Chelsea

Working with Chelsea for the third time has been wonderful.

Chelsea Johnson is the Host of Cue to Cue Podcast. She’s an actor, singer, director, vocal coach and lover of all things creative. Since our last Branding Photoshoot together, Chelsea’s brand progressed as well.

Chelsea's brand colors are gold/yellow, black and white, so we designed the photoshoot and styled the sets with this in mind. If you look closely, you'll notice Chelsea's eyes are actually golden. #thegirlwithgoldeneyes

“Agnes is so detailed oriented and really wants to understand your brand and what YOU are all about. I cannot recommend her enough! For anyone with a personal brand or business, this woman knows hers stuff! Just so much gratitude for this woman and her creativity! Thank you Agnes!”

— Chelsea

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Ria

Ria is one of the participants of our 40 over 40 Experience this year. It has been wonderful photographing women over 40 and I can’t wait to share more shoots with you. We have met incredible women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s & even 80s and we’re so excited for the exhibit! If you want to participate, fill out a form HERE.

We asked Ria questions about beauty and confidence over 40:

How did you feel before your photo shoot?

Before the photoshoot I had moments of "what am I doing?" Nervous excitement was the dominant emotion I was feeling leading up to the day. I will admit having my photos taken is not something I enjoy. Self conscious of my appearance. My ability to "take a good photo" was not something I was confident about. But there was also this intuitive pull that this photoshoot is something I needed to do. To help give me the confidence to step out of the shadows and give myself that boost.

How did you feel when you saw your photos?

I was worried that I would have only a few possible ones that would turn out. I was so happy to see that Agnes was able to capture aspects of myself that I didn't know existed. I was happy with them all. No, I was beyond happy. And I have started crafting ideas in my head for a future shoot in another year or two. The photos were just the confidence boost I needed.

What excites you about your future? What are your goals and plans you look forward to?

I am working on creating a holistic wellness program for women midlife and beyond. Using nutrition as the foundation, and weaving in mindset and movement. Helping women enter this potent time of their lives with a sense of empowerment. That this is not a time where its "all downhill from here" but the beginning of so much more.

How do you nurture your confidence on a regular basis?

I have learned that it's important who I surround myself with. Years ago, I wanted to be accepted and liked by anyone, and sometimes that "anyone" was not the best for me and my confidence. I now surround myself with those who celebrate my wins, without jealousy or passive aggressive sabotage, while also walking with me through loss and difficult times. Another tool I incorporate, which is something I encourage my clients to do is gratitude, not just for the things in our lives such as a home, food, sun is shining etc. but gratitude for our bodies, gratitude that my body and I enjoyed that beautiful evening walk, gratitude that my body and I were able to experience traveling to see my daughter in Scotland, or even gratitude of the sensation of a hug from a loved one. I do not have confidence down to a science, I am human. And I still continue to struggle with confidence, but I am more aware now of that "voice" from years of conditioning that no longer serves me and holds me back. Confidence to put myself out there and show who I truly am gets easier day by day.

How do you define beauty at this point in your life? What makes you feel beautiful?

Beauty at this point in my life is having grey hair, fine lines and wrinkles, scars, etc. that show a life that is well lived. I see beauty more from an inner source. When you meet that woman who doesn't necessarily tick the boxes of what society deems as beautiful, but in her confidence, they way she carries herself, the way she articulates herself, and has a genuine care and interest in those around her, she is the most beautiful woman in the room. It is the beauty that comes from the heart and soul of a person.

Why are you proud of yourself at this point in your life?

I am proud of starting a new business in my 50's after raising my three amazing children. The timing has led to just a few bumps in the road of being self employed, but all those challenges, highs and lows, tears, and so many lessons in my life leading up to this point have given me the resilience to understand and know that those bumps are showing me what I do not necessarily want to reflect in my business. I found myself early on, trying to create a business based on what I thought others expected it to be, how others expected me to show up. I have taken steps back from my business for personal reflection earlier this year, and I am proud of myself for doing that, to take that time for much needed self reflection and learning. To now be working on a program that reflects my own personal archetype and how I want to help nurture connection with other like minded women, and educate them on how we can move forward beyond 40 with confidence, vitality, health and joy.

Are there any myths about being your age you'd like to bust?

Growing up I was presented with so many myths about aging. That as we age we cease to contribute anything meaningful to society. Seeing men becoming "silver foxes", gaining respectability for their wisdom as they age, while as women, if we are not young and fertile, what good are we? […] As women 40 and beyond we have so much to offer. That the toxic patriarchy that have for centuries made sure we "knew our place" is slowly being challenged and being replaced with a more balanced approach to our roles as women in society not just in our youth but also beyond. I find myself being drawn to ancestral knowledge. As I have been going through menopause I have taken to journaling my experiences. […] In my journaling I have found that there is so much power in this stage of life, yes, as with entering any new stage of life, there are endings. Ending in our way of being physically, emotionally and spiritually. But there are also beginnings.

“When it was time to see my photos, I was worried that I would have only a few possible ones that would turn out. I was so happy to see that Agnes was able to capture aspects of myself that I didn’t know existed. I was happy with them all and had to have them all. No, I was beyond happy. [...] The photos were just the confidence boost I needed.”

— Ria

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3 Benefits of Artistic Expression

Every single time, the stress accompanying the photoshoot goes away about 30 minutes into the experience and what remains are the countless benefits!

Here are 3 benefits of artistic expressions:

1. It boosts your self-esteem

   The ability to express yourself feels freeing and results in higher self-esteem

2. It alleviates fear and stress

It gets you out of your head and makes you focus on action.

3. It improves cognitive function

When we’re creative, we use parts of th brain that aren’t usually in action for everyday tasks.

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Sara

We loved capturing Hair & Makeup Artist Sara in her beautiful new studio.

Sara is one of our hair & makeup artists and helps us during countless photoshoots. We offer hair & makeup services so your photoshoot day is stress-free (no need to run around town for different appointments), you can feel your best and leave pampered & empowered.

What Sara loves most about her work is turning women into the most stunning versions of themselves. We love working with Sara, because her gentle approach allows to create a look women truly want, so they can rock their photos.

In her free time, Sara loves to meditate, work out, read and cook.

A branding photoshoot was a great occasion to capture Sara’s bridal work.

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Warm Fall with Christie Ressel

Stylist Christie Ressel

It feels like fall came and went but at least here in Toronto it’s been very warm!

It’s never a dull day working with Stylist & Youtuber Christie Ressel and it’s always wonderful photographing her outfits.

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Christie’s next outfit proves that a white shirt doesn’t need to be boring.

Dressed up with interesting fabrics and accessories it’s very creative.

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Warm fall days are perfect for integrating a little sparkle in our outfits as well.

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Another outfit option that is lovely for fall and winter are sweater dresses.

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Vests are also fantastic for fall and they often get overlooked. They are especially great for warmer fall days and give so many styling options.

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This last outfit is a good reminder that just because summer is gone, we don’t need to wear dark outfits only. Bright outfits always add so much light and coziness!

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Penthouse Queen Claudine Montano

Penthouse Queen Claudine Montano

I’m so grateful I got to photograph Penthouse Queen Claudine Montano again. The photoshoot took place in one of her beautiful listings, which was the perfect backdrop for Claudine’s photos.

We were even able to create several iconic photos that look like postcards. They show the strength and determination of a woman with our lovely Toronto in the background.

We took countless lifestyle photos in this beautiful penthouse.

Claudine’s personality made the photoshoot even more enjoyable!

It was also the perfect time to update Claudine’s portraits.

Also, don’t miss Claudine’s behind the scenes video:

SUBSCRIBE to stay in the loop! http://bit.ly/2eL0P0r Here's a look behind the scenes of Claudine Montano's Personal Branding Photoshoot. Claudine is a Broker...

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