“People waste so much time waiting for the ‘right time’ – tomorrow is never promised. If you feel it, do it.”- unkown
The Pandemic has taught us so many things, but above everything, the lesson that I am taking away from the last few years, is just that – tomorrow is never promised. I am finding that many clients are wanting to document their families when they are finally able to see each other again, meaning, extended family, and grown family sessions are becoming more and more requested in my inbox. As a family photographer (and a sentimental Pisces) this couldn’t fill my cup any more.
Q. Your story – the Who, What, Where, and When?
A. We are the Schnitter’s: Bonnie (Mom), Al (Dad), twin daughters (Natalie and Rebekka), and Barry (Nat’s partner). Natalie and Barry moved to Squamish from Vancouver in May and bought their first condo together. Rebekka lives in Ottawa and was in Vancouver for a work conference. Mom and Dad live in Nanaimo. We all got together in Squamish for the weekend. It had been 6 months since we were all together and we celebrated Father’s day, the new condo, and Rebekka’s upcoming move to Victoria.
Family is really important to us, and we love spending time together. The past 2 years of the pandemic has made that a lot more difficult. Luckily, technology (thanks Zoom!) has allowed us to stay in touch, but as Nat and Rebekka were considering gifts for their parents upcoming birthdays, the idea to have family portraits done seemed like a really nice idea. It was really a gift for everyone, something we could all have to make us feel closer together even when we are apart for long periods of time. The last time we had professional photos done, Nat and Rebekka were about 3 or 4 years old. While we often took group photos together it was inevitable that someone’s eyes were closed, the background wasn’t pretty or the long arm of the person taking the selfie created an aesthetic that you didn’t necessarily want to display on your wall.
Q. Tell me about your favourite thing about each other or your family group.
A. I think I speak for everyone when I say that our favorite thing about our family group is that we genuinely love to spend time together. We have a really loving, supportive relationship and we are there for each other no matter what.
Q. What kinds of hobbies do you enjoy together, or what is one of your favourite memories together?
A. We love to play games when we get together. Settlers of Catan is our favorite. We also spend a lot of time at the beach. Growing up our family vacations were camping trips. Our favorite spot ever is Pachena Bay on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. We spent 2 weeks there the very first time we camped there. We hung out on the beach everyday, we saw whales in the bay almost every day too! We took a day hike on the West Coast Trail and got lost. Eventually we found our way out. It was such a memorable trip for all of us.
Fun Facts
Bonnie is an amazing artist specializing in acrylics and watercolour – you can find her at instagram.com/bschnitter_art
Natalie got the artist blood, and is an illustrator and painter offering commissions – you can find her at instagram.com/nataliececelia
Be sure to check them both out and show them some love!
Are you ready to capture your family? Contact me to book!
