In-Home Lifestyle Workshop at LOFT Retreat 2019

In February, I had the opportunity to teach an in-home lifestyle workshop at the Loft Retreat in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Organized by the incredibly talented Hilary of Hilary Colleen Photography, LOFT Retreats are educational, working retreats for creatives. When Hilary asked me to teach an in-home lifestyle workshop I immediately said yes! In-home lifestyle is my passion and I was excited to lead a group of fellow photographers through how I prepare for, set-up, and pose an in-home session.

Our couple, Michelle and Pieter were perfect and so relaxed considering there were 12 cameras pointed at them at any given time.

This whole retreat was amazing and I was so glad to be a part of it!

*Scroll to the end for a few behind-the-scene shots! Thanks Susan and Ashleigh for snapping these!

Noonday Collection Spring Release Photo Shoot with Ambassador, Aaron Duffy

As most of you already know, I have a passion for supporting and collaborating with fair trade and ethical organization. Because of this, one of my favorite clients to work with is Noonday Collection ambassador, Aaron Duffy. if you aren’t familiar with Noonday, I can’t say enough positive things about this company. To make a difference in some of the world's most vulnerable communities, Noonday partners with Artisan businesses, helps develop these businesses through fair trade, and empowers them to grow sustainably and to create dignified jobs for people who need them.

Aaron wanted to do something special to feature the new Spring line coming out TODAY! So, to prepare for the launch of the gorgeous jewelry and accessories, Aaron and I visited a local green house to capture the beauty of these new pieces.

These products are even more gorgeous in person! My must haves from the spring line are the Rustic Leather Wallet and the Eclipse Cuff. I can’t wait to order both now that I got to see them in person!

To see more from Aaron and Noonday, you can follow her here.

Winter Fair Trade Styled Shoot

At the end of November, right before the holiday craziness began, I organized a Winter Fair Trade styled shoot. I absolutely loved organizing my fist fair trade shoot in June so much, I almost immediately started planning the next one!

I found the perfect Creative Cabin in New Hampshire for the session and partnered with some of my favorite ethical and sustainable brands.

These fair trade shoots have become one of my favorite things because they marry my two passions--lifestyle photography and ethical living. I can’t wait to continue and plans are already underway for the next one! A special thanks to the amazing brands featured in the session:

1. Pact Apparel: Pact Organic was a featured brand in my last fair trade shoot as well. They are one of my go-to brands, and I love how they do business, choose to make clothing, and treat their employees. Pact makes 100% organic cotton apparel and is ALWAYS sweatshop and child labor free.

2. Open River Imports: Open River Imports is the US distributor for Basha Boutique. Basha is an organization based in Bangladesh, a literal house of hope, Basha creates high quality, unique, handmade products-- including kantha blankets--while employing women at risk and survivors of trafficking. When Basha first opened their doors in 2011, they employed 14 women, now they have grown to employ more than 10 times that. Each Basha blanket has the makers name hand sewn on the tag, so you know the woman who worked on creating each blanket. 

3. Synergy Organic Clothing: Synergy Organic specializes in ethical, organic women's clothing. At its core, Synergy is committed to empowering men and women through ethical employment practices. They are having an AMAZING sale, if you want to check them out for the first time! They are currently offering an additional 50% off their entire site when you use code “HELLO2019”!

4. Ten Thousand Villages: Ten Thousand Villages is another repeat organization from my first styled shoot. This non-profit organization markets handcrafted products made by more than 120 artisan groups in 35 countries. Every purchase is making an impact in the lives of people around the world.

5. Krochet Kids: Krochet Kids mission is to break the cycle of poverty. They provide life-changing job opportunities to women in need. With each purchase made, they introduce you to the woman who made the product and invite you to visit her online profile to learn more about her. 

6. Noonday Collection (Special thanks to Aaron Duffy): The story of how Noonday Collective began is inspiring. It is the story of one woman determined to make a difference in the lives of people in Uganda. Noonday offers fair trade jewelry and uses fashion to create meaningful opportunities around the world. 

Thank you to the models, Ashleigh and Rob and to product photographer, Jen Bakos of Jenn Bakos Photo for all of her help!