50 Essential Portrait Photographers: Lara McAllister of Red Wagon Photography

Lara McAllister is a lifestyle portrait photographer located in the Fraser Valley. She specializes in maternity, babies, children, teens, family, and wedding photography.

Why did you get into photography?

I always loved looking through family albums as a child, teenager and young adult. It allowed me to relive so many of the moments of my early life again and again. I also realised that nothing in our home was valued more than the family portraits and albums. The pictures weren’t always fabulous or flattering but the connection to that moment in time was undeniable.

Tell us a bit about your company.

I began my business, Red Wagon Photography, in 2006. After my children were born I quickly recognised that there was a market need for lifestyle portraiture. I wanted the quality high but the price reasonable enough that I could watch my clients and their families grow through the seasons and the years. I have a small studio I like to reserve for my maternity, newborn, and baby clients, as my preference is for the outdoors and natural light. I find children especially, are more natural outdoors or in their own homes than in a studio. There are so many fabulous locations in the Fraser Valley, rural, small town, and urban. I have many favourite locations, but I am always on the lookout for somewhere new.

How would you characterize your style of photography?

My style is very fresh, interactive, intimate, and candid. I love vibrant colour as well as moody black and whites. I strive to provide images that evoke connection and emotion.

Who are your clients?

My clients are expectant parents, babies, children, grads, families, and weddings. (I have a separate wedding business, Little Bird Weddings)

What should your mom clients expect when working with you?

Mom clients can expect a relaxed, unrushed, accommodating and fun session. I will spend the first few minutes of our session getting to know mom and the children and making sure the children are relaxed and ready for fun! My sessions can last anywhere between 45 minutes to two hours, depending on the children. Being a mom myself, I know how stressful photo shoots can be so I try to make them as enjoyable as possible.