For a professional photographer, the studio is often a place of controlled quiet. It is a space where the world slows down and we can focus entirely on the person in front of the lens. However, there are moments when the most important work we can do happens outside those four walls and in the heart of the community. On March 22, I will be packing up my Nikon D850 and heading to Barrie Chrysler on Dunlop Street for the 7th Annual Glam It Up Barrie. While this event has a long history in Simcoe County, this will be my very first time participating as part of the talented photography team. I could not be more excited to bring my vision to this local landmark event.
Stepping Into the Community Spotlight
Barrie is more than just where I live; it is the community that has supported my business and my artistic journey. Even though I have been a professional photographer for a few years, I am always looking for new ways to connect with people. When I heard about the impact Glam It Up has on our city, I knew I wanted to be involved. Joining the ranks of the dedicated photographers who have supported this event in the past gives me a unique perspective. I am coming into the showroom at Barrie Chrysler with fresh eyes and a deep desire to contribute to the energy of the day alongside some of the best creatives in our region.
My goal for this debut is simple: to bring the same level of professional excellence and a people-first philosophy to every attendee I meet. Whether you are a regular at this event or a first-timer like me, I want to ensure you leave the photography area with an image that makes you feel extraordinary.
Photography with a Purpose: Supporting the Women and Children’s Shelter
It is important to look beyond the lights and the glamour to remember why we are all gathered at the dealership. This event is held in aid of the Women and Children’s Shelter of Barrie. The work they do is vital; they provide a safe haven and essential support for those in our community who are navigating some of the most difficult and vulnerable chapters of their lives. By participating in Glam It Up, we are all helping to ensure that these families have the resources and safety they need to rebuild and thrive.
Knowing that the proceeds from this afternoon go toward such a critical sanctuary adds a profound level of meaning to every shutter click. When I am adjusting the lighting or helping a subject find their best angle, I am mindful that we are all part of a much larger effort to support the safety and dignity of women and children in our city. It turns a simple portrait session into an act of community solidarity and empowerment.
The Challenge of the Open Showroom
As a newcomer to this event, I have spent quite a bit of time planning the technical side of the shoot. A large showroom is a fascinating environment for a portrait photographer. Once the floor is cleared of its usual inventory, it becomes a massive, open space filled with light and potential. However, it also presents challenges like high ceilings and reflective glass walls. This is where the technical skill of the professional photography team comes into play.
I am preparing a specific lighting setup that is designed to ignore the ambient overhead lights entirely. By using my strobes and octoboxes to shoot for black, I can carve out a professional studio space right in the middle of the bustle. This technique ensures that the subject is the absolute center of the world, with no distracting glares or shadows from the large open room. Even in the middle of a busy fundraiser, for those few seconds when the shutter clicks, I want you to feel like the only person in the room.
A Community of Experts
One of the aspects I am most looking forward to is the chance to work alongside other Barrie professionals. Glam It Up is a massive collaborative effort. I am honoured to stand shoulder to shoulder with a team of fellow photographers who are all donating their time and talent to this cause. Every photographer brings their own unique style and eye to the event, ensuring that every attendee gets a diverse range of beautiful memories to take home.
The collaboration extends beyond the lens as well. Seeing the hair stylists, makeup artists, and fashion experts work their magic is incredibly inspiring. The stylist prepares the canvas, and we photographers use the light to tell the story. This event is a celebration of self-worth, which aligns perfectly with my core belief: I don’t photograph who you think you should be; I photograph the magnificent person you already are.
What to Expect at the Photography Stations
If you are attending the event on March 22, please come over and say hello to the photography team. You don’t need to be a professional model or have experience in front of the camera to get a great photo. Our job is to handle the technical details (the angles, the lighting, and the timing) so that you can just enjoy the glow of your glammed up moment.
I will be focused on capturing a hero shot for every person who visits my station. My D850 and my favorite prime lenses are ready to capture the fine details and the genuine joy of the day. We aren't just taking a quick snapshot; we are creating a professional document of a wonderful afternoon in Barrie for an even better cause.
Why This First Time Matters
While the immediate goal of Glam It Up is to raise funds for the Women and Children’s Shelter, the personal impact is what I am most interested in. I have seen how a single photograph can change the way a person sees themselves. By joining this incredible team of photographers for the first time, I am hoping to bring that sense of discovery to a whole new group of people while supporting a safe future for those in need in our region.
I have always believed that the lens simply confirms your worth. At Glam It Up Barrie, that worth will be on full display, and I am honored to finally be part of the crew documenting it. I cannot wait to meet you all on March 22 and show you the magnificent person my camera sees.
Come Say Hello at Barrie Chrysler
If you are joining us on March 22, I would love for you to stop by and see us. Whether you are there for the full glam experience or just want to see how the team turns a transformed showroom into a professional portrait studio, please come by and introduce yourself.
This is my first year being part of this incredible event, and I am looking forward to meeting the people who make this community so vibrant. Let’s capture a moment together that proves just how magnificent you truly are, all while supporting the life-changing work done by the Women and Children's Shelter of Barrie. I will be the one behind the Nikon, making sure the light is just right for you.
I look forward to seeing you at Glam It Up Barrie!
