Smile and Say Cheese Photography Studio Tour

On the evening of April 23, the Grande Prairie Photography Club had the pleasure of being invited into the personal studio of Natasha Haldane.

A Photographer’s Journey

Natasha shared how her love of photography began at a young age, inspired by her mother, Doreen Altman, one of the club’s former presidents.

She talked about her journey to becoming a full-time photographer and building a successful career in the city. Natasha specializes in a wide range of portrait photography, including:

• Studio portraits

• Outdoor sessions

• Newborn photography

• Family photography

• Weddings

• Boudoir photography

• And much more

Exploring the Studio Spaces

Members were given a tour of Natasha’s three main studio rooms, each with its own unique style and purpose.

The first room was a beautifully decorated boudoir with natural light, filled with thoughtful details, elegant props, and creative possibilities.

The other two rooms were fully equipped studio spaces featuring:

• Large round soft boxes paired with AlienBees strobes

• A variety of paper and cloth backdrops

• Mounted backdrop systems for easy changes

• Beautiful chairs and chaises for posing

The newborn room was a favourite, featuring a lovely layette and an impressive collection of thousands of headbands and wraps.

Members Behind the Camera

One of the highlights of the evening was having the opportunity to experiment with Natasha’s lighting setup.

Members took turns using her PocketWizard triggers and photographing each other. Fran dressed in a stunning, regal red gown and posed on an elegant chair, creating beautiful portraits with a truly queenly feel.

At one point, four members were using triggers simultaneously, taking turns capturing images.

We also had a wonderful time photographing Silje’s beautiful little girls. Maj helped troubleshoot some triggering issues and shared her knowledge about posing — she was a big help throughout the tour!

A Wonderful Evening

We were treated to snacks and beverages, reluctantly pulling ourselves away after such a fun and inspiring evening.

Some members who stayed a little longer were lucky enough to see a fourth room filled with gorgeous gowns in every colour imaginable.

These gowns, along with the studio space, are available for rental at very reasonable rates.

Thank you so much to Natasha for welcoming us into your studio and sharing your space with the club. A fantastic evening was enjoyed by everyone!