Zoe and I met through my mom, and later on we ended up working together at Tim Hortons back when I was still living in a small city called Spruce Grove, near Edmonton.
Zoe has a certain character that’s hard to miss—you hear her loud laugh and suddenly you’re laughing too. She has this naturally friendly energy that just pulls people in. I’d say Zoe is a dreamer who’s also still figuring out what that dream is. Becoming friends with her feels inevitable—like whether you plan to or not, she’ll find her way into your life. She’s a magnet. Even the introverts end up comfortable around her… eventually.
Zoe is a few years older than me, but I never really felt that difference. It’s almost like we were just going through the same season of life at the same time.
Zoe
When she asked me to photograph her pre-birthday shoot, I wasn’t really up for it at first. I don’t really do portrait sessions. The first and last time I did something like that was back in high school when I first got my camera. Since then, I stuck mostly to street photography and candid moments of my friends whenever we hung out. I never really saw myself doing portraits because I was intimidated by the idea of working in a more “creative job” where I had to openly share my thoughts and direction with people.
Honestly, I still sometimes think people might find my “story-inspired” photographs a bit cringe, or maybe they just don’t really get what I’m trying to say. Maybe it’s Princess Diaries, or The Parent Trap, or 13 Going on 30—or just every rom-com I’ve ever watched—that made me fall in love with storytelling. But if I’m being honest, those realizations really came into focus when I started working as a portrait photographer.
Back when I was just capturing whatever I saw—places, moments, random details—it was more about me quietly sharing my perspective, where I’ve been, and what I’ve experienced. I always had this excitement to tell stories, even before. So much so that I actually toned it down at some point, thinking I might be “too much” for some people.
But I feel like God has slowly been bringing that part of me back through photography, reminding me that I’m not too much for the right people. It’s important to be mindful with words and guard your mouth, yes—but I think there’s also something beautiful about letting yourself get excited about what you love without shrinking it.
I’ve learned that storytelling can exist in different mediums, and using the talents and passions I’ve been given is one of the best ways I can express it.
Anyway, I think I went a bit off topic.
What I’m really saying is: this session with Zoe was the start of that realization for me. Since we were already comfortable with each other, I felt free to direct her and experiment with different shots. Her outgoing personality also made it easier for me to loosen up and just create.
Although it also made me realize something important—not every future client will be like her. So I know I’ll need to summon my inner extrovert whenever I have to show up for calls or sessions. But at the same time, I’ve also learned it’s okay to disappear behind the camera during a shoot, especially at events. Those quiet moments actually help me recharge for the next interaction.
If you’ve made it this far, I’m genuinely proud of you lol—and thank you for taking the time to get to know me through my stories.
To Zoe, I hope we continue to cross paths in whatever season of life we’re in. Thank you for being a friend, and my very patient model at the time.
Muah!
xoxo,
Ann
