Spring Favourites 2020

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Spring Favourites!

Spring is here and even though we’re going through difficult times it’s hard not to feel better with warmer weather and nature waking up to life.

Since I haven’t gone shopping for clothes lately, Spring Favourites this year will include a lot of books, computer games and even my favourite meal.


WHITE SHIRT

Many women want to wear a classic white shirt for their branding photoshoot and are surprised to hear that cotton shirts are not the most photogenic. I always suggest viscose shirts like the one I’m wearing in the photo below instead of cotton shirts. Viscose shirts usually look way more elegant and luxurious, they flow nicely and have minimal wrinkles.

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PHOTO OF THE SEASON

I’m so grateful I got to photograph Penthouse Queen Claudine Montano again. We were able to create several iconic photos that look like postcards. They show the strength and determination of a woman with our beautiful Toronto as the background.

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BOOKS

Having had way more time to read recently, I reached for several great books.

Let’s start with:

The Bravest You by Adam Kirk Smith

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In this book, Adam Kirk Smith explains the five stages of the bravery process and he also goes into detail in explaining different fears: the fear of inadequacy, the fear of uncertainty, the fear of failure, the fear of rejection and many other fears we encounter in our lives.

I loved this book a lot and whenever fear creeps in, I remember this quote: “far too often fear told me that I wasn’t prepared enough, or wasn’t smart enough, or wasn’t good enough, I let fear take the leading role. Far too often fear told me all the reasons that I couldn’t because I didn’t allow for bravery to tell me all the reasons I could”


Atomic Habits by James Clear

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If you want to learn about habits, James Clear is your man. He breaks down the process of creating new habits in a way you will stick with them and he also explains how to drop our bad habits. I already implemented this technique to start doing strengthening exercise for my back every day.


Everything Is F***: A Book About Hope by Mark Manson

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I loved Manson’s “The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F***” and this book doesn’t disappoint! It’s a book about hope and about becoming your best self in a world that’s challenging.


COMPUTER GAMES

I’ve been a fan of computer games since my teenage years but obviously I didn’t have the time to play them recently. Stay at home order allowed me to enjoy this hobby again! So far I’ve played:

Shadow of the Tomb Raider

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Tomb Raider follows adventures of archeologist Lara Croft. Recent games show a younger, vulnerable Lara as she becomes a fierce heroine we know and love. It’s a survivor storyI truly love. As Lara says, in challenging times “we become who we’re meant to be”


The Witcher

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Witcher Geralt of Rivia is the main character in Andrzej Sapkowski’s books. Growing up in Poland, I knew about Witcher books for a while now but it wasn’t until Netflix’s show that I finally became a fan as well. Since we still have to wait for season 2, I played Witcher 2 and I’m starting Witcher 3 soon! I highly recommend these games!


KETO MEALS

Keto stir fries are one of my favourite meals because they are very easy to make and very nutritious. This stir fry contains lots of healthy fats. I make it using coconut oil and I add cauliflower, kale, bell pepper, mushrooms, onion and pumpkin seeds. Instead of potatoes, fries or noodles, I put avocado and cheese on the side. Yum!

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I hope you enjoyed my spring favourites and that they will help you enjoy your spring more as well!

Winter Favorites

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Aah, winter!

I definitely have a love-hate relationship with this season. It’s so photogenic, so the photographer in me truly loves it. However, winter in Toronto is veeery long which is challenging for many. My work has been so busy that I haven’t got a vacation yet and I’m not sure if I’ll get one this winter. So for now, these are some things making this winter better.

  1. Animal Print Sweater

The first of my winter favorites is this red animal print sweater.

Cozy sweaters are a must for winter and this one is especially nice to touch. I like the whimsical animal print!

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2. “Brave” by Rose McGowan

I’ve been wanting to read this book for quite some time now and the title obviously couldn’t be more fitting. I feel so much respect for women who bravely and openly tell their story even though it would be easier not to.

“Brave is the story of how I fought my way out of the cults and reclaimed my life. I want to help you do the same” - Rose McGowan

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3. Pampass Grass

I simply fell in love with pampass grass for decorating. I love fresh flowers (especially in winter, they add so much life to the house), but if I don’t have the time to pick them up or I’m having a busy week, pampass grass always does the trick!

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4. White Blanket from Urban Barn

White, chunky and warm! I’ve been not only using this great blanket as a prop for photos but I’ve also wrapped myself in it on many cold, winter nights.

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5. Schitt’s Creek

I know, I know…

I’m jumping on the bandwagon late but I still want to include this amazing show in my winter favorites because it’s been definitely one of the highlights for me. This truly hilarious and heartfelt story about a wealthy family forced to start from scratch is FULL of not just laughs but also life lessons. My favorite character… David! Just seeing his facial expressions makes me laugh out loud.

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6. Nuttybutter Cafe

It’s so nice to find cozy cafes in winter.

Nuttybutter Cafe brings Paris to Hamilton (the owner actually lived in France for some time). It’s a beautiful space with great coffee, tea and desserts. We had a blast taking some photos in the cafe with Christie Ressel.

7. Quote

I couldn’t agree more with this quote from ROOP Creative Agency. The fear of being criticized and always worrying about what others think does NOTHING for our life. It’s good to have a few trusted advisors but it should be a priority to listen to our heart first :)

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I hope you enjoyed my winter favorites! Let’s keep fingers crossed spring comes early this year!

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Marta Herman

Opera Singer Marta Herman

Opera Singer Marta Herman

It was such a pleasure to capture lovely Marta Herman again. Marta is an Opera Singer based in Staatstheater Kassel in Germany. For her third photoshoot, she opted for moody and powerful portraits.

I really appreciate the detail you put into your beautiful work :) Agnes creates exactly the right atmosphere to match each person she photographs
— Marta

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Monika

Transformation Coach Monika

Transformation Coach Monika

It was truly lovely to work with Monika, who brought Paris into the studio!

Monika is a Transformation Coach teaching women how to become the best version of themselves. She teaches how to become free from limitations of self-doubt, low self-worth, negative mindset, self sabotaging beliefs, attitudes, habits, and subconscious patterning that is holding you back from becoming your Best version and living your Best Life!

Monika’s Brand Recipe

Colors: neutral tones (black, grey, white) with a touch of luscious reds, pinks and purples

Props: coach’s must-haves + self-care props (including Monika’s book)

Monika’s Brand City: Paris

Why we loved working with Monika: her energy is incredible and she’s beautiful inside and out

Thank you for working with me. :) I appreciate the way you’ve captured the essence of what I stand for: Beauty, Fashion, Empowerment, Self-love, Spiritual connection, Self-care... I love the photos and am looking forward to sharing them with the World.
— Monika

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Fall Favorites

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How are you enjoying fall?

It’s the season of warm tea & coffee, books, strolls through the park and cozy evenings.

This fall I made sure to have some time to relax and spoil myself since it’s been a very busy year, not just because of work but also private life.

I did some shopping, I took a trip and of course spent a lot of evenings reading and watching good shows.

Here’s a few of my fall favorites:

  1. Heart Cardigan

    This is my definite favorite when it comes to new sweaters this season! It’s really warm, cute and versatile. I love putting it over dresses when I go out and over other sweaters when I need to be very warm.

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2. Quebec City

This fall, together with my husband I took my first trip ever to Quebec City. I instantly fell in love and even super cold weather didn’t stop us from exploring. Old world charm, great restaurants and beautiful views - what more can you want?

I wish it was closer to Toronto!

3. Photo of the Season

It’s incredibly hard to choose a favorite fall photo, because it’s such a photogenic season…

I keep coming back to this photo of Christie, because I love everything about it. The scenery, the pose, the expression, the outfit!

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4. “Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides

Fall is when I spend a LOT of time reading. Thrillers are one of my favorite genres and I always browse through them at bookstores and the library.

Sometimes when you love a genre it can be hard to keep finding great books. “Silent Patient” was such a treat for me! I definitely did not see the ending coming. If you like thrillers, I highly recommend it!

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5. Quote

Those of you who know me personally know how I value service. I believe that when you do what you truly love, you not only give to someone but to yourself as well.

There’s so much you can learn about yourself and there’s so much personal growth coming from it. I want to add that good service should always be within healthy boundaries.

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I hope you enjoyed my Fall Favorites and found them inspiring! Enjoy your fall!

xoxo

Agnes

Fall with Cathy Missios, Pink Avocado Nutrition

Cathy Missios, Nutritionist at Pink Avocado Nutrition

Cathy Missios, Nutritionist at Pink Avocado Nutrition

Fall is here and it’s so gorgeous!

I was eagerly waiting for Cathy’s next photoshoot because fall is her favorite season and I knew we would create something incredible again. Cathy is our Subscriber, which means she benefits from regular photoshoots. This way she has great content for her marketing and her social media is growing very fast.

For this lifestyle photoshoot, we had set up a beautiful picnic in a nearby forest.

A good location with great light conditions is crucial to capture fall’s true beauty.

I could not be happier with spots I scouted out for Cathy’s fall photoshoot!

Another thing that is lovely about fall? Outfits.

Fall outfits are very photogenic and Cathy did a great job of bringing the right outfits for her photoshoot. The more effort you put into bringing the right outfits for your photoshoot, the better your photos will be!

After Cathy’s photoshoot on location, it was time to head home and capture some super cozy, fall photos at home.

After all, fall is such a cozy season!

I hope you enjoyed this photoshoot!

happy fall xoxo

Agnes


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