Steveston, I guide your family through gentle, natural prompts that encourage connection and fun. Before long, your child is laughing, exploring, and completely themselves. And that's when the magic happens—smiles that aren't prompted, but felt.

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what should your child wear to a fine art mini session?

A fine art mini session is a unique opportunity to capture your child in a way that reflects their true personality and essence. Unlike traditional school portraits, these images aim to highlight your child's individuality through natural, timeless portraits. The goal is to create images that will not only look beautiful today but also hold a sense of meaning for years to come.

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families Michelle Baril families Michelle Baril

why I chose family photography

Growing up, I wasn’t exactly fond of having my picture taken. I can still remember the awkwardness of posing for family photos and trying to hide behind my siblings. As a kid, I didn’t see the point. I didn’t want to stand still and smile at a camera for what felt like hours, especially when it always seemed to catch me in a moment that wasn’t me.

That’s why I decided to specialize in family photography. I understand the discomfort, the reluctance, and the pressure to look perfect. But here’s the thing: family photos don’t need to be perfect to be beautiful. In fact, the more authentic and relaxed the session, the better the final result will be.

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tips for helping teens feel comfortable in front of the camera

As a photographer, my job isn’t just to take pictures—it’s to capture the essence of the person in front of the camera. I want each session to reflect the unique personality of my clients, especially teens who may feel a bit uncertain about the process. Here are a few tips I share with parents to help your teen feel more at ease during the photo session.

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families Michelle Baril families Michelle Baril

when is the best time to book family photos?

As a photographer who specializes in sunset sessions, I often get asked, “When’s the best time to book family photos?” The short answer: now—especially if you're dreaming of golden summer light, relaxed evenings, and that magical glow only sunset can give.

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families Michelle Baril families Michelle Baril

family photos: keeping it simple, beautiful, and full of connection

When we think about family photos, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that everything needs to be perfect. We might envision golden hour lighting, perfectly coordinated outfits, and flawless smiles. But the truth is, family photos don't have to be complicated to be beautiful. In fact, the simplest moments often turn out to be the most meaningful.

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families Michelle Baril families Michelle Baril

preparing kids for a sunset photoshoot: a fun and relaxed approach

As a lifestyle photographer, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is capturing the beautiful, unposed moments that happen naturally, especially with children. While some photographers might focus on getting kids to smile and pose for the camera, I love to take a more relaxed approach — capturing their true essence as they play, interact, and just enjoy the moment.

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families, grads Michelle Baril families, grads Michelle Baril

what to wear to your steveston family photoshoot

Steveston, BC, with its charming blend of waterfront views, rustic buildings, and stunning sunsets, is one of the most picturesque locations for a family photoshoot. But one of the most common questions families ask me is: "What should we wear?" Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll talk about the best colours, styles, and tips to ensure that your family looks their best while feeling relaxed and comfortable. Let’s dive in!

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families, grads Michelle Baril families, grads Michelle Baril

best portrait locations in steveston, bc

Steveston, BC, is a gem for photographers and families looking for the perfect backdrop for their portraits. Whether you want the natural beauty of a park, the charm of a historic village, or the coastal feel of a working wharf, Steveston has it all. Here are some of the best locations for your next portrait session.

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mcmath wildcats rugby: artistic sports photography capturing movement and emotion

Last week I had the incredible opportunity to capture the McMath Wildcats in action at the South Fraser Kick Off Tournament at South Surrey Athletic Park. As the teams hit the field, the energy was electric — the perfect atmosphere for the kind of sports photography I love to create. But when I step onto the sidelines with my camera, I’m not just there to document the game — I’m there to create art.

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capturing the magic of a corporate family picnic

There's a special kind of magic that happens at a corporate family picnic. It's a unique blend of the professional and personal, where the lines between colleagues and families blur, and a chance for me as a photographer to capture the spirit of a company through the smiles on their employees' faces.

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