Samantha Blatnicky Makeup + Lash Artist

I've worked with Gail creating personal branding photos for her a couple of times already. I was thrilled when she reached out to be a part of the Maverick campaign. I was struck that she even hesitated to apply.

Yes. She hesitated. Then she sat with it for a minute and realized she has spent her entire life doing what she wants, how she wants, when she wants, and had just never put that together before. This is a woman who has gone skydiving and walked the outside ledge of the CN Tower, and who will still tell you the genuinely hard part was the conversation she needed to have.

After her photos, she said it was liberating and honouring at the same time. That she was reminded who she is is enough.

Her story, in her own words is in the link in the comments. Check it out.

Gail Barker is one of my Mavericks.

Maverick is a small portrait campaign I'm running this year for people who built their success their own way and are ready to be seen as who they've become. Ten spots, that's all. It's the whole experience: a real conversation about who you are, wardrobe and styling, hair and makeup, the guided shoot where making you photogenic is my job and not yours, the reveal, and a piece of wall art to take home. A $1500 experience for $450.

Anyone can apply, women and men both, and if we've worked together before, I'd love to have you back. Applications are open and I'm reading them as they come in.

Apply here to the link in the comments.

And if you're sitting there thinking you're probably not a maverick, well. Ask Gail.

Makeup by Samantha Blatnicky Makeup + Lash Artist
Hair by

Getting inspired one shoot at a time Anita Watkins Photography
Thank you for welcoming me in to this creative space with you

The pink boots that changed everything;)

Sarina Haggarty, a singer/songwriter based in London, Ontario and Nashville, walked into the studio knowing exactly who she was. No hesitation. No second-guessing. Just a focused, warm person ready to go for it.

But here's what made the session click: she was willing to let me push a little. Part of my job is to capture WHO you are. But another, maybe MORE important part of my job is to capture who you ASPIRE to be.

When I spotted those pink boots, I knew we had to try something unexpected.

She wasn't convinced. The photo ended up on her website anyway.

That's the magic moment. When you do your thing, I do mine, and we both get out of the way long enough for something real to show up. Read the full story. Link is in the comments to the post.

Ready to show up in your own brand? Let's talk;)

Makeup by Samantha Blatnicky Makeup + Lash Artist
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Getting photos with Anita Watkins Photography

Thanks for trusting me with this shoot!

Grad days are over and I’m so thankful to have been a small part of such a milestone for these kids! Good luck with whatever is ahead!

Prom-ready and nursing-bound! 🤍✨
It was such a pleasure creating this soft glam look for a future healthcare superstar. Wishing you an amazing prom and an even brighter future ahead!

Congratulations to this beautiful grad on graduating from Western Nursing! 🎓

Prom ✔️
Graduation ✔️
Guelph in the fall ✔️
So excited for your next chapter! Thanks for letting me be a small part of such a special milestone ✨🎓💕

Planning headshots? Let's book makeup and amplify your natural beauty.

Experience elevated lashes with a lash lift and tint, and let's refine your brow shape while you're here.