This is something I’ve wanted to do for a while now…
Photograph and interview women onto something GOOD.
Women who wake up each day with steadfast dedication and commitment to their work, ideals, and dreams.
Women who may not always get the recognition they deserve.
Forward thinking women, women on a mission, women that believe they have something to GIVE.
Women like Alison Fraser.

Woman on a Mission Interview No. 2: with Alison Fraser [Associate, Director of non-profit charity, Mother]

Tell us about your mission?

Bringing education to women and children in Tanzania who otherwise could not afford to attend school. Raise my 3 daughters to be globally aware.

What was the inspiration for your project?

A friend spent some time teaching in Ausha, Tanzania. She put me in contact with a friend in Tanzania when she returned to Canada
We became partners in moving towards finding the educational needs of women/children in Ausha. Wanted to involve my daughters in a project so started my own not for profit.

How would you describe yourself in 10 words or less?

Passionate working mom happy to make a difference in life.

What is most sacred to you?

Family + Friends – 3 daughters
Same best friend as I had in childhood from my small hometown of Long Sault

Who or what is your current influential force in your life?

My daughters, they influence all major decisions in my life.
They keep me grounded, help with Mom2Mom Africa in very hands on way.

What was the hardest part of growing up for you?

Losing both parents at a young age lost my Dad 6 years ago to Alzheimer’s and my Mom 2 years ago to cancer.

What advise can you offer young women with GOOD ideas today?

Take action.
Too often we come up with great ideas that simply stay good ideas.
Put your thoughts into action.

Channel your inner Eleanor Roosevelt
-Do one thing everyday that scares you
-Do what you feel in your heart to be right as you’ll be criticized anyway

Where will you be in 5 years? What will your mission look like?

No idea
Five years ago, I’d never would have imagined I’d be the director of my own not for profit. It’s so exciting to see what the next 5 years will bring.

Where can we find out more about your project?

Website
Facebook
Twitter

Looking for exceptional women on a mission. Do you know of someone or yourself who would like to be apart of this Woman on a Mission photo series? Submit your suggestions HERE.

To see more amazing WOAM’s click on the following links:

Diana Nazareth Photography

Robyn S Russell Photography

“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”

Dawning her cap and gown, this free spirited young woman is ready for the next chapter. Graduation may have come on her own time but that is just the way she likes it and I don’t think her family would have it any other way.

I grew up with her Mom and if I remember correctly she was a wee bit of a free spirit too. So its not surprising this beautiful young woman has that same spunk to do things her way. It was a wonderful experience showcasing this dynamic young woman at this special time in her life. Who wants boring over wrought posed images of their child when they have personalities that are so robust and just coming into their own. It just pushes me to work outside the box and create these striking images that truly showcase this vibrant young woman. To add to the experience Miss Ella came along, this woman’s constant side kick, it’s always a pleasure to capture the bond between human and beast and this little fur ball didn’t disappoint.

Why not celebrate your child’s graduation with a unique portrait session? Something you can look at for years to come and enjoy. Message me at shannon@discoversessions.com to talk about this great opportunity.

“Sacrifice is giving up on something good for something better..”

What a fun shoot… referred by a family member to DISCOVER this guy wanted to celebrate a few accomplishments and there is no better way then with images to prove it! See what dedication, willpower and routine can do for you!

Want to learn more about DISCOVER and what it has to offer watch and learn:

DISCOVER | Let your inside out from Shannon Nicholson on Vimeo.

DISCOVER | Boudoir Experience from Shannon Nicholson on Vimeo.

“And this is the part that you find out who your are…”

Halloween has always been one of my favourite holiday’s. Simply for the fact you get to dress up, in fact create an alter ego. Sometimes it maybe dark and sinister, or pushing boundaries with little tart like costumes, maybe you hone a character that best represents you. Whatever the case it allows you to play out those inner fantasies without feeling the wrath of judgement from others as you brush it off simply as a costume or simple charade. Which for some it is.. but others who have something darker even sexier or something they just can’t put their finger on yet inside them, Halloween is the day to be free.

This quote (pardon for the language) “Walk around the house like a fucking champion.” It embodies what its like to sometimes escape our everyday lives.. pretend that we are almighty, powerful, courageous, brave, sexy, incredible every day all day. Its just to bad that we don’t always truly believe that…

I had the opportunity to photograph my dear friend who is at a cross roads of sorts as most of us women are when we come to our 40′s.. when we really stop and take an inventory of our lives and ourselves and feel a hunger from within to reclaim ourselves after selflessly giving to those we love for so long. When we need to once again see ourselves for who we truly are these beautiful, powerful, brave, sexy women. So it was decided before my subject even knew that we had to showcase the softer side of life and also the darker so to speak.. the side that we all have within us that is hungry, craving and wanting for more. That keeps us on our toes that unfurls it self when we least expect it and makes us feel almighty, invincible and damn sexy. The self that we don’t always let escape for fear of judgement, unworthiness and shame.

I love this series of images. Not sure what was more fun watching the transformation while my talented stylist Heather applied the second coat of makeup or having my amazing beautiful friend in front of my camera and seeing her truly shine. Either way it was incredible and one experience that I think every woman deserves! Enjoy.

p.s Do you think she looks like PINK?

Don’t forget to checkout the “softer side” posted HERE.

Want to be DISCOVERED? Watch this and learn how powerful this experience can be…

DISCOVER | Let your inside out from Shannon Nicholson on Vimeo.