Scarlet O'Neill Photography

27/02/2023

I’m finally checking off those things on my to-do list that are the “fuel to the soul” items. It feels good. One of them is to take the time to look at the whole of my business, the way I photograph, what I love to capture, and who is being drawn in by what I put out in the universe. ⁠
⁠
A friend and badass mentor of mine, the one and only said something on her podcast along the lines of “you’re never too old or seasoned to learn”. ⁠
⁠
It hit me hard. ⁠
⁠
My worry was that because I’ve been doing this for quite some time now, and because I lead a lot of mentor sessions, I worry that if I’m the student, can I still call myself the teacher? The answer is yes. You can and you should because like she said, you should never stop learning, growing, and evolving.

The imposter syndrome and negative self-talk can take over but you just got to get past that.⁠
⁠
So if you haven’t caught on that I've been filling my time with education and inspiring podcasts about everything & anything photography, well I have. While diving into a podcast on Mother Photographer I found myself inspired to create shoots of my own; the ideas just came pouring out of me, I scribbled & scribbled on my notepad until it was almost half full. Coincidently enough, later that day while chatting with she suggested that I get my creative juices flowing with a styled shoot. It was like the universe was double-delivering this message about taking control of my own work and I definitely got the message.⁠
⁠
It was perfectly timed with yesterdays creative, but also got me thinking about the last time I fully orchestrated a shoot on my own & I wanted to share that day with those incredible people. For some reason, I've never shared it before, just kept it as my own secret obsession. I created this at a time life felt dark and there wasn’t much light. I called it Love Isn’t Cancelled and it reminds me of the basics of love just as it is, at its core, with all you need, knowing it can't ever be canceled, it can’t disappear, its a forever kind of thing. ⁠
⁠
Hope it gives you the feels like it does to me. xo

Tap for those involved in this gem 💎

24/02/2023

Hot topic: family sessions. Let’s go!⁠
⁠
I get a lot of inquiries about whether to do a maternity session, a newborn session, or both.⁠
⁠
If I'm being totally honest, my answer is "go big or go home". I don't actually say this, instead, I encourage ppls to imagine which feels best to capture. And, what is possible for them. If you are doing that, you are doing it right.⁠
⁠
But there's a little voice, at the back of my mind, shouting "do it all!". Not because it’s more sessions for me, although yes, this is my job & I do love to work, but the reason why I say "all" is that the first year goes by in a blink of an eye.⁠
⁠
From being pregnant to meeting your babe, to sleepless nights & sleepy days, bouncing and figuring out this new little human, it can all blur together until all of a sudden they are sitting up on their own, taking their first step, or asking you to compromise on whether or not they can eat the entire box of cookies ;)⁠
⁠
It goes by in a split second. So get the snapshots because you’ll want to remember these moments.⁠
⁠
Those months of being pregnant are a literal blip on the scale of your entire life where each month your body grows differently than the last. Those first few weeks of their life, they are so itty bitty, you can barely imagine it.⁠
⁠
Capture it all; yourself as a new parent, figuring it out, figuring you out, figuring them out. That period is surreal.⁠
⁠
Choose to capture it. As much as you can. Have someone on the outside come in to capture this part of your & your child’s story. ⁠
⁠
Be in the photos. Be a part of the memories. ⁠
⁠
That's why I say do it all. Why wouldn't you want to choose to remember this? Put a photoshoot on your registry, your holiday wish list. Hold back on a few 3 am purchases or hell, let this be the 3am purchase. I promise you'll never regret this like you will that sexy but totally impractical nursing bra you saw on Instagram during your middle of the night feed that when it came in, it was the wrong color, it didn’t fit right and was 1/3 of the cost of being able to capture a time when you're 50 you'll look back on with all your heart.⁠
⁠
Or don’t. It’s your call. Either way. Love & kisses.

20/04/2022

I most definitely have a special spot for these two in my heart.

It happens a lot that I really, truly fall in love with the couples I work with, but with these two…it was almost right away.

They have this sweet nature about them, paired with a simultaneous enthusiasm for life. They are so kind to everyone they meet and have this infectious way about them that leaves you wanting to stay with them forever.

I was one of the lucky ones to be let in on the special news about their pregnancy at their wedding. During the portrait session, we took a few photos that paid attention to their sweet babe that was in no way actually showing it off. But it was still sweet to have some images of them on this special day, sharing some moments with this little lady who would be soon entering their world.

On their wedding day, I loved the intimate way it unfolded and the true, undeniable presence the couple had in each moment. When we got to the pier at sunset to take some photos along the waterfront, I asked them if I could get a little funky and artsy. Dayna had a twinkle in her eye as she said yes, and that trust and sparkle lit a fire in me to create images that spoke to the heart. They are some of my favourite photos from last year’s wedding season.

At the end of the night, while it was just us three at a table at the Drake Sky Yard, we planned this maternity shoot. We didn’t quite know where it would be or how it would happen, and then our original plans shifted a few times leading up to the actual shoot. But like most sessions, it all ended up working out in the most magical way.

The full story: https://www.scarletoneill.com/blog/dayna-amp-inder-preto-studio-loft-maternity-session

During their Petro Studio Loft maternity session, I discovered these two have a sweet nature about them, paired with a simultaneous enthusiasm for life.

07/04/2022

Having someone in the same profession as you give you the honour of capturing such meaningful moments in their own life; well there isn’t a bigger honour.

Especially when they are such talented and kind hearted individuals as these two (Bowen too, as one can only assume he’ll be just as incredible as his parents).

Shae and Evan, I could photograph you all day long. To say I adore you is an understatement 🤍

You emulate this sort of kindness, heart and breathtaking happiness that makes others just feel cozy, safe and loved in your presence.

Thanks for the sweet honour of spending a few hours with me, capturing your new lives with that sweet boy of yours!

Oscar can’t wait for a play date and I can’t wait for a hangout too!

Ps. Shae is wearing the bracelet set that I talked about on my and it makes my heart wiggle. It’s like a secret (not so secret lol) mama bracelet club ✨

01/04/2022

You only have 3 more days….

3 more days until the pre-order of one incredible course is launched and the pre-sale bonus of a free one-on-one training call with a Pepper expert about a marketing topic of your choice, valued at $395 USD is no longer.

I started working with Pepper over a year ago and in one year, my whole business went through a wild transformation that left me in the most glorious place.

So it’s truly an understatement to say how excited I am to share that my friends at .pepper have created an incredible marketing course for photographers and it’s launching next month! The Pepper team knows the secret sauce behind successfully marketing your photography business, but they aren’t keeping it a secret any longer—instead, they want to share all the ingredients with YOU!

Pepper’s Marketing Course for Photographers is full of in-depth yet easy-to-follow lessons that cover everything they do to help their creatives find success, from strategy and task management to SEO and Google Analytics to social media content and email marketing and MORE! This course will teach you how to use this knowledge to finally feel in control of your marketing efforts and grow your business. Plus, you get access to monthly group calls with the Pepper team to discuss strategy and ask all your burning questions! How rad is that?!

They have so much knowledge and wisdom, so the fact they’ve put it all of this together in one course where you can work at it at your own pace; as quick or as long as you wish, it’s absolutely rad and you’d be a fool not to nab up this material and their group calls for extra knowledge & guidance!

And to remind you, their pre-order sale is on until April 4th—purchase the course before then, and you’ll receive a free one-on-one training call with a Pepper expert about a marketing topic of your choice, valued at $395 USD!

And don’t forget to use the code scarlet10pepperu for 10% off!

You can thank me later, and trust me, you will xo

31/03/2022

Years ago, when I was in my late 20’s, in between relationships, before I was married, before children and owning property, basically before “adulting” I went on a road trip to Nashville w/ 3 women. I knew 2 of the 3 women and the 3rd women was a stranger at the time (now a close friend). Four gals in my car, headed to Nashville where we stayed in a series of airbnbs from a camper under the stars and then a nice little house where we bar-b-q’d a lot.

It was a life changing trip that I think back on so often as something that carved out the steps following the trip where I soon started dating Anthony, got engaged, married, brought our first home, had a baby, stopped sleeping and then bought & renovated our current home whereupon we entered into the world of the pandemic (said goodbye to my pup Lucy and then eventually brought Olly into our world) all while running my business & having the biggest year of my career last year (wowza!).

Now here I am again, coming out of the world of the pandemic (kind of… I mean the day we left was the day the mask mandate was lifted) and on another adventure with three women. It started as four but after one got sick the night before, then there were four.

Jen, Robyn, Theresa and myself.

Again for me, two familiar faces and then someone I had only met via social media. Gathered at the airport and quickly thrown into a world of common conversation about our businesses, about motherhood and about life. The trip was short, sweet, lighthearted but also so deep and the openness between us all has (for me at least) left us feeling ever so connected.

Trips like these are so good for the heart and the soul. They are so good for the creative mind and for the journey of self discovery.

One big thing that lingered on the tip of my tongue as the days passed and as I returned home; these trips carry with them so much weight and meaning and for that alone, they hold a special place in my heart.

So if you get the opportunity, take the trip, go on the adventure. Life is short and little journeys like this make that light so much more meaningful and can open your heart to a place you only dream about being. ☀️🌴💋

24/03/2022

This wedding gets a lot of love, but I think after all this couple went through, it’s well-deserved. Plus, it truly took the cake. It was one of the most stand-out weddings I was a part of last year and I think it will forever be remembered.

There are a few reasons for this. The first is that it’s not every day that an entire wedding is completely changed on the spot after rain totally ruins all their plans. And also, because this couple and their people all had such big, supportive, loving hearts. I’ve never in my career seen everyone at a wedding rally together, with their entire beings, like they did that day. They all made sure there was not a beat missed in making this wonderful couple’s day nothing but full of freaking HEART (and celebration… no matter what!!).

The full story: https://www.scarletoneill.com/blog/rain-on-your-wedding-day

Imagine having a downpour of rain on your wedding day. This isn't the story of a typical wedding, and for that it has a special place in my heart. This was one of my most memorable weddings last year, and not just because of the rain.

10/03/2022

I used to have a studio on Ossington a long time ago here in Toronto. I did LOTS of bo***ir sessions in there, as well as all my meetings, but for the most part, it was pretty empty because I photograph in people’s homes, outdoors, out of the city…pretty much anywhere and everywhere.

Eventually, I said goodbye to that light-filled studio and since then, have created a list of my favourite studios to work out of when that kind of environment is needed.

When I look at a location, I look for a variety of feelings that I get from each one. And each one should be different from the others in their own way to keep that variety and inspiration going.

I’ve done a round-up of my favourite places in Toronto for you, and I hope it inspires you to check them out too: https://www.scarletoneill.com/blog/spaces-amp-place-downtown-toronto-studios-mararamiro-archive-and-lovt

Looking for studio spaces in Toronto? I’ve done a round-up of the most rad Toronto studios for you, and I hope it inspire you to check them out.

03/03/2022

When someone in my own industry hires me to capture their family, the level of honor I feel is pretty huge. ⁠Especially with how talented this group of photographers are here in tdot!
⁠
Spending the morning chatting with Rich & Mary, learning about these sweet kiddos of theirs, and capturing them all in their essence literally brings the biggest smile to my face. I really really LOVE who I get to work with⁠
⁠
And not to play favorites, but hands down, Rich is one of the best- if not the BEST wedding DJs I could possibly ever recommend… so do yourselves a favor and remember this man cause he is RAD and if you need someone for your wedding or event, he is your guy!⁠
⁠
All the family sessions like this one, always and forever, please and thanks!
⁠
⁠

16/02/2022

Last month, I shared my highlight reel of 2021 which featured all the family sessions, newborn photo sessions, maternity shoots, and love sessions (or engagement shoots, as most call them).

I added in a few sneaky bo***ir sessions and a handful of branding shots, as well!

I decided not to include all those gorgeous wedding captures because I felt that separating them was just what needed to be done; they truly are a whole thing on their own because 2021 was quite the year! A beautifully wild, vivacious, and juicy year full of constant surprises.

My 2021 wedding highlights are here: https://www.scarletoneill.com/blog/highlights-of-2021-weddings

15/02/2022

Happy love day ❤️

As a lover of love, I am rather fond of today.

But, I like it because it’s a little extra nudge to add some extra sparkle into anyone and everyone’s day that you’d like to do that for. I mean I think we should try everyday to brighten someone’s day, but life can be a lot and we all have our own stuff going on. So I like to use today to remember to do a little extra, and even let it spill over into the days following.

A smile to a stranger (mask dependant lol), ask the barista about their day, tip the delivery driver or waiter a little extra, text someone that you are thinking of them, hug a little longer, put your phone down, listen, dance for yourself (don’t forget yourself!! You are one of those people you best be treating!)… whatever it is… just do it.

Also, it doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to count. And I couldn’t think of a more romantic shoot than these two birds and their pizza in bed 🍕 because that’s all you need, love and pizza.

10/02/2022

While editing this winter engagement session the other day (because it’s fresh, fresh, fresh!), I was completely inspired to write about these two sweet souls and our time together.

Usually, I’m blogging months and months behind with a to-do list forever long, but I just couldn’t help but want to start on this one—right here, right now!!

It completely inspired me to jump on writing about our time spent together on this cozy winter engagement session where, for the most of it, they were snuggled up in bed eating gluten-free pizza that they had gone out of their way to pick up the night before from their favourite spot.

After a few slices were devoured, we took a little stroll over to a special spot that has them dreaming, about all the things this life will bring them, each and every time they go there.

But that’s just the top layer, and there is so much more to say about them and even us all together.

The full story of Jenn + Jordan's engagement session can be found here: https://www.scarletoneill.com/blog/jenn-jordan-winter-engagement-session-at-home-pizza

Winter engagement sessions fill me up! Take a peek into my first Love Session of the year featuring cozy vibes, gluten-free pizza, and a couple that exudes joy, warmth, and love.

03/02/2022

Do you play? Create? Let your heart lead?

I recently found a book of projects I dreamed up and put to paper, but never went further with.

Photo shoots. Books. Projects.

For a long time leading up to 2020… I just did the work I was hired for. I didn’t have time to play or go up & beyond for things my heart desired, especially after Oscar was born.

Then 2020 hit and it gave me time to reflect. It also came in waves of freak out.. ok it’s cool… freak out.. it’s cool…

But then, the rest brought reflection and I found myself inspired in a new way. And I didn’t just file away those thoughts this time, but I put them into action.

I had an idea for a photoshoot and it was purely to create, to find inspiration and to honour that creativity, that without, why do this work? And without it, would what I’m doing be art or just stale motions I go thru on repeat?

A group of individuals said yes to me, gave me their time, their day, their bodies, their minds and their own creative hearts. This shoot was the spark that lit my fire last year and I’m so thankful for it.

Endless thanks to , Sydney, Jelane, and .to

I called it “love isn’t canceled”.

The idea was that despite what the world was going thru (and seems to always be going thru) and with so many things being “canceled”, there was one thing that would always stay; love. And stripped down, love just needs people who will water that love to keep it flourishing (enter epic florals to represent that portion).

No matter the way you create, create. This is fuel. This is opportunity to inspire yourself. Create with others. Connect. Do something different. Make it happen. Just do it.

So I ask, anyone have any some brilliant ideas that they want to play with? Or, specifically what do you find lights your fire? ❤️🔥✨

18/01/2022

It's definitely been a minute since I've written an IG post and I feel like my unintentional little break has left me feeling refreshed, but also a little unsure of where to begin tbh.⁠
⁠
I get so excited to share all the things and then end up not sharing at all, which is a bummer (apparently my son's new favorite word - watch out parents ... even your replacement bad words can come back to haunt you when you hear it come out of your toddler's mouth lol). ⁠
⁠
One thing I am hoping to do this new year is post more because looking back on my whole last year, there is tons of goodness to share (my 2021 highlights is coming out real soon so be ready!).⁠
⁠
For the first post of the year, it feels best to start with these two beauties and their delicious wedding. If you know me, you know I'm a huge fan of both of and . They are two wildly talented individuals who gave me a huge honour in being their wedding photographer.⁠
⁠
And, it wasn't just me who fell in love with them & their wedding day, featured their wedding a little while back, which was so very exciting, but then over the holidays, while I was barely able to lift my head having the worst cold/flu/sinus infection of ever, their wedding was selected as Toronto Life's number one wedding in their top 10 wedding round-up of 2021. ⁠🤗
⁠
Psyched is an understatement. I'm totally and completely elated. ⁠
⁠
I can't wait to keep sharing, keep following along on your adventures here, keep interacting with all you wonderful souls, and always continuing to keep it real & lovely. Hope your start to 2022 has been sweet. Sending big juicy love to you all.⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠

12/01/2022

Loved this session at their family cottage in the Kawarthas. Two babes, one sweet mama and one gorgeous belly. Kristina, Ari & Leo.

What I loved most about this cottage maternity photoshoot was that we truly played during our time together and made use of all the areas of the cottage.

16/12/2021

I am not sure where you fall in “this”, but something that's been on my mind lately is this pursuit of happiness.
⁠
“This”.... constantly living in what the next moment is instead of the present moment.⁠
⁠
The...⁠
I'll be done this and then I can do that.⁠
I can't wait until this happens.⁠
It will be awesome to finish this and then I can....⁠
I’m so looking forward to when this happens.⁠
I’ll be happy as soon as this is accomplished.⁠
⁠
Sometimes I think about that journey and that process to getting “there”.⁠
⁠
There is always a goal. ⁠
⁠We seem to be striving for that next thing. ⁠
⁠
How many times have you spent all day looking forward to the end of the day, or the next thing? ⁠The next day, next season, next year…
⁠
But what if we started to pursue happiness in the present and the now? What if happiness was right in this moment? What if we lived in the feeling of being in a good thing instead of pursuing that thing that is not now.

Yes, it's good to have a goal and to look forward to something, but are we just spending all our time in longing for something else, instead of enjoying what we have and making this exact moment amazing?⁠ And if you think of it maybe then we can be happy all throughout.. like now and then too.
⁠
Just something to think about. Maybe try it. Maybe I’ve had too much coffee.

Or maybe try to be absolutely present in whatever you do once you put your phone down. Instead of looking forward to ⁠the next thing, enjoy this moment. Really, really enjoy it, love it, let it make you feel so alive and happy. Let it sink it and let it make you feel all that happiness.

13/12/2021

And that’s a wrap on my 2021 wedding season and as much I loved the beauty & busyness of this year, this gal needs some veggin' at home time with her boys.⁠
⁠
What are you the most looking forward to if you are lucky enough to get some downtime soon!?⁠
⁠
Ps. Been saving this photo of Becca & Zach on their wedding day to wrap this season here on ig, thought it was pretty perfect!

03/12/2021

One of the most beautiful parts of my “job” is being invited into very special moments in people's lives. ⁠
⁠
As I write this (but am not posting in real-time) I’m in the home of a family who is about to welcome their newest babe into their lives. ⁠
⁠
Being on call for a birth is a wild ride. But it’s also so exciting. And a tad exhausting. But rewarding cause I mean well ⁠
⁠
Sitting in their living room listening to the rain, mixed with the radio, watch as Kristina (a dif mama than in this photo) sway back and forth working thru a contraction has me so honoured to be here.⁠
⁠
When I capture these moments every is more heightened for me and in what I ⁠
⁠
makes me think about all the other births I’ve documented before this and I’m sure you can imagine how it also makes me think of my own. ⁠
⁠
And, there is something so connective between the people in the room of a birth. It’s this experience that brings them together in this shared experience that is the most special event and it’s such an honour to be a part of. ⁠
⁠
People often think it’s wild to photograph a birth but if you get me talking about it, well … I’ll get you on board because documenting the experience of life coming into the world, and all the little moments leading up, during and after… it’s like a million wildly important connectors to this giant beautiful moment that is as an entire experience, the most incredible thing to witness.⁠

12/11/2021

This beauty of a wedding has something very special in the works for it and will be checking off a very big holy s**t this happened moment for me eventhough it already checked off so many of those “wtf is this even real?!? moments”.⁠
⁠
Low key freaking out over here.⁠
⁠
But until I can say what… just feast your eyes on the love and beauty between these two and their beyond BEYOND day (using beyond in two ways .. hope you caught that and understand I sometimes make up my own language/grammar rules, or I just like to find ways to rebel 🤷🏼‍♀️). ⁠
⁠
Do you despise vague posts, or does it hype you up for when all is revealed?!⁠ Honest opinion! Tell me. Sorry if you hate vague posts! Just bringing some hype for this one!⁠
⁠

10/11/2021

I’ve been a little quiet on here for no other reason than I literally can’t even process this endless list I’m chiseling away at. Finding a moment to do anything for myself & the good ol’ gram has left me feeling guilty that I’m not working on things for all the sweet souls who are all so patiently waiting.

But I have to say this, the grace and kindness from all those sweet beings has been giving me extra energy to keep trucking along and ticking things off my to do list. And, oh the love letters! The love letters of gratitude from each person I deliver galleries too, or am in communication with has left my heart really feeling so very warm and fuzzy.

So thanks, thanks for the extra love in this wildly busy time. I really landed myself in the midst of a beautiful group of individuals. It’s funny how one can work so long at finding that perfect fit of people and when you do well…. everything really is so much brighter (even when you are pulling crazy hours and juggling schedules and having wild anxiety dreams that leave you feeling untested when you finally get to rest).

I wish I had a call to action ‘cause each post is always suppose to end like that, but instead I’m just here to say thanks and sending love to anyone reading this. ❤️

Ps. How beautiful is this sweet mama and her babes. I’m going to see her v v soon and I am bursting with excitement about that special time of hers I get to capture … soon 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

21/10/2021

Oh hi. I’m due for a little re-introduction of who I am to all you new faces on here and maybe a few extra tidbits about myself to those that have been along on this journey of mine for the past while, so here you go!
⁠
I’m still a sucker for a good parallel park. This was a topic of conversation the other weekend as one of my couples witnessed my own rad parallel parking when we were ⁠adventuring around for photos.
⁠
I recently brought home a new fur babe who has captured my heart. Not gonna lie at first, he reminded me of Lucy and it was really pulling on those heartstrings, but after some good little quality time and learning more about Olly, it’s been so lovely to fill that empty spot in my heart (although never replacing Lou 💔).
⁠
I’m currently searching for a good tattoo artist who specializes in florals in colored ink⁠… anyone you wanna recommend??

I’ve never in my whole life, at a fast food place, had a burger. True story, I’ve only ever had the chicken; nuggets, sandwich, strips, you name it! But never a beef burger! Also, I loathe tomatoes on burgers or sandwiches, but love them on their own.

I shoot with both eyes, alternating them which is a new thing. If you are a photographer, I’d love to know what eye you primary shoot with?! It used to be my right eye, but now I am wearing both down lol 😆

And, while I love coffee with my whole heart, I’ve discovered I don’t actually think I make a great cup of coffee and it’s constantly perplexing me because it should be easy. That’s just where my heads at 😞🤦🏼‍♀️

📷 by the cutest soon to be parents & incredible photographers (thanks buds!) 🤍

15/10/2021

Despite this little thing called the pandemic, and how we all hoped at first it would only last a few weeks, maybe a month tops … and now here we are almost two years in the making…. what the actual duck, as my autocorrect so often boldly corrects me.

Seriously, if you had told me that despite the world doing the ultimate backflip somersault crash and burn move, that I’d be as busy as I have been, I wouldn’t have believed it, even if you truly tried.

But I’m learning there is a lot that you cannot predict. You just have to lean in.

This past summer and fall season has completely blown me away.

I’m grateful.
I’m humbled.
I’m tired.
I’m making some changes (but that’s another story for another post).
I’m heart burstingly overjoyed by the support, trust and vulnerable shares I’ve experienced by all those couples and families I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with and capturing this past year.

And with that, just a little post to say that I’m fully booked for 2021 and will not be taking any more sessions until 2022. I’m so fortunate to have had my world shaped by the beautiful humans who’ve touched my heart this year. If you have a session booked, I cannot wait to capture your story, but if you are still on the fence, that ship has sailed and you’ll need to hop on for next year.

Ps. How absolutely stunning are soon-to-be parents Sarah & Andrew, who gave me the honour and delight of capture their love and excitement over their little bubs coming really soon. This session is going to hit the blog soon, so be on the lookout. It honestly is one of my most favourites, eva eva!

PPS. Thanks for all the support, the love, and the way you all have proved that we can make something really beautiful out of something that starts off a little hopeless. This year really took a turn and bloomed into the most beautiful series of beautiful moments and exchanges.