International Women’s Day!

Hello, Kaitlyn the photographer here. Today, Saturday, March 8th is officially International Women’s Day, and I am excited to be invited by Elizabeth to write a post inspired by today’s photo.

We wanted to achieve a final image for Women’s Day that encapsulated women in many facets. As workers (the typewriter), as artists (a handmade scarf) and as homemakers (the iron). We also unintentionally included parts of ourselves; Jessi-Lyn brings the typewriters to the store, Elizabeth made the scarf, and I selected the iron, being a fan of vintage items (and the color blue).

Well, getting this together in a single picture on my own proved more difficult than expected. The scarf kept falling out of shape, and I couldn’t keep the sheet up and hold the camera at the same time.

After some failed shots, I accepted that I needed some help and approached the lovely ladies at the front. Naturally, both agreed to help.

Elizabeth arrived to the showroom immediately and held up her end of the sheet as we awaited Jessi-Lyn.

“I think Jessi-Lyn is coming,” Elizabeth states, just loud enough for Jessi-Lyn to overhear. A moment of anticipation passes. “I’m pretty sure Jessi-Lyn is coming.” She adds, a little louder, still holding her end of the sheet continuing to await our remaining helper.

Not another moment passes and I decide to get her attention myself. I like good spirited banter, and I’m generally excited to see an opportunity to instigate it.

Eliminating maturity in favour of dramatic flair, I project into the hall, “Jessi-Lynpleasepleasepleasepleasepleasepleaseplease PLEASE we need your help!”

Surely enough, she arrives, albeit unimpressed with my performance.

“Where did you find this one?” she asks Elizabeth. Despite my annoying (yet effective) approach, she is somehow still motivated to assist me, even offering ways to improve the picture, and together, three women achieve what is truly my favorite photo of the month.

Honestly, I couldn’t have done it without them.

I have been working for Elizabeth for a few weeks now, taking pictures and helping around the bookshop.

I’ve lived in Kenora for a year and have found that there are so many things to love about this place, but if I had to choose a top contender, Elizabeth Campbell Books/Darlington Gallery would be it.

I must admit, I was an avid visitor and shopper of books before starting here, and have over time developed a special relationship with Elizabeth and Jessi-Lyn, and value them both professionally and as friends. They are funny, delightful women and great conversationalists who have a fun dynamic that I am grateful to now be part of.

As you might know by now, jesting extends into their work as well as their conversations, and makes the store a fun and positive place to be.

Oh… and here’s a recap of this week’s social media, which had a distinct focus on, you guessed it, WOMEN!