janet kwan photography

I like debriefing. There is always so much I forget. The good and the bad. There have been many new exciting experiences and definitely some challenges to go with them, but I’m thankful. For all of it. A year ago, I asked for something (on my birthday, I think) and I got it: chaos. In good and challenging ways. I wanted it because I knew I was settling. I had been for some time.

For 2011, I set out to do things that scared me in photography. So I signed up for a workshop with my favourite photographer. I never in a million years would’ve thought I would do it. Yet somehow, I was given the courage to click the registration link and submit my application. Thank. God.

Opportunities were graciously given to me by friends and peers and I shot my first wedding as the primary photographer. And then shot a wedding solo. In Punta Cana. Whaaaat?!

I’m extremely thankful for clients who trusted me with their special day because without that trust, I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this.

To my amazing friends who continue to show their support (and read this blog!), I am so very grateful. It still blows me away that you would take the time to check for new posts

2011 has been a great year and I’m reeeallly excited for 2012! So here it is, photography and personal highlights from the year:

That photographer on stage? That is Joe McNally. He knows his lighting, alright.

So honoured to meet Jasmine Star

Food Truck Festival

Above the arch reads “Enter to grow in wisdom”

4th of July fireworks!

My birthday

Ryan plays softball. So does Jo. He graduated from Kinesiology at McMaster. So did she (Mac represent!). He is a physiotherapist. And yes, so is she. Oh, but they have their differences too. Well, they don’t share the same height . Not that it matters much, because when Ryan proposed on the weekend of their 1 year anniversary during a surprise trip to New York, Jo said yes and now they’re in the middle of their wedding planning adventure.

Jo and I have known each other since we were kids. And there’s a picture of us at the ROM together to prove it. Years later, I needed to find a place to live in university and there just happened to be one room left in the house that Jo was moving into. We ended up being housemates for 3 hilariously fun years. There are many pictures to prove it .

I’m incredibly honoured to be photographing Ryan and Jo’s wedding and I’m really excited to see everything come together!

On an unseasonably sunny and warm Thanksgiving Monday, my super photografriend, Ryan, and I decided to take full advantage of the weather by taking photos to mark Sam and Van’s engagement. But there was so much more to be thankful for.

Sam and Van have had their ups and downs like every relationship, but to see how far they’ve come as individuals and together is really something. I’ve learned so much from them through living life alongside them. They are both willing to work through their struggles together even when it’s difficult. They choose to love when it’s tough. They are honest with themselves and each other. One would think these things come naturally but it’s a choice that both need to make. I can’t express how thankful I am to be able to call Sam and Van friends and I am extremely lucky to have them in my life. Can’t wait til it all comes together next year!

Yup, this is my favourite.

This fierceness would make Tyra proud.

Sam is all smiles. All the time

They met at a party. As with many young people in university. Of course, we know their story didn’t end there. It’s only just beginning. Duncan and Michelle flew back to Toronto to celebrate not only their special day but also to celebrate the baptism of their incredibly cute baby, Scott. On a day where the weather was just about perfect near the end of summer, they made a promise to each other in front of their family and friends.

Duncan + Michelle, thank you so much for the opportunity to capture such a big day in your lives. You guys are so great together and such great parents. I’m so grateful to have been a part of your wedding day and I’m so excited for what’s to come for your new family. Enjoy your sneak peek and slideshow at the end

Just got back from the Dominican, where I realized all the Spanish I’ve learned was from TV shows such as Gilmore Girls and The Office. Don’t hate, ok. Some of the staff complimented me on my Spanish

Here’s a little preview of what’s to come: