Ealanta Photography
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p: 780.619.3582
Beaumont, AB
A Bittersweet Summer
At the age of ten I received my first camera and decided I would become a professional photographer. Fully supported in my new passion by my wonderful parents and family, I began my journey. I spent many hours at the library as a child reading all that I could about this wonderful craft, and dreaming of all of the images I was going to capture. How fascinating it was to me then, and still is today, that every image I take is completely unique. It doesn`t matter how many shots are taken of the same subject, no two will ever be exactly the same. In the 20 years that I have been a professional photographer, I have had the pleasure of photographing more than 300 weddings, some here in Canada and some abroad, all unique and all with their own stories. Many families have allowed me to capture their special moments and create portraits that they will have forever. I’ve covered many events, both small and large, for profit and for charity, each of them a new challenge and a lot of fun. Today I still enjoy all of these parts of my growing business and look forward to what is around the corner. In the last few years I have expanded my business to include the sale of my travel images. The largest part of this is my collection of Limited Edition canvasses, in sizes up to 40x60 inches. I also sell note cards, calendars, hardcover books, and prints of my travels.
My most recent trip was to Italy this summer with Debbie Travis, who I met while I was photographing the Innovative Approaches to Success Conference this spring. I was one of twelve diverse women from across Canada who had the distinct pleasure of being Debbie`s first guests at her exclusive ladies getaway in the beautiful hills of Tuscany. She described it as a “ladies night out for a week,” and what a week it was! Not only could I photograph one of the most beautiful places on earth, but I had the privilege of capturing these amazing women at their best. We relaxed, shopped, walked, talked, and laughed a lot. There was yoga, cycling, massage, a trip to a spa, and a consult with a naturopathic doctor, and so much more. We were pampered daily with local food from two amazing chefs, and there was a never-ending supply of great complementary wine! Debbie and her best friend Jacky were fantastic and fun hostesses, and their husbands Hans and Steve, our drivers and go-to guys, were a big part of the fun too. I am very grateful for the experience and know that I will cherish the memories forever. I am so glad to have had the opportunity to record the first of Debbie`s getaways, and what is sure to be just the beginning of another huge success for her. For me, books, Limited Edition canvasses, note cards, and more are in the works and will be available through my website www.EalantaPhotography.com soon, as well as through group shows (Artists Association of Beaumont, Nov. 27, 28, 29) and private shows this fall and winter.
Italy was definitely the sweet part of my summer. While preparing for the trip, I found out that my mom had cancer. My parents were both very excited about my trip, and knew it was an opportunity that could not be passed up. As my departure date approached, my mom was taken to the hospital. I couldn`t imagine leaving her and going so far away. As she always did, my mom encouraged me to go to Italy, and described the sandals she wanted me to bring home for her. Through much encouragement from my dad, my brothers and sisters, and my amazing husband Ray, I decided I must go. My mom wanted me to go and have fun, and she said she would be at home when I got back. Leaving was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I thought of her and Dad every day that I was away, hearing the words of encouragement from my family, and just kept looking for those perfect sandals. I bought my mom her sandals the day before we departed Italy; they were perfect.
My mom never got to see those sandals; she passed away the day I returned home, just moments before I walked into her hospital room. Since her passing, my dad was in and out of the hospital as well. Sadly he passed away as well September 11, from what I believe to be a broken heart. My parents were married for 61 years, and taught me so much about love and life, and made me the person I am today. I will honor their lives by continuing to live my life with passion, hard work, and a lot of fun. Just the way they lived theirs.