Old Souls Union is for photographers who care about people. It’s about learning how to connect with couples, help them feel comfortable, and guide them in ways that feel natural — not stiff or performative. The focus is on the human side of weddings and elopements, creating work that feels real and full of soul.
these workshops, (un!)styled shoots and content days are meant to fill your cup. they’re meant to slow down, move intentionally, exercise your intuition and create art that resonates with you.
Heart + humour,
over hustle
join us for our kickoff workshop in Chelsea, quebec in may 2026!
Focusing on the now, for a better then.
over the past 9 years i’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the best. i’ve put in the time second & associate shooting, taking endless courses, workshops and shooting hundreds of weddings. but there was always something missing…
real connections
so often wedding days, engagement sessions and even styled shoots are rushed. our days are more packed than ever and we lose sight of details, emotion, and connection. we zoom through our shot lists trying not to compromise light or timelines.
yikes.
Let’s change that.
Let’s take a step back, think about how prompts vs. posing benefits everyone. Think about how slowing down and putting intent behind your work. think about how slight shifts can change the course of your work for the better.
storytelling at its finest
This is about more than just content.
Its about learning how to use our humour, our empathy and our intuition to navigate time spent with our couples.
joining a styled shoot? take your time exploring the details in flat lays; move them around, create shapes and lines, try different florals - experiment!
Take some time with the couples and see how they move. read the room. watch how they respond to prompts and questions.
“Clients don't just hire your skill. They hire your energy, your empathy, your ability to see them clearly.”
the un-styled shoot
Join us for the inaugural Old Souls Union workshop and content day — a gathering rooted in slow living, intention, and nostalgia.
This experience invites photographers to step away from the rush and return to the heart of their craft. Through curated, detail-rich vignettes and a deeply thoughtful pace, we’ll explore what it means to create from a place of empathy and intuition. Expect a quiet kind of magic — where connection matters more than trends, and every frame tells a story worth remembering.
located in the picturesque wakefield-Chelsea, quebec.
chapter one …
chapter one …
take a look at this late spring mood board; a warm and welcoming experience. A cozy, intimate cabin-style elopement focused on family heirlooms, garden paths & How-they-met details
expect lots of details, antiques + texture
chapter two ...
chapter two ...
the days second look takes us to the gatineau hills. rolling green hills overlooking a creek and covered bridge. a soft, retro heavy influence in one of the prettiest regions.
expect lots of green, big sky + wide open field scenes
FAQs
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This workshop is geared towards photographers that want to take some time to slow down, try new shooting methods, talk with our real life couples, and connect with other creatives.
It is meant to serve as a day of learning. If you’re new to the wedding photography industry or are curious, this is a great opportunity to chat with other photographers about how weddings play out, how to connect with your clients and couples, and how to gain experience.
**The focus of these shoots is on directing couples, working through prompts, and building thoughtful portfolio work. They’re not intended as a technical crash course, so if you’re new to weddings, a solid understanding of your gear is important.
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Both looks will take place in the Wakefield/Chelsea region, just 30 minutes from Ottawa.
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The fee for both shoots (full day) is $230, taxes included. Both looks are included and cannot be split up.
A 50% non-refundable retainer is required to hold your space.
Spaces are limited to keep things spacious and stress-free.
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The vibe here is nostalgia paired with small town warmth. While editorial and minimalist looks are beautiful this will focus more on layers, textures, closeness and slow living.
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Spaces are officially open February 11, 2026!
Join the waitlist to receive detailed information, more sneak peeks at the mood boards, info on our couples, and so much more!
Spots are incredibly limited to keep this an intimate group that lets you experiment, connect & explore without feeling crowded
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I love styled shoots! They’re a great way to connect with others in the industry and have fun while grabbing some killer shots. We’ll do all of that, but an added twist of having a backstory to each couple. You’ll receive info you’d learn about your couples just like you would with your own wedding questionnaires.
You’ll also have the luxury of working with real couples that may not be as used to being in front of the camera like models would. This is intentional: it’s to slow down and learn how real people tick. What prompts work and which don’t. Consider it a day long experiment!
lets chat
critesem@gmail.com
www.emilycrites.com
Crafted for the Quiet Creatives
Old Souls Union is a space for photographers who lead with empathy, humour, and heart.
teaching and creating with intention—favouring slow growth, soulful storytelling, and a deep love for the craft. Here, your work doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful.
For the Slow & the Soulful
A creative space for photographers who want their work to feel like something.