hey, I'm bella
Thank you for loving and valuing what I do. I am currently fully booked for 2021 family sessions and only taking limited commissions during the colder months. Only booking studio sessions now.
my process
join the mailing list
My mailing list is where I announce my calendar and all other things regarding bookings/sessions/etc.
dates get announced
Social media reach isn't as great as it once was, and it's the most automated way to reach people to stay fair. This way you'll always be up to date.
reach out via contact form
Head to my website and contact form to book a session. This way you'll always know my latest pricing and offerings. I am always transparent about pricing.
Booking
If you're interested on being on the waitlist, join my mailing list. I'll update the list if dates open up.
Most of the time, I'll just post on stories on Instagram
Instagram is my way to reach you all on a regular basis. I post on my stories what sets I'm working on, what prints have been ordered (when you sign your contracts and get your partner to sign within 4 days of receiving the contracts) and what's going in the mail.
I don't spam people with multiple newsletters. I only post when it's helpful (releasing dates, any tips).
when do dates open?
I open dates about 2 months in advance. If you have a Baby'st First Year package reach out and you'll be slotted in first. My package clients get 1 week early access to my dates. Then the rest of the dates get opened up to mailing list folks. Then finally I open up to contact form bookings. If you're booking, please mention you're on the mailing list to get early access.
If you don't reach out to secure your spot in time, please note I cannot just fit you in. So please set up a calendar reminder for yourself if you have a timeframe in mind! My dates are filled first come first served.
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child-led family photography
I realized that by letting go of expectations, I opened myself up to possibilities. It made me a better listener. It made me become a more refined storyteller. Children now lead each of my sessions. With this, I've finally found a way to showcase the spirit of your family through my art of storytelling. My style is now much more documentary in nature with a hint of direction to ensure your photos are a polished interpretation of the everyday. This will create images that will be unique for your family and not contrived or repetitive from year-to-year. By falling back to an observer role, I can focus on composition, light and the details to create images that blend art with reality. My skill lies in adapting when things 'go wrong' just as much as when things 'go right'.
Please understand my style and philosophy before reaching out to secure a spot.
I often get requests for posed extended family portraits. I purposely don't show these images because I don't specialize in them and they don't bring me joy to create. I have realized we all have our niches and mine is about carefree play without expectation. My suggestion is to reach out to a photographer that shows the type of work you want to receive.
This is my why
to be a family photographer, one needs to be adaptive.
Every family
to be featured
why do I have a model release for every session?
Every family to be featured.
deserves
Ever since the first day I started, I knew I wanted to showcase ALL families. In my heart no family should be hidden because they didn't 'check off the boxes' of what the media said was 'worthy'. I firmly believe that all families of all shapes, colours and beliefs should be showcased. The way I was able to show such a diverse portfolio is because of my model releases. I want to share what makes you and your loved ones unique. I do not hide anyone. I show 100% of the families I photograph. It is an honour to be chosen to photograph you. No one should ever be made to feel lesser.
My second reason is to show how I handle skin tones of all types. I want to show diversity in my portfolio. I want people to feel proud and comfortable in their own skin. I do not edit people's skin differently from one race to another. I do not use filters that adjust or lighten the skin. I do not alter the colours of the outfits that you chose. I do not fake a sun that wasn't present during our session. I will enhance what was present, but I will never 'fix' what was never a flaw in the first place. I want to show truth in what I do. My art lies in my ability to frame an image creatively, not to stick a filter on the photo that might cause you to cringe in 5 years time.
My third reason is that I want to prove that I can photograph every type of family and child. There is no "difficult child", no "awkward family". I want to show consistency in my work to build trust. You are rightly wary because some photographers only showcase their 'best work'. To those who follow me and are still deciding if I can make their family look like the ones in my portfolio. The answer is yes. Help me show them.
Please know that if you choose the privacy option, I will respect that and understand your decision. This is your own why. I just wanted to share mine.
For a limited time only, a $700 gift voucher will be applied for all portfolio-building Studio Sessions (model release must be signed) excluding basic headshots. Hair + makeup will also be included for Full-Service Branding and Celebration of Self Sessions.
Subject to availability. Contact me for details.
Gift Voucher
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About me
My path here is a bit different than most. I have a background in engineering and accounting/auditing. Like every good Asian daughter, I wanted to make my parents happy. With my first paycheck I bought a camera. I was instantly addicted to capturing life's details and observing people's interactions. When I moved from Toronto to Boston, I found myself without a job but with a fresh start. I got my first gig off Craigslist (crazy!) and have been fully booked ever since. The family that had booked me on Craigslist still keeps in touch with me to this day and I've photographed them quite a few times since. I've been featured in numerous publications both online and in print (Martha Stewart Weddings, Boston Magazine, The Knot). 8+ years later, you've stumbled onto my page.
I am candid, communicative and caring. For those that know me, they know I have a pretty wicked sense of humour to get people to relax. My goal always is to ensure you are heard and that you are comfortable throughout the process. In my portfolio you can see each family's genuine happiness and comfort in their body language. It takes a lot to create the environment of trust. The rave reviews from my families afterward show you how much they care about me in return. This environment of trust builds from the beginning and I honestly attract the kindest families that allow me to create consistently strong images with heart in order to tell their story.
I often hear the complaint that partners hate family photography
It doesn't have to be that way. From the same person, I hear that they're INCREDIBLE parents though, and LOVE playing with the kids. It's just that they hate taking pictures.
My style will fit perfectly for you and your family. My session thrives on play. The story is built upon the connection your partner has with your children. No one said you had to keep with the tradition of painful family photos. When we force ourselves to do things we don't enjoy, that's when things become stressful. Change the definition of what a family photography session can be. Start having fun. Start playing. Start by just being yourselves.
Imagine life before photography was invented. And just do that.
I want your child to "misbehave"
Kids should have the freedom to have fun and be themselves. Who said the photo session had to be sitting and smiling at the camera for 20 minutes? I would be bored out of my mind. Let them play and their personalities will shine bright. Give them what they want and we'll get our moments in return.
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SUCCESS STORIES
Jacquelyn - Mom of 3
"She was conscious of making us all look good in the right lighting and angles."
She was patient and worked to position our baby, Ryan, and listened to my ideas for a couple specific pictures I wanted to try to get for Christmas and family portraits. She is detail oriented, attentive, and listens to the personalized client wishes. I highly recommend her to anyone wanting beautiful photographs of special moments!
"she captured every moment so beautifully and in its rawest form."
We originally discovered Bella through her family and newborn photos, and immediately booked her to take our engagement photos in Beacon Hill. Through the booking process we were so impressed with the wedding photos popping up on her website and her professional yet warm and friendly nature that we decided to hire her to shoot our wedding in Columbus, Ohio. I can say without a doubt that Bella not only made our actual wedding day much calmer and less hurried than I could have ever imagined. Each photo captures the people and the feelings from the day, and we couldn't have asked for more. She captured the specific details I had asked for in addition to the poses and moments that stem from her creative flare.
She's not only tremendously talented, but she's sincere, kind, and radiates an energy that makes it clear how much she adores her job and is dedicated to doing her very best job for you. These qualities, in addition to her actual photography skills, make her inimitable and one of the very best out there.
This could be you....
marisa - Mom of 3
"I have been amazed with the beautiful moments she captures with such grace."
Somehow she can find a smile or a look even when our kiddo is not interested in being photographed. Her way with children is unmatched; she can engage and distract while also setting up great lighting and scenery. I love following her Facebook page and enjoy all the lovely photos she shares, which speak for themselves of her incredible talent.
Maria - Bride & mom of 1
modern
embracing light and movement
timeless
a clean editorial edit that won't go out of style
real
child led
elevated
with gentle direction, posing and guidance
intentioned
curated
crafting your session so that elements work in harmony not in competition
set to music in a keepsake slideshow
I'm ALL ABOUT
Understanding who you are, your way of play, your family's style, connection and adapting to what you need at this moment.
I'M NOT ABOUT
Fake "cheese" smiles, stiff poses, giant bows, complicated set pieces and making your family a Pinterest clone.
"Bella did a phenomenal job with the baby, but best of all with my jaded/photographer-kid-syndrome older two (who were not-quite 3 and not quite 6 at the time). I printed an album from the images I got from our session and I will treasure it forever. She got truly amazing portraits of our family!"
— Mira, mom of 3 and family photographer
inspired by MY style?
Start planning your story
I book my sessions about 2 months in advance. I announce openings on my newsletter and on social media. Prior to your session, we will finalize locations and outfit choices. You'll receive a questionnaire with access to outfit planning tools.
SCHEDULE A SESSION
