Jo & Co. Photography

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  • Why Engagement Sessions Matter (And Why You’ll Be Glad You Did One!)

    You’re engaged—congratulations! This season of your life is full of excitement, planning, and so many little moments worth remembering. While the wedding day is, of course, the main event, one of the most underrated (but powerful!) parts of the journey is your engagement session.

    As a photography team, we’ve worked with so many couples who were unsure if they really needed engagement photos—and by the end of the shoot, they were so glad they did it. Here’s why:

    1. You Get Comfortable in Front of the Camera

    Let’s face it—being photographed can feel awkward at first. Engagement sessions are a chance for you to shake off the nerves, get used to being in front of the lens, and learn how we work together before your big day. You’ll see how we guide you naturally, help you feel at ease, and capture you at your best.

    2. It’s a Mini Date (With Beautiful Photos!)

    Between wedding planning and everyday life, it’s easy to forget to slow down and celebrate the moment. Engagement shoots give you the perfect excuse to do something fun together—whether it’s wandering through your favorite neighborhood, strolling the beach, or heading to the mountains for golden hour. You’ll laugh, snuggle, maybe dance a little, and walk away with memories that go far beyond the photos.

    3. Your Photos Can Be Used in So Many Ways

    Save-the-dates, wedding websites, guest books, décor, slideshows—you name it. Engagement photos add a personal touch to your wedding story and bring so much heart into the details. Plus, they give friends and family a glimpse into who you are together outside of the wedding attire.

    4. It Builds Trust with Your Photographer

    One of the best parts about engagement shoots? You get to build a connection with the person behind the camera. By the time your wedding day arrives, we’ll already know how you interact, what makes you laugh, and how to capture your chemistry in a way that feels real. This leads to even better, more effortless wedding photos.

    5. It Marks the Start of Your Story

    You’ll only be fiancés for a short time—this chapter deserves to be remembered too. Years from now, you’ll look back on these images and be reminded of the excitement, the anticipation, and the love that brought you to “I do.”

    Ready to Book Your Engagement Session?

    Whether you’re newly engaged or counting down the months to your wedding, an engagement shoot is the perfect way to celebrate and document your story. We promise—you’ll never regret taking the time to capture this chapter.

    Let’s plan something beautiful together. Reach out anytime to book your session or ask questions—we’re here for you every step of the way!

  • Master Your Camera: Join My Beginner Photography Workshop in Vancouver

    Are you ready to take your photography to the next level? Whether you’ve just picked up your first camera or you’ve been shooting in auto mode for years, my beginner photography workshop in Vancouver is the perfect place to start turning your passion into confidence.

    Why This Workshop Is for You

    This hands-on workshop is designed for absolute beginners who want to learn the basics of using a camera with intention. No more blurry shots or overwhelming camera settings—I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, step by step, in a supportive and creative environment.

    What You’ll Learn:

    • The essential settings: aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and how they work together
    • How to shoot in manual mode with confidence
    • Tips on lighting and composition to instantly improve your photos
    • How to use natural light to your advantage
    • Beginner posing techniques and how to capture genuine moments

    What’s Included:

    • A 3 hour interactive session with live demonstrations
    • A chance to shoot with a professional model as well as products (perfect for your portfolio!)
    • A beginner-friendly workbook to take home
    • Snacks, refreshments, and time to connect with other creatives

    Location:
    📍 Vancouver, BC – Studio or outdoor setting depending on the season (TBD)

    Investment:
    Starting at $225.00 +gst

    Why I Created This Workshop

    As a full-time photographer, I remember exactly how it felt to hold a DSLR for the first time and have no idea where to start. I created this workshop to give others the roadmap I wish I had—clear, approachable, and practical knowledge you can apply right away. Whether you’re interested in family photography, travel shots, or eventually starting a photography business, this workshop will give you the foundation to grow.

    Spots Are Limited!

    To keep the experience personal and hands-on, spaces are limited to a small group. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start creating, this is your sign to join.

    Next Workshop is Sunday June 1st, 2025

    👉 REGISTER HERE

  • What to Wear for Stunning Spring Photos: Outfit Tips for a Picture-Perfect Session

    Spring is the perfect time for a photo session—nature is coming to life, the weather is warming up, and everything feels fresh and vibrant. Choosing the right outfit for your session can make all the difference in creating timeless, beautiful images. Here are some tips to help you and your family look and feel your best for your spring photoshoot!

    1. Choose Soft, Light Colors

    Spring is all about soft, fresh tones that complement the natural surroundings. Think pastels, neutrals, and earthy hues like blush pink, light blue, sage green, ivory, and beige. These colors not only enhance the beauty of the season but also help create a dreamy, airy feel in your photos.

    2. Embrace Flowing, Comfortable Fabrics

    Lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, and chiffon are perfect for a spring photo session. Flowy dresses, maxi skirts, and soft, layered pieces add movement and elegance to your images, making them feel natural and timeless.

    3. Coordinate, Don’t Match

    For family or couple sessions, opt for outfits that complement each other without being too matchy-matchy. Stick to a cohesive color palette and mix textures and patterns subtly. For example, if one person wears a floral dress, another can wear a solid neutral that picks up a tone from the pattern.

    4. Add Layers and Accessories

    Spring weather can be unpredictable, so light layers such as cardigans, denim jackets, or scarves can add both style and warmth. Accessories like a sunhat, delicate jewelry, or even a fresh flower crown can add a unique touch to your outfit without being distracting.

    5. Avoid Bold Prints and Logos

    Busy patterns, neon colors, and logos can be distracting and take the focus away from you. Stick to subtle patterns like delicate florals, light stripes, or soft textures that enhance rather than overpower the image.

    6. Consider the Location

    Your outfit should complement the setting of your shoot. If your session is in a lush garden like Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver, a flowy dress in pastel tones will look stunning against the vibrant flowers and gorgeous cherry blossoms in full bloom. If you’re taking photos by the water at Trout Lake (also in Vanvouver), soft neutrals and airy fabrics will blend beautifully with the natural scenery, especially when framed by the delicate cherry blossoms that line the park in spring. If you’re taking photos in an urban setting, chic neutrals with a stylish jacket might be a better fit.

    7. Keep Footwear in Mind

    Comfortable, stylish shoes are key, especially if your session involves walking in nature. Neutral flats, sandals, or even barefoot options can work beautifully. Avoid bulky sneakers or overly casual flip-flops unless they fit the aesthetic of your shoot.

    Final Thoughts

    The most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing. Your outfit should reflect your personality while enhancing the natural beauty of spring. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to look and feel your best, resulting in stunning, timeless photos you’ll cherish for years to come.

    Ready to book your spring photo session in Vancouver? Use the lnk below to book your April or May session. Feel free to contact us for any questions.

    Book here: https://calendly.com/joannacacilhas/spring-mini-session

  • Capturing Forever: Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Wedding Photographer

    Capturing Forever: Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Wedding Photographer

    Choosing a wedding photographer is a huge decision, as the photos captured on your special day will become timeless memories you look back on for the rest of your lives. To ensure you find the perfect match for your vision and style, here are essential questions to ask yourself while researching and before a consultation with any photographer:

    1. What Is My Preferred Photography Style? Consider the style of photography that resonates with you. Do you prefer traditional, photojournalistic, artistic, or a blend of styles? Do you prefer a more light and airy edit or a more cinematic/moody look? This is an important question to ask yourself as every photographer’s style is different. Just like a painter, sculptor, drawer, a photographers style and editing is unique to them. You’ll want to make sure your preference aligns with their style as it can be difficult for a photographer to change their shooting and editing style for one client.

    2. How Responsive Are They to Communication? Evaluate the responsiveness of potential photographers. A prompt and clear communicator is crucial for a smooth planning process and ensures your questions and concerns are addressed in a timely manner. Keep in mind that during busy season (normally April-October), most wedding photographers are in the midst of shooting weddings, engagements, editing and doing their own marketing. Usually the typical response time can range from 1-3 business days. However, a good wedding photographer will always be clear on when they can chat and set up one-on-one meeting accordingly. As a wedding photography, the last thing I want is to leave my clients in the dark and create a stressful situation. From the moment an inquiry hits my inbox to the moment I send my final gallery to them, I always ensure they know what and when to expect meetings and photo deliveries.

    3. What Specific Shots Do I Want? Identify specific shots or moments you want captured on your wedding day. Communicate these expectations to potential photographers during consultations to ensure they understand your vision and can deliver accordingly. Some important shots to consider:

    • Getting ready photos
    • Detail shots such as rings, dress, suit, bouquet, veil etc
    • Perhaps you and your partner exchange gifts or letters while getting ready, perhaps you want photos of that?
    • Photos of the ceremony and reception areas before guests arrive
    • Any planned surprises throughout the day

    These are just a few examples but examples like these are exactly what you will want to chat about with any potential photographer as they effect the timeline of the day and number of hours you’ll need your photographer for.

    4. How Important Is Personality and Compatibility? Reflect on the significance of a photographer’s personality. This person will be part of intimate moments, so choosing someone whose energy aligns with yours is crucial for a relaxed and enjoyable experience. This is why it’s so important to chat and even meet with your photographer before booking with them. After the initial interaction, you’ll get a good sense if your vibes align. Another good indicator is how well your engagement session goes. All of photographers including myself, offer a free engagement shoot with their wedding packages. During the shoot, your photographer will get to know the two you a lot better and get a sense of what poses your comfortable and uncomfortable with. You’ll also get a better sense of your photographers shooting style, prompts and poses they like to use. Think of your engagement session as a practice run for your wedding. Any bumps and dislikes can be fixed during this time so that your portrait session the day of your wedding will go smoothly.

    5. Do I Need Additional Services? Assess whether you need additional services such as engagement shoots, albums, or second photographers. Discuss these options with potential photographers and ensure they offer the services you desire. A part of an engagement or pre-wedding shoot, there are a few other things that you might want to consider having on your wedding day.

    • One is a second shooter. What does a second shooter do? A second shooter helps to capture things that your main photographer might not be able to capture as there is usually a lot of things happening at once on a wedding day. For example, if photos of guests are important to you or guest reactions during the ceremony or speeches or even detail shots of reception and ceremony areas than having a second shooter will help tremendously. Depending on your timeline, the events throughout the day, and how big your wedding is, it might be almost impossible for your photographer to capture everything you want. So having this discussion early on with potential photographers will ensure that a second shooter is something they can provide for you.
    • The second one is content creation. Nowadays, a lot of photographers are also offering the service of content creation. What is content creation? Content creation can be comprised of videos and photos of the “behind-the-scenes” throughout the day. Many add-ons for content creation (such as my services) will include a few highlight videos for IG/TikTok, a video guestbook, and all unedited videos and photos (taken with a phone) throughout the day. What are the benefits of this? The biggest one being that you will have content you can post on your social media the day of and the following days after. You won’t have to wait for your photos/videos which the standard turnaround time can be from 6-8 weeks depending on your photographer.
    • The third additional service you may want to consider is printing. Nowadays the world of technology allows you to easily print photos yourself either at home or at a store such as Walmart, Henry’s, or London Drugs. However, if you’re looking for high quality prints, blown up images and full albums you might want to find a photographer who wither prints them for you or works with a delivery platform that allows you to choose and order prints/albums right from the sight. For example I use Pass Gallery to delivery my photos to clients online. Once clients open the email I send them, they then click a link to view and download their gallery. From there they can also choose printing options and products such as albums, fames, etc.

    Choosing a wedding photographer involves more than technical skills; it’s about finding someone who understands and resonates with your vision. By asking yourself these key questions, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision that ensures your wedding day memories are captured beautifully.

  • Capturing Timeless Moments: A Photographer’s Perspective on Weddings at Fort Langley Golf Course

    Capturing Timeless Moments: A Photographer’s Perspective on Weddings at Fort Langley Golf Course

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    Scenic Splendor: Fort Langley Golf Course boasts sprawling green landscapes, manicured lawns, and picturesque views that create a photographer’s dream canvas. The charming blend of rustic and modern architecture adds a unique touch, allowing for a diverse range of shots that capture the essence of romance in every frame.

    Golden Hour Magic: One of the highlights of shooting at Fort Langley Golf Course is the enchanting golden hour. As the sun begins its descent, the warm, golden hues cast a magical glow across the surroundings, creating a dreamy and romantic ambiance. These moments are pure magic for capturing intimate and unforgettable images that will be cherished for a lifetime.

    Historic Charm: The rich history of Fort Langley adds a layer of charm to the wedding photography experience. The juxtaposition of historic elements with the modern amenities of the venue creates a visual narrative that beautifully mirrors the couple’s journey—honoring tradition while stepping into a new chapter together.

    Attentive Staff: The dedicated staff at Fort Langley Golf Course understands the significance of every moment on a couple’s special day. Their attention to detail and commitment to ensuring a seamless event allows me, as a photographer, to focus on capturing the genuine emotions and candid interactions that make each wedding unique.

    In conclusion, Fort Langley Golf Course is not just a venue; it’s a canvas where love stories come to life. From the stunning landscapes to the historic charm, every element contributes to a visual feast that I, as a photographer, am honored to capture. If you’re seeking a wedding venue that seamlessly blends natural beauty with timeless elegance, Fort Langley Golf Course stands as a testament to the artistry of love and the perfect setting for crafting lasting memories.

    For more information about the venue, feel free to visit their website here:

    Website: https://fortlangleygolf.ca/

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/fortlangleygc/?hl=en

    All decor was done by Champagne Dreams and you can check them out here as well!

    Website: https://www.champagnedreams.ca/

    IG: https://www.instagram.com/champagnedreamsdecor/?hl=en

  • Glamour and Grace: My Wedding Day Hair and Makeup Artist

    Glamour and Grace: My Wedding Day Hair and Makeup Artist

    My wedding day was a quick but beautiful moment in downtown Vancouver, right next to Canada Place. What made my big day even more special though was the person who made me feel and look beautiful that day. I first met Maggie Tu (Vancouver Makeup Pro) a year ago when we worked on a bridal collaboration together at the Stanley Park Pavilion. I knew then how amazing of a HMU artist she is. With years of experience in the industry and a passion for enhancing natural beauty, Maggie exudes professionalism and creativity. Her portfolio showcases a diverse range of styles, from classic elegance to modern sophistication. She’s not only talented but also has a special way of making you feel relaxed and comfortable- something that’s definitely important the morning of your wedding!

    Photos from Collaboration: April 2023

    As someone who doesn’t wear a lot of makeup (or often) I wanted a look that made me feel not only beautiful but more importantly myself-something natural and simple. To be honest, I was a bit hesitant to have someone do my hair and makeup as my past experiences haven’t been the best. I’ve had experiences where my makeup felt too much or piled on which didn’t make me feel like myself. I also had hair experiences where my final look didn’t match my inspiration photos or the visions in my head.

    Fast forward to the morning of my wedding day, as soon as Maggie walked through my front door, I instantly felt at ease and knew I was in good hands. With more a natural look and simple half-up/half down hair style, Maggie did an amazing job making my vision come to life and as you can see through the photos, I felt confident, beautiful and truly happy during my ceremony and throughout the whole day.

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