Shantina Rae Photography

09/07/2026

YESSSS... I am officially 4 years alcohol free. 🤍
But I'm not going to make this a “sobriety” post.

Because honestly, what I really want to talk about is life.

Every year I take photos in my garden. And if I'm being totally honest, I didn't love my garden this year. It was beautiful... but messy. A little overgrown. Unorganized. Some things absolutely thriving and blooming like crazy, while other parts needed more love than I gave them.

And actually... that's kinda what life looks like, right!?

I look at the woman I was 4 years ago and I barely recognize her sometimes.

Not because everything is perfect now. F**k no. 😂

There are parts of my life that are blooming. Parts I'm incredibly proud of and parts I've worked REALLY fu***ng hard for.

And there are still parts that need tending to.

But one of the biggest things I've learned over these last 4 years is that YOU are the only person who can change your life.

No one is coming to do it for you.
And I actually think that's one of the most empowering things you can realize.

Because it means you get to decide.

You can change your mind.
You can start fresh.
You decide what doesn't feel like you anymore.
You can become the version of YOU that you've been searching for. She (or he) is in there. You just gotta decide your ready to get there!

You can do, be, create and have so much more than you think you can.

Four years ago I made one decision that changed the direction of my entire life.

And today I'm sitting in my slightly chaotic garden 😂 surrounded by things I've planted, grown and cared for... realizing maybe it doesn't have to be perfectly manicured to be fu***ng beautiful.
Neither does a life.

You have this one beautiful life. And how fu***ng lucky are you. To be here. Breathing. Experiencing. Being a human. This. One. LIFE.

What are you going to do with it? 🤍

Ps: my cat came for some photos and I am so happy he did! 🐈‍⬛️ 😺

09/07/2026

09/05/2026

Its hard to put into words the feeling of getting to capture a wedding for someone you also get to call a friend. 🤍

Steph's (& Shane's) wedding was just... magic.

So full of smiles. So much laughter. Happy tears. So much freaking joy.

I genuinely don’t think my cheeks have ever hurt from smiling as much as they did this day hahaha. From the second I got there it didn’t even really feel like I was working... it felt like I was surrounded by family. Just laughing, crying, celebrating and getting to capture all of it as it happened.

And honestly... I really wanted to stay after I was done as I know 100% it was probably a good time 😂 but after a full day behind the camera I was BAGGED hahaha.

There are some weddings that just stick with you. The people, the energy, the love you can literally feel all day long.

This was one of those days.

Steph, getting to be there with you and capture all of this meant more to me than I can put into words. 🤍

What a freaking beautiful day.

09/01/2026

Oooooooo Girl 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

What else can I say. Jeesh 🥵

Stacey G

08/31/2026

SOOOOOOOOO excited to be sharing this session from a few months ago with Kyla Steinley !! Its always such a joy to capture you and the famjam!

That pregnancy glow is so REAL ✨️ 😍

08/28/2026

Okkkkk is she for real!???

What a goddess!!! Ahhhh!!!

Empowerment is always my favorite 😍

Absolutely LOVE the pop of red from Jenn Knight 's Scarf!! Such a great prop!

This is one of my go-to locations on Quadra BUT this is my VERY 1st time shooting here in the morning and my goodness it sure didn’t disappoint!!!

So so grateful Jenn made the trek here all the way from her island! (Gabriola)

08/25/2026

I don’t really have any words to describe the love these two have. 🤍
What a beautiful beach/forest wedding, surrounded by the people they love most. So much laughter, so much emotion, and just… them.

I’m so damn lucky I get to witness this stuff. 😍