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At the beginning of 2022, I gave you the inside scoop on all the cool things I’d been up to in my first-ever year in review. I’m here again, this time with the highlights of the year 2023.

These reviews are a neat way for you and me to peek into what I’ve accomplished and the fun projects that kept me on my toes throughout the year. I’m excited about the idea of checking out how things evolve from year to year if I keep this up—sort of like my own quirky version of an annual report.

Even though I’m just sharing the shiny moments with you, I want you to know that the tough times and hurdles count too. They’re like the not-so-glamorous side of the story that still plays a crucial role. After all, those challenges are the secret sauce that helps us grow and get even better at what we do. They’re like badges of honour, proving our grit and willpower. Cheers to embracing the journey, bumps and all!

Highlights of the year 2023

Photography exhibitions

I held my very first solo photography exhibition in 2023 and made it a big event. It was beautiful! So many of my friends, family, acquaintances, clients and even Instagram followers I didn’t know came to the opening reception. It was an emotional time, a dream come true.

Preparing the exhibition required a lot of hard work and it showed in the end result. I sold quite a few exhibition catalogues, including one to an Instagram follower in Portugal.

After the exhibition, I submitted my Life in a Morning project to a number of Canadian art galleries. I was happy to receive a positive response from Gallery@501 in Sherwood Park.

Life in a Morning will be exhibited for a second time from January 23 to March 2, 2024. The exhibition will be slightly different than the first one and it will be presented alongside painted portraits by Carol Wylie. Come and see me at the opening reception from 2 to 4 pm on February 10 at Gallery@501, 501 Festival Ave in Sherwood Park.

In December 2023, I had the privilege of showcasing my art at the Centre d’arts visuels de l’Alberta’s Miniatures exhibition. I presented five captivating framed macro photographs capturing the intricate beauty of natural elements.

Awards and recognition

2023 was also a year where some of my work was recognized and awarded.

In January, I joined Fearless Family Photographers, an international group of documentary family photographers. Throughout the year, I received one Fearless Family Story Award and two Fearless Family Awards. I ranked 32nd on the list of Top Family Photographers of 2023!

Later in the year, I discovered Inspiration Photographers, an international group of photographers based in Brazil. They approached me in the summer of 2023 to be a judge for Collection 37 of their family awards. It was very interesting to see how this photography competition works behind the scenes. It was also great to see the work submitted by other documentary family photographers worldwide.

After being a judge, I became a member of Inspiration Photographers. I won four awards and one honorable mention. I can’t wait to see what 2024 is going to bring me!

In the local art community, I found myself among the finalists for the Prix Envol, an award from the Regroupement artistique francophone de l’Alberta (RAFA) that celebrates exceptional artistic achievements.

Radio Cité

Radio Cité, the francophone community radio of Edmonton, invited me to participate in Mon métier de rêve, a series of radio segments developed in collaboration with Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord. During this unique experience, I was interviewed by the charming Axelle Lachance, a grade 5 student who dreams of becoming a professional cat photographer.

Children’s book

In 2023, I collaborated with Louis P Houle, a French-Canadian author from Ontario, to illustrate my first children’s book. While it may not appear directly linked to photography, one of the book’s illustrations was inspired by a photography session with a client. The book will be available for purchase soon.

Radio-Canada

In 2023, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Radio-Canada three times—once for Connexion and twice on the radio for La Croisée and Le Café Show.

Strathcona County photography workshop

Upon learning about my exhibition at Gallery@501, Strathcona County approached me to conduct a photography workshop. The class is set for Saturday, February 24, and you can find all the details about what I’ll be teaching and register on their website.

Coming up in 2024

I already have a few initiatives lined up for 2024. Sign up to receive my newsletter and stay informed! Among other things, I’ll be starting a project involving mothers. Additionally, get ready for the introduction of an amazing new service!