My "About Korena" tab on my website, I turned it into a Blog Post instead!  I've always wanted to write an About Me for my website that was unique, ME!  But all the guidance out there suggests differently, I get it now!  So instead of giving up, let's compromise!  I will write my full length version in a Blog post, and I will adapt to the recommendations for my website tab!  hahaha, see never settle, but flow a bit different! teehee.

I've always wanted to be unique.  My opinions often vary, I beat to the tune of my own drum, quirky, different, weird, flakey, fun, smiley are some of the words that I've heard describe me.  I used to get hung up about them, think in my feelings all about them, but not anymore!  I realized that, those are what make me ME! And everyone being the same would make the world a boring place, and I'm not about the boring lol! 

Gentle warning, it's lengthy read, I love words, telling stories, talking ... what can I say :) teehee - A different spin on this page and give some insight why you want to work with me!  Or not, haha.  This page tells my story; about how you and I will connect, what we could connect over, what makes me tick, some passions I have & strengths I have and some things I'm working on.  With us having a great amount of Photographers around us, with a ton of fantastic talent, it makes it easier to find the right Photographer for your needs, aka the person you gel with! The question is: is that you and I? 

Selfie testing out a new backdrop with my apple boxesA little more casual of a Headshot, but still pretty fabulous! Having fun in front of the camera, showing off our personalities is what a Headshot should represent. US! And how unique we are by using what props or not, represent us!

In Studio Portrait HeadshotFrom the Black background to many shades of blue, tan, white and a few others. I can help your Headshots suit your personality and Career needs.

Bella & Me editing away!My Princess Bella, aka 1 of my work partners, while I edit in my office!

Howdy! I'm Korena Paradis.  I've lived in Stony Plain, AB, since I was 4 years old but my heart and hair feel like they're from the south haha, big, fluffy curls plus I love the words "Howdy & Y'all", not sure how or why that came about lol, but that's part of my uniqueness! 

I am the name, the face and the creative imagination behind Korena Paradis Photography.  This year, 2022, marks my 10th year in business with my Photography Company.   Prior to this chapter, I was a Makeup Artist & Skincare, Anti-Aging, Beauty & nail Tech for over 17 years.  When my Mom passed away in 2011, it hit home hard!  She was my left hand!  As I looked over the memories with her I realized I was always the one behind the camera taking photos of Her with our Kiddos, Family etc.  I'm grateful for those memories, but I wish I would've had more photos WITH Her & I together.  Thus igniting a fire & deep passion for Photography.  

My background is in Skinology, Antiaging, Makeup and Customer Service.  I've always been a cosmetic junkie for as long as I can remember.  Helping people feel amazing (inside and out) no matter the stage of their life is another of my loves!  Which means, I'm able to help you if you need an extra hand with some makeup tips or tricks, or just to get a bit of extra pampering for your session!  I am a people pleaser at heart, but I am also learning where to have boundaries. I am that friend that you will love to hate, and hate to not have around.  I am the one that will let you know "You have spinach in your teeth, toilet paper on your shoe, or such".  The way my brain thinks, I can often relate to Aspergers, very black and white.  Very blunt and honest, to the point, very little wishy washy ness.  If I'm asking a minimal question, it relates to a larger cause, or I am seeking confirmation to the larger decision that will help you or us both!  This may be in part why I get along with kiddos and animals so well.  I have no ulterior motives behind my questions or decisions other than that to help make the situation greater or perhaps a surprise, teehee!  And now being a new to me diagnosis of ADHD:  so many things make sense now!  The term neuro divergent opens up the world of awe & affirmations!  Very often I have 85 tabs open in my brain, call in the squirrels and try to get the duckies in a row, and then we all end up at the same forestry pond with a beautiful park and have a blast!  Haha, I can very much relate to a Siberian Husky puppies.  They are cute and cuddly, love to love, but love to work and get things done!  And when they get bored they dig holes, jump fences and run run run!  Meaning I have more than a few interests and hobbies and creative outlets than I can count or that time allows me to complete!!  hahaha!

Family PortraitMy awesome Fam Jam on an amazing trip to Jasper, AB. Want your family portraits in the mountains? SURE, Let's go!! Have camera, will travel!

This is our Fam Jam above, minus the fur babies of course!  I've been married for 24 years now to my soulmate.  He has worked out of town in and around the oilfields for 21 of those years.  Just last year though, he changed careers to be home every night.  It's a whole new world for us all now!  This means, I understand the need for short term appointments 'cuz "omg he's on his way home, can we get an appointment?", rescheduling everyday life because "Dad is home!! Yahoo!" and the flexibility to get a ton of stuff accomplished in a short amount of time, "because Dad's only home for 4 days".  Meaning, I fully understand when there is a last minute need for a booking, or the opposite; a postponement due to being called out of town.

A result of that longstanding love is three phenomenal kiddos that are the joy in of our eyes!  One has moved back home til her next adventure (So proud of her!), has a hankering for the creative world too (Car Photographer & love of All things Automotive)!  The other Two, one now in high school and the youngest in his last year of elementary school, both kiddos love their gaming systems, jokes n laughing, sports, spending time with their friends doin all the things lol!  All of us are into sports (Cheers to all you Hockey, Basketball, Volleyball & Soccer Momma's!), technically, any sports we play & love!  To wrap up our fam jam below is our fur babies plus: 14 year old Bella (shown above on my desk chair), two sibling kittens 8 months old: Chippy & Whiskers and an Axoltyl named Neptune.  Neat randomness:  I used to Breed Betta fishes, hahaha!  

         Princess BellaPrincess Bella, she's aging backwards since we got the kittens and we're loving every minute of it! ChippyKitten #1 Chippy; smarter than a whip with his Maine Coon genetics, constantly keeping us on our toes throughout the house and now every time the door opens haha! WhiskersKitten #2 Whiskers; sister to Chippy, she too is smarter than a whip with her Maine Coon genetics! And with her agility, speed and determination makes her almost invincible to our other cats! haha!   Neptune the AxolotlOur Daughters Pet Neptune; muchly reminds me of Toothless; the Night Fury on how to Train Your Dragon cartoon series. He has taught us a lot in the aquatic world, and when he grins, it is just adorable! Me Modelling for Starklife PhotographySunset. Self Care. Fun. Friends. Gorgeous Dress. Princess for a Moment. Need I say more?
This gorgeous modelling photo of me is from one of my Photographer Friends from Edmonton, Niki @ Starklife Boudoir Photography.  Ummmmm HELLO! Sunset + Beautiful Dress + Amazing Friend whom took the photo + Super Boss Babe Vibes lol! Plus, this is also what I strive to do, help others and have fun!  This photo above & the pose: makes me feel like a majestic model, in the gorgeous sunset on a stunning summer evening; even though that night - I wasn't feeling the greatest and modelling wasn't what I "wanted" to do that night.  BUT, the temperature was just right, the dress felt phenomenal, my hair and makeup were rocking my confidence; my soul, was in complete peace.  The laughs Niki and I had, making me try tons of poses and dress tosses and arching of my back, just more giggles. 

Having fun in life is what it is all about!  Loving the ride along the journey!  Remembering why we are doing what we are!  The experiences we have day to day is what makes life so meaningful and important.  And when I look back on this one little image taken in one blink of an eye, it helps me reconnect and strengthen on so many levels.  THIS IS WHAT I STRIVE TO DO FOR OTHERS!  Providing them with the experiences in life through my photo sessions, to reconnect and strengthen those family & love bonds that tie y'all together!

I question everything in life.  I want to know why.  That's all.  Just, Why?  Not sure why, I just do.   I want to learn, I want to expand my knowledge!!  Like a toddler learning in life:  Why? Why? Why? Why?  hahah Yes, that is me.  Sure, it's not always in one repeated phrase, lol, but I definitely ask a TON of questions!  Some may find me "a lot", and some love it because I am a researcher!  I want to help find the best location, clothing, style of hair, setting, theme, time of the year, weather, and so on!  I thrive matching people to our photo session locations and creations!  (Yes, the ADHD in me makes sense now fully lol!)  Sharing some of my beliefs that make me Me!

I believe that all parents of kiddos should be in photos, the kiddos need to know how much we love them always!

I believe we have photos so we can look back and remember the emotions, the fragrances and all the moments in time!

I love when I help those that don't want to take the photo - we take it, to try just one - then they love it and have a whole new perspective!

I love when Dad's or Mom's aren't sure, they let go & relax, then we all get giggling and laughing & the true connections come out!  The Love Cup fills up!

I love wide & far, and I have strong passions. 

I love emojis; hearts, the smiley face with the hearts, allllllllllllll the hearts!!! 

I love all plants and all things Momma Nature makes!  She is magical in her creations right down to our daily blessings of sunrises and sets, two of my favorite times of every day.  Being grateful to wake daily and view them both is a precious gift.

I love exclamation marks, 'cause I like enthusiasm!!!! haha

I am a wee bit competitive, okay more than a bit.  But it's all healthy & in good fun! Ha ha

I am quick to say I'm sorry, yup, a true Canadian.  But also because I don't like seeing people hurting.

I love hugs, love giving hugs, love saying goodbye with hugs!

I love love, and I love to be able to help others reconnect that love, be it past or on the horizon, or help you showcase it in ways you didn't know you knew what to do. 

I wear my heart on my sleeve, lol! 

I cry when I'm happy.  I cry when I'm sad.  I cry when I'm mad.  I think I may be an empath hahaha!

I have a ton of allergies, BUT I'm a die hard foodie - I love food hahaha, nothing else to say there!

I love water, electrolytes, amino acids and all things healthy!  I often will nag people "to drink more water!" 

I love tea, used to love coffee & spirits, I have since quit them both, but that's okay!  Health comes first!

I love to dance, but I have no rhythm, hahaha!  Does that stop me you ask?  NOPE!!! Then we laugh some more!

I can laugh at myself, I can admit when I'm wrong, I almost don't get embarrassed anymore.  I am a goofball! You betcha!

I love music, podcasts, Netflix - oh my!! Don't even get me started on the amount of shows that have played in the background while I've edited!

I have strong opinions, but I also believe everyone has their own thoughts, and what's good for me, may not be for you.

I am 100% body positive! Every body is beautiful, unique, amazing and is phenomenal, and we need to be more kind & gentle to them!

I am gender positive, respect and support all persons of the LGBTQIA+ community, welcoming your individuality!  

I believe in prayer, to whomever you feel comfortable with praying to.

I believe in asking when you are unsure.  Having compassion for those that don't understand and always give a helping hand.

I believe that what you do unto others they should return the favor.  Always try to do your best and help out!

I believe we create our world, the choices you make reflect the life you want to live - be happy, live happy!

I believe in building others up, sharing kindness, peace and love.

I believe in believing!  I believe in faith, second chances and reunions!

I believe in trusting your struggle!  You were meant to be on the path you're on!  Trust the process! 

I love words and sharing, caring and loving!

I believe in taking the photos, cause time doesn't stay still, moments fade, but memories can live on in a photograph!

I believe in adventures and living without regret!  

----> insert red heart emojis here please ;) <----

Now that you know a little bit about me ... it's your turn to share!  BOOK NOW!
 

Learn. Love. Listen. Laugh. Cherish. Compassion. Courage. Strength. Love for Them!

The road to the unknown.After a Beautiful backyard wedding, mother nature blessed me with this setting. Photo taken by Me, Korena Paradis Photography.

Even in the storm or just after, a rainbow will find a way to shine through!  The open road lies ahead, what path do we choose?  Adventure awaits! 

BOOK NOW!
 

                      Please note:  I was modelling n the Beautiful Ivory Reclamation Dress Images for the wonderful Niki @ Starklife Photography!  The rest of the photos were taken by Myself including my Family Portait in Jasper, all of the Selfies at the top and the landscape images.

Thank you for being here :)