Sherida Rae

photographer

a little about me...

Growing up in Ontario, I always had a camera in hand, capturing the moments that shaped my childhood. I fondly recall flipping through old family albums, imagining the emotions behind each snapshot. This ignited my belief in the profound power of photography; a single image can hold immeasurable meaning, especially when it becomes a cherished memory of someone we’ve lost.

As a child, I dreamed of having my own darkroom, a place where I could transform moments into lasting art. Life took me on a journey, and for seven years, I navigated the challenges of single motherhood. Eventually, I met my husband and welcomed three more beautiful children into our world. Alongside them, I embraced my role as a bonus mom to my stepdaughter, who has since blessed our family with two children of her own.

In 2015, our family's journey led us to Sooke, BC, where I began photographing clients and discovered a newfound joy in capturing their stories. After having my fourth baby at home, I discovered a deep passion for capturing the beautiful chaos of childbirth. Each moment, from the first cry to the tender embraces, unfolds a story that deserves to be told. Photographing births has become a way for me to connect with other families and help them cherish these fleeting moments forever.

I cherish every moment of my children’s childhood, taking time to explore nature, sing and dance in our living room, and enjoy cozy movie nights. This appreciation for capturing meaningful moments extends to every session I conduct; I approach each one with the same care and intention I would give my own family, ensuring that your memories are preserved with love and authenticity.

Family sitting together outdoors in a natural setting.
A family of five sitting on a couch, including two adults and three children. One adult has a beard and striped sweater, another adult is wearing a white top. The children include a girl in a dress with a white collar and two boys in casual clothes. They are smiling and appear relaxed.
Young child with red hair wearing a white shirt and denim overalls
Woman smiling next to a snowman and a baby in a stroller covered in a blanket, outside in a snowy yard with a house in the background.
Man holding a young child standing barefoot next to a parked car on a residential street.

“I hold their childhood tight in my hands and want to make sure I drink in every last moment, which is also how I will treat your session, like I was photographing my own family.”

WHAT A SESSION WITH ME LOOKS LIKE...

a gif of a dad having fun with his daughter in the ocean while mom laughs

Having your photo taken can be a daunting experience. Many of us feel a bit uneasy when it's our turn in front of the lens. Regardless of how you feel, I want you to know that we will approach this together with care and patience. Throughout our session, I'll provide guidance and, yes, I may say some quirky things to help foster those genuine connections and candid moments.

It's important to embrace both the joyous laughter and the quieter, more vulnerable instances. Consider how you behave when you're at ease—your authentic self. My goal is to ensure that your images genuinely represent who you are, capturing all the layers of your personality.

-Sherida xo

Logo for The Milky Way Family Retreat 2021 Teacher, featuring a star and circular text design.
The Milky Way Newborn Retreat 2024 Teacher badge, circular design with star symbols.
Click Photo School Educator badge for self-paced course.
Collage of diverse female photographers' work featured in Clickin Moms blog, titled '100 Female Photographers to Watch in 2019.'
Magazine cover featuring a woman holding a baby, titled 'Click' for the modern photographer. January/February 2020 issue with themes of nourishing the soul and creative restarts.
Award badge with text 'Best Family Photographer 2020' surrounded by a laurel wreath design.
LooksLikeFilm Best Family Photographer 2019 award badge
"LooksLikeFilm Best Birth Photographer 2018" award emblem with laurel wreath design.
Award emblem for LooksLikeFilm Best Maternity Photographer 2018

Featured in

these mothers showed me that when motherhood has blindsided you, leaving you broken-hearted, you can come out on the other side feeling even stronger.
— Sherida Rae Taylor