There’s something really special about photographing someone you already know. Beth and I go back years — our sons have been at school together since kindergarten, and back when the boys were younger our families spent a lot of time together. Life has gotten busier since then and our paths don’t cross as often as they used to, so this session was a lovely excuse to slow down and really catch up. A headshot session is a different kind of time together — unhurried, one-on-one, no one else pulling for attention.

We spent a beautiful morning at Deas Island Park, and it turned into exactly the kind of session I love: half photo shoot, half catch-up between two moms of grade 7 boys. I heard all about her son’s love for working and creating with his hands — the kind of hands-on, tinkering passion that’s honestly pretty rare to see in a kid these days. In exchange, I got to talk her ear off about my son’s musical theatre world, which I will happily do to anyone who will listen!

Beth just finished the final stretch of schooling to become a registered clinical counsellor, and she’s just about ready to hang up her own shingle. These headshots are for her new website – the professional face she’ll be putting out into the world as she launches her practice.

And honestly, they couldn’t be for a better person. Beth has this warm, welcoming energy that makes you feel instantly at ease, but underneath it there’s this understated spunkiness that I just love. She’s easy to talk to in a way that feels genuine, not performed. It’s the kind of quality that makes people want to open up to her, and I have zero doubt it’s going to make her an incredible counsellor. You can see all of that in these photos – the warmth, the ease, the little spark underneath it all.

Congratulations on this next chapter, Beth. I’m excited to see where it takes you.

Eran Sudds is a Tsawwassen photographer who specializes in fun & natural sessions for you and your entire family. She is available for maternity, newborn, family portraits and headshots at locations in South Delta, or anywhere in the Lower Mainland. Contact her to book your session!